asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when the Report on the Conservation of Wild Life of the National Park Committee, promised early in 1947, will be available

The report referred to will be published as soon as possible after I receive it, which I understand I shall do in a few weeks time.

In view of his great interest in public parks and his general character, will the Minister include the Chancellor of the Exchequer under the heading "Wild Life "?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many applications have been made to him for interim preservation orders under Section 8 of the Town and Country Planning (Interim Development) Act, 1943; how many orders have been approved; and whether any of them relate to open spaces controlled by local authorities.

One hundred and six tree preservation orders have been submitted for my approval and of this number 76 have been confirmed and 24 are still under consideration. None of these orders relates to open spaces controlled by local authorities.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will include in the "Planning Manual" the suggestion that local authorities wishing to establish animal clinics should consult the R.S.P.C.A. which, with the veterinary profession, has had considerable experience in this matter.

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion. It would, however, appear to be inappropriate that the "Planning Manual" should go beyond a general indication of the desirability of consultation with specialised bodies in matters of the kind referred to.

Will my right hon. Friend consider this matter very favourably because, after all, the Society holds a unique place and has a unique experience in these matters?

Yes, Sir. I have said that I am considering it and if the Society has a unique place, then inevitably it will be consulted.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether his attention has been drawn to the threat to the dominance of St. Paul's presented by the proposal to erect a large power station on Bankside facing the cathedral; and whether he will arrange for the Royal Fine Art Commission to be consulted about the proposal to use this site.

Yes, Sir. The Government have, however, decided that this proposal must be allowed, provided that the electricity is generated by oil and that the building is set back from the river to allow the proposed road and promenade along the front. In the circumstances, the site must be regarded as settled; but the Royal Fine Art Commission will be consulted on the design of the building. I should add that despite the very urgent need of additional generating facilities, the Government, before agreeing to the use of the site, gave long and careful thought to the effect of the proposed building not only on St. Paul's, but also—a matter of major importance—its effect on the proposals in the County of London Plan for the redevelopment of the South Bank. We are satisfied, however, that, with the safeguards proposed, the future of the South Bank will not be prejudiced by the power station nor, having regard to the distance across the river, can we accept the view that the historic dominance of St. Paul's will be threatened.

Is the Minister aware that this proposal to put up immediately opposite St. Paul's a power station as big as St. Paul's, with two enormous flanking chimneys, will do irreparable injury to London, will be resented all over the British Empire, and will be hotly opposed by many Members of this House?

This is not a new power station. There is one in existence already —

A small one.

—and this is a proposal to replace it.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a large body of opinion on this side of the House which is seriously disturbed about this development, and that it would indeed be an act of sheer vandalism if the panorama of St. Paul's dominating the City and the river were interfered with by this power station?

It was because I was aware of the very strong feeling on the subject that the matter received very long and careful consideration, but I do not accept the implications which the hon. Gentleman has made.

In view of the concern which, very naturally, the House feels— and which the country will feel—may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider whether some method cannot be found of further informing the House on this matter? For instance, could not a model be made available so that hon. Members of this House could judge for themselves in this matter, as we are really dealing with the future of the finest monument in the City of London?

That is a very valuable suggestion and one which I will certainly consider. I did say that the design of the building would be submitted for the approval of the Royal Fine Art Commission and a very eminent architect— probably the most eminent in the country —responsible, but, as I say, I will consider the suggestion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is not a question so much of the design of this building, because nobody doubts the possibility of good design, but a question of its site and scale, which will be disastrous from the point of view both of the amenities of the City and of Southwark; and will not the Minister realise that in those circumstances it really would be an act of the grossest vandalism to proceed with this proposal when there are alternative sites available lower down the river?

That is the point. There is no satisfactory alternative, and that was one of the matters which was investigated.

In his original answer the right hon. Gentleman referred to proposed safeguards; is the only safeguard that the Royal Fine Art Commission shall consider and approve the design, or are there other safeguards and. if so, what are they?

I mentioned two. One was that the electricity should be generated by oil, and the other that the station would be set back from the river to allow the proposed road and promenade along the front.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether there is another site available, and does he not think that, in view of the fact that the bombing of the centre of London has given to some Londoners a view of the full beauty of St. Paul's for the first time, it seems such a pity that we should discount that by building another power station?

There is no satisfactory alternative which would provide the electricity within a reasonable time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what alternative sites were in fact considered and what were the objections which weighed against the adoption of one of them?

I could give the answer, but it would be inappropriate within the compass of Question and answer. There was a site at Rotherhithe which was submitted by the London County Council but it was rejected because it would take at least two winters longer than the other before electricity could be provided.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether in view of the urgent need for legislation establishing a series of national parks in this country, he will indicate when the Hobhouse Report will be made public.

I have now received the Hobhouse Report, and I intend to publish it as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he has yet appointed a regional director or chief officer for the South-West of England to administer the National Insurance Act; what remuneration is to be paid for this post; and what qualifications and experience the person appointed, or to be appointed, will be required to have.

The National Insurance Act, 1946, is not yet in operation, but for purposes of planning and preliminary operations I have appointed a number of regional controllers and deputy regional controllers, including a regional controller for the South-West Region. This appointment was made in December, 1946, and carries a salary scale of £1,220-£1,550. The qualifications of the officer appointed include experience of administration on a large scale in connection with insurance and social services.

Will the Minister give the House the name of the person concerned, and an indication of his qualifications? Will he also take steps, when further Press notices are made of appointments of this sort, to see that details of qualification and experience are included, so that the general public may know something about the people who are to undertake work of this character?

Details were issued to the Press, including biographical notes of the experience of this officer. The name of the officer appointed is Mr. J. S. Pearce He has had many years' experience with the Ministry of Labour, and was a regional officer of the Assistance Board.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will explain the delay in answering inquiries by Mr. Washer, Plynlimmon, Chelsfield, Kent, particulars of which have been sent to him; and if he will take steps to deal with the matter immediately.

The particulars which the hon. Member sent me related to an inquiry by Mrs. Washer about her future position, and not by her husband. A reply was sent to Mrs. Washer on 15th April. She has also been seen by an inspector of the department who has explained the position to her. The delay in answering her inquiry is regretted. It was due to the very heavy number of inquiries regarding pensions received by my Department in recent months.

When will the Minister realise that a breakdown in administration is inevitable under State control? Will he take disciplinary action against those responsible for this inhuman treatment, and will he revert, as soon as possible, to this scheme being operated with the help of the friendly and approved societies?

I regret the delay, but I would point out that this scheme has never been administered by the approved societies, but by the administrative machine which I now have to use.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why no reply has been received to communications sent by Mr. C. Carter, 16, Wickham Court Road, West Wickham, Kent, to his Department at Blackpool on 13th January, 17th February and 14th March; and if he will arrange for the matter to be dealt with immediately.

Mr. Carter's inquiry has now been dealt with, and he has been accepted as a voluntary contributor. I am having the handling of this case fully investigated, and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

May I, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, repeat my supplementary question on the previous Question?

asked the Minister of National Insurance if his attention has been drawn to the case of Daniel McPherson, 31, Randolph Street, Cowden-beath, Fife, who claims to be suffering from pneumoconiosis which leaves him quite unfit for employment; and why this man is refused the treatment and compensation to which anyone suffering from pneumoconiosis is entitled.

My attention has been drawn to this case by the hon. Member on previous occasions. Mr. McPherson applied to the Silicosis Medical Board for a certificate that he was suffering from pneumoconiosis in April, 1946, and again in September, but on each occasion the Board, after clinical and X-ray examination, were unable to diagnose pneumoconiosis and consequently had to refuse a certificate. The Board's decision, which is given on the authority of not less than two members of the Board who are specially qualified to make a diagnosis of this disease, is conclusive for purposes of a claim to compensation.

Is the Minister aware that this man is totally incapacitated and that there is no question of any other complaint? Is he aware that the official statement sent in by his own doctor says there is a suggestion of pneumoconiosis? How can there be a suggestion of pneumoconiosis unless there are indications of pneumoconiosis?

The Silicosis Medical Board, with which I happen to have had a good deal of experience, has two functions, first, to diagnose this disease, and, secondly, to decide whether the disease incapacitates the worker, and if so, to what degree. In this case, a third application has been made by Mr. McPherson, and he will be examined in the near future. Perhaps the hon. Member will await the decision of the Board.

I hope that they will do a good job this time.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will give an assurance that he will consult with organisations representative of disabled ex-Servicemen before making regulations under Section 30 of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946, and Section 30 of the National Insurance Act, 1946; and when such regulations are likely to be drawn up.

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I cannot yet say when the regulations will be made.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps he proposes to take to rectify the anomaly arising from the fact that, during the recent crisis, people who became unemployed after 10th February did not have to put in the three waiting days before drawing benefits, whereas the mass of people rendered unemployed owing to the coal shortage before 10th February had to put in three waiting days.

The requirement of three waiting days still remains, but any such days occurring on or after 10th February may be paid for later, if certain conditions as to continuing unemployment are satisfied. On whatever date a change of this nature had been introduced, there would inevitably be a difference between the treatment of past cases and of those arising subsequently, but this cannot be regarded as an anomaly.

In view of the fact that the day chosen has no real substance, the stoppage having started a long time before, will he reconsider cases anterior to that date?

This change had to be made by regulation, and there are certain limitations which this House places on Ministers in making their regulations retrospective.

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) what is the percentage of men and women on the register of the Unemployment Assistance Board in North Staffordshire who are no longer considered to be fit for normal work; and whether he will give a classified list of the incapacitating causes;

(2) if he will state the total number of men and women registered in North Staffs with the Unemployment Assistance Board for the month of March, 1947; what age groups, in terms of 10-yearly intervals, they fall under; and the approximate duration of unemployment in each class.

The average weekly numbers of payments of unemployment assistance at employment exchanges in North Staffordshire in the four weeks ended 11th April, 1947, were 557 to men and 14 to women. These figures include 165 payments in supplementation of unemployment benefit. The other information asked for could only be obtained by special investigation but some of it will, I hope, become available from an inquiry which the Board are now making. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as the results are before me.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we have in the staple industries in North Staffordshire an appreciable number of men who have suffered from industrial disease, particularly silicosis, who are compelled to go on working because there is no alternative suitable employment; and does he appreciate that I am asking these two Questions to obtain evidence upon which to ask for a shelter factory for such people; and if I obtain the evidence will he give all assistance?

We have recently brought the new unemployment benefit into operation, and I have been disturbed by the number of persons who have not been able to find employment over a long period. They number several thousands. We are making a special inquiry into these cases, and I hope shortly to be able to make the results of that inquiry known.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps he is taking to strengthen the staff of the Silicosis Medical Board in South Wales.

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that further steps were taken at the beginning of this year to strengthen the staff of the Board in South Wales when six new appointments were made, two of them to fill vacancies caused by resignation. There are now 15 doctors attached to the Board in South Wales as compared with 11 a year ago and eight two years ago.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the number of applications for certificates received by the Silicosis Medical Board from coalminers in South Wales and the numbers who were certified totally and partially disabled for the first quarter of 1946 and 1947, respectively.

During January to March, 1946, 2,312 applications were received and 2,424 cases were dealt with by the Medical Board, of which 1,230 were certified to be suffering from pneumoconiosis. The corresponding figures for this year are: applications received 1,520, cases dealt with 2,545, of which 840 were certified.

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be in a position to give some reason for this remarkable and welcome decrease in the number of applicants?

I am having a special inquiry made. The reduction is very substantial, and I hope to be able to indicate that there is a "turn of the tide," and that we are beginning to conquer this dread disease.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why the pension books of Mrs. Dixon, 20, Shotwick Street, Liverpool, have not been returned to her since October, 1946; and if he is aware that the necessity to wait long periods each week at assistance board offices for payments, in this type of case, is resented by the applicants.

With regard to the first part of the Question, as I have already informed my hon. Friend, Mrs. Dixon has now received her pension book and full payment of arrears. As regards the second part, I am advised by the assistance board that there has been of late heavy pressure of work at the board's office in Shaw Street, Liverpool, which it is hoped soon to relieve by the occupation of additional accommodation. In the meantime every effort is being made to reduce the waiting time of pensioners at that office to a minimum.

Does the Minister think it necessary to take the old 10s. book away from the pensioner and keep it while awaiting a decision on entitlement to the 26s.? Is he aware that the assistance boards do not make up the amount to 26s. while the applicant is awaiting a decision, even in those cases where the pensioner is obviously entitled to the extra 16s.?

The 10s. book should not be surrendered. If there are any cases of the kind that my hon. Friend has mentioned, I shall be glad to have them brought to my attention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of delay is caused by the new book being sent to the wrong post offices? Can steps be taken to avoid this in future? It has been occurring to a large extent in the Manchester area.

I appreciate that, but I am sure the House will forbear with me in that we have had to deal with at least 4,000,000 cases in a very short time. I regret very much that there has been a good deal of delay for the reasons referred to by the hon. and gallant Member.

Is the Minister aware that in some cases where the books are surrendered an old age pensioner is informed by the Assistance Board officer that he cannot make any payment?

I shall be glad it my hon. Friend would bring such cases to my notice.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware of the hardship caused to many old age pensioners as a result of the recent substantial increases in rates levied by local authorities; and whether assistance board regulations permit the grant of corresponding increases in supplementary pensions.

Any old age pensioner who is in need can apply for a supplementary pension, and such pension is normally assessed under the regulations so as to take fully into account the actual rent and rates payable at any time.

Does the Minister consider it part of his duty to watch increases in the cost of living as they affect old age pensioners, and to draw the attention of his colleagues to the facts?

We take all factors into account. I would point out that we have done more for these people than any previous Government.

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the response to the Government's appeal for more women to enter industry up to date

The Government have not yet instituted a special publicity campaign to recruit women for industry owing to the dislocation resulting from the power cuts and shortage of solid fuel. Arrangements for making intensive appeals in the localities where the shortage of women is most acute are well in hand and will be instituted as soon as industrial conditions appear suitable.

Will the Minister state when this campaign will begin, as this is a somewhat urgent matter in view of the Government's programme and economic survey?

As soon as the industrial conditions appear suitable.

Has the Minister considered offering some special inducement or incentive to women to go back into industry, in addition to doing their normal daily work?

No, Sir. We hope that the conditions, which have improved since the end of the war, will themselves be an adequate inducement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he will be greatly assisted in his appeal to women if he can persuade his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give a lead on the question of equal pay?

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of men who retired from employment at 65 years of age during the quarter ended 31st March, 1947.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many foreign worker; were given employment in British industry during the quarter ended 31st March, 1947.

I asume my hon. Friend refers to foreign workers brought into this country for employment. During the first quarter of the year, 1,226 Baltic women were brought from displaced persons camps in the British zone in Germany for domestic work in sanatoria and hospitals. During the same period our Department issued, on the application of individual employers, 285 permits for work in industry and 5,244 permits for domestic work in hospitals and private households. This is a total of 6,755.

asked the Minister of Labour how the volume of work being carried out by resettlement advice centres compares with the amount carried out six months ago.

During October, 1946, and March, 1947, the average weekly number of inquiries made at resettlement advice offices was 29,731 and 21,006 respectively.

While appreciating the very valuable work done by these centres, does the Minister intend to close them down as the volume of inquiries diminishes?

The questions of the necessity and advisability of closing down are now under consideration. In many cases the work has been transferred to the employment exchanges where there is a good number of inquiries, in addition to those which I have mentioned. It is intended to keep the service going, but not to maintain separate offices if they can be dispensed with.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that local authorities and other public bodies frequently stipulate when advertising for posts that no person over the age of 45 years should apply; that waste of trained and educated manpower results; and whether he will inform local authorities of the desirability of employing people over 45 years.

If the hon. Member will send me particulars of cases he has in mind, I will consider, in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether any representations might properly be made to local authorities in the matter.

Is the Minister aware that the Minister of Works, when appointing an architect for the new Colonial Office, first declined to consider any recommendation of architects over 45, and then chose one who was a long way over 45?

Will the Minister keep in touch with industry in general, because I understand that the same limitations and restrictions are being applied in industry generally?

The Question only applies to local authorities, but we have on more than one occasion urged employers not to be too" choosey about this age, because there are many men over the age of 45, especially in this House, who are competent and clever.

asked the Minister of Labour how many former Italian prisoners of war have been allowed to return to this country since 31st July, 1946, in order to work on farms; how many have been given permission but have not yet arrived in the United Kingdom; and how many applications by British farmers for the return of such men have been refused by his Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the forthcoming shortage of agricultural workmen, he will now take steps to grant permission for the return of repatriated prisoners of war who desire to do so.

Over 450 applications have been made by farmers to be allowed to employ Italians now in Italy, most of whom are understood to have worked here in agriculture as prisoners of war. Hitherto such applications have been refused, but, I am proposing, subject to the usual conditions being satisfied, to grant permits to farmers who apply for permission to re-employ Italian exprisoners of war who worked in agriculture before their repatriation. I am not at present contemplating any similar proposals in regard to Germans who have been repatriated.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House why there has been so many months' delay in coming to this necessary decision?

I should have thought that that would have been obvious. There are 200,000 Poles in this country whom we must get placed, with a special obligation in every case, and whose position cannot be prejudiced by bringing in other people.

In view of the forthcoming shortage of agricultural workers, and of the fact that no houses are being built for them, will the Minister reconsider his decision about German prisoners of war coming back to this country?

There is no intention to reconsider it. The door has been left open for Germans now here who are in agricultural employment and for whom farmers can provide accommodation. Farmers may apply for the retention of these Germans if they agree to stay in England. There is no intention to fetch Germans back from Germany.

Surely, it is not unnatural for a German prisoner to wish to go back to Germany to see his family before resuming his occupation with a fanner in this country?

Cases of that sort have not yet been brought to our notice. Farmers have been invited to apply for their retention. If there are such circumstances as mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, they will be sympathetically considered.

Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider his reply in the light of what he has just said, because I know that this applies in many cases?

Certainly.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Polish men cannot milk cows unless taught, as it is a woman's job in Poland, and will he take this into account in any change over?

We have a number of Polish women here.

Can the hon Gentleman say what are the usual conditions to which he referred?

The usual conditions are that, first, there must be accommodation, and, secondly, these prisoners will not be taking the place of available British workers.

Is not the hon Gentleman aware that the Government next year will once again have to appeal to farmers to save the country, that they will not be able to do so if there is not sufficient labour, and that every means to increase the labour force should be adopted?

I agree. We are inviting the farmers to apply for available labour.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the concern felt in Edinburgh at the number of dwelling-houses suitable for the housing of homeless people by the corporation that have, with his approval, been requisitioned for use as office premises; and whether he will, in future, refrain from overruling the decisions of the town council.

It would be inconsistent with my position as appeal authority in the type of case which the hon. Member has no doubt in mind if I were to give any advance undertaking that I would always accept the town council's view, whatever it might happen to be. I must be free to consider each case on its merits. Edinburgh is the main centre for Government Department headquarters in Scotland, and accommodation must be found for the staffs required by the Departments.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the provision of homes for the people ought to have priority over the provision of office accommodation?

I have taken every factor into consideration, but it ought to be obvious to everyone that I must get accommodation for the Government staffs necessary to carry on the work of the country.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman reduce the staffs?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when delivery will be made of the aluminium houses for Eastriggs which were due to be delivered last November.

Aluminium houses were ready for delivery to Eastriggs at the beginning of last November, but because the work of servicing the site was at that time not sufficiently advanced they were erected on other sites in the county. The closing of the factory during the fuel crisis caused some further delay. But it is now hoped to start delivery during the first week in May.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement as to the Report of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee on the modernisation of existing houses.

Yes, Sir. This Report was published last week, and copies were sent to all Scottish Members. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee for the careful study which they have made of the problem of the modernisation and improvement of existing houses in Scotland. Their conclusions and detailed recommendations will be of great assistance to the Government in considering this important subject. While a majority of the members of the Committee recommend that grants and /or loans for modernisation purposes should be made available to private persons, local authorities and housing associations, a minority are opposed to grants being given out of public funds to private persons and consider that these facilities should be extended only to local authorities. There is no possibility of Parliamentary time being found for legislation during the present session, and, as the House is aware, the Government intend that during 1947 available labour and materials should be concentrated on the completion of new houses. I am, however, considering the Committee's recommendations in detail and will make a further statement as to the Government's intentions before the Session ends.

Would my right hon. Friend say whether modernisation includes keeping many of these houses from falling down?

No, Sir. That would not be modernisation. No sensible local authority would agree to provide funds, either from themselves or the State, for houses which ought to be demolished. There is good property which could be modernised and this Committee went fully into the matter and made recommendations based upon it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will ask that the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Eviction of Shopkeepers may be presented to him well before 28th May, so that the results of the inquiry may be known to those under threat of eviction on that date.

The Committee of Inquiry into the tenure of shop premises in Scotland held their first meeting on 18th April. I have no doubt that they will proceed with their investigations without delay, but at this stage it is impossible for me to fix a date for their Report.

Will the Secretary of State consider taking measures to postpone evictions until the publication of the Report?

I have not the powers to do that, and I am awaiting the Report, which, no doubt, will be presented to me as speedily as possible, containing the necessary recommendations, on which I can then take action, if necessary, to bring in legislation.

When setting up the Committee did my right hon. Friend make representations to them to consider submitting an interim Report, as that might get over the difficulty?

At the moment I have not done that because they held their first meeting only the other day, but, as soon as is practicable when they get down to their business, I will ask them to consider the possibility of drawing up an interim Report.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman take powers under the Statutory Rules and Orders to deal with this?

I am advised that I cannot do so.

Is it not a fact that, irrespective of the conclusions of the Committee, the shopkeepers can have no redress unless the Secretary of State himself brings in speedy legislation? Is he also aware that since the setting up of the Committee, Members on both sides of the House from all over Scotland are finding that shopkeepers in their constituencies arc threatened with increases in their rents, because the owners feel that they must "make hay while the sun shines" and so they announce increases? Will my right hon. Friend take steps speedily in regard to these threats?

I have already indicated that I cannot take any action and that I will not take any action until the Committee make an interim Report or present their full Report to me. Anyway, there is not time for legislation dealing with this matter before 28th May.

Will my right hon. Friend make known to the Committee as soon as he can the opinion—and the Scottish opinion especially—on both sides of the House with regard to the urgency of this Report?

These questions and answers I am perfectly sure will be read by the Committee with interest, and they will know of the feeling in this House for a speedy Report.

Is it not clear to my right hon. Friend and to every Member of this House that it is the robber Tory 'landlords who are responsible for this shocking state of affairs, and will he not take immediate steps to abolish them?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will arrange with the education authorities in Glasgow that they, in common with the other education authorities in Scotland, will agree to release schoolchildren for potato gathering.

The Education (Exemptions) (Scotland) Bill, whch has reached the Committee stage in another place, provides that the Secretary of State may serve upon any education authority a notice stating the number of children in their area whose services will be required for potato gathering. It then becomes the duty of that authority, on the application of parents, to grant exemptions up to the number specified. Thus, if the Bill becomes law, no authority will be in a position to refuse to release children whose services are required and whose parents apply for their exemption, except on grounds specified in regulations to be made under Section 1 (3).

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake, as soon as this Bill becomes law, to serve notice on the Glasgow Education Authority in view of the shortage of all agricultural labour? If this Bill does not become law, will the right hon. Gentleman use his well known powers of persuasion and influence on the Glasgow Education Authority to do the same as other education authorities are doing?

I will be asking this House to pass the Bill which has been introduced in another place and which will give me power to deal with Glasgow and with any other authority so far as the provision for assisting with the harvest is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the resolution, a copy of which has been sent to him, passed at a recent meeting of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland demanding the immediate withdrawal of the application of British double summer time from Scotland; and what reply he has made thereto.

Yes, Sir, I have considered the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers, and I replied to the Union's letter last Thursday. I assured them that the difficulties of farmers in Scotland are fully appreciated and that the decision to introduce the Bill which was recently passed was taken only when the Government were satisfied that material advantages would accrue on balance in the national interest. I indicated that no alteration in the periods of summer and double summer time as fixed for 1947 by the recent Act could be made without fresh legislation, of which I could hold out no prospect in the circumstances.

Is the Minister aware that the farmers and others are convinced that double summer time is not an advantage but a disadvantage to agriculture in Scotland; and could he not arrange to have a meeting with the farmers and have a full and free discussion on this matter with them, when, I am quite sure, they would be able to convince him that it is not an advantage?

Is it not a fact that the National Farmers' Union in Scotland were at no time asked for their views on double summer time as was alleged by the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he introduced the Bill into Parliament?

I do not know what was alleged by the Home Secretary, but I do know that they were consulted and I know that ultimately they realised—I do not say that they ever accepted—that we were facing a national situation that required certain action to be taken. This House has now passed the legislation and I have already intimated that there is no possibility of repealing this legislation this Session.

In view of the fact that this has not been found to be practicable, why not withdraw it quickly? If a thing is found to be bad, surely, it can be withdrawn in one day?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is yet able to give a reply regarding service personnel in the Outram Road Civil Prison, Singapore.

My hon. Friend should by now have received a letter dealing with this matter.

In view of the fact that this is a Question placed on the Order Paper, and that I am not the only one in the House interested in this matter, does not the Minister think that the answer should have been given to the House and not sent in a letter to myself?

I am quite prepared, if the House desires it, to read the letter out but I have answered the Question on the Order Paper.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I will raise the matter again at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will hold a full inquiry into the circumstances in which Forces personnel in Egypt have been issued with stockings, labelled a gift from the W.V.S., Hastings, as part of an Army issue and with underpants made of flour bags with buttons on, in view of the fact that orders have been given that from 1st April, 1947, they have to replace all kit; and if he will then issue a statement.

I am looking into this matter and will write to my hon. Friend.

Can the Minister say whether there is anything unusual or unnecessary in pants having buttons?

I can only speak for myself. I believe that the custom varies amongst different people, but I think that that was not the only point of my hon. Friend's Question, which alludes to underpants made of flour bags.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, following the permission of his Department to the people of Eritrea to form political organisations, Eritrean districts opened Ethiopico-Eritrean Unity Associations offices at Keren, Massawa, Adi Caieh, Senafe, Saganeiti and Adi Ugri, that huge assemblies took part in these inaugurations, particularly in Adi Ugri where 100,000 people participated; and whether he will take particular steps to bring these demonstrations of Eritrean public opinion before the Council of Foreign Ministers.

I am aware of the activities of this association, but reports of these meetings appear to have greatly exaggerated the number of people who attended them. There are, in Eritrea several political parties and different views are held on the subject of union with Ethiopia. No special permission is required for the formation of political organisations in Eritrea, where freedom of speech and association are recognised, and political parties have existed throughout the period of Military Administration. It would not be feasible to lay before the Council of Foreign Ministers records of the views expressed at all the political meetings in Eritrea. Resolutions passed at them are in any case usually communicated by their organisers to each of the Foreign Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for the early removal of over 1,000 land mines still set in the cliffs between Mundesley and Sidestrand, Norfolk, pending which if he will enclose the whole area in which the mines are situated by an impenetrable fence.

Owing to the nature of the ground in which these mines were laid h would be highly dangerous to attempt to remove them. The area is fenced and danger notices are displayed. The local military authorities have been instructed to keep the fencing and notices under constant supervision and repair.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at an inquest on a man recently killed by a mine at the spot in question, it was stated that the cliffs between Mundesley and Sidestrand were bristling with sudden death, and will be give an assurance to those who want to spend a holiday there—and there are many people in the area who want to entertain them— that the entire coastline will be made safe?

I very much regret the death of the individual mentioned by my hon. Friend but I am afraid that to attempt to remove these mines which are laid in shifting soil would be highly dangerous to those who undertook that duty. I should be only too pleased to get them removed but I am afraid that I can do no more than guard the public as much as I can from them. I can hold out no hope of removing the mines.

Will the Minister resist the efforts which are being made in certain quarters to subject the Royal Engineers to quite unnecessary danger in removing mines which cannot be removed without danger to those Royal Engineers? Why should they risk their lives for the sake of holiday makers?

Is the Minister aware that a certain number of mines appear to have broken loose as a result of the action of the tides and that they are being found along other parts of the coast of Norfolk, and, while fully appreciating and sympathising with the point of view of the Royal Engineers, can my right hon. Friend give any help, because children are finding these mines quite regularly?

I do not think that there is so much danger from these mines breaking loose. If they do and we can tackle them, we will; but this particular area, I regret to say, must be fenced off from the public perhaps even permanently, because it is so highly dangerous to anybody who goes there, even including military personnel.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to my question? There is considerable perturbation in some quarters that the Army are being asked, for the sake of holiday makers, to risk their lives, and will the Minister give an assurance that the land at these dangerous places will be fenced off?

I have a duty to the public, of course, but I shall certainly not risk unnecessarily the lives of soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will review the sentence of 84 days' detention passed on 14538111 Lance-Corporal K. Stedman, of Depot Battalion, R.A.S.C., Thetford, in view of the facts that this soldier was due for demobilisation on 11th December, 1946, and had been under arrest for 14 weeks prior to the court martial

Lance-Corporal Stedman was kept in open arrest before trial. In view of the nature of the offence to which he pleaded guilty, the sentence was lenient. It was reviewed in the normal course on 16th April, and as a result of this review instructions have been given for his release from detention. He will also be released from the Army shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements for British subjects, who were detained in France during the war in concentration camps or otherwise, to be eligible for recruitment to the T.A.

There is no intention of debarring British subjects, who were detained in France during the war in concentration camps, or otherwise. from voluntarily joining the Territorial Army, provided they come within the prescribed age limits and medical categories and are otherwise eligible according to the general regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make that information known? Only last week there was a case of an individual of that kind who was refused because he had not served with the British Forces during the war. He was anxious to join but he was refused because he had not served

I hope the hon and gallant Gentleman will bring that case to my personal attention. I will certainly investigate it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedure exists at the present time, and to what extent he is using it, whereby unused credits caused by favourable balances of trade with soft currency countries may be used to pay for purchases from hard currency countries.

In some cases, our Monetary Agreements provide for settlement in gold. In others sterling may be acquired from third countries. Every effort is being made, to secure value for our exports, directly or indirectly, in needed imports or acceptable currencies.

Would the Chancellor of the Exchequer say which of these alternatives has been used in the negotiations carried on with Belgium at the present moment—and almost concluded—because we have a considerable trade balance there?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that particular question on the Order Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what part of the cost of erecting and maintaining illegal Jewish immigrant camps falls upon the British taxpayer.

None, Sir.

May I ask the Chancellor whether it would not be a good and a deterrent policy to impose a communal fine on all areas in which terrorism takes place?

That is another question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the decision to make Government grants to assist victims of the recent floods, he will now reconsider the refusal to contribute from public funds to the repair of the damage in Salford when the River Irwell overflowed last September.

No, Sir. As I have already told my hon. Friend, while sympathising very much with those who suffered damage in Salford, last September, I am afraid that I could not now apply public funds for this purpose.

May I ask my right hon. Friend what the difference is between losing everything one possessed in Salford in September and losing everything one possessed in the Fen district in March?

Six months.

I would like to give a sympathetic reply to hon. Members representing Salford because I know what Salford suffered, but the point is that in this national, nationwide catastrophe, great, exceptional measures were taken by the Government in several ways to deal with it. It was an exceptional catastrophe of nationwide significance and we cannot now, I am afraid—I am very sorry to have to say this, but I must say it—date it back to isolated incidents not nationwide, however much we may sympathise with those who suffered.

In view of the fact that three Departments of the Government have already extended sympathy to these victims but nothing more, and that the Government have so generously agreed to contribute £1 million to the Lord Mayor's Fund in London, is the Chancellor aware that the Salford victims have paid a proportion of that £1 million, and why are they not entitled to assistance similar to that given to other people?

All I can repeat is that I have great sympathy for Salford but I cannot, unfortunately, add to what I have already said. I have tried to make it perfectly clear.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first available opportunity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will stop the issue of Pay As You Earn booklets to employers whose servants are not liable for Income Tax.

P.A.Y.E. forms are only issued when there is reason to think that an employee, may be liable.

Can the Chancellor say why a considerable number of eight-ounce packets of printed tables have been issued explaining how much people who are not liable for Income Tax would have to pay if they were?

The hon. Gentleman's weighing machine is out of order. What he has received are—I have looked into the case with care—four thin slips. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, no."] This has all been looked into. I am speaking of the hon. Member's case, which I have investigated. It is an exaggeration and an inaccuracy to speak of half-pound packets. Four thin slips have been circulated to him because it was thought that one of his employees was liable to Income Tax.

I was not speaking about myself at all.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the donations which farmers make to the Agricultural Disaster Fund will be treated as a business expense for Income Tax purposes.

No, Sir.

Cannot the Chancellor be rather more generous in this matter as the Fund being raised on the present basis of subscription will be quite inadequate to meet the losses, which are estimated at £20 million?

We gave £1 million to the Lord Mayor's Fund and I have given an undertaking on behalf of His Majesty's Government to make a contribution substantially equal to what is raised by this Fund. If we were to do what the hon. Member suggests, it would only be a rather indirect method of subsidisation through an individual's Income Tax. I think it is much better to do the thing in a straightforward and direct contribution.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that some of the contributors to this Fund have themselves suffered, and, being more well paid than some of the other sufferers, they have felt it incumbent on them to give what they can? Would not the Chancellor of the Exchequer make a special case in such circumstances?

I repeat that the way to deal with this is for His Majesty's Government to make a straightforward and direct contribution from public funds rather than to make an exceptional arrangement about Income Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he had with the United States Government before deciding to raise the duty on tobacco.

None, Sir.

Would it not have been advisable to have some talks with the United States before raising this duty?

His Majesty's Government, with the support of the House of Commons, determine the taxes in the United Kingdom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums were allotted during 1946 to travellers from this country for commercial and non-commercial uses outside the sterling area

About £9 million and £13 million, respectively.

Has the Chancellor formed any estimate of the additional money that has been "maxintrated" through unorthodox banking channels?

We are after these rogues. We have caught a few, and hope to catch some more.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give his estimate of the extent to which British holdings of U.S. dollars will be depleted by the operation of Article 8 of the Anglo-Italian Sterling Payments Agreement; how this compares with the estimated savings of U.S. dollars caused by the proposed reduction in the purchase of U.S. tobacco; and for what reason he has permitted this allocation of British holdings of U.S. dollars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated liability in hard currencies for the current financial year occasioned through the convertibility arrangements in the AngloItalian financial agreements.

I cannot give an estimate of our potential liability in hard currencies, since this depends not only on our own transactions with Italy, but upon Italian transactions with other countries in so far as these are settled in sterling. I agreed that net Italian sterling balances should be so available now, because the Italian Government, on their side, have agreed to hold and not to expend £10 million of these balances. Italy should be an increasingly good source of supply for this country.