asked the President of the Board of Trade if vigorous effort is being made by the British Commercial Secretariat, Prague, to secure as full opportunity as possible for the supply of British goods to meet the sellers market in Czechoslovakia.

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any arrangements are in process to facilitate visits of representatives of British industry to the forthcoming Prague Autumn Fair; and if his Department will prepare a report on recent progress in Czechoslovakia in the engineering and technical research results achieved since the close of the war.

I am informed that adequate facilities are being arranged to enable British representatives to visit the Prague Autumn Fair. In accordance with standing instructions reports are obtained by my Department on developments likely to be of interest to United Kingdom industry.

Is the President of tie Board of Trade giving due attention to the importance of developing our commercial relations with Yugoslavia in view of the fact that Yugoslavia played a very important part in leading developments in Central Europe in the past, and w ill he take steps to bring these countries into as close contact as possible?

That is another question, Sir, but the answer is, "Certainly."

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is tae average price paid for wool imported into this country from Australia.

The average price paid for wool imported into this country from Australia during the first six months of this year was about 20¾d. per lb. f.o.b.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take off all coupons from children's leather footwear, since adequate stocks are in distributors' hands and exceed the coupon-controlled demand.

No, Sir. My information is that stocks of children's footwear are not unduly large, and they form part of the general supply of clothing needed to meet the ration.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a surplus of the cheaper type of children's footwear and a dearth of the better qualities, and could he see that better leather is sent to the children's footwear manufacturers to satisfy the demand for better quality?

We are getting as good leather as is available. I hope that the leather situation is easing and that we shall be able to get more of better quality.

Cannot the right hon. and learned Gentleman show a slight bias in favour of children's footwear, because when one has a large number of children the position is very difficult?

There is a very large bias in favour of children's footwear.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will give an assurance that factory development at Sella-field, West Cumberland, will not be jeopardised by the proposed introduction of an atomic energy plant in West Cumberland.

I have nothing to add to the statement which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, made after Questions yesterday.

In view of the statement of the Minister of Supply yesterday, can my right hon. and learned Friend say what really has been the deciding factor in this change of policy? First, was it a conflict of labour requirements; second, was it pressure from the crank organisation, "Friends of the Lake District;" third, what other provisions are to be made for Drigg; and, finally, is he aware that there is still a large number of unemployed in West Cumberland and also people on temporary work who may well have satisfied both the needs of Drigg and of Sellafield?

I am not aware of any change of policy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what is the average period of delay now experienced by applicants to the Registrar of the Patent Office for decisions in respect of trade marks; and whether he is able to announce any steps to reduce such delays.

I regret to say that, owing to staffing difficulties and the larger number of applications, the period between the filing of applications for the registration of trade marks and the communication to the applicant of the official report on the application is now about twelve months. Every effort is being made to provide and train the additional staff necessary to reduce the delay.

In view of the tremendous importance of this matter, will my right hon. and learned Friend take all possible steps to reduce the period of time?

They are being taken now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of local shortages of men's rubber Wellington boots, he will inform the House what will be the position with regard to their supply during the next six months.

The production of men's Wellington boots during the first five months of 1947 was 75 per cent. above that in the corresponding period of 1946. This production is supplemented by disposals of Government surplus boots. Supplies in the shops should show considerable improvement in the course of the next six months.

Does the President of the Board of Trade recognise how serious the position will be in rural areas, particularly among the agricultural population, if gumboots are not obtainable over the coming months?

We hope that they will be available.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the question of the longer type of boots?

Certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the wide publicity given to Grantham Productions, Limited, he will consider holding a full inquiry into the affairs of the company since the original allocation was made.

The company is in voluntary liquidation, and I am advised that the Board of Trade have no power under the existing Companies Act to appoint an inspector to investigate its affairs.

In view of the fact that certain hon. Members of this House have put down a Motion asking for the appointment of a Select Committee to investigate the affairs of Grantham Productions, Limited, and that Questions have already drawn widespread attention to the firm, would the President of the Board of Trade agree to make an investigation into the possibilities of this company, and have a full investigation?

I have just said that the Board of Trade has no power to order such an investigation when a company is in voluntary liquidation.

Will the President of the Board of Trade accept the Motion standing in my name and the names of some of my hon. Friends?

I think I told the right hon. Gentleman before that I could not.

Although this firm is in liquidation, now that this contract is broken, would it not be possible to get the original firm to start work again with the experience which they have gained?

I am afraid I do not understand clearly my hon. Friend's question?

Even if, as the President says, he has no statutory power, surely there is nothing to prevent the Government appointing a Select Committee?

That would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, who is in charge of that side of production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now prepared to reduce the qualifying period for the Industrial Ten clothing coupons below 22 hours a week.

Yes, Sir. I have decided that, as from the date of the next issue, the qualifying period will be 20 hours a week.

May I express satisfaction with that decision, and assure my right hon. Friend that it will be very welcome to part-time workers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the recent cut in newsprint will cause weekly newspapers to be of a smaller size than at any time previously; and if he will arrange for a more equable distribution of newsprint to see that weekly newspapers can adequately present news.

The distribution of the cut was agreed upon by a body including the representatives of all classes of newspapers, London and provincial, and I see no grounds for regarding it as inequitable. In fact, the weekly papers w 11 generally suffer a reduction of one page in eight, and the national dailies one page in five, or an equivalent amount in circulation.

May I ask the President of the Board of Trade if he now says that the newspapers have willingly agreed to this cut, and, secondly, if he does not realise the great part which weekly newspapers play in the life of the community, and if he will not be a little more sympathetic?

I certainly realise that, and I am very sympathetic, but what I said was that the distribution of the cut was agreed upon, not that they agreed on the cut itself.

May we have a little practical sympathy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the new allowance of petrol to tourists from overseas to cover the return journey from the port of landing to the furthest destination is, though additional to the basic ration, quite inadequate for the tours suggested in the tourist propaganda widely circulated abroad and compares unfavourably with the allowance obtainable in France; and whether he will increase the allowance order to attract more dollars to this country.

Due weight was given to the considerations mentioned by the, hon. Member before the decision was made to make additional petrol available to overseas tourists. I regret that it is not possible to arrange for any increase in the allowance this season.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether this very small allowance was fixed on the advice of the Travel Association or against its advice?

I cannot recollect what advice it gave, but everybody's opinion was canvassed on this matter, including the Automobile Association and others.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any allowance of petrol is made to tourists from overseas who themselves drive hired motor cars.

No allowance of petrol is made to overseas tourists for this purpose. Allowances are, however, granted to firms who hire out self-drive cars, and overseas visitors can of course take advantage of this service.

Does that really deal with the point that tourists from overseas ought to have petrol in order to attract more dollars to this country?

That is a matter which has been dealt with in a reply to a previous Question.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the prospects of having production recommenced at the Knowes Colliery, Fauldhouse, thus employing men resident in the vicinity who are compelled to travel considerable distances to work in other pits.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that they do not intend to reopen the Knowes Colliery, Fauldhouse. The reserves of coal at this colliery can be more easily worked from neighbouring collieries.

Does my right hon. Friend recollect that it was he who closed this colliery, and that it is the only one dealt with in that punishing way because of an unofficial strike, and is it not his intention to see that the punishment is brought to an end sometime?

No; the men formerly employed in this colliery have been absorbed in neighbouring collieries and that has led to increased production. It is true that we have handed over the mining assets to the National Coal Board, and they must take whatever action is proper.

As I consider that this matter requires further elucidation, I beg to give notice that I will raise it on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps will be taken to compel owners of abandoned mines to remove the danger caused by disused mine shafts.

The Metalliferous Mines Regulation Act, 1872, and the Coal Mines Act, 1911, require the owner or other persons interested in the minerals of an abandoned mine to keep the shaft surrounded by a structure of a permanent character sufficient to prevent accidents. The enforcement of these provisions is a matter for the local authority.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is the policy of the National Coal Board to make miners' halls available for public political meetings.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that premises owned by them are not ordinarily available for political purposes. An exception is made where a hall belonging to the National Coal Board is the only one available in the locality. In these cases permission may be given for the use of the hall provided there is no discrimination between one political party and another.

Will the Minister use his considerable influence with the National Coal Board to see that these halls, particularly in a small community, are made available to all?

That is precisely what I said.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether his attention has been drawn to the deterioration in the quality of coke supplied to blocks of flats in London; whether he is aware that in some instances, at least, this is so serious as to threaten the supply of hot water; and what remedial measures he proposes to take.

I am not aware of any general deterioration in the quality of coke supplied to blocks of flats or other consumers in London, though it may be that some consumers are using coke breeze for which their appliances were not specificially designed, to supplement their normal supplies. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular cases in mind and will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to have them investigated.

I will send the evidence to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the policy of the National Coal Board towards their employees joining the Territorial Army.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that they have this matter under very active consideration in the light of the statement made by my right hon, Friend the Secretary of State for War on 21st July.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to draw the attention of the National Coal Board to the urgency of this problem, because, in some districts, the Board is the largest employer of labour, and, a few months ago, Territorial Army units were asked to start recruiting, but some men are not unnaturally hanging back because of the slowness of the National Coal Board to declare its policy and set an example to other employers.

I am informed that they have the matter under active consideration.

Does that answer mean that the Minister now admits that he has some control over the National Coal Board?

Of course I have the power of direction on matters of general policy. That is embodied in the Act of Parliament covering the activities of the Board, but my answer does not denote that I interfere in the everyday administration. If I am asked to obtain from them information which is relevant, of course I do so.

Will the Minister say what is the attitude of the National Coal Board towards holidays for the training of men joining the Territorial Army?

That is not the Question on the Order Paper, but if the question is put down I will try to obtain an answer.

Can the Minister assure the House that he will be able to frustrate any attempt by the National Union of Mineworkers to screen duals who might desire to join the Territorial Army?

I think that is quite an improper allegation to make against the National Union of Mineworkers, and I would like to remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the mineworkers of this country are as patriotic as anybody.

Will the Minister bear in mind that, in his capacity as tie first Minister to be in charge of a totally nationalised Ministry, his responsibility is very great, and that the example he sets may be the guide for future industries?

That may well be. Personally, I can assure hon. Members that I shall put nothing in the way of men joining the Territorial Army.

May I point out that the National Union of Mineworkers have never adopted the policy of screening their members in connection with their patriotic duty?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on how many occasions loudspeaker vans belonging to the National Coal Board have been used at Labour Party meetings.

One, Sir. A National Coal Board mobile cinema van was on a recruitment tour of the Cannock Chase area at the time when the Labour Party Rally was held on 6th July, and the opportunity was taken of showing mining films to the large crowds present. I am informed by the Board that they are prepared to send these vans to any large gathering of people purely for recruitment purposes, irrespective of what political party, if any, has organised the meeting.

Does not the Minister consider that it would be better if these National Coal Board vans stayed away from such meetings, and is he aware that not only were films shown but that the Minister's own speech was broadcast and that the Coal Board's beauty queen was alongside the Minister? May I seriously suggest that, in future, it would be far better for the National Coal Board not to broadcast the "Shinwell Ragtime Band."

If one of the means of broadcasting the need for recruiting persons to the mines is for the mobile cinema vans to avail themselves of the large and enthusiastic meetings which I address, they ought to be allowed to do so.

Could the Minister tell us how many recruits were obtained at that meeting?

No, Sir, I cannot, but what I can say is that, as a result of the activities of these vans and the recruitment campaign generally, we have recruited over 50,000 men and boys into the mining industry.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it is rather futile to allow these vans to go to all political party meetings, because it is absolutely hopeless to get recruits to the mining industry, or any hard work, from the party opposite?

No, Sir, I cannot accept that view. What I have said denotes my extreme impartiality.

In the interest of political fairness, will the Minister see that the Conservative Party is not given undue advantage by the mass reproduction of his own speeches?

I should imagine that it members of the Conservative Party could appreciate the substance and force of my observations, it would do them a lot of good.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the financial result of the first six months trading of the National Coal Board.

I would remind the hon. Member that Section 31 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, requires the National Coal Board to prepare an annual statement of accounts, which it will be my duty to lay before the House.

Does the Minister deny the reliable reports which are going about that, in the first six months, a loss has been made, and, further, will he use his influence with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply to see that no further nationalisation of steel takes place until these figures have been given?

The only reliable reports on the subject are those made by myself to this House.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that domestic users are carrying out the restrictions imposed on the use of fuel during the present summer months; and if he will state his estimate of the amount of fuel saved to date.

It is not possible to state whether in fact the summer restrictions on the use of gas and electricity are being fully observed by all consumers. Domestic consumers have been asked to economise in the use of gas and electricity this summer so as to enable the gas and electricity undertakings to use 2½ million tons less coal than they estimated they would consume during this period. So far, consumption of coal by these undertakings has been about 900,000 tons less than was estimated. The statistics available do not, however, enable me to say how much' of this saving has been due to the domestic consumer.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in view of the falling off in domestic fuel saving, there is again the necessity to remind consumers of their obligations in this matter, and to keep on repeating these reminders?

The Fuel Economy Campaign will soon be in full swing, and we have enlisted the co-operation of a large number of womens' organisations and of the local authorities. There are, so far, very few refusals to co-operate, and I imagine that the activities of these bodies will be of great value.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that last year's fuel allocation to many blocks of flats in London has been reduced by 20 per cent. while other previously unrationed and useful fuels have now been rationed; arid what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the heating and hot water services in such flats ran be maintained throughout the year.

I am glad to be able to say that as a result of action taken to ease the coke supply position the 20 per cent. cut in allocations to programmed consumers, including blocks of flats, has now been reduced to 10 per cent. The position will be reviewed again before the winter, but with due care and economy I do not feel that a reduction of 10 per cent. should affect the heating and hot water services of blocks of flats. The inclusion of previously unrationed fuels in the restriction is necessary to ensure fairer distribution while the present acute shortage of domestic fuel persists.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the fact that many proprietors have warned tenants that they will suffer unprecedented hardships and discomfort this winter unless more fuel is allocated to them?

I can hardly imagine that the hardships will be unprecedented.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the name and salary of the Director of Priority recently appointed to his Department.

The Principal Priority Officer is Mr. B. J. Ellis, whose present salary is £1,750 per annum. Mr. Ellis is a temporary civil servant who has been serving, first in the Mines Department, and then in the Ministry, since 1939.

Can the Minister say why it is necessary to appoint another bureaucrat to interfere in the free trade of the country, which is so vital at the present moment?

This is merely the appointment of a civil servant to another post. That is all it is.

asked the Prune Minister whether he is aware that, at present rates of production, less than 195,000,000 tons of coal will be produced this year; whether he will make a persona] statement to the. miners and to the country of the consequences which will follow to all sections of the community next winter from this low rate of production; and whether he will give personal support, at the earliest opportunity, to the recent appeal to the miners made by the Foreign Secretary.

It is too early yet to say what the total production during 1947 will be. I should like to take this opportunity of endorsing the recent appeal made by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. I am considering my hon. Friend's suggestion that I should myself make a further statement.

While thanking the Prime Minister for his answer, may I beg of him to give details to the country at the earliest moment showing that the present rate of coal production means that the families of Britain will endure serious food cuts in the near future, and Will he make an appeal making it clear that the miners are the "fighter pilots" in the 1947 Battle of Britain?

Is it not fairly obvious that the figure of 190 million tons may be a possibility, that 195 millions tons is doubtful, but that, as for 200 million tons, it is pretty certain we shall not get it? Will the Government now make some positive attack to establish ways and means of achieving that further 10 million tons to make up the 200 million tons? The attack can only be made if the Government will take risks.

That attack is being made but, as I have said, I cannot estimate what the amount will be. However, I can assure the House that every effort is being made to obtain the amount required.

Before the Prime Minister makes that appeal, will he remember that the miners can be led but not driven?

In view of the fact that, according to the President of the Board of Trade, Britain's independent economic survival as a great Power is at stake, will the Prime Minister bear in mind that the Economic Survey said that the production of 200 million tons is an indispensible minimum?

I am quite well aware of that.

asked the Lord President of the Council when the Report of the Fluorine Commission that visited Port William aluminium works in 1945 is to be published.

The report of the Committee set up by the Medical Research Council at the request of the Department of Health for Scotland, is ready for Press, and is expected to be published during the autumn.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men called up for national service during the first six months of 1947.

One hundred thousand.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons liable for military service who have failed to answer any summons to present themselves for such service; and whether any proceedings have been, or will be taken against such persons who have not obeyed such summons.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence is having inquiries made and will write the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour, when he expects to be in a position to announce the programme of releases from the Forces in the last quarter of 1947.

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am glad to say that it has been found possible to improve upon the forecast which my right hon. Friend made on 18th March last with regard to the age and service groups which it was then expected would be released by the end of the year. The total number of men and women to be released and discharged during the last quarter of 1947 will be 145,920, bringing the cumulative total since 18th June, 1945, up to 4,881,760. This programme fulfils the Government's stated aim to release in the present year all men called up before the 1st January, 1944, although as in the past, the compulsory deferment of release of individuals will continue, and there will also continue to be some inequality in the rate of release for some Branches, categories and grades in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Could my right hor. Friend say what number will be left is the Forces by 31st December, 1947?

I could not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the binding over of first offenders, particularly with reference to juveniles, as laid down in the Probation of First Offenders Act recommendations. is being satisfactorily adhered to

I have no grounds for thinking there is any general failure to make full use of the Probation of Offenders Act, particularly as regards juvenile offenders. In 1946 there were 28,700 boys under 14 found guilty of offences by magistrates' courts. Of these, 12 were ordered to be birched, 8,800 were placed under the supervision of probation officers, and 11,800 were dealt with under the other provisions of the Probation of Offenders Act.

In view of the fact that many courts have adopted the recommendations, will not my right hon. Friend now circulate the recommendations to all courts to emphasise this mattes again?

A court has to deal with the case before it, and there may be certain cases in which it is undesirable that a binding over should take place. I cannot recommend magistrates to adopt any hard and fast rule, but I advise them to listen to the evidence, to have regard to the standard of conduct generally observed in courts, and to act accordingly