asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what cuts are anticipated in the Malta Dockyard; what steps he will take to keep discharges as low as possible; and if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to allocate merchant ships to Malta for repair.

The future industrial strength of Malta Dockyard has not yet been settled but the policy of the Admiralty is to keep discharges to the minimum by undertaking as much alternative work as possible. Control by licence of repairs to merchant ships is confined to the United Kingdom. But Malta Dockyard has authority to accede to requests to undertake repairs to merchant ships provided capacity is available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the total daily rates of pay of confirmed engine room artificers, 4th class, and of the same men immediately on promotion to Acting Sub-Lieutenant (E), respectively.

The total pay of a confirmed engine room artificer fourth class depends on his service and qualifications. A representative rate would be about 73s. 6d. a week, which might be supplemented by watchkeeping certificate allowance of 7s. a week and marriage allowance of 40s. a week, if he were qualified for them. Immediately on promotion to Acting Sub-Lieutenant (E) an officer receives pay of 77s. a week. If married, and over the age of 25, he would also be eligible for marriage allowances of 87s. 3d. a week; if under the age of 25 the marriage allowance would be 45s. a week. The rates quoted in both instances do not take account of Service, accommodation and victuals.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have just had a case drawn to my notice where a man loses £36 a year on promotion, and in view of the fact that that is likely to deter young artificers from accepting promotion, would he look into the matter with a view to removing the anomaly?

We are already considering it. A special rate of pay, assessed on the pay and continuous additions in the nature of pay made to them on the day before promotion, may soon be granted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the propaganda drawing handed out on H.M.S. "Triumph," showing a fat sailor and a starving civilian together with charts of the sailor's rations compared with those of the civilian's; and whether, in view of the implied suggestion that Service families and other civilians are being half starved to maintain excessive Service rations, he will discontinue this form of propaganda.

Yes, Sir. H.M.S. "Triumph" is serving on the Mediterranean Station and the issue of the drawing was the sequel to a talk given to the ship's company on the results of the economic crisis, and on the consequential necessity for strict economy in the use of rationed foodstuffs. No letterpress was issued with the drawing and it is evident from subsequent inquiries that the ship's company took the drawing in the way it was intended and not as reflecting any increase in the comparative stringency in the United Kingdom. I am unable to accept the suggestion that the issue of this drawing constituted propaganda of the type described by the hon. Member.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have had many letters from Portsmouth complaining about it, and, allowing for lack of opportunity for getting unrationed food, will he bear in mind the fact that members of the Service do not like to feel that they are getting an unfair advantage while their families suffer hardship?

They are not getting an unfair advantage. The fact remains that they are getting somewhat better rations, and it is necessary that they should, in consequence, save everything possible.

Can the hon. Gentleman say who gave the lecture?

It was given by a Service officer on board ship.

Can the Minister explain why the extremely corpulent naval rating shown in this drawing, who had obviously been engaged in consuming his shipmates' rations, should be wearing three good conduct badges?

Would the hon. Gentleman take steps to stop this kind of lecture as being quite irrelevant?

It is perfectly correct that a lecture has been given, and I have taken no exception to it, and I have no intention of stopping it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, in view of the many assurances given since October, 1946, regarding the new salaries scales for Scientists in the Armament Supply Department, he will now state how the matter stands.

A further meeting was held with the Staff Association concerned on 22nd October, as a result of which they have submitted more detailed representations in writing in support of their particular claim on behalf of these production chemists. These written representations are receiving urgent consideration, and special steps will be taken to see that definite proposals are now put to the Association with the minimum of delay.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty on how many occasions in the last 12 months or latest convenient period claims for damages at common law arising during the claimants' war service in the Royal Navy have been resisted by the Admiralty on the ground that such claims were out of time and Statute-barred.

Admiralty records are not kept in a form which would enable this Question to be answered without a very great amount of work. Claims for damages at common law by present and former members of the Royal Navy in respect of incidents arising during their war service are, however, very infrequent. If the hon. Member has a specific case in mind and will let me have the necessary details, I shall be glad to investigate the matter.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, in these cases, the principle is adopted of recognising that it is extremely undesirable to invoke the Statute of Limitations in the case of claims made by ex-Service men who served in the last war?

I think the main difficulty is the question whether the claim is more than a year old. I agree that there may be cases when a claim more than a year old might be considered, but, in general, there is this rule that a claim must not be more than a year old.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Admiralty is continually chasing "hostilities only" ratings, who appear to have no redress? Surely, what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if there are any works projects in hand in the Rosyth area for providing accommodation for Admiralty employees displaced from hostels in the neighbourhood.

Yes, Sir. Three huts in Castle Road, Rosyth, were adapted earlier in the year to provide sleeping accommodation for 37 men who are messed at the adjacent British Sailors' Society Hostel. In addition, work has commenced upon the conversion of a hutted camp in Admiralty Road, Rosyth, which will provide accommodation for about 86 men.

Can my hon. Friend tell me when the extra accommodation is likely to be ready?

The last accommodation to which I referred is expected to be completed by March, 1948.

Is the Minister aware that this question of accommodation for workers at Rosyth is very serious, that, in one hostel, Rosyth workers have been refused food in an effort to starve them out, and will he send a naval patrol to deal with that situation?

I am afraid that naval patrols do not have to undertake that particular job. We are aware of the position, and we are doing all we possibly can within the limited time at our disposal to see that, at least, the Admiralty men displaced will have some accommodation.

Does all this indicate that Rosyth Dockyard will be kept on a permanent basis with a proper staff?

I am afraid there is no reason for that assumption at all.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the request to the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to receive a deputation from the Dockyard Chargemen's Association has been refused.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why consent was refused to the request to receive a deputation from the Amalgamated Association of, Royal Dockyard Ex-Apprentices and Apprentices.

The only bodies with which the Admiralty negotiate on behalf of Admiralty industrial employees are the Shipbuilding Trade Joint Council and the Admiralty Industrial Council. Neither the Amalgamated Association of Royal Dockyard Ex-Apprentices and Apprentices nor the Chargemen's Association is recognised by the trade union side of these councils, and their requests to send deputations were, therefore, refused.

Is the Civil Lord aware that recent Admiralty decisions have menaced the very existence of the trade union specifically mentioned in my Question, and, in these circumstances, is it not somewhat arbitrary and oppressive to refuse to receive these people and discuss the matter with them?

I do not see that it is arbitrary and oppressive. I think the proper way to carry on negotiations with regard to the wages and conditions of workpeople is to recognise the existing trade union machinery. We have these councils set up for this purpose, and it may interest the hon. Gentleman to know that the Dockyard Chargemen's Association has not been recognised by the trade union side of the Joint Industrial Council. It is only recently that they were permitted to go along to that Council.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the matter which the deputation desired to raise was not a question of wages and hours, but a far broader question, and, if his refusal to see them was founded on a previously false belief, will he now agree to see a deputation from this substantial body representative of a good many of the men employed?

If the representatives of this body want to make representations outside the functions of the Admiralty Joint Industrial Council and they will write to me, I will consider them, but I am not prepared to receive a deputation upon industrial matters affecting wages and conditions from any organisation outside the Joint Industrial Council.

Would the Civil Lord say if the real reason is that this union is not affiliated to the T.U.C.?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that that is not the real reason. Actually, this Association was only set up as a result of the Trade Disputes Act, 1927, and, as that Act has since been repealed, we are now reverting to the former position.

Is it not usual for dockyard Members of Parliament to be allowed to bring a deputation? Why was I refused this privilege?

I do not think it is at all usual. I am always ready to see as many people as I possibly can, but if the deputation is to serve no useful purpose I cannot see any reason for receiving it.

Will my hon. Friend say whether it is not the practice that all matters affecting both chargemen and apprentices are covered on the Admiralty Joint Industrial Council at the present time, and would it not be adding extra work to what is already covered by having Members of Parliament dealing with industrial matters?

Oh.

In view of the fact that the Minister first told me that he could not receive a deputation without a Member of Parliament, and that, when I said I was coming with a deputation, he further refused, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will arrange for conferences in London of naval attachés to British embassies, similar to the conferences of military attachés which are held from time to time.

The question whether such conferences would, on balance, prove to be of advantage in the case of naval attachés is under examination.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that not only military attachés but air attachés meet in London at least once a year, and should not the Royal Navy be in the van in this matter?

I am aware of that, and we consider that there may be an advantage in that suggestion, and we will look into the matter further.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he thinks that we might obtain from the foreign naval attachés such information as we cannot get in the House of Commons?

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of the total annual receipts from telephone services since the end of the war comes from Government Departments.

For the last two completed financial years the estimated proportions were: 1945–6, 30.6 per cent.; 1946–7, 22.5 per cent.

In view of the great increase in proportion, as compared with before the war, may we take this as some measure of the strangling increase of controls?

No, Sir. The fact is that this was bound to go up during the war, and, since the war ended, it is going down.

Is My right hon. Friend aware that the cost of postal services to the Services is not included in the estimated cost given in the White Paper on Defence, and will he make representations to the Minister of Defence to see that this is prepared for the next occasion?

asked the Postmaster-General who designed the black stamp with the initials "E.P." that is appearing on letters; how much is the estimated cost; and how long is it to be used.

The commemorative postmark was designed by a draughtsman in the engineering department of the Post Office as part of his normal work. The estimated cost of the dies is £2,027. The postmark was in use from 20th of November until the end of that month.

May I ask the Postmaster-General if he appreciates that this action by his Department has caused a great deal of satisfaction?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that a large section of public opinion thinks that this is merely silly and should be withdrawn?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the letters "E.P." in proper combination are the most important letters of the alphabet?

Will not my right hon. Friend consider using this lover's knot design on our letters until the approaching festive season is over?

Or until the Foreign Ministers' Conference is over?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that four days before the Royal Wedding the Australian Government issued a commemorative postage stamp, of which first the design and then a proof had been despatched from Australia and approved by His Majesty; whether he realises that if he had initiated with equal energy a commemorative stamp in this country much pleasure would have been given to the public and many, dollars obtained; and whether he will arrange for special stamps to be prepared promptly on future occasions of national rejoicing.

I understand this is a new permanent penny stamp of the Commonwealth which had been put in course of production some months previous to the announcement of Her Royal Highness' wedding. As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Preston (Dr. Segal) and the hon. Member for Woodbridge (Mr. Hare) on 26th November, I much regret that the time available between the announcement and the date of the wedding did not suffice for the design, printing and issue of a special stamp worthy of the occasion. I can assure the hon. Member that the question of issuing special postage stamps on suitable occasions always receives due consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the smaller the initial issue, the higher would have been the price obtainable in dollars and cents; and is he further aware that the inaction of the Post Office in this matter is, in the view of many people, typical of the timid and tepid response of the Government to the public desire to honour this great national event?

What I am aware of is that the hon. Gentleman has tried to prove by citing the case of the Commonwealth that we have been timid, and that his case falls to the ground completely on the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why civilian motor drivers employed by the R.A.F. cannot be replaced by training conscripts, and thus save manpower and expense.

The R.A.F. already train suitable National Service men as drivers, and to increase the amount of such training would not save manpower or expense.

Is it not true that large numbers of R.A.F. conscripts are not allowed to become drivers?

Our training facilities are naturally limited, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour indicated last week. We have to put first on the training course those who are Regulars because we get greater productive returns out of them.

Could the Minister say how many civilian drivers are still employed by the Royal Air Force?

Yes, Sir, I can. It is not a question of still employed, because we intend to employ them permanently. There are 3,000 such drivers who are employed mostly in such directorates as the Directorate of Work which, in the Royal Air Force, is a civilian directorate entirely run by civilians.

Why not use Service drivers in their place?

Because there is no economy in throwing out trained civilians and using up skilled manpower in training men straight from civilian life.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these civilian drivers are not included in the total of military personnel given in the Defence White Paper, and will he make representations to his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence to see that these totals are amended to include the large numbers of persons who, up to now, are not included under military employment?

That has not been brought to my attention before. Of course, they are included in the Estimates, but I will certainly look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to make changes in the role of any of the Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons.

Yes, Sir. The four bomber squadrons are to be converted to fighters. All 20 Auxiliary Air Force squadrons will now form part of the air defences of this country.

Is the Minister aware that this is a return to the traditional role of the Auxiliary Air Force—the role which they fulfilled at the beginning of the war—and will he give wide publicity to the matter with a view to encouraging recruitment?

I hope it will receive publicity.

Will the hon. Gentleman try to make the facilities more attractive, in which case he will get more recruits?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, if he is satisfied that the intended dismissals of some 2,500 employees on the staff of the British European Airways Corporation is being conducted with meticulous fairness; can he state the method being employed for determining who shall be dismissed and who not; and is the reduction in staff being extended also to the top level executives, a similar if not greater proportion of whom will also become redundant with the reduction in size of the Corporation's activities.

This is a matter of management for the Corporation. I am satisfied that such dismissals as become necessary are being determined under the normal negotiating machinery of the National Joint Council.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the system which the Corporation has announced is that of merit and that there seems to be no system of assessing merit? In a case of an overseas headquarters, namely, in Switzerland, where traffic has fallen, the staff still remains at a high level, and does not he think that his Department should take an interest in this matter?

Yes, Sir, the Department does take an interest, but, primarily, the responsibility is between the employer and the employee and the negotiating machinery is used for that purpose. The general conditions applied are those of length of service, ability and the general satisfactory service of the person concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether at Northolt airfield, or any other British airfield, there is provided adequate protection for foreign aircraft there accommodated; and whether there has been any instance where the foreign country owning such aircraft has provided armed guards for their protection without reference to the British authorities in charge of such airfields.

All aircraft, British or foreign, are under the protection of the airport police at all civil airports in the United Kingdom. It would not be exceptional for foreign aircraft carrying diplomatic passengers also to be guarded by members of their own crew, whether armed or not.

Is it not a new situation in this country for a foreign Power to bring an armed guard here?

No, Sir, it is not new. The last occasion on which it happened was in connection with an aircraft belonging to the President of the United States which brought the American Secretary of State to the Foreign Ministers Conference. In that particular case two members of the crew, armed with automatic pistols, formed a guard. That was in October, 1947.

Would the hon. Gentleman point out to our friends in the United States that it is quite unnecessary to bring people to guard their aircraft on British airfields?

Would my hon. Friend explain to the House how two men managed continually to guard an aeroplane?

These are generally military aircraft. It is not unusual in military aircraft for members of the crew, at various times, to form a guard over their aircraft.

Could not my hon. Friend point out to the representatives of that country that they are coming to a civilised country where that sort of thing is unnecessary?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in what circumstances a guard of armed Russian soldiers was mounted over Russian aircraft at Northolt Aerodrome.

So far as I am aware, no such armed guard has been mounted on these aircraft.

In view of the previous answer of the Parliamentary Secretary given to a similar Question, in which he said it was the practice, or had been the practice, for the armed crew of an aircraft to be put on guard over foreign aircraft, why is it that these members of the guard were put on board specially?

In reply to the previous Question I said it was not unusual for an aircraft to be put under an armed guard.

Could the Minister say why some hon. Members of this House are so touchy about Russia guarding her own property in this country?

Is it disputed that there was an armed guard over this aircraft?

There was no armed guard, and no snow on their boots either.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what instances there have been on any British airfield of foreign aircraft landing or taking off, after discharging passengers or goods, without the permission of the authority in charge of operations; and for the protection of all air traffic what action is taken against any offending aircraft ignoring the usual safety regulations.

No such instances have been recorded at airfields in this country where there is a civil control organisation. Under Article 10 of the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has the power to detain any aircraft which is intended or likely to be flown in contravention of existing regulations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation of he will give the locations of ex-R.A.F. airfields in the counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire which have been, or will shortly be, allocated for the use of civil aviation and flying clubs.

Aldermaston, Kidlington and White Waltham are ex-R.A.F. airfields in use for civil aviation purposes. Flying clubs are located at Kidlington and White Waltham.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what are the names of those now appointed to the National Civil Aviation Consultative Council; in particular what is his policy in connection with the inclusion of Members of Parliament on this Council; and what are the principles guiding him in his selection of the members of the Council.

The National Civil Aviation Consultative Council is an advisory body appointed by my noble Friend as being representative of a wide variety of interests associated with civil aviation. Members of Parliament are not included on the Council in that capacity. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Council's membership and terms of reference.

Would my hon. Friend make representations to his noble Friend on the score of Members of Parliament being included on this Council along the lines of Members being included on the Post Office Advisory Council, because I think this is a similar case?

The Post Office Council is, I think, a consumers' council. This is an advisory council to my noble Friend, and Members of Parliament are not included as such, although they can be included.

Does not the Minister think that the consumers' interests are among the interests he should consult?

The Air Transport Advisory Council consider consumers' interests.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why opportunity was not given to passengers waiting to fly to Australia and the Far East to be carried in the vacant seats of the specially chartered aircraft which carried the Minister of Civil Aviation on his recent visit to Australia and the Far East, in order to reduce the cost of this trip and in view of the long list of persons awaiting air passage to that part of the world.

No seats were available.

Is it not a fact that in reply to previous Questions asked on this matter, an indication was given that the aircraft was not full and that seats were available, and, that being the case, how comes it that we receive this reply today?

The determining load factor in an aircraft flying from this country to Australia is the sector from Karachi to Singapore. As far as that sector was concerned, the aircraft was fully loaded.

Can the Minister say how many passengers there were?

I would like notice of that Question. I think there were six or seven, but I am not quite certain.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what tenders were received from Charter Companies by B.O.A.C., and for what amount, to carry the Minister of Civil Aviation on his recent visit to Australia and the Far East.

None, Sir.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary mean that no quotations were given to the B.O.A.C., which is a chartered company, for this trip, and, if not, why not?

In air transport, as in all other businesses, there are generally accepted prices and practices. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]The prices determining the cost of aircraft are its operating costs, landing charges and demurrage. These charges are well known.

Is it not a fact that tenders were given many thousands of pounds lower than the actual cost of this trip, and will the Parliamentary Secretary go into that and check his facts?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many journeys for a similar purpose, and at what cost, were organised for Ministers in the preceding Government?

I have not that information at the moment.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is an accepted practice in air transport to leave a seat empty between London and Karachi because it will be filled from Karachi to Singapore?

No, if the passengers are through passengers the aircraft has to fly light between London and Karachi. Sometimes it is possible to take a passenger from London to Karachi if one is picking up a passenger at Karachi.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to implement Section 41 of the Civil Aviation Act; and when instances of failure to comply with the provisions of this section on the part of any of the Corporations are brought to his notice by any workers' organisations interested, whether he ensures that action is taken to effect remedies.

The initiative under Section 41 of the Act does not lie with my noble Friend, but if a dispute referred to him under that Section could not otherwise be disposed of, it would be for him to refer it to the Industrial Court for settlement.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, if details are given to him of a trades union which has made representations under this Section, and received no satisfaction, he will look into that case?

With pleasure.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (I) what effects on air traffic the recent restrictions on overseas travel are having; and what adjustment in the services has been made, or contemplated;

So far as the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British South American Airways Corporation are concerned, the recent restrictions on overseas travel have had only a negligible effect. No adjustment of services has been caused thereby nor is any contemplated. As regards B.E.A.'s continental services, the number of passengers carried in October was about 25 per cent. below that carried in September. It is, however, impossible to say how much of this reduction was seasonal and how much attributable to the restrictions on overseas travel. The frequencies of certain continental services have been adjusted to the traffic. As to the effect upon the development programme of my Department, I would refer my hon. Friend to Appendix A5 of the recently published Government White Paper on Capital Investment (Cmd. Paper 7268).

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the adjustment to which he has just referred, he will consider the possibility of introducing an air service to the West of England and Cornwall?

That does not arise out of this Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what airfields near Edinburgh are being considered as alternative airports to Turnhouse.

None, Sir.

May we take it that the Minister is satisfied that Turnhouse aerodrome will meet the requirements of Edinburgh in any season?

There may have to be diversions to other airports, owing to exceptional weather conditions.

Can my hon. Friend say where those diversionary airports will be?

Probably Leuchars; possibly Renfrew or Prestwick.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what landing difficulties are anticipated at Turnhouse aerodrome during the winter; and whether these are likely to result in a cessation of the London—Edinburgh air service.

Bad weather may occasionally interrupt the service, but otherwise it will continue.

Is the Minister aware that those using this airport are afraid that under other conditions, not especially bad weather conditions, this service will be interrupted, and will he take steps to improve the airport?

The airport is not as entirely satisfactory as we would desire, and any improvement in navigational aids that can be made is being done.

Is the Minister prepared to consider East Fortune, Drem and Macmerry as alternatives rather than Leuchars, Renfrew and Prestwick?

Regarding East Fortune, an undertaking was given that, owing to the presence of a sanatorium in the vicinity, it would not be used for civil aviation purposes in peacetime.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many machine tools and processes have been removed from German factories by T-force; how many factories have thereby been affected outside the range of those recently listed for dismantling; how many more tools and processes remain to be removed by T-force; and how many further factories will be so affected.

Seven hundred and forty-one machine tools and processes have been removed by T-force; of these 363 were from 183 factories not among those recently listed for dismantling. Another eight have been requisitioned and await removal, but no additional factories are involved, and no further requisitioning will take place.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give a clear definition of buildings which, though at one time used for war purposes, are now not to be destroyed if they can be used for peaceful purposes, as stated in a recent declaration accompanying the list of factories to be dismantled for reparations in Germany; and whether this list of buildings to be spared includes the Rhine Metal Works at Dusseldorf, the office buildings of the Torpedo Factories at Eckenforde and some of the buildings at Krupps Works at Essen.

The recent declaration to which my hon. Friend refers covered only buildings in plants on the list which was published for reparations. Instructions have been issued that surface buildings in these plants may be retained, pending further agreement between the Allied Governments, even though they were specially built for armaments production or other war purposes. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the actual instruction. There are also other buildings scheduled for destruction which are not part of these reparations plants but which form part of military installations of various kinds. Regional Commissioners have been given authority for some time past to suspend the destruction of such buildings if they are needed for the German economy. It has, however, been thought desirable to clarify the position still further in order to make it quite clear that air-raid shelters, and similar constructions, are not to be destroyed at present if they are needed for accommodation or storage purposes. I shall be glad to let my hon. Friend have a copy of these instructions as soon as they are issued.

While I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask if he can assure me that those buildings in Eckenforde are not to be destroyed?

We are considering that particular case and I will write to my hon. Friend on the matter.

Is the Minister not yet convinced that the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) is a legatee of the late German regime?

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is futile to conclude that any sound factory cannot be used for peaceful purposes, particularly in a devastated country like Germany?

We are taking a liberal view on the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the estimated value of patents, processes, designs, secrets and know how, etc., taken from Germany under T Force operations; and how far they correspond with the assessed value of £2,000,000,000 as claimed by Mr. Molotov.

It would be impossible to make a reliable estimate of this character, since the products of the investigations referred to have not been sold, but with few exceptions have been published and made freely available to the world. The figure mentioned by Mr. Molotov covered a wider field than that referred to in the Question and was, even so, a fantastic over-estimate.

That may very well be true, but may I ask how my hon. Friend proposes to assess the value of these various appropriations in arriving at the total amount paid in reparations?

I do not think an estimate can be made. In any case, I can see no purpose in offsetting it against some other hypothetical figure.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the waste of good timber in the British zone of Germany as domestic fuel has substantially ceased.

Every effort is being made to reduce the waste of timber in the British zone of Germany and there has been a substantial cut in the allocation for domestic fuel. The matter is, however, primarily one for the German authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present domestic ration of coal and of fuel wood in the British zone of Germany.

The solid fuel ration for the average household for the year beginning 1st May, 1947, is the equivalent of cwts. of hard coal. The ration is made up of varying proportions of hard coal, brown coal briquettes, wood and peat according to local availabilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the objective is of the visit to Eritrea by the Commission appointed by the Foreign Ministers; is he satisfied that the forty-eight hours allotted for the task is sufficient; and if the findings of the Commission will be submitted to this House before any final decision is made.

The Commission is obeying the procedure laid down in the Italian Peace Treaty, which provides that a Commission should visit the ex-Italian Colonies in order to supply the Deputies of the Foreign Ministers with information to assist their consideration of the disposal of these territories, and in order to discover the views of the local population. A period of 40 days has been allotted to the Commission for their visit to Eritrea and I am advised that this will be sufficient. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question is, "No, Sir."

Can the Minister say if and when Eritrea will be allowed to return to the Mother country, Ethiopia, or whether we must wait until there is a repetition of what is now happening in Somaliland?

That is a different question.

On what grounds is Eritrea included in the category of ex-Italian colonies?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Lord President of the Council why the words "the Duke of Edinburgh" instead of "Philip, Duke of Edinburgh" have been inserted in the Prayer for the Royal family; and whether a correction will be made.

The words to which the hon. Member refers were inserted in the Prayers for the Royal Family because they were not only adequate, but also consistent with recent precedents. As regards the last part of the Question, the answer is in the negative.

May we take it that all the precedents, modern and not so modern, were consulted before the words "Duke of Edinburgh" were decided upon?

I cannot say about all the precedents, but they are fairly clear. In the reign of George II the Duke of Cumberland was referred to as "the Duke" and nothing else. Then there was reference to the Princess Dowager of Wales, the widow of the eldest son of George II. Other examples are: the Princesses, presumably the daughters of George II; the Prince of Wales who became Edward VII—that is fairly modern; the Prince Consort; the Princess of Wales on various occasions; and the Duchess of Cornwall and York, who is now Her Majesty Queen Mary. I think that is fairly conclusive that the precedents justify this action.

Are we to take it from this Question that the recording angel may have some doubts about the subject?

I think the recording angel often has some doubts about the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher).

Are we to take it that the Duke of Edinburgh received his title without any consultation with the Scottish people?

That has nothing to do with the Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Minister of Defence if he will state the meat, bacon, bread and sugar rations, respectively, for the Services as compared with those for civilians; and whether the same Service rations are given to both male and female personnel.

I will, with permission, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The relationship between Service and civilian ration scales is kept under review by an Inter-Service Committee under Ministry of Food chairmanship; the Committee is at present considering what reductions should be imposed on the Services to correspond with recent civilian reductions.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he will add details of the potato ration to the list if they are not on it?

I will see if that can be done in time, but if not I will have it done separately.

Is it not a fact that Service rations are generally greater in quantity than those given to civilians?

I think it is necessary to study the table and to take into consideration the overall consumption of civilians, apart from the actual weekly ration, but we will do our best to obtain a fair adjustment in the matter.

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent his regulations oblige deserters after apprehension and service of sentence of imprisonment, to fulfil their remaining Service obligations, in accordance with normal age and service conditions.

Time spent in desertion and periods of consequential imprisonment or detention do not count as service for release purposes. In August last we decided that in the case of non-Regulars service previous to desertion and service subsequent to detention or imprisonment including service under suspended sentence should count in full. This change placed National Service men serving under the earlier Acts in the same position in this respect as those to whom the First Schedule of the National Service Act, 1947, will apply.

Does that mean that after serving a sentence of imprisonment, if a man has another three or four years' service to complete, he will be required to fulfil that obligation?

I think he will be required to fulfil his obligation. In the case of National Service men called up during the last three or four years, subject to the period of detention or desertion, they are subject to the same rate of scale-off as the others who have been scaled off.

asked the Minister of Defence whether, with a view to obtaining a greater volume of surrenders by deserters, he will consider reforms whereby sentences of imprisonment be suspended subject to the good behaviour in accordance with Service obligations of the individuals concerned, such suspension to be translated into complete remission at the end of fulfilment of satisfactory Service obligations.

Sentences of imprisonment or detention for desertion are reviewed periodically and are frequently suspended after only part has been served. I could not agree to any general rule of suspension in such cases. I have already stated to the House the general objections to further leniency and it will be recognised that punishment must vary according to the seriousness of the offence.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his present policy is inconclusive and harsh and is not getting the desired results? Is he further aware that there were 17,500 deserters in March and 21,000 deserters in October, and that many of these men will be deserters and on the run at the age of 80 or 90 when they die?

I must resist the charge that we are being harsh in this matter. A very generous offer was made at the beginning of the year, and several thousand men took advantage of that leniency. All the men had that opportunity. I really must resist any attempt to weaken the general morale and discipline of the Forces.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that any useful purpose is served by hon. Members ventilating their opinions on this question, in view of the position as it is now disclosed?

Hon. Members have a perfect right to ventilate their opinions, but responsible Ministers must take into account the advice of those who have to deal with this matter.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the presence of 20,000 deserters in this country is resulting in an increase in crime, difficulty in carrying out regulations and a diminution in production, and that considerations of high public policy make it very desirable that an amnesty should be offered?

I do not consider that the facts justify my hon. Friend's suggestion. I understand the matter is to be raised on the Adjournment on Monday.

asked the Minister of Defence what are the categories of ex-Servicemen assumed to be on the Reserve; and at what date it is intended to cease this obligation; and what is the total number of men involved to the nearest convenient date.

In addition to the Regular reservists, who serve for specified periods, all officers and men who have left the Forces under the release scheme are still members of the Reserve. Their liability to recall will continue until the present emergency is declared to be at an end. The date of termination of the emergency has not yet been fixed. The number involved was about 3,900,000 on 30th September excluding those still on release leave.

In view of the considerable number of men involved, does not my right hon. Friend consider that these men could easily pick up the threads of their duties if there was an emergency, and would he not consider that as an argument in favour of further speedy demobilisation of the present Armed Forces?

All these relevant factors have been taken into consideration.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider, after the expiration of the period of emergency, king some plan whereby he could call these men to join a special section of the Reserve for a further considerable number of years?

I will make a note of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that Mr. R. Kirkby, of Bradley Cross Roads, Grimsby, has been making applications to his Department for the last 12 months for increases of fats and potatoes on account of the three housing estates which are being developed near his shop; and, in view of the hardship which the recent cuts are causing, if he will have the matter reconsidered in the light of the correspondence sent to him.

I have re-examined this case and am satisfied that Mr. Kirkby is receiving his fair share of the supplies which are available. He benefited by the increase, granted in June last year, to fish friers in the Grimsby area. The supply position precludes any further increase of either fats or potatoes.

Will the hon. Lady consider giving her regional officers some discretion to deal with areas where the population is obviously growing and there is a great demand?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at this case again he will find that the biggest housing estate, which is adjacent to this fish shop, is served by another fish shop on the boundary.

Will the hon. Lady bear in mind that there are many similar cases in all parts of the country, and that there is a feeling that the present datum period is very unsatisfactory?

asked the Minister of Food whether he will ensure that no reduction is made in the allocation of fat to fish friers, who, as a result of the shortage of potatoes, are prepared to fry larger quantities of fish.

It is not the present intention to reduce allocations of fats to fish friers on account of the potato shortage, but as I said in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 24th November, in the present uncertainties of the fats supply, we cannot ensure that no reduction will be made later on.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that general catering establishments are still able to maintain the size of the portion of potatoes served to customers; and, in view of the particular hardship caused to fish friers and their customers by the shortage of potatoes, if he will adjust the allocation of supplies further in favour of the fish frier at the expense of the general caterer.

No, Sir. The reduction imposed on fish friers is already less than that on caterers, and I regret that it is not possible to adopt this suggestion.