asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has now reconsidered the claim of Mr. E. Burgess, of Daggett House, Pickhill, to a disability pension in consequence of gunshot wounds received in the 1914–18 war, in the light of the report of a well-known Harrogate surgeon that his present incapacity is entirely due to his war wounds and is as great as if his leg had been amputated through the thigh.

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that a grant of pension will be made in this case. Mr. Burgess is at present in a Ministry hospital, and when investigation of his condition has been completed I will write to the hon. Member.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply may I ask whether he can say from what date the award will take effect?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, this case has been the subject of argument between him and previous Ministers for, I think, about 12 years or something in that region. He would be a very clever man who could say on what date the award will commence.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the fixing of the basic rate for 100 per cent. disability at 40s. per week on 6th December, 1919, was related to any particular industrial wage or group of wages or any other standard of income; and whether the prevailing rate of 45s. a week is so related.

I regret that there is nothing which I can usefully add to the answers which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Chertsey (Captain Marsden) on 18th November.

Does not the Minister agree that the cost-of-living index figure is more in the nature of a measure of variation than a basis for assessment, and can he say what is the yardstick of income for this assessment? Has he any records in his Department which show how this figure was arrived at?

I have read fully the findings of the committees appointed to deal with this matter, and, frankly, I cannot make up my mind on what yard-stick the figure was computed. If I could, I would tell my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many pensioners drawing a 100 per cent, disability pension are in receipt of a constant attendance allowance of 40s. per week and how many are in receipt of a constant attendance allowance of 20s. per week or less.

The approximate numbers at 30th September last were 420 and 4,200 respectively.

In view of the large difference between the two figures I would ask the hon. Gentleman whether he could consider altering the regulations or the Royal Warrant so it is possible to make graduated payments of between £1 and £2 to meet cases of individual hardship.

I think the House will agree with me generally that it is inadvisable to chop and change the Royal Warrant for little bits here and there. If I have to change the Royal Warrant, let the House and myself look at the Warrant in its general aspect so that we might not chop and change, but make general arrangements to make improvements on this point amongst others.

If the Royal Warrant is changed, will the hon. Gentleman consider this particular point sympathetically.

I will certainly look at it sympathetically.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether consideration has been given to the Petition presented to this House, on 26th March last, on behalf of the Next-of-Kin of War Deceased Organisation of Scotland; and if steps are to be taken to compensate parents along the lines proposed in the Petition.

Since the Petition was presented, the claim that a flat rate pension should be granted to all parents who have suffered the loss of sons or daughters in the war was the subject of the Adjournment Debate in the House on 9th June, and both my predecessor and my Parliamentary Secretary have met representatives from the Next-of-Kin of War Deceased Organisation of Scotland and other organisations with similar aims. The Government, however, remain of the view that the present scheme, liberally interpreted, which takes account of need is preferable to a flat rate scheme which would ignore it.

Will not the Minister agree that while the great improvements are widely appreciated, this Petition commands a large volume of support?

All these are matters of finance. The whole question, as with other demands which are made on us, depends on which is the best way to spend State money. I have already indicated my views, and there the matter must remain.

Will not my hon. Friend agree that, however liberally this measure is interpreted, the maximum pension payable is £1 a week, and does not he think it should be increased?

I am prepared to meet Members from any quarter of the House to consider how far we can ease the situation. I have a very open mind on the subject, and I am prepared to consider any point which is brought before me.

Will the Minister give an assurance that the scheme will be liberally interpreted in practice, in granting pensions?

I think that during all the time I have been in office, I have shown my earnestness about liberal treatment in these matters.

s: Will the Minister reconsider this matter, in view of the fact that there are so many mothers in this country who have lost their sons and who feel that they are being completely forgotten by the Government? Does not he agree that it is undesirable to have forgotten mothers in the country, and that small weekly pensions collected at the post office, even if they are not in urgent need of them, would make a very big difference to their feelings?

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that what he is asked to do is not to redistribute the present amount of money on a different basis, but to persuade his colleagues in the Government to grant a small amount of extra money which would be necessary in order to apply in this war the principle which was applied in the last war?

First of all, I would like to correct the impression that I am a right hon. Gentleman. I am not averse to seeing whether the amount which we have to distribute to these people can be increased. The question which I would be prepared to discuss with hon. Members when the increased amount is allocated, is, what is the best way to make sure that the right people receive it?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give an estimate of the approximate cost of disregarding the first 20s. of earnings in all cases when assessing parents' pensions.

I regret that a reliable estimate could not be made without a detailed examination of a very wide cross-section of varying types of case, numbering in all some 80,000. On a very broad survey of the position it looks as though the cost of the hon. Member's proposal would be somewhere round about £75,000 a year.

In view of that very modest estimate, would not the Minister undertake this wide survey in order that we might have the facts before us of what it would cost to make these concessions.

I think that even if it were done my figure would not be found to be so far out. What the hon. Gentleman wishes is a figure to work on, and that represents a fairly good average estimate.

Will my hon. Friend work on that figure?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give an estimate of the approximate cost of increasing the unemployability supplement to the level of unemployment insurance benefit.

It is estimated that to give effect to the hon. Member's proposal would cost about £75,000 a year at the present time, rising to about £115,000 a year when the National Insurance Act, 1946, comes into operation.

Does not the Minister think this is a very modest sum to pay to rectify this injustice?

I do not think the sum is extravagant. I never do.

asked the Secretary of State for War what recent inquiries he has made into the extent of military requisitioning of residential property in Germany; and what reduction there has been.

I have recently had inquiries made into both the policy for requisitioning residential property in the British zone of Germany and the application of the policy. The policy laid down is to restrict requisitioning of residential property to the barest minimum. This is achieved by accommodating units in barracks, as the strength of Rhine Army decreases, thereby releasing requisitioned residential property. Records are not maintained of residential as distinct from other properties under requisition. During the first six months of 1947 there was a net reduction of some 3,000 in the total number of properties of all kinds held on requisition by Rhine Army.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the total number of properties held by the Rhine Army?

I cannot give the number, but they have been reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is intended to clear the site at Wester Newlands Farm, Grangemouth, at present used as a dump for surplus Government stores, in order that this land may again be used for agricultural purposes.

This site may be required permanently for an Engineer Depot, in which case the requirement will be considered in due course by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements. If it is not eventually retained, the date of clearance will depend on the availability of transport and I cannot at present make any forecast of how long it would take.

Can the Minister tell us when the decision will be taken as to whether the camp is going to be required permanently or not?

We should have to wait for a report of this Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact there are four Army apprentice schools in the United Kingdom but none located in Scotland, he proposes to establish such a school there in the near future; and, if so, where.

Consideration has been given to the possibility of establishing in Scotland a fifth school for Army apprentices, but owing to shortage of manpower and accommodation, as well as the cost of the project, I regret that at present I see no prospect of carrying it out, at least for some considerable time.

The Minister has in mind, of course, the mobilisation of the martial spirit of the Scottish people to an extent which I hope will not preclude him from considering this proposal in the future?

I am fully conscious of the desire of the Scottish people to help in this regard, but at the moment I cannot undertake this additional task.

When the right hon. Gentleman has considered it, I hope favourably, will he also consider opening it himself as an Army apprentice?

The hon. and gallant Member seems to be unaware that I am already a full-blown craftsman.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Manpower Economy Committee have advised him how manpower economies may be achieved; in what way he has acted on the advice received; and whether he is satisfied with the results obtained.

This Committee has submitted a first interim report, which is under consideration.

Was it as the result of information from this Committee that the right hon. Gentleman suggested on Sunday that the best way to economise on manpower was for the three Services to be combined?

I made a statement to that effect, but I never used the word "combine" in regard to the three Services, and I am not responsible for what appears in one or two newspapers.

When the Minister is reviewing the matter of manpower will he take into account the 17,000-odd Polish Army forces still being kept in idleness by his Department?

There are never any persons kept in idleness for whom employment can be found.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an indication of what is in this interim Report?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War where the full dress uniform of the Brigade of Guards is stored; in what condition it is now; and how often it is examined and precautions taken against depreciation by moth, etc.

Full dress clothing for other ranks of the Brigade of Guards is stored at a Central Ordnance Sub-Depot.

The uniforms are in a serviceable condition. They are inspected as often as practicable and a complete inspection has just been finished.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that, at least in so far as the tunics and the blue serge trousers are concerned, they are the private property of the warrant officers, N.C.Os. and guardsmen concerned; whether his Department paid these people on their uniform being handed in, and if not what steps are being taken to pay them, or their next-of-kin?

s: I do not see any reference to these matters in the Question.

Is the Minister aware that every warrant officer, N.C.O. and guardsman had at least two suits of full dress, and very often three, which were their own personal property, on the declaration of war? Was a complete record kept of those who handed in more than one suit of full dress?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, when considering the question of dress of the Brigade of Guards, the question of officers' dress and the great difficulty of replacement if it should be taken into use again?

I am fully aware of the difficulties. The problem is not as simple as it appears to be.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is expected that the Report of the Committee on Courts-Martial will be published.

It is not yet possible to say when this Committee will report.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any assurance that this report will be available in time for full consideration before the Army Bill comes to be considered? This Committee has been sitting a long time, has it not?

That is true, but there were, as the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware, some interim recommendations which were the subject of an announcement by my predecessor. We are trying to get on with this as speedily as we can.

asked the Secretary of State for War what amount has been expended on the construction of the Ordnance Depot at Bicester since 1945; and what is the estimated future expenditure on construction.

Approximately £21,000 has been spent on new temporary works at this depot since October, 1945, and £163,000 on maintenance. What expenditure will be incurred in future cannot yet be accurately estimated.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that existing and old established Ordnance Depots, like that at Weedon are being fully utilised, and not left partly unused while this big depot is being expanded?

That is a matter to be considered in relation to the general reorganisation. I cannot pronounce upon that at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he intends to proceed with the acquisition of 22,000 acres of land for a practical training area in Roxburghshire; if he is aware that this means a reduction of between 7,000 and 8,000 breeding ewes in this area; and if, in view of the food shortage, he will further consider the matter.

My Department already owns a considerable acreage of land in this area, and desires to acquire a further area, making a total of 21,500 acres for use as a practical training area for Regular and Territorial Army units in Scotland. It is premature to assume that the proposal will mean a reduction in stock, as discussions are at present proceeding with local authorities and other interested parties to ensure the minimum interference with grazing and other local interests. These discussions are a necessary preliminary to the final consideration of the proposal by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the Debate on Scottish Agriculture the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for the Scottish Universities (Lieut. - Colonel Elliot) raised this question, and described the Secretary of State as a powerful baron contemplating another clearance; and would he consider a strategic withdrawal from this area?

I read both speeches to which my hon. Friend refers, and also his own speech, and, quite frankly, I did not think much of them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible to hand over large tracts of country to be used for training without interfering with stock?

We do our very best to avoid any undue disturbance of stock. We are fully conscious of agricultural requirements. All this matter is being considered just now, and I have been meeting interested parties—and will continue to meet them—in order to make some satisfactory arrangements.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Services as a whole use 550,000 acres of land which were used for agriculture in 1938? As the War Office is the largest user, will he consider very seriously not taking any more land which can be used for agricultural purposes?

That is an over-simplification of this problem, it appears to me. We have either to train the Army or to leave it untrained. If this House decides that it must be trained with modern weapons in accordance with modern practice, then we have to provide the facilities. On the other hand, I am very anxious to avoid any disturbance of agricultural land. Some of my hon. Friends are aware, and hon. Members opposite are aware, that I have been trying to effect a satisfactory arrangement. I shall continue to do so. But if we have to train the Army, then, obviously, we must have the facilities.

In view of the devastating losses already suffered by the Scottish sheep stocks in the past winter, can the right hon. Gentleman say if he has consulted with the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is appealing for the rebuilding of those stocks as quickly as possible?

Consultations are always taking place inter-Departmentally, as the hon. Gentleman must be aware. I must say this about the Scottish position; the amount of land required in Scotland is, in proportion, very much below the amount of land we are seeking to acquire elsewhere, and my Welsh friends have suggested that, instead of acquiring too much land in Wales, we should turn our attention to Scotland.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is full consultation with the other Services to secure the most economical use of the areas taken?

There is always coordination, but one must beware of the use of the word "co-ordination."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the great reputation that he acquired as Minister of Fuel is in danger of being lost now?

Such reputation as I possess I desire to retain, but I can assure my hon. Friend in all modesty that I apply, I hope, a practical mind to the consideration of these problems.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the increasing dissatisfaction among the farming community in North Westmorland at his prolonged delay in arriving at a decision about the future of the 40,000 acres of land held by his Department, and known locally as the Warcop Ranges; and when a decision will be reached.

The future of these ranges is at present under discussion. I regret, however, that it is not likely to be possible to announce a final decision until the whole question of land required by my Department for this particular type of training has been settled.

Is the Minister aware that it is a very long time since an early decision was promised; that these ranges cover approximately one-tenth of the whole county; and that it is quite impossible for farmers to plan the stocking of this land if the present conditions continue?

I have already expressed my views about the use of agricultural land, which is to avoid such use as far as possible. The hon. Member is associated with the Territorial Forces, as he recently claimed, and, therefore, he should know a little better than his Question indicates.

asked the Secretary of State for War what consultations he is holding with local agricultural interests to ensure that the military use of the Warcop Ranges allows owners and farmers to maintain their sheep in a reasonably healthy condition; and to ensure that claims for damage to equipment or stock are promptly settled.

So far as I am aware, there have been no serious difficulties or complaints about the grazing of sheep over these ranges, and claims have been settled without unnecessary delay. Claims officers keep in touch with the County Agricultural Executive Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that local farming interests do not agree with his reply; that they are of the opinion that, if consultations were more close, they would be able to stock these ranges much better; and is he further aware that I was doing a Territorial exercise last week in another county, and that the brigade staff had made proper arrangements with the farmers concerned so that we could make full use of their land without in any way interfering with agriculture? Could not the same be done in this case?

I hope the Territorial exercise did the hon. Member some good, and will enable him to furnish me with the details on which his Question is based.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered a resolution sent to him by the Old Sedberghian Club in connection with the use of the Sedbergh Fells as a military training area; and if he has any statement to make.

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 25th February last, efforts have been made to find an alternative area for the Martindale field firing range. Langdale Fell has been suggested by the local authorities, and a proposal to use this area is under consideration by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in a number of camps, where recruits are domiciled in damp huts, there are no fires except on inspection day; and will he see that heating is provided during the winter months, so as to safeguard the health and welfare of young lads.

The solid fuel available to the Army is not sufficient to maintain the standard of heating of barrack rooms which is necessary. However, in present circumstances it is only right that the Army should exercise the greatest possible economies, in the same way as all other users of fuel.

Does the Secretary of State think it right that on the day when a brigadier goes down to inspect a camp the fires are lit whereas they are not lit on other days? That happened at Shrewsbury.

I am not aware of this particular incident, but I accept what my hon. Friend says about it. I do know, however, after inspecting some of the barracks and huts, that heating arrangements are most unsatisfactory, and I am doing all that I can to have them put right.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in these damp camps there may be insufficient fuel to heat them, but that if the drainage systems were properly operated by the troops themselves it would help to make the camps less damp—if they were properly trenched?

The troops are very self-reliant in these matters and do adapt themselves to difficult circumstances. Nevertheless, the position is very bad.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have had this morning a letter from Heathfield Camp, Honiton, saying that in the recent cold spell the men woke up to find their boots frozen to the floors of the huts?

I will make the necessary inquiries in respect of that question, but I am very well aware of the facts, and I am disturbed about them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of a camp he inspected a fortnight ago, where he commented on how cosy and warm the huts were, the fires were lit for the very first time that day, and that as soon as he had gone they were put out?

I commented in accordance with the circumstances, and no one would expect me to do otherwise. I am aware that sometimes they may put on a full dress show when some important person goes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some officers have been saying to recruits who have complained, that there would be more coal if the late Minister of Fuel had provided more during his term of office?

That only proves that one discovers stupidity in circles other than those that are to be found in this place.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the large unsatisfied demand for married quarters, he will investigate the possibility of using for this purpose, suitable buildings, at present unoccupied, in camps which are controlled by his Department.

This is already being done in the form of Regular Families Hostels, which have been established for homeless Regular families returning from overseas and for the families of soldiers who are still serving overseas. All the accommodation which is at present empty is either so badly damaged as not to be habitable without considerable repair or is definitely set aside for troops due to return from abroad. Every effort is being made to recondition all the damaged accommodation, but lack of materials and labour is holding this up.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in answering this Question, he has taken into account the large reductions in the armed Forces which he forecast last weekend?

s: We have forecast reductions in the size of the armed Forces for some time, but whatever the reductions may be, we still require more ample accommodation than we presently possess, and particularly for married personnel.

Was the Minister's original reply made bearing in mind the cut in capital investment; and what alteration has been made in the amount of married quarters to be built?

This matter has nothing to do with any cut in capital investment.

For a long period of years the accommodation for the Army has been inadequate. It was inadequate when I was Financial Secretary, in 1929; it has been inadequate ever since; and as the strength of the Army has increased we find the position has become even more desperate.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is th2 average time required to effect compassionate release for German prisoners of war in this country.

About one month elapses between the receipt of nominations by my Department and the arrival of the prisoner of war in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement about the make-up of and conditions attaching to the extra post-free parcels he is allowing prisoners of war to sent to Germany this Christmas.

The conditions attaching to the extra post-free parcel for Christmas are the same as those applying to the post-free parcel which a prisoner of war may send once every three months. The contents will be restricted to essential relief items such as rationed soap, toilet articles—other than shaving soap— clothing, medicines or similar articles. The parcel may contain also imperishable rationed food that may have been given to the prisoner of war. The same restrictions on individual items are imposed as in the case of parcels sent to Germany by members of the public.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether toys which prisoners have made for their own children can be included in these parcels.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will rescind the regulation under which P.O.W's. are at present banned from participating in concerts or other entertainments where an admission charge is made and where money is to be raised for some charitable, religious or relief objective.

No, Sir. It would not be fair for prisoners of war to entertain as artistes in direct competition with British civilians.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is the cost of the salaries, office accommodation and administration of the Harlow Development Corporation, of 13, Grosvenor Square; and, in view of the fact that there will be no building for at least two years, why it was necessary to spend £11,500 to accommodate the general manager and his family, and to appoint a woman welfare officer at a salary of £1,200 a year.

As to cost of salaries and administration, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Hertford (Mr. Walker-Smith) on 11th November. As to accommodation, the Harlow Corporation share the Grosvenor Square premises with the other corporations. As to the figure of £11,500 mentioned in the Question, the hon. Member is quite wrong. The corporation have, with my consent, purchased a house and cottage at Harlow costing £6,500. Half of the house is let as a residence to the general manager, and half is used for board room and other office accommodation for the members of the corporation. The cottage is let to another member of the staff. I am satisfied that the salary being paid to the social development officer, who is, I assume, the officer the hon. Member has in mind, is commensurate with her qualifications and responsibilities. It is necessary now to staff the new town corporations with a few highly qualified and competent officers, so that the foundations for their future development may be soundly laid.

In View of the housing and labour shortages, how can the Minister justify such expenditure at this time of austerity; and why is a Ministry of the Crown setting such a bad example in not reducing expenditure?

These particular premises were offered for sale, and the Corporation bought them with my consent.

Why does not the Minister put some families into them?

I have done so.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when the undertaking given by the Prime Minister on 25th February, 1947, that no agricultural land will be involved by the requirements of the Services in respect of Braunton and Northam Burrows, will be implemented; and whether he will now state when the long promised White Paper will be issued.

As indicated by the Prime Minister in the statement referred to, the land required by the War Department at Braunton Burrows and Northam Burrows is not agricultural. The answer to the last part of the Question is, "This week."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer is not in accordance with information I have received from the Clerk to the Devon County Council and the Clerk to the Barnstaple Rural District Council; that great dissatisfaction is caused throughout the country by the occupation of agricultural land; and will he take some steps at any rate to see that if it is not released it will be put under agriculture?

I was not aware of the dissatisfaction mentioned in the first two parts of that supplementary question, but I will certainly deal with the third part.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when the report of the public local inquiry into the land requirements of the Service Departments in the Dartmoor area is to be published.

It is not proposed to publish the report referred to. I hope to be able to announce a decision in the near future.

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction when the Services continue to occupy land which apparently they have agreed to give up; and can he say whether he will publish the report before Christmas?

Well, probably not before Christmas. In any case, as I have already answered, it is not proposed to publish the report; that is not usual. However, the decision will be published as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many copies of the "Family Guide to National Insurance" have been printed; how much paper was used; and what was the cost.

This short guide is not yet in final form for printing, and I cannot at present say precisely how much paper it will require or what it will cost. I estimate that at least 14 million copies will be needed, since the Guide will be one of the principal means of informing some 25 to 30 million persons of their rights and obligations under the new insurance scheme.

Would it not have been better to have given the extra paper and some Government money to the ordinary newspapers and to have allowed them to do the job?

Could my hon. Friend inform me whether this guide will be published in Welsh?

I could not say offhand. However, my hon. Friend knows the nationality of the Minister of National Insurance, and I am sure that so far as Wales is concerned we ought not to have any complaints.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether it is intended that the new Assistance Board should absorb those employees of the Birmingham Corporation at present employed on outdoor assistance.

In common with redundant Public Assistance employees of other local authorities, those of Birmingham will be given the opportunity of applying for Civil Service appointments in the Assist ance Board and the Ministry of National Insurance. Arrangements to this end are now being worked out in consultation with the various bodies concerned.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Birmingham Public Assistance Committee employs nearly 150 people, and has received no instructions or guidance whatever as to the future status and employment of any of those employees?

Negotiations are now proceeding with the local authorities, and by this Question and answer I hope to impress upon them that the matter is now fully under consideration. They will be informed as quickly as possible.

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, bear in mind that the problem is not confined to Birmingham, and that a great many people up and down the country are waiting anxiously to see what the Government propose to do about it.

We estimate that there are 7,500 people employed by local authorities on public assistance. We feel that between 2,000 and 2,500 will remain with the local authorities; we hope that 1,500 will come to the new National Assistance Board; and the remainder will be offered positions with the Ministry of National Insurance.

Is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to give any priority to municipal ex-employees over those people who have been employed by the friendly societies, some of whom are at present unemployed?

As far as those people are concerned, we carry no obligation, but it is understood that many people will be required, and if they register at their local employment exchanges they will be given an opportunity.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will consider increasing the amount of the weekly allowances paid to unemployed men and women, as they bear no relation to the present cost of living.

Unemployment rates will be raised next summer, when the National Insurance Act is brought into operation.

Is the Minister aware that we are now in the midst of winter? Is he further aware that the is now worth only about 12S., and, therefore, that the unemployed today are drawing less than at the beginning of the last war? In these circumstances, does not he consider it a matter of urgency that these rates should be raised by using the substantial funds already in existence?

The whole matter of subsistence and assistance was fully dealt with during the Second Reading Debate on the National Insurance Act. It was found then that it was undesirable to have any automatic adjustments so far as statutory benefit was concerned. I do not think it is generally appreciated that people on standard benefit can make application for unemployment assistance.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will consider granting a rent and fuel allowance to all unemployed men and women, in addition to the present allowance.

Unemployment benefit is paid at fixed rates, but it is open to unemployed persons who are in need to apply for supplementation of their insurance benefit by way of unemployment assistance. This is intended to provide for fuel, as well as other normal needs, except rent. Rent is specially provided for by an addition to the appropriate scale rate.

As this principle was recognised by the Assistance Board, will my hon. Friend ask the Minister to take into consideration the fact that although some unemployed men may be paying 7s. a week rent, others may be paying over £1? Is my hon. Friend aware that a revision of these rates to give allowance for rent, quite apart from unemployment assistance, is badly needed?

As far as the National Assistance Bill is concerned, it should be understood that the National Assistance Board will be looking at these regulations which will be come up for discussion before the Act is put into operation.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of men and women registered as unemployed with the employment exchanges in the Dover constituency; and what proportion of these men are disabled miners suffering from silicosis.

The numbers registered as unemployed on 10th November were 264 men and 58 women at Dover, and 85 men and 17 women at Deal. Thirty were registered disabled persons suffering from silicosis—28 at Dover, and two at Deal.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I must have some doubts about that figure, because there are hundreds of silicosis cases in my constituency, and these men could and should be absorbed into full employment.

If there is that number, then they have not registered. My answer is that there are 30 who have registered—that is 28 at Dover and two at Deal. If the others will take note of this Question and register themselves, I shall be glad to come to their assistance.

asked the Minister of Labour the date and terms of the agreement with the High Commissioner from Eire and the nature of the arrangements made thereunder for the purpose of effecting the direction of Eire citizens resident in this country.

In my reply to the hon. Member on 2nd December, I did not intend to convey the impression that there was an agreement. The arrangements which have been operated without objection, have been in force since 1942, when a letter was sent to the High Commissioner, from whom no comments were received.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question, which deals with the nature of the arrangements?

The nature of the arrangements here are the same as for other nationals resident here.

Will the Minister tell the House for the first time what these arrangements are?

I am sorry if I misunderstood the Question. If it is the nature of the arrangements that is wanted, I will undertake to let the hon. Member have that information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any persons registering at local employment exchanges in Wales have been directed to, or placed in, employment outside Wales under the Control of Engagement Order.

Whilst I am not in a position to reply to the entire Question, I can say that no person registering for employment within Wales has been directed to work outside Wales.

While the nature of my right hon. Friend's reply will give satisfaction, can he give an assurance that no person will be compulsorily transferred to employment outside Wales?

No, Sir, because there are some parts of Wales which so closely adjoin England that it may be easy to transfer a person to the other side of the street.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Mr. Slim Dexter comes within any of the exemptions under paragraph 4 or 6 of S.R. & O., 2409 of 1947.

I have nothing to add to the answers I gave to the hon. Member on Thursday last.

As the right hon. Gentleman then said that it may be that the gentleman in question was an excepted person under Article 4 (j), do I understand from that reply that he has some serious grounds for believing one of these very serious things is true about this particular man?

The hon. Member can put his own construction upon that, as upon other things which have been said.

Was not the right hon. Gentleman inventing when he said that?

I should like to know whether Mr. Slim Dexter is in any way related to Mr. Henry Dubb.

Was the right hon. Gentleman inventing in his answer?

asked the Minister of Labour if the 1,000 Polish workers employed in the engineering industry, largely on making coal-cutting machinery, whose trade union cards were taken away from them last summer, have now had them restored; what result his negotiations and representations on the subject have had; and if he can yet state the reasons for this action.

Whilst I cannot confirm the numbers mentioned, there is no change in the situation. No agreement had been reached with the union as to the circumstances under which Polish labour should be introduced in the occupations with which they are concerned. I am still in communication with the union, with whom I have discussed certain suggestions which they have promised to consider.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I raised this question in July and August, that on each occasion I was promised an answer, and that the Minister has strongly deprecated the action of the unions? Surely, the unions take some notice of the Minister? What is the good of training these men for a job of work, if they are not allowed to do it?

Fourteen of the unions in the Engineering Federation have now agreed. Six are still considering the matter. The fact that there is no Pole unemployed because of the failure to get an agreement ought to be satisfactory to the House.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say which are the six unions concerned?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers of unemployed signing on at the Brunel Road (Rotherhithe) Employment Exchange at the present time; and what were the comparative figures at the same Employment Exchange in 1936.

On 10th November, 1947, there were 181, and on 23rd November, 1936, 3,147.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that figures such as that are one of the reasons why the Labour Government retains the confidence of the vast majority of the people?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that an ex-Serviceman, Mr. T. W. Hall, of 33, Beltinge Avenue, Herne Bay, has been refused facilities to complete a course of hairdressing upon which he was engaged in a Government training centre up to the time that the course was closed down on 4th September, 1939; and if he can state the reason for this refusal.

Mr. Hall applied for a further course of training in hairdressing in November, 1946. As he had been employed as a hairdresser for five or six months after his release from the Army, his application was rejected on the grounds that he was not in need of a training course to obtain suitable employment. I learn however, that during the past year Mr. Hall has been unable to obtain hairdressing work, and it seems that his prospects would be improved by some further training. I am, therefore, arranging for Mr. Hall to join a hair dressing class which has already completed the earlier stages of training.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now make available to hon. Members the report of the Fact-Finding Committee set up as a result of the Grimethorpe Colliery dispute.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Colonel Hutchison) on 13th November.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, on the occasion to which he has referred, he stated that he knew that public opinion is much interested in this matter? Is there any reason, other than the desire to shield certain persons, why the House should not be given this information?

The hon. Member should not jump to such a conclusion.

Why not?

Because it is nonsense to do so. The answer I gave was that the report was not made to me. It was a private investigation made by the Mineworkers' Union, and I have no authority to order them to publish that report; it is a matter of domestic interest to them alone.

Since the Question was asked on 13th November, has the right hon. Gentleman asked the Union for permission to publish it?

No, Sir, and I do not intend to do so.

As coal production is going up so magnificently, is not this Question completely frivolous and stupid?

In view of the dismay of hon. Members opposite over the fact that coal production is increasing, is not my right hon. Friend aware that the less the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) says about the matter, the better it will be for all concerned.

On a point of Order. Are these supplementary questions in Order?

I often have very great difficulty over supplementary questions. I always recommend hon. Members to read page 336 of Erskine May.

Having regard to the number of times that we have had that page referred to, may not it be read out to the House?

I think that hon. Members can spend a little spare time in the Library reading it for themselves.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are registered on the Disabled Persons Register; how many are employed and how many unemployed on the most recent convenient date.

The number of persons registered as disabled on 20th October, 1947, was 828,666; the number unemployed on 17th November was 74,646, of whom 10,655 were classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. It is estimated from these figures that the number of registered disabled in employment is about 750,000.

Can my right hon. Friend say what sanctions are being employed against employers who are not fulfilling their quota obligations, in view of the fact that there are over 70,000 of these people unemployed? Will he consider further sanctions if that step should prove to be necessary?

Is it not true that the vast majority of employers are faithfully carrying out their obligations?

Perhaps the House will permit me to give a rather long reply on this point. Employers are, on the whole, carrying out their undertakings. We have conducted a survey, the results of which, I hope, it will be possible to present to the House. A great number of non-compliances have been due either to misunderstanding of the regulation or failure to see notices. Every individual case has been followed up, and I am sure that we shall see an improvement following the further survey. As I have said, however, employers generally are doing their best.

Would my right hon. Friend consider increasing the quota, in view of the large number of unemployed, which has been constant for such a long time?

The figures are not constant. The personnel change from time to time. The question of increasing the quota has been considered, but we feel that it is best that those who are not yet taking part should take their share before the quota for those who are taking their share is increased.

What is the attitude of the Civil Service Commissioners to disablement and deafness?

That is rather a different question, but the Civil Service quota is considerably above 3 per cent., and is in line with the best employers.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will estimate the number of building trades workers who will be unemployed as the result of the proposed cuts in the Scottish housing programme; and how he proposes to absorb them into other industries.

No general unemployment of Scottish building workers is likely to arise in the immediate future as the result of implementing the recommendations made in the White Paper on Capital Investment in 1948.

Can my right hon. Friend make an estimate for a little beyond the immediate future? Is he aware that there is considerable concern in Scotland among building operatives at the prospect of such unemployment?

There ought not to be that feeling at the moment. It is impossible to look too far ahead, but there are now over 5,000 building vacancies in Scotland, 3,000 of which are in connection with housing schemes. There is still a lot of work for people there. Further, the Scottish hydro-electric schemes will shortly require an additional 5,000 building workers. There need not be any serious apprehension about the situation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in reducing the arrears of work in the administration of P.A.Y.E.

Steady and substantial progress has been made. By April, 1948, the assessing work for 1944–45 and 1945–46 will be virtually completed and the assessing for 1946–47 will be well advanced in most areas and completed in many. The arrears of correspondence have been very much reduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an order permitting parents of Service men stationed overseas to remit small sums of money to their sons.