asked the Minister of Education what is the prescribed number of shower baths to be provided by a local educational authority in a boarding school for 250 boys in accordance with the Ministry's standards.

The number prescribed in the regulations, one shower for every five boys, was based on the assumption that boarding facilities would normally be provided in houses or hostels not accommodating more than about 50 to Too boys each. If boarding accommodation were being provided for as many as 250 boys in a single unit, special consideration would need to be given to the shower provision required.

Has the Minister of Fuel and Power been consulted in this matter?

Not to my knowledge.

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the great shortage of nurses, cooks and home-helps, he will arrange for such training for girls in schools from 14 to 15 years of age, many of whom are at present receiving little further instruction than that obtained before they reached the age of 14 years.

I do not prescribe the details of the curriculum. The general objective is to provide a good all round secondary education, and most girls of secondary school age receive instruction in housecraft. I should, however, deprecate any suggestion that the last year at school should be devoted to specific vocational training; nor do I accept the implication in the last part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Education by what date he will have established the proposed new bureau for co-ordinating the activities of organisations sponsoring educational travel for young people; what the terms of reference of this bureau will be; what age groups it will deal with; and what organisations he has already consulted.

I hope that the Central Bureau for educational visits and exchanges will have been established before next summer. The terms of reference of the Bureau and the scope of its activities are matters which I am at present considering, in consultation with the Educational Co-operating Body which has been established for U.N.E.S.C.O. purposes. This body includes representatives of the leading educational organisations in the United Kingdom.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that "until the summer" is rather a long time and that the present situation and uncertainty are making great difficulties for various official and unofficial bodies interested in this kind of travel?

If they will communicate with my Department we shall endeavour to overcome the difficulties before these become insurmountable.

In view of the fact that currency regulations are cutting down movement between Europe and this country, will the right hon. Gentleman do everything he can to encourage exchanges on these lines?

Yes, Sir. It is because of difficulties that the necessity for setting up a bureau has become urgent.

Arising out of the previous question, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend will get into touch with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to get him to simplify the instructions he has given governing exchange travel of this kind, because they are confusing?

That is a job for the bureau rather than for me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman careful to avoid the risk that this kind of organisation may result in purely private, personal, single ventures of the sort?

I am careful to avoid a lot of things. I realise some of the difficulties associated with this question. It is because of difficulties that have arisen on the lines that the hon. Member suggests that we want to tie up the matter for this summer, at any rate.

asked the Minister of Education to indicate the size of His Majesty's Inspectorate; and whether the numbers in 1947 have increased or decreased compared with those in 1946; and to what extent.

The strength of His Majesty's Inspectorate for England and Wales on 1st December, 1947, is 507 and the corresponding figure on 1st December, 1946, was 424.

asked the Minister of Education what arrangements he is making by adjusting the holiday periods in some schools to assist in the campaign for staggered holidays.

Local education authorities and school governors who are responsible for fixing school holidays are already aware of the need for fitting these holidays in, so far as possible, with the holidays agreed for local industries.

Though the local educational authorities may already have been aware of this, what steps has the Minister taken to improve the current position?

The Minister has brought to the notice of the education authorities the difficulties that arise through their not taking notice.

asked the Minister of Education (1) what percentage of local education authorities provide facilities for children to take milk on school premises during school holidays;

(2) how many local education authorities provide facilities for children to obtain milk during school holidays.

Forty-five out of the 146 local education authorities, namely, 30.8 per cent., make arrangements for children to attend at certain schools or centres to drink milk supplied under the Milk in Schools Scheme during the holidays.

Is the Minister aware that the number of children enjoying this could be much increased if he did not insist on the milk being consumed on the premises, and is he also aware that at this time of the year parents are very unwilling to send their children on long journeys in cold weather to drink cold milk in cold schools?

I am aware of all the difficulties. I know how easy it would be to multiply the number who would benefit if the facilities were available, but they are just not available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discuss with the Minister of Food the possibility of arranging for the milk to be delivered at the homes of the children and so relieve the anxiety of many mothers who feel that the children are not getting a square deal under the existing arrangements?

The difficulties associated with the distribution of milk other than through centres are so great that the possibilities of waste, which have always to be kept in mind, would be considerably increased by attempting to meet those requirements.

Is the Minister aware of the very strong feeling among mothers that there is much more waste this way than there would be if arrangements were made on the lines I suggested?

There may be a feeling of that sort but it is not justified by the facts. By this method we can entirely prevent waste.

Is it not a fact that there is a guarantee that the child gets the milk when it is given at a centre? Is it not true that many children would not get the milk if it were not given to them in this way?

asked the Minister of Education the total amount of milk and the average amount, per child, consumed during an average school week; whether, generally, any records are required to he kept correlating these figures with the health, height and weight of school children; and if he is satisfied that adequate steps are taken to prevent waste.

The average weekly consumption of milk under the Milk in Schools Scheme during October, 1947, is estimated to have been 980,000 gallons, which represents a weekly average of approximately 1.6 pints per child taking milk. I am advised that it would not be practicable to correlate health, height and weight records reliably with these figures. I am satisfied that all concerned are doing their utmost to prevent waste.

Has the right hon. Gentleman a medical or educational opinion showing that there is some very intimate relationship between the milk consumed by children and their undoubted improvement in health?

I have no specific evidence of that kind, but the evidence is in the look of the children themselves.

asked the Minister of Education to give the number of men and women who have withdrawn from the Emergency Teachers Training Scheme; and the chief reasons for their withdrawal.

Up to 11th December, 5,418 men and 1,628 women who had been accepted for the Emergency Training Scheme had withdrawn their applications or had failed to reply to an offer of a place in a training college. This includes 1,409 men who withdrew for the purpose of entering on two-year courses in permanent training colleges this autumn. Many of the candidates give no reasons for withdrawal. Of the remainder, most mention changes in domestic or financial circumstances or the offer of other permanent employment.

Can my right hon. Friend say if it is the long delay between acceptance and the chance of getting into a college which is causing this withdrawal from the scheme?

I would not draw that deduction from the statements made by the students, though I have no doubt that the length of time has something to do with it.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that a number of children certified as uneducable are now receiving and benefiting by instruction in special schools; and what steps he proposes to take to legalise this position.

Yes, Sir. At the earliest opportunity I propose to put forward an amendment of the law which at present makes these decisions irrevocable.

Does my right hon. Friend expect that that will be during the present Session of Parliament?

Yes, Sir, I hope so.

If these children, who are said to be uneducable, are benefiting by this teaching, was not something wrong with the first examination for their "I.Q."?

I do not think it is that so much as giving an opportunity to the medical profession or others to change their minds after a period of time.

asked the Minister of Education what steps he is proposing to take with regard to the representations made by certain local education authorities as to the high costs involved in complying with the standard requirements laid down by the Ministry for new school buildings.

I am satisfied that in general the standards prescribed in the Ministry's regulations are not in excess of what is required for proper conditions and the efficient conduct of education in the schools. I am, however, at present having the regulations examined to see what detailed modifications, if any, are desirable in the light of experience.

In view of the fact that in some cases the standards are defeating their own object in placing a very onerous burden on the local authorities, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving local authorities much more discretion?

I am prepared to look at it with a view to modification, but we ought to hesitate before we reduce standards because costs have increased.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that any decision to lower the standards which have already been set would be received with great dismay by those who are interested in the education service?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether any of the Dominions of India and Pakistan and South Africa have approached His Majesty's Government to act as an intermediary in respect of the position of Indians in the South African Union.

No, Sir.

In view of the very serious position which still prevails in South Africa, will the right hon. Gentleman take the initiative and see if he can reconcile the present unhappy differences?

That is a different question from the one on the Order Paper. I had better not add anything to the very carefully considered reply which I have made.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps His Majesty's Government have taken to assist the Governments of India and Pakistan in their efforts to relieve sickness and suffering among the refugees who have entered those countries as a result of the recent disturbances.

Shortly after the troubles in the Punjab began, I met the officers of the British Red Cross Society, and inquired whether they could help to relieve the suffering of the refugees. They told me that they were already sending out some medical supplies and agreed to despatch substantial further quantities. These supplies have been flown to India and Pakistan. After further discussion and a survey of conditions on the spot, the Society are arranging to set up a hospital, and some time ago they sent out a Commissioner to work with the Red Cross Societies of India and Pakistan. To begin with, the Society paid for what they did from their existng resources; and they have decided to spend a further substantial sum. They have also launched a public appeal for funds; this appeal has the most cordial support of His Majesty's Government, who have decided to make a contribution. I should like to express the Government's warm gratitude to the Society for what they have done.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any specific information as to the numbers and location of refugees needing assistance and the organisation and personnel to deal with the help which is being accorded to them?

No, Sir. The total number of refugees who have moved from the East Punjab to the West Punjab and vice versa is 8,500,000 or thereabouts. Large numbers of them have been resettled in towns, villages and farms in the new countries to which they have gone. The Governments have made a very great effort to deal with this matter, but I have no details.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information of the number of sick and injured and how they are being treated?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of plain pottery imported during 1947; to what extent is plain pottery purchased in or from North Staffs, and later decorated by pigments, cellulose paints and other poisons; and what action has been or will be taken to prevent this dangerous practice.

The value of retained imports of plain domestic pottery during the first 10 months of this year was £194,000. I do not know precisely how much plain pottery is purchased from North Staffordshire or elsewhere for later decoration, but 12 concerns are specifically licensed to do this work for export. Fourteen private persons have licences on hardship grounds to decorate pottery for the home market. I have had no corn-plaints about the possible danger to health caused by the use of ware decorated with unfired colours, but I will arrange for an immediate investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of pottery exported and the amount allowed for the home market during 1947; what complaints he has received about the shortage in this country; and what action does he intend to take to bring about a large increase in the output of pottery, sanitary requirements, electrical insulators, etc.

During the first nine months of this year sales for export were valued at £7,058,186 and sales for the home market, excluding Government orders, at £6,137,100. I receive many complaints about the shortage of supplies at home and am doing all I can to help manufacturers to increase production but in view of the great and growing importance of pottery exports I cannot, I regret, promise any early easing of the supply position at home. I am assured that my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Supply and Works are doing all they can to encourage the production of electrical porcelain and sanitary ware respectively.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that this industry is making a substantial contribution towards our economic recovery, and that it could make a much greater? If so, will he take energetic steps to set machinery in motion that would bring about an enormous increase in production?

I certainly agree that this industry is making a great contribution both to the export drive and to supplies for the civilian market, and anything I can do to help the industry to do more, I shall be glad to do.

Will my right hon. Friend then consider the advisability of calling an early conference consisting of representatives of all interests in order that they may pool their ideas, with a view to carrying out the policy he has agreed upon?

I have already been making arrangements to meet both sides of the industry as early as I can in the New Year.

Has the Minister any news about the setting up of the development council about which we were promised some information before the end of the year?

There is a Question down on the Order Paper later this afternoon about the development council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been reached with renters and exhibitors for the distribution of short British documentary films, either produced commercially or sponsored by the Central Office of Information.

All British short documentary films can benefit by the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938. For one ten-minute film every month there is also, I understand, a special arrangement between the exhibitors and the Central Office of Information which assures these films of distribution to a substantial majority of the cinemas.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the present position is that important documentary films—as, for example, the recent C.O.I. film "The World is Rich"—are unable to obtain exhibition on any of the main cinema circuits, and in view of the shortage of British films to fill cinema time, will he exercise his influence with the distributors to get this state of affairs remedied?

I have been going specially into the question of the film mentioned by my hon. Friend only this week, and I can tell him that I am discussing this question, and other similar matters, with the exhibitors early in the New Year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the general financial implications for the British film industry involved in the statement issued on 11th December by the General Cinemas Finance Corporation, a copy of which has been sent to him, and if, in view of the fact that the Secretary of this Corporation resigned just prior to the publication of this statement, he will appoint a Commission of inquiry to examine the best methods of protecting the future of the British film industry.

My hon. Friend no doubt refers to the statement issued by Odeon Theatres Ltd., which is to be considered tomorrow by the shareholders. Until this has been done, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to offer any comment. On the question of protecting the future of the British film industry, I hope it may be possible for me to deal with this matter at the time of the Second Reading of the Cinematograph Films Bill.

In view of the extraordinary revelations which were contained in this statement, of the widespread concern aroused by this matter, and of the fact that the meeting of shareholders tomorrow is a foregone conclusion in view of Mr. Rank's holdings, will my right hon. Friend consider the necessity of protecting the interests of the British film industry by having a special inquiry, apart from the action he is projecting under the new Films Bill?

I do not think any action of any kind is called for until after the shareholders' meeting.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that on the evidence already before him there is a case for an investigation under the Companies Act of 1947?

The powers under the Companies Act as now operative would only enable me to initiate an inquiry on the application of not less than 200 shareholders who could show good reason for requiring an investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which trade associations were consulted with regard to the question of representation on the Raw Cotton Commission.

The members of the Raw Cotton Commission have been selected for their personal qualifications without reference to trade associations.

In view of the fact that the Raw Cotton Commission has worked with the cotton industry, would it not have been beneficial to have had such consultation with the various trade associations concerned?

I do not think that would have added anything to the information we had already from the gentlemen who were selected. In fact, most, if not all, so far appointed, apart from the full-time members, have been serving in an advisory capacity, and the cotton industry has been working with them now for some years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons and undertakings were adjudicated bankrupt between January, 1919, and August, 1939; what was the average number yearly; and how many from July, 1945, to November, 1947.

Including bankruptcy orders and deeds of arrangements, the figures are 113,554, representing an average of 5,494 a year for the period January, 1919, to August, 1939. For the period July, 1945, to November, 1947, the total number was 136.

Does not the Minister agree that these figures in themselves are a substantial repudiation of the cries of "wolf, wolf," that we hear from certain quarters?

I think these figures speak for themselves.

Has any analysis been carried out to ascertain how many were spivs, drones, eels and butterflies, respectively?

No, Sir, I think it would take too many civil servants to analyse the figures of the spivs, drones, etc., who have become bankrupt.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many farmers or farming undertakings were adjudicated bankrupt between January, 1919, and August, 1939; and how many between July, 1945, and November, 1947.

Including bankruptcy orders and deeds of arrangement the figures are: for January, 1919, to August, 1939, 7,456; and for the period from July, 1945, to November, 1947, 76.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last time we had a Socialist Government, the number of agricultural bankruptcies increased by 30 per cent.? Is he taking steps to see that the position does not again deteriorate?

The Question relates to the dates set out on the Order Paper and I am not aware—though I could answer the Question if it were put down—that bankruptcies came to an end in 1931.

Does not the fact that the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) has just quoted illustrate the difference between a majority Socialist Government and a minority Socialist Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in the City of Aberdeen there is a shortage of outsize garments, particularly nether garments, for men and boys over six feet in height; and will he take steps to increase the supply and the size, especially in view of the letter which has been sent to him from the mother of a boy 6 feet 2 inches tall, who though offered employment, cannot go to work until he can obtain long trousers.

I am not aware that the shortage of outsize men's garments is more severe in Aberdeen than elsewhere, but I am having special steps taken to deal with the case to which my hon. and learned Friend refers.

Does the Minister realise that the Question refers not only to nether garments, but to outsize garments of all kinds?

Yes, Sir, so did my answer.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear in mind the equalitarian principles of the Socialist creed in considering this matter, and does he realise that many people in Scotland have taken to wearing the kilt because of the shortage of nether garments?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that even prewar it was not always easy to get ready-made suits for very tall boys, whether in Aberdeen or anywhere else.

Would the Minister pay particular attention to ladies' size 9 shoes?

What is the difference between nether garments and trousers in Aberdeen?

Kilts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the contribution of the pottery factory of the English Co-operative Wholesale Society to the total export of pottery in the first nine months of this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what contribution to the export trade in footwear and soap in the first nine months of this year was made by the footwear and soap factories of the English and Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Societies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the total manufacturing output of the English and Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Societies is to be allocated to assist in reaching export targets.

Export targets are normally set for industries rather than for individual firms or groups of firms. For this reason no specific export target has been allotted to the English and Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Societies, although, like other industrial undertakings, they are expected to play their full part in the attainment of the export targets for those branches of industry in which they are engaged. As regards the Co-operative Wholesale Society's exports of footwear, soap and pottery, it would not be proper for me to disclose the export performance of any individual undertaking.

May I ask the President of the Board of Trade to assure the House that every care will be taken to allay any possible suspicion that the co-operative societies will receive any biased treatment in this respect, and can he assure the House that if the co-operative societies are unable to attain such export targets as are set, they will, in accordance with the practice for other industries and businesses, be cut short of coal in consequence?

There is no ground for any public suspicion of any kind on this subject. I can certainly say that the Co-operative Wholesale Society's factories have been treated in exactly the same way as other factories in the same industries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why imported unsawn timber is still being taken by lorry from Liverpool Docks to isolated stone quarries in the Whitworth Valley, 40 miles away, for temporary storage, involving a waste of labour and petrol justified only in time of war.

This timber consists of heavy logs mainly of West African mahogany and I am informed that no suitable storage with the necessary mechanical handling facilities is available nearer the docks. In the main the logs are conveyed as return loads by transport carrying goods to the docks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the path to these quarries leads up a mountain road which is deep in mud in winter, and that the waste of tyres, lorries, petrol, etc., must be tremendous? Can he give any idea of the cost, and will he give urgent reconsideration to this matter?

I agree that the situation is not satisfactory, but I do not know how soon it will be before we can make other arrangements, because that depends on the rate of arrival of these logs in the future, and also on the extent to which we are successful in finding other accommodation.

Would my right hon. Friend look into the question of effecting economies in this matter by the import of sawn and dry timbers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade approximately the number of single shops opened-up in England and Wales since the end of the war; how many of these have failed; how the present total number of these shops compares with the 1938 figure; and the aggregate number who are engaged in shop-keeping and assistance.

Control over the opening of new shops is now confined to the food trades. Information about the total number of shops opened since the end of the war and the number of these which have failed is not, therefore, available, but from 16th August, 1945, to 15th October, 1947, 37,164 licences were issued in England and Wales to sell food by retail, and 11,822 licences were revoked, giving a net increase of 25,342. These figures include a number of licence holders not operating from shop premises. Particulars of the total number of shops operating in England and Wales, and of the number of persons engaged in shopkeeping, will not be known until the results of the first National Census of Distribution, which is planned for 1950, are available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what application has been made by Messrs. Little-woods for a coupon float to enable them to open the store in Deansgate, Bolton, now being converted for this purpose; and whether it is his intention to make an allocation of coupons.

No application of that kind has been made by Messrs. Little-woods.

In view of the position that may arise if this retail store were allowed to open, which would have the effect of diverting essential labour from the cotton mills, will my right hon. Friend assure the House, having regard to the absence of consumer need in the area, that he will refuse the application for a coupon float if the application should be made?

We normally only give a coupon float if we are sure that the firm is re-opening after having been closed during the war, or where consumer need is established. It is certain that neither of those conditions has been fulfilled in this case. As to the danger that the proposal to open the shop would draw female labour from the cotton mills, my hon. Friend is having discussions with the firm concerned to see that that does not occur.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for coupon floats have been made to his Regional Office by applicants in Bolton during the last 12 months; and how many have been refused.

Sixty applications, of which 55 were for retail trade, one for making-up and four for wholesale, for coupon floats, have been made during the year to the Board of Trade regional office in Manchester by applicants in Bolton. Of these applications 13 have been granted, 14 refused, 29 have not been followed up by the applicants, and four are still pending.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that although a sum of money was granted by the Bank of England to Mr. C. Hopkinson of The Court House, East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, for the purchase of rare books in Europe for export to the United States of America, a delay of eight weeks occurred before his Department issued the necessary import licence; and whether in the interests of the export drive and our need of dollars he will give an assurance that for such cases in the future the issue of import licences will be expedited.

Following the revocation of the open general licence for imports of non-fiction books on 12th September last, the volume of applications for individual licences has been very heavy. Delay in dealing with these applications is inevitable until the heavy accumulation of arrears has been overtaken. Steps are being taken to reduce the delay.

Is it really necessary, in spite of the volume of applications, for letters not to be answered for weeks or even acknowledged? Is it not of some importance that a matter, of this kind, which produces dollars for this country, should be expedited, and assisted?

As I have said, steps have been taken to put this right.

Is it not also undesirable that Europe's rare books should go to America, and find a place in such an uncultured and uncouth part of the world?

will the right hon. Gentleman consider consulting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about what urgent steps can be taken to preserve this country as the central market for books and pictures?

Yes, we will be very glad to do anything we can.

On a point of Order. May I ask for your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in Order to describe a friendly State like America as "an uncultured and uncouth part of the world?"

I cannot say that I think it is out of Order; it is merely a matter of taste.

In case there is any misunderstanding about the phrase I have used, and with the intention of making sure that there is no real offence meant towards the United States of America, with whom we are in friendly relations, I withdraw the use of the words "uncultured and uncouth," lest a wrong meaning should be put upon them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what facilities are now being granted by his Department for the supply of paper for the publishing of new magazines started since 1945, other than those which are permitted a maximum of 8 cwt. per month.

Under the Control of Paper, No. 70 Order, no new periodical or newspaper may be published if it uses more than 8 cwt. of paper in four months, except under licence. Licences are only granted in very exceptional cases, of which there have been six in the last 12 months.

Will my right hon. Friend state what these six are? Can he reconcile the information he has just given with the advertisement in the Press of the magazine "Future," started, I understand, since 1945, which is advertising with a view to obtaining subscribers? Is a magazine justified in advertising for new subscribers, when it has an allocation of paper of only 8 cwt. a month?

I would like to have notice of the second part of that supplementary question. The six magazines are, respectively, "Instructional Screen," "Christian Renewal," "Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons," "International Union of Mineworkers Bulletin," "Coal," and "Voice of the Overseas Chinese."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the magazine "Future" is printed in Czechoslovakia, imported into this country, and re-exported, largely for dollars?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that paper might be saved by amalgamating these publications?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the increased stocks of women's outerwear held by retailers, he will consider down-pointing such garments for a limited period.

No, Sir. I do not regard the stocks of women's outerwear held by retailers as abnormally large, and all available stocks of clothing will be required to meet the ration during the coming months when the demands of the export programme will make themselves increasingly felt.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that last week, in answer to a Question of mine, the Parliamentary Secretary said that the stocks in the hands of retailers were today 44 per cent. above those of a year ago? Does he consider those stocks abnormal? Is he further aware that fashions are changing and retailers may have considerable difficulty in disposing of these stocks?

It is true that the stocks of women's wear, as compared with men's wear, have got a bit out of balance. But, as has already been stated, the production of men's wear is increasing, and of women's wear decreasing, which will help to redress the balance.

Will my right hon. Friend now consider answering the letter I wrote to him a little while ago on the same subject, without my putting a Question on the Order Paper?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, when an advance in wages is granted by the appropriate wages council or other negotiating body, in certain industries, which are subject to control by the Raw Materials Department of the Board of Trade, only 80 per cent. of this wages increase is allowed in any adjustment in selling price; and if he is satisfied that this is in the best interests of production.

I am always anxious to keep prices generally as low as possible. Controlled prices are normally considered on the basis of ascertained costs of production. When an application is made for an increase in such prices immediately after a wage increase, it cannot be assumed that the net increase in costs will be equivalent to the amount of the wage increase. It is, therefore, the normal practice of the Board of Trade not to allow the full amount of the wage increase, but to leave a margin which can be covered in the prices at a later stage when actual costs of production over a reasonable period of working has been ascertained. Ordinarily 20 per cent, is considered to be a fair margin unless special circumstances exist. I am satisfied that this method with the provision for an ex post facto review, is the most likely to serve the best interests of all concerned, including consumers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while he may be satisfied, the members of the Chambers of Commerce which are concerned with the operation of these regulations are by no means satisfied, and think it extremely inadequate that they should have to pay wage advances immediately and have to wait for a year for a review of their figures?

We have to think of the consumers as well as the Chambers of Commerce.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give further information about the removal of the subsidies from utility cotton and wool cloth.

Yes, Sir. I have now arranged for the subsidy on utility cotton apparel cloths and handkerchief cloths to be discontinued on all cloth invoiced from the weavers to the converters after 31st December. The detailed arrangements for dealing with the subsidy on utility wool cloth are still being worked out and there will be no change in the existing arrangements before the end of February, 1948.

Will my right hon. Friend say what measures he has in mind to restore the stability of prices which the removal of the subsidies will endanger?

We are discussing the prices with the trades concerned. It will be our intention to see that the increase in prices resulting from the removal of the subsidies is kept as small as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what development councils have been appointed under the Industrial Organisation Act; when it is expected that others will be set up; and if he will make a statement.

No development councils have yet been appointed. Good progress has however been made towards the establishment of a council for the cotton industry, and I hope to publish during the Recess a White Paper containing my proposals. Discussions are proceeding with several other industries, and though they have not hitherto gone as fast or as far as I should have liked, I intend to press them forward, and hope to be able to lay proposals before the House early in the New Year.

Will the Minister assure the House that the development council for the pottery industry will not be reduced in its powers from being an executive body to one of an advisory nature?

I would certainly say, in regard to a number of development councils, that in case there is any misunderstanding on this point we intend to proceed with development councils in the full form in which they were envisaged when Parliament passed the Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that perhaps his difficulties in setting up these councils are due to the decision not to accept representatives from the various trade associations—that the Ministry want to select individuals themselves?

I do not think that the difficulties have anything to do with it.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has given instructions that the sale of coal gas for the propulsion of motor vehicles is not to be permitted; and if so, under what regulation.

No, Sir. But my right hon. Friend has power to issue a direction under the Control of Motor Fuel Order, 1947, restricting the use of gaseous fuels, if this should become necessary.

Is it not a fact that a circular was sent round the regional offices instructing them that they should not grant permission for this purpose?

I am not aware of that fact.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable misunderstanding as to the circumstances under which gas can now be used for the propulsion of mechanical vehicles, and will he issue an authoritative statement to clear up this doubt?

I hope that the answer that I have given will do that.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the low quality of pool petrol, of the resulting low mileage obtained and the undue wear upon engines; and what steps are being taken to improve this quality.

I agree that pool petrol, though superior to the average grades supplied before the war for commercial vehicles is in some respects inferior to the prewar No. 1 grades used for most private cars. I regret, however, that I cannot hold out hope of any immediate improvement, since directly or indirectly this would involve additional dollar expenditure.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what he is doing in order to improve the refining facilities here, and thereby improve the quality of the petrol supply?

I think there is another Question on the Order Paper on that matter.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will arrange for exhibitions in large towns of modern fuel-burning appliances, and for advice as to their use.

Yes, Sir. Arrangements for exhibitions of modern domestic fuel burning appliances in London and Glasgow are in hand; similar arrangements will be made in the North Western Region as soon as suitable premises can be obtained. Technical officers will be available at these exhibitions to give advice.

I presume that the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that if coal were not burned wastefully we should have all the coal we need, and should also see the sun much more often than we do?

We are anxious to have the utmost fuel efficiency and economy. That is the reason for our technical officers and for these exhibitions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many electricity supply authorities have initiated schemes whereby any necessary load-shedding cuts are arranged so as to fall upon particular groups of consumers, whether domestic or industrial, within their areas on a specified day or days of the week; how many authorities have not initiated such schemes; and what method is being used to bring particulars of each such scheme to the knowledge of the individuals affected.

Precise information is not available as to how many of the 570 electricity undertakings have adopted a rota system of load shedding, but the system has certainly been widely adopted by undertakings throughout the country for at least a part of their load. All large industrial firms affected have been notified individually; the remainder have been notified either by post or by advertisement in the local Press.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that these schemes can make a great contribution to public convenience as well as to the economising of electricity if they are widely known to the domestic consumer? Is he aware of the widespread ignorance on the part of the public about the very existence of such schemes, and will he do his best to bring to the notice of the public generally knowledge of the operation of the schemes?

There should be no ignorance on the part of the public where undertakings have introduced this system, as it has been widely advertised in the local Press. There are technical difficulties about making this a rigid national scheme.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will define the respective functions and responsibilities of the Economic Section of the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Department of the Economic Secretary of the Treasury and the Planning Board under Sir Edward Plowden; and to which Minister the last-named body is now responsible.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 15th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton).

asked the Prime Minister which of the functions of the Economic Secretary to the Treasury are new and which transferred from another Ministry.

Generally speaking, the Economic Secretary assists my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on that part of his duties which previously fell to him as Minister for Economic Affairs, and, therefore, on duties which have been transferred from that office.

Am I right in assuming that there are no new functions and no transferred functions, and that since there was not an opportunity, on the Bill which appointed this new Minister, for the House to discuss anything other than his salary, the Prime Minister will give the House a chance of discussing the functions of this new important Minister?

That matter can be discussed on a Supply Day on the Estimates, or on any other appropriate occasion.

Is there any mode of approach to this new Minister other than through the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and can any question be put down to him?

The normal course would be to put down a question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and, no doubt, if it was appropriate, the Economic Secretary would answer it.

Can the Prime Minister give an assurance that the appointment of this new Economic Secretary will in no way relax the old established rule that Departments must have Treasury permission before they can spend money?

Certainly. It has nothing to do with that at all.

Can the Prime Minister give an assurance that there will be no interference with the Foreign Secretary's Economic Department by this office?

I do not see how that arises at all.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make statement in regard to the South Africa Aid to Britain Fund.

Yes, Sir. The House will recall that on 18th October, 1946, I received from Field-Marshal Smuts a gold certificate in the sum of £985,000 from the people of the Union of South Africa and the people of Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, and a draft for £196,625 from the people of Durban and the Province of Natal. To both these gifts further sums have since been added. Field Marshal Smuts laid upon me the responsibility of distributing this gift, and I decided that a Committee of Members of Parliament drawn from all Parties should be set up to advise me. As the House will remember I asked you, Mr. Speaker, to act as Chairman of this Committee, though not in your official capacity.

I have today laid in the Library of the House copies of the report of the Committee with other relevant documents. The Report, as hon. Members will see, broadly recommends that one half of the money should be dedicated to the benefit of the young, one-fifth to the benefit of the old, and the remainder to the benefit of others who have a particular claim to our gratitude or compassion. I am in entire agreement with the conclusions of the Committee, to which, and in particular to you, Mr. Speaker, its Chairman, I should like to express my thanks for accepting and carrying out this task. To the givers of this gift we are profoundly grateful. Their names will in one way or another be linked with the schemes which we have in mind and those who in the days to come reap the fruits of their generosity will not forget them.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Government have any plans for the further development of scientific research as an aid to solving the problems of industrial production.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether more assistance will be given to the solution of current industrial and economic problems through the application of scientific research.

Yes, Sir. I am advised that while a major contribution to industrial productivity cannot be expected in the short run from current research in the natural sciences there are considerable possibilities of increased returns, first, from the more widespread application of research already carried out in the natural sciences and technology, and, secondly, from current research in the social science field.

I have, therefore, decided, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to supplement the work of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy by setting up a new Committee on Industrial Productivity.

The terms of reference of the Committee are:

"To advise the Lord President of the Council and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the form and scale of research effort in the natural and social sciences which will best assist an early increase in industrial productivity and further to advise on the manner which the results of such research can best be applied."

The main work of the Committee, of which Sir Henry Tizard will be chairman, will be conducted through a number of panels which will be constituted from time to time to investigate and report on various aspects of the problem. In the first instance panels are being set up to deal with Technology and Operational Research under the chairmanship of Sir William Stanier, F.R.S., Import Substitution under Prof. S. Zuckerman, C.B., F.R.S., the Human Factors Affecting Industrial Productivity under the chairmanship of Sir George Schuster, K.C.S.I., K.C.M.G., C.B.E., M.C., and Technical Information Services under the chairmanship of Dr. Alexander King. I will circulate further details, including the names of the other members of the Committee, except those still to be chosen in consultation with the employers and trades unions, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Lord President say how he will ensure that the functions of this new body will not overlap those of the Scientific Advisory Committee, the development councils for industry to be set up by the President of the Board of Trade, and the Industrial Health Research Board, all of which are already doing good work in this and allied fields?

Sir Henry Tizard will be chairman of this Committee, and that will provide a link with the Scientific Advisory Council. With regard to the other bodies mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, they will be associated by appropriate official representation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give considerable satisfaction to research workers in industry throughout the country, and may I ask if these planners will be working in close co-operation with the existing research associations?

Yes, Sir. Appropriate steps will be taken with that end in view.

In view of the importance of this matter, and the possibility of badly needed improvements in managerial efficiency, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be interim reports, and whether the Committee will consider means for disseminating this information so that it gets down to the very smallest firm?

Yes, Sir. Certainly that will be done. Suitable reports will be disseminated through the appropriate channels, and it may be desirable that a collective statement should be issued publicly from time to time.

Can the Lord President say whether any of these chairmen are to be paid?

No, Sir, they are not.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Miners' Union Lodges have passed resolutions refusing to admit Polish or other volunteers to the mines; and how many have agreed to their admission.

I am not aware of the number of resolutions passed but the general position is now sound.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has now received definite proposals from the Italian Government about the importation of miners from Italy to this country to help in the export of coal; and what decision has been reached.

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that he has yet only received an informal note on this subject. At present, therefore, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power on 6th November.

Will the Minister tell us if he knows for certain that there are spare miners in Italy; and, if there are, does he not consider it would be very advantageous to this country to bring them here, even though all the coal was exported back to Italy?

I think I must confine myself to the answer I have already given.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this policy is being considered in connection with the policy of the International Refugee Committee, of which His Majesty's Government is a participating member, which wishes to have work found for refugees in this and other countries? Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the two things in relation to each other.

I could not give a specific answer to the noble Lord. I think that that is so, but I would like to look at it.

asked the Minister of Labour why Command Paper No. 7266 was tabled on 26th November, 1947, and was not available in the Vote Office or on the Table of the House before 6 p.m. on 27th November, 1947.

The earliest time at which this Command Paper could be published was 6 p.m. on Thursday, 27th November. As I was anxious to advise the House of its forthcoming publication, I presented it in dummy on 26th November so that it would appear in Votes and Proceedings the next morning.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is desirable for these things to be tabled in dummy some 20 hours before they are actually available to hon. Members, and whether it is in accordance with the precedents of this House that that should be done?

In this connection, I thought that I was entitled to a medal, from the hon. Gentleman. This Paper reached me at about 12 o'clock on Tuesday morning and, being anxious that the House should get it without delay, and as I could not get it printed earlier, I had it presented in dummy so that all hon. Members would he aware of the fact that it would be ready on the following day.