asked the Minister of Education what arrangements he has made to ensure that schools and youth organisations can obtain sports kit.

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the circular letter setting out the arrangements under which local education authorities, schools and youth organisations may obtain games and physical training clothing for loan to pupils or members. Footballs, hockey sticks and similar equipment may now be purchased through ordinary trade channels.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that Mr. S. Dawson, who was demobilised on 3rd June, 1946, was accepted as a candidate for the Emergency Training Scheme for Teachers on 26th January, 1946, but has not so far heard when he is likely to enter a training college, although it appears that several people, who applied after him, are being admitted; and whether he will take steps to expedite the admittance of Mr. Dawson to a teachers training college.

In accordance with his place on the waiting list, Mr. Dawson is being offered admission to a college course beginning in January.

asked the Minister of Education what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to give effect to the recommendation of the Special Committee on Education for Management that a committee of inquiry should visit the United States to investigate and report on the facilities for education in management in that country.

Negotiations for the development of education for management are now being carried on between my Department and the British Institute of Management. I do not consider it desirable to send a committee of inquiry to the United States at the moment, but the possibility of such a visit at an appropriate time will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will arrange for girls from 14 to 15 years of age to help in hospitals and nursing institutions during certain periods for part of their educational training as was done during the war, particularly in view of the fact that many are not learning anything beyond that taught to girls under 14 years of age.

No. I do not consider that in general, girls of this age should be engaged on work of this character. Local education authorities and schools have, however, discretion to arrange for suitable visits where they are satisfied that these visits will be in the educational interest of individual pupils. I do not accept the implication in the last part of the Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what embargoes have been, or are likely to be, placed by the Swiss Government, on British goods, in retaliation for the Government's restrictions on foreign travel.

No action of the kind suggested has been taken by the Swiss Government nor, so far as I am aware, are any contemplated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the scarcity of men's shirts at reasonable prices in the shops in Leicester; and whether he will take steps to improve the supply.

Medium priced shirts are somewhat scarce generally because of the demobilisation programme and the increased export trade in cloth, but I am not aware that supplies in Leicester are below the general level.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is an acute shortage of meat skewers required by retail butchers, particularly in the Birmingham, Bournemouth and Sheffield areas; and what measures are being taken to improve supplies in the interests of food distribution.

There is a general shortage of meat skewers deriving from raw material shortages, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food and I are doing our best to ensure supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether now he will consider granting a float of clothing coupons to the Boy Scouts Association to enable them to issue their members with coupon-free uniforms.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Waterloo (Captain Bullock) on 15th December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what new industries have been established in the Highlands and Islands since VE-Day; how many new factories or extensions have been approved, commenced construction, or begun production in the same period; and how many persons do they employ.

The following industries new to the Highlands and Islands have been established there since VE-Day; processing of shark liver, extraction of wax from peat, and hosiery manufacture. In addition a new coal mine has started production at Machrihanish. Eighteen new factories and extensions of 5,000 square feet and over have been approved during the same period. Four of these are complete and in production and the construction of a further seven has commenced. The four completed are now employing 151 persons (70 men and 81 women).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fears of makers-up in the clothing trades that shortage of cloth will lead to the partial closing down of factories early next year and to the discharge of a considerable number of workers and if he will give an assurance that yet greater efforts will be made to recruit additional workers for the woollen and cotton trades so as to secure greater production of cloth both for export and home consumption.

Yes. Everything possible is being done to devise ways and means for achieving the maximum increase of cloth production through increased recruitment of labour and other means.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the extreme shortage in West Somerset of rubber wellington boots for men, women and children; and will he take steps to increase supplies in this area.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Lowestoft (Mr. E. Evans) on 4th December, and to the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 9th December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the concession gained at Geneva on synthetic rubber consumption has been vitiated by the words "reclaimed rubber," as set out in the Schedule to the agreement; and what steps he is taking to counteract this.

It is quite true that a misunderstanding arose in the last stages of the Geneva negotiations. The United States Delegation made it clear at an early stage that they were anxious to secure reductions in the preferences accorded by the Colonies, and we finally agreed to the concession in Section C of Schedule XIX of the General Agreement. We attached a condition, however. This concession could be suspended if United States regulations required more than a certain percentage of consumption of general purpose synthetic rubber. Unfortunately, there was no time for the full consultation we should have wished about the drafting of this condition, and it was only a few days after the close of the Conference that it became clear that the Clause did not in fact provide for the result we had intended.We at once took the matter up with the United States Government, and I am glad now to be able w tell the House that they have replied that they, too, would prefer that an undertaking on which there is not full accord between us should be suspended. It has accordingly been agreed that the concession in respect of the Colonial preferences and the condition about rubber should both be held over pending re-negotiation. It is understood that this arrangement does not involve relinquishing the concessions on either side, but leaves both sides free to agree mutually satisfactory terms to adjust them before they are brought into force.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what, in present circumstances, is the Government's attitude towards imports of goods which cannot be described as essential.

The main purpose of the present import policy is to protect the balance of payments by restricting imports to what we can afford to pay for, and within the total of our imports to secure the maximum quantity of essential foodstuffs and other goods which cannot be adequately supplied from home production. Within our overall unfavourable balance of payments, after allowing for the maximum possible diversion of exports to hard currency areas, there are, however, a number of countries with which we have favourable balances, even when we have obtained the maximum available supplies of essential goods, and from which extra purchases do not therefore cost us gold or dollars. From such countries it is clearly desirable to seek to obtain in the course of trade discussions a variety of goods which, though not strictly essential, are nevertheless useful. From other countries, with which our balance of payments is less favourable, the import of less essential goods must be more severely restricted, and can indeed only be permitted where exceptional considerations exist. Nevertheless, the object of our policy is to maintain international trade at the highest possible level and within this policy there is room for the exchange of available goods not strictly necessary to either party provided this is clearly advantageous to both.In making arrangements for the import of less essential goods, the emphasis will be on goods—both foodstuffs and consumer goods—which form a useful addition to home supplies and satisfy a general consumption demand. Such imports will, of course, be an extremely small proportion of our total import programme and will not include, as far as we can arrange it, consumption goods of a purely luxury character. The token import scheme, which is itself part of our current arrangements for the import of less essential goods, will in future be applied in accordance with the policy outlined above. The scheme will not continue automatically in 1948 for all the countries to which it has applied hitherto, but will continue in operation only for those countries which offer us an adequate return within our general trade arrangements with them. As has frequently been stated in this House and elsewhere, it is not the purpose of import licensing to give additional protection to home industries. We do not propose to allow less essential imports in cases where United Kingdom production for the home market is at present prohibited or restricted so heavily as to make unfair even a very limited flow of imports.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to indicate how long men called up to the Forces in 1947 and 1948 will be required to serve.

Yes. The attached table shows the period of service of men called up in 1947 and 1948. It supersedes the table in paragraph 5 of the White Paper "Call Up to the Forces in 1947 and 1948" (Cmd. 6831) which was issued before it had been decided that men called up in 1949 should serve for 12 months. I must make it plain that unforeseen developments may lead to a revision of the table. If that should prove necessary, it will be the Government's aim to give as much advance notice as possible of any change.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that Purchase Tax on batteries is now reduced from 50 per cent. to 33⅓ per cent., what is the position of retailers who bought batteries and paid the 50 per cent. Purchase Tax, but now that the tax has suddenly been reduced again, cannot pass on more than the 33⅓ per cent. to their customers.

I have no reason to think that the tax actually paid cannot be passed on.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that people who send money to members of the Navy, c/o G.P.O., London, have no means of knowing whether the recipient is in home or foreign waters, and that the action of the Admiralty in despatching a ship overseas can cause the sender of money to commit a criminal offence inadvertently; and what steps he proposes to take to alter this situation.

Whether a ship is in home or in foreign waters is usually known to the relatives and friends of those who serve in her. Anyone in doubt can send a postal order.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give instructions that, so long as basic petrol is not available, Ministerial and official cars are not on any account to be used for pleasure motoring.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the suspension of the basic petrol ration, he will give instructions that official cars allotted to Ministers shall only be used for official purposes in connection with such Ministers' duties and shall no longer be used on a mileage basis for the benefit of Ministers' families.

I would refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 11th December.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the attitude of his local officers in regard to Mr. Thomas Darling, of Shoeburyness, Essex; and whether he will ensure that this man will not be directed in such a way as to break up his family life.

My inquiries are not yet complete but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am in possession of the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give a complete list of the categories of persons who are prohibited from emigrating to the Dominions, Colonies and Mandated Territories.

I know of no such categories, but perhaps the hon. and gallant Member would let me know more precisely what he has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the cost of living bonus, granted to established civil servants and certain grades of temporary civil servants on 1st July last, will be granted to "S" grade civil servants who have become established after temporary service.

No cost of living bonus was granted on 1st July, but improved rates of pay were given to civil servants in certain clerical grades from that date. The pay of "S" class clerks is now under discussion with the recognised staff associations.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which of the major cinema circuits has now arranged to distribute the C.O.I. film "The World is Rich"; what are the reasons given for the refusals he has received; and what steps he proposes to take to secure adequate distribution of this type of film.

This film has not yet been offered to a major cinema circuit. These circuits get their films from distributors, one of whom, the British Lion Film Corporation, has lately arranged to offer the film to the circuits after it has been shortened. In reply to the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that cinema exhibitors are aware of the Government's desire to secure the widest possible showing of official films. The Central Office of Information have an agreement, which they greatly value, with the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association whereby one ten-minute film is made available free of cost each month to some 3,300 cinemas. In addition, longer films are offered through the commercial renters, and I ought frankly to say that a greater readiness on the part of exhibitors to book these longer films would be a very welcome assistance to the Central Office in their task of informing the community on a wide variety of subjects.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the National Coal Board's magazine entitled "Coal" is produced by the Central Office of Information and published by His Majesty's Stationery Office; upon what terms this arrangement was made; and if he will give an assurance that no expense will fall on funds other than those of the National Coal Board.

The Central Office of Information and His Majesty's Stationery Office prepared and published the first six issues of this magazine on behalf of the Ministry of Fuel and Power. The National Coal Board assumed responsibility for this and other mining publicity on 1st October, 1947, and from issue No. 7, on sale in November, 1947, the cost is borne by, and receipts accrue to, the National Coal Board, who will shortly take over direct responsibility for preparation and publication. Meanwhile such services as the National Coal Board cannot conveniently themselves provide at once are provided by the Central Office of Information and His Majesty's Stationery Office on a repayment basis.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what were the production costs of saleable deep-mined coal for the periods January to March, April to June, and July to September, 1946; and what are the figures for the corresponding periods in 1947.

The figures of production costs per ton commercially disposable for the various quarters of 1946 have already been published, in the Coalmining Industry Quarterly Statistical Statements to which I would refer the hon. Member. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 8th December to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will arrange for the quarterly statistical statements of the costs of production of the coalmining industry for 1947 to include a table, which will enable a fair comparison to be made with the figures published for the corresponding periods of 1946.

These statements will be published by the National Coal Board in future in a form which I have agreed with the Board; they will enable such comparisons to be made with the figures for 1946 as the changed circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the average wage per week, since the National Coal Board took over the mines, paid to cutters and fillers in the Durham and Northumberland coal field.

This is a matter for the National Coal Board, and I have asked the Board to communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal has been exported to the Argentine during the past twelve months; and, in view of the urgency of preserving our coal export markets before they are permanently lost to us, by the development of other means of finding power, what amount he hopes to ship to the Argentine during the year 1948.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "None." With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House on 17th December to which, pending the outcome of the trade negotiations now in progress, there is nothing I can usefully add.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what grounds the North-West Regional Coal Board are refusing licences to applicants who desire to establish drift mines.

The licensing of small mines under Section 36 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, is a matter for the National Coal Board and I have asked the Board to communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has any information as to the probable re-opening of the Wardley Colliery, County Durham.

This is a matter for the National Coal Board and I am asking the Board to communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power at what average price British coal for export is being offered to Continental buyers; and what the terms are of contracts which have been entered into as far as future supplies are concerned.

I have no information which would enable me to answer either the first or the second parts of this Question, but I have asked the National Coal Board to communicate direct with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why miners are entitled to about 10 tons. 8 cwt. of coal per annum, at a cost of about £10, while the ordinary consumer gets about 2 tons 10 cwt. at a similar charge.

In the majority of coalfields miners who are householders are and have been for many years entitled to allowances of coal free or at concessionary rates under their contracts of service. The quantities so supplied are within limits set out in various collective district agreements made between the previous owners and the men's representatives and are among the thousands of other collective agreements governing terms and conditions of employment at the vesting date which the National Coal Board agreed with the unions concerned to honour as though the Board had been a party to them. These allowances are thus part of the wage structure of the industry and are in no way comparable either from the point of view of quantity, or price with supplies of coal to domestic consumers generally.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the fact that only five per cent. of the boys conscripted for work in coal mines wish to remain in the mining industry and that mining is a profession of national importance, what further steps are being taken to improve conditions in the mining areas.

Reliable information as to the proportion of these boys who have volunteered to remain in the industry is not available, and in view of the fact that many of the young men concerned had previously trained for other occupations to which they were naturally anxious to return, such information would not afford a sound basis for assessing the relative attractiveness or otherwise of coalmining employment. A more reliable guide is the fact that the manpower employed in the industry has been increased by voluntary recruitment from under 693,000 at the beginning of this year to over 716,000 and that it is continuing to increase. I have no doubt that this is due, in large measure, to the very substantial improvements introduced in the industry this year by the National Coal Board in consultation with the National Union of Mineworkers and other Unions concerned.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the increase by 25s. per ton of bunker coal from 1st January, 1948, will have serious consequences on the operation of trawler fleets and will adversely affect the production of sea food; and if he consulted the fishing industry prior to his decision.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether before raising the price of bunker coal to the fishing industry he consulted the Minister of Food and the Minister of Agriculture on the serious effect this decision will have on the supply of fish.

The Government regard the prices to be charged for export and bunker coals as a matter for determination by the National Coal Board in the light of commercial considerations. Accordingly, with the resumption of overseas shipments on an appreciable scale, the Government have, so far as export and bunker prices are concerned, released the Board from the undertaking which they voluntarily gave at the vesting date, not to raise the general level of prices without the agreement of the Minister of Fuel and Power.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the consternation caused in the fishing industry by the sudden announcement that bunker coal is to be increased by 25s. per ton as from 1st January next; whether he has had consultations with the industry before coming to this decision; and whether he is aware of the grave effect this increase in cost will have on the production of a vital food.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him earlier today in answer to a similar question.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the need to export motor cars, if he will issue instructions to the National Coal Board to refrain from buying new motor cars during 1948.

No.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a number of pit ponies have recently been cast from various mines as unfit for further work and have been brought to the surface so weak and ill that they have had to be destroyed; and what steps are taken to ensure that animals working in the pits receive humane treatment.

I have no knowledge of the cases mentioned by the hon. Member, but if he will send me further details I will have inquiries made. The care and treatment of animals working in mines is strictly regulated by the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In addition to seven inspectors of horses, who spend their whole time in enforcing the law in this respect, other members of the Mines Inspectorate give part of their time to this work. All complaints made to my Department, whether anonymous or otherwise, are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken wherever necessary. All horses underground are in the care of competent horse-keepers, and it is part of the horse-keeper's duty not to allow any horse to go out to work in an unfit condition.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much gas the average gas balloon on private saloon motor cars holds in cubic feet or therms; and if this gas were used for domestic purposes how many average meals it would supply the necessary gas to cook.

About 175 cubic feet of gas which, I am advised, would cook from six to eight meals for a family of three persons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, arising out of the consideration which the Government are giving to the question of permitting gas conversion sets to be fitted to motor cars, the cost of which is some £50 each, and the heavy consumption that would increase the demand from the source of manufacture, he will consider alternatively allowing all such applicants to have a small quantity of petrol.

No.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proceedings have been instituted by his Department in the last few months against persons holding forged petrol coupons.

There have been no prosecutions in connection with forged petrol coupons since July. For the period from 1st January, 1947 to 2nd July 1947, there were 25 cases involving 41 defendants. The fines imposed and costs awarded amounted to £810 6s. and £236 13s. 6d. respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if a decision has yet been reached on whether hire cars are to be restricted to any particular radius; and what radius has been decided upon for urban and rural areas, respectively.

I have at present nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 20th November.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the increased demand for hired cars, if he will double the allocation of petrol now allowed to car hire services; or what increase he proposes.

No.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that many churches and chapels throughout the country are unable to obtain sufficient fuel for heating purposes; and whether he will arrange for places of worship to be given higher priority for supplies of coal or coke.

Buildings used for religious purposes are given every assistance that the supply situation permits. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of any individual cases brought to his notice I shall be glad to have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of supplementary claims for petrol, so far received; the number granted and the amount of petrol involved; what are the average numbers of claims daily being received; what additional number of officials have been engaged, and at what cost in salaries since the abolition of the basic ration.

The total number of additional staff engaged since the abolition of the basic ration is 263 plus 46 loaned by other Government Departments. The approximate cost is £6,000 per month. A full reply to this Question could only be extracted from the records kept at the regional petroleum offices with an expenditure of effort which could not be justified in present circumstances. I propose to review the information that can be obtained from the records at regional petroleum offices and I will make a full statement covering the work of those offices in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many applications for supplementary petrol await attention by the Regional Petroleum Officer, London Region; and how long it will take before these applications are dealt with.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of petrol has been allocated in the form of supplementary rations against new applications; how this figure compares with the basic ration; and what is the resultant net saving in dollars.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the Regional Petroleum. Office, Cambridge, has failed to deal promptly and efficiently with applications made in the past three months for supplementary petrol coupons; how many applications were received in that office between 1st September and 30th November; how many of such applications have been granted; how many refused; and how many had not been dealt with by 1st December.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I have already given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Tolley).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if all motor-car registration books will be returned to their owners by the petroleum officers in time for them to apply for their new licences on 1st January.

Every effort will be made to return all motor car and motor cycle registration books to their owners in time for new licences to be obtained. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will make suitable arrangements for the issue of licences without the production of registration books if it is found to be necessary.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that Mr. S. E. Druce, of Sluice Cottage, Alconbury, Hunts, applied on 28th August, 1947, for supplementary coupons to enable him to travel to and from his work, and that he had received no reply from the Regional Petroleum Office, Cambridge, by 4th December, 1947; and whether his application will be granted.

Mr. Druce was sent a reply on 8th September to his letter of 28th August, and after further correspondence an allowance of petrol has now been granted.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when it is expected that a decision will be reached on an application for a supplementary petrol allowance for Standard Twelve EKE 394 which was forwarded to Acton on 22nd September.

I regret the delay in dealing with this application. An allowance has now been granted.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will grant to people who live in isolated villages, with no bus service, petrol for recreation.

I regret I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for North Paddington (Captain Field), on 27th November, on this subject.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many persons are now employed in the petrol rationing system; and what is the estimated annual cost of office accommodation, paper, post-ages, salaries and wages to secure the the present system of restriction in petrol.

In Great Britain 1,842 at a total cost of £612,000 per annum. In addition the cost of petroleum rationing in Northern Ireland, approximately 58,000 per annum, is paid for by my Department. The cost of accommodation, postage and stationery is borne by the Departments responsible for those common services and I have no information as to the amounts involved.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he realises the hardship and loss caused to business people and others by the long time he takes to deal with applications for petrol allowances; and if he will now answer the letters sent to him by the hon. Member for Cheltenham on 18th and 19th November.

I am glad to say that fresh applications are now dealt with at Bristol within a few days, though appeals naturally take longer. I regret the delay in dealing with the hon. Member's letters. I, myself, have now replied to these.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when decisions are expected on the following applications for supplementary petrol allowances: for Packard BPP 353, whose owner, registered as a disabled person, applied to Acton on 2nd September; for DLB 213, whose owner, also registered as a disabled person, applied to Acton on 8th September; and Hillman Ten EGP 435, whose owner appealed to Acton on 3rd November.

I am advised that the owner of the first two vehicles is applying for a licence to operate the vehicles as hire cars, and is supporting his application by evidence that he is disabled and that embarking on this type of business will give him the best opportunity of permanent resettlement. In accordance with the normal procedure on such applications, the case was referred to the Ministry of Labour for advice and I am asking them to give their reply as soon as possible. The owner of the third vehicle, having had his first application for a supplementary allowance of petrol refused, asked the regional petroleum officer to reconsider the matter, and put forward a number of additional uses to which the vehicle would be put which were not set out in his first application. The application required further detailed examination in these circumstances, but the case will be decided shortly.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the profit of a farthing a gallon on pool burning oil and pool vaporising oil is insufficient to cover the costs of its efficient distribution in widely scattered areas, and if he will now authorise a larger sum.

The hon. and gallant Member is, I think, referring to the quantity rebate which the Petroleum Board grant to purchasers of more than 15,000 gallons a year of Pool burning oil or Pool vaporising oil. The profit margin of traders re-selling products which they have bought from the Petroleum Board depends on the price at which they re-sell which I do not fix and which, I understand, varies considerably with the actual circumstances.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if arrangements will be made in factories where machines are operated by electricity for some warning to be given of cuts in the supply so that danger to life and limb may be prevented.

I regret that owing to technical difficulties it is impossible to do this in every case. Electricity supply undertakings keep in touch with the larger industrial establishments so that they can take any necessary precautions. Where a rota system is in operation smaller industrial firms should know the day on which they may be cut off and can plan accordingly. If the hon. Member will let me know of any cases where load shedding is taking place in such a way as to cause danger, I will do what I can to remedy matters.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that many hundreds of private cars were used to take spectators to the Roderick-Boon fight on 9th December; and what action he will take to prevent similar misuses of petrol at a time when its use is restricted or prohibited to persons who live far from shopping centres or who have other genuine claims on available supplies.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the car park at Harringay Arena contained approximately 2,000 motor vehicles on the occasion of the Roderick-Boon boxing match on 9th December; how many of these vehicles were private cars; what check was made by his officials, or by the police; and with what result.

The car parks at Harringay Arena on 9th December were under the control of the National Car Parks Limited who have supplied the following figures of the number of vehicles accommodated: Cars, 227; Taxicabs, 77; Coaches, 22. I am informed that three police officers were specially engaged in checking these cars and that according to their estimate, some 75 per cent. were private hire vehicles. The drivers of over half the remaining cars were questioned as to their use of petrol. In the great majority of cases a satisfactory explanation was forthcoming. In two cases the question of proceedings under the Control of Motor Fuel Order is under consideration and in another six cases investigation is still proceeding. In addition to the vehicles actually parked at the Arena it is estimated that about 500 other cars (the bulk of them displaying Hackney carriage plates) took spectators to and from the event. A large number of taxicabs were also similarly engaged. In these circumstances it seems clear that there was, on the occasion in question, no contravention of the law on the scale suggested.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why only one political party has received representation upon the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council; and what consultations took place with the Women's Political Party Organisations before this representation was accorded.

No member of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council was appointed as the representative of a political party. The women's organisations consulted were selected because they represented large numbers of housewives and not because of any political affiliations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many gallons of petrol were used per week during September; and what was the amount used during the first week of December, following the abolition of basic petrol.

Figures of the petrol used are not available. Deliveries by the Petroleum Board for civilian consumption during the four weeks ending 25th September averaged 99,335 tons per week. Deliveries in the week ending 11th December, which is the first complete week covered by the available figures, were 73,257 tons. I should however warn the hon. Member not to draw any conclusions from these figures. I hope to make a statement on this matter in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that coal merchants in the Carlton District of Nottinghamshire have recently had their supplies for domestic consumers cut by 10 per cent.; if there is to be any further cut during Christmas week; and for how long these arrangements have been in the possession of depot managers.

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the plan for allocations of house coal had to be settled many months in advance of the period of operation. The allocations for the present winter were provisionally fixed in June last when it was hoped to provide an appreciable increase in supplies of house coal. When the position was reviewed in October in the light of production during the summer months, the generally serious economic situation and the imperative need for meeting the requirements of industry in full, it was decided that no increase was possible on last winter's actual supplies. The provisional allocations fixed last June were accordingly adjusted as from 1st December. The adjustments affected nearly all areas, the amount depending on local circumstances such as the level of receipts during the summer period and the latest available numbers of registered consumers. In the Carlton district of Nottinghamshire the reduction was over 9 per cent. No further reduction need be expected. With regard to the last part of the Question, depot managers were warned of a forthcoming reduction about the middle of October and were informed of the amount a few days later.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the supplies of coal for domestic use in the Merseyside area for the winter of 1947–48 can be increased beyond the quantity and weight allocated during the winter of 1946–47, which was insufficient for domestic needs.

As I informed the House in the statement I made on 17th December we are giving every possible consideration to the needs of domestic consumers, subject to the requirements of industry and the necessity for exporting coal. I cannot say more at present than that the amount of coal available per household this winter on Merseyside, as in other areas should be at least as much as last year.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the amount of domestic coal supplied to Hull during the summer six months, 1st May to 31st October; the amount retained as ground stock by merchants; the amount delivered to consumers on special licences; and, after deducting these two amounts, what should have been the average delivery per registration out of the 20 cwt. allocation for that period.

During this period referred to receipts of house coal in the Hull district amounted to 120,333 tons, of which 15,163 tons were taken into stock by merchants, and 6,843 tons disposed of under licence. The deliveries excluding licences would average a little less than 18 cwt. per registration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that a domestic coal consumer in Larpent Avenue, Putney, S.W.15, whose name and address have been sent to him, who has three children of school age and an invalid husband confined to bed with active tuberculosis for over six months, has been unable to provide any fire for his room, owing to no coal being delivered to her during the eight months March to November, although registered with J. Dorrington and since 1st October to C. Crowhurst, Limited; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that this consumer and others registered with these merchants do not lose their summer delivery of the London average of 10 cwt. of coal.

I am informed that 5 cwt. of coal was supplied to this consumer in two deliveries on 10th and 24th May, and 6 cwt. on 12th November. Unfortunately no request was made to the local fuel office for extra supplies on account of illness until information was received by the merchant from my hon. Friend. A delivery of 6 cwt. was then made on 8th December. This consumer has also been visited by the local fuel inspector and a licence has been granted for a further supply. Any other cases of hardship will be considered in the normal way if application is made to the fuel office.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of domestic coal merchants and dealers, respectively, in Hull; the total number of domestic coal consumers registered for the full amount available and for licence deliveries, respectively; the number of new registrations made in the summer six months, 1st May to 31st October; and how often additional coal is allocated to merchants for new registrations.

There are 187 licensed coal merchants in Hull of whom 109 would be described as dealers. The number of consumers, registered for coal supplies is 109,796, of whom 8,673 received additional quantities under licence during the period 1st May to 31st October, 1947. New registrations during the same period totalled 1,160. Merchants allocations are revised each six months but adjustments are made at other times if warranted by the circumstances.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in order to ensure a supply of gas to Helston, arrangements have yet been concluded for him to supply financial and technical assistance to the Helston Gas Company.

A letter has been sent to the Helston Gas Company indicating the terms on which assistance will be provided, and we are now waiting for their reply.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it would be possible for the proposed Poplar power station which will generate 300,000 kilowatts to be extended to give increased capacity in order to meet possible increases in demand.

The ultimate planned capacity of the new Poplar generating station will now be 315,000 kilowatts. I am informed that site limitations preclude any extension beyond that figure.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the large amount of petrol consumed by the private hire of cars, taxis and special buses for the purpose of transport to football matches and greyhound race meetings since the abolition of the basic petrol ration; and whether he will take steps to stop this practice, as being in fact a form of pleasure motoring.

I have this matter under consideration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in how many cases it has been necessary to invoke his statutory powers in arranging the staggering of working hours in industry.

None.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power where copies of the map referred to in paragraph 1 of S.R. & O. 2465 of 1947 are to be found; and whether they are available to the public.

Copies of the maps referred to were placed in the Library on 20th November, the date on which the Order was laid before the House. A list of addresses at which the maps could be inspected by the public was also placed in the Library the same day. On the following day notices appeared in the London and Edinburgh Gazettes and in various newspapers giving this list of addresses.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now make a statement with regard to the stocks of fuel oil now available in this country.

No. As I explained to the House on 6th November in answer to the question by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble), successive Governments have always refused, on Defence grounds, to disclose the amount of stocks of oil held at any given time in this country.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has any statement to make about the supply of oil for coal-oil conversion schemes.

Yes. As the House will recall it became necessary in the early autumn to ask a number of firms to defer the final stages of conversion to fuel oil on account of a shortage of rail tank cars. In recent weeks the tanker position has also become increasingly difficult and although all possible steps are being taken to increase the available tonnage, there is a danger that if the conversion programme proceeds in 1948 as originally planned, it would not be possible to meet all the additional demands for fuel oil as and when they arise.Accordingly all firms who are in process of converting are being asked to inform the regional representative of the Petroleum Board of the stage reached in ordering and obtaining equipment. This will enable a programme to be drawn up for bringing these schemes into operation in an orderly manner as additional supplies of oil become available. Firms who have been authorised to convert but who have not yet begun to do so are advised not to proceed until further notice.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now in a position to state whether he is satisfied that he will be able to obtain enough fuel oil to enable him to carry out the full coal/oil conversion scheme for industry; and whether he will reconsider the desirability of giving priority to those schemes where the maximum saving of coal per ton of oil can be shown.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Mr. Fernyhough) today. As to the second part of the Question, the factors to be taken into account in considering the deferment of any particular case will include the one mentioned, by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now estimate the amount of petrol and the cost of such petrol, saved by the abolition of the basic ration, or state at the end of what period he expects to be able to do so.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) on 11th December.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power who is responsible for deciding the fuel allocation for approved schools and similar institutions; and what is the reason for the great variations which occur as between one institution and another.

The individual allocations for institutions consuming more than too tons of solid fuel a year' are determined by the programming authorities of the National Coal Board in the case of coal and by the Coke Directorate of my Department in the case of coke. Allocations are made on the basis of requirements and are revised in the light of experience of consumption, the advice of my Regional Fuel Engineers being obtained where necessary. Institutions using less than 100 tons a year receive their supplies in accordance with licences issued by the local fuel overseers. The allocations vary with the extent and nature of the premises to be heated, and every effort is made to ensure that the tonnages of fuel allocated are in accordance with the reasonable consumption needs in each case.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the approximate percentage of dirty coal, waste and stone in coal delivered to consumers, in the cases of which particulars have been sent him; if he will give an estimate of the loss entailed in the handling of it and the loss in heating value; and if he will in future, when publishing coal production figures, subtract the wastage percentage.

Comprehensive information is not available as to the content of ash and extraneous material in the coal delivered to the consumers referred to by the hon. Member, and no estimates of the kind requested can therefore be made.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the average cost of household coal per ton retail delivered in Stornoway, Eriskay and Applecross.

The average cost of household coal per ton retail delivered in Stornoway, Eriskay and Applecross is as follows: Stornoway, 87s. 7d. per ton; Eriskay and Applecross, 89s. 4d. per ton. The above are maximum prices for coal in bagged lots of not less than 10 cwt. delivered up to and including one mile. For delivered prices over one mile and up to four miles, 2s. 6d. per ton may be added. In the case of coal sold in lots of to cwt. or overLoose ex ship, 8s. 6d. is deducted from the above prices.Loose ex store, 5s. is deducted from the above prices.Bagged ex store, 3s. is deducted from the above prices.Loose delivered ex store or ship, 2s. is deducted from the above prices.For all deliveries over four miles, the ex store price is charged and the additional charges for delivery are a matter for arrangement between the consumer and the haulage contractor. Merchants whose store or depot is situated over one mile from the nearest port of discharge are allowed to add to the above prices a sum not exceeding 4d. per ton for each additional running mile to cover extra cost of transporting coal to their store or depot.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the charges made in some quarters of partiality against the Metropolitan Police in handling street disturbances and the fact that none of them have been accepted by the Courts trying cases arising out of such disturbances, he will issue an order to each division of the Metropolitan Police commending the tact, fairness and moderation shown in dealing with such disorders.

While I have hitherto been obliged to refrain from any comment on the conduct of the police in cases which were sub judice, I have kept myself fully informed, and I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the skill, restraint and impartiality with which the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police have, during recent months, dealt with recurring difficult situations. No complaint of the use of undue violence has been substantiated. My inquiries into conflicting allegations of partiality towards one side or the other have satisfied me that the police have carried out faithfully and without bias their duty of checking disturbances of the peace from whatever quarter those disturbances have arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Lambeth Borough Council have deplored the fact that no apparent effort was made by the police to prevent street bonfires in Lambeth on 5th November last; and whether he will make a statement.

I understand that the council themselves made special arrangements to deal with bonfires which might have caused damage to the road surface, and that no approach was made to the police. The police would, naturally, have dealt with any fires likely to cause damage or obstruct traffic which they encountered in the ordinary course of their duties, but in the present manpower situation they could not be expected to divert additional personnel to one particular borough for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of an increasing number of thefts from potato clamps on farms; and what steps he proposes to deal with the problem.

My inquiries do not confirm the suggestion that there has been any marked increase in thefts of this kind; but chief officers of police are aware of the need for special vigilance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of children are now cared for in homes organised by local authorities; what number are boarded out; and what were the corresponding figures for 1938.

About 19,000 children are being cared for in homes and institutions provided by local authorities, excluding nurseries established by local public health authorities. About 10,000 children are boarded out by local authorities. In 1938, about 21,000 were being cared for in local authority homes and institutions. I regret that comparable figures for boarding out are not available for 1938.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the payment made per week for children boarded out; and what was the figure in 1938.

I regret that I am not in a position to give comprehensive information comparing present rates with those paid in 1938. Such information as I have at present indicates that the weekly maintenance rates paid by local authorities vary according to the ages of the children, that there are local differences in the scales, and that it is a common practice to supplement weekly payments by additional allowances in respect of clothing and pocket money.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of children are now cared for in homes organised by voluntary societies; and what was the number in 1938.

About 31,000 children under 17 years were being cared for in voluntary homes (as defined by Section 92 of the Children and Young Persons Act) in July, 1947. The comparable figure for 1938 was 34,000. The figures for both years exclude children in special schools and in approved schools run by voluntary organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a large number of sheep have been killed and others maimed by dogs in Southern England in recent months; and if he will circularise benches of magistrates to call attention to the need for the imposition of adequate legal penalties upon persons who allow the dogs which they own to stray.

It is for the courts to determine what is an adequate penalty in the light of the circumstances of the individual case. It would not be right for me to attempt to interfere with the exercise of their judicial discretion but if the noble Lord will send me the information on which the first part of his Question is based, I will be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can give the number of passengers arriving in this country by cargo ships from ports on the eastern seaboard of the U.S.A. and Canada, respectively, during the period 1st January to 31st October, 1947.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Royal Commission to consider the position of justices of the peace has yet concluded its labours; and when its report may be expected.

I am unable at present to add anything to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Durham (Mr. Grey) on 3rd November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the continuance of the important work of the Marriage Guidance Council is endangered by lack of funds; and if he is now in a position to make a statement on the Denning Committee's recommendations.

This matter has been receiving my attention and I have been in consultation with the Marriage Guidance Council. Before deciding what sums the House could properly be asked to provide for assisting this form of social service during the next financial year, I have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to appoint a small Departmental Committee to consider on what lines this service, if assisted by Exchequer grants, could be most advantageously developed. In the meantime some immediate financial help is required to enable the work of the National Marriage Guidance Council and the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council to be continued during the present financial year, and I propose, by means of a supplementary estimate, to ask the House to authorise for this purpose grants of £1,200 and £300 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will inquire into the treatment of German prisoners-of-war in Durham Prison during their period of detention prior to facing charged of stealing poultry; and whether he will make a statement.

I understand that complaints have been made by the three prisoners in question. I have fully investigated these complaints, which relate to such matters as smoking, shaving, and access to the prison governor and I am satisfied that these prisoners are receiving the treatment to which all prisoners on remand are entitled under the rules. Their complaints appear to be due to misunderstanding of the rules, and steps have been taken by the prison governor to remove this misunderstanding and to explain to them fully their rights as remand prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether pregnant women serving a prison sentence are compelled to have their children in the prison hospital, or whether applications to have the confinement in a non-prison hospital receive favourable consideration; and what action, including entry on the birth certificate, is taken to remove the stigma of prison birth from the child.

All hospitals at women's prisons are equipped to provide proper care and treatment for cases of confinement, but cases requiring treatment which it is not possible to provide in the prison hospital, are transferred to an outside hospital. Arrangements are made to secure that the entry on a birth certificate does not disclose that the child was born in prison.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate the circumstances in which a 15 year old girl, of whose name he has been informed, was erroneously stated to be pregnant by the school doctor at the Magdalen Hospital; if he is aware of the distress and expense caused to this girl's parents by this wrong diagnosis; and if he will, in all the circumstances, consider allowing this girl to return home.

I have already made full inquiries about this case. I regret the distress caused to the girl's parents, but there was no lack of care in the diagnosis which was consistent with her symptoms and her statements. The school managers consider that the girl requires a further period of training, and the information before me shows that it would be contrary to the girl's own interests to order her release.

asked the Minister of Health why no explanatory memorandum is attached to S.R. & O. 2501 of 1947.

The Birth Certificate (Shortened Form) Regulations, 1947, were thought to be sufficiently clear in themselves.

asked the Minister of Health if he has obtained particulars from the Colchester local housing authority of a bungalow which can be built at a cost of £500; and if he will give details.

I have called for a report and I will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the recent increases in rates of pay of building trades operatives, part of which was linked to output and part of which was not, he proposes to raise the figure of £1,300, or £1,400 in London, which is at present the maximum amount private enterprise is allowed to spend on buying a site and building a house.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hollis) on 28th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the shops on the two new municipal housing estates in Wolverhampton have been allotted to the Co-operative Society; whether he can give an assurance that this number is in proportion to the number of customers registered with the Co-operative Society in the neighbourhood; and whether applications from ex-Service men and private traders were considered on an equal footing at the time the decision was made.

The decision is by statute a matter for the local authority but I am making inquiries as to the facts and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the concern of people whose houses were destroyed by enemy action, as a result of the recent decision given by a Court of Appeal that complete destruction of a house by bombing brings a tenancy to an end; and what immediate steps he is prepared to take to protect these people.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recent judgment by which it was held that when a dwelling-house which was controlled under the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Acts has been destroyed in consequence of enemy action, the tenant of that dwelling-house is not entitled to a tenancy of a dwelling-house which is built in place of the destroyed dwelling-house; and what steps he proposes to take in order to deal with this position.

My attention has been drawn to this recent decision and the position is being considered. I can however hold out no hope of early legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is doing all possible to expedite the production of the Cornish type of prefabricated house; and how many of this type he expects will be available to local authorities in Devon during 1948.

Yes. I understand that the producers hope to offer a considerably increased number next year. The allocation to any local authority during 1948 will depend upon the availability of labour and the progress made with existing contracts.

asked the Minister of Health what numbers and types of prefabricated houses are likely to be available to local authorities during 1948 in addition to those already allotted.

Except for a limited number of types, principally those which consume large quantities of steel and for the B.I.S.F. and Airey rural houses which are all allocated, I hope that all existing systems of permanent non-traditional construction will be available. The numbers will depend primarily on the Orders that local authorities decide to place, within their approved programmes.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to announce his decision in an appeal under the Building Restrictions (War Time Contraventions) Act, 1946, against a decision of the Stevenage Urban District Council dated 13th March, 1947.

I hope to announce my decision within the next few days.

asked the Minister of Health if his advisers have as yet arrived at a period between taking mass radiographs so as to give a reasonable sense of security of absence of T.B. in people so examined.

I am advised that no such period can be defined.

asked the Minister of Health how many mass radiography outfits are now at work in the country and what is the average per month of people radiographed by these outfits.

There are at present 22 units working in England and Wales. For the first six months of this year the number of persons examined averaged about 50,000 a month.

asked the Minister of Health why sanction has been granted to instal a sewerage system for a new community being erected at Santon Downham, for the Forestry Commission, when, at his request, he persuaded the Mildenhall Rural District Council to postpone a loan for their scheme at the neighbouring town of Brandon, owing to the need to reduce capital expenditure.

The accommodation for the Forestry Commission at Santon Downham is being erected by the Ministry of Works. My sanction to expenditure on the sewerage system for this accommodation is not required. I am examining a proposal of the Council by which the cost of the scheme for Brandon may be reduced.