asked the Minister of Labour what grant is made by his Department to the King's Roll Clerks' Association; and whether he is satisfied with the conditions of employment observed by the Association.

For the last financial year, ending April, 1949, a grant of £2,460 was paid towards the trading deficiency. This Association is an undertaking not operating for profit. I know that since the Association moved to better premises the conditions have greatly improved.

Does the Ministry, therefore, recognise the obligation it has to concern itself with the conditions of employment in this organisation, of which there have been considerable complaints?

No, Sir, I have no power to give directions of any sort to this concern. We give them grants in aid of their trading deficiency. So far as conditions are concerned, we were aware of dissatisfaction with conditions in the old premises, but we understand that that is all right now.

Is it not possible to attach to those grants the provision that reasonable conditions of employment will be observed?

If my hon. Friend will put down a Question on that point, I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour into what trades principally have the 9,500 miners been absorbed who were dismissed by the National Coal Board during 1949 for persistent absenteeism and industrial misconduct.

This information is not available. Some of these men have reentered coalmining employment at other pits. Separate records of the trades into which others have gone are not maintained.

Is there any regulation to debar these men from going back to the pits if they so wish, especially in view of the shortage of manpower in the mines?

Oh, no. Quite the contrary. The National Coal Board are willing to take the men back if they are likely to carry on in the industry.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is still the practice to keep what they used to call " black lists " of men who were blacklisted from one colliery company to another, so that those men were not employed anywhere in the district in which they had been black-listed?

I think the previous answer I gave shows that no such black list is kept, because a number of these men have been re-employed.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons capable of employment in house construction or repair were unemployed on the most recent convenient date.

Seven thousand, seven hundred and seventeen craftsmen and 20,273 labourers and others whose last employment was in the building industry were registered as unemployed in Great Britain at 13th March last.

Could the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps to reenlist these important and valuable workers in this important industry?

There is no need to take those steps because the vast majority of these men who signed on were reemployed within three days in their own industry.

asked the Minister of Labour what evidence he has to show that the present dock strike is Communist inspired

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on 20th April last.

is the Minister aware that last week I interviewed representatives of the dockers and that they told me that they were frightened to go back because of Communist victimisation of them if they wanted to do so? Is he also aware that there is a growing conviction that the real government of this country is by Transport House and not by Ministers? Will the right hon. Gentlemen govern or get out?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to establish a new cost-of-living index in the place of the old index, which was abandoned in 1947.

The substitution of a permanent index of retail prices to replace the present interim index which has been compiled since June, 1947, will involve as a first step the collection of a series of family budgets of expenditure. The matter is kept under constant review, and as soon as conditions are appropriate steps will be taken to institute a new family budget inquiry.

Since it is two and a half years since the old index was discarded, is it not time that a new index was compiled, since so many millions are dependent upon a reliable index?

We recognise that, but on the other hand it must be borne in mind that we must take steps to hold a further inquiry into family budgets and that we cannot spare the manpower required for that yet.

Would my right hon. Friend consider including vegetables at current prices in the index?

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is not the slightest chance of opportunities being provided for having a family budget inquiry during the existence of the present Government?

That is a matter of opinion

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the effect so far of the removal of the Control of Engagement Order from the coal mining and agricultural industries.

It is not thought that the revocation of the Control of Engagement Order on 13th March has had any significant effect in either industry.

asked the Minister of Labour what method he proposes to take to investigate and eliminate the causes of unofficial strikes.

This is a matter for the discipline and internal organisation of the trade unions.

Does that mean the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied with the position; and if he is not satisfied, what action does he, as Minister of Labour, propose to take?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman of the answer I have just given him. Discipline in the trade union movement is a matter for the trade unions, and the Government are leaving the trade unions to exercise their own discipline.

Whatever happens, then, can the House take it that the Minister of Labour has nothing whatsoever to do with this important fact?

The hon. Gentleman can put his own construction upon what I have said. My answer is perfectly plain and quite definite.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent exemption from call-up is extended to those whose occupations will require that they remain in civilian employment in the event of hostilities.

At present young men employed in coal mining, agriculture and the Merchant Navy are not called up so long as they remain satisfactorily so employed.

Do I understand from the Minister's reply that there is no intention on the part of the Government to extend this principle?

I would much rather the hon. Gentleman put that down as another Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the fact that 2,800 families are listed for houses in the Burgh of Ayr, what plans he proposes to help the local authority to meet this need.

At 21st April there were 146 houses under construction in the burgh for the town council and 176 for the Scottish Special Housing Association, making a total of 322. In addition, tenders approved for houses and not yet begun totalled 172. Two hundred and fifty additional houses were allocated to the council and to the Association last month for erection in the burgh. The building of all these houses will ensure that the local labour force is fully engaged for some time to come.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his Minister is not even keeping pace with the demand, which has increased by 800 since 1945; and therefore will his Department put more energy and drive into solving this tragic problem—at least more than his predecessor?

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman wants. He is asking us to put more drive into this matter. Is he asking for the allocation of more houses or for the direction of labour? We are not quite clear.

More houses and more labour.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has now taken to approve licences and furnish labour and material to the Ayrshire County Council to enable them to provide houses for the tenants of the unsatisfactory hutted accommodation at present in use at Adamton-Tarbolton and other districts in the neighbourhood of Ayr.

My hon. Friend recently allocated a total of 724 houses to Ayrshire County Council. In selecting tenants the county council will doubtless bear in mind the needs of these families.

Does not that answer show a complete sense of unreality; does the hon. Gentleman not realise that the failure of the Government to house the people of Scotland will be the biggest issue at the next General Election; and will he therefore get on with the job more effectively?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of what happened in the recent smallpox outbreak in Glasgow, he will take steps to ensure that in future no medical student is exposed to unnecessary risk in fever cases.

Medical authorities are fully conscious of the need to control and prevent the spread of infection, and I am assured that all practicable measures are taken to reduce to a minimum the inevitable risks which medical students, like doctors and nurses, must take in their contacts with patients.

Is the hon. Lady aware that Dr. Janet Fleming, the first victim of the recent smallpox outbreak, and other medical students were admitted to observe the Lascar case as one of unusual chicken-pox, and that there is no doubt that faulty diagnosis played a large part?

Can the hon. Lady say what steps are taken to see that medical students are vaccinated and take proper precautions when they attend such investigations as the one referred to?

In the hospitals, the medical superintendent makes it clear that vaccination is there for any medical student or nurse who wishes to take it. Reasons were given last week at Question time why it is not considered at this time that compulsory vaccination for this section of the public should be carried out when compulsory vaccination is not required for the rest of the public?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider allocating extra houses this year to the burghs of Irvine and Stewarton, in view of the fact that these burghs have many families living in old Army huts, which are rapidly becoming uninhabitable.

Since March, 1949, 132 houses have been allocated to Irvine and 22 to Stewarton for general housing purposes. In addition, my right hon. Friend has just made a special allocation of 20 houses to Irvine and 14 to Stewarton to assist the authorities to rehouse families whom they having living in adapted huts. The houses under construction and those authorised but not yet started in these burghs are as many as the local industry can tackle in the meantime, but the position will be reviewed in the light of further progress.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that such small allocations are not sufficient to enable a proper sequence of building operations or planning to be carried on?

It is not sufficient to look only at the allocations. We must also have a look at the number of houses under construction, or the number of houses in the " pipe-line " at the present time.

While I am very pleased with the attention that my right hon. Friend is giving to the two burghs I have mentioned, about which I think I know a little bit more than hon. Gentlemen opposite, may I ask whether he will direct more houses to these areas whenever the local building industry is able to get on with the job?

That is always a factor to be taken into account.

Is the Burgh of Irvine the burgh that had to be forced by the Commissioners under the 1930 Act to build 700 houses for their own people?

Yes, I think it was.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increased allocations of houses he has given to the burghs in south Angus and to Angus county as a result of the change in policy of the Government; and how many of them are for erection by private enterprise.

As regards the first part of the Question, it is not proposed to allocate any more houses to these authorities meantime. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on 29th March.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a waiting list of over 2,000, and in those circumstances will he reconsider his decision not to allocate any extra houses?

There are 367 houses under construction in the areas of these authorities at the present time, and a total of 486 houses that are either tendered for and not yet begun or allocated and not yet put out to tender.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the terms of a letter dated 23rd February from the Department of Health in Edinburgh to the Caithness County Clerk intimating that landholders and other agricultural houseowners may apply for housing improvement grants under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1949, if the application is made by the landowner; and why this procedure is being followed.

Yes, Sir, improvement grants under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1949, are confined to owners and certain lessees, not including landholders. Landholders in the crofting counties can however get grants under Section 77 of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948.

But why should crofters and agricultural workers who own their own homes and who wish to improve them be compelled, as they are by this letter, to regard themselves as tenants and to get their landlord to make the application? Do the hon. Gentleman and his Government want more tied houses?)

No. The hon. Gentleman knows that he is asking us now to amend the 1949 Act. I think that we had better let the Act run a little while to see whether the position is not a little more satisfactory than he suggests it is.

Is it not a fact that no Parliamentary legislation is required, and that all the Minister has to do is to make an administrative order which does not even require the confirmation of this House?

That is not true. These landholders are specifically excluded by the terms of the 1949 Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position in regard to the unsatisfactory prefabricated houses supplied by the Orlit company at Forshill, Ayr, and other parts of Scotland; whether compensation has been requested from or paid by this company to the Scottish Special Housing Association who commissioned them; and how far rents have been demanded from the tenants who occupied them.

The contractors who built Orlit houses at Ayr and Hamilton have admitted liability and are remedying the defects at no additional cost to the Association. The contractors are also being held responsible for claims by the tenants, including claims for the remission of rent. The work at Ayr is proceeding satisfactorily and that at Hamilton will begin shortly.

But why should the local authority be compelled to demand rents for these unsatisfactory houses which they are not responsible for building; and why should the Orlit company be held irresponsible since they, after all, should have supervised the erection of the houses?

I said in my reply that the contractors who built the houses are being held responsible.

But they should not be.

Is it not a fact that the Orlit company have done very satisfactory work, not only in Scotland but elsewhere, and that the Department have every reason in the main to be satisfied with the work?

Not in Ayr.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a compulsory notice of acquisition in respect of Balnagore Farm in the parish of Fearn, Ross-shire, was served immediately prior to the coming into force of the Town and Country Planning Act for Scotland, whereby greatly increased terms for compensation would have been awarded to the owners of this property; what representations the United States Embassy have made protesting against this procedure; and whether, in view of this, he will withdraw the notices and issue new notices, thus giving the American owners the advantages of the post-war values now provided for by Parliament.

The compulsory order was made on 10th May, 1947, and notices to treat were served three days later. The amended provisions as regards compensation came into effect in August, 1947. The answer to the second part of the Question is, " None Sir." As regards the third part of the Question, the amount of compensation to be paid is now being considered by an arbiter and must necessarily be determined in accordance with the statutory provisions ruling at the time of the notices to treat.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that unless he treats this American company with justice international complications may ensue. [Interruption.] That is quite true. Is he also aware that while he may be able to " pull a fast one " over the British taxpayer he cannot do that with the American taxpayer with impunity?

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty is quite a broad-minded fellow and would not have objected if the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) had told him he was going to raise this matter in the House?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the proper name for this farm is " Balnagown "? I presume that is the farm to which he is referring?

No, the proper name is that referred to in the Question

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of school places now available in the Glasgow Corporation's housing schemes at Priesthill, Househillwood and Pollok, respectively.

Existing school accommodation is as follows; Priesthill, nil; Househillwood, 2,240 places; Pollok, 970 places. As these areas are contiguous, a school in one area may receive pupils from an adjacent area.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds he has rejected the application of the Scottish licensed trade to be represented on the advisory committee to the corporation of the new town at East Kilbride. Lanarkshire.

Under the Licensing Act, 1949, the duty of preparing schemes for the constitution of local advisory committees rests with the development corporations of the new towns. The scheme submitted for confirmation by the East Kilbride Corporation did not provide for representation of the Scottish Licensed Trade Defence Association, and my right hon. Friend saw no reason to withhold confirmation on that account.

is the hon. Lady aware that she has gone against the practice in England in similar circumstances, and may I ask her how her principle of fair shares allows her to enjoy this amenity in North Lanark which she denies to me in a neighbouring constituency?

I would like to give the hon. Gentleman all the amenities that are possible, but the local advisory committees are intended to express local opinion and to advise on local conditions, and it is quite impossible to regard the body that is asking for representation as a local interest in any sense.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has declined to receive a deputation from the Scottish Licensed Trade Defence Association in connection with the appointment of members of the local advisory committees and the new town development corporations in Scotland.

The Association's views were expressed by letter and were fully taken into account before the schemes for the constitution of the East Kilbride and Glenrothes Committees were confirmed. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend concluded that a meeting with the Association would serve no useful purpose.

Cannot the hon. Lady represent to the Secretary of State for Scotland that it would be helpful at least to give a sympathetic hearing to representatives of this Association?

Their views were considered when we were considering the East Kilbride scheme and were gone into thoroughly at that time. The Secretary of State felt that nothing useful could come of a further meeting now.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the unemployed labour force registered at Wick and Thurso comprises nine building operatives, 45 civil engineering labourers and 116 general labourers; and if in these circumstances he will allocate more houses to Caithness and Sutherland where they are urgently required.

In addition to the 168 houses under construction for local authorities in Caithness and Sutherland on 21st April, 260 houses, including 118 allocated about a month ago, had not yet been started. There is therefore plenty of work in the present programme to employ all the building labour which can be recruited in this area.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he has just repeated the answer which his right hon. Friend read out to the House last week, when he invited me at that time to put forward any suggestions. I immediately made inquiries, and I found this large number of unemployed semi-skilled labour; and is it beyond the wit of the Government to put these men to work in order to provide the homes that are so badly needed?

I wonder if it is beyond the wit of the contractors for the houses already under construction to employ the labour available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in which Scottish papers he has advertised for Civil Defence volunteers; at what cost; and what is the average cost per head of obtaining each recruit.

As part of an experimental recruiting campaign in Paisley and Dunbartonshire, advertisements were recently inserted in seven local newspapers at a cost of £100. The campaign did not close until 30th April and the results have not yet been assessed.

Is the hon. Lady satisfied that she has chosen the best field to make the most appropriate appeal for these Civil Defence recruits? Is she aware of the importance of the " Glasgow Herald," the " Scotsman," and the " Dundee Advertiser," and would it not be better to make use of them rather than to confine these appeals to somewhat local papers with Labour representation.

They were confined to local papers because this was an experiment, and the papers were those that circulated in the two areas where the experiment was being tried.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to announce to the people of Scotland what detailed plans are agreed for the Festival of Britain celebration in Scotland.

An outline of the plans for Festival of Britain activities in Scotland was published in the Scottish Press last January, following a Press conference held by the chairman of the Scottish Committee, the Right Hon. Thomas Johnston. The Scottish Committee will shortly circulate a booklet to local authorities and voluntary associations in Scotland describing the Festival programme and indicating how they can help to supplement it. Further statements giving plans in greater detail will be made whenever this can usefully be done.

Will the hon. Lady bear in mind the very important Festival in Edinburgh which takes place during the summer months, and see that it is not overshadowed by her right hon. Friend the Festival of Britain promoter?

We hope that our Festival in Edinburgh will play a great part in the Festival of Britain.

is it not a fact that the Festival of Britain is being produced by the Lord President of the Council because he is jealous of the great International Festival in Edinburgh, now well-established?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take on the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee on Poaching. and Illegal -Fishing of Salmon and Trout in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the Report of the Committee on the Poaching. and Illegal Fishing of Salmon and Trout in Scotland; and what action he proposes to take.

As I indicated in reply to the hon. Member for Stroud and Thornbury (Mr. Perkins) yesterday, the Committee's report is at present being considered and my right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement shortly.

In view of the fact that the people who are organising this widespread poaching will naturally speed up their operations in view of the possible increase in penalties, can this be expedited as much as possible, because it really is very urgent?

We think that it will take three or four weeks—because legislation may be necessary—before a statement can be made, and we will endeavour to make the statement before the Whitsun Adjournment, or, if not, immediately afterwards.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that such legislation will be controversial?

We never know

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 18,300 acres of land in Ross and Cromarty, acquired under the Forestry Act, 1945, consists of land where timber was felled between 1939-49; and how many acres of this land have been replanted.

The approximate figures are 850 acres and 300 acres respectively.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling throughout the country generally that these war scars which disfigure the countryside should be cleared up, and that replanting should take place as soon as possible and before the Forestry Commission acquire any further land, particularly agricultural land?

Yes, that is true, but owing to the risk of damage to young conifer plantations by insect pests, it is desirable to leave these plantations for a few years before replanting them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of these have been left for more than six years, which I believe is what is required in dealing with these particular pests?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to announce details of the schemes for assistance in the purchase of fertilisers for grassland and marginal land and for the extension of marginal land production in Scotland as has already been done for England and Wales.

These details are at present being worked out in consultation with the N.F.U. and other interests. Statutory schemes to give effect to the proposals will, of course, require to be submitted to Parliament for approval.

Would it not have been possible to make an announcement at the same time as the Minister's announcement in regard to England and Wales, and so save the great delay that has taken place?

No, Sir, for the reason that the representatives of the National Farmers' Union in Scotland took the view that the scheme agreed for England and Wales was not one which could be suitably applied to Scotland, and they wish to work out with the Department of Agriculture details of a scheme which could be properly applied in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is intended to introduce legislation, as recommended in the Final Report of the Guthrie Committee, to continue the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act, 1949, for a further period of five years.

My right hon. Friend is considering the Committee's recommendations in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, but I regret that it is not yet possible to make a statement.

is the hon. Lady aware that there is some urgency in this matter, and that it is not controversial because we on this side supported the passage of the existing Act.

The existing Act does not expire until 31st December of this year, and I am certain that before that time something will be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the decision of the Fife education authority to reduce maintenance allowances to students living away from home is responsible for great hardship, and many students will be unable to continue their studies; and if he proposes taking any steps to remedy this matter.

I am aware that Fife education authority, in assessing, awards to students living away from home, have reduced the amount allowed for maintenance, but as this has been done in the exercise of discretion allowed by the Bursaries Regulations, I have no power to intervene.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this reduction is limiting this type of education to people who can afford it, and will she have consultation with the Fife education authority with a view to removing this anomaly?

I am afraid that I cannot agree with my hon. Friend that this is going to limit the type of person who can take this type of education. Fife education authority at the present time is giving a little more than the minimum suggested by the Secretary of State in the Regulations.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in my Division there is an example of a girl in danger of having to terminate her studies because of this reduction in her scholarship allowance?

Is my hon. Friend not aware that students had to estimate whether they could afford this type of education, based on what the Fife education committee told them would be available before they undertook this course of study; and now, having studied for a year or two, many of them find that they are unable to keep it up unless something is done to assist them?

The Secretary of State has no power to intervene. I should be interested, from my experience as a student and as a teacher, to find that there are any cases at all where a student has had to give up because of the action of this authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that, while there is a school in the new housing area in Sinclairtown, many very young children have to travel a considerable distance, crossing busy main roads, to Dysart schools; and if he proposes taking steps to extend Sinclairtown school to remedy this matter.

I am aware that some 50 Sinclairtown children have to attend Dysart school, less than a mile away, owing to accommodation at Sinclairtown school being inadequate. Fife education authority intend ultimately to extend Sinclairtown school, but consider that more pressing needs in other parts of their area must first be met.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nursery schools are building in Scotland; and how many children will they take when completed.

None is being erected two, however, are projected.

Can my hon. Friend say the approximate dates when these will be completed?

It is quite impossible at this stage to give the dates

Can the hon. Lady say at what stage of construction these schools are at the present moment?

In my original reply I stated that they were projected.

Does that mean that they will not be commenced until five or 10 years' time.

No, Sir; these two schools only are to be built in the immediate future.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which Scottish local authorities are now operating schemes for home care of elderly and infirm persons.

Under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, local authorities provide nursing services in all areas for persons requiring nursing in their own homes. Domestic help services, available to old and infirm people, are provided by 44 of the 55 major authorities. The authorities have also certain powers under the National Assistance Act to co-operate with and assist voluntary organisations in this field. The Department of Health have issued a memorandum to the authorities suggesting how such co-operation might best be achieved, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Will my hon. Friend consider taking some action to provide more domiciliary care for old and infirm people in these areas where none exists, in view of the fact that in nearly every case no treatment can be given because the hospitals are already full?

The power to make arrangements for domestic help is permissive, and 11 local authorities only have still to make this provision. I give an assurance that where the Department can help, it certainly will do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate what housing components are still in short supply; and what action he is contemplating to get a ready flow of these materials to the housing authorities.

On the whole, the supply of materials is adequate at present, although there is a shortage of cast-iron goods, particularly gutters; but production is still being further increased, and if orders are placed in good time housing progress should not suffer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the construction of the proposed pier at Portnaguran, Isle of Lewis, is to begin.

A 75 per cent. grant towards the cost of a pier and boat-slip at Portnaguran has been offered to Ross and Cromarty County Council, but I am unable to say when actual construction will begin.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this pier was recommended 90 years ago, was approved before the war and twice since by Secretaries of State, that an offer of a 75 per cent. grant was made but that the matter has got no further?

The 75 per cent. grant I mentioned has just been offered, but there are still some formalities to be gone through. A Provisional Order will be necessary, the local authority having some responsibility in the matter as well as the Government.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, as I have said, approval was given before the war and twice since and we are now anxious that some practical steps should be taken?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made with water schemes in the Islands of Barra, North Uist and Harris.

I regret that a start has not yet been made with these schemes. The county council are dissatisfied with the rate of grant recently offered to them.

Since the offer of a grant was only 40 per cent., whereas we were assured it could be 85 per cent. or even more at the passing of the Act, can some steps be taken to provide a higher percentage?

Since that date equalisation grants have been provided, and this authority has benefited very much from these grants.

Does my hon. Friend not agree that it is deplorable that equalisation grants were not provided earlier?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 14 patients recovering from smallpox had ever been vaccinated.

All the patients who are recovering from smallpox had been successfully vaccinated either in infancy or later. The number concerned is 12, the diagnosis of smallpox not having been confirmed in the other three patients who are recovering.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage of infants who were vaccinated during the past 12 months up to the latest convenient date; and what was the yearly average of infants vaccinated over the 10 years previous to this.

In the year ended 31st December, 1949, some 18 per cent. of the infants under one year of age are known to have been vaccinated, but the figures are not complete. For the 10 years 19381947, the yearly average percentage of infants vaccinated was 53.

In view of the fact that all those who died of smallpox had not been successfully vaccinated, what does the hon. Lady intend to do to halt this decrease in the number of young people who are now being vaccinated?

The figure of 18 per cent. is by no means the average figure for 1949. The returns from local health authorities showed a figure of 18 per cent., but there is discussion going on now between the local health authorities and the general practitioners about their returns which have not yet been made. We hope that at the meeting to be held in the near future some arrangements will be made and the returns will come in. Until they do come in, we cannot get the correct percentage.

When my hon. Friend says that some had not been successfully vaccinated, does that mean they had been vaccinated but their death subsequently proved that the vaccination was not effective?

Not at all. I was dealing only with those who are recovering, all of whom had been successfully vaccinated.

The hon. Lady has indicated that the number of infants being vaccinated this year will probably be in excess of 18 per cent., but as the difference between 18 per cent. and 53 per cent. is so much, I should like to ask her to answer the supplementary question I put; namely: What does she intend to do to increase the number of vaccinations among young children?

We must wait until we have the complete figures, although we realise the seriousness of the position and are hoping that the recent smallpox scare will make the public realise how important this is. Every step will be taken by the Department, as in the case of diphtheria immunisation to have children vaccinated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of boys released from approved schools during the year ended 30th June, 1946, and how many of these have since come before the courts; and if he will give the figures applicable to Oakbank School. Aberdeenshire.

The number of boys released from approved schools in Scotland during the year ended 30th June, 1946, was 788, of whom 233 have since come before the courts. The figures applicable to the school referred to by my hon. Friend are 83 and 26.

Does that mean that the percentage of successes as the result of the remedial training by the approved school at Oakbank is six to seven out of every 10, and will she therefore comment on the recent statement made by the Chief Constable of Aberdeen in which he condemned approved schools altogether?

It is true that 31 per cent. of the boys at Oakbank, as compared with 30 per cent. elsewhere, have since come before the courts? The difference is very small, and there is no truth in the statement that the position is worse at Oakbank than in other schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to establish classifying schools for children committed to approved schools.

I am still examining the possibilities of adapting the classifying school system to Scottish circumstances.

Does the hon. Lady not think it is about time something was done, since it was in 1947 that the Scottish Advisory Council on Rehabilitation and Training of Offenders recommended that this should be done in Scotland as successfully as it was done in England?

In England only in certain areas are experiments being carried out. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am considering what steps, even in an experimental way, can be carried out in Scotland.

In view of the serious figures which the hon. Lady gave in reply to the previous Question, does she not think that they should be a spur, in order that the classifying schools for children should be speeded up, which may help to reduce the large number of those boys who do come back before—[HON. MEMBERS: " Speech."] Yes, I am making a speech.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken to remedy the conditions in Dr. Guthries' Boys' Junior School, Liberton, Midlothian.

Approval has been given to schemes designed to improve the accommodation and amenities and the variety of training at this school.

Is the hon. Lady aware of the serious state that this school was in about six months ago, as reported in a Committee of this House; that we found the buildings were entirely unsuitable and gloomy, the children poorly dressed, and the atmosphere oppressive; and that we thought the best use was not being made of public money? Will she consider closing the whole thing down?

Is the hon. Lady aware that this school is located not in Midlothian but in the county and city of Edinburgh; and is she further aware that the management committee for some seven years have been recommending these improvements which she is now prepared to endorse?

In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross), it is because we believed that matters in this school were serious that these steps have been taken.

asked the Lord President of the Council what charge it is proposed to make to those visiting H.M.S. " Campania " carrying the sea-borne exhibition organised by the Festival of Britain Council.

No decision has yet been made on this point.

Can the Lord President say whether, in making a decision, account will be taken of the possibility of trying to recover some of the cost of the operation of this ship, and also the initial cost of equipping it?

Yes, Sir.

Is this ship going to wear the White Ensign during its Festival cruise, and if so, is it not contrary to general custom to make a charge to go on board?

It is going to wear the Red Ensign.

In view of the friendly questions of the Opposition and while hoping that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition enjoyed his morning, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend will draw the attention of the Director-General of the Festival to the need to provide Members of Parliament of all parties with as much documentary information as possible about the ramifications of the Festival outside the Metropolitan area?

Yes, Sir, I will convey that request.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the cost of conversion amounting to £500,000, he will consider arranging for H.M.S. " Campania," carrying the seaborne exhibition organised by the Festival of Britain Council, to visit foreign, Dominion and Colonial ports.

I will consider with my colleagues concerned the practicability of the hon. Member's suggestion that this exhibition. might visit overseas ports. I may add that the £500,000 includes not only conversion but the running cost of the sea-borne exhibition.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps were taken to ascertain whether return forms had reached certain employees of a Surbiton firm whose particulars have been sent to him before action was taken to increase their Pay-As-You-Earn liability notwithstanding the fact that no change had taken place in their earnings.

At least four communications were sent to each of these employees; none of these was returned undelivered.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that to go on sending notices to the wrong addresses amounts to making effective inquiries, and is he now aware of the fact that the Pay-As-You-Earn liability of several people was raised deliberately because of the non-return of forms, which these gentlemen had not received?

According to our experience, forms which are not delivered are returned to the Inland Revenue office, and none of these was returned.

But has the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied himself that any of these forms were delivered to the recipients who were penalised for their non-return?

It is not possible to satisfy oneself except by the means of knowing that the forms are not returned to the sender.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider working out some method by which employers can be saved the trouble of filling in Pay-As-You-Earn tax deduction cards for those of their employees whose high code numbers ensure that they have to pay no tax.

Employers are already instructed that the card need not be filled up every week, if it is obvious that no tax will be deductible.

Can the hon. Gentleman give some publicity to this? So many people are having to fill up forms for employees who do not pay tax, and if he would be prepared to give this some publicity it would prevent the expenditure of a lot of unnecessary time and energy.

I quite agree. There is already a pamphlet entitled " Employer's Guide to Pay-As-You-Earn " which, I understand, is fairly widely circulated.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider making a further statement and explaining when it ceases to be " evident " and becomes " obvious "?

I think we leave that to the discretion of employers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many forms have to be filled up in respect of an article of British manufacture sent from abroad for repair; what deposit has to be made before the Customs release the article on arrival; what sum is annually received from such deposits; and whether, in the interests of trade, he will simplify the procedure.

British goods returned from abroad for repair are normally admissible free of Customs charges on production of a form known as a bill of store, and a form of Customs entry, together with a form of declaration for Purchase Tax purposes where this liability arises. Security by bond or deposit, sufficient to cover the potential Customs charges, is required to secure immediate release in the absence of clear title to free admission, but no separate record is maintained of such deposits. It is certainly the intention that the control procedure, which generally works smoothly, should be the minimum necessary to safeguard the risk to the Revenue, and the question of further reducing the documentation where practicable is borne in mind by the Customs, who are willing to afford all possible assistance to any individual trader encountering difficulties

Is the Chancellor aware that some firms who do repairs have given up accepting articles for repair from abroad because of the vexatious difficulties and formalities, and would he consider accepting from approved firms a floating bond to pay the duty on all articles not re-exported.

We are not aware of any difficulties for people who are accustomed as a matter of business to receive such repairs. It seems to work perfectly smoothly, and we have no complaints of any kind. It is only people who occasionally get articles under this category and who are not experienced in the accustomed procedure who have had some difficulties, and those are helped to the maximum extent by the Customs authorities.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman go further into this matter, because he does not seem to be seized of a full knowledge of the difficulties which do exist, and is he aware that if he applied his mind to re-drafting the formalities and requirements he could evolve a far more simple system than is in operation at the present time?

If the hon. Gentleman would let me have a list of the difficulties which exist and of which I am not aware, will certainly look into the matter.

Is the right hon and learned Gentleman aware that the particular article in this case was a guitar, and is the policy of the Government expressed in the words of the old song, " Take your guitar and git aht of it "?

I was not aware that it was a guitar.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to relieve farmers and others who use petrol to run electric-light plants, from the hardship caused by the increase in the price of petrol.

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he anticipates it will be possible to table the resolution dealing with the grants which it is proposed to make to relieve farmers from the effects of the increased duties on hydro-carbon oils; whether he will give further details as to the organisations which he proposes to consult before reaching a decision in the matter; and whether the resolution will have retrospective effect to the date when the extra tax came into operation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement as to the grants he proposes to make to afford farmers some relief from the effects of the increased duties on hydro-carbon oils; and, in particular, if he will state the date from which such relief will operate.

Separate legislation, distinct from the Finance Bill, will be necessary before these grants can be paid. The necessary Bill will be prepared as early as possible, but I cannot yet say when it will be ready. The organisations to be consulted are the National Farmers' Unions of the United Kingdom, and the Agricultural Engineers' Association, representing the manufacturers. I cannot at present go into the details of the promised scheme, including the question of the operative date, the settlement of which will in part depend upon the results of these consultations.

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the proposed relief will relieve farmers only of the increase of tax or of the whole of that hydro-carbon oil duty?