asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to prevent unemployment arising in Kingston-upon-Thames as the result of the reduction in work for His Majesty's Government given to the Hawker Aircraft Company.

The normal machinery of the employment exchange service will be available for any workers who may become redundant at the Hawker Aircraft Company if they register for employment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that when the Government arranged for the move to Lancashire of the Leyland works, an assurance was given that the men rendered redundant would be taken up by the expansion of work at Hawker's? What special action does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate in implementation of that undertaking?

No special action is required in these circumstances. The normal action of the Ministry is to ask the firm to report to the Ministry men who are likely to become redundant, so that we can interview the men before they leave the firm with a view to placing them in other jobs without their losing employment at all.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any report has yet been received from the Commission appointed to consider the defects in the working of the Catering Wages Act; and whether he is proposing to introduce legislation this Session to amend the Act.

asked the Minister of Labour when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the workings of the Catering Wages Act.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can yet announce when the inquiry on the working of the Catering Wages Act will report; and whether the findings of the inquiry will be published before the holiday and tourist season opens.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made by the Catering Wages Commission in the inquiry which he has directed them to make into the operation of the Catering Wages Act in the hotel industry; and when he expects to be able to make a further statement to the House.

The Catering Wages Commission are now engaged on the inquiry to which I directed them. While the Commission is proceeding with a due sense of urgency, I am informed by the chairman that there is a great deal of evidence still to be taken and considered, and it is too early to say when the report is likely to be available.

In view of the very great urgency of the matter, as the industry must be ready when the season begins, will not the Minister urgently press the Commission to issue an interim report to remove some of the more objectionable features of the present position?

I can assure the House that the chairman of the Commission is really seized of the urgency of this matter and for other reasons, too, is himself anxious to conclude it as soon as he can. With reference to any interim report, I will direct his attention to that matter and see whether any useful value can come out of it.

Will the Minister say whether, when the Commission has reported to him, he will take every possible step to see that publication is not delayed from the Ministry angle?

Certainly.

In view of the fact that it will take some time to obtain all the evidence, will the right hon. Gentleman urgently consider the question of an interim report, because the catering and hotel industry must know the regulations before the season starts in order that it may cater for the tourist trade this summer? How is it going to do that unless it is able to make its decisions and arrangements at a very early date?

So far as the evidence is concerned, I think that all the evidence which has been asked for has been received. It is not a question of waiting for more evidence but of considering that which is already in. As I have already indicated, we are most anxious to see this matter cleared up and I will approach the Commission to see whether there is any likelihood of any interim report coming out which will be helpful.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the reports of the meeting of the Scottish Travel Association, presided over by an ex-Secretary of State for Scotland, in which strictures are made on the catering wages arrangements in Scotland?

As I have already asked the Commission to investigate these matters, I do not express any opinion myself.

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled persons are registered on the disabled persons register at Gateshead up to the most convenient date; how many have been placed in employment; and how many are being trained for employment.

The number of registered disabled persons at Gateshead on 21st January, 1950, was 2,468, of whom 316 were unemployed, including 62 who were classified as in need of employment under sheltered conditions. One hundred and eighteen registered disabled persons were placed in employment during the quarter ended 31st January, 1950; the number for the year ended 31st January, 1950, was 553. Twenty-one men and 11 women are being trained for skilled trades and 16 men are taking a course of general industrial rehabilitation.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he realises that there is still a sense of frustration among those in this category, and will he do his best in the matter?

Yes, Sir; I realise that there is this sense of frustrating but, on the other hand, a very great deal has been done, and we are pressing on with it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number and percentage of registered disabled persons who are unemployed in Brighton; how these compare with the average for the country; the numbers who are severely disabled and in need of sheltered employment; and the prospects of the establishment of a Remploy factory in Brighton and the light industries mentioned in his reply on 29th March last.

In the Brighton area on 16th January, 1950, there were 629 disabled persons registered as unemployed. This is 11.1 per cent. of the total number of registered disabled persons as compared with an average of 6.6 per cent. for the whole of the country. In addition, 156 disabled persons were classified as unlikely to obtain employment except under sheltered conditions. A Remploy factory is planned for Brighton, but the slowing down of the building programme which I announced to the House on 7th July, 1949, is holding up developments and it will he some time before building begins.

Of the light industries referred to in my answer of 29th March last, one new factory has been completed. Three more are in course of construction, and a fifth is expected to start building shortly.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that last year, when he answered the previous Question, he stated that the conditions in Brighton were exceptional'? The figures he has given today are practicaly the same. Does that mean that things are getting worse everywhere else? Does he further realise that the Remploy factory, which has been promised for a year, will take only 100 people, and that there are something like 1,000 disabled persons unemployed?

I have given the figures of those requiring sheltered employment. So far as a comparison with last year is concerned, it is a fact, an unpleasant fact, that there is a greater percentage of disabled persons unemployed in the holiday resorts than in the other towns. One reason is that the three per cent. quota operates only with firms employing 20 or more workers and in these areas there are not many such firms, I can, however, assure the hon. Member and the House that pressure is still going on to get these other factories established there, 18 of which are already approved, which will employ anything up to 1,200 people.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when they are likely to be completed? It is a year now since he told me that there was about to be work for 1,200.

I can only say that I have given the figures as they will be when the factories are completed, but they take a little time to build.

asked the Minister of Labour when the building of the Remploy Factory at Burnley will be completed; and if he will give an assurance that the necessary plant and machinery has been ordered so that there will he an intake of ex-Service men without delay.

I cannot give a precise date, but the building work will be completed in the very near future. All plant and machinery has been ordered and I hope that most of it will be delivered within the next few weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an official strike of plumbers employed as gas fitters in Glasgow and South-West Scotland has now been operative for 18 weeks or thereby and is causing great inconvenience to the public; what is the cause of this dispute; and what steps he is taking in the public interest to bring it to an end.

This dispute was concerned with the relationship between the Scottish Gas Board and the Plumbers' Union and with the terms of employment of plumbers employed as gas fitters in Glasgow. A full resumption of work took place on Friday last, 10th March, and I understand that discussions between the parties are taking place this week.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what supplies of Bacillus Calmette Guerin are now reaching Scotland from Denmark.

I am glad to say that the technical difficulties of production which led to the suspension of supplies in January have now been overcome and imports will therefore be renewed at once.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the mortality rate due to tuberculosis among young women is now 142 per 100,000; that in women from 25 to 35 years the death rate has increased from 74 per 100,000 in 1939 to 174 per 100,000 in 1947; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

While I have not been able to verify the precise figures mentioned, I am aware that the increased tuberculosis mortality in the years before 1949 was particularly marked for women in the younger age groups. Although it is certain that the gross figure for 1949 shows some improvement, an analysis is not yet available. The steps we are taking to deal with tuberculosis in Scotland were outlined by my hon. Friend in the Debate on the Adjournment last Thursday.

May I press my right hon. Friend with regard to one proposition which I made in that Debate? It was that he should consider the question of extra or special nutrition in the case of these young women.

In the case of most of the staple rationed foods, additional rations are already available for people suffering from active tuberculosis.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what stage has been reached in his inquiries into the functions and privileges of the dean of guild and the deacon convenor in certain of the large Scottish burghs.

The inquiries into the matter have been completed. It would not seem that further action at the moment would be appropriate, but I shall keep the position under review.

Could my right hon. Friend indicate to us why he thinks that at the moment further action might not be appropriate in view of the completion of the inquiries?

I think that is a question which might fittingly be directed to someone else.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this answer will cause great disappointment to all democrats in the Glasgow area? When we are abolishing university representation and plural voting, is it not time that we should get rid of this encumbrance of vested interest represented in Glasgow Corporation?

I completely agree with my hon. Friend that this is outmoded and that the practice has been abused, but I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer that I have given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this ancient office of dean of guild has been approved by the properly elected principal authorities in Scotland as recently as last year?

I am also aware that this unelected post has had the privilege abused.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the post is not unelected?

Could the right hon. Gentleman explain why, if he is conscious of this grave abuse, he is taking no steps to remedy it?

Because time is also a factor that must be reckoned.

Surely if this is a grave abuse, it might take priority over grids for cattle, might it not?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the objection is not to the offices but to the method of election to the offices which is entirely undemocratic.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the growing threat to the prosperity of the fishing industry caused by the steadily increasing price of boats, fuel, nets and rope; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the rapid and continuing rise in the price of gear for fishing vessels; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter.

I am aware that the prices of boats, fuel, nets and ropes have risen and I realise that this has made conditions more difficult for fishermen. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to what was said last Thursday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this continued rise in costs is having a disastrous effect on every section of the fishing industry, and that unless steps are taken to deal with it quickly, the industry as a whole will be put out of business?

Does the Secretary of State not think that he should treat as a matter of urgency the proper protection of the fishermen against the insufficiently controlled exploitation by private enterprise?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we had a Debate last night on this subject, to which there was a most unsatisfactory reply, and will he therefore give this matter his personal attention, for it is very urgent?

I do not agree that the reply was unsatisfactory, but I do agree that it is a matter of great importance, which we have had under continuous and active consideration.

In view of the inability of the Board of Trade to control the rise in gear prices, will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of consulting with the Minister of Food with a view to having a special bonus paid to inshore fishermen for fish landed on the day it is caught?

In view of the unsatisfactory reply of the right hon. Gentleman to my Question, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any decision has now been reached with regard to the flat-rate transport charge for fish, including herrings.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far it is his intention to maintain the flat-rate transport system for the carriage of fish, under which Scottish fishermen are assisted to compete on fair terms for the inland markets with the large fishing ports in England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a decision has now been reached to retain the flat transport rate when fish price control is lifted.

As announced on 24th December last, the fish transport scheme will come to an end when fish prices are de-controlled at the weekend of 15th April.

In view of the very grave effect that this decision will have on the fishing industry in the north of Scotland, has the Secretary of State urged upon his colleague the Minister of Transport the consideration of a general charges scheme for merchandise?

There is a Departmental inquiry going on, although I would not be too optimistic about the outcome; but, of course, I anticipate that any scheme would depend upon its unanimous acceptance by all sections of the industry.

To what extent has the price of fish risen in this connection?

Is the Scottish Office represented, or will it be, upon the Departmental inquiry to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred?

It is represented.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think he can now add greatly increased freight charges to the already rising price of every other requirement of the fishing industry? Will he do something about it now?

I am quite certain I am right in my recollection that the hon. Gentleman has continually advocated the general thesis of de-control. That de-control, whatever merits or demerits it may have, will permit some of these factors to be reflected in the price.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a much more serious matter for the smaller inshore fishermen in the north of Scotland than it is for the larger businesses of the south, and will he be sure that their needs are kept in mind?

I am aware, of course, of these differences between the size and the degree of the interests of the north and the south. It was one of the points I put to the hon. and gallant Gentleman when he was advocating complete separation of the domestic affairs of Scotland and England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, owing to the shortage of houses in country districts, he will introduce legislation to provide grants and loans for the reconditioning of existing rural cottages in Scotland.

Local authorities were given power by the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1949, to make grants and loans for the improvement of housing accommodation by private persons in town and country alike.

In view of the announced intention of the Minister of Health to cut down still further the miserable supply of new houses in this country, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that more effective steps should be taken than are possible under that Act to repair houses, at least those in our country districts that can be repaired?

I hope the hon. Gentleman will consider fully this Act and the facilities which it offers, particularly in the situation to which he has drawn attention. I should like to tell him that we are already having a quite considerable number of applications.

Will my right hon. Friend reassure the House that there has not been, and will not be, any intention of cutting down the number of houses in Scotland?

Arising out of the original answer of the Secretary of State, is it not a fact that the loans and grants to which he has referred are given only on condition that a tenancy is created? Is it not a fact that because of that condition reconditioning is being held up in the countryside?

I am not sure that I follow the hon. Gentleman, but if he is referring to the fact that tied houses do not qualify, then, of course, that is the case, and I would strongly uphold it.

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention, then, to deny to the agricultural workers the standard of housing that is available to all those engaged in other industries?

No. It is the intention of the Government to arrange that the provisions of this Act are available to the community and not to the proprietors.

is my right hon. Friend aware that it would be very strongly resented if public money were given to private landlords without tenancies being created in the interests of the farmworkers themselves?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is quite impossible—this is a matter of actual fact—to carry on certain branches of farming without tied cottages, and is it his intention to do away with tied cottages and thereby reduce the volume of food produced in this country?

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to speed up the building of houses in Ayrshire.

Some 7,600 new houses, permanent and temporary, have been completed by Ayrshire local authorities since the war; 2,700 permanent houses are under construction; and about 600 more have been authorised but not yet begun. The local industry has, therefore, enough work on hand to keep it fully engaged throughout 1950. To maintain continuity I hope shortly to make further allocations of houses to the authorities concerned.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the whole economic development of the Ayrshire coalfield depends upon the speed-up of housing, and will he do everything possible to give us the necessary labour and materials to get this speed-up?

I am anxious to assist in the process, but I think I should say to my hon. Friend that there are at least 11 housing authorities in this county that have not yet submitted tenders invited last year.

Is my right hon. Friend aware or the deplorable housing conditions suffered by many hundreds of people in the Irvine and Stewarton district of Ayrshire, who are occupying old Army huts and have not decent conditions at all?

Will the cottages be reserved for the use of miners?

The allocation of cottages will be a matter for the various housing authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many are on the waiting list in Ayrshire?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any statement to make as to the policy he intends to pursue or plans already devised to make a rapid speed-up in our house-building programme in Scotland, and especially in the Glasgow area.

The rate at which houses can be built is determined by the resources of the building industry, and with 29,000 houses in Scotland under construction and 8,000 more in approved contracts not yet begun, the industry, it would seem, has already enough work in hand to keep it fully occupied at the present rate of construction throughout 1950. To maintain continuity I am pressing local authorities to submit outstanding tenders, and propose shortly to intimate further allocations of houses to them. In making allocations to Glasgow Corporation, I have taken account of the city's special needs.

At this stage, in view of the most difficult situation in Glasgow, would the Secretary of State consider having a conference of the local representatives and the Members of Parliament for the Glasgow divisions, with a view of seeing whether something could be done to speed up the fulfilment of the housing programme?

Certainly I shall be glad to consider such a proposal.

At the same time, bearing in mind the grave dissatisfaction and frustration felt by all the local authorities in Scotland with the Government's policy on housing, would the Secretary of State call a conference of all local authorities throughout Scotland to try to remove political prejudices, and to see whether they cannot give him some good advice?

I am hopeful that these political prejudices will start removing themselves from the benches opposite first of all.

As the short supply of timber is one of the limiting factors, does not my right hon. Friend think it would be very helpful if we put the wooden heads of the Opposition together?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the decreasing number of houses to let in the Scottish burghs, due to vacant houses, of all sizes, now being offered for sale only, and if he will take steps to remedy this situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that a growing number of small tenement flats are being offered for sale at extortionate prices by house factors and property owners; and if he will introduce legislation to put a stop to these practices which are causing great public resentment in Glasgow.

There are practical difficulties in dealing with this problem either by controlling the selling price of houses or by the exercise of requisitioning powers. In my view, the solution Lies partly in the exercise by local authorities of their powers to acquire and improve houses with the aid of grants under the Act of 1949, but mainly in the provision of more houses to let.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great number of these houses are on the records of the medical officer of health as houses ready for demolition, and that they are being sold? Therefore, it would not be feasible for the local authority to acquire houses which are ready for demolition.

While I have a great deal of sympathy with the point made by my hon. Friend, I should think that with that particular type of house there would not be a rush of people anxious to buy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Glasgow newspapers are packed with advertisements by Tory property-owners advertising these houses and demanding extortionate sums for them; and in view of the fact that the Government refuse to allow houses to be built for sale, why should they allow these flats to be sold at these extortionate rates?

I am indebted to my hon. Friend for bringing this to my attention, and I have looked at a number of these advertisements. I repeat that if the local authority are satisfied that it is a reasonable proposition to acquire them and thus provide them for the community, they are in fact blocking the rather profiteering proprietors.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that property-owners in the City of Glasgow are prepared to leave houses untenanted rather than let them, and that this is causing great hardship?

If the houses are untenanted, the local authority have both power and opportunity.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the local authorities feel that under the Housing Act, 1948, their powers of requisition have been somewhat restricted in dealing with these houses?

I think that probably my hon. Friend is referring to the fact that the power is limited and requisitioning facilities have disappeared, but I am still inclined to think that acquisition is a more valuable recourse of the local authority than requisition.

Will my right hon. Friend be quite clear as to what he means by acquisition? Does it mean power to requisition the property or to purchase the property? I want to be quite clear as to what is meant by acquisition, so that the tenant can be safeguarded against the landlord.

I mean the process with which my hon. Friend is very familiar as a result of his extensive and distinguished appearance on local authorities—acquisition by purchase and the power which local authorities have for that purpose.

Surely if the local authority fail to do it, it is up to the Secretary of State either to see that they do it or to do it himself?

I do not think that I have any powers to that end.

Does the Secretary of State realise that the only thing to do is to restore to the local authorities the power of requisitioning these properties? Will he consider doing that?

It was the Ministry that had the power to requisition, not the local authority. Extension of that power would, of course, have to be provided for by this House, and I should think that is rather a questionable assumption.

Would not my right hon. Friend consider, in view of the hardship that is being created, particularly in Glasgow, the introduction of legislation to give local authorities the power to requisition?

I shall be glad to consider every aspect of this subject, but the question of the introduction of legislation would be more properly addressed to the Leader of the House.

I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the conditions of the hutted camps as now in use for living accommodation around Ayr; and what action he proposes to take to secure a reasonable standard of decency for their occupants.

The huts in these camps occupied by squatters provide only emergency accommodation. Even with a considerable expenditure of labour and materials, they then could not be brought up to modern standards. Expenditure on providing basic facilities and on essential repairs has already been incurred, but I will gladly consider any further essential measures which the hon. and gallant Member may submit to me.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that these tenants have been forced to live in these cold, damp, dark, insanitary houses for upwards of years, and that it is not possible to do anything to them because the outer wooden walls have perished? What steps is he going to take now to re-house these people?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that the business of providing houses is the business of the local authority—

Subject to licences.

—but so far as the hutments are concerned, as I have already indicated, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any practical proposal relating to essential measures, I should be glad to consider it.

Does not this add enormously to the strength of the demand made last night by the Opposition for the greatly extended purchase of timber to enable the housing programme in this country to be speeded up?

I am quite certain that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman listened to the answer which I gave earlier, relating to the fact that local authorities in this county—not all of them, but eleven of them—have not yet submitted tenders for houses the allocation of which was approved last year.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is not attempting to state to this House that if more building material were available in Scotland, we would not have a greater number of houses built in that country?

I am saying that with this, as with every other area, there is only a limited supply of labour available for these and the other competing purposes, and there can be no accusation that within this area, at any rate, there is not continuous provision being made for house building.

Surely it is very desirable—this is a matter of the utmost importance to everyone in this House as well as to everyone in Scotland—that an increased supply of labour should be concentrated on this essential service, which is being neglected at present by His Majesty's Government?

I am not sure whether the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is not asking that the Government should now acquire powers for the direction of labour, because he knows that in every corner of Scotland the building force is fully employed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the living conditions of the families occupying the disused Army huts at Parkill Tarbolton, Ayrshire, what steps he proposes to take to remove them forthwith to suitable accommodation.

The huts at Parkhill are occupied as a clearing house for seven families removed from unsafe houses in Catrine. Re-housing is the responsibility of the county council, and I have asked them to find alternative accommodation as soon as possible.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that these unfortunate people have been waiting now for upwards of years; does he further realise the degrading effect upon a house-proud Scotswoman of having "to try to create a home in these circumstances; and will he not himself take immediate action to have the matter put right?

I have every sympathy, and I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman is greatly disturbed; but that sympathy and that emotion do not affect the facts: the responsibility must remain with the county councils.

Is it not the fact that, the housing conditions in this area are so bad because the Tory town council refused to build houses, and had to be compelled by a public inquiry to build any houses at all?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the area I have just described has been hitherto within the representation of the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes)?

I am sure that is true, but I am equally certain that it was the responsibility of the county council and that the composition of the county council was as described by my hon. Friend.

Passing the buck again.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction with the "Orlit" prefabricated houses as built by the Scottish Special Housing Association; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure, either that these houses are made windproof and rainproof, or that they are pulled down and their occupants provided with suitable alternative accommodation without delay.

Defects have been discovered in two of the Association's schemes arising from bad workmanship. The contractors who in these cases built the houses for the Association have admitted liability and are being held responsible for all losses incurred. Remedial measures are being taken, and temporary accommodation will be found as necessary for the tenants while repairs are effected.

But that is no good. Will the right hon. Gentleman come round with me and look at these houses himself, and see that it is impossible to keep the interiors dry, that the blankets are damp and the mattresses are mildewed; and will he immediately stop any rent having to be paid for them, immediately provide alternative accommodation, and pull them down?

I shall, of course, be delighted to accompany the hon. and gallant Gentleman round his division at an appropriate time; and I shall treasure this accusation against private enterprise which is offered to the House.

It is the type of the house that is at fault.

Will the Secretary of State give us the names of these private contractors who have been proved guilty of scamped workmanship?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that shopkeepers are again receiving notice to quit in view of the expiry of the shopkeepers' protection Act; and what steps he is taking to extend the Act beyond Whit Sunday, 1950.

Section 3 (3) of the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act, 1949, provides that the Act shall continue in force until the 31st December, 1950, and shall then expire except as regards applications for renewal of tenancy presented before that date and determinations thereon. The position thereafter will be considered in the light of the final report of the Guthrie Committee on the Tenure of Shops and Business Premises in Scotland, which will shortly be published.

Will my right hon. Friend see that tenants are protected from Whit Sunday, 1950, until Whit Sunday, 1951, even though the Act expires in December, 1950?

I am instructed that it there is an order of the court to that effect. but not otherwise.

Is the court empowered to give an order extending the date beyond the termination of the Act?

So I am informed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to introduce legislation to facilitate the reciprocal enforcement of orders for aliment and maintenance in Scotland and England.

It is hoped to introduce legislation for this purpose this Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received the report of the committee appointed to inquire into the qualifications required by physiotherapists employed under the National Health Service; and if it is intended to publish this report.

I understand that the committee are now unlikely to complete their report before the summer. The question of publication will be considered when the report has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average length of time taken, from date of application to date of delivery, for the supply of spectacles under the National Health Service scheme.

While there are considerable variations in individual cases, I understand that the people who are now getting their glasses have been waiting on the average for rather more than six months since their sight was tested. Supply is, however, overtaking demand at an increasing rate. In January of this year, 42,000 persons in Scotland who had their sight tested were found to need glasses, while 63,000 persons received glasses.

Is a scheme of priority in operation now?

Yes, there is a limited scheme of priority, the details of which I shall be glad to supply.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to recall the Council of former Secretaries of State for Scotland to advise him in Scottish affairs.

I regret I am not yet able to answer this Question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider favourably the possibility of calling into his counsel the right hon. Ernest Brown, the right hon. Sir Archibald Sinclair, the right hon. Thomas Johnston, the right hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn), and the right hon. and gallant Member for Kelvingrove (Lieut.-Colonel Elliot), who have all been Secretaries of State for Scotland, and who would be very valuable in advising him?,

I am considering the subject most carefully, but not hastily.

Will the Secretary of State, as a very busy man, give us an assurance that he will not waste his time scouring the political museum for these rejects from the past?

In considering this question, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that already in Scotland we have too many deans of guild and deacon convenors, without creating any more?

On a point of Order. Is it in order to describe right hon. Gentlemen as museum exhibits?

Will the right hon. Gentleman reflect on whether this Council of former Secretaries of State for Scotland was not always at best rather a silly stunt; and whether it would not be better to stick to the very excellent Council of Development which we have got at present?

I will consider the opposing views which have been offered so vehemently.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to publish the reports of the Highland Advisory Panel.

The Advisory Panel was set up, not to make reports, but to work in close touch with the Departments concerned with administration in the Highlands, and it gives the Secretary of State advice from time to time. A broad summary of its activities is given in the annual White Papers on Industry and Employment in Scotland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people in the Highlands are very anxious to know when the more urgent problems are going to be tackled—in particular, roads, housing and water supply; and will he consider the designation of the whole Highland area as a development area?

On the first point, I cannot see that their worries would necessarily be eased by the publication of reports from this Panel. The second point is quite another question.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the recommendations made by the Highland Advisory Panel have been acted upon by the Government?

Not without notice, but the number is considerable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement regarding the proposal to close the Naval Hospital at Port Edgar, showing how this will affect other hospitals in the area, and stating to what use it is intended to put the vacated hospital.

I understand that naval patients will in future be admitted to other Service hospitals, except in cases of acute illness. The additional load on civil hospitals in the district will therefore be inconsiderable. The Regional Hospital Board have proposed using the Port Edgar buildings for civil hospital purposes, and the Admiralty are now considering this proposal.

Does that mean that the civilian staff will be retained?

I should think that that would not be decided until the final decision is taken upon the hospital.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what the maximum capacity of the Port Edgar Hospital is?

No, I am sorry, I could not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether negotiations have yet been concluded for the purchase of a site for an establishment of a fruit research station in the neighbourhood of Dundee.

Negotiations towards this end are still proceeding.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some weeks ago his Under-Secretary of State, speaking to the Clyde Scottish Fruitgrowers' Research Association in Clydeside, stated that a compulsory order had already been made?

I am told by my hon. Friend that that was an inaccurate report.

Will not the negotiations for this research station near Dundee be held up through haggling over the price of first-class arable land?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman can be certain that we shall be prepared to pay a fair price.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the seriousness of the river pollution problem in Scotland; and whether he contemplates taking measures to deal with it.

Many Scottish rivers are undoubtedly polluted, but I have at present no statutory power to enforce the administration of the Rivers Pollution Prevention Acts, which rests in the hands of local authorities. I propose, however, to consider this matter when I receive the report of the Scottish Water Advisory Committee, who are at present considering the amendment of these Acts.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is such a wide general view on the need for dealing with this matter that it is one which might be tackled by this Parliament?

We will be very glad to consider the report when it becomes available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Highland bulls are now held by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland; and how many of any other breed.

At present the Department of Agriculture for Scotland have 82 Highland bulls, 107 Aberdeen Angus bulls, 98 Shorthorn bulls and 17 bulls of other breeds, making a total of 304.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that some thousand votes were spoilt in the last Election by the failure of the presiding officer to put the official stamp on the ballot paper; and if he will take steps to prevent such irregularities in future Elections.

I am informed that the total number of ballot papers rejected for want of the official franking in Scottish constituencies at the recent General Election was 1,849. In no case was the number sufficient to affect the result. I have no doubt that returning officers, who are responsible for conducting the Elections, are fully alive to the importance of securing that ballot papers are properly stamped, but my Department will be discussing with them shortly the general experience of the Election and will certainly discuss this point with them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that nine votes in the House of Commons are just as important as nine in the constituencies?

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of pensions awarded in respect of disablement arising from 1914–18 war service, the number of such pensions still in issue, up to the 50 per cent. rate, from the 50 per cent. to the 90 per cent. rate and at the 100 per cent. rate for total disablement; and what is the average age of the 1914–18 disabled veterans.

The total number of pensions awarded up to 31st December, 1949, in respect of disablement arising from 1914–18 war service was 1,702,160.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the degree of disablement is apt to increase with advancing age, and will he take this matter into consideration?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the desirability of reviewing the assessments of the 1914–18 war pensioners. During the year ended 31st March, 1949, 1,779 of these pensioners received increased assessments, and during the present financial year, 3,215 received increased assessments despite the fact that their previous assessments were statutorily final.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of 1914–18 disabled men who are now unable to obtain or follow regular employment; and whether he is considering any fresh provisions for this group of pensioners in cases where they do not receive, and are ineligible to receive, any of the existing supplementary allowances.

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, much information regarding the employment position of war pensioners is given in Sections VI and VII of the 24th Annual Report of my Department. Paragraph 80 of that Report shows that on 30th June last, 7,647 men known to be 1914 war pensioners were on the Disabled Persons Register and were unemployed. As regards the second part of the Question my welfare officers, in collaboration with the resettlement officers of the Ministry of Labour, are doing all they can to assist unemployed pensioners who are not eligible for any of the main supplementary allowances from my Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions the daily rate of allowance paid for necessary attendance on war pensioners who have lost an arm and a leg or both legs just below mid-thigh; the maximum daily rate payable in respect of attendance on pensioners who are helpless; and whether he is satisfied that the present rates are adequate in the light of present-day values.

The rate of the additional allowance for attendance payable to a pensioner receiving 100 per cent. pension depends on the amount of personal assistance required. Normally the allowance for a man who has lost an arm and a leg or who has lost both legs below mid-thigh would be 10s. weekly. The maximum rate of the allowance payable to a pensioner who is helpless is 40s. weekly. The rates were revised in January, 1947, and were further reviewed in September, 1948. The present allowances represent a substantial improvement both in amounts and scope over the allowances payable before 1947, and I am satisfied that they do not call for further review at present.

In view of the fact that these rates were last reviewed in September, 1948, and that many of those so disabled are suffering financial hardship in consequence of the inadequacy of these allowances, will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that an improvement is made in them?

I am not aware that many are suffering financial hardship, but if my hon. Friend or any other hon. Member has individual cases where he feels that hardship is suffered, I shall be only too pleased to look into them.

asked the Minister of Pensions the numbers of war disability pensioners who have died since 1st January, 1946; the numbers of such men who were pensioned for ailments and wounds; the numbers of widows' pensions awarded in respect of each group; and whether he is satisfied that the full effects of severe wounds are taken into consideration.

Some 54,000 male disablement pensioners of whom 31,400 were married, died between 1st January, 1946, and 31st December, 1949; 36,000 were pensioned for diseases and 18,000 for trauma.

The number of widows' claims arising from these particular deaths cannot readily be ascertained, but during the same period 31,228 awards were made to widows, including widows whose husbands died while serving. A complete record of the disabilities in these cases is not immediately available but an examination of 21,000 cases shows 13,500 instances of disease and 7,500 of trauma.

I am satisfied that all relevant factors including the full effects of severe wounds are taken into consideration in deciding widows' claims and that the benefit of any reasonable doubt is always given.

In the case of ailments, is the Minister aware that there is not much difficulty about pensions being granted to widows in this category, but is he also aware that many of these widows are the widows of wounded men who were certified for pensions because they were suffering from wounds, but who ultimately died of ailments? Is the Minister further aware that in very rare cases are pensions granted to widows of men badly mutilated?

My hon. Friend must bear in mind that all these widows have the right of appeal against the rejection of their claims, and further many of them are insured, as are all our citizens, and received widows' pensions from the Ministry of National Insurance if they fail to qualify under the Royal Warrant.

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to receive a deputation from the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association to consider this problem further?

Yes, Sir. I have discussed it very fully with them already, but if they wish to see me again, of course I am ready to receive them.