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?