asked the Secretary of State for War what is the extent of vacant accommodation in the City of Hamburg previously used for married quarters for families of men serving in the British Army of the Rhine and suitable for similar use at the present time; how long it has been out of use; and why it is not handed back to the German authorities.

On 1st March, 1951, there were 179 married quarters in Hamburg which had been vacant for a period of three to six months; 78 of these are not required and will shortly be de-requisitioned. Delay in derequisitioning has been due to the uncertainty of troop movements in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men serving in the British Army of the Rhine who have married German wives are given more points per month for housing purposes, married quarters, than men whose families are domiciled in Great Britain.

This is not the case. If my hon. Friend would let me have details of the information on which her Question is based, I should be pleased to look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when for security reasons the evidence at a court-martial is to be given wholly or partially in camera, he will direct that presidents of such courts-martial should state in open court precisely what the charges are at the beginning of the trial.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Dartford on 18th September, 1950.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the routine procedure for investigating matters relating to grave and urgent medical needs of members of His Majesty's Forces, following a letter from a Member of this House.

Letters relating to these matters from hon. Members are given immediate attention. They are referred to the War Office branch responsible for the subject dealt with and, if necessary, inquiries are made of the command or lower formation concerned. The need for an early reply is stressed in all cases and the information when received is passed by the War Office branch to the Minister's private office with the minimum delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Oldham, West, can expect a full reply to his letter of 23rd January relating to the soldier at present in Sudbrooke Park Camp, Lincolnshire, stated to be gravely ill with tumour on the brain.

This soldier, who is not seriously ill and is going about his normal duties, will, as a precautionary measure, be seen by a medical specialist. As my hon. Friend was informed on 28th February, a full reply will be sent to his letter as soon as the specialist's report is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether interference with degree course studies will he regarded as a valid ground for exemption from call-up in Class Z Reserve this year.

This will depend upon the degree of interference which the training would cause to the studies. Applications for exemption on these grounds will be treated on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether medical students whose studies are approaching completion, will be called up under the Z Reserve call-up scheme.

No such students should be called up under this scheme. If they should receive a call-up notice they may apply for exemption, submitting supporting evidence, and exemption will be allowed.

asked the Lord President of the Council how many strikes there have been so far among workers on the Festival of Britain site.

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the South Bank Exhibition site. On that site there have been 10 strikes in all. This does not include the concert hall which is a responsibility of the L.C.C.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he can now say whether the estimate of the cost of the Festival Gardens is likely to be exceeded; and whether, in order that the total expenditure can be met, in view of the financial position of the country, he will consider re-opening negotiations for the Gardens to be kept in being for such longer period as will provide adequate prospects of the undertaking at least meeting all the costs involved.

Yes. The Board of Festival Gardens Limited report that expenditure on the Festival Pleasure Gardens is proving to be in excess of earlier estimates. This increased expenditure is due partly to the general rise in costs and wages affecting all forms of construction work, partly to the scale of interruptions from bad weather and labour disputes, and partly to other causes. The House will appreciate that it is not possible with so much urgent work in progress to obtain a firm final estimate of expenditure, but on the best figures with which the Board have been able to provide me I understand that the total expenditure is likely to be about £1,625,000.On the revenue side, the Parliamentary decision against Sunday opening of the amusement section has deprived the company of the most obvious means of recouping part of this increased expenditure, and the revised revenue estimate now given to me by the company is £1,053,000. The position is, therefore, that the expenditure is estimated at about £1,625,000, the revenue at about £1,053,000, so that the loss is about £572,000 on the basis of six months operation only in 1951.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether it will be possible for the Festival Gardens to be kept open on Sundays until 10.30 p.m.

The Board of Festival Gardens Limited would, I understand, like to keep the Pleasure Gardens open on Sundays until 10.30 p.m., but I have not felt free to agree to their doing so without having mentioned the matter in the House. My reason for hesitating was that on the occasion of the Second Reading of the Festival of Britain (Sunday Opening) Bill I had mentioned that they were proposing to close at 10.0 p.m. on Sundays. However, now that the amusement section will be closed all Sunday this seems to me a reasonable proposal, and unless any weighty objection is brought to my notice it is my intention to inform the Chairman accordingly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that in the January issue of "Report to Women," issued by the Information Division of his Department, more space is given to information concerning the increase of the bacon and cheese ration than to the reduction in the meat ration and that specific figures are given for increases but not for decreases; and whether he will instruct that a more balanced account of our food situation should be given in this report in future;(2) whether he is aware that "Report to Women" issued by the Information Division of his Department is a Socialist propaganda leaflet; and whether he will give instructions that public money should no longer be used for printing it.

I cannot agree that this factual document is in any way biased politically. The January issue contained notes on five foodstuffs. The first and longest was meat; the reduced ration was mentioned in the first line. In four instances rations had increased, and in only one was the actual amount stated. Copies of this Report are in the Library, and I invite hon. Members to look at it and judge for themselves.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the dollar loan from Canada is repayable; how much it amounts to; and what provisions he is making for repayment on the due date.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Canadian credit which was the subject of my statement to the House on 20th February. The amount is 1,185 million dollars repayable in 50 annual instalments beginning on 31st December, 1951. As regards the last part of the Question, I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that resentment is felt by foreign nationals who have capital blocked in this country which they cannot spend even when they visit the U.K.; and whether he will make provision that in future such individuals will be allowed to spend the money which they possess freely within the sterling area.

To allow foreign residents to spend blocked capital freely would mean that a large part of our dollar earnings from tourism would be devoted to the repayment of capital. We cannot afford this yet.

asked the. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that on 18th April, 1950, The City of London Real Property Company Limited, agreed with the District Valuer an amount of £290,000 as the value payment on 35–36 Mark Lane, 21–26 Mincing Lane and 78–90 Great Tower Street in the City of London; that this sum remains unpaid although interest continues to accrue at the rate of nearly £20 per day; and if he will discharge this obligation and save further interest.

I regret that I cannot answer Questions about individual war damage claims. I have had a report from the War Damage Commission on the position in this case and have forwarded this to the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove the Purchase Tax from bird scarers.

As far as I am aware ordinary types of bird scarers are not chargeable to Purchase Tax. But if my hon. Friend will let me know what he has in mind I will look into the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated loss of revenue in the financial year 1950–51 arising from the transfer of goods from purchase tax groups to a utility range.

It is not possible to make such an estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the result of his meeting with National Farmers-Union representatives regarding the importation of horticultural produce.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr. Deedes) on 20th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the changed economic circumstances and the hardship caused in many families he has considered the reduction from: seven years of the age at which savings certificates held by young children can be repaid, or whether he will alter the conditions under which repayment can be claimed by parents of such.

I am arranging for the whole question of these restrictions on the withdrawal of savings held in the names of young children—which have existed for the past 100 years or so—to be examined afresh.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the money value of the miners' concessionary coal is added to the miners' wages for the purpose of computing Income Tax.

No. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 30th January to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement concerning the date at which the agreement with France concerning double Income Tax is likely to be ratified.

Ratification of the double taxation agreement with France must await the necessary affirmative resolution of this House and corresponding action in the French Assembly. The draft Statutory Instrument to which the agreement is scheduled is, as the hon. Member will be aware, on the Order Paper and it is hoped that the necessary resolution will be taken quite soon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what profits have been made by the Bank of England since it was nationalised.

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the profits of the Banking Department. A sum of £873,180 has been paid twice yearly to the Treasury in accordance with Section 1 (4) of the Bank of England Act, 1946. It has never been the practice to disclose any further particulars of the Banking Department other than those contained in the weekly Bank Return.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his recent conversations with Mr. Gardiner.

I have nothing to add to the communique issued on 22nd February.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken by the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation to adjust the position of Germany's balance of payments.

A report by the managing board of the European Payments Union on the German position is being considered today by the Council.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the gold output of South Africa is being surrendered to the Sterling Area pool, as against a year ago.

The publication of information about the disposal of South African gold is a matter for the South African Government.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many Revenue protection cruisers are now used; what journeys they have undertaken in the last 12 months; and what visits have been made by them to Dublin and to France in the same period.

One seagoing vessel, an ex-naval trawler, is employed on Revenue protection duties. This vessel does not perform definite journeys, but has been engaged on coastal patrols over the past 12 months. No visits to Dublin or to France have been made during that period.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what classes of rateable property the work of valuation for rating purposes is being put out to valuers in private practice; whether an assurance has been given to professional valuers that this method of assessment will continue until 1958; what amount has been already paid in fees and what is the total estimated cost.

The following is the list of classes:Certain industrial hereditaments; mineral producing hereditaments (excluding coal mines); certain football and other sports grounds; cinemas and theatres; certain schools and other educational establishments; water undertakings; certain dock undertakings; pleasure piers and holiday camps; racecourses and totalisators; greyhound race tracks; certain tram and trolley bus undertakings.The contracts operate until 31st March, 1958. The fees so far paid amount to £25,263. It is impossible to give any accurate estimate of the total amount of fees which may be payable under the contracts because that amount depends largely on the rateable values which emerge on the revaluation in 1953.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether valuers in private practice who are undertaking rating valuation work for the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue on a fee basis are permitted also to act for ratepayers in appeals against assessments made by the district valuer or other private valuers on other property in the same area.

Yes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it is necessary to employ valuers in private practice to undertake rating assessment work which was previously done by the rating and valuation officers of local authorities and which should now be undertaken by the staff of the valuation office.

My hon. Friend's assumption that all rating valuation work was formerly done by local authority staff is wrong. The Inland Revenue have had to employ private firms because the staff available to the Valuation Office from the local authorities and by recruitment was inadequate to complete the revaluation by the statutory date of 1953.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of the Government in respect of the continuance in employment of members of the executive grades in the Civil Service after they reach the age of 60 years; and what instructions have been given to Government Departments on this matter.

The standing instructions to Government Departments provide that they should continue to employ men and women beyond the normal retiring age in all cases where they are willing to remain and are fully fit and efficient in their grade and where there is real need to retain their services.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention had been drawn to the report of the Master Printers' Federation, a copy of which has been sent to him, regarding the methods adopted by His Majesty's Stationery Office in fixing cost and credit rates; if he will make a statement on this subject; and when he proposes to make this report available to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

This report, made at the request of the Stationery Office, has been received and is being examined. I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject or to say what action will be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how he intends to remove the discrimination against imported Canadian Purchase Tax-paying rubber footwear caused by the bringing of identical and similar British made footwear into the tax free utility scheme.

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 14th December last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many of our exports are being sold at prices that are too low having regard to the market conditions and the cost of our imports; and whether he will make a statement of policy.

The excellent performance of United Kingdom exports during the past year has shown that our prices for the most part have been fully competitive. The rapidly rising costs of imported raw materials are now inevitably forcing up prices of exports, but the Government's policy is to leave to the individual exporter, in the light of his special knowledge of short and longer term commercial considerations, the determination of the prices of his exports. I am sure that individual exporters will not voluntarily raise prices to such an extent as to endanger their future trade but, subject to that, it is clear that an increase in export prices may be desirable in order to help us to balance our trading accounts at a time when import prices are rising so markedly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties facing certain sections of the clothing industry as a result of the increase in the price of wool; and if he has any proposals to deal with the situation.

The high price of wool is caused by the world shortage, due in large measure to greatly increased military demands. This shortage can only be relieved by international action, and, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Haire) on 27th February, His Majesty's Government will be represented on a Wool Committee of the International Materials Conference which will meet in Washington early in April to recommend measures for increasing the production and ensuring the effective distribution and use of wool.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the shortage of supplies of sulphuric acid, what steps he is taking to ensure that suitable substitutes will he made available to the agricultural and horticultural industries.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the supply of fertilisers. The loss in home production is being made good this season by imports from abroad.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to introduce the proposed legislation for the branding and marking of furniture

I am not yet in a position to say when it will be possible to introduce this legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in a position to announce any revision of prices for utility furniture, other than utility upholstered furniture.

No. I am still awaiting the evidence referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 8th February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider amending Section 164 of the Companies Act, 1948, to ensure that, when an investigation is ordered into the affairs of a company at the request of a minority of the shareholders, the names of the complainants and the nature of their charges are made known to the directors of the company concerned.

No. I do not consider that it would be desirable to place any such obligation on the Board of Trade. The Board of Trade frequently communicate to the directors of the company the grounds of an application before appointing an inspector, and in some cases this may render an investigation unnecessary. But there are cases in which notification would be undesirable. When an inspector has been appointed, it should be left to him to decide the course of the investigation. In either case, it would be undesirable to cause further dissension in the company by requiring the disclosure of the names of the applicants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the intentions of his Department regarding the further development of the industrial estate at Kilwinning which, as yet, has only had the allocation of one small industry.

The available land on the Kilwinning estate is still being held in reserve for possible further development.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, during the last quarter of 1950, he increased his staff.

Board of Trade staff has been reduced over the last four years by about 4,000. It increased by 38 during the last quarter of 1950 to deal with an increase of work in various sections of the Department's activities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total amount of pit props imported into the United Kingdom for the last year; and what amounts were imported by Government or Government agencies and what amount by free agencies.

Three hundred and sixty-four thousand three hundred and seventy-seven piled cubic fathoms of pit props were imported into the United Kingdom in the year 1950 from the following countries:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that manufacturers are not making a sufficient number of outsize garments under the utility scheme to fulfil all requirements and that as a result it is impossible for all persons of large physique to benefit by the scheme; and what action he proposes to take to help such people.

While outsize garments are made in considerable quantities within the utility scheme, there are and always have been some difficulties of supply since it upsets the normal routine of production to make fittings for people who differ much from the average size and shape. We do all in our power to encourage manufacturers to make the larger sizes. Higher prices ranging from 7½ per cent. to 22½ per cent., depending on the type of garment, are allowed to be charged to meet the additional costs of production. It may be necessary for persons of large physique to have some garments made to measure, and the utility scheme provides for this.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the records furnished him on which he justified his decision to allow an expenditure of £15,000 on the Coniston Hotel, Sittingbourne.

I am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate that it would not be right for me to disclose the details of this hotel's business which justified the grant of a building licence. But I can assure him that the hotel's record shows that it has had a substantial number of overseas visitors, and I am hopeful that it will do even better now that additional accommodation is available.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if his Department will reimburse Sevenoaks Rural District Council for having to replace galvanised sink units with porcelain enamel sink units, owing to the inferior quality of the galvanised units originally installed in the Arcon type prefabricated bungalows.

No. This is an item of maintenance for which the Council are responsible.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether the 10,000 houses to be built for miners will be additional to his yearly target of 200,000 houses.

No.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning how many houses were authorised to be built in Kingston-upon-Hull in the year 1950; and how many were in fact completed in that year.

The number under construction at 31st December, 1949, was 589; the additional number allocated was 525 and the number completed was 645.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will issue a circular to housing authorities that, in all new housing estates of sufficient size, a site for a health centre shall be reserved.

I hope that all planning authorities will give consideration to this matter in their development plans.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether, in view of his agreement that local authorities can now build houses more economically designed, such as the recent winning design in "The Builder," he will permit greater flexibility in the allocation, so that authorities may build four such houses in place of three of the current type.

The existing system of allocation is sufficiently flexible to allow for the inclusion of a larger number of smaller houses in the approved programmes of local authorities. As regards the building of smaller houses, I would refer the hon. Member to the exact terms in my reply to his question on 21st February.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he will take the necessary steps to enable him to allocate an overall sum to local authorities in place of individual licences, so as to encourage them to get the best value for money and enable them to build more houses for old and single people.

No. I think the present system is better, but I am encouraging local authorities to increase still further the proportion of houses for old people and newly-married couples.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he is aware of the obstruction being caused to building plans through the uncertainty as to the future of the York and Rawcliffe aerodrome; and whether he can yet make a statement.

It has been decided that this airfield must be retained. Building plans must be adjusted to this decision, but I understand that alternative sites are available.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning how many architects his Department employs on housing; how many of them are engaged on producing detailed plans for a three-bedroom house costing less than £1,000; and if the plans will be published.

Eight architects at headquarters and 82 in the regions. Part of their duty is to make a continuous study of possible improvements in design and reductions in cost. Plans have been, and will continue to be, published from time to time.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if, in view of the desire of the County Borough of Tynemouth to proceed with its housing programme, he will state when the long-delayed report of the mineral valuer on the land at Chirton Grange and Preston White House will be in the hands of the authority.

The report has now been sent to the Council.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether his attention has been called to the large number of complaints regarding refusals by landlords to agree to exchange of tenancies; and whether, in view of the serious degree to which such refusals are aggravating the general housing difficulties, he will consider introducing legislation to control this practice.

I hope that private landlords will do their utmost to facilitate voluntary exchanges, and so prevent the necessity of considering such legislation.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he is aware of the danger arising out of the delays in carrying out private road improvements in the City of Bristol; what were his reasons for suggesting that the proposals submitted to him recently should be curtailed; and if he will now, in view of the pressing need, review his previous decision.

The capital expenditure proposals of many authorities have had to be curtailed at present in the national interest; but I have invited the Bristol City Council to discuss their programme further with my officers.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether his attention has been drawn to the report made by the district auditor into the financial returns of the Bedlington Urban Council, in which he alleges that the returns were found defective; and if he will institute an inquiry under the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921.

I have seen the report. The district audit is itself an independent inquiry with rights of appeal from the decisions of the district auditor. No further inquiry by me is necessary.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what is the total sum disbursed in respect of allowances paid to members of local authorities to meet travelling, subsistence and other expenses as provided under the Local Government Act, 1948.

This information is not available.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning why he is not yet in a position to authorise the West Kesteven Rural District Council to advertise for tenders for carrying out the water scheme at Ganby and Stainby, Lincolnshire, which has been before his Department since last November.

Because this is only one of a number of schemes, priorities concerning which must be carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what progress has been made with listing the historic buildings in Cumberland and Westmorland under the powers given him by section 30 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.

Lists have been issued covering the greater part of Cumberland and three out of the six districts of Westmorland. Some of the lists are still provisional as I am waiting for the names and addresses of owners from the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Works upon what principle he granted a licence for the building of National Coal Board offices in Doncaster.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster (Mr. Gunter), on 30th January.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will enumerate the number of Departments concerned with, and the sequence of investigations held into, an application by any concern wanting to build a new factory to meet orders for defence equipment.

I have been asked to reply. The Board of Trade is responsible for approving the location; my Department is responsible for issuing the building licence on the advice of the Department sponsoring the case. The Central Land Board is responsible for determining the development charge. Applications to the Board of Trade and to the sponsoring Department can be, and generally are, considered simultaneously. As soon as the approval of the Board of Trade has been obtained application can be made to the local planning authority for planning consent and to the Central Land Board to determine the development charge.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the air conditioning system in the new building is transmitting voices from the Chamber and Committee rooms to other rooms in the building; and whether he will take steps either to improve reception in these rooms or to cut it out.

It is unlikely that the air-conditioning system is responsible for these ghost voices. The defect is being investigated and will be put right as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Works how much has been spent by his Department on improvements to each of the privately-owned slaughterhouses in Camborne-Redruth now in use.

My Department has spent on work of improvement to the two slaughterhouses at Camborne and Redruth £340 and £609 respectively.

asked the Minister of Works how much has been spent by his Department on improvements to slaughterhouses in Cornwall; and the number of slaughterhouses involved.

Six thousand two hundred and forty-one pounds has been spent by my Department on work of improvement at 16 slaughterhouses in Cornwall.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make a statement giving detailed information of the demands which will be made on the building industry as a result of rearmament.

I cannot at this stage add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his speech in the House on the 15th February. My right hon. Friend then pointed out that about £500 million of the three-year defence programme would be spent on building work, of which the amount to be spent in the first year might come to something of the order of £120 million. He added that it would be necessary to reduce some of the civilian claims in the investment programme and measures to this end are now under active consideration.

asked the Minister of Works if his attention has been drawn to the two accidents with fatal results, at the firm of Woodhouses, Liverpool; and, as his Department are responsible for issuing licences for rebuilding, what steps he took before the licences were issued to ensure that all the safety regulations were complied with.

My Department has no responsibility for the Building (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations, 1948, nor for their enforcement. The issue of a building licence in no way relieves an employer of his duty to comply with these Regulations, which are made by the Minister of Labour under the Factories Acts and are enforced by H.M. Inspectors of Factories.

asked the Minister of Works what edition of Form CCC/Wks/1, General Conditions of Government Contracts for Building and Civil Engineering Works, is now in use by Government Departments; and how many amendments have been made thereto since the date of its original publication.

Edition 5 of Form CCC/Wks/1 is now in use with an amendment. Four earlier amendments have been embodied in successive editions of the main form, since its original publication in 1942.

asked the Minister of Works why Statutory Instruments, Nos. 114, 115, 220, 221 and 222, which were laid before Parliament some weeks ago, have not been made available in the Vote Office

These Statutory Instruments were laid before Parliament in the normal way by depositing three copies with the Votes and Proceedings Office, and two copies of each have been available in the Library since the dates of laying. At the same time 15 copies were sent to the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments. The Instruments are revocation orders and of local interest only, and it has not been the custom to make extra copies available to hon. Members through the Vote Office.

asked the Minister of Works whether Members will have a further opportunity of seeing the model showing the proposed new Colonial Office, according to the revised plan, in relation to its surroundings.

The model of the proposed new Colonial Office to the original design, but illustrating the set-back, has been placed in the rooms of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

asked the Minister of Works what proportion of B.S. 1010 taps and Ministry of Health "Swan" taps, respectively, are used in the home market; if he will give an estimate of what percentage saving of brass would be achieved if the lighter "Swan" tap were used instead of the B.S. 1010; and what technical reasons there are why "Swan" taps should not be used.

I have no figures to show the proportions of B.S. 1010 and Ministry of Health "Swan" taps used on the home market. It is estimated that the latter are about 7 per cent. lighter than the B.S. 1010. I should hesitate to advance technical reasons why a tap specified by the British Standards Institution should be superseded by an earlier model. The matter is, however, being considered.

asked the Minister of Labour what is his policy in regard to the deferment of boys apprenticed to the bakery trade and if he will make a statement.

The grant of deferment has hitherto been limited to apprentices in areas where there is a scheme of apprenticeship training recognised by both sides of the industry in the locality. The general principles of a national scheme were agreed between representatives of the two sides of the industry on 21st February last and will, I understand, be implemented as soon as possible. A young man in any part of the country apprenticed under this scheme will ordinarily be granted deferment on application. Outstanding applications for deferment and applications from men not yet called up, which have been refused under existing deferment rules, will be reconsidered.

asked the Minister of Labour how many people registered as unemployed and drawing unemployment benefit are ex-members of the Civil Service retired on full pension.

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the drop of 1,186 within the last two years in the number of people employed in agriculture in Gloucestershire; and if he will take this into consideration before calling up under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces (Training) Bill.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." This, however, has no relevance to calling up Class Z reservists for 15 days.

asked the Minister of Labour how many painters are registered as unemployed in the county borough of Southend-on-Sea.

One hundred and fifteen at 12th February. The figure relates to men whose last employment was in the building industry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange with the Service Departments to allow at least 14 days to elapse between medical inspection and reporting for duty of National Service men in order to minimise the difficulties of replacement for employers.

Save in exceptional cases, more than 14 days elapses at present. Under Section 9 (1) of the National Service Act, 1948, an enlistment notice, which may not be issued until after medical examination, shall not require the person upon whom it is served to present himself on a day earlier than the 14th day after the date of the service of the notice or such earlier day as may be determined at his request.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the proposed tonnage of tomatoes to be imported in July, 1951; and whether he can give an assurance that the figure was settled after consultation with representatives of the Scottish growers.

The quota for imports of tomatoes in July, 1951, is 7,200 tons. This figure was determined after consultation with the National Farmers' Unions of the United Kingdom. The quota is liable to review in the light of supplies available from home sources of production.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland approximately what proportion of the applications for licences to fell timber are first referred to the local planning authorities; and by how long such reference to the local planning authority holds up the decision whether to grant or refuse the licence.

The proportions are approximately 10 per cent. in Scotland, 28 per cent. in England and 25 per cent. in Wales. The time taken up by the reference of licences to planning authorities varies considerably, the average time being between one and two months.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Cove and Kilcreggan Burgh is one of the two local authorities in Scotland that have not completed a single house since 1945; and what steps he intends to take to ensure the housing needs of the people being met in this locality.

Since my reply on 26th July last, all the 20 houses which the Town Council are building have been roofed, and I hope that their completion will not be long delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what housing allocation was offered to the City of Edinburgh in 1949, 1950 and 1951; and what reason was given to him for their non-acceptance of 200 houses included in the allocation.

The Corporation were authorised in 1949 to build 1,200 houses, in 1950–1,600 houses, and in 1951–1,300 houses. In addition, they were authorised specially in 1950 to build 100 houses on the understanding that 75 per cent. would be used for the rehousing of families in requisitioned properties. No allocations were refused by the Corporation, but they asked that 150 houses which they had been asked to build for miners, should be built by the Scottish Special Housing Association and this is being done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate housing is available for producers engaged on the rearmament programme in Scotland.

As may be necessary, I authorise local authorities and the Scottish Special Housing Association to build additional houses for industrial workers engaged in urgent work of national importance, including the defence programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland under what circumstances a licensing inspector recently turned down at Perth an Aberdeen Angus bull which had subsequently won the supreme championship and was sold at the record price of 8,500 guineas; what the qualifications of the inspector were; and how long he had been so employed.

The bull was examined by one of my livestock inspectors who, applying standing instructions, recommended that a licence should not be granted because of a mouth deformity. The required licence was, however, granted before the bull was sold because in the opinion of the appeal referee (the owner having exercised his right to appeal) the deformity of the mouth was unlikely to be transmitted to the progeny of the bull. I am satisfied that the inspector is fully qualified to carry out his livestock duties. He was appointed to my permanent staff for these duties in 1948 and had many years previous experience of livestock.I should add that the Department of Agriculture for Scotland have arranged to discuss, during the next few weeks, the present licensing standards in Scotland in respect of mouth deformities and other defects in bulls with members of the veterinary profession, the breed societies and other agricultural interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Asian countries outside the Commonwealth are now associated with the Colombo Plan.

I have been asked to reply. The Governments of Burma, Siam, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines have all been invited by the Commonwealth Governments who initiated the Colombo Plan to join the Consultative Committee for Economic Development in South and South-East Asia. The Government of Laos has accepted this invitation. Early formal acceptances are expected from the Governments of Vietnam and Cambodia, who are regarded as members of the Committee on the basis of informal indication of their desire to participate. The other Governments I have mentioned have not as yet indicated whether they will become members of the Committee, though they all sent observers to its last meeting.

asked the Minister of Supply why, during the last quarter of 1950, he increased his staff apart from those engaged in the defence programme.

Many of the activities of the Department, classified as civil in the returns, are directed, in one way or another, to the defence programme.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why, during the last quarter of 1950, she increased her staff.

Between 1st October, 1950, and 1st January, 1951, the staff regularly employed in my Department decreased by 53. Owing to the onset of the influenza epidemic it was necessary to employ a few additional clerks on a casual basis. The net increase in strength was 26.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce a Bill to amend the Requisitioned Land and War Works Act, in view of the fact that orders under that Act to close up highways are not debatable in this House, while orders to re-open such highways are debatable.

I do not think that such a Bill is required. The Act contains sufficient safeguards in regard to the closure of highways by its provisions for dealing with objections, for reference to the War Works Commission in the event of sustained objections, and for reference to Parliament of any case in which departure from a report of the Commission is proposed.

asked the Minister of Transport what criterion is used in determining whether the request of a local authority to carry out improvements of public roads is justified; how far the surveyor's report is accepted as sufficient; and to what extent inspectors from his Department make an inquiry on the spot before a reply is given.

In present circumstances I can only approve such work as must be done to preserve essential communications or for the purposes of other parts of the investment programme, together with a limited amount of work to improve conditions at some of the worst danger spots. The reports of surveyors of local highway authorities have to be considered in relation to these criteria. My divisional road engineers have knowledge of the roads in their areas. They are in constant touch with local surveyors about improvement schemes and meet them on the site as may be desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision has been reached following the meeting with the stewards of the Jockey Club into the proposal to ban mid-week horse-racing during the fuel shortage.

I have been asked to reply. Because the likely loss of coal output would be serious if the St. Leger were run on a week day, the Stewards of the Jockey Club were asked if they would re-arrange their programme for the Doncaster races so that the St. Leger might be held on a Saturday and not in the middle of the week. This they readily agreed to do.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now make available to farmers with no heavy lifting gear, three-bushel sacks instead of the four-bushel sacks now available.

No. Sacks are not normally supplied to farmers through my Department though during each of the last seven years I have arranged for a substantial number of two-bushel hessian sacks to be available to farmers to augment the supply of the usual four-bushel grain sack. A limited supply of the two-bushel sacks will again be made available for the coming harvest. I am not aware of a demand for three-bushel sacks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Malayan rubber is still being shipped to China and that both the s.s. "Empire Mountain" and the s.s. "Marion" are engaged in this traffic; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

Yes. The two vessels in question are transporting the cargo of rubber referred to in my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary's answer to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 12th of February. As far as the last part of the Question is concerned, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the second part of the answer referred to above.

asked the Minister of Food how much bacon was imported from Holland for the year ended 31st January, 1951; and what is the estimated import tonnage from that country for the year ending 31st January, 1952.

Nearly 21,000 tons. The estimate for the year ending 31st January, 1952, is not less than 40,000 tons.