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Written Answers

Volume 487: debated on Wednesday 9 May 1951

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Written Answers To Questions

Wednesday, 9th May, 1951

Royal Air Force

Volunteer Reserve (Training)

1.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will give in detail the opportunities pilots in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve have of flying modern service types of aircraft; and what practice they get as regards air to air firing.

Those members of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who are called up this year for three months training will have 60 hours flying on Harvards and Spitfires and 15 hours flying on Vampires. The provision of air-to-air firing practice is under consideration. Other members will be attached, as previously, to Transport, Bomber and Coastal Commands for route flying and second pilot experience on modern Service types of multiengined aircraft

Air Training Corps

2.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the latest issue of Air Publication 1919 is to be provided to Air Training Corps units.

A new edition of Air Publication 1919 is in an advanced stage of preparation. It is hoped to send it to the printer within the next few weeks, and in this event copies should be in the hands of Air Training Corps units by September.

Civil Aviation (London-Manchester Service)

11.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what scheduled air services will operate this summer between London and Manchester.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd) on 11th April, 1951.

Paris Conference (Duration)

34.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long it is intended that the Paris Conference of Deputies shall continue.

I regret that I cannot commit myself to any firm prediction about these meetings. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member, however, that we are anxious that they should reach an early and satisfactory conclusion.

Malaya

Rubber (Acreage)

37.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what portion of the 33,569 acres and 31,297 acres of the rubber estates in Malaya, which were planted in 1949 and 1950, respectively, were planted by native growers.

The acreage planted with budgrafted material by smallholders in 1949 and 1950 was 1,840 acres and 2,314 acres, respectively.

Security Forces

76.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the situation in the Kajang district of Malaya has deteriorated considerably during recent weeks and that terrorist depredations have increased there; and what steps will be taken to insure that adequate security forces are available to resist terrorist activity in that district.

The number of incidents in Selangor, both major and minor, has steadily decreased since the beginning of the year, but I am aware that terrorists have recently been very active in the southern part of the State. The disposition of the Security Forces must be left to the operational authorities in Malaya, but the Federal War Council or the State War Executive Committee, on which the planting community is represented, would certainly consider carefully any representations made to them locally in that matter.

77.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an undertaking that the formation of estate guards on the rubber plantations will not be followed by the withdrawal of Malay special constables or security troops.

The disposition of the security forces available must be left to the operational authorities in Malaya.

Detained Persons

79.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that men have been detained in prison for three years in Malaya; and if he will take steps to bring these men to trial forthwith.

Power to detain persons under Emergency Regulations did not exist until 16th June, 1948, but I am aware that a number have now been held for more than two years. In most cases it is not possible to bring these persons to trial, but every person committed to detention under an individual detention order has the right to lodge an objection against his detention. Objections are considered by committees of review, the members of which are almost all un-officials representing the several communities, and the chairmen of which hold or have held judicial office.

80.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the continued detention without trial of Mr. M. Eber, Chairman of the Singapore Co-operative Party, and Mr. P. V. Sarma, President of the Malayan Teachers' Union, is undermining both the co-operative and trade union organisations; and if he will take immediate steps to bring these men to public trial or release them.

I do not accept the contention in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question; with regard to the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend by my right hon. Friend on 11th April.

Colonial Empire

Research Council

65.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many times has the Colonial Research Council met during the last two years; and what are the separate individual attendance records of the members.

The Council has held five meetings during the period in question, and those meetings have been well attended. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the voluntary services of the members of the Council who so readily find time for this work in addition to their other heavy preoccupations.

Geological Surveys

66.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which colonial territory there are facilities for making boreholes as part of a geological survey; and how many boreholes have been made in each territory.

I regret that this information is not available in the exact form requested; but I will send the hon. Member such information as is readily obtainable.

Development Corporation

68.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the fact that the Annual Report of the Colonial Development Corporation contains serious criticisms of the former management he proposes making any further changes in the directorate of the Corporation.

If the hon. Member is asking whether my right hon. Friend proposes to make any changes in the board of the Corporation as the direct result of the Annual Report the answer is "No." Changes in the composition of the board may occur however from time to time since appointments are not permanent.

72.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if a decision has now been reached on the future of the Colonial Development Corporation's poultry project in the Gambia.

On the basis of the Mission's Report, the Board concluded that the chances of ultimate success of the original project to produce poultry and eggs were slender; it might have been possible to proceed with a modified project for a few years, severely limited in scope and expenditure, to determine the possibilities of reviving poultry rearing after some years at a profitable level, but unfortunately, since the Mission reported, there has been an outbreak of Newcastle Disease among the poultry, and this coming on top of the other considerations has led the Corporation to decide that all further efforts to rear poultry in the Gambia must finally be abandoned.There will remain a considerable area of cleared land on which agricultural development of value to the restricted economy of the Gambia may be possible. To examine this possibility, the Corporation are setting up an Agricultural Working Party on which my right hon. Friend has agreed to appoint representatives. The Working Party hopes to begin its meetings in London next week.

Festival Of Britain

75.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will recommend to the governments of the Colonies when choosing non-official representatives to visit the Festival of Britain, at the invitation of the British Government, to include non-Europeans in each delegation.

The arrangements for the selection of representatives were left to the local authorities and in most Colonies the selection has already been made. Of the 74 names so far received, 51 are in fact non-Europeans.

87.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which colonial governments have appointed the non-official representatives, at the invitation of the United Kingdom Government, to the Festival of Britain; which Colonies have appointed European unofficial representatives only; and which Colonies have included non-European unofficial representatives.

The list of nominations is not yet complete. In most cases so far notified, representatives have been selected by the Legislatures themselves; and representatives of the following territories have been nominated by the Governor or High Commissioner: Bechuanaland Protectorate, Bermuda, British Solomon Islands, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong and North Borneo.The following territories will be represented only by persons of European descent: Bahamas, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Seychelles and Nyasaland.The delegations so far notified from the remaining territories will include non-European representatives.

Africans (Tax)

83.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been imprisoned for failing to pay their taxes during the last year that figures are available; and to what extent taxation is levelled according to income.

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not readily available, and considerable labour would be involved in collecting it for the whole of the British African Territories. As regards the second part, the present system of direct taxation of Africans varies from territory to territory and is still in many cases of a rudimentary nature. If my hon. Friend wishes to obtain this information in respect of any particular territory, perhaps he will put down a separate Question.

Gold Coast (Volta River Works)

69.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can yet make a statement on the proposal to establish a hydro-electric plant and an aluminium reduction works on the Volta River in the Gold Coast.

Yes. Aluminium Limited of Montreal and the British Aluminium Company have made a joint examination of alternative projects for establishing aluminium smelters in North Borneo or the Gold Coast. The results of this examination are under consideration, and further discussions with the companies and considerable further technical investigation in the Gold Coast will be necessary before a decision can be taken to proceed with either scheme.

Exports To China

67.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken in Hong Kong to insure that no material or manufacture which might directly or indirectly assist the Chinese in their aggression is allowed to pass through Hong Kong into China.

Over 300 items of strategic materials or manufactures have been made subject to export licence in Hong Kong and licences to export to China are refused. In addition the Government have issued an order under which aircraft, vehicles or vessels carrying prohibited exports may be seized.

71.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many tons of rubber were sold to China, exclusive of Formosa, by colonial suppliers during the month of March.

Information on sales is not available. About 7,000 tons of rubber were, however, exported from Malaya to China in March, 1951, while exports in the four weeks ended 1st April, 1951, from Hong Kong to China and Formosa totalled approximately 7,600 tons.

Gibraltar (Explosion Damage)

70.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what report he has received from the Governor with regard to damage to civilian property by the recent explosion in Gibraltar.

As hon. Members heard from my hon. Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty last week, widespread damage has been caused in the city area of Gibraltar. Structural damage to buildings seems at present to be limited; but extensive superficial damage has caused great loss and distress to the civilian community. Temporary buildings near the Dockyard have suffered heavily, and 12 families have had to be moved to other accommodation.All schools were affected and had to be closed; but the Governor reports that they are all re-opening this week. The Governor's own house and the Secretariat, both near the Dockyard, suffered considerable damage as did the Anglican Cathedral. Repair work is proceeding rapidly; but I fear that the people of Gibraltar, for whom housing is a serious problem, are still suffering discomfort and inconvenience. The Governor has opened a disaster appeal fund which will, I hope, be widely supported.

Grenada (Prosecutions)

73.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether law and order now prevails in Grenada; and how many prosecutions have taken place in connection with acts of violence to persons and property, theft, receiving of stolen goods and other breaches of the law arising from the recent riots.

The Governor assures me that law and order now prevails in Grenada. Up to 30th April, 68 prosecutions for breaches of the law had been made involving 98 persons of whom 81 were convicted. At that date 38 cases were under inquiry, and 123 were awaiting trial. On 7th May the leader of the Grenada Mental and Manual Workers' Union was charged with having uttered threats at a public demonstration on 27th April. In view of the tense situation which had arisen, additional police were brought from St. Lucia and troops were flown in from Jamaica. The case was adjourned for eight days and no incidents occurred. No industrial matter of any kind was under dispute.

Kenya

Overcropping

74.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Legislative Council of Kenya to prevent overcropping of the land in view of the recent increase in the control price of maize.

Overcropping of land with cereals is controlled under the Lands and Waters Preservation Ordinance and by rules of the African District Council Ordinance.

Beecher Report

81.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Kenya has now concluded the discussions on the Beecher Report; and what decisions have been taken on the objections of African unofficial members of Legislative Council to the composition of the district education boards, on the inadequacy of the four year course planned for primary schools and on the exclusion of Africans, irrespective of qualifications and experience from posts of inspectors, principals of secondary and technical schools and teacher training centres.

Yes. A motion to effect certain modifications to the Beecher Report was introduced in the Legislative Council on 20th December. African members who spoke in the debate all supported the motion which was carried without a division. Further study of the Beecher Report has resulted in the realisation by Africans that their original fears that voluntary agencies would exercise complete control over district education boards are unfounded. It is also being realised that to limit the primary course to four years does not mean that children at present in school will be ejected without the chance of further educational progress. The Beecher Report did not exclude from senior educational posts Africans with both the necessary qualifications and experience, and there is no question of such exclusion.

Kisumu Municipal Board

82.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which African organisations were consulted before African councillors were chosen for the Kisumu Municipal Board; and what are the qualifications of the Africans which guide the District Commissioner in making his choice.

I am asking the Governor of Kenya for this information and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as it is received.

Uganda (Makerere College)

88.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement as to why the cost of an African student at Makerere College, Uganda, should be as high as £600 a year.

The annual expenditure of the university college per head of the student population is nearer £500 than £600, and this includes provision for research and other activities not directly connected with teaching. Expenses are bound, in any event, to be high in a new and rapidly expanding institution. Within the next two or three years the number of students should have more than doubled, and during that period the level of annual expenditure is not likely to increase significantly.

Singapore (Russian Cargo)

78.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Russian freighter "Vilnius" arrived at Singapore about three weeks ago to collect 6,000 tons of Malayan rubber; and if he proposes to allow this transaction.

Yes; this export will be permitted, since the rubber in question was sold before export control was introduced. Restrictive control on exports of rubber was introduced in agreement with the United States Government early in April, but it was at no time envisaged that a total embargo on exports should be imposed.

Armed Forces

Formations And Units

52.

asked the Minister of Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that special care will be given to ensuring that formations and units of all three Services are referred to by their correct title on all official occasions.

No special steps are considered necessary as the need for care in this matter is already well understood.

National Service Men

54.

asked the Minister of Defence what policy has been agreed by his Service Departments with regard to the posting home of National Service men who wish to attend interviews before university authorities for the purpose of obtaining university places in October.

It is not the practice to post National Service men, serving overseas, to the United Kingdom to allow them to attend an interview before university authorities. The universities are aware of this practice, and I understand it would normally be possible for a young man to have his interview either before he is called up or, at any rate, before he proceeds overseas.

Surplus Stores

55.

asked the Minister of Defence what steps he has taken with the Service Departments and the Ministry of Supply to review the policy about the sale or disposal of Service clothing, barrack stores and all forms of stores and equipment required by the Fighting Services, in the light of existing shortages.

The disposals policy was reviewed in July, 1948, and again last autumn. Stores which are surplus to the requirements of the holding Department are not released for disposal until it has been verified that they are not required by the other Departments concerned or by our Allies.

Reservists (Pay)

asked the Minister of Defence if reservists recalled to the Colours can be paid on Thursdays in each week in order to enable them to send remissions to their wives in time for the week-end shopping.

This is a matter of detailed administration for which my right hon. Friends the Service Ministers are responsible, but I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to their notice.

Food Supplies

Shipping Companies (Stores)

56 and 57.

asked the Minister of Food (1) how much subsidised meat is bought annually by shipping companies in this country for their passenger trade; and to what extent these companies are permitted to buy meat supplies when calling at foreign ports;(2) whether British lines sailing to hard currency areas are now permitted to take on food stores in those areas.

British lines sailing to hard currency areas have agreed to take on stores in this country for round voyages whenever practicable, so as to save dollars. But they have never been prohibited from buying necessary stores, including meat, in those areas or in other foreign ports. The quantity of subsidised meat supplied in 1950 for ships stores for all purposes, including the passenger trade, was 14,723 tons.

Fruit And Vegetables

58.

asked the Minister of Food, in view of the lateness of the home-grown crops of fruit and vegetables and the imminent shortage of supplies, what steps he is taking to ensure an adequate supply of imported fruit and vegetables to make good the deficiency and prevent an undue rise in prices.

Arrangements have already been made to permit imports of lettuce for a further fortnight until the middle of May. Supplies of green and root vegetables are at present fairly plentiful. But I can assure my hon. Friend that if the threatened shortage of home-grown supplies does develop we shall take prompt action to modify import restrictions, as far as is practicable, so as to encourage extra supplies from the Continent. It is still too early to make any estimate of the size of this season's home-grown fruit crops.

Cream

59.

asked the Minister of Food from what date he pro poses to permit the sale of cream.

Veal

60.

asked the Minister of Food how many calves under a fortnight old were taken for slaughter by his Department in April; and if he has now decided to revise the price scale to ensure that suitable calves are retained on farms this Summer and fattened for veal.

Records are not available in the form asked for by the hon. Member, but the number of "bobby calves" purchased by my Department during the three weeks up to 21st April is provisionally estimated at just under 35,000. A high proportion of these would, of course, not be suitable for fattening. In reply to the second part of the Question, it has now been decided to increase calf prices so as to encourage the fattening of calves for veal, and I hope that it will be possible to agree a new price scale at a meeting between my officials and farmers' representatives tomorrow.

Food Handling

61.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the large number of visitors expected this year, he will draw the attention of local authorities to the necessity of ensuring that all those having the handling of food for the public take precautions to prevent food from becoming contaminated.

There is, I am glad to say, ample evidence to show that local authorities do not need to be reminded of their responsibilities in this important matter.

Canadian Cheese

62.

asked the Minister of Food if he has made a firm offer to Canadian cheese, producers for a definite quantity of this season's make of cheddar cheese.

Yes. We have made an agreement for the purchase of 20 million lbs. of Canadian cheese, for delivery this season, and negotations are taking place for the purchase of further quantities.

Milk

63.

asked the Minister of Food if he has studied the resolution passed by the National Farmers' Union Kent County Branch of which a copy has been sent him concerning the price of milk the high price of feeding-stuffs and fertilisers the increase in the costs of production and the probability of the necessity of re-introducing milk rationing next winter; and what action he proposes to take.

Yes, I have seen this resolution. It is not the Government's view that the prices fixed for 1951–52 will so reduce milk production as to make rationing necessary. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I are, however, concerned about the continued bad weather, which is not only affecting present milk yields but may also prejudice our next year's supply of home-grown fodder. Circumstances of this kind are, by their very nature, difficult to offset, but all necessary action will be taken.

Sugar

asked the Minister of Food how much sugar would be required to bring up the allocation to the soft-drinks industry to the same percentage of the pre-war consumption as that allocated to the cider manufacturers.

Royal Navy

Commissioned Landing Craft

91.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many landing ships (tank), other landing ships, and landing craft, respectively, are in commission; and how many in reserve.

The reply is as follows:

Landing Ships Tank:
in commission2
in reserve32
Other Landing Ships:
in commission1
in reserve1
Landing Craft:
in commission69
in reserve297

Royal Marines

93.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the cost of the operations at present in progress to move the lavatories belonging to his Department at the back of the Royal Marine Range, at Kingsdown, Deal, out of the reach of the tide; what estimates were called for to pull them down and build new ones in a more suitable position; what firms were asked to tender, and what was the lowest quotation before it was decided to move them bodily on rollers; whether the lavatories have yet been used; and whether water is yet laid on.

The cost of the work involved in moving the lavatories at the Royal Marine Range, Kingsdown, Deal, out of reach of the tide is estimated to be about £125. The work is being done by directly employed Admiralty labour as being the most economical arrangement for a job of this nature. If the lavatories had been pulled down and rebuilt in the new position instead of being moved bodily, the cost would have been about £350. The lavatories have not yet been used in the new position and work will not be completed until about the 19th May, 1951, when all connections including water will have been made. Meanwhile a temporary chemical latrine is in use.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in what conditions enlisted men can be bought out of the Royal Marines in the present situation.

Such requests, like all others for release, can only be granted if exceptional compassionate circumstances exist.

Telephone Service

Emergency Calls, Suffolk

94.

asked the Post master-General what telephone arrangements he has made at Sizewell, Suffolk, to enable visitors to summon help in the event of accidents.

Although a public kiosk cannot be provided, there are a number of telephones near the shore which would be available in emergency.

Party Lines

96 and 97.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he will authorise a greater reduction in rental, than is at present customary, for those using a party line, to encourage a greater use of such lines;(2) whether he will provide for reduced charges for telephone calls made from party lines as an inducement to subscribers to use such lines.

I regret that increasing costs of equipment and labour rule out any further reduction in the charges for shared telephone service, which is already provided below cost.

Post Office

Cable And Wireless, Ltd

95.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet decided to make up the pay of employees of Cable and Wireless Limited to their normal rate during the period of their Class Z Reserve training.

Savings Bank Accounts

98.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he proposes to take to bring to the notice of depositors and those contemplating opening an account with the Post Office Savings Bank or purchasers of National Savings Bonds at a post office that particulars of their savings, hitherto regarded as a matter of confidence between the individual and the Post Office, will in future be disclosed to the Inland Revenue Authorities if they exceed a certain amount.

None. Savings Bank depositors are already required to include any interest credited to their Savings Bank accounts in the returns of income furnished to the Inland Revenue authorities; and the proposed new requirement will not affect them if they carry out their existing obligation. Dividends on Stock or Bonds on the Post Office Register must also be included in the returns of income; but the right of the Inland Revenue authorities to require the Post Office to disclose particulars of dividends over a certain amount has existed for a number of years.

Mails (Korea)

100.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give an assurance that the postal arrangements for the conveyance of mail between the United Kingdom and British forces serving in Korea are now working satisfactorily.

I can assure the hon. Member that reports from the Army Postal Services on the spot indicate that mail from this country is in general being conveyed smoothly and regularly to our Forces in Korea. I am, however, looking into a recent Press report of delay to individual items intended for air mail but insufficiently prepaid, and I have arranged further publicity for the Forces concessionary postage rates.

Alphabetical Code

asked the Postmaster-General if he will alter the General Post Office alphabetical code to that agreed in the war between all the services of all the allies.

The possibility of having a uniform code was considered during the last war and has recently been reviewed in consultation with the Civil Defence and Service authorities. The difficulty is that the Post Office code has to be designed for use with the general public, whereas the other code is used solely by trained personnel. In view of the advantages of the Post Office code in the public service, it has been agreed that it should be maintained.

Broadcasting And Television (Interference)

99.

asked the Postmaster-General the progress achieved by his Advisory Commtitee on Interference with Radio and Television; and when regulations can be expected.

The Committees are still collecting and studying information on their respective problems. I cannot predict when it will be possible for regulations to be made.

British Army

Prisoners Of War, Korea

101.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a further statement as to what steps he is taking through the International Red Cross or other authority to make contact with British prisoners of war in hostile hands in Korea with a view to ensuring that they are receiving proper treatment.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend yesterday to the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg).

Commonwealth Division, Korea

102.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to bring about a standardisation of arms, equipment, services and ranks in the Commonwealth Division in Korea.

The division will be equipped for the most part with arms and equipment of British pattern, though some units will be equipped with vehicles of United States pattern and certain weapons will be provided from United States sources. There will be complete integration of the base organisation and Commonwealth elements will be included in the majority of the movement and maintenance services. The ranks of personnel in the division will be in accordance with normal United Kingdom practice.

New Coins

104.

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider, for the convenience of the public, having a 1½d. piece struck and issued.

As my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester. North-West (Mr. Janner) on 7th November last, any advantages that might be secured by the issue of a 1½d. piece would be outweighed by the very serious practical difficulties.

Civil Service (Clerical Assistants)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the dissatisfaction which has been caused among temporary clerks in the clerical assistant grade of the Civil Service who, because they are under 45 years of age, are ineligible for permanent establishment unless they are registered disabled persons; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

The current scheme for the establishment of temporary clerks as clerical assistants was agreed with the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council, subject to the right of any constituent Association to pursue a claim that the lower age limit for establishment of 45 should be reduced. Representations in this sense were received from one Association. In adopting a lower age limit of 45 for this scheme, the Government is applying in a very suitable part of the Civil Service its policy of encouraging the employment of the older age groups of the population. The representations to lower the minimum age limit were therefore rejected, and I do not consider that any further action is called for.

Hospital Expenditure

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take arising from the Auditor-General's report on hospital expenditure.

I think that these matters should best be left to the normal machinery. The report will shortly come before the Committee of Public Accounts and in due course be embodied in their Report and published evidence, with subsequent action by Treasury Minute.

Scotland

Spectacles And Dentures

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons issued with free spectacles and dentures, respectively, in 1948, 1949 and 1950; and the total cost in each case in each of these years.

The approximate numbers of persons supplied with dentures and spectacles under the National Health Service in Scotland during these years are as follows. Separate figures of cost relating to these particular periods cannot be ascertained without disproportionate labour.

PeriodPersons supplied with denturesPairs of spectacles supplied
5th July to 31st Dec.,
1948106,000174,000
1949386,000807,000
1950403,0001,020,000

Agricultural Land (Use)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many acres of agricultural land have been made available for non-agricultural purposes, excluding forestry and industry, in 1945–46, 1947–48 and 1949–50.

I regret that I am unable to give complete details of all agricultural land made available since 1945 for the purposes mentioned in the hon. Member's Question. Details of land made available for housing are shown in the table below. In addition, some 4,000 acres of agricultural land have been made available for urban development in the areas designated for the new towns of East Kilbride and Glenrothes. A further 66,680 acres, mostly of rough grazings, had up to 31st December, 1950, been made available to the Services for training purposes. Most of these training areas will continue to be used as before for the rearing of livestock.Details of land used or to be used for schools, playing fields, roads, private development, etc., are not readily available. The area involved for these purposes in the years 1945 to 1950 is estimated at less than 1,000 acres in all. Not all the areas earmarked for development have already been diverted from agriculture and every effort is made to ensure full agricultural production as far as possible in the interim.

TABLE
DETAILS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND MADE AVAILABLE IN THE YEARS 1945 TO 1950 FOR HOUSING PURPOSES.
Acres.
19456,893
19467,838
19471,385
1948926
19491,036
1950880
Total18,958

Midwives

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many certified midwives have lost their employment with local authorities by the extension of facilities under the National Health Service; and what compensation has been paid or alternative work offered.

While no detailed information is available, I understand that a few midwives in private practice, who at one time were occasionally employed by local authorities on a case basis, lost this occasional employment when the whole-time midwifery service in their areas was reorganised. It was open to the midwives concerned to apply for wholetime posts with local authorities, or in hospitals, but no question of compensation arose because under the National Health Service Act this was provided for wholetime employees alone.

National Insurance (Family Allowances)

asked the Minister of National Insurance if she will give an estimate of the cost of giving 2s. 6d. extra to each child who now receives the family allowance, after allowing for the new proposals which give the extra 2s. 6d. to the children of the unemployed and the sick, and the widows.