asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why Fraulein Elisabeth Suzanne Abel, Elbechaussee 231, Flottbek, Hamburg, Germany, has not yet been permitted to travel to the United Kingdom to marry her fiancee although application for a permit to do so was made last October, a travel permit and visa were issued on 4th February and her fiancee has booked her passage both through the Associated Humber lines and the British Red Cross

Arrangements for travel to this country by Germans engaged to be married to British subjects are the responsibility of the individual concerned, and not of the Control Commission. I understand that in this case the Red Cross are making arrangements for Fraulein Abel to travel, and hope to bring her to this country in the very near future. Transport difficulties have recently been caused by the severe weather and by an outbreak of diphtheria at Cuxhaven.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has so far been made in the nationalisation of German heavy industry.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any further announcement on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many coal wagons were available for use on the German railways in the British zone on a convenient day in each of the last three months.

The total number of wagons available for coal traffic was 7,700 on 19th November, 6,100 on 19th December and 7,200 on 22nd January.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many tons of coal were lost in transit on the railways in the British zone in the last month for which figures are available; and what proportion of the total quantity of coal transported this represents.

The loss in January was 17,370 tons representing about 0.44 per cent, of the total quantity transported.

asked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the urgent need for coal, he will consider the release of experienced miners from Regular service in the Army, R.N. and R.A.F. who are desirous of re-entering the mining industry.

Every facility has been given to National Service men in the Forces who are ex-miners to obtain release in Class B in order to return to the mines. Miners have not been called up for service in the Forces for some years and they are not accepted for regular engagements. For all practical purposes, therefore, the only miners available in the Forces are those who enlisted voluntarily before the war in order to make the Forces their career. They can have no recent experience of mine work whereas their long experience in the Forces is of particular value at the present time.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent tea is now being exported to this country from the Netherlands East Indies; at what prices for high or low grown teas or at what average price; and how these prices compare with the prices of Ceylon and Indian teas.

No tea suitable for the United Kingdom market has so far been offered for export from the Netherlands East Indies; but the Ministry are ready to take advantage of any supplies from that source as soon as they are available.

asked the Minister of Food on what terms as regards quantity and price he has agreed to purchase under bulk contract future supplies of tea from India and Ceylon.

Negotiations for the purchase of tea from India and Ceylon are still proceeding.

asked the Minister of Food why the English farmer only receives 1s. 4d. a lb. for surplus butter, when His Majesty's Government are prepared to pay a much higher price to Danish producers.

The price for surplus butter is low because we want farmers to sell their milk either for the liquid market or to creameries, so that it can be used to the best advantage in the national interest.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider allotting bananas to old people.

Until better supplies are available, my right hon. Friend does not see his way to extend the groups to which bananas are at present allotted.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that large quantities of seed potatoes are being used for immediate consumption and that this will lead to a shortage for sowing purposes with a consequent reduction in our potato crop; and what steps is he taking to prevent this.

I have had several reports of seed potatoes being sold for human consumption and in each instance immediate steps have been taken to stop the practice. The institution of proceedings will be considered in suitable cases. Supplies of seed potatoes for farmers who are responsible for almost 95 per cent. of the total crop will not, however, be affected by any such retail sales.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of eggs he intends to import from Hungary in the coming year; and to what extent Hungary receives an allocation of feedingstuffs through the International Emergency Food Committee.

I am afraid that it would not be in the best interests of this country to give the information about future purchases for which the hon. Member asks. So far as I know, Hungary has received no allocation of feedingstuffs through the I.E.F.C.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has investigated the possibility of obtaining sugar from the sap of the silver birch tree; and with what result.

I am advised that the extraction of sugar from the silver birch would be an uneconomic proposition, because the sugar content of the sap is very small indeed, less than one per cent.

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the tonnage of potatoes exported from the 1946 crop to the last convenient date.

Up to 18th February, 1947, 37,925 tons of seed and 29,365 tons of ware potatoes had been exported from the Unites Kingdom, the ware potatoes being almost wholly for Services' requirements abroad.

asked the Minister of Food at what date the increased ration of milk is to be allowed to householders; and whether he can see his way to augment the quantities previously allowed in view of the fact that canteens and factories are to have increased quantities.

The weekly allowance of milk to non-priority consumers will be increased as soon as supplies permit. When the non-priority allowance for domestic consumers was increased on 22nd December last from 2 to 2½ pints the corresponding increase in the milk allowance of non-priority catering establishments and industrial canteens was withheld. The recent increase in their allowance merely restores it to its normal relationship with the domestic allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the more urgent needs in the Western Provinces of Tanganyika on which public money is being expended in preference to road communications.

The maintenance of social and welfare services for the local population, including education and public health services, are considered to be of great urgency in these areas. Determination of priorities in these matters is primarily for the Tanganyika Government and Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether African representation on the Kenya Legislative Council will now be increased.

The Governor has had this question under consideration for some time and intends to submit recommendations to me in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made with the development plan for Nyasaland.

I have recently received from Nyasaland final proposals for the Postwar Development Programme. They are now under active consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there is a shortage of labour in Nyasaland; and what steps are being taken to encourge African workers to work in the territory rather than elsewhere.

According to my information, the present shortage of labour in Nyasaland is not due to increased emigration but rather to the continued insufficiency of consumer goods and consequent lack of incentive to seek local employment. As regards the second part of the Question, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to promote the general development of the territory to the utmost possible extent, so as to increase the economic inducements and opportunities available for the worker within his own country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Clay Report on agricultural development in Nyasaland will be published.

While employed as Joint Development Adviser to the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Mr. Clay was not called upon to produce a special report on agricultural development in Nyasaland. His advice was however available on this subject, which is covered very fully by plans prepared by the Director of Agriculture, Nyasaland, as part of the general development programme now under active consideration in the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Africans in Uganda are establishing voluntary funds to build vernacular schools; and what assistance is being given for this purpose from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund.

I have no information about these funds. The Uganda Educational Plan is under revision and I cannot at present say what assistance will be required for vernacular education. But I have no doubt that in making any application for further assistance for educational purposes the Governor will consider the claims of vernacular education.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which British Colonies in Africa there are Government Information Departments; which of them produce or sponsor journals or newspapers; what are the other functions of the departments; and whether he will make copies of their publications available to Members.

There are Government Information Departments in all the African Territories. They issue regular bulletins of news and feature material either in English or local vernaculars or both, and either printed or cyclostyled, and in certain cases illustrated. The functions of the Information Departments vary in emphasis from territory to territory, but in general are to assist in explaining government policy and plans to the public, to give technical assistance if required in departmental campaigns of instruction, to provide information about the territory for publicity use elsewhere, and to provide the public in the territory with information about developments in the United Kingdom. I am asking the Governments concerned whether they can provide copies of important Information Department publications published in English, in order that these can be made available to Members.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the best possible site has been selected for the central workshop buildings to be erected in Uganda with the assistance of colonial development funds.

I understand that a site conforming to all requirements has been chosen in the area reserved for industrial undertakings just outside Kampala. It is readily accessible by road and rail and from the report I have received, I am satisfied that it is entirely suitable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent disturbances in Trinidad, he will appoint a commission to inquire into the causes thereof and make recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now received from the Acting Governor of Trinidad the full report dealing with recent disturbances; and if he will make a statement.

I have already informed the House on recent events in Trinidad and now await a full report on the troubles there. Until I have received and studied it I must defer any comments on the criticisms which have been made of the actions of the police and other authorities. The action taken had the unanimous support of the official and un- official members of the local Executive Council. The Emergency Powers Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council by 13 votes to 3 with 1 abstention. The police action referred to in the Question is one action of a number taken by the local authorities and these must be considered against the background of recent developments in Trinidad due to the rapid rise in living costs, the increased unemployment occasioned by the closing of work on the bases, the stoppages of work and the attempt by Uriah Butler to exploit the situation and weaken the established trade unionsAs regards the printing press, I am still having inquiries made, but I have no reason to doubt the assurances which I have received, both from the Governor and the Acting Governor that the police were not responsible for the damage. With reference to my statement on 12th February that there was no question that there were acts of violence and mass intimidation, I had in mind certain events in the oilfields and some of the charges against persons who were arrested in the course of the disturbances. But in regard to the action of the police I must await the report. The policy of the Trinidad Government is to encourage trade unionism. Over the past few years progressive social and economic programmes have been pursued. Among the steps now taken to remove the causes of unrest may be mentioned—

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider appointing an economic adviser to the Government of Trinidad.

I have asked the new Governor to consider the desirability of the appointment of an economic adviser when he arrives in the Colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the term of office of the present State Council of Ceylon expires what system of government will thereafter exist till the new Parliament is elected.

An extension of the life of the State Council for four months beyond 10th March, the present date of expiration, has been agreed upon and the necessary legislation is being prepared. There is provision under the existing Constitution for continuing executive Government during the period following a dissolution

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken to protect vessels under the British flag trading between Singapore and Sumatra from attack by the Dutch authorities.

The whole subject of restrictions on British shipping in Indonesian waters is in course of being taken up with the Netherlands Government by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed either to raise the moratorium in Malaya and Hong Kong which exists at present, regarding debts contracted before the enemy occupation of these territories, or to enact legislation to deal with any portion of the debts which have been affected by this moratorium and by payments made during enemy occupation of these territories.

Pending the enactment of legislation dealing with the value to be accorded to payments in Japanese occupation currency in respect of debts contracted before the occupation, I regret that it is not possible to consider a general lifting of the moratorium. I have been in correspondence with the Governments concerned about the introduction of such legislation and anticipate that they will shortly be in a position to take action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps it is proposed to take to ensure that Singapore and Hong Kong are made adequate for the reception and despatch of civil aircraft, both land and seaplanes of the largest and most modern type; and how soon these steps will be taken.

I understand that the existing facilities for flying boats at Singapore and Hong Kong are adequate for any types now operating or likely to operate in these two places. The provision of airports at Singapore and Hong Kong adequate for the reception and despatch of large modern land planes presents formidable technical and financial difficulties. My noble Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation has recently despatched a technical survey party to examine the suitability of existing aerodromes and alternative sites on the trunk routes to Australia and the Far East for the reception of modern aircraft. This party, which includes officers experienced in all aspects of aerodrome construction and the operation and maintenance of ancillary facilities, will arrive in Singapore in March and in Hong Kong in April. The cost of constructing such airports at Singapore and Hong Kong together with the cost of providing the necessary ancillary facilities, will be a heavy burden, particularly in view of the present financial situation of those territories. I am in consultation with the Governors concerned on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will reconsider his policy with reference to the allocation of supplies to the Association of Straits Merchants and provide a fair share for the new co-operative society in Singapore.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 22nd January to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Morley), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a serious smallpox epidemic has broken out in Hong Kong; that, on the nursing staff of the medical department, out of an establishment of 495 nurses only 295 posts are filled; and whether he will take steps to ensure that nurses' salaries and conditions are improved in order to attract suitable women into the profession.

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the incidence of smallpox in Hong Kong has given rise to anxiety, but the epidemic now shows signs of abating. Proved cases in 1946 numbered 1,998 with 1,306 deaths. Between 27th December and 6th February, there were 266 cases The Governor reported in October that `he establishment of the nursing service was seriously under strength, and was given authority to grant temporary additional allowance, at his discretion, within the total figure which he recommended, pending review of nurses' salaries by the Salaries Commission which is being appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the criminal law operating in the Seychelles is based on the Code Napoleon; and whether, as the code has unduly heavy minimum penalties, he will take steps to modernise the law.

The Seychelles Penal Code is based on the French Penal Code of 1810, but the provisions of the latter have been considerably modified by subsequent local legislation. In consultation with the Governor, I am considering the question of a revision of the existing Code.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what rations are allowed to political deportees from Uganda to the Seychelles; if he is aware that the equivalent of only 4½d. per day is allowed to them to supplement their rations; and whether he will make inquiries to ensure that the arrangements for these deportees are humane and satisfactory.

I have every confidence that the arrangements made by the Governors of Uganda and the Seychelles for the maintenance of these deportees are humane and satisfactory. But I am obtaining a report and will write to my hon. Friend on the points he raises when this arrives.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what opportunity has been given to the people of the Falkland Islands to comment upon the local government's development plan.

I am in correspondence with the Governor of the Falkland Islands who has not yet reached the stage of formulating a definitive and detailed development plan. The need for consultation of local opinion at appropriate stages will certainly not be overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is any progress to report in the preparation for a constitution which will give elective representation to the people of the Falkland Islands.

As indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 23rd October last, I await the report of the new Governor, who has recently arrived in the Colony. Meanwhile two Unofficial Members have recently been added to the Executive Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the loss on the State railways in British Guiana and Ceylon, respectively, for the last seven years and if such loss includes amortisation on capital.

Complete figures are available only up to 1945. In the seven years 1939 to 1945, the accumulated loss on the British Guiana railway services was £433,333, after making some but not complete provision for amortisation on capital. The revenue position in 1946 is understood to show a distinct improvement over previous years. As regards Ceylon, although some individual years showed a loss after charging amortisation there was no loss over the period as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Lord Winster was appointed Governor of Cyprus and when he took up his duties

Lord Winster's appointment was announced on 5th October but will not become effective until he assumes duty in Cyprus. Such intervals are not unusual and result from the practice of announcing appointments of Colonial Governorships as long as possible in advance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what broadcasting facilities are available in Cyprus; by whom they are operated: and what is their range.

There is no local broadcasting service in Cyprus. The possibility of establishing one is, however being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision has been made for the Cayman Islands in the Jamaican Government's development plan; and whether he is satisfied that this is adequate for the needs of this dependency.

the exact amount to be provided for the Cayman Islands from the total of £6,500,000 allotted to Jamaica and its Dependencies under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1945, is still under consideration, but the intention is to take steps to ensure that the Dependency should be allotted a fair share of these funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many qualified teachers and how many unqualified assistants are employed in Government schools in the Cayman Islands; and what salaries are paid to them.

There are six teachers in the Cayman Islands who hold teachers training college certificates; they receive salaries between £104 and £145 a year. There are also thirteen unqualified assistant teachers: they receive salaries from £50 to £96 a year. In addition, one Caymanian teacher is now training in the United Kingdom in order to assume duty as supervisory teacher on his return to the Islands, and two trained Jamaican teachers are in process of selection for secondment to the Islands. Re-grading of salaries is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that facilities for medical treatment in the Cayman Islands are inadequate; that patients have to travel to Jamaica; and whether local treatment will be made available.

Yes, Sir. For that reason, a free grant of £20,100 has been made from Colonial Development and Welfare Funds for the provision of additional medical facilities in the Cayman Islands in advance of consideration of the Islands' Development Plan as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the qualifications of the retired Army officer recently appointed as Civil Commissioner in Mauritius.

The officer in question has served in the Army since 1923 and has spent much of his service in India and East Africa. He was posted on military duty to Mauritius in 1944 and was appointed Officer Commanding the troops there in 1945. The Governor, when recommending him for appointment as Civil Commissioner, reported that he was well-known and liked by all sections in the Island. When interviewed by the Colonial Service Appointments Board in this country, he made a very favourable impression and I consider that he is well qualified by administrative and other experience to fill the post for which he has been selected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what qualifications are required for members of Colonial co-operative departments to be selected for a course of special training in this country.

Colonial Governments have sent individual officers of the co-operative departments for courses in this country and elsewhere, the selections being made ad hocand usually from senior staff. I am glad to say that by the generous co-operation of the Co-operative College authorities at Loughborough I have been able to invite Colonial Governments to send officers to a special study course for Colonial co-operative staff to be instituted at the Co-operative College in the autumn. The course is intended for junior members of Colonial co-operative staffs who have had some practical experience (if possible as much as five years) in a co-operative department or cooperative section of a Department of Agriculture. They should be about 30 years of age and have passed at least the equivalent of the Senior Cambridge examination.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that certain bank balances were frozen in British North Borneo; and whether he will say when these will be released.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the balances in the State Bank. I hope that the arrangements, to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Sir P. Macdonald) on 20th November, for reconstituting the records of this Bank and dealing generally with its affairs, including the claims of the depositors, will shortly be concluded.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement concerning an agreement with the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company to assume control of the territory.

I would invite reference to my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 19th June last. The agreement providing for the transfer of the North Borneo rights and assets from the British North Borneo Company to the Crown, was signed on 26th June last, and the transfer was effected on 15th July

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that certain rubber companies hold land in British North Borneo on lease with the right to export rubber free of tax; that a tax has been imposed in contravention of the lease; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Yes, Sir. I have received representations from certain rubber companies, which enjoyed exemption from export duty on their rubber under their leases with the British North Borneo Chartered Company. The British Military Administration imposed the tax which has since been continued by the Civil Administration. I am consulting the Governor of North Borneo regarding its removal and the institution of some alternative form of taxation on the rubber industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the full cotton crop in the Sudan is unlikely to be harvested unless there is a rapid improvement in the labour situation; and whether any arrangements can be made to make the necessary labour available from some of the British colonial territories in Africa.

No request for assistance has been received from the Sudan Government, and from inquiries which I have had made it seems unlikely that such assistance will be necessary. There is at present a shortage of labour in the three East African Territories and the supply of labour from them would present grave social and other difficulties. I regret that I cannot, therefore, hold out any hope that labour could be supplied from these or other British Colonial Territory in Africa should a request for assistance be received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a claim for revised pay scales for Maltese locally entered clerks has rested with his Department since 6th September, 1946; that the delay in giving a reply or entering into negotiations on this claim is causing concern to the staffs concerned; and when the trade union representing these staffs will receive a reply.

It was found necessary to refer to Malta the claim mentioned by the hon. Member. The observations of our local authorities are not yet to hand, but I understand that they are now on their way. As soon as they are received and have been considered we shall be able to communicate with the staff association.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many submarines were employed generating electricity on Friday, 7th February; in which area they were used; and the maximum number of submarines used to date for this purpose at any one time during the period of electricity cuts.

Nineteen submarines were employed to generate electricity on 7th February. They were distributed between Portland, Portsmouth, Devonport, Sheerness and Chatham. This is the maximum number used at any one time during the period of the electricity cuts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether naval prize money will only be given to officers who have served at sea.

I regret that I am not yet able to make any announcement on the disposal of prize money.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of officers and number of ratings in the R.N. and the R.M. on 31st December, 1945, and on 31st December, 1946; how many ratings were demobilised, or released, from the Services during the year 1946; how many of them volunteered for further service in the R.N. or the R.M., instead of taking their discharge; and how many men, called up for National Service, were taken into the R.N. and the R.M. during the year 1946.

The numbers of officers and ratings in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on the two dates mentioned including locally entered personnel, personnel on T.124 engagements, and the Royal Marine Police, are as follow:

A. Numbers serving on 31st December, 1945
Officers	Ratings	Total.
56,000	548,000	604,000

B. Numbers serving on 31st December, 1946.
Officers	Ratings	Total.
19,000	175,000	194,000

Approximately 411,000 ratings were demobilised or released during 1946. The number of ratings due for release who volunteered for further service in the Royal Navy or the Royal Marines, including those who continued to serve for short periods, and those who accepted Extended Service or Regular engagements was about 4,000. The number of men called up for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines during 1946 was 21,600, and, in addition, rather more than 4,000 entered voluntarily for Hostilities Only engagements

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in the proposed plans for the reconstruction of the R.N. barracks, Devonport, arrangements will be made to provide a separate mess for all chief and engine-room artificers, in accordance with the regulations contained in Article 626. K.R. & A.I.

The provision of a separate mess for chief and engine-room artificers will be carefully considered, but present indications are that better accommodation and facilities will be possible if chief petty officers and petty officers of all branches share their respective messes. This will also result both in economy of building and of manpower.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he has considered the memorandum from the former ex-prisoners-of-war members of the Hong Kong Dockyard Defence Corps with reference to the payment of colonial allowance whilst prisoners of war, in accordance with his Department's telegram of 17th December, 1941; and what action he is taking in the matter.

The signal to which the hon. Member refers was issued when Hong Kong was under attack and when little information was available on the precise role in which members of the Dockyard Defence Corps were being employed. In consequence it was assumed that its members would still be treated as civilians for purposes of pay. Because of further information obtained after the defeat of Japan and of representations made on behalf of members of the Corps when they returned to this country, it was decided that they should be treated as serving soldiers for purposes of pay and non-effective benefits. This change in status necessarily excluded payment of civilian Colonial Allowance during the period of internment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many lieutenant-commanders (D) and commanders (D) perform treatment; and if, in view of the satisfactory state of the teeth of R.N. personnel, he will alter his decision not to demobilise further dentists in 1947.

All surgeon lieutenant-commanders (D), and all surgeon commanders (D) with the exception of one employed at the Admiralty, and one who is temporarily medically unfit for operative duties, perform treatment. There is no decision not to release further dentists in 1947, but it is not possible to announce any future programme at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when it is expected to derequisition the houses in Chelsea still used for the accommodation of W.R.N.S.

The only houses now held on requisition by the Admiralty in Chelsea to accommodate W.R.N.S. are Shelley House and No. 8, Embankment Gardens. These properties are likely to be required by the Navy for a long time and it is, therefore, the Admiralty's intention to substitute, in each case, a lease for the requisition; I understand that the owners are agreeable to such a course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the Mediterranean commission has been lengthened to 2½years; and if this is to be a permanent feature of the peacetime Navy.

No change has been made in the length of the commission on the Mediterranean station. It is for 2½ years, and has been so for a very long time.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when he anticipates publishing the commercial accounts of the Post Office for the year ended 31st March, 1946.

It is the intention to resume publication of the audited commercial accounts of the Post Office with the accounts for 1947–48

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will consider issuing a special air-mail postage stamp; and also a series of stamps depicting famous buildings and beauty spots.

I regret there is not sufficient justification for a special air-mail postage stamp. As regards the second part of the Question my noble Friend's policy is to confine the issue of large stamps to special occasions; the smaller-sized stamp in ordinary use is not suitable for pictorial representation.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory postal service between Aberdeen and Liverpool, especially at weekends, when letters take 72 to 96 hours in transit; and what steps axe being taken to accelerate deliveries.

I am not aware that the postal service between Aberdeen and Liverpool is unsatisfactory but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particular instances I will look into them. A letter posted at Aberdeen Head Post Office before 2.30 p.m. should in ordinary course be delivered by first post in Liverpool on the week-day morning following.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will ask the B.B.C. to use their oil-engine generating plant for all broadcasting for the time being, in view of the large saving in coal which would thus be achieved.

No, Sir. The B.B.C. advise that their emergency plant has not the necessary capacity.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will permit the B.B.C. to restore the cut programmes as far as possible by using the emergency Diesel generators installed at most of their main transmitters.

No, Sir. It would not be desirable to encourage the use of electricity for receiving sets during the hours when current may not be used for domestic purposes. Restoration of the cuts in B.B.C. transmissions is being kept under review in the light of the fuel situation and I am glad to say that the Third programme will be restored between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. as from today.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that many people who wish to hear the Parliamentary report are now going to bed before 10.45 p.m., in order to save light and fuel; and if he will arrange for at least the bulk of the report to be given at an earlier hour.

No, Sir. It would not be possible to present a complete and balanced report at an earlier hour.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many hours per week the B.B.C. broadcast in Greek.

The B.B.C. at present broadcasts Greek programmes seven hours a week for listeners in Greece, and 45 minutes a week for listeners in Cyprus.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones are pending in the area covered by the Brixton exchange; and what is the present waiting period.

I am sorry to say that about 500 applications in the Brixton exchange area cannot be met owing to shortage of underground lines. The work of manufacturing and installing new cables is being pushed forward and it should be possible to meet a considerable number of these applications by the end of the year. Where lines are available, service is provided in two or three months.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what is the present state of development of automatic trunk telephone connection; and which towns have been chosen for experimental interconnection.

Automatic connection of trunk calls is carried out by the operators at 14 main centres, including London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester. The problems involved in long-distance dialling by subscribers are being studied, but no experiments are at present contemplated.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the number of clerical staff employed on telephone accounts in the London area in 1938; and the number at the present time.

The number in 1938 was 1,150. The number at present is 1,065, plus 64 temporarily to overtake arrears.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if the stand-by generating plants at telephone exchanges and wireless stations are being used during the present emergency in order to ease the load falling on the public supply of electricity.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the main road through the R.A.F. station at Coltishall, Norfolk, can be opened to the public, pending his final decision as to the ultimate future of this road.

It has now been decided, with the agreement of the Ministry of Transport, that the main road through the Royal Air Force Station, Coltishall, will have to remain closed, since the station is permanently required for flying. The cost of widening and improving other roads to provide an alternative route will be met by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Air which group has been reached in demobilisation of wireless mechanics; and when Group 48 in this trade will be released.

Wireless mechanics in Group 46 are being demobilised this month. We hope to include wireless mechanics in Group 48 in the next promulgation, which will cover releases in April and May.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the shortage of accommodation for officers' families in Malaya; and what steps are being taken to remedy this.

I am afraid that in Malaya, as elsewhere, the Royal Air Force is seriously short of married quarters. We plan to build some new quarters this year, but most of our current works programme has had to be devoted to repairing the damage done to existing buildings by the Japanese. There is little prospect at present of hiring accommodation since there are not enough houses for civilians.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give an assurance that in any redundancy scheme all ex-Servicemen at present employed as temporary staff at the accounts branch of his Department at Worcester will be retained; and that the policy of last in first out will not apply to ex-Servicemen and, particularly, disabled men.

The order of discharge of temporary staff in the accounts branches at Worcester and of similar staff throughout my Department is governed by an agreement reached by the Departmental Whitley Council. The general effect of this agreement is that discharge on redundancy is by length of service. Ex-Servicemen of the recent war are given no special preference over other temporary staff, but they are allowed under certain conditions to count their service in the Forces when their seniority in the Civil Service is determined. Disabled men also take their place on the seniority list, but none is discharged if this would bring the percentage of registered disabled people in my Department below the figure of 3 per cent. laid down in the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act. 1944.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give an assurance that if any ex-Servicemen civil servants become redundant at the accounts branch of his Department at Worcester they will immediatley be absorbed into other Departments which are short-staffed.

Particulars of all redundant temporary staff in my Department are forwarded to the Ministry of Labour and the Treasury as early as possible before the staff are discharged. It is for these Departments to arrange that the names of those who wish to stay in the Civil Service are brought to the notice of Departments which are short of staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the accounts branch of his Department at Worcester still work overtime each week and employ part-time staff although redundancy notices have already been issued to' some of the temporary staff, including ex-Servicemen, with effect from 6th March, 1947.

The Accounts Branches of my Department at Worcester are working the 45½ hour week laid down for non-industrial staffs in all Government Departments. I see no reason for discriminating against part-timers, who responded to the Government appeal during the war, when they are doing useful work and are willing to stay on.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how often during 1946 and 1947 the bomb-aiming practice ground lying between Saham Grove and Bradinham was used for this purpose; and what was the date of the last occasion when it was so used.

The bombing range at Saham Grove was last used for bomb-aiming practice in August, 1945. All of it which is not waterlogged is being used for grazing, and the local agricultural executive committee are arranging to drain it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether the Edinburgh airport is now serviceable for commercial flying, or what is still required for its completion.

The Edinburgh airport has been used for special charters since the beginning of the year but adequate facilities for regular services will not be available until a beam approach system and better lighting are installed. Completion of this work, which is at present held up by weather conditions. will take several weeks.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, whether he will issue instructions to discontinue the advertisement of B.O.A.C. in the U.S.A. which is designed to attract visitors to this country on the grounds that fox-hunting, grouse, partridge and pheasant shooting will continue in England as ever and that the war has little marred the traditional attractions of the United Kingdom.

No, Sir, this is a matter of management within the competence of the Corporation, in which my noble Friend would not propose to intervene. I can say, however, that the advertisement referred to has not been repeated since it appeared in November last, and the Corporation do not intend to use it again.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what local authorities, experts and organisations he is consulting in his examination of the advantages of the Cliffe site at Gravesend for a marine airport; whether he is consulting the appropriate workers organisations; and whether he will agree to receive a composite deputation, representing all local bodies, which are able to tender expert technical evidence.

Arrangements have been made for consultations in the first instance, with the Port of London Authority who, as sponsors for the scheme, gave evidence before the Pakenham Committee. Until further progress has been made with the detailed technical examination of the possibilities of the Cliffe site, it is doubtful whether consultations on a wider basis would serve any useful purpose. If, however, my hon. Friend will indicate the bodies he has in mind for consultation at the present stage, my noble Friend will gladly consider his suggestions

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to receive the Report of the Royal Commission on Population Problems.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Randall), on 13th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the appeal in Cmd. 7046 to employed persons to remain in industry after pensionable age, he will take steps to amend Clause 20 of the National Insurance Act, 1946, so as to increase the inducement to postpone retirement and provide that pension shall be paid without regard to earnings.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) on 28th January. I would add that the retirement pension provisions of the National Insurance Act were, as is indicated in paragraph 124 of the Economic Survey, expressly framed so as to provide special inducement to old people to remain at work in the form of increased pensions for deferred retirement. I have no reason to suppose that they will not prove satisfactory for the purpose. It is not practicable, however, to bring these provisions fully into force during the present transitional period. In order to preserve the incentive to postpone retirement during this period unconditional pensions at the old rates are, therefore, still being awarded at pension age to those who postpone retirement beyond that age, and these pensions are raised to the full new rate, without any retirement or earnings condition, five years later.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the number of accidents and collisions which occur almost daily at the junction of Berkeley Avenue and Bath Road, in the Borough of Heston and Isleworth, he will consider declaring this section of the road a built-up area, imposing the 30 m.p.h. speed limit, and examining, in conjunction with appropriate county and municipal authorities, other steps to be taken to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly children and motorists.

pursuant to the reply[OFFICIAL REPORT, 27th January, 1947; Vol. 43o, cols. 125–6], supplied the following statement:I have made inquiries about the traffic conditions on the Bath Road at the junction with Berkeley Avenue. The accident record shows that speed has not been a substantial factor in the occurrence of accidents at this spot, and I do not think that the imposition of a speed limit is necessary. Difficulty, is however, caused by the fact that the carriageway on each side of the central refuges is not quite sufficient for two lines of traffic and, in the interests of safety, I propose to widen the carriageway so as to remove this difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the normal scale of haversack rations issued by transit camps in this country to soldiers proceeding on a rail- way journey of more than 12 hours' duration; why men of L.I.A.P. party ex-Otranto, who left Southampton transit camp in the early evening of 26th December, 1946, and arrived at Glasgow on the afternoon of 17th December, only received a haversack ration consisting of two sandwiches, one sausage roll and an apple; and what improvements he proposes making.

For journeys of more than 12 hours suitably packed haversack rations, which will vary with the estimated time of the journey, are issued to cover the whole period between departure from the unit and arrival at the final destination. In addition there are cash allowances for the purchase of additional food and drink. The party referred to left by a train that should have taken 14 hours but was delayed for four hours. I have called for a report on the feeding arrangements and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of dogs exported from this country in 1938, 1945 and 1946, respectively.

Exports of greyhounds in 1946 numbered 913, valued at £65,000. Similar particulars are not available for 1938 and 1945, nor is any information available regarding exports of other dogs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department has refused to Mr. Douglas Reed the small quota of paper granted to ex-Servicemen to start a publishing business, in view of his Department's ruling that this small quota could be granted to ex Servicemen who have sound experience of book publishing and wish to start a bona fide publishing business and of the fact that Mr. Douglas Reed saw service at the front in both wars; and if he will reconsider this decision.

I understand that Mr. Douglas Reed was a war correspondent in the last war and not a member of the Armed Forces. In the circumstances, however, it has been decided to grant his application for a paper quota.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the interest of conserving our dollar resources and to ensure an equitable distribution of tobacco throughout the country, he will arrange for available supplies to be sold on points

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what ground his Department refused to supply a vacuum flask to a patient on a doctor's certificate until the doctor furnished a description of the exact nature of the illness; and whether this description, when furnished, was referred to a medical advisory committee.

As was explained in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Battersea (Mrs. Ganley) on 25th November last, serious difficulties in obtaining components made it necessary to limit the issue of permits under the distribution scheme which is voluntarily run by Thermos (1925), Limited. Insufficient flasks were available to allow the issue of permits against all medical certificates presented and it was decided that the only way to ensure that at least the most pressing cases were promptly met was to ask doctors to explain why in particular cases flasks were thought to be essential. The arrival of components from abroad has now somewhat eased the position and recently permits have been issued to all applicants furnishing medical certificates.The answer to the latter part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present annual supply figure of vacuum flasks, as compared with prewar; what categories of persons can obtain these flasks and by what means; and what other Departments are concerned with the distribution of these flasks.

At the present rate of production about 1,600,000 vacuum flasks per annum should be available for the home market as compared with about 5,000,000 before the war, the majority of which were imported. Under a voluntary arrangement with the manufacturers the standard one pint Thermos flask is only supplied against permits. This arrangement does not apply to other makers of vacuum flasks or to the other products of the Thermos Company.The following classes of people are considered for the issue of permits:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what special arrangements he is making to house the large number of visitors as well as the thousands of athletes who will be coming to London for the Olympic sports next year.

Discussions are taking place with the authorities responsible for XIV Olympiad with the object of providing accommodation both for competitors and visitors during the period of the Olympic Games in August, 1948.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what has been the revenue from contraband captures in the past 12 months as compared with the year 1938; to what extent smuggling is predominantly an individual practice or organised by gangs; whether these gangs are predominantly alien or alien-born; and what is being done to check the traffic.

The available figures are for financial years; with that reservation the desired particulars are as follow:Year ended 31st March, 1938, £70,361.Year ended 31st March, 1946, £121,949.Estimate for year ending 31st March, 1947, L160,000.Each figure includes fines, penalties and law costs recovered and proceeds (excluding duty and in 1946 and 1947, Purchase Tax also) of the sale of seized goods. The 1938 figure also includes Excise fines, penalties and costs for which a separate figure is not available for that year. There is no evidence in the majority of smuggling cases to suggest conspiracy to defraud the Revenue. No statistics are available as to the nationality of the very small proportion of offenders who were proved or suspected to be members of a gang. It would not be in the public interest to reveal what precautions are taken against smuggling, but when smugglers are detected it is the practice of the Revenue authorities to invoke the full rigour of the law against them in all suitable cases.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will cancel the redundancy notices given to ex-Service personnel employed in the Civil Service in view of the fact that there are being retained in the Government service civil servants over 6o years old with 40 years' pensionability and as married women, whose husbands are in a position to support their families, are being retained as part-time workers.

No, Sir. Discharges of temporary civil servants on redundancy are governed by an agreement reached by the National Whitley Council and are, broadly, in order of shortness of service, subject to an exception for ex-Service men of 1914–18 War, who under a long standing pledge have preference for retention. The agreement lays down that, particularly in view of the manpower shortage, no discrimination should be exercised against married women or persons over 60, but staff are only retained in an established capacity beyond that age if there is a real need for their services. In deciding whether to retain an established officer beyond the normal retiring age, a Department would consider the demand for experienced staff in the particular grade and district.