Written Answers Written Answers To Questions Thursday, 22nd July, 1954 Ministry Of Health Tonsil Operations, Heston And Isleworth 19. Mr. R. Harris asked the Minister of Health how long a child must wait in Heston and Isleworth before it can have an operation under the National Health Service for the removal of tonsils. Mr. Iain Macleod The waiting time varies from nothing to two years according to medical urgency. Hospital Staffs (Spens Report) 20. Mrs. Mann asked the Minister of Health what assurances were given to hospital staffs, including senior hospital medical officers, registrars, etc., as to the acceptance of the Spens' recommendations; how far he proposes to accept these recommendations; and what steps are being taken to implement the Spens' report as applicable to hospital staffs. Mr. Iain Macleod The recommendations in the Spens' Report formed the basis for the terms and conditions of hospital medical staff which were agreed with the profession and published in 1949. In answer to the second and third parts of the Question, I should like to make clear the Government's view that the remuneration of medical practitioners cannot be settled by reference only to the recommendations of a report made six years ago before any experience had been gained of the National Health Service. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in this House on 2nd July, 1952, remuneration must be determined after taking into account all relevant circumstances. In the light of this, increased rates of pay have recently been introduced for hospital medical staff under an agreement with their representatives. Legal Actions 23. Mr. Sorensen asked the Minister of Health what financial provision is made, by insurance or otherwise, to meet the contingency of actions by patients against regional boards for alleged personal injury through neglect or carelessness during their treatment; how many legal actions of this nature have been taken against hospital authorities and with what result; and what record is kept of financial or other contributions by patients out of appreciation of the service and beneficial treatment they have received. Mr. Iain Macleod In answer to the first part of the Question, no special financial provision is made. As regards the remainder of the Question, I regret that the information is not available. Health Service (Reciprocal Arrangements) Sir G. Lloyd asked the Minister of Health with what countries there are arrangements making medical assistance freely available to British nationals visiting them; and what efforts are being made to extend such arrangements to other countries, notably to Canada. Mr. Iain Macleod Full reciprocity with any other country in this matter is not at present practicable since no other country provides for its own nationals a health service comparable with our own. The Brussels Treaty countries have a reciprocal agreement for giving medical assistance to indigent persons and a Convention extending this arrangement to all members of the Council of Europe has recently been signed. Arrangements are also in force whereby British subjects employed in France and Italy, and their families, participate in the social insurance schemes of those countries; a similar agreement with Luxembourg has been signed, and agreements with Austria, Belgium, the German Federal Republic and the Netherlands are being negotiated. It is not possible to negotiate an agreement with Canada even on this limited basis, since no comparable service at present exists in that country. North-East Coast (Government Services) 49. Miss Ward asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the North-East Coast has less hospital beds available in almost every category than the national average; has less than the national average in grants for the maintenance of classified roads and is eliminated from extra grants in respect of technical education; and if he will set up an inquiry into the methods of allocating money to different regions in respect of these services. The Prime Minister I am surprised that the hon. Lady should suggest that there is any discrimination against the North-Eastern area of England by the Government of which she is a supporter. The particular services referred to in the Question are matters for the Departmental Ministers concerned. Washington Declaration (Self-Government) 50. Mr. Emrys Hughes asked the Prime Minister if he will publish as a White Paper the statement upholding the principles of self-government that he recently signed along with President Eisenhower. The Prime Minister The Washington Declaration or Potomac Charter as it is sometimes called, of which this statement forms a part, has already received wide publicity. But if there is a general wish in the House for me to issue the Declaration as a White Paper, I will do so. Education Clothing Provision (Powers) 51. Rev. LI. Williams asked the Minister of Education if she will take action to amend Section 5 (2) (b) of the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1948, in order to enable applicants for clothing bursaries to receive more generous treatment. Mr. Pickthorn No. My right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that the powers which local education authorities have to provide clothing are in any way inadequate. Playing Fields 52. Mrs. Slater asked the Minister of Education what steps she proposes to take to provide facilities for playing fields for groups of schools where no provision exists at present. Mr. Pickthorn I would refer to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Lady on 10th December last, when she stated that under the policy set out in Circular 245 playing fields might be provided with the aid of grant from the Department where they are associated with new schools but not otherwise, and that she could not say when she would be able to relax this policy. Technical Teachers' Salaries 53. Mr. J. Johnson asked the Minister of Education why she refused to meet a deputation from the Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions regarding the salaries decision of the Burnham Technical Committee. Mr. Pickthorn I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 15th July. Films (Production) 56. Mr. Warbey asked the Minister of Education whether she is now in a position to make a statement on her discussions with the governors of the Educational Foundation for Visual Aids regarding the production of educational films. Mr. Pickthorn No, except that my right hon. Friend is considering certain proposals which the governors have put to her. Schools, Cornwall (Building Improvements) 57. Mr. Hayman asked the Minister of Education what building improvements have taken place at the secondary modern schools in Cornwall which have come into existence since 1947 and are housed in former all-age school buildings. Mr. Pickthorn My right hon. Friend is writing to the hon. Member. Handicapped Pupils (Regional Conferences) 62. Mr. J. Johnson asked the Minister of Education if she will re-establish the regional conferences on residential provision for handicapped pupils, to review in the light of the present situation the requirements of the various regions. Mr. Pickthorn As my right hon. Friend stated in Circular 276, dated 25th June, 1954, she intends in the near future to arrange regional conferences to review both the day and residential special school requirements for all categories of handicapped pupils. Grammar School Places, Gateshead 66. Mr. J. T. Hall asked the Minister of Education what number of grammar school places will be made available in Gateshead as a result of the building programme for 1954 and 1955. Mr. Pickthorn My right hon. Friend did not include any grammar school projects in the authority's programmes for 1954 or 1955 because they already have under construction a secondary school which will double the number of maintained grammar school places in the area. School Meals 63. Mr. Moyle asked the Minister of Education the total number of outbreaks of food poisoning in the schools meals service for 1952, 1953 and 1954 up to the latest available date in Warwickshire. Staffordshire, Worcester, Shropshire and Herefordshire. Mr. Pickthorn My right hon. Friend is obtaining the information, and will write to the hon. Member. 64. Mr. Moyle asked the Minister of Education to what extent, in fixing the unit of cost per meal for the school meals service, she takes into account the need to enable local education authorities to provide fresh vegetables and fruit when available. Mr. Pickthorn In fixing the unit cost for food per school dinner the provision made by local education authorities in their estimates for expenditure on fresh vegetables and fruit when available in their areas at reasonable cost is accepted. 65. Mr. Wheeldon asked the Minister of Education which local education authorities in respect of the last available year did not receive 100 per cent. grant for their expenditure on school meals; and what was the amount disallowed in each case. Mr. Pickthorn In 1952–53 the expenditure of 40 local education authorities has not been fully covered by grant to the extent of a total amount of just over £49,000 out of a total gross expenditure for that year of over £41 million; 11 of these authorities did not have their estimated expenditure covered by the unit costs per meal fixed by my right hon. Friend under the Regulations. Following is the list of the 40 authorities and the amounts of excess expenditure. ------------------- | | ------------------- |Bedfordshire | ------------------- |Cambridgeshire | ------------------- |Cumberland | ------------------- |Cornwall | ------------------- |Gloucestershire | ------------------- |Herefordshire | ------------------- |London | ------------------- |Nottinghamshire | ------------------- |Yorks—WestRiding | ------------------- |Breconshire | ------------------- |Monmouthshire | ------------------- |Pembrokeshire | ------------------- |Barnsley | ------------------- |Barrow-in-Furness| ------------------- |Birmingham | ------------------- |Blackburn | ------------------- |Bolton | ------------------- |Bournemouth | ------------------- |Brighton | ------------------- |Croydon | ------------------- |East Ham | ------------------- |Exeter | ------------------- |Gateshead | ------------------- |Grimsby | ------------------- |Leeds | ------------------- |Lincoln | ------------------- |Manchester | ------------------- |Oldham | ------------------- |Oxford | ------------------- |Rochdale | ------------------- |St. Helens | ------------------- |Sheffield | ------------------- |South Shields | ------------------- |Smethwick | ------------------- |Tynemouth | ------------------- |West Bromwich | ------------------- |West Ham | ------------------- |Cardiff | ------------------- |Merthyr Tydfil | ------------------- |Swansea | ------------------- |Total | ------------------- Regulations (Procedure) 67. Sir W. Smithers asked the Minister of Education if she has studied the details which have been sent her regarding the discontinuance in England of the established practice of giving 40 days' notice of the coming into operation of Statutory Instruments made by her Department, while the practice in Scotland is continued with regard to similar Instruments; in view of the fact that the provisions of the Statutory Instruments Act, 1946, extend to the whole of Great Britain, why the established procedure has been discontinued in England while continuing in Scotland; and whether she will take steps to ensure that the rights and privileges of statutory bodies and citizens should be preserved in England as they are in Scotland. Mr. Pickthorn The regulations which my right hon. Friend makes under the Education Acts have under Section 112 of the Education Act, 1944, and Section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act, 1946, to be laid before Parliament for a period of 40 days after being made. Those Acts do not provide for these regulations to be published in draft. The Scottish law is different. Secondary Schools (Average Roll Number) 68. Miss Bacon asked the Minister of Education the average numbers on roll of aided and maintained grammar schools and secondary modern schools, respectively. Mr. Pickthorn In January, 1953, the last date for which figures are available, the average number on the roll of a maintained or assisted grammar school was 433. The corresponding average figure for a modern school was 332. Berkshire 8. Mr. Hurd asked the Minister of Education how many all-age schools remain in Berkshire, compared with three years ago and how many additional places in modern schools and grammar schools are to be provided in 1954 and 1955. Miss Horsbrugh In January, 1954, there were 59 all-age school departments in Berkshire compared with 73 three years earlier. The completion of building work is subject to so many variable factors that I cannot make a reliable detailed forecast of the number of secondary school places which will come into use during 1954 and 1955. It is, however, estimated that during the next eighteen months between 1,500 and 1,800 new secondary school places will be occupied in Berkshire, including about 270 grammar school places. Teachers (Age Awards) Mr. Morley asked the Minister of Education how many teachers retired on an age basis during 1953; and, of these, what percentage were in service till their 65th birthday. Mr. Pickthorn The number of teachers granted age awards under the Teachers (Superannuation) Acts in the year ended 31st March, 1954, was 4,550. 20 per cent. of this number were in service until age 65 or over. Metalliferous Mining School, Camborne (Grants) Mr. Hayman asked the Minister of Education what sums have been paid to the Camborne School of Metalliferous Mining during each of the last three financial years; and what arrangements exist for her Department to meet the annual financial deficit apart from capital expenditure. Mr. Pickthorn The grants from the Department were £13,200 in 1951–52 and £11,700 for each of the two succeeding years. The amount is assessed each year after taking into account the volume and nature of the work and the financial circumstances of the school. Trade And Commerce New Zealand Trade Exhibition 72. Mr. Amery asked the President of the Board of Trade Why the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner in New Zealand was instructed to refuse United Kingdom participation in a trade exhibition organised by the Empire Service League of New Zealand; and why it is the policy of the Government to limit United Kingdom participation in overseas trade exhibitions to exhibitions which are held in dollar countries. Mr. P. Thorneycroft No such instructions were given, nor is this the policy of Her Majesty's Government. In fact, the majority of overseas trade exhibitions in which the Government participates are outside the dollar area. Industrial Projects (Siting) 73. Mr. Boardman asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent his Department now exercises influence in the siting of new industrial projects. Mr. P. Thorneycroft All industrial buildings exceeding 5,000 sq. ft. require an industrial development certificate from the Board of Trade which seeks to secure that industrial projects are sited in the most suitable places. Employment, Peterlee (Factories) 74. Mr. Shinwell asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the measures taken to persuade industrial firms to acquire sites in Peterlee for the purpose of providing employment for women and partially disabled miners. Mr. P. Thorneycroft The Department has tried to interest suitable firms in establishing production at Peterlee and has undertaken, in two cases, to build Government-financed factories there. Scottish Cinema Exhibitors (Prosecutions) 75. Mr. Rankin asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have been instituted against Scottish cinema exhibitors, to the nearest convenient date, this year; and, of these, how many have been unsuccessful. Mr. P. Thorneycroft To date this year, four and two. South American Trade 76. Sir H. Williams asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for the first five months of this year the combined imports from Peru, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and the Argentine Republic amounted to £69,830,000, while the total of exports and re-exports to those countries aggregated only £24,413,000; and what steps are being taken to correct this adverse balance of trade. Mr. P. Thorneycroft It is not the policy of Her Majesty's Government to try to balance trade or payments with individual countries or groups of countries, but to achieve freer trade and payments arrangements so as to improve our external position as a whole. There are, however, difficulties, which vary in each case, in exporting to these countries and we shall continue to do all we can to assist exporters to overcome them. Canadian Tobacco 77. Sir H. Williams asked the President of the Board of Trade, as Canada is now the second largest supplier of tobacco to this country and is rapidly overhauling the United States of America in that respect, to what extent this tendency is likely to continue or is due to transitory circumstances. Mr. P. Thorneycroft About one-twelfth of the tobacco used in the United Kingdom (compared with only one-thirtieth before the war) is supplied by Canada, which is now our fourth largest supplier. I cannot say how long the present tendency is likely to continue. Film And Cinema Associations (Entertainments Duty) 78. Mr. G. Darling asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the film and cinema associations' failure to agree on how the recent entertainment tax concession should be divided between them. Mr. P. Thorneycroft I have today arranged for a letter to be sent from my Department to the four associations concerned saying that I assume that, in default of an early agreement among themselves, they will proceed to arbitration on the matters in dispute. Pallion Trading Estate 79. Mr. P. Williams asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to various firms expanding their undertakings in the North-East to acquire additional factory space in the Pallion Trading Estate, Sunderland. Mr. P. Thorneycroft It would not always be in the public interest for firms in the North-East to establish units at Pallion instead of expanding where they are. In all suitable cases, firms are encouraged to consider establishing production in the Sunderland area, whether on the Pallion estate or elsewhere. Japan (Exports To China) 80. Sir W. Fletcher asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps, through the medium of the Consultative Group Co-ordinating Committee, to ensure that Japan will, in future, as a member of the committee, be subject to the same restriction as regards exports to China as apply to this and other European countries. Mr. P. Thorneycroft Japan already applies the same restrictions. Bridgend Trading Estate Mr. Padley asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons, men and women, were employed at the Bridgend Trading Estate in January, 1953, July, 1953, January, 1954, and July, 1954, respectively. Mr. P. Thorneycroft Employment in the factories on the Bridgend Trading Estate on the dates mentioned was as follows: ------------------- |January, 1953 (a)| ------------------- |July, 1953 | ------------------- |January, 1954 | ------------------- |May, 1954(b) | ------------------- Assistance To Craftsman Scheme (Tax Relief) Mr. Collick asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications have been made for grant in relief of Purchase Tax under the Assistance to Craftsman Scheme in cases of needlework tapestry, crewel work and embroidery. Mr. P. Thorneycroft The following applications have been made for relief under the scheme: needlework tapestry 4, crewel work 1, embroidery nil. National Finance Income Tax (Tips) 81. Mr. Oliver asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the decision of the Board of Inland Revenue to instruct inspectors of taxes not to pursue unreasonably trivial items in respect of directors' expenses, he will suggest a similar provision being made in connection with trivial tips left by customers in teashops and cafés, particularly in the provinces. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter Where the total income received by a taxpayer from any particular source is trivial, tax offices have discretion not to pursue it. Shillings, Scotland (Shortage) 82. Colonel Gomme-Duncan asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the shortage of shillings in Scotland and of the difficulties this creates, particularly in the berry-picking areas; and if he will take steps to provide a greater quantity. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter No. As I pointed out in my reply on 6th April to the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. H. Hynd), distribution of coins is effected in all districts by the banks, which apply to the Mint for supplies through their head offices. Over 37 million shillings have been issued this year, 7 million of them to Scottish banks. Finance Talks, London (European Trade) 84. Mr. Grimond asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress of the talks between the European Payments Union countries. Mr. Maudling I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the meeting of European Ministers which, following on a decision of the O.E.E.C. Council, was held in London under my right hon. Friend's chairmanship on 15th and 16th July to discuss some of the problems of trade and payments in Europe which would arise if any of the major currencies were made convertible. These are questions which need time for examination and their orderly solution is a necessary precondition of any practical consideration of a move forward. There was general agreement on the importance of maintaining the level of trade in these circumstances and O.E.E.C. will' undertake further studies of the measures, including the need for adequate credit, necessary to ensure this. Mutual Security Aid 85. Mr. Beswick asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the decision to purchase $72 million worth of surplus United States commodities such as prunes, tobacco, lard, cottonseed oil, beef and canned fruit with sterling made available under the Mutual Security Act, commits Her Majesty's Government to spend a similar amount on military armaments; and whether such military expenditure is required to be in addition to United Kingdom defence expenditure which would otherwise be incurred. Mr. Maudling The sterling proceeds of the sale of these commodities will be appropriated in aid of Defence Votes to the extent of the sterling equivalent of $60 million: this use of the sterling proceeds will not involve defence expenditure additional to that which would otherwise have been incurred. Hungarian And Roumanian Debts 86. Mr. Teeling asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present position concerning trade negotiations with Hungary and with Roumania; and whether Hungarian and Roumanian debts are being included in these discussions. Mr. Maudling Negotiations with Hungary are still in progress: they cover both trade and debts. No negotiations are at present taking place with Roumania. 87. Mr. Teeling asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when a draft concerning the disposal of Hungarian assets will be published. Mr. Maudling The drafts of the Treasury Directions for the distribution of Hungarian and Bulgarian assets are being published as Command Papers tomorrow. It is proposed to issue both Directions on 6th August. Government Departments Information Officers 83. Sir R. De la Bère asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the absorption and transfer of large numbers of the staff previously employed by the former Ministry of Information as information officers to a large number of Government Departments, he will now issue a further statement setting out their duties. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter Broadly speaking, the duties of information officers are to advise and assist the Ministers concerned on questions arising out of the relations between their Departments and the public. The nature of the work varies a good deal as between Departments, and questions of detail on this are matters for my right hon. Friend concerned in each case. Central Office Of Information 91. Mr. Vane asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many regional officers are maintained by the Central Office of Information; what is the total staff employed in such regional offices; and what are the main duties performed. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter Ten, employing 81 staff. Their duties include information work in the regions for Government Departments, such as the handling of Civil Defence and nursing recruitment campaigns; Press relations work for the regional boards for industry; collection of information about British industrial progress for home and overseas publicity; and the conduct of tours of overseas visitors. They also co-ordinate Press arrangements during Royal visits outside London. Regional Organisations 92. Mr. Sparks asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give details of those regional organisations of Ministerial Departments which are to be abolished and the functions which they at present perform. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter The Ministry of Food's regional offices are to be abolished. Their present main functions are the control of Milk Retailers' Claims offices, the supervision of Ministry warehouses, and defence planning. As from 1st November next the regional offices will be replaced by 13 small offices, primarily concerned with defence planing but also responsible for winding up any work under the first two headings. In addition, as announced on 20th July, the gradual closing of the regional offices of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government is being considered. Staff Canteens Sir A. Bossom asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, now that the rationing of food is ended and restaurants can get all the food they need, what consideration has been given to closing down the special restaurants started for civil servants when there was great difficulty in getting food elsewhere. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter Successive Governments have followed the practice of many good employers in providing staff canteens on the premises. This practice, which incidentally leads to economy in staff time, is being maintained where the need for it exists. Agriculture Humane Traps Committee (Members) 93. Major Anstruther-Gray asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to announce the names of the chairman and members of the Humane Traps Advisory Committee. Mr. Nugent Mr. Roland Dudley has accepted the chairmanship, and the other members are Mr. W. H. Cashmore, Lieut.-Colonel William Forbes of Callendar, Mr. W. Martin, Major R. B. Verney and Mr. F. W. Ward.The committee held its first meeting on 21st July. Land Transactions Inquiry 94. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport asked the Minister of Agriculture the qualifications of the person he is proposing to appoint to look into the Department of the Ministry of Agriculture as a result of the Crichel Down inquiry. Mr. Nugent As announced in the debate on 20th July, Sir Arton Wilson, a distinguished retired Civil Servant, and Mr. F. W. Allam, an experienced land agent, have agreed to undertake this inquiry. For further particulars of their qualifications I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to c. 1193 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 20th July. Workers (Drift To Towns) 95. Mr. C. Hughes asked the Minister of Agriculture to what causes he attributes the drift of agricultural workers from the land; and what steps he is taking to bring the drift to an end. Mr. Nugent The general trend of a drift from the land is not new. It is probably due to the greater economic and social opportunities which town life seems to offer. A factor in the present phase is the rapid increase in farm mechanisation, resulting in increased output per man, so that production has been rising although the number of regular workers has been falling. It is the Government's policy, like that of its predecessors, to improve amenities and public services in rural areas in every way possible. Specific help in this connection has been given by the recent removal of licensing restrictions and the increased taxation relief affecting both new house building and improvement work, which are doing much to improve living conditions in rural areas. Myxomatosis 96. Mr. Awbery asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now make it a criminal offence for any person to spread myxomatosis, owing to the cruelty to rabbits, the danger to human beings, and the difficulties of stopping the spread of this disease once started; and if he will take early steps to adopt a more humane method of destroying these pests. Mr. Nugent The Myxomatosis Advisory Committee advised that no attempt should be made to assist the spread of the disease, but that no attempt could usefully be made to stop it. This advice has already been accepted. The committee is to consider the present situation on 26th July and the problem will be further examined in the light of their advice. The committee found no apparent risk of danger to man from the disease. A great deal is already being done to encourage humane methods of destruction and in particular to develop a humane alternative to the gin trap. I have today announced the membership of the committee which has been set up to expedite this work. Mr. Hayman asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the incidence of myxomatosis in Cornwall. Mr. Nugent The first outbreak of myxomatosis in wild rabbits in Cornwall was confirmed on 11th May last. Since then the disease has been found to exist in six other areas in the county. Afforestation Work, Caernarvonshire 97. Mr. G. Roberts asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will instruct the Forestry Commission to proceed at once with schemes of afforestation in the Trevor-Llithfaen district of Caernarvon-shire in view of the actual and prospective unemployment in this area. Mr. Nugent There is very little land suitable for planting in the immediate district, and although the Commissioners are anxious to increase their work, it is unlikely that they can do so on a scale sufficient to make a significant difference to employment. Bull Licences (Validity) 98. Mr. Baldwin asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet been able to arrive at a uniform procedure for England and Scotland with regard to the question of overshot jaws so that the present procedure under which bulls licensed in England and Wales have to be relicensed in Scotland, whereas bulls licensed in Scotland are accepted without relicensing when they pass into either England or Wales, can be done away with. Mr. Nugent No. I am advised that bull licences are valid only in the country of issue. In England and Wales a licence is issued in exchange for a Scottish licence on application but in Scotland further inspection of a bull imported from England is required. There are at present differences in the standards applied in the two countries and I am afraid that my hon. Friend's suggestion is impracticable at the moment. Cattle (Jaw Abnormalities) 99. Mr. Baldwin asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the fact that jaw formation is not a genetical matter, but one of conformation, and that this view is held by the National Cattle Breeders' Association, which represents all breeds, he will, in future, allow appeals from the decision of a licensing officer to be decided by a breeder from the panel appointed by breed societies instead of being referred to a veterinary officer. Mr. Nugent I cannot add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 31st March. Land Drainage Pipes (Supply) 100. Mr. Nabarro asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the nature of the arrangements made by his Department for priority supply by the London Brick Company of land drainage pipes; what agreement has been entered into; when it will expire; and on what date private agricultural contractors may resume purchase of land drainage pipes from the London Brick Company. Mr. Nugent There is no arrangement with this company for priority supply. Each quarter, the Ministry gives the company advance notice of the numbers of the different sizes of pipes it wishes to buy on behalf of county agricultural executive committees, and the committees then put in their orders direct. I see no reason for discontinuing this arrangement. Potato Marketing Board Sir W. Smithers asked the Minister of Agriculture how many registered producers were on the register of the Potato Marketing Scheme, when the scheme was suspended in 1939; and what acreage of potatoes was grown by them in that year. Mr. Nugent 63,599 producers, having a potato acreage of 519,583, were on the register of the Potato Marketing Board at 31st August, 1939. These are the last recorded totals before the scheme was formally suspended on 20th December 1939. Sir W. Smithers asked the Minister of Agriculture the terms under which the Potato Marketing Board was suspended in 1939; and under what authority the Board has continued to exist in the absence of the stipulated annual elections. Mr. Nugent The Potato Marketing Scheme was amended by the Potato Marketing Scheme, 1933 (Modification and Suspension) Order, 1939 (S.R. & O. 1939 No. 1876). This Order suspended the Board's main powers and provided, inter alia, that, as long as the Order remained in force, Board members should continue to hold office subject to the filling of casual vacancies by co-option, no elections by registered producers of members of the Board should be held, the register of producers should remain unaltered, and that the Board might make arrangements for the preservation of its assets, hire of its premises and equipment, and loan of its staff.The Potato Marketing Scheme (Modification and Suspension) (Amendment) Order, 1954 (S.I. 1954 No. 489) restored the Board's powers sufficiently to allow it to bring up to date and maintain the register of producers, to prepare a substitutional scheme and publish it to registered producers and to take, if required, a poll of registered producers on the question of its submission to the appropriate Ministers. Smallholdings, Wales Mr. Watkins asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made by each of the county councils in Wales to provide smallholdings; how many applicants are now waiting for smallholdings; how many have been on the waiting-------------- |Anglesey |…| -------------- |Brecon |…| -------------- |Caernarvon|…| -------------- |Cardigan |…| -------------- |Carmarthen|…| -------------- |Denbigh |…| -------------- |Flint |…| -------------- |Glamorgan |…| -------------- |Merioneth |…| -------------- |Monmouth |…| -------------- |Montgomery|…| -------------- |Pembroke |…| -------------- |Radnor |…| -------------- |TOTALS |…| -------------- The main emphasis has been on improving existing smallholdings so that they may provide a reasonable livelihood for the occupier. Exact information on how many applicants have been on the waiting list for over two years could be obtained only by a special inquiry involving county councils in more work than I think would be justified; but the number is estimated at about 600. Fatstock Marketing Scheme (Inquiry) Sir W. Smithers asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that many farmers have lodged objections to the Fatstock Marketing Scheme, he will give an assurance that the inquiry will not be held during harvest time. Mr. Nugent I can assure my hon. Friend that the inquiry will not take place before October. I hope it will be possible to announce a firm date shortly. list for over two years; and how much land has been acquired since the passing of the Agriculture Act, 1947, for this purpose. Mr. Nugent The following table shows the progress made since Part IV of the Agriculture Act, 1947, came into force on 1st October, 1949. Hedgerow Timber (Committee's Report) Mr. J. Morrison asked the Minister of Agriculture when it is anticipated that the Report on Hedgerow Timber will be published. Mr. Nugent The committee has completed the hearing of oral evidence and has begun consideration of its report, which it hopes will be made early in the New Year. Foot-And-Mouth Disease (Committee's Report) Mr. Deedes asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet received the report of the Gowers Committee on foot-and-mouth disease. Mr. Nugent Yes. The Report is now being printed and will be published on 28th July. The committee's recommendations cover a wide field. They are being closely studied and before any decisions are reached comments will be invited from the bodies mainly concerned.I should like to take this opportunity to express the Government's warm thanks to Sir Ernest Gowers and his committee for having undertaken such an important and difficult task, resulting in this most valuable Report. Home Department Shops Legislation (Representations) 101. Mr. Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what comments from the various trade unions and trade organisations concerned have been received by him in connection with the suggested provisions for amending shops legislation which were published by his Department last year; whether he will now indicate what procedure will be followed before the necessary legislation is drafted; and when he anticipates it will be introduced. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 15th July to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Knutsford (Lieut. - Colonel Bromley-Davenport). Fire Service Regulations 102. Mr. R. Harris asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet in a position to issue the necessary regulations under the Fire Services Act, 1947, to give effect to the recommendations of the Officers' Committee of the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire Brigades agreed upon in July, 1953. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe The recommendations in question form part of the consolidated Fire Service Regulations upon which I am awaiting the observations of the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades. The Regulations will be laid before Parliament as soon as the Council's views have been received and considered. Civil Defence (Hydrogen Bomb) 103. Mr. G. Thomas asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of Civil Defence workers he would require to deal with hydrogen-bomb warfare. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe This is not a problem which is susceptible of arithmetical solution. I prefer to deal with it on the more practical lines of making a start with the organisation and training of the numbers which can be made available on a voluntary basis with a view to part-time service in war or under the provisions of the Civil Defence (Armed Forces) Bill with a view to whole-time service, and to make plans for the greatest possible measure of expansion to enable larger numbers to be absorbed later if necessary. Approved School Orders 104. Mr. Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is taken by courts to see that in all cases where boys are ordered by a magistrate to be sent to an approved school from a remand home such orders are carried out; and in how many cases his attention has been called to non-compliance with such orders. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe It is open to a court to authorise the detention in a remand home of a child or young person in respect of whom an approved school order has been made pending the completion of arrangements for his reception into a suitable school or on account of his ill-health. Such an order falls to be renewed by the court after each period of 28 days, and is therefore kept periodically under review by the court. I am not aware of any case of the kind referred to by the hon. Member. Detention Centre, Goudhurst (Escapes) 106. Mr. Deedes asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the circumstances in which five youths escaped from the detention centre at Goudhurst, Kent, on 15th July, in view of the fact that this centre has been officially described as escape-proof; and what fresh precautions are being taken against future outbreaks. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe No penal establishment is escape-proof; Blantyre House at Goudhurst gives a reasonable measure of security but is not comparable in that respect with a walled cellular prison. I am satisfied that the warden and his staff are alive to the need for constant supervision and proper security, but his attention has been called to one or two weaknesses in supervision and administration which facilitated this escape. Mock Auctions 105. Mr. Lewis asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusions he has reached concerning legislation to deal with mock auctions, arising from his recent discussions with the hog. Member for West Ham, North on this subject; and whether he will make a statement. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe I have at present nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member on 20th May. Post-Office Robberies (Flogging) 107. Mr. Osborne asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to restore punishment by flogging in cases of robbery with violence upon Post Office officials in view of the increasing number of such cases. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe No. I have no evidence that such offences are on the increase, and I have no reason to think that the powers at present at the disposal of the courts are inadequate. Hospitals, Reading (Fire Prevention) 108. Mr. Mikardo asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the reason for the delay in presenting to the Reading Hospital Management Committee the report of the Chief Fire Officer of the Reading and Berkshire Fire Brigade on his inspection of the hospitals in the borough. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe I have no responsibility in this matter, but inquiries have been made and I understand that the delay in presenting this report is due to the extent of the premises which had to be inspected, and to pressure of work in the Fire Prevention Branch of the fire brigade. Aliens (Free Medical Treatment) Sir G. Lloyd asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions have been given to immigra- tion officers about granting entry to persons whose sole purpose in travelling to this country is to attempt to get free medical or surgical treatment. Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe The general rule is that leave to land should be refused to an alien if the immigration officer is satisfied that the sole purpose of the alien's visit to the United Kingdom is to secure free medical treatment. Employment United Kingdom 109. Mr. Steward asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now make a statement on the employment position in the United Kingdom compared with a convenient date 12 months ago and in 1951. Sir W. Monckton There were over 200,000 more in employment in Great Britain at the end of May this year than a year ago and over 250,000 more than in May, 1951. Unemployment in June this year was 58,000 fewer than last June and 49,000 more than in June, 1951. Science Teachers 110. Mr. Janner asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of science teachers, he will confer with the Service authorities, with a view to arranging that science graduates may teach for a period as a form of National Service. Sir W. Monckton I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, Central (Mr. Short) on 11th March last. Disabled Persons, Stoke-On-Trent (Tuberculosis) 111. Dr. Stross asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women in Stoke-on-Trent, who have been certified to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, are unemployed, although considered to be fit for suitable light work. Sir W. Monckton On 21st July, 1954, there were 10 men and one woman, who had been certified to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, registered as disabled persons and unemployed in the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent. Of this number three men were classified as unlikely to obtain employment except under special conditions. Ministry Of Materials Raw Jute Imports (Decontrol) 112. Mr. Nabarro asked the Minister of State, Board of Trade, as representing the Minister of Materials, what progress he has made with his discussions and negotiations for ending jute control, and restoring to private traders full facilities for importing, on their own respective accounts, manufactured jute goods; and whether he will now make a statement. Mr. Amory The discussions with the industry to which I referred in my reply of 16th February related only to raw jute. These discussions have been completed and private trading in raw jute has been allowed since 15th July. The problem of safeguarding the United Kingdom jute manufacturing industry is being examined by the Government, but this examination has not yet been completed. Newsprint 113. Mr. Nabarro asked the Minister of State, Board of Trade, as representing the Minister of Materials, how many tons of newsprint were imported into the United Kingdom during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1954; whether he has formed an estimate of the additional tonnage of newsprint imports which would be needed during the year, to 30th June, 1955, to secure derationing of newsprint, and what part of such additional imports would be obtainable from dollar sources and what part would not; what such additional imports would cost at today's prices; and whether he will end newsprint rationing on 31st December, 1954, or before. Mr. Amory During the year ended 30th June, 1954, approximately 278,000 tons of newsprint were imported. During the subsequent twelve months, as a result of increased amounts authorised by my noble Friend, approximately 375,000 tons will be imported, and the newspapers expect to obtain about 400,000 tons from the home mills, making 775,00 tons in all.My noble Friend understands from the Newsprint Supply Company that, even if balance of payments considerations permitted, no more would be physically available from any source in the second half of 1954 nor in the first half of 1955. Before the war, newspapers consumed about 1,100,000 tons a year. My noble Friend has not been advised by the Newsprint Supply Company as to the tonnage which would be needed to permit derationing. Transfer Of Functions (Economies) Mr. Nabarro asked the Minister of State, Board of Trade, as representing the Minister of Materials, what economies will be effected for the taxpayer during 1954–55, as compared with the previous year, consequent upon the decision to expunge the Ministry of Materials; and what further staff reduction will be achieved. Mr. Amory It is not possible to make an assessment until the new management has had an opportunity to take stock of the additional responsibilities and of the opportunities of reorganisation of the work. Roads Accidents, West Riding 114. Sir L. Ropner asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of fatal accidents on the roads during 1953 in the West Riding of Yorkshire in which a motor vehicle was concerned; and in how many of these accidents the drivers of motor vehicles were convicted for being under the influence of drink. Mr. Lennox-Boyd In the West Riding, during 1953, there were 327 fatal accidents in which a motor vehicle was concerned. Five of the drivers concerned, in the opinion of the police, were under the influence of drink, but we have no record of the number convicted. Basildon Mr. Braine asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when a final decision is likely to be made in respect of the alignment of the main roads in the Laindon area of the new town of Basildon. Mr. Lennox-Boyd I have sent my comments on the revised proposals for the road pattern of this part of the new town to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, who has communicated with my hon. Friend. I see no reason why an early agreement with the highway authority, the Essex County Council, should not be reached on the few outstanding points. Classified Roads, Wales Mr. Watkins asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give, for each of the Welsh counties, the mileage of roads which have been upgraded to trunk roads, Class II increased to Class I, Class III to Class II and unclassified roads to Class II] since April, 1953, to date. Mr. Lennox-Boyd The figures are: ------------ |Anglesey | ------------ |Brecon | ------------ |Cardigan | ------------ |Flint | ------------ |Glamorgan | ------------ |Montgomery| ------------ |Pembroke | ------------ |Radnor | ------------ There were no changes in Carmarthen Caernarvon, Denbigh, Merioneth or Monmouth.The mileage classified as Class III was largely in substitution for Class III roads declassified as follows: ------------ |Brecon | ------------ |Cardigan | ------------ |Montgomery| ------------ |Glamorgan | ------------ |Pembroke | ------------ During the same period the following mileages were raised from unclassified to Class II: ------------ |Carmarthen| ------------ |Denbigh | ------------ |Glamorgan | ------------ Hospitals (Legal Actions) Mr. G. Thomas asked the Attorney-General whether he will appoint a medical man to serve on each local tribunal which decides whether to grant legal aid in cases where hospital authorities are being sued. The Attorney-General No. Applications for legal aid to take proceedings against hospitals for negligence are, in practice, supported by medical opinions. The appointment of a medically qualified member would not enable the Certifying Committee to dispense with this evidence and, as he would not have seen the applicant, he would not be able to add to it. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor does not therefore consider that there is any need to amend Section 8 (4) of the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, which provides that members of Certifying Committees must be barristers or solicitors.