asked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications have been received from Servicemen in connection with land settlement schemes in this country after the war.

My Department has received a number of inquiries, and other inquiries have no doubt been addressed to such authorities as county councils. I am not able to state the exact number.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take to stop speculation in agricultural land, which results in the cutting up of useful farms and the re-selling, at high prices, of lots which are frequently without water or hedges and which cannot be developed into prosperous smallholdings.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his previous Question and that of the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher). I would only add that my Department gives no encouragement to persons, especially those without practical knowledge of agriculture or horticulture, to buy small plots of land unlikely to form efficient agricultural or horticultural holdings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of benevolent organisations, excluding regimental and town funds, formed to assist ex-Servicemen after the war, and indicating, where possible, the scope of such organisations.

I am obtaining such particulars as are available from the Charity Commissioners, and will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, to allay public uneasiness, he will set up a Departmental committee to investigate the methods of cremation so as to secure an agreed policy.

Under the Cremation Act, 1902, the Secretary of State is required to make regulations inter alia as to the maintenance and inspection of crematoria and prescribing in what cases and under what conditions cremation may take place. The regulations, which for England and Wales were last revised in 1930, should secure the observance of adequate and uniform standards, and I have no evidence to suggest that they are not being scrupulously observed. I am, however, looking into the matter and will consider whether any amendment of the regulations is required. As at present advised, I do not think it will be necessary to set up a committee for the purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now been able to release Iginio Agosti who has been interned in the Isle of Man.

This case is at present under consideration, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have reached a decision.