Written Answers To Questions
Travel Restrictions (London And Southend)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused as a result of the L. & N.E. and L.M.S. railways refusing the general issue of tickets from London to Southend-on-Sea; and whether he will communicate with the companies and arrange that when people produce their identity cards, showing they reside in that district, tickets shall be issued to them.
Owing to very heavy congestion on passenger trains the L.M.S. Company found it necessary to limit the number of ordinary tickets issued for each train from London to the Southend district, but not in the reverse direction. This limitation provided accommodation on trains for season and workmen's ticket holders and for those travelling on return halves of ordinary tickets. In addition station masters have discretion in special cases to allow passengers to travel although the full quota of tickets for the train has been issued. At present passenger travel between London and Southend is under daily observation with the object of withdrawing the restriction immediately conditions justify this course. These arrangements safeguard the great bulk of residents in the Southend district, and I regret that it would be impracticable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.
Food Supplies
Fish Industry Conferences, York
asked the Minister of Food if he can make any statement as to the results of the Fish Industry Conference at York.
A series of conferences attended by representatives of the various trade associations of the fish industry was held at York between 11th and 14th September. The main subjects of discussion were amendments to the Fish (Maximum Prices) Order and to the Fish Zoning Scheme for the coming winter season, details of which will be announced as soon as final arrangements have been completed. The opportunity was also taken to secure the advice of representatives on the relaxation of control of the industry after the end of the war.
Fruit And Vegetable Prices
asked the Minister of Food the controlled prices, wholesale and retail, of apples, pears, plums, tomatoes and peaches and those of all green vegetables.
The price of peaches is not controlled. The maximum wholesale and retail prices of the other commodities mentioned by my hon. Friend are tabulated in the relevant Statutory Rules and Orders copies of which are available in the Library. The prices vary in different parts of the country and at different seasons of the year. I am sending my hon. Friend a set of the Statutory Rules and Orders which contain a full statement of the prices about which he is inquiring.
Steel Factories (Dust)
asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to give effect to any of the recommendations of the Committee on Dust in Steel Factories.
I am making every effort to deal with this matter comprehensively, and Regulations are in course of preparation in respect of the recommendations.
Vaccination (Deaths, Classification)
asked the Minister of Health whether deaths registered as due to post-vaccinal encephalitis are classified as deaths due to vaccinia or the sequelae of vaccination.
According to the International List of Causes of Death, deaths registered as due to post-vaccinal encephalitis are classified as deaths due to vaccinia.
War-Damaged Public-Houses
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effect is being given to the recommendations of the Morris Committee in the treatment of the licences of war- damaged public-houses in relation to reconstruction schemes.
A Bill on this subject is being prepared and I hope it may be presented shortly, so that if it be not practicable to proceed with it till next Session, hon. Members may have an early opportunity of studying the Government's proposals.
Town And Country Planning
asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in view of the extensive Amendments proposed by him to the First Schedule of the Town and Country Planning Bill, he will, for the convenience of hon. Members, give notice to withdraw that Schedule and embody his Amendments in a new Schedule.
No, Sir; the extent of the Amendments proposed would not justify this course, and would result in inconvenience to Members who have put Amendments to the Schedule on the Paper.
Adjournment
Resolved:
"That this House, at its rising this day, do adjourn till Tuesday next."—[Mr. James Stuart.]