asked the President of the Board of Trade how many clothing coupons are allocated annually to foreign Ambassadors and their wives and generally to the Diplomatic Corps in London.

Ambassadors accredited to the Court of St. James and members of the Diplomatic Corps, together with their wives, have been given a supplementary coupon allowance of 48 coupons a year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the terms of reference of the various working parties; if they can report on the many disabilities imposed upon them by the continuance of controls and any matters affecting his Department; and will all such details be printed as a Parliamentary Paper.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House on 15th October in which the terms of reference of the working parties were set out. The working parties can report upon any matter, including the continuance of controls, which, in their opinion, has a significant bearing upon the long-term efficiency of the industry in question. The reports will be published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many working parties have been set up in various industries; how many persons are being employed in them; and what is the charge on the National Exchequer.

As the House was told on 15th October, working parties have so far been set up for five industries. Apart from the chairmen, the members of the five working parties number 63 in all. In addition, each working party has a civil servant as a secretary. I am not in a position to say what will be the charge on the National Exchequer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new industries have been directed to Scotland in the last 12 months.

We have no powers to direct industry to any part of the country. We are, however, actively encouraging industrialists to establish new factories in Scotland. During the past 12 months, 79 building schemes, totalling more than 2,000,000 square feet of additional factory space, have been approved for Scotland and 13 Government factories have been allocated for civilian production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make available to industry in this country, through trade associations and other means, improved specifications and processes, including patents, discovered in enemy territory, particularly in regard to machinery and chemical processes.

A series of reports embodying the industrial intelligence that has been collected in Germany are being printed by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Copies of these reports will be sent to the trade associations concerned, universities, professional institutes and the chief public libraries throughout the United Kingdom. Copies will also be available at the Stationery Office for others who may be interested. Arrangements are being made for the Dominions and Colonial Governments, as well as the Government of Northern Ireland, to receive this information. A public announcement will shortly be made giving details of the reports which are published and how they may be obtained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department granted a permit to Newcastle Co-operative Society to open up at Joel's Galleries after the local Board of Trade Business Licensing Committee had refused permission and in view of the fact that other businesses are refused leave to expand.

It is the practice to grant licences under the Location of Retail Businesses Order when the goodwill of a business changes hands. The Newcastle Co-operative Society purchased the premises known as Joel's Galleries intending to use them for the sale of furniture. Since the premises were then being used by the vendor for the sale of furniture, I decided that it would be inequitable to withhold from the society a licence under the Order to sell furniture at those premises.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will present or publish a general review on a county or area basis of the avail ability or delay in supplies of particular pieces of utility furniture; and if he will give for each area forecasts of expectancy of improvements in supplies for the next six months.

As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland (Mr. F. Willey) on Friday last, we are continually adjusting the supply and distribution of utility furniture to take account of the needs of the public. In order to do this, we ask manufacturers to send us monthly returns covering their production, deliveries and other matters. I regret, however, that the information which my hon. Friend desires is not readily available, and the time and labour involved in obtaining it would not, in my view, be justified, in present circumstances.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps are being taken to promote employment and re-employment in the Durham County area, in view of the fact that in addition to redundant factory workers thousands of demobilised men will require employment before 1st January, 1946.

Yes, Sir. We have taken active steps to promote new sources of employment in the County of Durham, which my hon. Friend will know is in the North Eastern Development Area. Among the measures adopted are (a) the establishment of four new trading estates, (b) the conversion of a number of Government-owned war factories and (c) the encouragement of numerous schemes for factory construction both by Government and by private finance. My hon. Friend can see the full details of these if he cares to visit the planning room at the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that horticultural firms and bulb growers in this country are concerned at the number of catalogues of Dutch bulbs which are daily being received by post from Holland, what regulations are in force by which the importation of Dutch bulbs into the United Kingdom is limited..

In agreement with His Majesty's Government, the Netherlands Government will limit the issue of licences for the export during the present season of flower bulbs, corms, and tubers from the Netherlands to this country to a quantity not exceeding 5,000 tons and a value not exceeding £725,000 f.o.b. Dutch port.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that cloth allocated by his Department to different firms has been taken over at the mills by the Ministry of Supply, under promise of replacement at an unspecified date, with the consequence that these firms will be unable to keep their present workers fully employed or to take back former employees after demobilisation; and what plans exist to enable these firms to pay full wages under the Essential Work Order.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a diversion of shirting material to the manufacture of shirts for demobilised men. This does not reduce the volume of employment in shirt making. I am not aware of any cases of particular difficulty in shirt making firms; but if the hon. Member will give me details of any specific difficulties I will gladly make inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of the shortage of children's footwear, he permits the manufacture and sale of children's shoes labelled unfit for wet weather.

I am not aware of the practice to which my hon. Friend refers; but if he will give me examples, I will look into it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of men and women whose release is postponed owing to their particular trade, beyond their normal group date; how many are at present under training to replace them in these trades; whether the standard of training that was considered adequate in the period of urgency during the war remains unaltered; and whether trainees are recruited not only from the new intake into the service, but also from personnel in the higher release groups.

The release of 31,988 men and women is postponed. This means that some 90 per cent. of all releases are being made to time. At present 11,480 men and women, both new intake and re-trainees, are under training for the trades in which there are deficiencies. As the length of the courses is being kept down to war time shortness; this should materially help to even things out as between trades—unless, of course, the general rate of release can itself be further speeded up in the New Year.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air if he is aware that at No. 2 School of Technical Training, R.A.F., Cosford, Staffordshire, the blackout has not yet been removed from the glass structure of the building; that, as a result, electric light is used throughout the day causing ill-effects to the workpeople's eyesight and wastage of fuel; and if steps will be taken to deal with the matter.

The trouble is that the blackout paint on these skylights was so effectively put on that no one has so far been able to get it off. It may be necessary to put in new glass altogether and the building labour to do that is of course not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that many bricklayers, carpenters and other building tradesmen sent to the Far East in July to construct bomber bases at Okinawa have been idle at Hong Kong for many weeks; and how soon will they be restored to the building industry in this country.

Since taking an important part in re-occupying Hong Kong, these men have started work on a new transport airfield. The Commander-in-Chief has been requested to arrange for local labour to take over most of this work in order to increase releases in this branch of the Service.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air what arrangements he is making to supply Christmas dinner menus for airmen who are in private billets and whose landladies are not able to provide anything extra, in view of the fact that there will be special menus for men attached to stations.

I am afraid that it would be impracticable to supply Christmas dinners from Service sources to airmen living in private billets.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the great services rendered by the Royal Observer Corps in the defence of this country during the war, it is proposed to incorporate it in the peacetime organisation of our air defences; and if so, to what extent.

There is at present no substitute for the skill and experience of members of the Royal Observer Corps in aircraft identification and the Corps is being retained as an important and essential part of the organisation of our air defences. Details of the Royal Observer Corps postwar organisation and conditions of service have not yet been settled, but it is probable that in future the Corps will consist of a nucleus of members employed whole-time on administrative and similar duties, and a large number of members who will attend in their spare time for such training and exercises as will fit them for operational duty in time of need.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what proportion of the aircraft used by Transport Command for the C.M.F. are Hudsons; and whether he is satisfied that this aircraft is up to date and safe for transportation purposes.

There are 20 Hudsons still left in Communication Units in the Mediterranean and Middle East Command. The Hudson is not an up to date type, but it has a satisfactory record for safety over a long period, and it is quite suitable for the work it is doing in these Units.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will state in tabular form for each month of 1945 the

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will now state the intentions of His Majesty's Government in regard to the future use of the aerodromes at Stornoway and Benbecula.

:The aerodromes at Stornoway and Benbecula will remain in the ownership of the State and will continue to be open for the use of civil aircraft.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what assistance is being extended by his Ministry to putting Sollas airfield in the Isle of North Uist into operational condition, in view of the inconvenience caused by the present discontinuation of services to and from the mainland.

:Technical advice on operational matters has already been given by my Department to the present licensee of Sollas aerodrome. I am arranging for an engineering report to be number of passengers carried by Transport Command; the number of accidents; and the number of passengers and aircrew killed and injured.

Following is the statement:made on the work that would be required to restore the aerodrome to a serviceable condition.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the flying-boat base at Tayport.

:No flying-boat base exists at Tayport, although mooring facilities nearby were used in wartime by militaryflying boats. Until the results are received of a study which is now being made of the possible future uses of flying boats no additional bases for such boats will be constructed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state the number of airfields decided on for use as civil airports in Scotland.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give this information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of Pan-American Airways to fly four aircraft weekly from the U.S.A. to Bermuda at a fare of £31 10s., while the corresponding British service of two machines weekly costs £36; and what measures he proposes to take to improve this situation and how soon.

Yes, Sir. Arrangements for securing agreement on the appropriate fares are among the matters to be discussed with the United States authorities in respect of the United States-Bermuda Air Services.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if Poole and Hurn are to be permanent or temporary bases.

Poole will not be a permanent base. Hurn will be a major terminal until suitable airports nearer London are available. Its use thereafter is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether, before the publication of the proposed White Paper on Civil Aviation, he will have discussions with the Aerodrome Owners'Association who represent both municipal and private owners of aerodromes.

My Noble Friend had a meeting with the Aerodrome Owners' Association before making his announcement of the Government's aerodrome policy and is already informed of the views of this body on matters affecting their interests. He will, I am sure, be ready to consider any fresh representations which they may wish to make.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether, before the publication of the proposed White Paper on Civil Aviation, he will have discussions with the representatives of the air-line pilots, namely, the Guild of Air Pilots and the British Air-line Pilots' Association.

My Noble Friend is always prepared to consider representations from these bodies on matters affecting the interests of their members and to give them careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken to implement the proposals outlined in the White Paper on Cocoa Control in West Africa, paragraph 35 et. seq., to establish organisations for the purchase and disposal of cocoa, to fix prices and to act as trustees for the producers.

I hope shortly to present to the House a White Paper setting out in detail the arrangements which I have in mind for the future marketing of West African cocoa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Government scholarships are awarded annually by the Nigerian Government for university studies and the faculties in which scholarships are offered; and whether the native authorities in Nigeria are debarred from offering scholarships tenable outside Nigeria.

The number of scholarships awarded by the Nigerian Government varies from year to year. For 1945 the Nigerian Government has awarded 24 scholarships for University studies in the United Kingdom. I am not aware that the native authorities in Nigeria are debarred from offering scholarships tenable outside Nigeria.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement respecting the result of negotiations taking place arising from the Nigerian strike; and to what extent grievances have been met.

Negotiations between the Nigerian Government and the workers' representatives which were resumed in August on the return to work of the strikers, broke down over the question of an increase in the cost of living allowance. The union leaders pressed for a 50 per cent. increase, but the Government were not prepared to grant more than a 20 per cent. increase. I have therefore decided to appoint an independent commission of inquiry from this country to investigate the representations made locally. Meanwhile the Government have granted the 20 per cent. increase.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the announcement made by the assistant district commissioner of police at Tiberias that for every Jewish illegal immigrant entering Palestine 50 Arabs are crossing the frontier without permits; whether it was with his approval that this announcement was made; and what steps he proposes to take as a result.

I have made inquiries into the alleged statement and find that it has been misrepresented. The facts are that at an interview with a delegation of Jewish settlers it was alleged that thousands of Arabs entered Palestine without permits. The Assistant Superintendent of Police who was present replied that he thought the figures were grossly exaggerated and that, during the five months that he had served at Tiberias only 50 Arabs, who had crossed the border for casual labour without permits, had been detected and deported. In view of the above no action on my part is required.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Jamaal Husseini, Chairman of the Palestine Arab Party, was interned in Southern Rhodesia in 1941; and when it is proposed to set him free.

Jamaal Husseini, together with certain other Arabs, was arrested in Persia in October, 1941, by the British Military authorities after the collapse of the rebellion in Iraq. For safe custody he was transferred to Southern Rhodesia for detention under Defence Regulations. No decision has yet been taken as to his release.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the American film, Palestine Problem, now being shown at the Empire Cinema, advocates the unlimited immigration of Jews into Palestine and includes a statement by Professor Laski likely to offend Arab sentiment; and whether, in the interests of order in Palestine, he will forbid the importation of this film into that country.

I have not seen this film, which I understand contains a statement of the Zionist attitude to immigration into Palestine. There is a film censorship board in Palestine which can, if thought desirable, forbid the showing of this film.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in his talks with the Governor of Cyprus, who is now in this country, he will consider the restoration of democratic rights to the people of the island by allowing them to have a general election.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Cardiff (Mr. G. Thomas) on 10th October. Progress in the development of representative institutions will certainly be one of the matters for discussion with the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement calculated to assist British subjects resident in Hong Kong at the time of the Japanese occupation who may wish to register claims for loss of, or damage to, property, showing the general principle upon which they should act when making their claims; and whether any immediate relief is available to them, pending the settlement of such claims.

I regret that I have nothing-to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 31st October, in which I referred to the position regarding the registration of losses and to the immediate relief available in this country for persons in need. In order, however, that the position may be clearer I append statements regarding the Far Eastern Relief Fund and the grants for the purchase of furniture and household goods, which were referred to in that reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is in a position to make a statement concerning the future of the New Territories at Hong Kong.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the long period which has elapsed since a census was taken in most Colonies, what are his plans for taking comprehensive census statistics in the colonial Empire and to introduce general statistical services which are needed there.

While the importance of obtaining up-to-date statistics of the population in Colonial Territories is fully appreciated, I fear that it will not be possible owing to shortage of staff for full censuses to be taken in all territories in the near future. In some territories, however, it is proposed as an interim measure to take a simplified form of population enumeration. The present position is as follows:(1) Territories in which a census has recently been taken:Bahamas.Mauritius.Jamaica.Gambia (in respect of St. Mary Island only).Nyasaland.(2) Territories in which it is hoped to take a full or modified census in 1946 or 1947:Kenya.Uganda.Tanganyika Territory.Northern Rhodesia (in respect of the European and Asiatic population only).Zanzibar.Palestine.Cyprus.Ceylon.Seychelles.St. Helena.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he intends to establish a separate labour department in the Colonial Office and to reorganise the Colonial Office Labour Advisory Committee so that labour problems in the Colonies may receive express attention and advice.

I am considering proposals for strengthening the section of the Colonial Office engaged on labour problems but I do not contemplate its separation from the Department dealing with social services and welfare as a whole. As regards the second part of the Question, the Colonial Labour Advisory Committee was appointed in 1942 for three years and gave most valuable help to my predecessors. It has now been reconstituted with slightly enlarged membership; and I propose to seek its advice on proposals for an expansion of its activities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider nationalising the mineral rights throughout the Colonial Empire and setting up fully equipped mining departments in the Colonies with the purpose of bringing mining operations under closer public control.

The question of Government policy in regard to the development of the mineral resources of the Colonial Empire is under review, and I hope soon to be in a position to give Colonial Governments guidance on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what Colonies have not yet established industrial welfare or labour departments, or have not assigned to some department responsibility for this subject of administration.

Apart from those territories now happily recovered from enemy occupation, in which arrangements will of course be made for proper labour inspection and administration, the only territories within the sphere of the Colonial Office in which there are as yet no specially constituted labour departments or specially appointed labour officers are Aden, Bermuda, Falkland Islands, Zanzibar, St. Helena, Seychelles and Trans-Jordan. But in all these territories the Colonial Governments have made arrangements for the supervision of labour conditions either by deputing officers of Government for the purpose or by the appointment of Labour Advisory Committees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which British Colonies forced labour is still employed; and whether he will give the approximate dates for its abolition in each case.

The territories where the emergency arrangements, introduced during the war, for compulsory labour for essential purposes are still in operation are Kenya, Tanganyika and Northern Rhodesia. In Kenya and Tanganyika both the Governments and I myself are most anxious to bring the system to an end at the earliest possible moment and no further men will be recruited after 31st December. Conscript labour actually on contract at that date will be required to complete the contract period with, the limitation that this shall not extend beyond a given date. This date has not yet been finally fixed but will in any case not be later than 30th September, 1946, and in some cases will be earlier than that. In Northern Rhodesia a small number of conscript labourers are employed by the Government and made available to farmers for essential food production under approved conditions. The Government has informed the Executive Farmers' Association that the use of this labour must cease not later than September, 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take to assist repatriated civilian refugees who arrived in Britain destitute, particulars of which have been sent to him.

Repatriated civilian internees who arrive in this country from the Far East and who have no resources of their own qualify for public assistance at established rates. A special fund has been organised for the benefit of any individuals who need further financial aid and all civilians repatriated were informed of this fund on their arrival. They are also entitled to such medical treatment as they need and are eligible either for a free passage back to the Far East or a grant to enable them to establish a home in this country if they remain here. I would refer the hon. Member to my written reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr. E. P. Smith) as to the conditions governing these grants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the profits made by the Trinidad oil companies during the war, there has been any effective increase in wages.

Basic wages in the Trinidad oil industry were fixed by an agreement between the employers and the Oilfield Workers' Trade Union which was signed in February, 1940, to cover the period of the war and six months thereafter. This agreement also provided for the payment of war bonus to meet increases in cost of living; and in July, 1945, when the Governor last reported, a war bonus of 8½ cents an hour was being paid. The agreement was then still in force, but negotiations for its revision, with a view to an increase in basic wages, were in progress.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the shortage of food and milk prevailing among the population, including dockyard workers, in Malta; whether he is prepared to give these gallant and loyal people priority over enemy nationals; and what steps he is taking to improve the food situation in Malta.

My latest information is that stocks in the Island are reasonably satisfactory with the exception of milk powder. Supplies of that item from the United States were recently held up, but the shortage has since been met by shipment from the United Kingdom. I can assure my hon. Friend that, having regard to the present world food shortage, Malta's needs are being adequately cared for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures are being taken to prevent the spread of silicosis in the copper mines of Northern Rhodesia.

The presence of silicosis in some mines in Northern Rhodesia was established as the result of an inquiry by medical experts in 1943. In that year a committee was set up to examine and advise on certain aspects of the problem. As a result of the committee's recommendations the Silicosis (Temporary Arrangement) Ordinance has been passed and provides for the establishment of a silicosis bureau, the regular medical inspection of miners, the payment of compensation to miners who have contracted the disease in the Northern Rhodesia mines and the cessation in certain circumstances of work as miners by workers who contact the disease.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the schemes for the development of Northern Rhodesia will be published.

The final plans for post-war development in Northern Rhodesia are still under consideration by the Northern Rhodesia Government. The Interim Report of the Joint Development Adviser on "Postwar Development Planning" was published earlier this year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that the East African Indian Congress and other representative Indian bodies will have full opportunity to make representations and will be consulted before any constitutional changes are effected in East Africa.

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend may be assured that, in the event of constitutional changes being proposed in East Africa, all interested parties and groups would have an opportunity of expressing their views.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if civilian internees who elect to remain in Singapore or Malaya to try and re-establish their businesses are entitled to free medical attention in the same way that they would have been had they been repatriated.

The responsibility for the welfare of civilian internees who have elected to remain in Malaya for their own private purposes rests with the British Military Administration. I have no doubt that any person in need of it will receive such medical attention as is available. I have no information whether such attention will be provided free of charge, but I am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Indians are in solitary confinement in Malaya; what are the conditions of prison treatment; whether bail is refused; and whether legal defence is available to those charged.

The information is not fully available in the War Office. I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that most of the labourers and their wives and families who have survived the Japanese occupation of Malaya have had little to eat but tapioca roots for the past three years; and what steps are being taken to provide them with rice or other suitable grains.

I am aware that all who were in Malaya during the Japanese occupation suffered great privations and harsh treatment. Before liberation, plans were made to bring speedy relief, including the importation of rice and other foodstuffs. These plans were implemented from the first days of liberation and such supplies are being distributed throughout the liberated areas.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that since we reoccupied Malaya roving bands of Chinese Communists have looted estate bungalows and offices, stolen accumulated stocks of rubber and beaten up and robbed peaceful Malayan citizens; and what steps are being taken to put an end to these activities.

Some looting and pillaging occurred following the Japanese capitulation, but this has not been on a large scale. The police force is being reorganised, trained and armed, and has already been active against gangsters. Operational troops have also been placed at the disposal of the Inspector General of Police. The activities of local guerilla elements are being closely watched, and a noticeable improvement has been reported in several' States.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that most of the labourers and their wives and families who have survived the Japanese occupation of Malaya have nothing but rags and sacks to wear; and what steps are being taken to provide them with clothing.

I am aware of the urgent need for clothing in this territory. Despite the difficulties due to the world wide shortage of textiles, arrangements are in hand for substantial supplies from Indian and United Kingdom production, and a quota will be delivered before the end of the year. Garments are also in course of shipment from America.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any steps are being taken to exploit the recent bauxite discoveries in Jamaica; and whether it is proposed to carry out such operations under public ownership or control.

The Jamaica Government is now considering the policy to be adopted on the development of the bauxite deposits. Actual operations must, however, await the enactment of mining legislation, and steps are being taken to enact such legislation as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the franchise provisions for Ceylon recommended by the Soulbury Commission will be adequate to ensure that Indian estate workers with an abiding interest in the country will be registered as voters without having to prove domicile and that the registration will be effective.

Under the existing franchise provisions, the continuance of which is recommended in the Soulbury Commission's Report, as an alternative to proving domicile in Ceylon an estate worker can secure the vote if he obtains a certificate of permanent settlement, for which the qualifications are residence in Ceylon for five years and a declaration of the intention to settle permanently there. The question of the Indian franchise has already been the subject of direct discussion between the. Governments of Ceylon and India, and I hope that these discussions may be resumed with the object of arriving at a settlement of any existing grievances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why it has been found necessary to include in the proposals for a new Constitution for Ceylon special provision for the protection of the property of British subjects not residing in Ceylon; and whether he is aware of the danger that this special power might be used to hinder the full control of the economic resources of Ceylon by the local population.

The provision to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers appears in the Constitution of most Colonies and in that of Southern Rhodesia. It relates, of course, to the rights and property of British subjects of all races and in Ceylon will apply equally to Indian as well as European interests. I do not share the view that its retention as part of a new Constitution which has been accepted by the State Council of Ceylon by 51 votes to three, which included a substantial minority vote is likely to have the effect suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the first applications for entering the Foreign Service are now proceeding, he will expedite the report of the committee which is considering the entrance of women into this service.

This committee is making good progress and is expected to report in the near future. It is expected that examinations for the senior branch of the Foreign Service will continue to be held under the Reconstruction Regulations for another two years at least. If it is decided, following the committee's report, to admit women to the senior branch on the same terms as men, arrangements will be made to enable them to compete under these Regulations as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the official announcement of the French Foreign Office that Christians are being persecuted in Syria; and whether he has any information from the British Legation in Syria or from any other official source which substantiates this fact.

The hon. Member is probably referring to reports relating to a dispute regarding the French schools in Syria. The Syrian authorities require an application from the schools for permission to open, whereas the French authorities maintain that it is not incumbent on them to make such an application. His Majesty's Government have received no information that Christions are being persecuted in Syria.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that new members of the Greek police forces, who have been trained by British officers, have taken an oath of allegiance, inter alia, to the King of Greece; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent actions which have the effect of prejudging the result of the plebiscite on the Greek Constitution.

My hon. Friend will no doubt be aware that under the present Constitution the Regent himself derives his authority from the King. The oath of allegiance is taken not only by the police but by all public servants under a law dated November, 1935, and I have no reason to believe that this practice is regarded as having the political implications described by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian forces in Poland have of late been reduced as promised at Potsdam.

I am awaiting the outcome of inquiries on this subject which His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow has been instructed to make of the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will attach as a condition to any future grants made by this country to U.N.R.R.A., that such funds shall only benefit a country Which gives Press correspondents full access to normal news sources and which does not censor Press reports.

Under the Resolutions adopted by the Council of U.N.R.R.A., the Administration have the right to send their own supervising agents into the territory of any country which is receiving U.N.R.R.A. supplies. These agents are entitled to satisfy themselves that the distribution is fairly and equitably carried out, and I have no doubt that this machinery has worked well, and is sufficient to fulfil the purpose which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is pro posed to remove British troops from Iceland.

There are no British troops in Iceland apart from R.A.F. personnel and certain N.A.A.F.I. personnel attached to them. As regards their withdrawal, I would refer to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Air to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hitchin (Major A. Jones) on 10th October.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps his department are taking to facilitate the repatriation of British women who have married German nationals and who are at present living in Germany and elsewhere under bad conditions.

The general position is that in foreign countries British representatives afford to women of British birth and parentage belonging to the United Kingdom who have married German nationals every assistance in returning to this country, short of the provision of travelling expenses, but including help in arranging their journeys so far as transport facilities permit.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to announce the recognition by His Majesty's Government of the new Government of Hungary; and whether an early exchange of diplomatic representatives between Great Britain and Hungary can now take place.

No new Government has yet been formed in Hungary as a result of the recent election. So soon, however, as a new Government is formed whose composition broadly reflects the result of these elections, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to enter into direct relations with it and to accept a Hungarian Government representative in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will arrange for an all-party delegation to visit Czechoslovakia in order to investigate the present conditions regarding alleged expulsion of Germans and the condition of the internment camps.

I will bear the suggestion in mind and if it were decided to pursue it the Czechoslovak Government would have to be consulted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers and other ranks who were in receipt of retired pay or pensions prior to 3rd September, 1939, were re-employed during the war; and how many are now so re-employed.

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested. The maximum number of retired officers re-employed at any one time during the war was 4,529 and that of pensioner ratings mobilised or retained, 25,880. The number of retired officers still serving is 2,471 but the corresponding figure for pensioner ratings could not be ascertained without considerable research.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total numbers of hired men engaged between March, 1939 and 1944, for employment in His Majesty's Dockyards at Chatham, Portsmouth and Devonport; the numbers who were previously employed in the building trades; and what action he is taking to return these men to the Employment Exchanges at these ports to enable them to be re-employed on building trades' work in their own locality.

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not readily available, but, in the four professional departments in the dockyards named, 1,335 men have registered as former building trade workers. Alarge number of these have already left Admiralty employment and the rest may leave if they so wish. In addition I have offered release to about 700 men, at present employed mainly on building trade work, in the works Departments of these three Dockyards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many vessels of the type known as motor fishing vessels have been built for the purpose of the war; how many have been sold; and in view of the shortage of food, what steps he proposes to take to speed up the sale of the balance.

Admiralty orders for motor fishing vessels total 978. None has yet been sold. Of those completed, 9 per cent. are on War Department service. Of the rest nearly two-thirds are on Naval service overseas, and in all probability it will not be practicable or economical to return them to this country. The others are all at present employed on Naval service at home. Any which may become surplus to Service requirements at home will be offered for sale to the industry. A number of these vessels, partially constructed at the end of the war, will not now be completed for Naval service. These will shortly be offered to the industry in the state they had reached when the Admiralty contracts terminated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why no 50 ft. motor fishing vessels are being released from naval service, in view of the shortage of craft for the white fish and herring industries and the marked suitability of these vessels for this work.

:Of the vessels of this type already completed about two-thirds are employed on foreign stations; they are in full use in the Far East. A few are in War Department service. The rest, employed in home waters, are meet- ing various naval requirements which will continue at least for some time, more particularly as we expect by the end of the year to complete the release of all the requisitioned motor vessels from naval service. It will probably be impracticable and uneconomical to bring back vessels of this type from distant waters; but any which may eventually become surplus at home will be offered to the fishing industry. A number which were under construction when hostilities ceased are about to be offered to the industry in the state they had reached when the Admiralty contracts terminated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement on foreign service leave conditions for naval personnel on demobilisation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now say if demobilised naval personnel will receive an additional day's release leave with pay for each month's overseas service; and if appropriate payments will be made to those already demobilised.

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this matter very shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the feeling among many R.N.V.R. officers that their demobilisation programme is not being handled with urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

:I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that not only is the demobilisation of R.N.V.R. officers a matter which is treated with urgency but it is one which is receiving my constant attention. Officers are generally older and of longer service than ratings and for this reason it is not possible to release officers in the same age and service groups as ratings. To do so would run down the officer strength of the Navy at a rate disproportionate to that of ratings with detriment to the efficiency of the Navy.As far as possible, the number of officers being released is proportionate to the number of ratings. This does not mean, however, that the same proportions can be applied to each of the officer branches as some branches have more im- portant commitments in the Navy at the present time than others. Schemes for training and re-training officers in the later age and service groups as well as those who volunteer to stay on, are being pressed forward with a view to replacement of those officers whose release has been deferred and some acceleration in the rate of release of officers is expected to result from these schemes in the future.

as asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will arrange for officers and warrant officers of the Royal Navy due for demobilisation to be given any clothing coupons to which they may be entitled on demobilisation in advance, owing to the delay in delivery of clothes after the time of ordering.

:I assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the grant of clothing coupons made to certain officers who are not entitled to a free civilian outfit. I realise that such officers are inconvenienced by the non-issue of these coupons at the time of release, and I am considering how best to meet this difficulty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will reconsider the decision not to grant gratuities to the men employed by his Department for a number of years during the war, for periods of duty of 168 hours each fortnight, in the secret and dangerous work of manning Luftwaffe decoy targets in the Essex marshes.

Apart from members of the Forces, war gratuities are payable only to those members of the Civil Defence Services whose remuneration throughout the war has been aligned to Service rates of pay. These men were paid at civilian rates, and they are not, therefore, entitled to war gratuities.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many battleships and aircraft carriers are now under construction; and what is their estimated cost.

The current building programme is at present under review. I regret, therefore, that I am not in a position to give the hon. Member the information he seeks.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will arrange for vessels owned by his Department which are suitable for fishing and which are surplus to his Department's requirements to be sent to large and small ports around the coast of Britain so that deep-sea and inshore fishermen may be given an opportunity of seeing the kind of craft which they may be able to acquire.

:Owing to the wide distribution of the Admiralty owned vessels of fishing types, I think most fishermen will be generally acquainted with their characteristics. Whenever any are offered for sale all reasonable facilities for inspection will be afforded to potential buyers. Limitations of manpower preclude me, however, from giving any undertaking that particular vessels will be placed on show in any particular port, or that, after ceasing Naval service, vessels of fishing types will be sent on tour round the fishing ports.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Rushcliffe Mental Nurses Sub-Committee's recommendations have not yet been adopted at the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, Lancaster, which has created discontent amongst the staff; and when the scheme is likely to be adopted.

:The review of the conditions of service of the Admiralty staffs concerned in the light of the Rushcliffe Sub-Committee's recommendations has revealed more difficulties than were expected, but it is hoped that a decision will be reached in the near future.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval officers are now upon periods of indefinite leave.

:I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn) on 24th October.

asked the Minister of Works the labour cost involved in erecting a 900 feet super house in 1939, and the cost of erecting a similar house in 1945.

:Labour costs of house building vary according to the type of house, the standard of fittings and finishings, the foundations and site work necessary, and the locality and size of the contract. Moreover, there is not sufficient experience of house-building under the present uncertain conditions to enable a useful and authoritative comparison to be made between 1939 and 1945.

asked the Minister of Works the prices paid for first, second and third Kent stock bricks at August 1914, 1918, 1924, 1930, 1935, 1939 and November 1945; also the price of cement on the same dates.

The information, so far as bricks are concerned, is not available for the years mentioned. Ex works prices for Kent stock bricks in the years 1919, 1932, 1938, 1940 and 1945 are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that under the Penal Servitude Act of 1891 an individual, having previously had a good character, convicted of a petty criminal offence, is forced to allow his fingerprints to be taken; and will he take steps to amend the law and end this indignity.

:The finger-prints of a convicted person cannot be taken without his consent unless he is sent to prison. Finger-prints are taken in prison only if the prisoner has been convicted of one of a number of specified offences, of which the majority are indictable, or, in rare cases, at the special request of the police or because the governor considers it necessary in the interests of justice. As at present advised my right hon. Friend sees no reason for amending the law.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will issue instructions that a woman shall be appointed to every pensions appeals tribunal that is to hear the application of a woman.

I would remind the hon. Member that paragraph 3 (2) of the Schedule to the Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act, 1943, provides that one of the members of a tribunal shall be of the same sex as the person in respect of whose incapacity, disablement or death the claim to which the appeal relates was made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the conditions at Duncombe Park Camp, Helmsley, Yorkshire, particularly as regards recreation, messing and sanitary arrangements.

I have caused inquiries to be made, and I am satisfied that the conditions at this camp are up to the present emergency standard in all respects including recreation, messing and accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is, within the camp limits of the Gloucester Regiment Headquarters Company, School of Infantry at Warminster, Wiltshire, a Church of England Institute canteen for the use of troops, but which is barred to sergeants of the permanent staff, on the grounds that it is bad for discipline for sergeant-instructors to mix with the students; and if he will give instructions for this situation to be remedied.

This arrangement was not made for disciplinary reasons. The canteens and messes available to the school are allotted so as to provide the most comfortable amenities for all ranks having regard to the accommodation and the institute is reserved for the students, including student sergeants, with that object in view.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average total weight of feeding-stuffs consumed by pigs in order to produce a net ton of pork.

It is estimated that under present conditions from 5 to 5½ tons of dry feed are required on average to produce one ton of pig meat.

asked the Minister of Food the quantity of supplies now lying in premises requisitioned for emergency purposes; of what they consist; to what extent they have deteriorated; and if he will take disciplinary action against those responsible.

I assume the hon. Member refers to foods stored for emergency feeding purposes. On 31st October, 1945, 1,844 tons were still held in emergency stores. The stocks consist of tea, sugar, cocoa, welfare biscuits and canned milk, soup, beans, meat roll, corned beef, margarine and rice pudding. During the 12 months ended30th September, 1945, when the stocks were much larger and were in the emergency stores, 1·36 per cent. of the samples examined was found to be in various stages of deterioration. In a few instances when negligence has been proved appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. Since at the peak period over 95,000 tons of emergency feeding stocks were stored at some 28,000 storage points, I am well pleased that so little food has been affected by its prolonged storage.