asked the Minister of War Transport whether any steps are being taken to carry out the recommendations of the Report of the Merchant Navy Training Board of June, 1943.

Yes, Sir. The Merchant Navy Training Board, on which the Minister of Education and I are represented, recently decided to prepare a scheme for carrying out the recommendations of the 1943 Report.

asked the Minister of War Transport (1) if he will provide a list showing the prices at which duty-free cigarettes are sold to officers and men on board ships of the Mercantile Marine;

(2) whether he will make arrangements to provide that the cigarettes and tobacco which are supplied duty free for the use of officers and men in the Mercantile Marine are not sold to them in excess of the proper price, and whether a list of such prices will be made available in every ship so that the officers and men con- cerned can make certain that they are being treated fairly in this respect.

The arrangements for the provision and sale of tobacco and cigarettes to ships' crews are a responsibility of the owners and managers of the ships and have already been the subject of discussion by the National Maritime Board, on which the officers' and seamen's organisations, as well as shipowners, are fully represented. Tobacco and cigarettes may be bought in this country or abroad and the selling price varies according to the provision which has to be made for additional charges such as insurance and handling. No list of uniform or standard prices can therefore be produced. I am assured that owners are anxious to do everything possible to secure that fair prices are charged and I am asking them to consider the exhibition on each ship of list of selling prices.

Are my right hon. Friend's inquiries with regard to the two cases of overcharging, of which I sent him particulars in August and September, yet completed? What action has he taken to protect men of the Merchant Navy from overcharging meanwhile?

I think my reply covers the general point. I will communicate with my hon. Friend on the other two matters.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will give the numbers of United Kingdom Service personnel and Italian prisoner-of-war personnel who were repatriated from East Africa by the "Capetown Castle" and "Caernarvon Castle" that left Mombasa on 9th October and 21st November, respectively; and if, on those dates, he had notice of United Kingdom Services personnel eligible for repatriation who were not embarked owing to lack of accommodation on the transports named.

At the dates in question these two ships were engaged on the repatriation of South African troops. They were not en route to the United Kingdom, but to the Middle East. I am forwarding to the hon. and gallant Member a more comprehensive report.

Might I ask for an assurance that in any case Italian prisoners of war shall not be given priority over United Kingdom personnel in repatriation? Should not Italian shipping be utilised, provided there is Italian shipping there?

Whilst, of course, having every sympathy with that view, I am afraid I cannot give such an assurance as these matters are usually arranged in connection with the military authorities, sometimes for other reasons, but, as a general rule, the view of the hon. and gallant Member applies.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, in the financial discussions now taking place in Washington, no decisions regarding shipping will be taken without consultation with British shipping interests.

The financial talks at Washington are not specifically related to shipping. I cannot promise that all private interests likely to be affected will be consulted before the Government reaches a decision. There will, of course, be opportunity for Debate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of when the discussions will be completed?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of War Transport, in view of the number of road accidents, if he will impose a speed limit upon that section of Western Avenue between Western Circus, East Acton and Hangar Lane traffic lights; that the pedestrian footbridge at the junction of Allan Way and Western Avenue obstructs a clear vision of the road; and will he take steps to remove it to a spot where such obstruction will not arise.

An analysis by the police and my officers jointly of the accidents which have occurred on Western Avenue during the last 12 months does not indicate that the speed of traffic was a major cause. As regards the footbridge at Allan Way, the necessary alterations will be put in hand immediately to remedy the obstruction to vision, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for having brought the point to my notice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that 70 accidents have occurred during the past 22 months on this section of Western Avenue, and would he inquire into the circumstances of those accidents to see to what extent the lack of a speed limit has contributed to them?

I will certainly inquire into the route to which my hon. Friend refers, but from the figures 1 have for the 12 months from 1st November, 1944, to 31st October, 1945, there have been 47 accidents on that stretch of road.

asked the Minister of War Transport how many officers and men have asked to be released from the Merchant Navy reserve pool, in accordance with the arrangements of 21st September, 1945; how many have been released; and when he will extend the groups to whom release applies.

The announcement on 21st September, 1945, was un extension of the age and service groups eligible for release on termination of current engagements under the Merchant Navy release scheme first announced on 7th June, 1945. Since the scheme started 7,927 officers and men of the Merchant Navy have been released under these arrangements and with the exception of a few cases at present outstanding, all those eligible who have applied have been released. In addition I have agreed to follow the Services in releasing out of turn a limited number of men urgently required for the work of reconstruction, and under this head, 802 officers and men of the Merchant Navy have been released. Since the announcement of 21st September, 1945, I have further extended the age and service groups eligible for release in the case of radio officers and assistant stewards and the position remains under constant review.

As the deck and engine room ratings are still only down to group 27, and the reserve pool is growing, would not my right hon. Friend agree to give fresh consideration to this matter immediately?

Yes; as I indicated, this matter is constantly under review, and I promise to look into it again.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will state the numbers of empty miles run by road haulage vehicles operating under the control of his Ministry during the past 12 months.

This figure is not available. The hon. and gallant Member may, however, be interested to know that a sample analysis in 1944 showed a percentage of loaded running of 81. While loaded mileage figures obviously vary from time to time according to the incidence of traffic. I have no evidence to suggest that this figure has altered materially since then.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both operators and drivers are fed up with the waste that the present bureaucratic system involves?

No, I am not aware of that. I am rather impressed by the fact that it has only just been discovered since the Lord President of the Council made his statement.

asked the Minister of War Transport when it is expected that the war time 1 ½. fares on L.P.T.B. vehicles will revert to the normal 1d. rate.

I see no justification at present for withdrawing the increase made in the Board's fares during the war.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many provincial buses run by private enterprise have not found it necessary to increase their basic fare of 1d., and would he consider the reverting of the London Passenger Transport Board to ownership which is better suited to the wage-earners?

asked the Minister of War Transport whether, in connection with his present campaign to reduce road accidents, he intends to take steps to make compulsory the regular testing of all motor-vehicle brakes with a view to ensuring a pre-determined standard of braking efficiency.

Powers already exist under which the police and certain of my officers may test the brakes of any vehicle. The Committee on Road Safety recommended the establishment of vehicle testing stations in their interim report and propose to deal more fully with the matter in the further report they are now preparing.

In view of the fact that the testing of brakes usually takes place after an accident has occurred, will my right hon. Friend see whether any definite step could be taken to ensure a regular test, so that accidents could be avoided?

As I have indicated, the whole matter of safety devices and matters of that description are coming under comprehensive review, and will be related together.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will state the present position as regards the supply of goods vehicles as compared with applications approved by the regional transport commissioners; and whether he is taking steps to speed up manufacture of vehicles in view of the great demand for replacements after six years of heavy wear.

At the present time the numbers of applications for licences to acquire new goods vehicles are in excess of the numbers of goods vehicles being delivered, but the position is improving, and commencing with the New Year the manufacturers programmes of production show a substantial increase.

Why cannot the Minister ease the position by releasing some of the Army vehicles which are now standing in dumps all over the country?

That question should be directed either to the Secretary of State for War or the Minister of Supply.

"Passed to you."

asked the Minister of War Transport whether any action has been taken to prevent the sale of secondhand motorcars at prices in excess of their cost when new; and, if not, upon what grounds he has come to this decision.

It has not hitherto been considered advisable to limit the sale price of secondhand cars.

Is the Minister aware that many demobilised ex-Service-men find a car essential for taking up civilian employment, and does he approve of the present situation and the racket in secondhand cars?

I am quite aware of the need of ex-Servicemen and, of course, others, and I have done my best to facilitate the acquisition of cars. In regard to the more complicated problem of dealing with prices, I am rather of the opinion that accelerated production in 1946 is the best way of solving this problem.

Why is it complicated to say that no car shall be sold for more than its original price?

Because of the general problem of supervision and matters of that description. In view of this general difficulty, in my judgment, this will best be resolved now by increased production.

Is not the solution the manufacture of cars for the home market, which the Government are discouraging?

I do not accept that, and the figures in the near future, I think, will prove otherwise.

Will the Minister represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the removal of the Purchase Tax on new cars would go a long way to meet the difficulty?

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will define the term "long-distance road services", for the purposes of the Government's policy of nationalisation.

I should prefer before making any statement to give the interests concerned an opportunity for further discussion in order that we may reach a workable line of demarcation between long and short distance road services.

Will the Minister have early consultations as, since his statement, there has been a great deal of anxiety caused to many small operators?

It can be as early as they like, as far as I am concerned.

The ordinary man does not want it.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware that an application by the Northumberland Whinstone Company for a licence to replace two tipping wagons took seven months to obtain from the date when they were certified by his Department to be beyond repair; and if he will ensure that a further application on 22nd October will be dealt with more expeditiously?

I am making inquiries into this particular case and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether, in view of the overcrowded and inadequate railway service during the morning and evening rush hours, between Romford, Gidea Park and Liverpool Street, he will arrange for additional trains; and if he will take steps to ensure that the trains run to schedule, as for some time most of them have been consistently running late.

The service between Romford, Gidea Park and Liverpool Street during business hours is the maximum that the L.N.E.R. can provide with their present resources, and I regret that in the circumstances some overcrowding of trains is unavoidable. The late running is mainly due to shortage of maintenance and other staff at locomotive depots. Fog, in recent weeks, has caused further difficulties. Every effort is being made to ensure punctual working.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will make a statement with regard to the consistent late running of the following L.M.S. express trains: the 10 a.m. Glasgow, Central, to London, the 10 a.m. Glasgow, St. Enoch, to London, and the 8.40 a.m. Perth to London.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for three or four months past all the three trains named in my Question have averaged not less than one hour late, that the travelling public between London and Scotland whose journeys are really necessary, and also the staff, are thereby suffering great inconvenience which they feel is avoidable? Will he give the matter his early personal consideration?

asked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware that lorries used for essential road and construction work have had to be abandoned on the roadside owing to lack of replacement of 34 ×7 covers for tyres; and when tyre covers will be available for quarries and hauliers transporting material essential for road maintenance and the manufacture of concrete.

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that there is a shortage of 34 ×7 covers for tyres, but steps have been taken to increase production and as new equipment now on order becomes available the position will show a steady improvement. If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish particulars of work held up by shortage of tyres, I will have enquiries made.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what quantity of cloth is now held by Government Departments; and what steps are being taken to dispose of it.

I have been asked to reply. Some of the cloth held by Government Departments is required for Service needs and for clothing for demobilised men, but 16½ million yards of cloth of various kinds is available for disposal. Cotton and rayon cloth is disposed of through British Overseas Cottons, Ltd., and wool cloth through the Wool Industry Surplus Cloth Corporation, Ltd. Most of these cloths will be available for the home market, while silk cloth will be sold to exporters. Arrangements for disposing of linen cloth, at home or for export, according to the type of cloth, are practically complete.

In view of the urgent civilian needs, would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to accelerate these arrangements for disposal?

They are being accelerated, and large quantities have already been disposed of.

Can ray right hon. Friend say if some of this cloth can be made available without coupons for uniforms for charitable organisations like the Church Army?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the pressing demand of agricultural interests to secure supplies of calcium cyanide as fertilizers; whether supplies are now available in Norway; whether the Combined Food Control Board in Washington will provide the necessary permits; and whether he will grant the necessary import licences to make this commodity available to farmers and allotment holders in this country at the earliest possible moment.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to calcium cyanamide. I understand that production of this material is being resumed in Norway; but I am advised by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, that there is no urgent demand for its use as a fertiliser in this country and it is not at present proposed to apply to the Combined Food Board for an allocation of Norwegian supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has now been made in securing the return of labour to the footwear industry; and how soon he anticipates that there will be an improvement in the quality and quantity of children's shoes available in the shops.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps he has taken since July to increase the production and improve the distribution of babies' and children's shoes; and with what results;

(2) what is the estimated present production of babies' and children's shoes; and how it compares with the present estimated demand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the widespread demand of mothers of small children for infants' footwear, including socks, during the whole of 1945; that only two factories are turning out shoes size one to four and that the health of such children is being affected; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the position, particularly during the coming winter months.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Members' permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend also say whether the answer contains any satisfaction or not, as this is really a very burning problem?

It contains the facts which my hon. Friend wishes.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman give some general perspective of the present position, and is he entirely satisfied with it?

I can certainly never be satisfied until everybody have all they want, and they cannot have it at the moment.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend realise the worry this is causing not only to mothers but to the trade?

I am sure the hon. Member will realise that it is causing me a great deal of worry.

As Members of the House are anxious to receive the answer to these Questions, will the Minister read the answer at the end of Questions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps he proposes to take to increase the supply of sheets and blankets.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) on 29th October.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the scheme he recently announced for imposing maximum prices on women's non-utility outerwear will have a disastrous effect on wholesale model house trade in this country, thereby completely destroying the valuable export trade that was being developed; and will he reconsider the position in consultation with the trade interests concerned.

I am considering, in consultation with the Central Price Regulation Committee, whether those businesses which claim to be wholesale model houses are sufficiently different in character and requirements from the industry in general to justify special treatment. But I have no power to fix prices for individual businesses of this kind until the Goods and Services (Price Control) Acts can be amended under the powers to be conferred by the Supplies and Services (Transitional Powers) Bill. As far as the export trade is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him to a similar Question last Monday.

Is the Minister aware that it is very difficult for this industry to develop an export trade unless it has a home trade on which to base that export trade; and will he reconsider the whole question with a view to helping this industry, the most important in my constituency?

As I have already told the hon. Member, I am now considering it with the Price Regulation Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what reduction in the staff of the Home Grown Timber Department of his Department has been made since VJ-Day; and what further early reductions he is considering.

Figures are not available as at the exact dates in the Question. Between 1st July and 1st October, however, the numbers employed in the Home Timber Production Department fell by 1,188, a reduction of 8.5 per cent. The arrangements now being worked out to obtain supplies of timber from Germany should enable further substantial reductions to be made, but it would be premature to give estimates as to the rate of reduction.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether it is the intention to maintain in peacetime a Home Grown Timber Supply Department at all comparable to that maintained during the war?

It will be necessary as long as the present acute shortage exists.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that secondhand self-propelled invalid chairs are now priced at charges over 200 per cent. of their original cost when new; and if he will take steps to control these prices which involve a considerable hardship upon an afflicted section of the population.

I shall be glad to look at any case that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind. So far no specific evidence of such excessive charges has come to my notice. But if there are such cases, I will certainly consider extending price control to prevent them.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend also consider at least laying down a ceiling price beyond which these sales would be made a criminal offence?

As I have stated, if the hon. Member will give me the example he has in mind, I will look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the advisability of making available supplies of machine-glazed paper to make possible the production of posters advertising British goods shortly to be shipped for export abroad.

Machine-glazed paper is being made available to produce posters for export.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for the issue of permits to enable roadmen working in rural areas to purchase rubber boots for necessary winter work in ditches in snowy and wet weather.

No, Sir. Surplus A.R.P. boots are now being reconditioned and will very soon be on sale in the shops, permit free, at three coupons a pair. I hope that the needs of roadmen and other outdoor workers will be met in this way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation to provide that, where men who have been serving with the Forces and have been released, who were tenants of a small shop prior to being called up and the shop has been let to other tenants in their absence, the landlord shall be compelled to reinstate them as tenants in every case where it can be shown that he could do so, in view of the necessity for ex-Servicemen to return to their previous business to enable them to earn a livelihood.

No, Sir. The volume of cases of the kind mentioned would not justify legislation of the sort suggested by the hon. Member.

Does the Minister appreciate that there are very real cases of hardship among ex-Servicemen; and will he take special care when replying to me, in view of the importance of the subject?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, when the next issue of the industrial ten coupons may be expected.

As in previous years, a grant of 10 Supplementary coupons will be given to many workers in industry and agriculture. Full details will be published early in the New Year of the categories of workers eligible and the way of applying to the local offices of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what percentage of sports goods is reserved for the use of N.A.A.F.I.; and what percentage is available for sale to the public through the retail shops of the country.

About 55 per cent. in quantity of priority sports goods, i.e. equipment for team games, is at present allocated to the Services and bought, in the main, through N. A.A.F.I. Most of the remainder is allocated to civilian priority users at home and bought in the retail shops. No other types of sports goods are reserved for N.A.A.F.I. except to a very limited extent in one or two special cases.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that there is a considerable shortage among the younger members of the community, and will he do all he can to encourage production?

We are doing all we can to increase the supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Regulations covering the grant of clothing coupons to temporary visitors to this country, including information on the numbers of coupons so provided.

Yes, Sir. These arrangements have recently been revised, and coupons are no longer issued to visitors from overseas until they have been resident here for two months. If their stay is prolonged beyond this period, they are given 10 coupons as a quarterly instalment of the basic ration. Intending visitors to this country are being advised to bring with them the clothing they will need during their visit, but those who find themselves in exceptional difficulties, e.g. on arrival from the tropics without warm clothing, may apply in writing to my Department for special consideration. In such circumstances, coupons will be given only in so far as is necessary to prevent visitors from suffering hardship during their stay in this country.

Will the Minister kindly give instructions to his Department that these applications are to be dealt with immediately and not left for some months?

I do not think any of them are left for some months. They are dealt with as promptly as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of wool for knitting winter clothes for children in the Reigate and Redhill district; why supplies are now scarcer than during the war; and will he take steps to increase the supply.

The shortage is general, although the position is improving. With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Ludlow (Lieut.-Colonel Corbett) on 29th October.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that organisations such as the Church Lads' Brigade and others needing uniforms are hampered and restricted in their work owing to the scarcity of coupons; and will he consider the question of reducing the coupon value of surplus secondhand stock, and thus assist these youth organisations to obtain the necessary uniforms.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale (Mr. Walker) on 28th November.

Will not the Minister reconsider this matter, as it is very difficult for people who are trying to keep youth organisations together to do anything unless some reduction can take place?

The matter has been considered very carefully, and, very regretfully, we are unable to do it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how finished steel products have been allocated as between home requirements and the export market up to June, 1946.

The steel allocation for the early part of 1946 is still under consideration, and I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give full consideration to making a generous allocation to export, particularly to the Middle East, so that we can beat American competition more effectively?

Yes, Sir, I will certainly give careful consideration to giving a sufficient allocation to export.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to ensure a better protection of native rubber producing interests, by appointing a representative from amongst the packers and shippers of native rubber to the Rubber Study Group.

The interests of the native rubber producers can safely be left in the hands of the official members of the United Kingdom Delegation.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it is not the general opinion that the interests of the native are being safeguarded at present?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the embarrassment caused to householders at the present time through the owners of furniture warehouses terminating the leases in order to use them for other purposes; and whether, in view of the fact that those who have their furniture in such warehouses have nowhere else to store it, he will take steps to give special protection to furniture warehouses against the termination of leases until the present housing shortage is at an end.

My attention has not before been drawn to any difficulties of the kind referred to. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me details of any case he has in mind, I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether in view of the Government's failure to supply sufficient skilled labour for the ferrous and non-ferrous foundries, he will instruct all firms to replace castings by fabricated methods of construction wherever possible.

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I are taking all possible steps to remedy the present shortage of labour in the iron foundry industry, but in placing Government orders full use is made of alternative methods of construction wherever this is necessary. It is, of course, open to any manufacturer to consider the use of fabricated products as alternatives to castings.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is giving special consideration to the desirability of fabricating household components instead of casting them?

That is under consideration, wherever necessary.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production (1) If he is yet able to announce his production programme for the Royal Ordnance factories it is proposed to maintain in operation;

If he will give the minimum figure to which employment will be reduced in each of the 19 Royal Ordnance factories, respectively, which are to be maintained in production; and

Whether he will cease reductions in establishments of Royal Ordnance factories until their production programmes have been decided upon.

The production programme for the Royal Ordnance Factories cannot be completed until the Service Departments, who are at present re-assessing their requirements, have formulated definite programmes, but it is our intention that, alter satisfying the needs of the Services, the Royal Ordnance Factories shall play a full part in meeting essential civilian requirements including supplies for the housing programme. My hon. Friend will, therefore, appreciate that it would be premature to give figures of nucleus employment, factory by factory, as the level of production is not yet settled and we are in process of considerable re-planning and re-equipping for civilian production. Reductions in the labour strengths at some of the Royal Ordnance Factories must, however, continue in view of the severe curtailment of Service demands for warlike stores.

Cannot the Minister possibly give some indication of the minimum strength of the establishment in certain of these Ordnance factories in view of the uncertainty which prevails at the present time amongst employees there?

Certainly, I will do that as soon as possible.

What does the Minister propose to do about those factories he does not intend to keep in operation, such, for instance, as the Tullos factory in Aberdeen?

I am afraid I cannot go into details about any particular factory, without notice.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he will state the number of pairs of boots and shoes which will require to be manufactured by 1st June, 1946, for supply to those being demobilised.

During the nine months ending on 30th June next we need to make 2,250,000 pairs of shoes for supply to those being demobilised.

Is the Minister satisfied that leather is available for this production and can that leather be procured, priority being given over production for civilian requirements?

I think the answer to that is "Yes,'' but perhaps the hon. Member will put it down, if he would like particulars.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production (1) how many tanks and aeroplanes of all types were completed during the month of October; and what is the monetary value of the orders for both still outstanding;

(2) how many completed military aircraft, tanks, armoured vehicles and 25-pounder guns were completed and passed final inspection for handing to the Services in the month ended 31st October, 1945.

During the month ended 31st October, 1945, we produced 666 aircraft of all types, 120 tanks, 109 armoured vehicles and no 25-pounder guns. These totals include a large number which were in an advanced stage of production when the war ended. Production programmes are shortly to be reviewed in the light of a reassessment of their requirements now being carried out by the Service Departments. The monetary value of outstanding orders does not, therefore, give any accurate indication of future production.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many men and women are at this moment engeged on the production of war materials?

Not, I am afraid, without notice.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he will state the number of inspectors attached to outside works who were employed on 1st May, 1945, and 1st November, 1945.

The number of inspectors on the strength of my Ministries and attached to outside works was 27,135 on the 1st May, and 11,380 on the 1st November, 1945.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there still are attached to outside works a large number of inspectors who are serving no useful purpose, and will he see that they are directed to more useful channels?

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production, in view of the limited transport available, if he will take immediate steps to secure for the use of the public service motor cars that are now lying idle and are standing exposed to the weather, particulars of which have been sent to him.

The hon. Member has sent us a copy of a recent Press photograph of one of the vehicle parks under my control. I would refer him to my answer to the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard) on 15th October, which gave full details of the procedure which is followed in disposing of the vehicles in these parks. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this reply.

Is it not a fact that there are thousands and thousands of vehicles parked all over the country? In view of the shortage of transport, will not the right hon. Gentleman release them at once, and if they cannot be used as they are will they be broken up and the parts used? Will he take some definite steps to put the matter right?

I am sure the hon. Gentleman and the House will agree that it would be a very foolish policy to fill our roads with unsafe vehicles. The vehicles which have been passed to my Department, and which are needing repair and reconditioning, are being dealt with up to the limit of the capacity of the industry, which we are doing everything we can to increase.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he is aware of the shortage of gas meters, which is preventing people from sharing their homes in accordance with Government policy; and if he will take immediate action to deal with this shortage.

The production of gas meters has been substantially increased since the beginning of the year. I was not aware that their shortage is having the effect to which the hon. Member refers, but if he knows of any such cases and will give me particulars I will certainly try to help.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what quantities of rubber and tin have been purchased in Malaya and shipped to this country respectively since the re-occupation of that territory; and who will receive the money paid for these stocks.

No purchases of tin have yet been reported, but I am informed by my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade that 24,311 tons of rubber have been purchased in Malaya, of which 16,484 tons have been shipped to the United Kingdom. These purchases have been made from the Custodian of Enemy Property in Malaya, in whom are vested the stocks found there and settlement will be made with him.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production from what sources he expects to obtain such castings as are needed for the State manufacture of housing components.

These requirements will be obtained from the foundry industry.

Is the Minister satisfied that foundries can supply the castings for the purpose?

Yes, Sir, I think so.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production at what rate he is charged for the aluminium that is being used in the emergency bungalows?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the aluminium that was used in aircraft damaged during the war is now being reused for the emergency aluminium house.

I will answer this Question with No. 99, to which I have been asked to reply. The aluminium used in these houses is charged for at the controlled prices of £85 per ton for the virgin ingot and £46 per ton for the secondary ingot. A considerable proportion of the latter is recovered from scrap from damaged aircraft.

Can the Minister explain how much is of the one kind and how much is of the other, so that anybody can make an intelligent estimate of the real cost of this aluminium?

Not without notice, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production how many bomb distributors for the R.A.F. have been manufactured in Nottingham since VJ-Day.

None, Sir, but certain components which form a small part of bomb distributors are still being manufactured by one firm there, under subcontract.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that those who, in 1940, gave their binoculars to the Ministry of Supply instead of lending or selling them to the Government, are now being informed that if surplus Service binoculars are ultimately available an opportunity will be given to those who gave or sold their binoculars to the Government to purchase a replacement through normal trade channels; and whether arrangements can be made to give more favourable treatment to those who gave their binoculars freely than to those who received full cash value for them.

Whilst I greatly appreciate the public spirit of those who made gifts of all kinds to the country towards the prosecution of the war, I am afraid that it is not possible for those who gave their binoculars to the Government to receive more favourable treatment in the disposal of surplus binoculars than those who sold them to the Government.

Is the Minister aware that in the future there may be further national emergencies, and if the Government now treat those who gave their binoculars generously, they are much more likely to have a successful appeal in the future?

Yes, Sir, I appreciate that, but I am afraid that at that time imperfect records were made and binoculars were only one item among many, which included pots and pans and motor cars, which were donated for this purpose.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give those who gave their binoculars to the country at that time, the opportunity of purchasing binoculars from the Government out of the surplus stock?

Yes, Sir, the same as the others.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production how many Viking aircraft and how many Tudors have now been ordered by or for the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and when he expects that delivery of them will have been completed.

It is contrary to established practice to give particulars of orders placed by the Government with individual firms. I am, however, able to state that a total output of 85 Vikings and 83 Tudors is expected by the end of 1946. The majority of these aircraft are for delivery against orders placed by the Ministry of Aircraft Production; some are being produced for private sale.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the total output will be adequate, in view of the tremendous potentialities?

No, Sir, I hope we shall be able to build up the output, as labour becomes available.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's Department and/or the Ministry of Civil Aviation, or even the operators themselves, give these orders to these firms now?

Orders are placed by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and, in addition, some orders are accepted for private sale and export.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what is the amount of money expended to date on the Brabazon I aircraft, and what is the estimated total cost; and when is the prototype aircraft expected to be flying.

It is contrary to established practice to disclose contract prices, or payments to individual firms. The first prototype aircraft is expected to fly in the Spring of 1947.

Is the Minister satisfied that when this aircraft does fly it will have a performance equivalent to American aircraft?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with mechanical equipment on the farms throughout the country, he will arrange better facilities for maintenance and repair than exist now; and whether he will endeavour to ensure that in every district competent agricultural engineers are available to give special consideration to those members of the Forces who have gained mechanical skill in the R.A.F. and R.E.M.E. to set up on their own, or join existing agricultural engineering firms, so as to provide for the regular servicing of farmers' machines.

Facilities for the maintenance and repair of agricultural machinery should improve as more skilled labour becomes available with the release of men from the Forces. Discussions are now in progress with representatives of employers and workers in the trade, and the Ministry of Labour hope shortly to arrange a scheme for the training of persons released from war service who wish to enter employment in the industry.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the need for speeding up this matter, since maintenance and repair are vital on farms to-day?

Most certainly.

Can the Minister say whether these men may apply under the Class B release scheme?

I believe that when the Ministry of Labour's scheme is available, those who emerge under Class B may be able to qualify for tuition while doing their ordinary jobs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how long a period it is estimated is required, and the approximate price of cultivation and manures per acre, before land handed back after opencast working is capable of producing an average corn crop or grass ley.

Provided the top soil is properly replaced and spread, and seed is sown—following on the necessary cultivations—at the appropriate time of the year, a grass ley could be ready for grazing within three months from the time cultivations commenced. Similarly, a crop of Spring corn could be ready for harvesting within 7–8 months and Winter corn within 9–10 months, but seeding direct to corn is not encouraged. The approximate cost of cultivations, manures, seeds and labour does not normally exceed £15 per acre.

Can the Minister tell us whether the cost of the preparation and replacement of this soil is added to the cost of the opencast coal?

I think that is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Can the Minister say from where the top soil is to come which is to be put back again, since it is buried?

It will come from where it happens to be.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will arrange for the sugar-beet factories to be kept open for the acceptance of sugar beet from the farms of Norfolk for a sufficient time to ensure that the heavy crops which have been produced are not left on the farms and wasted.

The Government will do everything they can to ensure that sugar beet suitable for processing is not wasted.