asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is the attitude of his Department to the complaints of the Poplar Borough Council that the L.C.C. is insisting on its adopting a rehousing density standard of 38.5 houses per acre; and whether it is the intention of his Department to allow such a deterioration of the housing density standards of the working class established by the Tudor Walters Committee during the first world war.

I have received no complaint from the Poplar Borough Council on this matter, but inasmuch as it might come before me for formal determination, it would be improper for me to express any opinion upon it at the present time.

Would the Minister care to say a word on the second part of the Question?

I have said a word on the second part of the Question.

We could not hear.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps have been taken with regard to the sites for the 679,000 permanent houses and the 114,000 temporary houses already approved in order to avoid the faults, conspicuous between the wars, of suburban sprawl and central congestion.

All housing sites, whether for permanent or temporary houses, are referred to the local planning authority and are examined by my regional planning officer who consults other Departments affected. By this means the major planning difficulties referred to in my hon. Friend's Question should be avoided.

Could we have a little more specification in the answer? Does the Minister not agree that the number of houses referred to, involving the rehousing of so many people, is a very considerable part of the ultimate rehousing problem? Therefore, this House surely has some right to know what specific steps are being taken to remedy suburban sprawl and congestion.

I can asure my hon. Friend that every one of these applications is most carefully examined by my regional planning officers, and approval is not given unless they are satisfied that the housing sites are in the right place.

Have these regional planning officers any density standard to which they should adhere, and if they have, do they adhere to it?

The question of density standard does not arise on the question of the approval of sites for housing. That arises later.

I am still awaiting a reply to my question.

Is my right hon. Friend always satisfied with the decisions of his regional planning officers?

I am nearly always satisfied, and when I am not, and the matter is drawn to my attention, there is no reason why the decision of a regional planning officer should not be reversed.

Have these regional planning officers all had a thorough training in the science and art of town planning?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Works if, in view of the present housing crisis, he will consider the employment in the building industry of women who have learnt, during the war, many of the trades, such as carpentering, painting and electrical wiring, which are essential to the building of houses.

Women may be employed in these occupations under the conditions laid down in the industrial agreements made in 1941 and 1942, respectively, by the National Joint Council for the Building Industry and by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Electrical Contracting Industry.

Can the Minister say how many women are employed in this industry?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Works how many persons who were in the building or civil engineering trades between May, 1939, and October, 1941, have been registered as builders during the present year; what are the principles on which committees deal with such registration; and whether, in view of the expansion of the building trade, arrangements will be made to ensure such applications for registration are not turned down in the case of qualified men unless the capacity of the builder's district is greatly in excess of the building work which is becoming available for them.

In the period from 1st January, 1945, to 12th December, 1945, 7,632 persons, who could show that they had carried on a building or civil engineering undertaking between 1st May, 1939, and 1st October, 1941, were registered. All such applicants are entitled to be registered as of right. In addition, 9,029 persons, of whom 4,613 were ex-Service-men, were registered under the discretionary powers conferred on me by Defence Regulation 56AB, and on the basis of recommendations made by the Indepen- dent Committee set up to advise me on this matter. Under the Regulation, such applications are granted if this is justified by local or general needs.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the difficulties of obtaining rainwater guttering and spouting of all types in North-West England; and what steps he intends to take to improve the supply in this district of high rainfall.

Yes, Sir; there is a general shortage of supplies which are controlled by licence, and North-West England is getting its fair share. The increase of supplies depends in the main on additional recruitment of labour, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, is taking all possible steps to increase the labour force.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a spout in time saves nine?

I will try.

Are not some of these spoutings frozen in the builders' merchants' yards, and not allowed to be used?

Not to my knowledge.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of t he shortage in North-Eastern Scotland of sheet glass required in connection with house building; and if he will take immediate steps to increase the supply.

Yes, Sir; there are heavy demands for sheet glass elsewhere, but arrangements have been made for additional supplies to Scotland.

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that the supply of sheet glass keeps pace with the commendably high target of house building which has been set for North East Scotland, particularly the city of Aberdeen?

Yes, Sir. To the extent that it is possible, I am doing so.

asked the Minister of Works for how long he expects to retain as offices the 22 houses in Chelsea, of the addresses of which he has previously been informed, and which are still being prepared for this purpose, with the result that valuable housing accommodation and labour are being wasted.

I cannot accept the suggestion that accommodation and labour are being wasted, and I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave him on 12th December. I cannot say how long it will be necessary to retain these houses for office purposes.

Will the Minister give an assurance that the use of these premises and the employment of this labour are in the best interests of the housing problem?

I will try to see that labour and all premises are used in the best interests of the housing problem.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg leave to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will ensure that opencast mining near Wentworth Woodhouse shall not damage the famous Georgian mansion; and whether he intends to restore the park by planting.

It is intended that damage to the mansion will be avoided and that measures for restoration of the park will be undertaken in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning and with the local interests concerned.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the discontent that exists amongst the men who were transferred to Shireoaks and Steetley Collieries from Whitwell Colliery, near Worksop, in 1942, 61 of whom are still at Shireoaks and 79 at Steetley Colliery; and if he is prepared to make some arrangements so that these men can work at the colliery near their homes, or have the opportunity to return to Whitwell before other miners from a distance are given employment at Whitwell Colliery.

So far as is practicable, every endeavour is being made to meet the wishes of men desiring transfer to collieries near to their homes and this policy will be followed in respect of ex-Whitwell workers as and when suitable vacancies arise.

:Is the Minister aware that one of the factors is that the three collieries belong to one company? Further — [Hon. Members: "We cannot hear."] — may I ask whether he will watch the proceedings with a view to reporting later?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the special difficulties in this case, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we will watch the matter closely and that as soon as I can, I will give him what information I have.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, as he is unable to grant permission for the lighting of shop windows between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the whole week preceding Christmas, he will give permission for their lighting for 20th, 21st and 22nd December.

I am sorry I cannot meet the desire of the hon. Member, as the fuel position will not allow of this relaxation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we hope he will do something to lighten our darkness? Cannot he give us a ray of sunshine in 1946?

If the hon. Gentleman is asking me to lighten his darkness, that is another matter.

Could we not have a ray of sunshine in 1946 to lighten our mental disequilibrium?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that the Regulations governing the lighting of shop windows are equitably administered throughout the country.

Subject to staffing and other difficulties, every effort is being made to secure equitable and considerable administration of these restrictions,

How are the people in London—I am leaving entirely out of account the people in country districts— to see what is in the shops this Christmas time?

There is ample lighting in the shops although not in the shop windows— but then there is not much in the shop windows.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will publish full details of the present Regulations regarding lighting in shop windows, in order that shopkeepers do not unknowingly infringe these Regulations and inadvertently lay themselves open to prosecution.

The Regulations regarding lighting in shop windows have been published, and are contained in the Control of Fuel (No. 3) Order (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1942, No. 2510), and in particular Article 5 thereof, which restricts the use of lighting fittings and appliances which consume fuel for the purpose of advertisement in the course of any business.

Where may the ordinary, simple trader see these Regulations?

They can be obtained from fuel overseers and local authorities, and at the worst they can be obtained from my Department.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that an inspector from the Midland area has recently been visiting shopkeepers in Worcester and ordering them, in a manner which has given offence, to extinguish the lights in their shop windows; and whether he will take steps to ensure that whenever it is necessary to draw the attention of shopkeepers to the lighting Regulations it is done in a civil and courteous manner.

I have made inquiries but I am unable to find any confirmation of this complaint, in so far as my inspectors are concerned. On the contrary, although it was found necessary to issue warning letters in respect of shop window lighting at premises in High Street and Foregate Street, Worcester, one firm expressed appreciation of the considerate way in which the matter had been handled.

Is the Minister aware that this inspector told a woman shopkeeper that anything she said would be taken down in evidence against her? Does he not consider that that was unnecessarily offensive?

:I would like to have particulars of the case referred to. The language the hon. Member uses is, in my experience, common form.

Is not the Minister aware that it is offensive language?

Will the Minister arrange for that letter of appreciation to be put in the Library?

I am aware that letters of appreciation are the chief literary fare of the hon. Member.

Is the Minister aware that he gave me the same answer to a Question which I put down to him some time ago?

There is nothing wrong with the same answer, if it is a good one.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many wholesale and retail distributors of coal there were in 1919 and 1945; and what was the cost per ton for distribution in 1919 and 1945.

While reliable figures are not available, it was estimated in 1919 that there were 27,000 or 28,000 distributors, including small dealers. In 1945 there are probably not more than 10,000 regular coal merchants providing an all-the-year-round service, and a slightly larger number of other dealers, many of whom handle a very small tonnage. In addition, there are approximately 500 wholesale railborne and seaborne distributors, some of whom also carry on retail distribution. In regard to costs of distribution, which vary widely in different parts of the country and with different merchants, I regret the information asked for is not available. Recent inquiries, however, covering a limited number of merchants, have indicated that distribution costs vary from 7s. 2d. to 22s. 4d. per ton.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Government's proposals to nationalise the gas industry include monetary compensation to local authorities who have been providing gas in the areas under their control.

There will be a scheme of compensation for local authorities in respect of their gas undertakings which are nationalised.

Does the Minister propose to differentiate in any way between the compensation to the highly efficient local authorities who are supplying gas and the equally efficient independent companies who have been supplying gas for many years?

That is another question, of course. The hon. and gallant Member asked me about the local authorities. If he puts a Question down about the companies I will endeavour to give him an answer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many inspectors are employed by his Department in watching deliveries of coal to domestic consumers.

I have no inspectors employed in watching deliveries of coal to domestic consumers. It is however part of the functions of fuel inspectors or enforcement officers employed by my Ministry and by local authorities under the provisions of the Fuel and Lighting Orders to make inquiry as to actual deliveries to domestic consumers where it is suspected that there has been a breach of the Regulations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many people are employed at the headquarters and in the regional offices of his Department, respectively; and what is the total cost by way of salaries and otherwise.

The number of persons employed on 1st December was at headquarters offices 1,871 and at regional offices 6,563. The vast majority of those employed in the regions are engaged on opencast coal production and petrol rationing. The total cost is approximately £3 million per annum.

Have the figures gone up or down in the last three months?

I suspect they have gone down, but perhaps not much.

Can the Minister say how many members of those staffs will become redundant with the abolition of petrol rationing?

Quite a large number, and the sooner I can get rid of petrol rationing the sooner I can get rid of a lot of people.

How much is the cost increased by questions of this kind?

How many of these regional officers are old poachers turned gamekeepers?

I will inquire about that.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal is allowed for a single person inhabiting a bed-sitting room; and how this compares with that allowed for a person with a bedroom and a sitting room.

There is no coal allowance for single persons. An occupier who lets parts of his premises is expected to provide fuel for the sub-tenant, but if his normal supply is inadequate he may apply to the local fuel overseer for additional quantities. Each case is dealt with on its merits.

Is the Minister satisfied that persons who, by reason of age or infirmity, have to spend nearly all their time in single rooms, are getting their proper supply of coal in these colder months?

I would not care to say. I have a great deal of sympathy with single persons who are aged or infirm, and who have to rely on inadequate supplies of fuel. If there are any such cases, all they have to do is to apply to the local fuel overseer. They will find him very sympathetic.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in discussions with employers' associations and trades unions on the wider acceptance of piecework, with a view to improving industrial production.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 20th November to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Altrincham (Colonel Erroll), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour what trades are covered by the Government Vocational Training Scheme.

As the list of trades covered by the Government's Vocational Training Scheme is rather long, I will with permission circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Minister aware that the number of trades covered by the scheme is very limited and that many ex-Servicemen desire training in trades not covered by it? Will he look into the matter again, and see whether he can make provision to extend the scope of the scheme?

We are very anxious that the Government training service should be as helpful as possible, but I do not see that we can take up every individual case. If industries approach us we shall be very glad to meet them and to discuss the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of able-bodied ex-Servicemen now undergoing a vocational course in factories and workshops;

(2) The number of able-bodied ex-Servicemen now undergoing vocational training courses in Government Training Centres.

The number of ex-Service-men in training with employers under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour on the 17th November was 204, of whom 42 were able-bodied. The number of ex-Service-men in training at training centres, includ ing technical colleges, on the same date was 3,765 of whom 1,485 were able-bodied. The numbers of the able-bodied in training are increasing rapidly as more facilities become available.

Is not the Minister aware that many employers are only too anxious to afford facilities for training ex-Service-men in factories and workshops, but that the figure he has given suggests that the offer has not been taken advantage of?

The offer is being taken advantage of as rapidly as we can make the contacts. It is right that I should express appreciation of the very ready cooperation that many employers are giving us.

Does the Minister agree that the number is only 204?

asked the Minister of Labour why it is that Servicemen applying for E.V.T. training in the building trades are being rejected by his Department when the needs of the building industry are so pressing.

My Department is not responsible for the Educational and Vocational Training Schemes provided for men in the Services. Men leaving the Services who are in need of training are eligible under the Vocational Training Scheme organised by my Department, and their applications are not rejected if they are adjudged suitable for the trade they wish to learn.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for training centres for returned Servicemen to be established in the Consett area, as these facilities are at present almost nonexistent.

There is already a training centre at Wallsend and new centres will be opened at Aycliffe, North Tyne, Spennymoor and Low Felling. These centres should adequately meet the needs of men in the Consett area.

Is the Minister aware that these proposed Centres are all miles away from the Consett area, and, in any case, can he say if they arc to be opened up in the immediate future and not at some dim and distant date?

We are trying to put these centres in places which can be fairly easily reached from the surrounding districts, and not to build one in every separate town.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, when a strike occurs in any industry, he will have the origins investigated by the C.I.D., with a view to determining whether it has been incited by subversive influences; and whether there has been any breach of the law.

:I would not accept the view that strikes in general are due to subversive influences. The normal machinery for enforcement of the law is sufficient to deal with any illegal acts that may be committed, and no special action on my part is necessary to ensure that all proper cases are investigated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread concern that many honest workmen are being unduly affected by sinister and possibly alien influences against their own interests?

:We should be very grateful if the hon. and learned Gentleman would let us have particulars of any such cases.

Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that the Labour Government believe in the industrial freedom of the worker, including the right to strike, and will resist bitterly any authoritarian proposals of this nature?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before dispersing the 200 labour supply inspectors now declared redundant in his Department, he will consult with the President of the Board of Trade as to the possibility of their absorption in that Department for duty connected with his working parties to assist in the organisation of the building labour necessary for that industry.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the redundancy of 200 highly trained technical officers in his Department, he will take steps to see that they are given proper consideration for any vacancies that occur in other Government Departments where their considerable experience will be of advantage to the nation; if he will agree that all such vacancies shall be circulated to the men concerned.

I can give my hon. Friends a very ready assurance that every effort will be made to find posts for the labour supply inspectors who are to be discharged on redundancy. Any suitable posts in other branches of my Department, in other Government Departments and in industry will be brought to their notice.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the Control of Engagement Order is now proving an effective measure for filling the demands for labour in the Government order of priority.

The effectiveness of the Control of Engagement Order for filling priority demands for labour has progressively weakened with the increasing relaxation since VJ-Day in the use of the powers of direction. As the hon. Member will be aware, the scope of the Order is to be very considerably reduced as from 20th December, 1945, and steps will be taken to make it effective in respect of the classes to whom it still applies.

May I ask what steps the Minister will take to make it effective?

All steps that are permissible under the Act, including taking prosecutions, should it be necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour in what industries and services will men of ages 30 and under, who have been released from the Forces in Class A, become subject to the Essential Work Order or Control of Engagement Order after 20th December.

The Essential Work Orders apply to men and women of all ages employed in firms which are scheduled under the Orders. About 150 industries and services are now covered by the Orders, but as I have already announced they are being reviewed. The Control of Engagement Order now applies only to men, up to and including age 30, and covers all classes of employment with a few exceptions of which the most important are employment in agriculture in England and Wales, managerial employment and most professional administrative and executive employments.

Would the right hon. Gentleman direct his mind to the Question? Does he not follow that I am trying to ask him to what extent controls are going to apply to men who have left the Forces under Class A and are under 30?

It depends on several circumstances, which it is difficult to explain fully; but I should be glad to have a word with the Noble Lord. It is a question whether they claim the right of reinstatement, whether they remain in the job they were doing and other factors of that kind, but men under the age of 30 who have no job to go to will be subject to direction.

Could we not have a comprehensive statement about their position before the Recess?

I am not sure about before the Recess, but I will make a full statement as soon as possible.

Does that apply to men who find jobs for themselves before their leave is up?

No, men who find jobs for themselves will be allowed to retain them.

asked the Minister of Labour if the rehabilitation centre at Egham is a purely experimental venture; and whether it is his intention to establish other such centres in other parts of the country.

Yes, Sir, and the question of establishing other similar centres is kept under continuous review in the light of experience at Egham.

In view of the tremendous success which this rehabilitation centre at Egham has been, will the Minister consider giving it further publicity; and will he also urgently consider the need for extending this centre?

In regard to the second part of the question, I have already answered it and said that we will extend the experiment. On the question of publicity, I think sufficient public? attention has not been drawn to this excellent work and we will consider that suggestion.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to make a statement about the position of men who were granted indefinite release from the Forces for employment in industry before the end of the war, and who are still in civilian employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make with regard to members of the Armed Forces on indefinite release to industry.

Throughout the war certain members of the Forces have been released for an indefinite period to civilian employment of vital national importance. Such men were released before the Class B scheme was introduced and many of them are still in civilian employment. Their position is as follows:

Men over the current call-up age, i.e., men born before 1st July, 1915, will not be recalled to the Forces except in the event of a further emergency. They will be in exactly the same position, so far as labour controls are concerned, as civilians of the same age and occupation.

The position of men within the present call-up ages, i.e., men born on or after 1st July, 1915, will depend upon the date on which they would have been released from the Forces in Class A had they remained continuously in the Forces.

If this date has not arrived they will be required to remain in the employment for which they were released. If they leave that employment, or if their services are no longer needed, they will be considered for recall to the Forces. If they are not wanted in the Forces they will be required to take other work of national importance for which they have the necessary qualifications. If the date has arrived they will not be recalled to the Forces, except in the event of a further emergency, and as regards civilian employment, will be in exactly the same position as other civilian workers.

Men who were released from the Forces for civilian employment before the Government's release scheme came into operation on 18th June, 1945, are not entitled to any release leave payments under that Scheme. Payment of war gratuity, postwar credits in respect of "other ranks" service and overseas service grants will be made as soon as possible.

As the emergency Regulations are still in force, what does the right hon. Gentleman mean by his reference to "a further emergency "?

What I think we are trying to guard against is the very unlikely possibility of something suddenly emerging which might need men to be recalled to the Forces.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether those who have a written guarantee that their service with industry will count towards their current engagement, will as promised be released under the terms of Class A and not be subject to direction?

Control and direction will still remain over those men who are within the age limit for service in the Forces, but perhaps if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will look at the answer in detail, he might find the point dealt with.

May I put a point about the Bevin boys and men who volunteered to work in the mines in accordance with appeals made by the Government? Will such men be relieved of any further call-up or direction when the category A release date of their group is reached?

The answer relates to men whose industrial service has been given on release from military service for this purpose during the war.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent it is the practice when listing personnel for Group B block release for the building trade to ignore those Servicemen described as general foremen.

Men described as general foremen are not ignored in the selection of men for release in Class B to the building industry. The Service records do not distinguish between general foremen and carpenters' foremen, and these two occupations are therefore combined for impartial selection in age and service order up to the number required.

Will my right hon. Friend give further consideration to that matter, because the term "general foreman" is distinctly a building term and has a special meaning in that trade?

We have to rely upon the descriptions as they are recorded in the Service books, but I will look into it and see what can be done.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will agree that service in the coal mining industry as ballottees or volunteers, may count towards release under the age-plus-service release system for any men subsequently drafted into the Services.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North-Eastern Derby (Mr. H. White) on 29th November, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now give favourable consideration to the immediate release of all in the Forces who have served five years.

I am not at present in a position to add to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Pudsey and Otley (Colonel Stoddart-Scott) on 6th November, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

Is the Minister aware that that reply and a previous reply given to myself some time ago, were most unsatisfactory, and will he not reconsider the position, in the light of the fact that these young men in the Forces, who have spent so many years in the service of their country, are being prejudiced on their return to rehabilitation in industry when eventually demobilised?

I would not agree that they are being prejudiced; neither am I going to agree to the scheme being prejudiced by any interference with it.

asked the Minister of Labour, if he will make it possible for men who, during the war, volunteered for the Army in advance of their call-up and so find themselves on a Regular engagement, to be released under Class B, or in any other way as individual specialists where their services are urgently needed in the national interest in their civilian occupations.

Men who volunteered for the Army in advance of their call-up are not on regular engagements unless they elected to join the Regular Army. Regular soldiers are not eligible for release in Class B during their period of Colour service, but in selecting men for release in Class B no distinction is made between conscripts and volunteers on "duration" engagements.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the shortage of trained accountants at present existing, whether he will extend to articled clerks, whose training was interrupted by military service, the same facilities for Class B release as have been granted to university students whose courses were interrupted.

No, Sir. I regret I cannot agree to this extension of releases in Class B.

Could not the Minister say why there should be this discrimination against these young men?

There is no discrimination; there would be discrimination against others should we vary the scheme.

Would the Minister bear in mind that, in some professions, this process of articled training takes the same place as a university course takes in other professions, and if, therefore, men are allowed to go back to the university courses, it amounts to discrimination if, in these cases, such as training for the law, where the articled course takes the place of a university course, the Minister does not allow it?

That is rather a lengthy question, but, speaking from memory, I think there is some question of difference in deferment, and so on, before they are called up.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money will be required to finance the nationalisation of those industries which the Government intends to take over; how he proposes to raise the money, and if, in particular, money raised through war savings campaigns will be used for this purpose.

No new money will necessarily be required to finance any of these operations. None is required, for example, in the case of the Bank of England. As regards other cases, I must ask the hon. Member to wait and see.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give the House some idea of what amount of money will be required, or are the Government going to undertake this vast programme without having the faintest idea what it is going to cost?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the terms of the Bank of England Bill, he will see that no new money is required, but that one piece of paper will be exchanged for another. It may be that that precedent will be followed in other cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the right hon. Member for Aldershot (Mr. Lyttelton) to his answer?

Will the Chancellor see that as little money as possible is paid out in this direction?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now had an opportunity to look into the matter of the hardship inflicted on those who have already paid the Purchase Tax on goods now exempted from it; and what decision he has reached.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Forfar (Major Ramsay) on 6th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether licensed dealers in securities, in addition to bankers, brokers and solicitors, can now be authorised to stamp and sign declarations on the back of transfer deeds as required by the Defence (Finance) Regulations, 1939.

No, Sir. As I told the House last week, I hope soon to introduce legislation on exchange control, and I cannot now anticipate its terms.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Dominion Governments and Governments of other sterling areas were consulted before His Majesty's Government gave their approval to the U.S. loan and was an approach by the whole of the sterling group to the U.S. Government considered.

The Dominion Governments were kept informed of the progress of negotiations, both through their representatives in Washington and through personal contacts in London. No such approach as my hon. Friend has in mind was ever suggested by any Government of the British Commonwealth or by any other member of the sterling group.

:asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether an offer of a credit for the supply of tin, rubber and other commodities, in return for a loan, was made to the U.S. Government before recommending acceptance of the loan recently approved;

(2) whether the U.S. Government were asked for a direct commercial loan before His Majesty's Government agreed to the loan now agreed by this House.

I have nothing to add to what was said in last week's Debate.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that neither of these questions was answered in the Debate, and that at the end of the Debate, when they came to be put, my right hon. Friend himself was not here to answer them, and that is why I put these Questions on the Order Paper? If I put them down again, will my right hon. Friend answer them in January?

No, Sir

Why not?

Can the right hon. Gentleman furnish us with some reasons for refusing this information?

I think that if we start raking over the embers of old Debates a week after they have taken place, the Order Paper will be still more cluttered up with Questions than it is now.

How came it that it was confidently expected at one time that a grant-in-aid would be made if, in fact, neither of these things could be considered?

Why should they not be considered?

Could the right hon. Gentleman supply us with the parts of his speech, or of the speeches of his right hon. Friends, in which these questions were answered, so that we can discover whether in fact they were answered or not?

I repeat that we had a considerable Debate last week, and I think it would be wasting the time of the House to recapitulate it now.

In view of the fact that these questions have not yet been answered, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.