asked the Minister of Labour the total number of men undergoing vocational training at Government centres, and the number on the waiting list, to the nearest convenient date.

On 12th January, 1946, there were 6,653 men in training under the Government's vocational training schemes and 9,947 men accepted as eligible and suitable for training were awaiting allocation to classes.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Government Vocational Training Scheme Centres in Scotland are still in the process of being built; and what steps he intends to take to speed up the building and equipment of these centres so that training will be made available as soon as possible.

Two training centres are now in operation in Scotland under the vocational training scheme. Five more are being built, but in view of the time which building is bound to take, steps have already been taken to acquire premises which can meanwhile be rapidly made available for training.

asked the Minister of Labour how long the growing practice of using men of the services in trade disputes and of supplying labour is to continue; and will he consider whether it is possible to offer men immediate release if they volunteer for work of a permanent character such as was offered by the London gas companies.

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that there is a growing practice of using Service personnel for work which has stopped as the result of a trade dispute. Service personnel are so used only in emergency where it is necessary to maintain an essential public service or safeguard vital supplies and I have every hope that such emergencies whilst not frequent in the past will become even less frequent in the future.

As regards the second part of the Question, it is open to the employers to apply through the appropriate Government Department for the release from the Forces of the men concerned if their permanent retention is considered necessary in the national interest.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet appointed, and can announce the membership of, the Standing Committee which is to consider the staggering of holidays as recommended by the Catering Wages Commission.

I have now appointed a standing committee to stimulate and coordinate action on this matter in England and Wales. The first meeting of the committee was held on 22nd January under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary. I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland as to the composition of the standing committee for Scotland, and I hope to be in a position to announce the formation of the Committee very shortly. Membership of the Committee is as follows:

British Employers' Confederation, Brigadier-General A. C. Baylay, C.B.E., D.S.O., Mr. H. M. Piper, C.B.E.

Trades Union Congress, Dame Anne Loughlin, D.B.E., Mr. A. F. Papworth.

Urban Districts Councils' Association, Mr. V. Seaton Gray.

County Councils Association, Mr. G. Canty.

Association of Municipal Corporations, Alderman A. E. Ager, J.P.

Association of Education Committees, Representative to be nominated.

Railway Executive Committee, Mr. F. A. Pope, C.I.E.

Road Transport Industry (Public Service Vehicle Operators), Mr. R. I. H. Longman, Mr. F. A. Flin.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to state if and when the recommendations of the Markham-Hancock Report on the Post-War Organisation of Private Domestic Employment will be implemented.

I hope to be able to make a statement on this subject the week after next.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed in the near future to set up machinery for regulating the wages and hours of employment of shop assistants.

The wages and conditions of employment of employees in the retail distributive trades are governed by joint voluntary agreements of the various joint industrial councils. Applications from a number of sections of the retail distributive trades in England and Wales for the establishment of Wages Councils under the Wages Councils Act, 1945, are at present under consideration. Any question of statutory regulation of hours is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number registered as unemployed at Bridgeton and Parkhead Employment Exchange, Glasgow, in each of the last three months of 1945.

Following are the figures:

The figures given above exclude persons classified as unsuitable for ordinary employment numbering 347, 351 and 323 in October, November and December, respectively, at Bridgeton, and 235, 249 and 237 at Parkhead.

The figures given above exclude persons classified as unsuitable for ordinary employment numbering 347, 351 and 323 in October, November and December, respectively, at Bridgeton, and 235, 249 and 237 and Parkhead.

asked the Minister of Labour how many mine workers are unemployed in the Pentrebach area in Wales; and is he satisfied that unemployment relief is not being given to those for whom work is available.

I regret that separate figures are not available for Pentrebach. As regards the last part of the Question, I have no reason to doubt that the ordinary rules are being properly applied.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consult with the Minister of Labour with a view to includ- ing in the series of pamphlets, Careers for Men and Women, one dealing with the fishing industry as a career.

Yes, Sir. Discussions on this subject are already in progress.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of building trades operatives released from the Forces in Class B, at 15th December, 1945, and 15th January, 1946, respectively.

The number of building operatives released from the Forces in Class B at 15th December, 1945, was 46,332, and at 31st December, 1945, the latest date for which figures are at present available, 54,395.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men have been released from the three Services under the Class B bulk release scheme by the 31st December, 1945, in each of the following trades, bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, plumbers, painters, slaters and tilers, respectively.

The numbers of skilled operatives reported as released in Class B by 31st December in the occupations to which my hon. Fried refers are as follows:

Bricklayers, 13,271; Carpenters, 21,835; Plasterers, 3,013; Plumbers, 1,415 (including gasfitters and hot-water fitters); Painters, 343; Slaters and tilers, 386. The numbers actually released may slightly exceed these figures.

asked the Minister of Labour what conclusion has been reached regarding the proposal to release, in Class B, a considerable number of post office male employees in the postal, telegraph, telephone and engineering services.

Arrangements have been made for the release in Class B of up to 3,200 Post Office male employees in the postal, telegraph, telephone and engineering services.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will favourably consider an extension of Class B release to law students in the articled clerk category.

No, Sir. I regret I cannot extend releases in Class B in the manner suggested.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the fact that Class B releases have been extended in various directions, he will now consider extending it to cover architectural students at schools of architecture.

No, Sir. I regret I cannot extend releases in Class B in the manner suggested.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of men and women, respectively, demobilised from the end of the war to 31st December; and whether he has any plans for a further speeding up of the demobilisation plan.

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for St. Albans (Mr. Dumpleton) on 22nd January. As regards the second part of the Question, I am not in a position to announce any change in existing plans.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men under 30 have been called to the forces under the National Service Acts during the three months ended 31st December 1945, and how many have been granted deferment from military service in this period.

The number of men born on or after 1st January, 1915 and called to the Forces under the National Service Acts during the three months ended 31st December, 1945 was about 60,000. The number of applications for deferment that were granted in the same period was about 49,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the annual rate of sub- sidy, at the latest available date, in the stabilisation of food prices.

About £308 million a year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, taking the purchasing power of the £ in 1900 as 100, he will state the corresponding figure at the latest available date; and the figure calculated for the whole field of personal expenditure.

Forty-five and 40 last December.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that dog licences in Scotland are an Imperial Duty and in England and Wales a local taxation duty; and if he will consider making a uniform arrangement for the United Kingdom.

Yes, Sir. But I do not propose to reopen this question at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether from the Northern Ireland Imperial Contribution paid into the British Exchequer this year, he will make a grant of at least £5,000,000 to the Government of Northern Ireland towards housing and the bringing of the other services to parity with those of Great Britain.

No, Sir. The present financial arrangements between the Imperial and Northern Ireland Exchequers already take account of these Services.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the handicap to British trade due to the absence of any fixed rate of exchange between sterling and Chinese currency; and when he expects that agreement will be reached on the subject.

Yes, Sir, and I hope that a rate, in accord with economic realities will soon be fixed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Bank of England Dollar Exchange Control recently sanctioned the transfer to New York of $1,621 on account of Mr. Gabriel Pascal to pay a dentist's bill incurred by him while on a visit to that city; and whether, in view of the dollar position of this country, he will take steps to prevent persons, spending any of our stock of dollars in such ways.

Yes, Sir, and Mr. Pascal has been warned that he must be more economical in future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further representations have been made to him by traders to recoup them for losses sustained by the holders of any materials from which purchase tax is removed, in view of the fact that when purchase tax was imposed, no additional charge was permitted on existing stocks.

I have received a number of representations and I am having this question further examined in consultation with representatives of the traders concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many civil servants were, on 31st December, 1945, still away from their homes and from their prewar offices.

Some 40,000 staff of evacuated Headquarters Departments, of the Civil Service are at present serving in provincial centres, but many of these are locally recruited, and I am afraid I could not undertake to say how many civil servants are serving at the present moment in areas other than those in which their homes are situated.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses are at present contemplated in the housing schemes promoted by each of the rural and urban district councils in the country of Merioneth; the number of proposed houses in the county for which land has been acquired; the number of proposed houses in the county for which the invitation of tenders has been authorised; and the number of proposed houses in the county for which tenders have been approved.

I am unable at the present time to say how many houses are contemplated in each of these districts as this has still to be discussed with the authorities separately in the light of their needs and possibilities. The other figures asked for are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the development of the airport at Heathrow, steps are being taken to provide housing for about 5,000 people who will be dependent on the airport's activities.

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation, and arrangements are being made to meet the housing needs of the persons who will be required to work as, the airport.

asked the Minister of Health if His Majesty's Government accept the principle of letting houses, whether built with the aid of subsidy or requisitioned, according to the needs of prospective tenants and not in accordance with other circumstances.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to state the amount of the subsidy to be given to local authorities in respect of housing.

I expect to announce the amount of the subsidy proposed to be given to local authorities for housing very shortly.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to be able to announce the subsidy that he proposes to give to local authorities who build traditional houses or prefabricated houses costing £1,200 or less.

The figure of £1,200 relates to building by private developers, not to building by local authorities. As regards the date of announcement, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Lieut.-Colonel Walker-Smith).

asked the Minister of Health when publication will start of the monthly detailed progress reports in regard to houses, promised for the beginning of 1946.

The first monthly housing progress report will cover the period up to the end of this month, and will be issued towards the end of next month.

asked the Minister of Health by what date he proposes to issue his first monthly Report on the progress of house-building.

asked the Minister of Health the total numbers of prefabricated houses and permanent houses whose erection began during the past five months and of those whose erection began during the preceding five months; and the total numbers of such houses now occupied.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I have given today to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Lieut.-Colonel Walker-Smith).

asked the Minister of Health why it has not been possible to publish the promised statement of housing progress in January.

The preparation of the first report has entailed a substantial volume of work in analysing and tabulating the returns received from each local authority, and this could not physically have been completed and made ready for publication during this month.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that he will in no circumstances waive the exercise of his powers to enforce Section 76 of the Local Government Act, 1933, and will thereby prevent any local councillor who is connected with the building trade from being a member of a local housing committee authorised to issue building licences.

I have no power to enforce this Section, which expressly enacts that offences under it shall not be prosecuted except by the Director of Public Prosecutions. I have power, in certain circumstances set out in the Section, to remove the disability attaching to a councillor for taking part in business before his council, and every application made to me for the purpose has to be considered on its merits. It would be improper for me to bind myself in advance as to the decision I would make in a particular class of case.

asked the Minister of Health what was the strength of the labour force employed on bomb-damage repairs in the London C.D. region on 1st July, 1st October and 1st January last respectively, or on the nearest convenient dates.

The information required by the hon. Member is: 29th June, 1945, 144,574; 5th October, 1945, 145,102; 4th January, 1946, 129,625.

asked the Minister of Health how many bomb damaged dwellings in the London region are being repaired by local authorities on a cost-plus basis; how many on fixed price or lump-sum contracts; and how many in each category are seriously damaged houses classified C (b).

I regret that these figures are not available, as no returns are obtained of the number of houses actually under repair at any one time. A special return is obtained, however, of the number of houses included in fixed price or lump sum contracts, though without distinguishing between C (b) houses and others. These number at present 2,854.

asked the Minister of Works how many operatives, organised by the Ministry of Works in working parties, are still so employed; and how many have been released since 1st October.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the working parties of contractors which were organised by the Ministry of Works to assist in the repair of war-damaged houses in the London region. The number of operatives at present employed in these parties is 1,331 and the number released since 1st October, 1945, is 3,870.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the local authorities which are empowered to deal with housing in England and Wales have on their staffs at the present time qualified architects or structural engineers who are able to deal with the preparation of the necessary plans; how many intend to have such qualified persons but are still awaiting their release from the Armed Forces; and how many neither have such qualified staff nor have given any indication of obtaining it.

I regret that figures are not available.

asked the Minister of Health if he is prepared to accept, for the period of the housing emergency, a certificate of sound construction estimate under the authority of "the Nation House Builders Registration Council in lieu of the normal constructional building permit issued by the local authorities.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health if he will amend the existing building regulations so as to permit existing Victorian and Georgian three and four storey buildings to be converted into multi-family houses expeditiously and economically.

I am not clear what the hon. Member has in mind, but if he would let me have particulars of any case where difficulty has arisen, I will gladly look into it.

asked the Minister of Health the number of dwelling houses destroyed by enemy action which are in the cost-of-works category; by what date he proposes to have their reconstruction completed; and what advice he has given to local authorities as to the priority to be accorded to this work in relation to other forms of house building.

The total number of houses destroyed or damaged beyond repair by enemy action in England and Wales is 218,215; of these, 41,826 are known to be subject to cost of works payments. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of Circulars which set out the instructions given to local authorities with regard to the rebuilding of war damaged houses.

asked the Minister of Health the number of permanent and temporary houses which have been completed in the county borough of Preston since VJ-Day; how many are in the process of building; and how many licences have been issued up to 31st December, 1945.

No houses, either permanent or temporary, have been completed by the local authority since VJ-Day. Three hundred temporary houses have been allocated to the county borough and tenders have been invited for 688 permanent houses, but erection has not yet started in either case. Up to 31st December, 1945, the local authority had issued eight building licences for 46 houses.

asked the Minister of Health the result of his discussion with the Minister of National Insurance on the possibility of allowing old persons to let vacant rooms without prejudice to their pension rights; and if he can now make a statement.

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Mr. Mackay) on 18th December, it is already the practice of the Assistance Board, where a supplementary pensioner takes in a lodger or sub-tenant, to have regard to any expenses arising out of the sub-letting, including wear and tear of household goods. I understand that the Board are now looking into the matter of expenses arising out of sub-letting to see whether any improvement in their current practice is called for.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that land which is acquired by a builder or a building company is a trading asset, he will take steps to ensure that land owned by a builder or building company, which has been developed, or partly developed, or which a local authority has agreed shall be developed under a town planning scheme, shall not be compulsorily requisitioned.

No, Sir. I only confirm compulsory purchase orders, however, where I am satisfied that this course is the right one in the public interest, and after careful consideration of any objections made by the land owner.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take immediate steps to facilitate the erection of houses on the Whitmore Park Estate, near Coventry, particulars of which have been sent to him.

Very extensive development works are necessary before houses can be built on this site, and I think it preferable that the labour available in Coventry should at the present time be concentrated on the house building projects which can be completed most quickly.

asked the Minister of Health what house-building programmes have been submitted by the Hartismere and the Blyth rural district councils of Suffolk; and which schemes have been approved by his Department.

The figures are as follows:

Note: Layouts for 24 houses from the Hartismere R.D.C. have been approved; house plans were received by my Department recently, and are under consideration. Authorisation to go to tender should be given very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the occupants of Clifton Terrace, Brighton, hold their properties under covenants which forbid the construction of buildings in the open space fronting these houses; and when, having regard to such covenants, it is proposed to remove the A.R.P. building at present occupying this open space.

A proposal to utilise for housing purposes the First Aid Post erected on this site is under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health in consultation with the Brighton County Borough Council. Until a decision has been reached on this proposal it is not possible to express any opinion on the question of demolition.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of slates in the Portsmouth area which is holding up building and repair work; and what action he is taking in the matter.

I am well aware of the shortage to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. The very great and widespread war damage to slated roofs has created an exceptional demand which is far beyond the present capacity of the industry, and, indeed, much greater than its prewar output. All possible steps have been taken to increase the labour force in slate quarries and a system of allocation of slates has been in force for some time. My right hon. Friend expects to be able, early in February, to make a moderate increase in the allocation of slates to the region which includes Portsmouth.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if, in view of the necessity for a decentralised and geographically balanced industrial and agricultural economy, he will consider allocating to East Anglian factories a part of the programme contemplated by his Department for the production of housing and household utensils.

If the hon. Member will be good enough to let me have the names of any East Anglian engineering firms which might undertake the production of housing components or fittings I shall be very glad to consider them. My right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade is responsible for household utensils.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet started consultations with the representatives of the voluntary hospitals and the medical profession on the National Health proposals; and whether the result of the discussions will be made public.

I am engaged in discussions with representatives of the medical profession, local authorities, voluntary hospitals and others, to obtain their expert advice on my proposals for the national health service. My proposals will be published in the usual manner by the introduction of draft legislation for the approval of Parliament.

asked the Minister of Health if he will now make a more precise statement on the future administration of British hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health what are his proposals in respect to the present hospital services.

I would ask the hon. Members to await the presentation to Parliament of the Government's proposals.

asked the Minister of Health if he will arrange for the residents of Healeyfield Parish Council to register births and deaths at Consett on days when the registrar is not available at Castleside, instead of, as at present, having to travel long distances to Lanchester or Durham City when registration is necessary.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the resolution passed by the West Hartlepool Borough Council, of which a copy has been sent to him, asking for an extension of the scheme of allowances to all sufferers from all forms of tuberculosis; and having regard to the effect upon the health of patients suffering from tuberculosis when no allowance is payable, what action he proposes in conformity with the resolution.

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Tottenham (Mr. Messer) on 6th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health what action he has taken with regard to the inquiry promised by him into the circumstances of the Brookwood Mental Hospital; and what has been the result of this inquiry.

I am still awaiting the result of my inquiries but hope to have the desired information soon.

asked the Minister of Health which schemes for the Suffolk, Blyth and Hartismere rural district councils for the supply of drinking water have been submitted to and approved by his Department.

No water supply schemes have in recent years been approved by my Department for the Blyth or Hartismere Rural District Councils. A scheme for the Mendlesham parish of Hartismere submitted in 1944 was deferred by the council for inclusion in a comprehensive scheme now in course of preparation.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Report of the Committee set up to inquire into the provisions made for the care of children is now available.

I am informed that this Committee has already covered a great deal of ground in its inquiry, including the examination of witnesses from a large number of organisations and visitations in all parts of the country. The field of the inquiry is, however, wide and it will be some time yet before the Committee can complete its labours.

asked the Minister of Health when it will be possible for the Kent County Council to derequisition Bedgebury Park School for Girls, Goudhurst, Kent; whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory position in regard to accommodation in which the school has been placed during its evacuation; and if he has any information as to what practical steps the Kent County Council are taking in order to ensure that the children may return before the summer.

I am aware of, and sympathise with, the school's present difficulties, and my officers are collaborating with the council in urgently seeking alternative premises for the sick and infirm patients at present housed in the school buildings. I am afraid, however, that I cannot yet say when it will be possible for the council to release them.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the scheme of conditions of service recently issued by the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Staffs and marked Private and Confidential and Not for Publication, has caused perturbation among local government authorities on account of the secrecy employed; and if he has any statement to make to the House on the matter.

I understand that the only documents recently issued by the National Joint Council are of a provisional nature. These are available to the representatives of local authorities on the National Joint Council and provincial joint councils. They are private and confidential and marked "Not for publication" to indicate that their publication would be premature at this stage, when they have not been fully discussed nor finally agreed.

asked the Secretary of State for War how long he expects it will be before the release under Class B of 6924092, Rifleman A. H. Freestone, a registered plumber, for which his employer has applied, will be granted.

Plumbers are dealt with under the bulk release scheme, whereby the Ministry of Labour and National Service demand the release of men in a particular trade by numbers. The Service Departments then select the numbers required from the men in that trade in order of their age and service groups. It is only for individual specialists that applications can be made by employers. It has not been necessary to call upon plumbers of Rifleman Freestone's age and service group to meet the demands so far received and I cannot say how long it will be before his group is reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of men in India, who have served six years in the Army, at their slow demobilisation; how many ships are available this month in addition to the" Strathaven," "Cape Town Castle" and the" Empress of Australia"; and, in view of the promise that this operation would be dealt with as a war measure and that R.N. ships would be used, will he take steps to secure more shipping so as to speed up demobilisation and ease the dissatisfaction.

The following ships bringing troops to the United Kingdom are expected to leave India during January: "Capetown Castle," "Empress of Australia," "Strathnaver" and "Reina del Pacifico." In addition part of the" Strathmore" and of the "Mooltan" will be allotted to troops. During the first ten days of February a further four ships are expected to leave Bombay. Sufficient shipping has been and is being provided to bring all men serving in India who are due for release to this country in time for release within the periods laid down for their respective groups. To the best of my knowledge there is no widespread dissatisfaction with the position as my right hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that it takes up to 12 days for mail to reach British troops in Austria from this country; and if he will consider making arrangements with the Air Ministry for the mail to be flown in both directions.

Owing to winter weather and flying conditions it has been found that it is normally quicker to send mail by the overland route to Austria. The question of reverting to flying will be reconsidered at the end of the winter. I understand that the normal time of transit from the Home Postal Centre in this country to the Base Post Office in Austria is four days.

asked the Secretary of State for War who, since the termination of Lend-Lease, accepts the responsibility for damages resulting from the negligent driving of motor vehicles belonging to the United States Government and driven by persons not answerable to British courts; and whether His Majesty's Government will in future insist that such persons shall be fully insured against third-party claims as provided by the Road Traffic Act.

Under the intergovernmental agreement details of which were given to this House on 30th March, 1944, the claims against the United States Forces in the United Kingdom were, with certain exceptions, investigated and settled by the British Claims Commission as reciprocal aid to the United States Government. Following the cessation of reciprocal aid on 1st September, 1945, it became necessary to review these arrangements. An agreement is now being negotiated with the United States Government under which those United States claims which were handled by the British Claims Commission under the intergovernmental agreement will continue to be so handled subject to subsequent financial adjustment between the United States and United Kingdom Governments in respect of claims arising after 1st September, 1945.

In the meantime in view of the urgent necessity for dealing with the United States claims which have accumulated since 1st September, 1945, the British Claims Commission are now handling those claims which come within the scope of the previous agreement. This action is being taken in anticipation of the conclusion of the new agreement and with the concurrence of the United States Government. I should like to emphasise that the British Government are only concerned with claims arising out of incidents when the United States service personnel are in line of duty. Claims arising out of accidents where the United States vehicle is being driven without authority are matters for the United States Claims Commission, a branch of which will continue to function in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is prepared to reconsider at an early date a revision of the present Double Summer Time in favour of Summer Time.

The Defence Regulation on this subject having been revoked, Summer Time is now determined by the Acts of 1922 and 1925.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in considering what action to take to prevent any renewed Fascist activities in this country, he will include watching the possible names and organisations, other than those openly called Fascist, through which such activities might be carried out.

I can assure the hon. Member that in dealing with this matter I shall have regard to the nature of an organisation's activities rather than to its name.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Civil Defence workers of Northampton may expect to receive payment of their Civil Defence gratuities.

In so far as they have not already received them, Civil Defence members for whom gratuity entitlement forms have been received by the Department from Northampton County Borough may expect to receive their savings bank books showing these credits very shortly. The necessary particulars have been notified to the Post Office Savings Bank.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to give a report to the House on the experiment of sending Borstal boys to Dartmoor.

This experiment has been in existence only for two months, and it will be some time yet before this institution has the full complement of youths who will be trained there. In the circumstances I feel that it is too early for me to make any report to the House. I may say, however, that the reports which I have received indicate that the youths who are at Dartmoor very much prefer conditions there to those in the local prisons where they were formerly detained.

asked the Minister of Education whether she is making arrangements for a quota of uncertificated teachers to enter the emergency training colleges before all other applicants have been trained.

The Emergency Training Scheme is not intended for uncertificated teachers and I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the special one-year courses of training which are to be offered to uncertificated teachers who have completed not less than five years of service in that capacity on or after the 1st April, 1945. I hope to be able to make an announcement about these courses before very long, but I am afraid that I cannot in advance of a general announcement deal with the particular point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Education if she will take up with the Staffordshire County Education Committee the question of the supply of hot meals to scholars attending Alrewas school, in view of the long distances some scholars have to travel to school.

I am assured that the authority are fully alive to the need for meals at Alrewas school. It was intended to send meals from the proposed kitchen at Barton-under-Needwood, but I understand that an amended scheme for the erection of a kitchen and dining room at the school will be submitted by the authority at an early date.

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the necessity for increasing the supply of qualified scientific and research workers, if she will consider increasing the number of State scholarships granted annually.

I have the question of State scholarships under very close attention and I am bearing this consideration in mind.

asked the Minister of Education whether she will sanction the erection of temporary additions to infant and nursery schools in areas where new housing schemes have been approved, and on a priority equal to that of temporary additions to other schools.

I am prepared to approve the provision of new infant school accommodation required to meet the needs of new housing on the same basis in respect of priority and otherwise as in the case of schools for older children of compulsory school age. New school provision for children under five would be considered on merits, taking into account particularly the extent to which the mothers are in employment.

asked the Minister of Education when the subject of grants to training college students will come under review in accordance with paragraph 19 of her circular, No. 26, of 13th March, 1945.

Revised draft Grant Regulations relating to the training of teachers will be published very shortly, to come into force next August. At the same time a circular will be issued dealing inter alia with any assistance which may be given by local education authorities to students attending training colleges.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when it is proposed to complete the conversion of the Enfield telephone exchange from manual to automatic operation.

Before automatic telephone equipment can be installed at Enfield the exchange building will need to be considerably enlarged. There is still an adequate margin of spare capacity in the existing manual equipment for connecting new subscribers and in view of the many pressing claims for building work at exchanges where there is little or no spare capacity, it is too early for me to say when this particular installation will be undertaken.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is now in a position to make a statement on the reconstruction and expansion of post-war postal services; and if he will indicate the improvements which have been effected in deliveries in rural areas.

The necessary work preparatory to the reconstruction and expansion of the postal services generally is being pressed forward, but my. Noble Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement. He intends, however, to do so as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many medical practitioners were on the panel of the insurance committee for the burgh of Glasgow at the outbreak of the war, and on the last convenient date respectively; how many practitioners from this panel are now members of His Majesty's Forces; and how many have been released from that Service.

The number of insurance practitioners on the Glasgow Burgh Insurance Committee's Medical List at 3rd September, 1939, was 504. The number at 23rd January, 1946, was 453, including 23 practitioners then on service with His Majesty's Forces, and 46 practitioners who had returned from service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses that were built in Glasgow and Scotland, respectively, last year; the number of houses at present under construction in Glasgow and the estimated number of houses that will be built during 1946.

During 1945 1,364 permanent and 437 temporary houses were completed in Scotland and of these 491 permanent and 108 temporary houses were in Glasgow. Six hundred and seventy-nine permanent houses and 208 temporary houses are at present under construction in Glasgow, where the programme for 1946 envisages 5,000 permanent houses and 1,500 temporary houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any agreement has been reached with the Scottish local authorities regarding housing subsidy; and, if so, if he will state the terms.

Yes, Sir. I hope very shortly to introduce a Bill to give effect to the subsidy arrangements agreed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Austrian Government regarding the choice of its representative to the United Kingdom.

I am glad to take this opportunity of informing the House that His Majesty's Government recently notified the Austrian Government that they would be glad to receive Mr. Schmid as Austrian Government Representative in London with the personal rank of Minister. His Majesty's Government made no representations to the Austrian Government about the choice of Mr. Schmid which they welcome.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the present distress in Hungary, the U.N.R.R.A. aid now promised will be expedited; when the first supplies can be expected to reach Budapest; and whether, after the present limited aid has been exhausted, further help will be expected.

The resolution authorising U.N.R.R.A. to give aid to Hungary was adopted by the Central Committee only on 9th January. I understand that immediate action was taken by the Director General to put it into effect. Steps have been taken to ascertain Hungary's requirements in detail and to initiate procurement, and arrangements are being made to expedite the movement of supplies, but it is not yet possible to forecast when the first supplies are likely to reach Budapest. The provision of any further help when the present programme has been exhausted is a matter for the Council or Central Committee of U.N.R.R.A. to decide in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reason General Yamashita was tried by the U.S. authorities alone, in view of the atrocities for which he was responsible in Singapore; if any British prosecutor was invited to be present at the trial in Manila; and if he will give an assurance that General Yamashita will be brought to trial before a British tribunal in the event of his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court being successful.

According to the information at my disposal, General Yamashita was tried for crimes committed in the Philippines against American and Philippine nationals. In such circumstances a British prosecutor would not be invited to participate in the proceedings as no British interests would be involved. I can assure the hon. Member, however, that if General Yamashita's appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States is allowed, application will be made, in accordance with existing procedure, for him to be handed over to the British military authorities so that he may be tried on charges of general responsibility for atrocities committed on British subjects in Singapore.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power which schemes for the extension of the supply of electricity in the Blyth and Hartismere rural district councils have been submitted to and approved by his Department.

Under development proposals approved by the Electricity Commissioners in 1938 under Section 28 of the East Anglian Electricity Act, 1927, the East Anglian Electric Supply Company, Limited, were required to carry out compulsory works in four parishes in the Rural District of Blyth and five parishes in the Rural District of Hartismere. In addition, transforming sub-stations were to be provided in eight parishes in the Rural District of Blyth and eight parishes in the Rural District of Hartismere. All the above-mentioned compulsory works and transforming sub-stations have been completed, with the exception of one transforming sub-station at Bacton.

An application for my consent to the placing of certain overhead lines in connection with the scheme for affording suplies to farms at Bacton, involving a transforming sub-station at Bacton, was submitted by the company on 16th January, 1946. Under Section 21 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919, the local authority has the right to be heard, if desired, before my consent is issued. Evidence on this point has not yet reached me, but as soon as it is received, the application will be dealt with.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many medical officers who are employed in a full-time capacity by the Emergency Medical Service are also employed and remunerated on a sessional basis by his Department for work on boards; and if he will give an assurance that this practice shall cease in view of the fact that medical men released from the Services are unable to obtain part-time employment on his Department's pension boards.

So far as I am aware no such medical officers are employed by my Department at the present time, but if the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars of any case he has in mind I will make inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many applications for Class C release have been received from members of the R.A.F. for the last three months for which figures are available; how many have been granted; and if he will in each instance give the numbers separately for officers and other ranks.

During the three months ending on 16th January, we received 249 applications from R.A.F. officers, and 6,827 from airmen for Class C release. Over the same period we approved 141 Class C releases for R.A.F. officers and 4,681 for airmen. Some of the applications in the period referred to were not decided by 16th January, and, on the other hand, the numbers of applications approved include some received before 16th October.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now prohibit the use of steel-toothed traps and other similar methods of catching rabbits, in view of the fact that humane traps are now available.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 15th October last, to which I can add nothing at the moment.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether he is now able to make any announcement regarding the disposal of Government-owned merchant ships.

Yes. I informed the House in December that I proposed to adjust the terms on which Government owned ships are offered to British ship-owners. It is proposed to invite tenders for the ships available for disposal. The ships at present available for disposal are listed in an invitation to tender which will be published by the Stationery Office tomorrow. Some ships which cannot at present be disposed of may become available from time to time and will be offered in a similar manner. In the more important classes, a minimum purchase price will be stipulated for each ship below which tenders will not be accepted. For certain ships the alternative of bareboat charter for a period of years will be offered at a minimum rate of hire below which tenders will not be accepted.

The invitation sets out fully the conditions on which tenders may be submitted. For the more important classes of ships it is specified in the present offer that tenders may only be submitted by United Kingdom owners who have lost ships during the war, except that provision is also made for tenders for purchase under the like conditions by owners in other parts of the Common-wealth whose Governments exert a control over shipping similar to our own. One group of ships, mostly small vessels of the coasting type, can be tendered for by United Kingdom owners without reference to losses. Another miscellaneous group of vessels is available for purchase by any person without restriction.

Tenders for ships now to be offered must be submitted to reach the Ministry of War Transport not later than 28th February, 1946. I have arranged for copies of the invitation to tender to be placed in the Library.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to make an impartial investigation of the claim of the approved societies that they can provide equal benefits for all contributors under the proposed National Insurance scheme.

The facts of the case have been fully presented to me: they have been widely discussed and are well known. I think the whole matter must now await consideration by this House on the National Insurance Bill which will be before us at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from a public authority in Carmarthenshire protesting against the establishment of a rocket experimental station at Pendine; and what answer he has returned.

I have received no representations from a public authority in Carmarthenshire protesting against the establishment of a rocket experimental station at Pendine. Any representations should be addressed to the appropriate Minister, that of Supply and of Aircraft Production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of spectacle lenses manufactured in this, country is being exported at the present time.

I have been asked to reply. Approximately 5 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in whom the property rights of the Ruhr coalmines are now vested.

When direct control of all collieries and colliery property in the British zone was assumed by the British authorities it was made clear that the German owners were to be finally dispossessed and would receive no compensation from the occupying authority. The ultimate disposal of the mines and consequently of the legal title to them is a matter for later determination.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when a decision may be expected in the appeal which was submitted to His Majesty on the 26th December, 1944, by an officer of whose name he has been informed, against the verdict of a court-martial held in India Command in November, 1943.

I regret to say that certain material required by the Army Council for consideration before they submit the petition to His Majesty has not yet been received from the Government of India, owing to the non-receipt of a letter sent by the Government of India on 10th December, 1945. Steps have been taken to secure the despatch of a copy of the letter.