asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will instruct the Government of India to order a public inquiry into the shooting of unarmed students of Calcutta and other places in India; and if he will publish the figures of casualties during these incidents.

I regret to say that altogether 57 persons have died and the number known to have been injured is about 700. The disturbances were in all cases dealt with by the police and the military were net called in. The Madras incident was on a comparatively small scale and was dealt with in my reply to the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. B. Taylor) on 3rd December. The circumstances of the Bombay occurrence, about which I am circulating separately today a full statement as a written answer to the hon. Member for Aberavon (Mr. Cove), were such as to necessitate the use by the police of all means at their disposal to hold the situation and firing was not used except as a last resort and then was under strict control. The Bombay Government, with whom the decision primarily rests after a review of the facts of which they have full knowledge, regard an inquiry as not likely to produce any new facts of substantial importance. As regards Calcutta, a departmental inquiry was held and has shown that in all but possibly one case the firing was justified. That case is being further investigated. In no instance were the disturbances confined to students, nor did the police fire until the crowd had thrown missiles or resorted to other violent methods or until firing was necessary in defence of life or Government property. In all the circumstances the Governor-General does not consider that a public inquiry is called for and my Noble Friend accepts this view

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give an assurance that ex-British Army officers attached to the R.I.N.V.R. will qualify for demobilisation in England according to their age and service group and do not suffer delay from having volunteered for service in India.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the recent announcement by General Smuts in the Union Parliament, proposing legislation to prohibit acquisition of property by Asiatics in other than certain restricted areas; and if he will take up this further discrimination against Indians in South Africa, either with the Government of the Union of South Africa, or with U.N.O. on behalf of India.

I have seen telegraphic reports of the announcement made by Field-Marshal Smuts, but so far as I am aware the detailed proposals of the Union Government have not yet been published. In accordance with the recognised principles of Inter-Imperial relations this matter will fall to be dealt with directly between the Government of India through their High Commissioner and the Union Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma if he will make a statement on the present relations between the Governor of Burma and the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League; and on the Governor's intentions in regard to the five vacancies on the Executive Council.

The Governor has continued to hope for the co-operation of the League in his Government and in the reconstruction of Burma. There has, however, been so far no response from them to his invitations to serve either in the Executive or in the Legislative Councils. One of the outstanding five vacancies has now been filled by the appointment of Thakin Tun Ok, a prominent younger politician, who has lately returned to Burma from Singapore, where he had been detained by the Japanese.

Could my hon. and learned Friend say to what party he belongs, or to what school of thought?

No, Sir.

How many Burmese organisations are there in the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League, what is the strength of their organisation, and what do they really represent?

I prefer to have notice of that. They do ostensibly comprise a number of political groups in Burma.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma if he will make a statement on the proposed visit to this country of a deputation from the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League of Burma; and if he will do all he can to expedite the visit.

The Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League have been informed by the Governor that His Majesty's Government are not prepared to receive deputations from any individual party or organisation but nevertheless that should two of their members wish to visit the United Kingdom in an entirely private capacity to make informal contacts, endeavours would be made to help them to obtain sea passages to the United Kingdom once the present extreme pressure on accommodation is eased. Such facility would, of course, equally be extended to any other important political party or organisation in Burma.

Could my hon. and learned Friend name any important political organisation outside the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League, which embraces them all?

I do not think there is any other political party which embraces them all, but there are quite a number of other parties which may or may not desire to send deputations, or people on their behalf, to this country. All I am saying is, if they do they must have the same facilities as may be extended to the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League.

My hon. and learned Friend has misunderstood my question. I asked him if he would name any important political party which is outside the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League, because that does happen to embrace them all.

Speaking offhand, there is the Myochit Party.

Which has no mass following.

Is the Anti-Fascist People's League of Burma also Anti-Communist?

I would prefer them to answer for themselves on that point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma if he will make a statement on the recent release of U Saw.

U Saw, formerly Premier of Burma, was detained in January, 1942, on account of his deliberate contacts with the Japanese after the outbreak of war. He has since been in detention in Uganda. Now that the Japanese have been defeated, His Majesty's Government having carefully reviewed the circumstances in consultation with the Governor have decided that as a special case they would take no further action against U Saw, but would allow him to return to Burma. U Saw has now arrived in Rangoon.

Could my hon. and learned Friend say whether U Saw is going to be allowed to take an active part in politics again? Is there going to be any attempt to build up U Saw and his party to counterbalance the overwhelming popular support enjoyed by the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League?

As regards the first part of the supplementary question, Burma being, like this country, a free country, it will be difficult to prevent any citizen taking part in politics. As regards the second part, I can assure my hon. Friend the answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether discussions have taken place with the U.S.A. as to how British concerns who have lost a substantial portion of their assets in the Philippines owing to the Japanese invasion can claim compensation, and how soon, and by whom, this compensation will be paid.

Discussions have been and are still taking place with the United States Government with a view to securing for British concerns and British subjects compensation for damage and loss incurred by them in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation. It is therefore impossible meantime to answer the last part of the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what part it is intended that the world trade union movement shall play in the work of U.N.O.

This question will be decided by the United Nations.

May I ask my hon. Friend if he is aware that the World Federation of Trade Unions has very strong and deep roots amongst the workers of 56 nations of the world, and will he agree that for the lasting peace of the world a place should be found for it within the framework of the United Nations? Would my hon. Friend give an assurance that the Government will pursue a policy to that end?

His Majesty's Government are anxious that all world organisations shall take such part inside the United Nations as the constitution of the United Nations provides.

Will the R.S.P.C.A. and the Lord's Day Observance Society also be allowed to play a part?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that recent U.S. films are to be shown to representatives of member States of U.N.O. on three evenings a week throughout the session in London; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the representatives are invited to see British films and plays, and to hear British music while in this country.

British films are also being shown to U.N.O. delegates three times weekly by courtesy of Mr. Arthur J. Rank. Delegates have also been encouraged to attend plays and concerts and every assistance is given delegates to obtain tickets.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to ensure that arrangements are made for making available to Members of this House printed copies of the verbatim Reports, in English, of the proceedings of U.N.O. and its principal component parts; and whether he will state the arrangements in force for the supply of such Reports for sale to the general public.

Copies of the printed Journals of the General Assembly and its committees, of the Security Council, and of the Economic and Social Council are available to hon. Members through the Vote Office and will also be found in the Library of the House. Bound volumes of the whole proceedings, in the form of reprints of the Journals, will be prepared as soon as the Assembly closes. A number of copies of these volumes will be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in view of the outstanding political importance of the post of permanent British representative on the Security Council of U.N.O., this post has not been filled by a member of the Labour Party.

The need for a permanent representative on the Security Council arises from the first paragraph of Article 28 of the Charter, which provides that the Security Council shall be so organised as to be able to function continuously and requires each member of the Council to be permanently represented for this purpose at the seat of the Organisation.

The permanent representative for the United Kingdom on the Security Council will attend the regular meetings of the Council at the United Nations headquarters. He will be directly responsible to the Foreign Secretary, will act as his Deputy and will take his orders from him. The Foreign Secretary himself will normally attend the "periodic meetings," for which paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Charter provides, and at which it is contemplated that States shall be represented by members of their Governments. The Foreign Secretary will, of course, also attend any other meetings of the Security Council which may deal with questions of particular importance. The Minister of State will represent the United Kingdom on the Economic and Social Council.

Sir Alexander Cadogan, who has been appointed to the post of permanent representative on the Security Council at the seat of the United Nations, has had great experience over many years of the working of the League of Nations, in the course of which he served under Arthur Henderson, who had, I know, the highest opinion of his ability. Sir Alexander Cadogan was the representative of the United Kingdom at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference, which laid the foundation on which the Charter was built, and he took a leading part in the proceedings of the San Francisco Conference, which gave the Charter to the world. His unrivalled experience in the working of international machinery will be of immeasurable value during the formative period when the structure of the United Nations Organisation is being built up on the foundations laid at San Francisco and during the present Conference in London.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a position involving day-to-day decisions of a highly execu- five and policy-making character and not a purely administrative one? Will he take note of the grave dissatisfaction that is felt at the continued appointment of non-Socialists to positions of high political importance?

I am certain that the best usage of this House is that a Minister should be attacked but never civil servants. I also think that the hon. Gentleman would not employ his doctor in relation to his political opinion—

On a point of Order. I ask your protection, Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that I made it perfectly clear in my supplementary question that I was not attacking any person but that I was attacking the principle. [An HON. MEMBER: "The hon. Member is suggesting Professor Laski, I suppose?"]

I am exceedingly sorry. The answer to the supplementary raised by my hon. Friend is that in all matters of policy this official will be subject, as usual, to the direction of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

This is the second instance of our Socialist Friends behind the Under-Secretary desiring that appointments should not be by merit but by political party opinions.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the background of discontent on this issue is that the diplomatic service of this country is almost solely in the hands of people who apparently do not understand the philosophy of this Government? We should like that discrepancy narrowed, and some people in the Service who share our Labour Government's point of view.

In view of this officer's most distinguished services, first to the cause of the League and then to the building of the San Francisco Charter, may I be allowed to say to the Government that we are very glad that they should have made their appointment on merit and not on any political bias?

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to mark the distinction that the hon. and gallant Member for South Pad-dington (Vice-Admiral Taylor) was incapable of making, apparently, between adminnistrative posts and political posts? No one on this side of the House suggests that administrative posts should be party posts.

May I ask for an assurance that neither in respect of this particular post nor any other under the control of the Foreign Office will the hon. Gentleman do anything that will exclude from the possibility of appointment a person of robust independent views?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I wish to give notice that I shall take an early opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the contemplated White Paper as to European needs and relevant world resources may be expected.

Monthly statements are now issued about European coal production and the transportation situation on the Continent, by the European Coal Organisation and the European Central Inland Transportation Organisation respectively and I am informed that both Organisations hope to be able to issue them nearer the periods to which they refer, As regards food, the Emergency Economic Committee for Europe is considering the publication of what it is hoped will be the first of a series of statements on the food position in Europe at the present time.

His Majesty's Government have been pressing for the publication of figures of this kind, particularly those relating to food, and I am arranging for copies of all these publications to be placed in the Library. I share the right hon. Gentleman's desire for making facts about both needs and resources generally known, and I am considering what further information could usefully be published subject to the views of other Governments, who must first be consulted, but I trust that these publications will go some way towards meeting what he has in mind.

While expressing pleasure that we are going to have something, may I ask whether the Government realise the grave consequences that have followed from the public of the world being very inadequately informed as to the serious deterioration in the wheat position which has been taking place in the last few months?

I do not necessarily disassociate myself from what the right hon. Gentleman has said. I am sure he will be anxious to bear in mind that this matter of publication has not lain completely within our competence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Greek Government during the negotiations for a British loan declared their intention to introduce price regulation, control of investment, a full employment policy and such socialisation as is needed to restore the national economy; and whether the loan is to be reinforced with an Anglo-Greek trade agreement guaranteeing reciprocal markets.

Under the Agreement concluded on January 24th, the Greek Government undertake to draw up and put into effect a comprehensive programme for the restoration of Greek economy. Price control is specifically mentioned in the Agreement, and I have no doubt that the other measures referred to in the Question will be adopted if they are considered to be advisable in the light of. conditions existing in Greece. It is also the earnest desire both of His Majesty's Government and of the Greek Government that trade between the two countries should be expanded as much as possible.

Would my hon. Friend say whether any specific steps are being taken to initiate the discussion of a trade agreement between the two countries?

No discussions are taking place on the question of a trade agreement, but discussions have already taken place on the subject of expanding our reciprocal trade.

Will the Under-Secretary undertake that British assistance to Greece will not be made conditional on the adoption by the Greek Government of any special ideology?

I must repudiate that suggestion immediately. The desire of His Majesty's Government has been to help the Greek Government, and that we are doing.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Colonel C. Kostopoulos, commander of the security battalion in Sparta during the German occupation, still holds a commission in the Greek army; and whether further instructions will be given to the British Military Mission in Athens who are rebuilding the Greek army to see that officers with collaborationist records do not retain their appointments.

Colonel Kostopoulos was brought to trial in December on a charge of collaboration and was acquitted by the court. I am informed that he is still on the active list of the Greek Army, but holds no appointment, and that the Greek General Staff have made no decision about his future employment. As regards the second part of the Question, legal machinery was established by the Greek Government for investigating all charges of collaboration, and the Military Mission cannot act independently of this.

Is it not a fact that the continued acquittal of men like Kostopoulos who, it is not denied, was chief of the Sparta Security Battalion throughout the occupation, does much to throw discredit upon the British authorities in Greece, and will the hon. Gentleman make representations to the effect that such acquittals should not continue to take place?

The British Government cannot be responsible for the processes of justice and trial in Greece. I am quite sure that my hon. and gallant Friend would be the last to insist that we should usurp that function.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when such acquittals take place it causes folks like us on this side of the House to have doubts and misgivings about their conceptions of justice?

As a friend of Greece, I would like to dissociate myself from that imputation. I must repeat that His Majesty's Government cannot and will not be responsible for the processes of justice in a sovereign country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he now has any further statement to make on the case of George Dallas, of Kalamata, a leader of E.A.M. in Messina during the German occupation and who has been imprisoned since February, 1945.

I am glad to be able to tell my hon. and gallant Friend that Dallas has been released under the new Amnesty Law.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for the efforts he has made in this case, may I ask that similar energy will be shown in regard to securing the release of other leaders of the resistance, particulars of whom I have already sent?

Wherever my hon. and gallant Friend is able to assist as precisely and exactly as he has done in this case, he can depend upon His Majesty's Government to pursue the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken in Greece to deal with the instigators of the X-ite uprising in Kalamata.

The Greek Prime Minister has assured His Majesty's Ambassador that orders have been given that as many as possible of the insurgents should be arrested and tried by court martial at once. The Greek Government are considering the legal position of the X organisation as a whole. Meanwhile the organisation's offices in Athens and Piraeus have been closed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that no arrests of those responsible for the uprising and for the murder of 14 hostages have yet been made? Is he satisfied that the British authorities in Greece are acting with sufficient energy in order to assist the Greek Government to suppress Right Wing violence and terrorism?

I have no information about the allegation made in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, no requests have been made by the Greek Government, who are in control of the situation. If they are made, of course, His Majesty's Government will then render such assistance as may be needed at any time for the maintenance of public order.

Is the hon. Gentleman really satisfied that the Greek Government are in control of the situation, when the instigators of revolt have not yet been apprehended?

I think it exceedingly unwise and ungenerous that criticisms of the Greek Government of that kind should be made here.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been received from the Yugoslav Government for the extradition from British-controlled zones in Europe of Yugoslav war criminals; and how many such war criminals have been handed over to the Yugoslav authorities.

The term "war criminal" is properly employed to denote an enemy national or an Allied national serving in enemy uniform who has committed a violation of the laws and usages of war. In this sense there are no war criminals of Yugoslav nationality. His Majesty's Government have, however, received requests from the Yugoslav Government for the surrender of a number of Quislings and people of Yugoslav nationality alleged to have engaged in treasonable activities against the Yugoslav State and to be guilty of offences under Yugoslav law. Up to the present the Allied authorities in Italy have traced and surrendered to the Yugoslav Government four of those concerned, including the principal Slovene Quisling, General Rupnik. General Nedic has been handed over by the United States authorities. Search for others continues.

While I thank my hon. Friend for that clarification, could he be a little more specific in the case of the Croat quisling Pavelic, about whom repeated representations have been made, and could he assure the House that we are really making every effort to find the people the Yugoslav Government are asking for?

Wherever the Yugoslav Government have offered exact informa- tion, we have given every assistance in attempting to trace those people, and in the case of that particular gentleman—if that is the word—the search is proceeding.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether His Majesty's Government will make certain that there is a prima facie case against a person before he is handed over?

His Majesty's Government can be trusted to conform to the general usages of justice.

Is it really true that the Government do not know the whereabouts of Pavelic, the Ustachi criminal, because if so we could help to find him?

His Majesty's Government never object to advice and help from any quarter.

Could the Under-Secretary say whether His Majesty's Government are instituting proceedings with a view to apprehending and handing over the quisling General Mikhailovitch to the Yugoslav authorities?

:That is quite another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to persuade members of the Polish armed forces now outside Poland to return to their own land; and whether a time limit is being set beyond which they will cease to be officially recognised in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that General Anders and other Polish officers of the Polish Second Corps in Italy, are engaged in anti-Soviet intrigues and propaganda; that the British public is disturbed at this fact; and what specific steps he proposes to take to end this state of affairs.

His Majesty's Government have under active consideration the question of the future of the Polish armed forces under British command, including the Polish Second Corps in Italy. My right hon. Friend hopes soon to make a full statement to the House.

Will the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that the British public have long memories, and remember how much we owe to the courage and steadfastness of those Polish troops?

Will the Foreign Secretary's, forthcoming statement deal with the arrangements being made for the granting of British nationality to those Poles who have been promised it in the past?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will be so good as to wait for the statement.

While I hope that many of these Poles will return to their own country to take part in its reconstruction, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that many of them are dubbed as Fascists by the Polish Provisional Government, and that this is hardly likely to encourage them to return?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing uneasiness in this country at the continued interference by Russia in the internal affairs of Poland, and as that is a menace to peace, will he have the matter brought before the Security Council?

That does not arise from this Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the French Government proposing that it should follow the British precedent and allow foreign nationals equal rights with their own in prospecting and developing minerals in French colonial territory.

This Question raises some complicated issues which I am having examined. I will endeavour to send my hon. Friend a full reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement on the secret clauses of the Yalta Agree- ment by which the Kurile Islands and the southern half of Sakhalin were ceded to Russia.

The publication of the relevant agreement is under consideration by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and the United States and Soviet Governments. I am not, therefore, meantime in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the progress being made in the preparation of peace treaties with the satellite Axis States.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the sale by the U.S. Government of Flying Fortresses to the Spanish Government; and whether he will draw the attention of the U.S. Government to the fact that such action is inconsistent with the Moscow Declaration, of which the U.S. and British Governments were both signatories.

I have no information to confirm that any Flying Fortresses have been sold to the Spanish Government, and think this most unlikely. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt referring to reports of the sale of certain surplus United States transport aircraft to the Spanish Government. The United States Acting Secretary of State recently announced that these aircraft, together with certain other equipment, are being supplied to Spain solely for the purposes of civil aviation.

Can my hon. Friend assure the House that every effort has been made by His Majesty's Government, by international agreement, to stop the supply of war equipment to General Franco's Government?

I have already made it plain that we have no information that Flying Fortresses are being supplied.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider making representations to the American Government to the effect that, if the Americans have any aircraft to spare, they should be sold to the Allies rather than to Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any proposals under consideration for reforms within the Foreign Office and the Diplomatic Service.

The Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service ceased to exist as a separate Service when His Majesty's Foreign Service was created by Order-in-Council on the 20th May, 1943. This was part of a programme of reform set forth in Command Paper 6420 of 1943 and approved by Parliament at that time. As stated in that White Paper the full effect of the projected reforms, especially insofar as recruitment and training were concerned, could not be felt for some years. That programme is, however, being energetically carried out.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the proposals in this document go far enough?

I am sure satisfaction is a matter for heaven and not for earth.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have denounced that White Paper as a sham and a fraud; and that if the Government really intend to make the Diplomatic and Consular Service anything like an appropriate instrument for a democratic community they have to reoganise the thing from top to bottom?

I have no doubt that like the previous Government this Government will always take note of any advice which the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. Brown) has to offer.

Is it proposed to bring the Diplomatic Corps under the new Trades Disputes Act?

Is the hon. Gentleman certain that the White Paper really provides equality of opportunity as between men and women?

That of all questions is one of which I should have notice.

Before these reforms are effected, will the hon. Gentleman give consideration to supplementing the existing Service with persons whose political views are in sympathy with those of the present Government?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give notice of that.

Will the hon. Gentleman repudiate now the suggestion that—[ Interruption .] Does he agree with the suggestion that civil servants of any Department should be chosen on account of their political views?

I am sure my hon. Friend the Member for Luton (Mr. Warbey) put a rather hasty supplementary question. I know him well enough to know that he is not suggesting that political affiliation as distinct from capacity shall ever be a test for appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken by the deputies of the Foreign Ministers represented at the London Conference last September to settle the question of the future of Trieste and the Italo-Yugoslav frontier.

Certain steps are being discussed by the deputies, but I would prefer not to make any statement until the Governments affected are in a position to make a joint announcement.

Has the Commission, which I believe has been set up by the deputies, already left this country on the way to Trieste, to investigate the frontier question there?

I should think that would be a subject covered by the general announcement.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the inclusion of the South Tyrol in the Austrian Republic and with regard to the province of Carinthia remaining as part of the Republic.

I have no statement to make about the future of the South Tyrol which is a matter for settlement in the Peace Treaty with Italy, the preparation of which is at present under discussion. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the terms of His Majesty's Government's recognition of the Austrian Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the South Tyrol is by race and inclination overwhelmingly Austrian?

I repeat that the question of the Southern Tyrol is a matter for the peace settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the Egyptian Government, or otherwise, any explanation of the purpose of the census of claims in sterling, owned by residents in Egypt, in so far as it affects British subjects; and whether he will make a statement.

The stated object of the Egyptian census of sterling holdings is to obtain statistical information, apparently for use in any discussion which may arise out of the Anglo-American Loan Agreement regarding the adjustment of Egypt's sterling balances. No exception can be taken to a measure designed to obtain information for such a purpose. My right hon. Friend is, however, watching the situation with a view to protecting the interests of British residents in Egypt, should any occasion arise therefor.

Before my hon. Friend leaves his Questions, would he take note of the fact, and convey to his right hon. Friend the fact, that almost all his answers today have been loudly cheered by the Tory Opposition, and by nobody on this side of the House?

asked the Minister of War Transport what arrangements are in operation to ensure that goods required for housing sites receive due priority in transit; and when he anticipates that it will be possible to reinstate the Blue Arrow service.

Instructions have been given that goods required for housing sites shall be accorded a high degree of priority in transit both by road and by rail. The Blue Arrow Service was a special facility provided for goods sent by passenger train. I regret that it is impracticable in present conditions to reinstate the service.

Is the Minister able to give any indication whether, and, if so, when, he will be able to reinstate the Blue Arrow Service this year?

I cannot state specifically whether it will be inaugurated this year, but this and other restorations of services are under consideration from time to time by the Railway Executive.

Before the right hon. Gentleman considers the question of services of this kind, will he do something to "buck up" our ordinary services in this country?

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will state the number of road accidents which took place in 1945, with the number of persons killed or injured in cases where drivers of vehicles involved failed to stop and the number of such cases where the drivers of such vehicles have subsequently been traced.

The reports on road accidents submitted to my Department by the police relate to deaths and injuries; and I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend has asked as to the total number of road accidents is not available. The number of killed, however, for 1945 was 5,256, and injured 133,042.

Can the hon. Gentleman say in how many of these cases there were prosecutions, in how many there were convictions, and what sentences were imposed?

I am afraid that I cannot without notice, and I very much doubt whether the information is available.

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he does not agree that when drivers fail to stop after accidents they should be properly designated "enemies of the community," and will be press for the restoration to the vocabulary of pedestrians and drivers alike of the words "Care, chivalry, and courtesy"?

asked the Minister of War Transport what active steps he is taking to abolish dangerous road surfaces and especially wooden sets.

In conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, my Department is continually experimenting with various types of road paving and surfacing, investigating their behaviour under different conditions, and seeking means of reducing tendencies to become slippery. It would not be right to regard all wood block paving as dangerous, or to assume that effective methods of surfacing such paving to avoid it becoming slippery are not available.

Will the Minister say when he proposes to get on with this job of putting down safe surfaces, because that will do much more than all these expensive and elaborate campaigns of Press advertising?

The hon Member will appreciate that there are many years of arrears in the standard of maintenance during the war, but provisions are being actively made now to overcome these arrears of maintenance.

Will the Minister encourage authorities to put up notices to draw the attention of drivers to sudden changes of road surfaces, as many accidents occur owing to a sudden change from a non-slippery surface to a slippery surface?

Is the Minister aware that surfaces are being made today which are slippery and are going to be dangerous in the future?

I am not aware of that. With regard to the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member for Penrith and Cockermouth (Lieut.-Colonel Dower) I will bear his suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of War Transport under what authority the Southern Regional Maintenance and Certifying Officer and his subordinates continue to issue instructions after 1st January, 1946, that the quota of materials for car upholstery repairs is not to be used on any repair work except those cars with E coupons, or with a priority letter from his Department.

The delivery of cotton yarn is controlled by the Control of the Cotton Industry (No. 23) Order, 1941. Owing to the demands for clothing and for purposes essential to our economic recovery, the quantity of cotton yarn which can be made available for car upholstering material is strictly limited. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the allocation of this material is restricted to the maintenance of vehicles engaged on essential work.

asked the Minister of War Transport the extent to which second-hand public service vehicles have been sold since the removal of control.

I regret that I am not in possession of this information.

Will the Minister get some information on this point, and give it to the House at an early date?

I hesitate to promise that, because I do not think any useful purpose would be served in going back over this problem.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these vehicles are standing in the open and are deteriorating?

asked the Minister of War Transport the respective duties and obligations imposed by his regulations on motorists and pedestrians when passing over or through studded crossings.

The regulations governing wheeled traffic and pedestrians at studded crossings are set out in Statutory Rules and Orders, 1941, No. 397, a copy of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend. By an Order made under Regulation 70 of the Defence (General) Regulations (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1942, No. 854), the definition of a crossing place for the purposes of these regulations has, in effect, been extended to include a crossing place which is marked only by two lines of studs without any other traffic sign.

This shows the continuity of British policy. I got exactly the same answer five years ago from Sir John Gilmour. I want to know now whether the Minister will say precisely, in straight Basic English, who has priority on a studded crossing—the motorist or the pedestrian?

I am delighted that the hon. and gallant Gentleman expects more progress from a Labour Minister than from the Minister's predecessor. I do not think there is much doubt that the pedestrian has the right of way over a studded crossing.

Then will the Minister please issue direct instructions to motorists that pedestrians on studded crossings shall have priority?

Is not this a question of law upon which the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) should consult his solicitor?

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to make a statement with regard to the Government's proposals for a victory march in London and the principal provincial cities.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he saw in the Press over the weekend a very detailed programme of the intentions of the Government, and would it not be better if we were told them here?

I have already explained that as no decision has yet been come to on this matter, I am not in a position to make a statement, so obviously there is no authority for the statement made in the Sunday newspapers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make a statement on the matter?

In about a fortnight, perhaps.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large amount of guaranteed profits made by the football pools, he will consider nationalising them with a view to using the profits for the reconstruction of this country.

No, Sir. I do not think that this form of betting can be dealt with in isolation.

Is the Prime Minister aware that since I put this Question on the Order Paper, I have received dozens of letters from people who go in for these pools, and that if he were to carry out the suggestion, it would receive the overwhelming support of people who take part in these pools?

The short answer to that would be not to take part in the pools.

Is the Prime Minister aware that much time, energy, newsprint and money, and even bad temper, are expended on football pools, and would he not agree that all these, including bad temper, might be better used in other directions?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the deadlock reached in regard to the farm workers' Application for an increase in the national minimum wage; and what steps he is taking to effect a settlement of this matter in order to ensure the success of the Government's agricultural policy and the food production campaign.

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the findings of the Agricultural Wages Board on the recent application from the workers' side for an increase in the minimum agricultural wage. The board is constituted under Act of Parliament, and there is no statutory power for Ministers to review its decisions. I would, however, draw attention to the suggestion of the impartial members of the board that the two sides should consult together to draw up a scheme of grading so as to secure a more adequate recognition of special skill and responsibility among farm workers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been dragging on for many years, and that there is considerable unrest at the delay in reaching a solution? Does he not think it is time that this was brought to an end?

The ordinary procedure is being gone through, namely, that once the board has reached a decision it is sent back to each county for their consideration, and there is nothing which I can do to speed up their own machinery.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present unfortunate dispute is another reason why the Government should formulate a national wages policy?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless he is quick in arriving at a solution it will result in an avalanche of farm workers leaving the land, whether the Control of Engagement Order is removed or not, and this can only result in a considerable reduction of food production which this country certainly cannot afford?

The Minister of Labour has made it clear in reply to a Question in the House of Commons on 13th December that there is no intention of departing from the existing policy of entrusting the responsibility for wage regulations to the traditional and well-tried system of joint voluntary negotiations. Government intervention would be contrary to this policy and destructive of the existing machinery in agriculture and other industries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now give an indication of when he intends to withdraw the facilities which were given during the war for the use of spring traps to catch rabbits in the country; and whether, in view of the unnecessary cruelty caused thereby and the availability of alternative means of destroying rabbits, he will take early action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the nature of the orders issued by his Department modifying Section 5 of the Prevention of Damage by Rabbits and Hares Act, 1939; and whether, in view Of the damage to dogs and other animals from spring traps, he will now revoke all such orders made.

I will, with permission answer this Question and No. 51 together. After seeking the views of my county war agricultural executive committees on the effect which the withdrawal of authority to allow open trapping would have on the campaign for the destruction of rabbits, I am satisfied that, bearing in mind the continued seriousness of the food situation, I would not be justified in re-imposing at this stage complete prohibition of this method of destroying a most serious pest of food crops. I have, therefore, decided that for the time being the Order will remain in force, but I am imposing certain further restrictions on Committees governing the issue of permits to set traps in the open, to ensure that the practice is only authorised to the extent that is absolutely necessary and in circumstances where no other means of controlling the rabbit pest is practicable. I will arrange for a statement to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible showing the conditions on which Committees will henceforth be authorised to issue permits.

I do not want to criticise the right hon. Gentleman's reply but would he remember that there are several alternatives to this barbarous method, and may I ask him to go back and study those alternatives and to go further into this matter?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I have the greatest sympathy with his object, and it is only because of the reply from the county agricultural executive committees and the grave food position that this is going to be continued, but I hope only temporarily.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his Department has formulated any long-term policy for marginal hill farming.

The Government's long-term policy for agriculture applies to hill farming as well as to lowland farming. In addition it is proposed to intro- duce as soon as practicable, legislation to give effect with suitable modifications to recommendations made by the two Committees on Hill Sheep Farming, in England and Wales and in Scotland respectively, that submitted their reports towards the end of 1943.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a decision has yet been reached with regard to the long-term policy to encourage cattle breeding by means of the hill cattle subsidy; what the subsidy is to be; and for how long it will be paid.

I regret that I am not in a position to make a statement on the future of the hill cattle subsidy scheme, but it is proposed to pay a subsidy again this year of the same amount, namely £3 per head, and on much the same conditions as in 1945.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving more encouragement to the breeding of cattle on hill farms through a larger subsidy for breeding stock?

I can assure my hon. Friend all those matters will be taken into account in the long-term policy.

And nothing will happen.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has prepared a long-term policy for market gardening which will give to that branch of agriculture the advantages of the policy outlined in his announcement of 15th November, 1945, for other branches of agriculture.

Market gardening does not lend itself to Government assistance by the method of guaranteed minimum prices applied to the main agricultural products. I am anxious to encourage the industry in its efforts to improve marketing facilities for vegetables, as this offers in my view the best contribution which can be made to the future welfare of this class of production. Technical advice and research will I trust also be made available to an increasing extent.

Does the Minister's policy include any imports from abroad?

I am afraid that question does not arise out of this.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that it is not possible to provide balance sheets showing the profit and loss statements of the W.A.E.C 's throughout the country with the staff available, he will move for the appointment of a Select Committee of the House of Commons to examine them and make a Report.

No, Sir. As I indicated in reply to the hon. Member's question of 28th January, the information is not available for the preparation of profit and loss accounts in respect of the farming operations of committees in the war period. The hon. Member will be pleased to learn that committees have now been asked to prepare accounts, on an income and expenditure basis, covering all their activities as from 1st April next.

Am I to understand that there is to be concealment from this honourable House of the spending of large sums of public money? Never in the history of Westminster have we been refused the examination of such an important matter.

Is it not the case that a number of these committees have carried out demonstrative and experimental work, and that it would be most improper that they should be judged on that basis?

Is the Minister aware that millions of pounds are being spent by these agricultural committees, and that the public want to know what is the total loss as these committees cannot be allowed to go on unfairly competing with the individual farmer?

The Minister is not aware of anything of the kind. I am aware, however, as are most hon. Members, that the question between 1940 and 1945 was to get food no matter how we got it, and since the accounts sought by the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) are not available, it is simply a waste of time judging the matter.

I am not trying to judge them at all, but I simply want to know whether we are entitled to have these accounts as Members of the House.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what acreage was devoted to the cultivation of bailey in each of the years 1938 to 1945, inclusive; and what acreage is contemplated for 1946.

As the answer includes a table of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether he expects an increase or a decrease in what is produced this year?

No reliable estimate can be furnished at present with regard to the 1946 crop.

Following is the table :

No reliable estimate can be furnished at present of the acreage of barley for 1946.