asked the Minister of War Transport if, in order to reduce road accidents, he will consider making compulsory all rear lights on motor vehicles of standard size, shape and candle-power.

The law requires that rear lights shall be visible from a reasonable distance. I have no power to impose additional requirements of the nature suggested.

asked the Minister of War Transport how soon work will be resumed on the new Twickenham station, which was nearly completed before the war.

The completion of this station has high priority on the list of Schemes to be undertaken by the Southern Railway within the next three years, and the plans are being reviewed in the light of present day requirements.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether he will ensure that the Southern Railway take immediate steps to safeguard pedestrian traffic at present using the level-crossing at Roke Road, Kenley, where accidents in the past have caused protests from the Coulsdon and Purley Council.

The safeguards at this occupation and footpath level-crossing are similar to those usually provided at such crossings; but I understand that the railway company have prepared a scheme for the construction of a footbridge which is at present being considered by the local authority.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will issue a statement showing the percentage increase in passengers and freight traffic carried by the Southern Railway in the years 1938 and 1945, respectively, including special trains for military and other purposes; and the number of the staff in each year.

The information available as to passenger miles originating and ton miles of freight traffic on the Southern Railway in 1945 indicates increases of 95 per cent. in passenger traffic and 31 per cent. in freight traffic over 1938. The staff in 1938 was approximately 68,8oo and in 1945, 67,600, of whom a large proportion were temporary and less experienced.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he has yet been able to come to any decision regarding the revival of cheap day travel facilities.

I have already stated in reply to a previous question that I do not consider that conditions on the railways justify the restoration of these facilities. I propose to review the question later in the year.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether, in view of the shortage of locomotive engines on the railways, he will take steps to secure the transfer of engines in the hands of the War Department, for which no service is available.

Steps have already been taken and 150 locomotives were returned from the Continent by the end of last year. It is hoped that 100 more will be returned by the end of this month, and further transfers are being arranged.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether he will consider, with the L.P.T.B., displaying the plans of the railways under their control, on the Board's stations, superimposed on street maps of Greater London instead of being in diagrammatic form as at present.

In view of the size of the area covered by the railways of the London Passenger Transport Board, a map such as my hon. Friend suggests would have to be on a scale too small to be legible. The Board is, however, preparing a map showing the streets of the central area, with the underground railways superimposed. Copies will be exhibited at all stations of the Board in addition to the existing diagrammatic plans.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether in view of the congestion at the London docks, he will direct a proportion of the vessels to South Wales ports, which are at present almost idle.

Except in the event of serious congestion, which I am advised is not at present the case in the Port of London, I should not be justified in imposing on exporters and importers the expense and inconvenience which results from the diversion of ships from their most economical ports of loading or discharge.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether, in view of the shortage of food, he will take steps to expedite the survey and reconstruction of all craft now designated for release to the fishing industry.

The control of ship repair facilities and licensing of repairs are functions of the Admiralty, and I am informed that they are in closest contact with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries respecting the rehabilitation of the fishing fleet. In so far as my Department is concerned, everything is being done to expedite the surveys of vessels coming off service.

asked the Minister of War Transport what steps he has taken to implement the International Seamen's Charter agreed on at Copenhagen.

The conference held at Copenhagen was only a Preparatory Technical Conference whose duty was to prepare drafts of documents for consideration at the full Maritime Conference which is to be held at Seattle in June of this year.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he has any statement to make on future plans for coastwise shipping.

No, Sir; not at the moment.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware that the estimated time to be taken for the construction of the new mail steamer, now on contract, to replace the "Lochness" on the Kyle—Stornoway service is 18 months; and whether he will ensure that she is ready before next winter, in view of the overcrowding and discomfort suffered, especially in winter months by passengers on this State-subsidised service.

The estimated time to be taken for the construction of this vessel from date of keel laying to completion is 12 months. As the keel will not be laid for some months yet, there is no possibility of her being in service next winter. She should, however, be ready for the winter 1947–48.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he intends to give effect to any of the recommendations of the Cooper Report.

The recommendations in this report involve a number of considerations and affect many parties, and legislation would be necessary to give effect to them. I am not yet ready to state my intentions on the subject.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production how many thousands of tons of secondary aluminium are and will be made available for use in the temporary emergency aluminium bungalows.

The amount of secondary ingot required for use in the manufacture of the temporary aluminium houses on. order is approximately 76,300 tons, and the whole will be made available from stocks held by my Department.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he will take action to standardise all electric light and power plugs throughout the country so that they will be interchangeable.

Recommended standards have been laid down, but their adoption will have to be gradual, in view of the manufacturing and servicing problems involved in the change-over.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production the number, the size of the staff and the total salaries of the estimates and cost offices attached to the works of aircraft manufacturing companies; and what purposes these offices now serve.

We have no estimating or costing staff permanently attached to the works of aircraft manufacturing companies. Members of the headquarters staff however pay visits to the works of these and other companies.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production how many huts have been erected by, or on behalf of, his Department at the aqueduct site, Eywood, Blackburn; what has been the cost thereof; what is stored therein; and why the special erection of these structures was necessary.

Twenty-seven, at a cost of£5,700. They are used for the storage of goods such as chemicals and surplus Service motor cycles of which the manufacturers, who are to recondition them, cannot yet take delivery. Their erection has enabled the requisitioned factory and other space in which they were formerly stored to be released.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether the purely wartime functions of Army Unit F.V.D.D. are being continued; how that unit requires a peacetime establishment of 28 majors and 25 captains; and how the necessary expenditure of public funds is justified.

As my hon. Friend was informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, on 4th December last, F.V.D.D. is responsible for the research, design and development of all Service vehicles. These functions are, of course, of the utmost importance in peace. The Department's peacetime establishment, to which it is being methodically reduced, will be small and will be filled by the best available personnel, military or civilian.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he is aware of the shortage of builders' tools for sale in the shops of South-east Cornwall; and will he give an assurance that an increased supply of these tools will be made available in the near future.

There is a general shortage of builders' tools, due mainly to insufficient labour in the industry. We are trying hard to improve the supply, and if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have fuller details of the cases to which he refers, I will do all I can to help.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production the highest price, the lowest price and the average price, respectively, paid for a suit of clothes issued to Service men on release.

I regret that to give this information would embarrass us in our current price negotiations.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production how much space has been de requisitioned throughout the country by the Ministry of Aircraft Production since 15th July, 1945; and how much of this space represents dwelling houses.

Between 15th July, 1945 and 31st January, 1946, 4,585,222 square feet of floor space were derequisitioned by the Ministry of Aircraft Production. In addition 32 dwelling houses and flats were derequisitioned during the same period.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he will make available to local authorities for offer to persons on their waiting lists any housing accommodation controlled by his Department which is no longer required for workers engaged on M.A.P. contracts.

Yes, Sir. We do our best wherever possible.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether, if the stipulation on certain tender forms that duralumin sheets and strips are sold only on condition that they are re-smelted is to prevent resale for aircraft purposes, he will permit the sale for non-aircraft purposes without the necessity of re-smelting.

Yes, Sir. But in disposing of this material we must have regard to the position of the fabricating industry which is vital to the national interest.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether any American or British jeeps, Army lorries, lorries with cranes mounted on them or bulldozers are available for purchase by the public; and if so where they can be purchased.

The future of American surpluses in this country is not yet finally settled. Members of the public wishing to obtain surplus British Service vehicles should apply through their dealers in the normal way. No permits are required for commercial vehicles.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what he has done about the application for release as a key specialist of L.A.C. Humphries, J. R., 1651693, who is urgently needed in the city of Exeter as a refrigerating plant engineer of a large refrigerated food storage equipment; if he is aware that the Ministries of Food and Labour recommended in June, 1945, that this man should be released, but the Air Ministry refused; that after further correspondence with the Ministry of Food and Board of Trade, the matter was referred to the Ministry of Supply; but that since 1st January, 1946, no communication has been received from that Ministry.

An application has been made to the Ministry of Labour for the release of Leading Aircraftman Humphries.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he contemplates introducing into this country the cheap motor-car, estimated to cost£75, now being manufactured in Germany.

There is no present intention of importing German manufactured cars into this country.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he is aware of the shortage of surgical appliances; that many patients are suffering through delay in securing such articles as spinal jackets; and what steps he is taking to improve supply of these articles.

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for calling my attention to this important matter. The difficulty is due mainly to the shortage of skilled labour, and we are doing all we can to help the manufacturers.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that the War Office can dispose of 11,000 hot water bottles from War Office stocks; and why, in view of the shortage of rubber hot water bottles in Andover and elsewhere, these have not been made available for civilian use.

Provided they are in a suitable condition, these hot water bottles will be made available for civilian use through normal trade channels.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he is in a position to state, in detail, what form of reorganisation is to take place in the iron and steel industry in Lanarkshire.

The plan prepared by the British Iron and Steel Federation for the future of the iron and steel industry is at present under consideration and I regret, therefore, that I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the future organisation of the industry in Lanarkshire.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production, if he is aware that the rent for M.A.P. bungalows in Horsforth is 16s. 6d. per week, whilst the rent of much superior dwellings let by the Horsforth Urban District Council is 12s. per week; and will he consider reducing the rent of these bungalows so that the rent approximates to that of council houses.

These bungalows are not eligible for subsidy under the Housing Acts. Their rents are in line with those for similar accommodation elsewhere and are kept under constant review.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he will make any statement regarding future plans for the munitions factory at Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire.

As we no longer need this factory for the production of explosives or other munitions, it is being notified to the Board of Trade as available for disposal, subject to the rights of the managing agents.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether any subsidy is at present being paid in respect of ships bringing iron ore from North Africa to the United Kingdom; and how much per ton it amounts to per ton of iron ore delivered.

At the present time a freight subsidy averaging about 19s. per ton is being paid by my Department on iron ore imported from North Africa.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the supply of coppers for cooking and heating is falling below the shortage experienced during the war; and what steps he is taking to overcome this trend.

I have been asked to reply. I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position as to imports from Sweden to Scotland, particularly of much-needed timber; and what steps he is taking to secure an increase and extension of reciprocal imports and exports between these two countries.

My Department is in close touch with representatives of the Swedish Government with the object of securing the maximum imports of timber.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, (1) in view of his policy of assisting and encouraging the industrial development of the City of Aberdeen, if he will specify in detail what steps he has taken during the last two months to that end;(2) what stage has been reached in the negotiations with industrialists for working the Tullos Factory, Aberdeen; and when will this up-to-date and fullyequipped factory be completely utilised.

During the past two months we have secured the release of 69,000 square feet of requisitioned productive space involving 16 different premises and have investigated and recommended building licences for extensions and additions to existing factories to a total of£62,000. We have also allocated an 87,000 square feet factory to Tullos Ltd., a new company to be formed by Wilson and Lightbody Ltd., the wartime occupiers, and Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd., for the production of agricultural machinery. Manufacture will start as soon as the necessary plant has been obtained and installed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the present restrictions on glassware production will be modified or removed, in view of the widespread demand now existing for domestic glassware.

There are no restrictions on production of the most essential types of glassware, so I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the less essential types and to decorated ware. Restrictions on manufacture and home sales of these goods will shortly be modified so as to limit them only by a requirement that each manufacturer shall export a percentage by value of his production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the existing shortage of cardboard containers and cartons is due to the decline in the collection of salvage.

The production of board for boxes and cartons is to some extent curtailed by the shortage of waste paper, but output has been well maintained and the quantity available for civilian requirements has increased by approximately 125 per cent. in the past 12 months.

7,000 tons of waste paper have been imported from Sweden and Finland in the past few months, and a further 7,000 tons is to be imported from Finland in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some outside brokers are evading the provisions of the Prevention of Fraud (Investment) Act, 1939, by establishing offices in Northern Ireland; and whether he is taking action on the subject.

One case has been brought to my notice in which a person, who had been refused a licence under the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act, 1939, has set up an office in Northern Ireland. As regards the second part of the Question, the position is that the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act (Northern Ireland), 1940 contains similar restrictive provisions to those in our Act and these will come into full operation on 1st March next.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a report on the progress made in the switchover to peacetime employment, of the factories contained in the Trafford Park area.

Of the six Government factories in the Trafford Park area, four have now been allocated for peace time production, namely:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now hold out any hope of an early release of an increased number of bed mattresses.

Production of mattresses is limited by the supply of ticking, which shares in the general shortage of cotton goods. Increased quantities of ticking are now becoming available from new production and surpluses, and the output of mattresses is already rising substantially. The improvement, however, will be gradual, and for some time the whole or the greater part of supplies will be required to meet priority dockets.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any steps have been taken to introduce and stimulate industry in the Audley and Kidsgrove districts of North Staffordshire, having regard to the availability of labour and suitable services there.

Yes, Sir. The Potteries District of North Staffordshire is one of the areas in which, after the Development Areas, we are making every effort to provide a more diversified industrial structure. Three Government-owned factories have been allocated for civilian production and, of 12 new building schemes approved for this district, nine are for the modernisation and extension of existing factories.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that married women are working in the Spennymoor factory, while their husbands are signing the register at the employment exchange; and what prospect there is in these development areas for the employment of male labour at an early date.

Work for both men and women will be provided in the Spennymoor R.O.F., now being converted into a trading estate, and in other new factories approved for the North-Eastern development area. I am aware that there are men unemployed at present in Spennymoor while women are working in the factory, but there are more women than men now unemployed in this area. As regards" the second part of the Question, about two-thirds of the estimated vacancies in the new factories approved for this development area will be for men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of six to seven foot split willow or hazel hoops for lobster and crab pot making, particularly in Looe and Polperro; and if he will give an assurance of immediate action to increase supplies.

My attention has not previously been called to such a shortage. There is no statutory control over the supply, but voluntary arrangements exist for giving priority to essential orders for willows on application to the National Basket and Willow Trades Advisory Committee, at 103, Cannon Street, London.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will make a statement on the commercial policy of His Majesty's Government towards Spain.

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government to develop and expand their export trade with all foreign countries. Nothwithstanding the character of the present Spanish règime, on which the views of His Majesty's Government have been made known, this policy holds for Spain also. We import from Spain a quantity of foodstuffs and other commodities which are essential to our economy. As, however, the House has already been informed, there is a prohibition on the export to Spain of goods calculated to strengthen the Spanish Armed Forces.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to implement the promise to remove all restrictions on the pleating and embroidery trades.

I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly. In the meantime, embroiderers and pleaters are. being helped to re-open their businesses and more than 100 firms have been licensed to make samples.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the protest of the Monmouthshire trades and labour councils, held at Newport recently, concerning the inadequate provision to bring more industries to Monmouthshire and to allow workers who have left this area before and during the war to return to their native county; and what further steps are being taken to meet this position.

Yes, Sir, and I am sending ray hon. Friend a copy of the reply which was sent to the Secretary of the Monmouthshire Federation of Trades and Labour Councils of 24th January. It is estimated that steps already taken should provide employment for some 6,000 men and 9,000 women.

asked the President of the Board of Trade who is his present representative in Chicago and what is his- rank; and what staff and facilities are at his disposal for the purpose of trade representation in that city.

Mr. W. H. Gallienne is responsible for the work of the Chicago Consular district under the general guidance and direction of the Minister Commercial at His Majesty's Embassy in Washington. Mr. Gallienne is a member of His Majesty's Foreign Service and holds the rank of His Majesty's Consul-General. The senior staff comprises one officer of the rank of His Majesty's Consul, who is specially charged with the commercial work of the post, and also two Vice Consuls. There is a supporting staff of junior officers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any help will be given to proprietors of derequisitioned hotels and boarding houses in obtaining the necessary supplies of linen, furniture, etc., to enable them to start business again.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Skegness and other coastal resorts are largely dependent for their livelihood on catering for the spring and early summer holiday trade; and whether, in view of this fact, he will reconsider his decision not to give priority facilities for obtaining curtains, bed-linen, towels, and similar equipment to the proprietors of boarding houses and hotels in such districts.

Yes, Sir. We are working out plans for dealing with this matter, but the hon. and gallant Members will understand that, with supplies so short, it will for the present be possible to consider only the minimum needs of establishments having priority claims.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the hon. and gallant Member for West Edinburgh may expect to receive answers to his letters of 21st December, 1945, and 14th January, 1946, regarding Scottish regimental tartans.

The hon. and gallant Member will by now have received the reply sent to him on 5th February. I regret the delay, which was due to the necessity of consulting the several Departments concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a substantial quantity of tobacco is available for importation from Queensland; and whether he is prepared to negotiate with the Governments of Australia and Rhodesia for the importation of additional quantities of tobacco with a view to reducing the drain on our dollar reserve.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." Australia imports but does not export tobacco. The Queensland crop provides only a very small part of Australia's usage. Arrangements have already been made to take as much of the Rhodesian crop as can be made available to this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now state his policy for the importation of raw cotton.

This matter is still under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences have been issued since VJ-Day for the export of British aircraft to Spain; and what is the total number of aircraft covered by such licences.

The answer to both parts of the Question is "None, Sir."

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he realises that artificial manure firms expect to be able to fulfil not more than 20 per cent. of their orders for potash; and what action he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

I am aware that, owing, to delays to shipping and production difficulties in Spain, deliveries of potash to our compound fertiliser manufacturers have fallen short of expectations. Up to the end of January, however, about 40 per cent. of manufacturers' stated require- ments for the season ending 30th June next had been supplied. All possible steps are being taken to expedite shipments, and it is hoped that the total quantity of potash to be made available to agriculture this season will not be less than that provided last season.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state his future policy with regard to domestic salvage.

Yes, Sir. It is imperative in the interests of national economy that supplies of waste paper, rags, household bones and kitchen waste should be maintained and, where possible, increased. Accordingly, it is of the utmost importance that local authorities should continue to collect these materials regularly. I would appeal to all householders to assist in saving imports by making these materials available for collection in the greatest possible quantities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state when fuller supplies of children's and women's shoes of better quality are likely to be available.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 23rd January, to which I have, at present, nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that there has been little improvement in the supplies of children's shoes to Margate, he will at once have a special inquiry made into the distribution to that town.

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of biscuits exported during 1945.

Exports of biscuits during 1945 amounted to 2,679,073 cwts. valued at£12,682,623 and were almost wholly for relief purposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the prevailing shortage of handkerchiefs; and in view of the risk of infection and the discomfort to individuals, whether he will take action to increase the supplies.

Yes, Sir. I have already arranged to increase supplies from new production and also from surplus Government cloth which is suitable for handkerchiefs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to consult with the Dominion Governments with a view to the holding as early as possible of an Empire Trade Fair.

It is the intention to hold the British Industries Fair in the first half of 1947. In accordance with past practice, space will be reserved for Empire trade exhibits. A committee under the chairmanship of Lord Ramsden has just reported on the policy and plans for future exhibitions and fairs. The report is now being considered. Any decision as to holding a special Empire Trade Fair will depend on the outcome of these considerations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the shortage of food, he will take steps to secure an immediate resumption of the issue of licences for the purchase of herring, seine, and ring nets.

Every effort is being made to secure additional labour in order to increase the production of these nets. The licences already issued will exhaust the capacity available for home fishing for the remainder of the current allocation period up to 30th June, 1946. In the event of additional capacity becoming available, further licences will be issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will grant a supplementary allowance of clothing coupons to teachers engaged in certain branches of their profession, such as domestic science, laboratory work and physical training.

No, Sir. I am afraid that I could not justify any such concession at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that 150 coupons are made available to Malayan Government civil servants to enable them to purchase tropical clothing and equipment before returning to their duties in Malaya, whereas only 75 coupons are made available to rubber planters and other civilians, most of whom lost all their clothing and possessions whilst internees under the Japanese, and whose requirements on returning to Malaya are no less than those of civil servants; and whether arrangements will be made to increase the number of coupons made available to those who are not Government employees.

All persons going to the Far East, including Malaya, for the first time are entitled to 150 coupons. In the case, however, of internees, they have already received a minimum of 150 coupons on their first return to this, country. When they leave this country again they are allowed a further 75 coupons. I am taking steps to see that all internees are treated alike in this respect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to end the present system of Tobacco Control.

I regret that I cannot make any forecast at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government of the U.S.A. are paying for rubber from Malaya on the same basis as the British Government and by the same methods, namely, payment to the custodian of enemy property for all rubber received.

No, Sir. The British Government are the sole purchasers of rubber from the custodian of enemy property and payment for Malayan rubber supplied to the U.S.A. will be made direct to the British Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all moneys received for rubber by the Government Buying Unit in Malaya are still intact in the hands of the custodian of enemy property; and whether steps are being taken to ensure that there is no distribution by the custodian until all who may have claims in connection with rubber shipped from Malaya since its occupation, have had the fullest opportunities.

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that no money has so far been received by the Custodian of Enemy Property in respect of rubber stocks. Payment to the Custodian is at present being arranged with the Buying Unit. No decision has yet been taken with regard to the disposal of the monies received. I will see that the hon. and gallant Member's point is brought to the attention of the Custodian.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether without increasing points, he will consider putting all tobacco imported from the U.S.A. on points thus enabling purchase of food from U.S.A. with the dollars so saved, and maintaining the quality, quantity, and variety of food now available on points for those who prefer to do without Virginian tobacco.

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cars have been exported to the Channel Islands in 1945; and whether it is the intention of the Government to limit the number of cars sent there when the ratio of cars to population reaches the figure which obtains in the United Kingdom.

There were 445 private cars. exported to the Channel Islands in 1945 It is not proposed to reintroduce control over the export of motor cars for this purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of mills and factories in Oldham now occupied by His Majesty's Government; and the dates when these properties may be released to industry.

Forty-three mills and factories in Oldham are now occupied by His Majesty's Government out of 85 recorded as requisitioned for the emergency. Of those still occupied, eight are being cleared with a view to early release, and the remaining 35, of which 14 were disused before the war, are mainly cotton mills which will be released as soon as they are required for civilian production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider a further adjustment of cigarette supplies to ensure that London receives a fair allocation in comparison with the rest of the country.

Distribution by the manufacturers is on the basis of past trade, with adjustments for movements of population. London is receiving a fair allocation on this basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the cost of the British Information Services in the U.S.A. for 1944 and 1945; and what is the estimated cost for 1946.

The cost for 1944–45 was£345,553, for 1945–46 will be approximately£384,000, while the estimate for 1946–47 is£300,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British consulates were opened in the U.S.A. in 1938; what are the numbers today; and what new consulates have been opened during the past six years in the Middle Western States.

In 1938 there were 21 British Consulates, including both career and non-career posts, open in the United States, of which two, Tampa and Portland, Oregon, were opened during that year. The number is now 31. During the past six years the following five posts have been opened in the Middle Western States, of which three are career posts, namely Kansas City, Minneapolis and Cincinnati, and two are non-career posts, namely Cleveland and Denver.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the official pronouncement of the U.S. Secretary of State that the ultimate disposition of the Kurile Islands and part of Sakhalin was agreed at the Yalta Conference by the Chiefs of Staff; that this agreement was unknown to the Secretary of State until after the fall of Japan; and whether the same method and procedure prevailed as far as the British delegation was concerned.

I have seen reports of the pronouncements to which my hon. Friend refers. I am informed, however, that the former Prime Minister reported on these matters to his colleagues in the War Cabinet immediately on his return from Yalta. The answer to the third part of the Question is therefore in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Embassy is able to distribute in Moscow a news-sheet corresponding to the "Soviet News" published by the Press Department of the Soviet Embassy in London; and if any such British publication has recently carried a full report of the Foreign Secretary's speeches to U.N.O. Security Council.

His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow does not publish a daily news sheet corresponding to the "Soviet News"; it does, however, publish a weekly newspaper, the "British Ally," corresponding to the "Soviet Weekly." I have not seen the latest issue of the "British Ally," but arrangements were made for it to carry full summaries of my right hon. Friend's first and second speeches on Greece, and a short summary of the proceedings in the Security Council on Persia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Home Office officials in Paris, employed to issue visas for entering Great Britain, have refused to accept guidance from the British Embassy or Consulate in Paris about which French citizens should be granted visas, even when they satisfy all Home Office requirements; whether he will take action in the matter in view of the fact that complaints are frequent about the impoliteness and unnecessary delays at the visa offices; that the French men concerned are unaware that this office does not come under the British Embassy; and in what friendly countries before this war the Home Office were responsible for issuing visas to enter this country.

The officials referred to in. Paris and elsewhere are officials of the Foreign Office forming part of the staffs of British Missions abroad. This was also the case before the war. The regulations, however, for entry into the United Kingdom are laid down by the Home Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the official statement published by the French Ministry of Information on 17th January, that the cost of living has gone up by 703 per cent. since 1939 for basic commodities and the black market price by 3,117 per cent., he is satisfied that the present pay and allowances of British clerks, typists, etc., serving in the British Embassy and Consular offices in France is sufficient; and by how much has it gone up since 1939.

The allowances of the staff of the British Embassy in Paris and of Consular Offices in France are at present under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the present position of British-owned or controlled oil fields in Rumania; and what procedure will be followed with regard to compensation in the case of those which have been expropriated.

All British owned companies in Rumania are now under the management of their British owners. I do not know of any British oil company in Rumania which has been expropriated, but any compensation due to them from the Rumanian Government as a result of loss or damage during the war is safeguarded by the Armistice Terms and will, if necessary, be covered by appropriate provisions in the Peace Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total number of persons likely to be granted diplomatic privilege in connection with the Orders in Council made on 20th December, 1945 S.R.& O. Nos. 1638 and 1639 of 1945.

Twenty-three persons in all will be granted diplomatic privileges and immunities under S.R.& 0. Nos. 1638 and 1639 of 1945.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for Class B release had been received by the Shropshire W.A.E.C. before 1st January, 1946, and how many releases had been granted, the figures to include releases under the original scheme for agricultural specialists and not to take account of the bulk releases announced before and after Christmas.

One hundred and thirty-five applications under the Class B individual specialists scheme were received by the Shropshire War Agricultural Executive Committee before 1st January, 1946. Of 34 cases supported by the Committee 21 were recommended by my Department to the appropriate authorities, who have approved release in 15 cases, and refused four. Decisions in the remaining two cases are outstanding.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the damage done to gardens and allotments by birds and rabbits, he will permit the purchase of wire netting by private individuals owning half an acre or more, with out licence.

I regret that wire netting supplies are not sufficient to allow any further relaxation of control at present if essential agricultural needs are to be met. It is, however, already permissible for any person to acquire without licence new wire netting of an amount not exceeding 100 lineal yards per month, or any quantity of used wire netting.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many Italian prisoners of war are now employed in British agriculture; how many of these are employed in Wales; and if he now has a statement to make about the future use of this kind of labour.

The number of Italian prisoners of war working in agriculture in Great Britain at the end of December, 1945, was 54,300, of whom about 5,400 were employed in Wales. Italian prisoners will continue to be employed in agriculture until they are repatriated, and I expect that at least an equivalent number of German prisoners will become available in their place to help in achieving our food production programme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total cost to the Exchequer of W.A.E.C.s during 1945.

Payments and receipts by or on behalf of county war agricultural executive committees in the financial year 1944 (ended 31st March, 1945) and brought to account on the Vote for my Department amounted to£19,522,209 and£11,765,639 respectively. The corresponding figures for the financial year 1945—partly estimated—are£19,000,000 and£21,000,000. The above figures do not include the cost of common services, supplies, e.g. accommodation, stationery, printing, postages, etc., nor the cost of maintenance of prisoners of war employed in agriculture, borne on the Votes of other Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by whose permission Don Juan, the Pretender to the Spanish throne, was granted a British visa.

The request by the Count of Barcelona for a transit visa to pass through this country on his way to Portugal was granted on my authority.

asked the Minister of Works whether in view of the heavy prospective demand for holiday accommodation during the summer of 1946 and the scarcity of accommodation at the various holiday resorts, he will authorise the use by appropriate organisations of ordnance hostels, suitably adapted, which are now redundant to production requirements.

I am fully aware of the importance of providing holiday accommodation, and I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind, but the number of hostels which have been notified to my Department as surplus is extremely small. The demands on them, to meet such requirements as teachers' training colleges and police training colleges, and also local authority requirements for housing purposes, exceed the supply. Most of the hostels, moreover, were built near the industrial establishments in which the hostel residents were employed.

asked the Minister of Works whether it has been brought to his notice that the building materials industries would welcome an inquiry into the allegation of price rings; and if he will arrange for the undertaking of such an inquiry.

I do not think that a general inquiry on the lines proposed by the hon. and gallant Member would achieve satisfactory results. I have already announced in the House that I have appointed a committee to inquire into the financial structure of the cement industry, and I am glad to acknowledge that the industry has welcomed this inquiry. I am taking appropriate action in other cases.

asked the Minister of Works if it is the policy of his Department to refuse to sponsor the Class B release of key building workers solely because the man is within two months of his Class A release date.

This Department, in common with other sponsoring Departments, does not ordinarily recommend the release in Class B of men who would in any event be released within about two months in Class A.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of prisoners discharged from the

Year.		Number of prisoners discharged.		Number of discharges for which the Society was responsible.	Expenditure.						Included in Expenditure.
					Aid to discharged prisoners.			On administration.			Cost of salaries.			Cost of travelling.
					£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d
1938	…	S.	588
		C.	1155	1,406	248	6	9	808	7	10|	501	5	4	32	15	9
1939	…	S	518
		C.	1305	1,1371	224	11	6	721	5	6	471	0	5	77	15	5
1940	…	S.	542
		C.	1424	Records destroyed by enemy action.
1941*	…	S.	541
		C.	1573	†	145	18	8	531	1	7	399	14	4	45	7	6
1942	…	S.	493
		C.	1525	†	109	15	9	609	8	9	434	2	10	62	18	9
1943	…	S.	538
		C.	1599	1,242	185	9	3	606	6	11	437	3	4	68	9	0
1944	…	S.	402
		C.	1612	1,169	199	13	10	627	0	6	456	16	1	65	13	0
* The figures in the last four columns are for the period February 25th. 1941 to December 31st, 1941.
† Statistics not included in this Society's short war-time report.
S. = Swansea. C. = Cardiff.

asked the Minister of Food whether the diversion of 20,000,000 bushels of grain for food instead of alcohol, in view of the world grain shortage, as announced by the U.S. President, is to be accompanied by any similar action here.

The question raised by the hon. Member is one of those which are receiving urgent consideration in connection with the world cereals position. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to make a statement at an early date.

The three prisoners' aid -societies operating in South Wales amalgamated in 1937 and a certificate of efficiency was issued to the new society— South Wales and Monmouth—in November, 1937 The operation of the new society consequently commenced with the year. 1938. The information asked for covering the period 1938–44 inclusive is set out in the following Table:

asked the Chancellor of the. Exchequer if he will now state the cost to public funds of the journeys abroad undertaken by Ministers during the Christmas recess.

About£2,300.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the monthly value of American films imported into this country dur- ing the 12 months of 1945 and January, 1946, respectively.

Recorded imports of exposed cinematograph film (mainly from the U.S.A.) were valued as follows in each month of 1945. (Figures for January, 1946. are not yet available.)

	£
January	9.634
February	9,418
March	13,190
April	12,872
May	8,623
June	11,409
July	23,060
August	9,640
September	26,128
October	12,472
November	13,416
December	19,785

It will be noted that the total imports in 1945 amounted to only some£170,000. As I' informed the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 7th February, total remittances of royalties by film companies to the United States in 1945 amounted to£16,800,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the reasons for the Government decision to continue the expenditure of dollars on films and tobacco while refusing to spend dollars on the purchase of dried eggs.

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the forthcoming Debate.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what date in February basic petrol ration books for March and subsequent months will be available in post offices.

The basic petrol ration books for the next period beginning 1st March will be available on and after Wednesday, 13th February, at any post office dealing with motor taxation business or any local taxation office.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why the Emergency Additional Benefits Amendment Regulations, contained in S.R.& 0., 1945, No. 1644, were certified as urgent, instead of being made at the proper time, so as to come into operation under the normal procedure.

The regulations to which the hon. Member refers were required to be made urgently because, owing to the suspension of valuations of approved societies during the emergency period, additional benefits and schemes covering about 400,000 insured persons would otherwise have come to an end at 6th January, 1946. As the hon. Member will see, the regulations involved consultation with a number of authorities including the Ministries of Labour and Finance for Northern Ireland. By the date when the necessary approvals for the making of the regulations were obtained there was not time before 6th January to give the prescribed notice of the proposal to make the regulations, and it was accordingly necessary to make the regulations to come into force at once as provisional rules.

asked the Minister of; National Insurance the number of old age pensioners, men and women separately, in Wales and in each area for which figures are available.

At the end of December, 1945, the estimated number of old age pensioners was as follows: Men, 93.3001 Women, 131,400 (including 25,700 widows between 60 and 70). Comparable figures for particular areas are not available.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the number of people drawing sickness benefits in Wales at the last known date, and in each area separately, indicating men, women, boys and girls.

I regret that this information is not available. Sickness and disablement benefits are administered by approved societies and information as to the number of insured persons in receipt of such benefits at any particular time could only be obtained by calling for returns from some 500 societies and branches which have members resident in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of building firms in Scotland employing more than 10 persons which were in existence on 1st August, 1939, compared with the number in existence on 1st January, 1946; and how many of them have been asked to quote on housing schemes.

I regret I have no information as to the number of building firms employing more than 10 persons in existence on 1st August, 1939. The number on 1st August, 1945, the latest date for which information is available, was 826. Of these firms I understand 304 have so far been asked by the Ministry of Works to quote for 140 contracts for temporary house erection. As regards permanent houses local authorities normally invite tenders by public advertisement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state in respect of Scotland the number of sites approved for temporary houses; the number of sites handed over to the Ministry of Works; the number of sites on which slabbing had begun; and the number of sites on which slabbing had been completed, all as at 31st December, 1945.

The figures are 24,075, 8,801, 5,770, 4,112 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much land for housing was in the possession of local authorities in Scotland, or in course of being purchased by them, on 31st December, 1945.

Land for 15,000 temporary houses and 69,000 permanent houses had either been acquired or was in process of being acquired at 31st December.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of temporary houses completed and the number under construction as at 31st December, 1945, in Scotland; and how many of these were in the landward areas.

At 31st December, 437 temporary houses were completed and 1,576 under construction, of which 194 and 578 respectively were in landward areas.