asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how much money has been paid to civil contractors and workers to remove military obstructions;(2) how many civilian operatives were being employed to move military obstructions at the latest date upon which this information is available.

I regret that the information asked for is not available and could not be obtained without a considerable amount of research and inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the shortage of entertainment facilities for members of B.A.O.R. stationed outside the big German towns; and what steps he is taking to improve those facilities.

:My information is that there is not in fact a general shortage of entertainment facilities outside the big German towns which cannot be met by the provision of local and Service entertainments or by the provision of recreational transport to the nearest large centre. There are, however, some isolated units in outlying districts for which entertainment facilities are necessarily very restricted. But even in these cases at least one cinema show a week is normally provided.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the shortage of building operatives, he will release immediately 14611314 Private H. Jenkins of the Black Watch, a foreman bricklayer and the father of six children; and is he aware that the man's employers have been trying to get his release since June last year.

This soldier is classified as a bricklayer. Bricklayers are being offered Class B release under the block release scheme. It has not yet been found necessary to call upon men of his age and service group to meet the demands by the Ministry of Labour and National Service, nor has any application been received from the Ministry of Labour and National Service for his release as an individual specialist.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a young soldier, of whose name he has been informed and whose medical category has been reduced in a few months from A1 to B7, is not receiving proper medical treatment, but is being compelled to undergo a training which is increasing his disability; and will he arrange for a medical examination by a specialist forthwith and for the training to be eased, pending the medical report.

The hon. Member should by now have received the full reply about this case which was sent to him yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the R.E.s are dependent upon civilian contractors for work involved on derequisitioned property; and if he will arrange for skilled tradesmen in the R.E.s to do the work themselves and so hasten general derequisitioning.

Royal Engineer skilled labour is organised in units which arc-fully employed on larger and more concentrated works. It is generally more practical and economical, particularly in areas where civilian labour is readily available, to employ civilian contractors on numerous and scattered small services of the type in question. The work of Royal Engineer units does, however, assist indirectly in the process of derequisitioning in so far as they are employed on the provision of accommodation to take the place of requisitioned property.

asked the Secretary of State for War the present strength of the A.T.S.

The strength of the A.T.S. on 31st January, 1946, was approximately 117,500.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the circumstances attending the repatriation of West African troops from the Far East, and in view of the reduced punishments extended to the Indian National Army for treason able offences, he will assure the House that a similar measure of leniency will be extended to West African troops, now awaiting trial on charges of mutiny and lesser offences, committed subsequent to the end of hostilities in the Far East.

I cannot give any special undertaking in regard to disciplinary cases which are sub judice. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that those cases which have resulted or may result in convictions and sentences will receive careful review in the light of all relevant circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of complaints among African troops in the Far East, that demobilisation of United Kingdom troops is taking place at a faster rate than that of West Africans and that allocation of transport space for repatriation is relatively more favourable to the former; and if he will give an assurance that an equitable rate of demobilisation and repatriation will be maintained as between West African and United Kingdom troops.

I am aware that there has been some dissatisfaction amongst African troops in India and the Far East at the rate of repatriation and demobilisation, but steps have now been taken to accelerate it, and I hope that all grounds for legitimate complaint will shortly be disposed of. The basis on which demobilisation of African troops takes place is so different from that for United Kingdom troops that it is not possible to make any comparison on a common basis. For example, African troops do not serve for more than three years overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he intends to issue medal ribbons to next of kin of those who lost their lives in the war.

The ribbons of the Campaign Stars and the Defence Medal will be issued to next-of-kin with the Stars and Medal when these have been manufactured.

asked the Secretary of State for War the policy of his Department in reference to applications for Class C releases by owners of one-man businesses which were temporarily closed for the duration of the owner's service in His Majesty's Forces.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Belper (Mr. G. Brown) on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that nursing sisters due for immediate demobilisation are being detained at 211 Transit Camp, M.E.F., and have been informed that the routine ship for January has been cancelled; and, in view of the need for nurses in this country, will he arrange for their immediate transport home.

I am making inquiries into this matter and as soon as they are completed I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now release officers who volunteered to defer their release before the conclusion of hostilities with Japan with the express object of participating in operations in the Far East.

No, Sir. All officers and other ranks who voluntarily deferred their release undertook to continue to serve subject to the normal rules governing transfer and posting. There was no mention of participation in operations in the Far East and there is no means of distinguishing between those who deferred with the express object of fighting the Japanese, and those who deferred for other reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Adjutant - General has recently announced in Batavia that demobilisation may be slowed down; and whether he will reconsider this decision and dispel the dissatisfaction it has caused.

The Adjutant-General is on his way back from an overseas tour and I am not yet aware of the precise terms of any statement he may have made on any particular subject. I am confident, however, that he will have made no statement which conflicts with War Office policy. As has been made clear on numerous occasions, demobilisation is proceeding and will continue to proceed as rapidly as governing factors allow.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is yet in a position to announce the dates for the demobilisation of men in release Groups 27 and upwards.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and" National Service will be making a statement in the next day or two concerning all three Services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in Kenya in Group 27 who were called into the transit camp in mid-January for repatriation were subsequently told that their departure was postponed in order to facilitate the repatriation of Italian prisoners who had struck work; and whether he has any statement to make to explain these happenings.

An error was evidently made in sending to the transit camp men in Group 27 unnecessarily early. They did in fact leave Mombasa on 4th February and are due to arrive in this country a week before the opening date for their Group, which is 7th March. It follows that there is no reason to suppose that the arrival of men in Group 28 or later from East Africa will be delayed beyond the dates laid down for their Groups. As the men in question had arrived in the transit camp too early the Italian prisoners were quite properly shipped first, although I can fully understand the irritation that this must have caused. I am arranging for overseas Commands to be asked to avoid the unnecessarily early assembly of men in transit camps.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that prisoners of war who were rescued from torpedoed Japanese transports in the Far East have been demobilised on the same terms as other Far Eastern prisoners of war who were released from prison camps after the Japanese surrender.

Yes, Sir. There is no discrimination between those ex-prisoners of war from the Far East who were repatriated before the Japanese surrender and those repatriated after that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what groups up to and including Group 26, are officers no longer being sent for service to B.A.O.R., the Continent or the Middle East

Unless they have voluntarily deferred release or are Regular soldiers with certain specified minimum periods of service still to serve, officers required for drafting overseas are at present normally drawn from the following Age and Service groups:B.A.O.R., 29 and later; C.M.F., 29 and later; all other theatres (including Middle East) 40 and later.If, however, suitable officers in these Age and Service groups are not available to fill specific appointments, individual officers from earlier groups may have to be posted as a matter of military necessity.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that group 25 is now being compulsorily deferred as operationally vital for up to three months; and how far that will affect the date of demobilisation of Group 26, or any subsequent group.

No, Sir. Neither as regards officers nor other ranks is Group 25 being compulsorily deferred as operationally vital. The release of Group 25 other ranks was completed on 4th February 1946, and that of Group 25 officers is due to begin on 14th March, 1946. Group 26 other ranks began on 5th February and is due to be completed by 6th March. The closing date for Group 25 officers has not yet been announced. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under the postwar code of pay, the wives of all married soldiers will be eligible for marriage allowance on the present basis.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the recent White Paper on the Post-War Code of Pay and Allowances, where full details are given. The relevant paragraphs of the White Paper are 21-27 and 51 (b). Paragraph 26 reads as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason an instruction has been given that officers in S.E.A.C., other than India and Australia, are to revert to Royal Warrant (British) rates of pay with effect from 12th February, 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the recent official announcement made to officers and men in S.E.A.C., that their pay is to revert from Indian to United Kingdom rates and of the dissatisfaction this has caused; and, in view of the higher cost of living, whether he will reconsider this decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the decision was taken to revert the pay of officers and other ranks serving in S.E.A.C. from Indian rates to United Kingdom rates; and what further compensation he proposes to introduce in this command to alleviate the higher cost of living in India and the Far East generally.

I am not aware of any such instruction. As stated in the recent White Paper on postwar emoluments, the question of the treatment of British Service personnel on Indian rates of pay is being examined by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of India. In the meantime, it is not proposed to make any change, and the command is being so informed.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date it is proposed to close down the military camp at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.

The military camp at Woodhall Spa is occupied and I regret that I cannot at present foresee when it will no longer be required.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects to complete the clearing of the site in the Ashton Marine Park, Lytham St. Annes, which was used by his Department during the war; and whether he will expedite the matter so that these grounds may be fully available to the public during the coming holiday season.

This is a redundant Anti-Airciaft site. The huts have been disposed of. There remain concrete emplacements and pill-boxes, which fall to be dealt with under the arrangements described in my answer to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 20th December. Meanwhile, such reinstatement as is possible with the available prisoner of war labour is being carried out. I regret that this work cannot be speeded up as no further prisoner of war labour can be supplied.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether is is aware that parties from the Central Ammunition Depot at Bramley, near Basingstoke, have at frequent intervals during the last six months, been burning smoke containers on Old Winchester Hill, near West Meon, Hampshire, causing clouds of ill-smelling smoke, which obscure the sky and cause annoyance to residents in the neighbourhood; why the canisters are brought to this locality for disposal; and whether he will give instructions for this nuisance to be terminated.

The destruction by burning of smoke generators is part of the programme for disposing of surplus stocks of ammunition now held in this country. Very careful consideration is given to the methods of disposal and detailed instructions are issued. Where local destruction is ordered as in this particular instance, these instructions cover the selection of the most suitable site. The burning of smoke generators is restricted to periods when atmospheric conditions are likely to be most favourable and the smoke will pillar to a considerable height before dispersing, thereby avoiding dense clouds at ground level. It is essential that these operations should be carried out. I do, however, very much regret the inconvenience which is caused to local residents, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that every effort is made to reduce such inconvenience to a minimum.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the short supply of such articles as toothpaste, boot polish, etc., in N.A.A.F.I. canteens in S.E.A.C, and of the high prices charged for these; and if he will take steps to remedy this matter.

I am informed that there is no shortage of toothpaste in S.E.A.C. There is, however, a shortage of boot polish and everything is being done to speed up deliveries. The prices of these goods in S.E.A.C. are comparable to or slightly less than those in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is proposed to continue the production of the A.B.C.A. pamphlets in the Army; and whether he will state the total cost per copy issued and the amount of newsprint involved.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many tons of paper were used by A.B.C.A. for their weekly pamphlets in 1945; and how many tons are being used at the present time.

It is intended to continue the supply of bulletins on current affairs to the Army and they are still being produced by the War Office. Proposals for future supply are under consideration. The cost per copy issued for paper and printing is approximately two-thirds of a penny. The quantity of paper used in each fortnightly issue is about 2½ tons. 146 tons of paper were used during 1945.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that parcels of winter clothing dispatched from this country in early November had not been received by personnel of the Military Government, B.A.O.R., on 20th January; and whether he will take immediate steps to expedite deliveries by M.F.O.

I have no evidence of any general delay in the M.F.O. service, but if the hon. Member would send me full particulars of the particular consignment in question I will gladly make inquiries.

:asked the Secretary of State for War the number of garages requisitioned in the Metropolitan area of London since 3rd September, 1939; and how many have been derequisitioned.

I cannot say how many garages have been requisitioned in the Metropolitan area at one time or another since 3rd September, 1939, but there are at present 38 commercial garages and 188 individual lock-ups under requisition. Five of the former will be derequisitioned within the next month.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers of the R.A.S.C. in the Middle East, whose demobilisation has been deferred on grounds of the shortage of officers, are serving in appointments for which no provision is made in the war establishment of the unit with which they are actually serving.

I consider it most improbable that there are any officers in this position, but I am making inquiries into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now consult with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in order to expedite the repatriation and release of anti-Nazi German prisoners of war, formerly at Camp 7, Ascot, and now mainly at Camp 157, Bourton-on-Hill, who gave useful political information and service to the prisoners-of-war programme of the B.B.C. and who could play a valuable part in the reconstruction of a democratic Germany.

316 anti-Nazi prisoners of war from Camp 157, who were formerly at Camp 7, Ascot, were repatriated on 7th February. A further small number of prisoners of war who were at Camp 7 will be concentrated for repatriation in the near future. Others who are at present actively employed at this camp will be repatriated as soon as replacements can be found.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the personal belongings of prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity and which were handed over to the Japanese for safe custody had been recovered; and will they be sent to the next of kin of such prisoners.

Certain consignments of personal effects of prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity have been received from the Far East. These have already been forwarded to the persons legally entitled to the estates of the deceased persons or will be forwarded as soon as identification is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will agree to funds collected by prisoners of war in Germany for philanthropic purposes being converted at the£ rate of 15 marks to the£, as is the case with individual savings.

I regret that I cannot yet add anything to my reply to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) on nth December, 1945.

asked the Secretary of State for War his reasons for the delay in publication of the despatches relating to the fall of Singapore and the first expedition into Greece, especially in view of the demand from the Dominion of Australia for a full inquiry into the circumstances relating to the former.

Despatches on the Malayan Campaign up to the fall of Singapore and those covering the Greek campaign are under active preparation. The author of the former has only comparatively recently been released from captivity.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of volunteers for the armed forces, of foreign or dual nationality, who came to help the British Empire in time of need, are now anxious to be released; and if he will, now that the crisis is over, accord these men the earliest possible demobilisation.

This matter is at present under consideration, and I hope to be able to make an announcement on the subject covering the three Services shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the estimated value of the clothing, accommodation, food, medical services, etc., supplied to Servicemen has been reduced from 35s. in 1942 to 20s.

The estimated value has not been so reduced. The figure of 35s. to which my hon. Friend refers is presumably that given in the White Paper on the Pay and Allowances of the Armed Forces issued in August, 1942. It was there quoted as an estimate of the minimum sum the unmarried man would otherwise have to spend on the items of living with which he is in fact provided free. The figure of 20s. given in the recent White Paper was estimated as the expense which is saved to the married man and to his household by reason of the fact that he is being kept by the Service..

asked the Secretary of State for War under which Section of the Army Act a British soldier is prevented from marrying an Italian or German girl.

In a command where there is a General Routine Order in force prohibiting marriage with women of certain nationalities a soldier who disobeyed the Order would be liable to a charge under Section II of the Army Act. It has been decided by His Majesty's Government that marriages between members of the Forces and German or Austrian women should be prohibited, but there is no General Routine Order forbidding marriages with Italian women.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that a plebiscite on the future of their homeland which the people of ex-Italian Eritrea were organising was suppressed by the order of the British Military Administrator of Eritrea and that the organisers of the plebiscite were arrested and called upon to find guarantees for their future good behaviour and bail of 1,080; and whether he will now instruct the military administrator to make known to the people of Eritrea that the free expression of their views on this and other public questions will no longer be interfered with and that they are free to organise any form of plebiscite or orderly public demonstration.

No plebiscite has been organised in Eritrea and the facts relating to the alleged suppression of a plebiscite are as follows: Demonstrations by members of the Eritrean Police Force in Asmara in February, 1944, regarding grievances relating to pay, uniform and other questions of service, resulted in the arrest of five persons who were responsible for inciting the members of the police force in the hope of using it as. an instrument for their political purposes.Since, however, it appeared that the accused did not fully understand the serious nature of their actions they were remanded on bail by the Military Court for four months upon production of two sureties each of a£100. It was explained to them that they were free to entertain and advocate any views they liked about the future disposal of Eritrea but they must refrain from attempting to force the issue by such means as inducing the Eritrean Police Force to mutiny.Their subsequent behaviour was correct and on their appearance before the Military Court at the end of four months—on 21st June, 1944—the charges were withdrawn and the sureties returned. In the circumstances it is in my opinion unnecessary to give any further instructions on this matter to the Chief Administrator of Eritrea who in 1944 made it known to the Chiefs of the tribes that reasonable forms of discussion on the future of Eritrea would not be discouraged and that the wishes of the people would be conveyed to the Peace Conference if they so desired.

asked the Chancellor of the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the approximate cost of immediate payment of postwar credits to all people over 65 years of age.

About£45 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider allowing postwar credits for sums not exceeding£100 and belonging to the estates of deceased persons, to be paid forthwith, in order to enable their estates to be wound up.

No, Sir. Personal representatives who wish to wind up an estate are entitled under the existing law to transfer the deceased's right to post-war credit, e.g. to the residuary legatee. The Tax Office that issued the original certificate will be prepared in such a case to issue a new certificate to the transferee on production of Probate or Letters of Administration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's inspectors of taxes have yet been instructed to apply the interpretation of Section 13 (9, a) of the Finance Act, 1939, made by the House of Lords in their decision in the case of Bibby& Sons, Limited, versus Inland Revenue Commissioners to cases under that section.

No, Sir. But I hope to issue instructions soon.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will raise the ban on the promotion of conscientious objectors in the Civil Service.

Yes, Sir, as from 1st July next.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the weekly salary paid to the shorthand typists who type the replies to Members' letters to Ministers.

The age, qualifications and rank of officers engaged on this work vary widely. The extremes are the minimum rate for a newly recruited temporary copying typist, aged 16, at 43s. per week, and the maximum of a clerical officer acting as a shorthand-typist at 131s. 6d. per week

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the increasing dissatisfaction amongst temporary civil servants, because there is no equitable demobilisation scheme for them, as for members of the Fighting Services; and whether he will undertake to announce such a scheme before the end of the financial year.

No, Sir. Redundant staff are being released under arrangements already agreed with the responsible Whitley Councils. A large number of temporary civil servants will continue to be indispensable to the Public Service for some time to come, but sympathetic consideration is given to individual applications for release.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of building materials which is causing a bottleneck in the housing drive in Birmingham; that only four out of 12 brickyards are operating; that steel window frames, sanitary fittings, sinks, cookers, plaster boards, slating and timber, all are many weeks overdue; and will he take immediate action in this matter.

Within a radius of 10 miles of the centre of Birmingham there are 14 active brickworks, 8 of which are producing common bricks at the rate of 2J million a month. At the beginning of the year these 8 works held a stock of over 12 million bricks, and in addition bricks are reaching the Birmingham region daily from the Bedford and Peterborough areas. I know of no contract in the Birmingham area which is actually held up by reason of a shortage of bricks. As regards the other materials and components referred to in the Question, I and my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production, are making every effort to overcome such shortages as there may be. I am not aware that housing is being held up in Birmingham on this account and should be glad to look into any particular cases of which my hon. Friend is aware.

asked the Minister of Works what is the method of disposal of surplus Army huts, and whether priority can be given to applications from organisations such as Scouts.

Generally speaking, surplus huts are offered in the first place to the owner of the land on which they have been erected. Where the owner does not wish to purchase they are then made available for sale to the general public. Priority in the purchase of such huts is given to voluntary youth organisations where recommended by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. I should add that, up to the present, surplus huts have not become available for disposal in any great quantities.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the voluntary youth organisations are experiencing difficulty in obtaining huts and equipment which are being disposed of as war-surplus property; and if he will take steps to see these youth organisations receive their quota.

As I have previously explained, priority is given by my Department to all youth organisations whose requests are recommended by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. The supply of surplus huts and equipment is, however, limited. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any difficulties he has in mind I will gladly look into them.

asked the Minister of Works whether registration under Regulation 56AB involves compliance on the part of the employer with Regulations laid down by joint agreement.

Yes, Sir. The terms and conditions of employment of persons employed by registered building or civil engineering firms must be neither more nor less favourable than those fixed by joint agreement in the industry or by arbitration.

asked the Minister of Works the number of houses in Cornwall held on requisition on 1st January, 1946.

The number of houses held on requisition in Cornwall by all Departments, exclusive of those held for housing purposes by the Ministry of Health, is 65.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether since nth October, 1945, he has taken any, and if so, what steps to release from requisition the four dwelling-houses occupied by his Department for business purposes in the City of Exeter, that is to say, 8, Howell Road, Montpelier, St. David's Hill; 18, Howell Road; and 12, Pennsylvania; and when any or all of these premises will be derequisitioned.

asked the Minister of Works

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, since nth October, 1945, he has taken any, and if so, what steps to release from requisition the three premises occupied by his Department for business purposes in the city of Exeter, that is to say, 7, Lyndhurst Road, 20, Pennsylvania Road and 30, Pennsylvania Road; and when any or all of these premises will be derequisitioned.

The following dwelling houses in Exeter have been vacated and released from requisition:8, Howell Road.Alexandra House, Barnfield Hill.It is anticipated that the following properties will be handed over to the Ministry of Health for housing purposes or released from requisition by the end of March:34, Richmond Road.79, St. David's Hill.18, Howell Road.The remaining properties under requisition for other Government Departments are as follows:

asked the Minister of Works whether his attention has been called to the dampness of the temporary houses erected by the order of his Department in Blackpool; whether he is aware that instructions had to be given that further houses should not be occupied until this condensation had been overcome; whether the defects have now been remedied; and to what extent similar difficulties have arisen elsewhere.

Yes, Sir. Immediate action was taken to remedy the defects, which were aggravated by exceptionally low night temperatures combined with very high atmospheric humidity. Difficulty has not arisen elsewhere to the same extent, but all aluminium houses so far occupied are being specially treated and modifications in design are being introduced and other steps taken in order to prevent the recurrence of this trouble. Production of these houses is still in its preliminary stages only.

asked the Minister of Works (1) whether he can give an assurance that normally the prefabricated houses supplied to local authorities are equipped with all the necessary fitments to enable them to be occupied immediately on erection; and why the first of 118 being supplied to Gravesend Borough Council has arrived without practically all its internal fitments;(2) whether he is aware that on 22nd December, 1944, Gravesend Borough Council were allocated 118 prefabricated houses; that on 27th November, 1945, they were informed that these would be supplied within a month, and that up to date only half of one house has arrived; what are the causes of the delay, and what steps he has taken to remove these causes.

It is not the practice to deliver the fitments for temporary houses until the erection of the hull has made progress. I informed my hon. Friend on 27th November that I hoped that the erection of temporary houses would start at Gravesend within the next month, but I regret that owing to a temporary hold-up in the rate of production the first hull did not in fact arrive until 15th January. Since then further hulls have been delivered and progress with their erection and with the supply of fitments will be made as quickly as possible

asked the Minister of Information (1) how much the Post Office is to deduct from the£1wireless licence fee for collection expenses, and what percentage of the balance the B.B.C. will receive;

Collection and other services by Government Departments are expected to cost about£500,000 a year or roughly 5 per cent. of the estimated total licence revenue. It is the Government's intention that, when present wartime financial arrangements come to an end, the provision to be voted for home sound broadcasting and television shall be a proportion, if necessary 100 per cent., of the net licence revenue after deduction of the Government's administrative expenses. The increased licence charge contains no provision for broadcasting to overseas listeners.

asked the Minister of Information (1) why, seeing that there is an estimated revenue deficit of£1,500,000 on the£7,500,000 cost of sound broadcasting, it has been decided to sanction a 100 per cent. increase on the cost of a wireless licence,

From the figures which I gave in answer to the Question addressed to my right hon. Friend on the 5th February by my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield (Mr. Ernest Davies), it can be seen that the cost of the contemplated improvements in the B.B.C.s home sound and television services, together with the cost of collection, are expected to absorb roughly the whole proceeds of a£1 annual licence charge. The justification for such a charge depends, therefore, on whether the home listener can properly be asked to pay something towards the cost of television and my right hon. Friend does not think this is any way unreasonable in view of the substantial benefits which the development of television promises to confer on the general body of listeners and the difficulties of making an arbitrary segregation of charge. An additional sum of£1 is, however, to be charged to owners of television sets.

asked the Minister of Information whether he anticipates an increase in wireless-licence holders in the future; and whether this factor has been taken into account before deciding that the wireless licence fee should be doubled.

My right hon. Friend does not anticipate any material increase in the number of wireless-licence holders in the future.

asked the Minister of Information if consideration can be given to granting old age pensioners, and widows in receipt of a pension, relief from the increased charge for a wireless licence, by means of a rebate of 10s. to be paid through the Inland Revenue, or in some other way.

I regret that I am unable to add anything to the answer which I gave last Tuesday on behalf of my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Information, in reply to the hon. Member and others on this subject.

asked the Minister of Information if he is aware that in the B.B.C. broadcast of "Today in Parliament," given on 6th February, six minutes were devoted to an account of the dried egg shortage and six minutes to the National Insurance Bill; and whether this provided a balanced review of the day's proceedings in Parliament.

In the absence abroad of my right hon. Friend, I have been asked to reply. The B.B.C. considered that six-minutes devoted to the topic of food supplies was not excessive in relation to the public interest in this question at the present time. They will continue to give the National Insurance Bill full treatment within the limits of the available space as it goes through Parliament.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what quantity of coal is still lying stored in Army dumps throughout the country; and why this is not being released for the use of the public.

The stocks of coal held by the Army amount to 276,000 tons. Apart from small local surpluses which will be disposed of under normal arrangements these stocks will be used to meet the greater part of the Army's requirements during the remainder of the winter thereby releasing coal for the general public from current production.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has yet received any recommendation from the electricity commissioners as to the future standardisation of voltage in this country; and whether he has reached any decision thereon.

Yes, Sir. I have had under consideration a report made to me by the Electricity Commissioners on this matter after consultation with the industry and I concur in the conclusion which they have reached, which is, that the most practicable and economical method of obtaining complete standardisation of low voltage alternating current supplies at one voltage would be to adopt 240 volts as the standard, subject for the time being to the present limits of variation. I have accordingly asked the Commissioners to discuss with the Associations concerned the steps to be taken to effect such standardisation.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will arrange for a better class of coal to be shipped to Northern Ireland and increase the supply, which is insufficient to meet even -the minimum needs of the people.

As the result of representations recently made to me by the Government of Northern Ireland, I have had the position fully examined but I regret that owing to the output position in this country it is not yet possible to increase the total supply to. Northern Ireland or to provide a higher proportion of the better qualities of coal. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that Northern Ireland is getting her fair share of the available supply both in quantity and quality.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to supply houses in rural areas with a cheap and efficient electric supply.

The Electricity Supply Industry has comprehensive schemes for development in the rural areas, but in present conditions of limited supplies of labour and materials progress cannot be as fast as desirable.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his attention has been called to the dues which continue to be collected on coal supplies going into Ramsgate and Margate, whether by rail or sea; and if he will consider taking steps to repeal this local tax which falls upon the inhabitants of the area.

I am making inquiries as to dues collected on coal supplies going into Ramsgate and Margate by rail or by sea and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many pit ponies were engaged in the coalmines in this country in 1925, and how many in 1945; and whether it is his intention to withdraw all ponies from the coalmines and install mechanical haulage.

In 1925 the total number of horses and ponies employed at coalmines was 60,852. By 1945 this number had fallen to 23,491, and I have no doubt that it will continue to fall and that horses and ponies for underground haulage will be gradually displaced as the reorganisation of the industry proceeds.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the continued public anxiety regarding the effect of the opencast coal blasting operations at Templenewsam, Leeds; and when are the promised tests to take place.

Yes, Sir; and I expect that the further tests will be made in about a week's time.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the quality and quantity of coal, in tons, exported from this country during the last three months; and the purpose for which the coal exported is being used.

Excluding shipments for H.M. Forces abroad, the amount of coal exported as cargo during the three months ended 31st December, 1945, was 1.350,000 tons. Apart from coal sent to bunker depots abroad the great bulk of the coal exported was of very low quality not normally used in this country. With regard to the last part of the Question, this coal is used for rehabilitation in liberated countries and in other countries for services which in general facilitate the supply of foreign products required for essential purposes in this country.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the position at Clifton Colliery, Nottingham.

This colliery was taken over by the Government in November, 1942. Saleable output, which was 135,927 tons in 1941 and 146,144 tons in 1942, has risen to 198,618 in 1945. The output per manshift in 1945 also showed an improvement on the 1942 figures. The financial results have steadily improved. Following the Christmas holidays this colliery, in common with the rest of the industry, suffered some increase in absenteeism. I am confident that this is an incidental occurrence and that the improvement will continue.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the death of two boys, James Quinn and George Derrick, both of Sutton's Dwellings, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who were over come by black damp in a drift from a disused clay mine; that this drift was open and anyone could crawl in and that there are several similar open drifts around Newcastle-upon-Tyne where similar danger exists; and will he see that a survey takes place and all such places are adequately sealed up.

I have seen the Press reports of this unfortunate accident, from which I gather that the boys lost their lives through entering abandoned mine workings. An abandoned mine shaft or entrance which is unfenced and dangerous is a "nuisance" within the meaning of the Public Health Acts, and local authorities have power under those Acts to enforce adequate fencing to prevent accidents. Thus the responsibility for dealing with such shafts and entrances rests solely on the local authorities, and I have no powers in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he will give an assurance that he has received definite requisitions from the Minister of Health as to the number of building trade operatives he must have available at specified times and specified places, to enable the Government's emergency prefabricated houses to be erected as soon as they are made available by their manufacturers;(2) whether he will give an assurance that he has prepared a time and progress schedule giving the dates on which all emergency houses are to be delivered to the local authorities, so that he can ensure that there will be a sufficient number of building trade operatives available in each area to enable these emergency prefabricated houses to be erected without delay, upon arrival.

The answer to these Questions is that my colleagues keep me fully informed as to their requirements.

asked the Minister of Labour in what circumstances professional actors on demobilisation can obtain a grant to assist them to replace essential parts of their wardrobe; and if he will equally state what steps could be taken by demobilised musicians who have to replace expensive instruments before obtaining civilian employment.

Persons who can show that professional acting was their sole or main source of livelihood during the 12 months before undertaking war service, and that they have a definite offer of an engage- ment for which, by the custom of the profession, they are required to provide their own clothes or other equipment, can, if their own resources are insufficient for this purpose, apply for a grant up to a maximum of£50 towards the cost of such clothes or equipment. Provisions as to eligibility and other conditions are, in general, the same as those under the Resettlement Grants Scheme. In reply to the second part of the Question, assistance is given under the Resettlement Grants Scheme towards the purchase of tool-kits to enable an applicant to accept an offer of work or to keep employment in a trade where it is the custom for employees to possess their own tools. Applications from professional musicians are considered under these provisions. Applications may be made at any Local Office of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men employed in the building industry in Scotland on 31st December, 1945.

As I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member, the only available building industry figures for Scotland relate to last July. I can not make any precise estimate of the number of insured men aged 16 and under 65 in employment in the building industry in Scotland at 31st December but it is probably of the order of 48.000 to 50,000.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for release have been received from men employed in the mining industry; and how many of these applications have been granted.

Since 15th May, 1941, the date on which the Essential Work Order was applied to the coalmining industry, the number of applications for release from the coalmining industry received up to the end of 1945 was 290,476, of which 216,905 were granted.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women respectively, unemployed in each of the following counties: Glamorgan, Monmouthshire and Carmarthenshire.

At 14th January, 1946, the numbers of unemployed insured men and women suitable for ordinary employment on the registers of Employment Exchanges. in the Counties of Glamorgan, Monmouth and Carmarthen were as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed in Scotland at the latest date; what percentage does that figure bear to the number of registered insured workers; what was the number registered at Coatbridge and Airdrie for the same date; and what percentage does that number bear to the total of registered insured workers at these exchanges

At 14th January, 1946, the number of unemployed insured persons suitable for ordinary employment on the registers. of employment exchanges in Scotland was 63,681 or 4.4 per cent. of the number insured at July, 1945. The corresponding figures for Coatbridge and Airdrie were 1,881 or 13.6 per cent. and 1,361 or 10.3 per cent. respectively. The total number of insured persons in January is not known and the percentage of unemployed cannot therefore be calculated.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the situation of ex-Service Irishmen, as instanced by James Fahy, a volunteer in the British forces, No. 3771871, King's Regiment and No. 2 Commando, who, after serving eight years, including three years as a prisoner of war, found on return to civil life that he could not get work at the local employment exchange in Chamwick Street and had to return to Ireland at his own expense; and will he take steps to ensure equality of treatment of ex-Service Irishmen and women in the provision of employment.

I have been unable to identify the employment exchange concerned or to trace the ex-Serviceman named, but if my hon. Friend will let me have full particulars, I shall be glad to have further inquiries made. Meanwhile I can assure him that no distinction is made by my Department between Irish and other ex-servicemen and women.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Class B releases have been effected since the Government's declaration that 10,000 men would be returned to the land.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 5th February to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) a copy of which I am sending him.

:asked the, Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to secure the release from the Forces, under Class B, of men who have experience in trades ancillary to agriculture such as the repair of agricultural machinery, saddlery and thatching.

Provision has already been made for the release in Class B of up to 900 rural craftsmen on nomination by the Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Agriculture for Scotland

:asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the necessity of increasing food production in this country, he will take immediate steps to substantially increase the number of Class B releases for persons previously engaged in agriculture.

The number has recently been increased from 10,000 to 18,000, in addition to which the call-up of 8,000 agricultural workers have been suspended until after the harvest.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will compute, to the nearest convenient dale, the number of agricultural workers in the Army who have refused Class B release owing to the low basic rate of pay that obtains in the industry.

Members of the Forces are not asked to state their reasons for refusing release in Class B, and I cannot therefore give any figures.

asked the Minister of Labour the latest figure of men released from the Forces under Class B for. employment in the building industry; and the date upon which this figure was compiled.

60,157 men were reported as released from the Forces in Class B for employment in the building industry up to 15th January, the latest date for which the information has been compiled.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the considerable number of joiners unemployed in the Borough of Widnes owing to the shortage of bricklayers and other building tradesmen, he will consider accelerating the release under Class B of all building operatives now in the Forces, so that there shall be a balanced labour force in all parts of the country where it is required.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his similar Question on 5th February.

asked the Minister of Labour the present quota of Class B releases allotted to each industry and essential service; and the number of men and women who have been released up to date in each case.

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in the Debate on the Adjournment on 24th January. As the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not yet complete, I will circulate it in the Official Report as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether arrangements can be made whereby students who were awarded university short courses could be given equal consideration with scholarship holders as regards release from the Forces; provided that they can provide satisfactory reports on the performance of their school work and had commenced a course of study at a university, and been traced by the university authorities as if. they had been scholarship holders.

I regret that I cannot include the students who were awarded University Short Courses amongst those who can be released in Class B.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will expedite the release of those, serving in His Majesty's Forces, from Northern Ireland whose jobs are awaiting them in civil life.

No, Sir. I cannot agree to the release of men from the Forces out of turn solely on the ground that they have employment to which they can return.

asked the Minister of Labour if men released from the Forces for industry in 1942 will be released with their groups; and will they be allowed six weeks after demobilisation in which to choose their occupation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on 18th December in reply to Questions by the hon. Members for South Islington (Mr. Cluse) and Bewdley (Major Conant) a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour if those men who are on temporary release from His Majesty's Forces and are working in industries covered by the Essential Work Order may be free from further direction when their service release groups are reached; and if they may then change their employment.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 18th December to the hon. Members for South Islington (Mr. Cluse) and Bewdley (Major Conant).

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider extending the options under compulsory National Service to include civilian social work at community centres, youth clubs, hostels, etc., as an alternative to military or agricultural service.

Men available for call-up have no option for employment in agriculture as an alternative to military service. I am not prepared to extend the present options as proposed by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps are being taken to clear heavy and obsolete industrial sites for allocation to light industry.

An Interdepartmental Committee has been considering this matter and their detailed recommendations are expected shortly. I understand that they are likely to recommend that steps should be taken for the acquisition of a number of derelict industrial sites in the Development Area in order that they may be cleared for possible future industrial use. Steps are already in hand to acquire one such site for development as a trading estate for light industries. The Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited, will shortly appoint an officer with special responsibility for site clearance work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made to make available to rubber planters and others going to Malaya, who lost all their clothes and equipment as a result of internment by the Japanese, any stocks of tropical clothing no longer required for troops.

I regret it is impracticable to make arrangements for the disposal of surplus clothing in small quantities to individuals or special classes of persons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if a small-business owner, having received a permit for export trade, is compelled to join the trade group; and what disadvantages he will suffer if he does not join.

I am not aware of any compulsion on exporters, small or large, to join trade associations or export groups. A trader who chooses not to join such an organisation will not of course enjoy the services which it provides for its members.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider making a grant to local authorities for the maintenance of the graves of air raid victims.

I have been asked to reply. I have no power to make grants for this purpose, nor, so far as I am aware, is there any general demand from the next-of-kin of air raid victims to be assisted in the matter. The issue of further guidance to local authorities in particular cases where communal burial has taken place is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, why, on the recent selection of a short list of candidates for appointment as chief constable of Caernarvonshire by the local standing joint police committee, he directed the removal from the list of the name of the present deputy chief constable; and, in view of the good record of this officer during 25 years' service and the local misapprehension as to the cause for the removal of his name from the short list, if he will give the reason for the removal of this officer's name.

The preparation of a short list of candidates for appointment to the post of chief constable is a matter for the police authority. I have no power to give directions to a police authority in this matter, but it is the normal, and sensible, practice for the police authority to consult the Home Office in advance, on an informal and confidential basis. As regards the discussions which took place between the Department and the Standing Joint Committee of Caernarvonshire, my Department did not direct the removal of any name from the short list but pointed out, as is usual in the case of a comparatively small force, the undesirability of appointing as chief officer a man who had no experience in any other police force. This objection is one of principle and, as the Standing Joint Committee were informed, implies no reflection on the competence of the Deputy Chief Constable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is now the policy of his Department in regard to approving for appointment as chief constable of a county or county borough police force a officer serving in that force who has not served outside that force; if he will make his policy public, by way of police regulation or otherwise, so that police officers who aspire to eventual promotion to chief constable may be guided by it and obtain the necessary qualifying experience; and if he will ensure that prospective police recruits are conversant with prospects and conditions for promotion to higher ranks within local police forces.

My policy, like that of my predecessors, is to secure the appointment of efficient chief constables. For this purpose I have to take into account, among other things, the previous experience of the selected candidate and the characteristics of the police force concerned; in view, however, of the widely differing considerations which apply,to police forces varying in establishment from 22 to 2,500, it would not be practicable or desirable to attempt to secure absolute uniformity of practice. As regards the last part of the Question, prospective recruits are fully informed of the prospects of promotion to the higher ranks of the police service.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the delays in mail delivery from the U.K. to military units in Nanyuki, Kenya; and if he will take steps to have this service improved.

It has recently been found possible to improve the air service to Kenya, and the overall time from London to Nanyuki by that service should now average less than a week.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether he is satisfied with the allocation of accommodation to members of the Anglo-American Palestinian Commission on the recent voyage of the "Queen Elizabeth" from New York, having regard to the character of the accommodation allotted to other passengers on the same voyage.

No, Sir, I am extremely sorry that the members of the Commission should have had any cause for complaint. I should explain, however, that accommodation was provided for them at short notice, which made alternative arrangements more difficult.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects that the temporary houses now being erected in Colombo Street, S.E.I, the foundations of which were started on 10th September, 1945, will be ready for habitation; and what are the reasons for the delay.

These are emergency hutments and not temporary houses, and it is expected that they will be completed by the end of the month. Completion was held up for lack of certain components, including windows.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that his Department is prepared to consider any suggestion for house construction on its merits without demanding the erection of a prototype free of all cost to the Department.

I am ready to consider any proposal by local authorities for the erection of houses by alternative methods. I must, of course, be satisfied, on the best advice available, that the method of construction is satisfactory. Usually, the construction of a prototype is not only of advantage to the sponsor but is also the simplest way of proving the efficiency of a new system.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether his attention has been called to the recent destruction of heavy lorries at a dump at Worcester; what was the average mileage which these lorries had done; and what steps had been taken to find purchasers for them.

No heavy lorries have been scrapped at this depot. Some 15 cwt. lorries of very special military type were scrapped because both we and their manufacturers considered that they had no civilian use. These scrappings have, however, now been stopped and we are re-examining the possibility of disposing of them as vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will obtain from the appropriate British Government representative upon U.N.R.R.A. a monthly statement of the activities of the organisation in the countries in which it operates, especially the national position of the inhabitants, and place a copy in the Library.

I am arranging to have placed in the Library copies of an U.N.R.R.A. publication entitled "U.N.R.R.A. Review of the Month," and also of an U.N.R.R.A. periodical entitled "Notes of the Week." Both these papers deal with U.N.R.R.A.'s operations in the various countries of Europe, and include from time to time notes on the condition of the people. They are issued by the European Regional Office of U.N.R.R.A. and therefore are confined to operations in Europe. As regards U.N.R.R.A.'s operations in the Far East, I am making inquiries whether similar publications are issued in Washington which could be supplied for the use of hon. Members.>

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the newly elected General Assembly of India on 21st January decided, without a division, to adjourn in protest against the Indian Government's refusal, long after the end of the Japanese war, to dissociate India from British operations in Indonesia; and will he cause the Indian troops, at least, to be withdrawn.

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that a motion for the Adjournment was carried in the Indian Central Legislative Assembly on the 21st January after a Debate on the employment of Indian troops in Indonesia, but I have not yet received from the Government of India a copy of the Official Report of the Debate. His Majesty's Government fully realise the distasteful nature of the duties which developments in the Netherlands East Indies have imposed upon troops of S.E.A.C. in the fulfilment of the tasks in Indonesia laid upon them by the Anglo-American Combined Chiefs of Staff, and it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to withdraw both the British and Indian troops as soon as their tasks have been fulfilled. It is not, however, possible to fix a date for the termination of these tasks nor to substitute other troops for the Indian forces now involved.

asked the Under-Secretary of State, for India if he is aware of the unsatisfactory food and billeting arrangements now existing at Deolali camp, India Command; and what steps he proposes to take to improve them.

I am not aware of unsatisfactory food and billeting arrangements at Deolali. If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with details, I will gladly make inquiries of the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the average number of cases attended" to by Service doctors now located in India and Burma; and how many field hospitals stationed in that theatre of operations for some time have not yet had a single case needing attention.

The answer to the first part of the Question is: India, 79,097 daily; Burma, 30,000 daily. The answer to the second part of the Question is: India, nil; Burma, nil.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he has any statement to make in regard to proposed legislation, dealing with access to mountains, moorlands, rights of way, national parks, and the control of outdoor advertising.

All these matters are under consideration, but I fear that there is no prospect of time being available during the present Session for the introduction of legislation.

asked. the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether any decision has yet been taken regarding opencast coal working in" Wentworth Woodhouse Park.

Yes, Sir, the Government have decided that in view of the urgent need for coal, some working must be allowed, but that it should be restricted so as to avoid destroying any considerable area of woodland and in particular so as to leave untouched the Doric Wall and the line of beech trees behind it, the main part of the Gardens and a large part of Temple Hill plantation. They are satisfied that when working is completed and the surface restored, the general character of this outstanding park will not be materially impaired and that the decision represents the best possible reconciliation of the conflicting public interests involved.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many sites for housing schemes submitted by local authorities in 1945 have been rejected or reduced in size by his Department; the total acreage involved; and, in cases where no suitable alternative land is available, what steps his Department has taken to assist such local authorities to solve their housing problems.

The figures asked for in the first and second parts of the Question are not available and could not be obtained without a disproportionate amount of labour. In cases where no suitable alternative land is available within the area of the local authority, my Department recommends the authority to seek the advice of the joint planning committee to which they belong as to the. acquisition of suitable land beyond its own boundaries.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will allow housing development in the smaller villages, where conditions and sites are deemed suitable, and thus preserve the heart of the English country life.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the nth February to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Salisbury (Major J. Morrison), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to make a statement about the reorganisation of the Scottish Special Housing Association.

I hope to be in a position to make a full statement on this matter during the Debate on the Second Reading of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Bill. In the meantime, I may say that steps have already been taken to strengthen the organisation of the association, and, in particular, I am now considering the large number of applications for the new post of full-time chairman, received in response to the recent advertisement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses in Scotland completed, the number under construction and the number not yet begun in respect of permanent houses, distinguishing between traditional and prefabricated types as at 31st December, 1945; and how many of these were in the landward areas.

At 31st December, 1,406 traditional and 22 prefabricated houses of the postwar programme had been completed; 5,350 traditional and 832 prefabricated houses were under construction and 3,154 traditional and 1,163 prefabricated houses for which tenders had been approved had not been begun. The corresponding figures for landward areas were 162 and 14; 668 and 190; and 632 and 316 respectively.