asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that letters and parcels addressd to A.P.O. S482, Bologna, C.M.F., have taken five weeks in delivery, thus causing unnecessary anxiety; and will he take steps to speed up this postal service.

Letters and parcels are normally delivered in the Bologna area within seven to 10 days of posting. Letters and parcels are despatched from this country daily, the former by air, and the latter by the overland route to Italy. The inclusion of the place name in the address is incorrect and may have been the cause of delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what occasions British troops have taken action against terrorists of the X organisation, the Military League or other Right-wing terrorists in Greece.

Since the signing of the Varkiza Agreement, which terminated the Civil War on 12th February, 1945, the responsibility for law and order in Greece has lain on the Greek Government. However, because the Government had not the necessary security forces reorganised before the late summer of 1945, British troops helped to maintain order by constant patrolling with such Greek troops as were available. I am not aware of the exact number of occasions on which minor clashes took place nor of the political parties to which the terrorists were affiliated.In all such actions British troops were present only to assist Greek troops, who were also present. The actions were in every case carried out against persons carrying arms and menacing public security. Since October, 1945, the active assistance of British troops in support of the Greek armed forces in maintaining order has not been required.

The difference in the scales of baggage for officers and other ranks is due to the fact that an officer has to provide himself with camp kit bedding, clothing and other necessaries and take these articles with him. Other ranks on the other hand can travel with a minimum of kit as they are provided with their full entitlement at public expense, many items being issued on arrival and handed in before embarkation. The rules for East Africa are the same as those for other overseas commands.

asked the Secretary of State for War what special arrangements respecting allowances for wives will apply to servicemen below the age of 21 years under the postwar code of pay and allowances.

The special arrangements referred to are still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make inquiries into recent orders issued by the C. O. to H.Q.M.C. Bristol Channel Ports, Newport, withdrawing week-end 36, 48 and 72 hours' leave previously granted.

Week-end leave of 30 hours has been granted at this establishment as work permitted. As the War Establishment has been reduced it has not been possible recently to allow so much leave of this nature. Short pass leaves of 48 hours are granted in accordance with a suitable roster. The grant of week-end and short pass leaves is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the commanding officer concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War the present annual cost of providing the garrison in Bermuda; and whether consideration can be given to a reduction of this cost by placing a greater responsibility upon Bermuda itself to provide a large part of its own garrison forces.

The approximate net cost to Army Funds of the British troops and local forces in Bermuda during the current financial year is estimated at some£ 200,000. A large part of the present garrison consists of local forces. The size and composition of the future garrison of Bermuda is under consideration. The possibility of the Government of Bermuda bearing a greater proportion of the total cost is being considered at the same time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a further statement as to complaints made with regard to conditions at Toulon transit camp.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make as to complaints made with regard to conditions at Toulon transit camp.

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Blackpool (Wing-Com-mander Robinson) on 5th February. As my right hon. Friend stated on that occasion improvements to this camp are being carried cut as a matter of urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is taking any steps to make increased food production possible on War Department property in the Imber training area in Wiltshire.

I am well aware of the necessity for food production and the War Department Estate at Imber is being used for this purpose to the greatest possible extent compatible with Military training. A large area of land on the perimeter is under cultivation and a further large area is being grazed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made to ensure priority in travel for Servicemen from the Far East who become due for release after a period of compul- sory deferment beyond the time at which they would normally have been released.

I have no doubt that Overseas Commands already give this priority but I am taking steps to ensure that they do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he intends to release officers who volunteered to defer their release before the conclusion of the hostilities with Japan; and whether he will release them in accordance with age and service principle or, as nearly as possible, simultaneously.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend last Tuesday. The officers in question must continue to serve until the end of the periods for which they voluntarily deferred their release.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why so many demobilised men have been refused a raincoat on their release from the Services; and whether arrangements can be made for them to be supplied with one.

I have been asked to reply. All men are entitled to a raincoat on release Difficulty is being experienced at present in fitting some men with the correct sizes at the time of release. In such cases a raincoat of the correct size is sent by post as soon as possible. I hope, however, that this temporary difficulty will be overcome in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for War why certain ranks of the Royal Engineers in Groups 26 and 27 stationed in Greece have been warned that their release will be deferred; and if he will see that these men are released with their normal age and Service group.

I am making inquiries into the particular case of the individuals to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I should point out that under the release scheme individual officers and other ranks are at any time liable to have their release deferred on the grounds that they are operationally vital. All commands are well aware of the necessity for confining such individual deferments to the minimum number of men and to the shortest possible periods.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the war establishments of any British formation or unit in Syria or the Lebanon still includes appointments for area liaison officers, locally known as political officers; and what is the number and rank of such officers.

There are at present six political officer appointments in Syria and Lebanon. Their ranks are as follows: One lieutenant-colonel, three majors, two captains. These officers are part of the military staff of His Majesty's Legation, Beirut.

asked the Secretary of State for War the date on which the South Downs training area will be finally derequisitioned; and what steps are being taken to clear up ammunition, barbed wire and other war materials thereon.

The South Downs training area is no longer required for military purposes. The final derequisitioning of the areas concerned depends on the clearance of unexploded missiles. This work has been delayed by acute shortage of trained personnel and the necessary technical equipment, but steps are being taken to speed up the relinquishment of land.

asked the Secretary of State for War what correspondence courses are available to soldiers under the Army education scheme and, in particular, if there are any on local government.

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Army Education Scheme "Correspondence Course Handbook." Among the many courses available is one on local government finance and there are several for the London University Diploma in Public Administration. A number of the other courses cover subjects useful for local government officials. Certain other courses not listed in the handbook can be specially arranged, including courses for the qualifying examination of the Royal Sanitary Institute and the Sanitary Inspectors Joint Examination Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the number of huts, formerly used by searchlight units in the country, that are rapidly deteriorating owing to damage to windows, doors, etc.; and will he take steps to dispose of these as quickly as possible in the national interest.

As soon as any hutted camp, whether it has been used as a searchlight site or for any other purpose, is found to be surplus to Government requirements the huts are first offered for sale to the owner of the land. The balance not required by the owner are then handed over to the Ministry of Works for disposal. If the hon. Member has any specific case in mind where undue delay in disposing of huts seems to have occurred, I will gladly investigate it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men now serving overseas have been serving abroad continuously for three years or more, with not more than 28 days in the United Kingdom during that period; and in which commands are they serving.

I regret that I am not in a position to give any exact figures. Generally speaking, however, the great majority of men who have been serving abroad continuously for three years or more will not have had more than 28 days in the United Kingdom during that period. But those soldiers who have completed one overseas tour and have proceeded overseas again will have had more than 28 days in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War, when 14680252 Sergeant F. Lyon, Education Office, 9 Infantry Holding Battalion, Dundonald Camp, Troon, Ayrshire, whose Class B release was sanctioned on 13th December, is going to be demobilised.

The releases of this noncommissioned officer was originally authorised on 13th December but was held up owing to the difficulty of sparing him from his duties under the A.E.C. Fresh instructions for his release were, however, issued on 12th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a gunner, details of whom have been supplied, has not yet been released, though he was in age and service Group 24.

The soldier in question was relegated to Class W (T) of the Reserve for two months in 1943. This period does not count towards his age and service group, which is therefore 26 and not 24. This soldier will be released with the rest of Group 26 in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what steps are being taken to deal with the large number of armed robberies in Malaya; how many incidents occurred in December, 1945, and January, 1946; and the number of people killed and wounded in such encounters;(2) if he is aware that it is often useless to re-equip factories at present in Malaya owing to the depredations of thieves who steal the crops of rubber and coconuts before they can be transported to the ports of shipment; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs.

I understand that active preventative measures are being taken by the police in Malaya to deal with lawlessness on land by means of ambushed patrols, surprise road-blocks and mobile motor transport patrols. The police have received considerable assistance from the Army. I am assured that everything possible is being done to reduce this type of crime to a minimum. I am taking steps to obtain the information asked for in the last two parts of the hon. Member's first Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoner-of-war miners have been repatriated from this country; and what other groups, what number in each group and for what reasons, have been similarly repatriated.

No German prisoners of war miners have been repatriated. 739 anti-Nazi German specialists have been repatriated to assist with the rehabilitation of Germany. The numbers in each group are: Police 197, financial and legal 49, education 4, postal and telegraph 51, public health 15, local government 9, transportation and railways 67, theologians 2, broadcasters and script-writers 323; economists 3, internal affairs 3, various specialists 16; total 739.

asked the Secretary of State for War what clothing coupons he has issued to German prisoners of war; and whether German prisoners of war on repatriation to Germany are permitted to retain clothing and musical instruments issued to them in the United Kingdom.

No clothing coupons have been issued by the War Office, but six members of a party recently repatriated to Germany had been issued with clothing coupons during the war on the authority of my right hon. Friendthe Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, as a result of special duties which they undertook. Normally no civilian clothing or musical instruments are issued to prisoners of war in the United Kingdom, but they may take back clothing which was their property on capture. I understand the musical instruments referred to in recent Press statements were captured with the prisoners.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is aware that the Greater London Plan imposes a ban on new housing development in many areas where the housing problem is most serious; that there is no immediate or adequate solution of the housing problem in such areas by the extension of towns and the development of satellite towns at considerable distances away; and if he will, where land is available in such areas, consider the modification of the plan so that the local authorities concerned may make an immediate contribution to the solution of their housing problem, by the provision of a limited number of dwellings for the most urgent cases which cannot brook prolonged delay.

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the Greater London Plan proposes the restriction of building development in certain areas. This Plan has not yet received final approval, and whilst I have asked local authorities, unless there are strong reasons for not doing so, to adhere to the principles of the Plan pending final conclusions upon it, I have, where immediately urgent housing requirements cannot be met in any other way, agreed to the erection of houses in contravention of the Plan where I have been satisfied that no fundamental object of the Plan would be seriously prejudiced.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware of the work and expense already undertaken by local planning authorities, using maps of a scale of six inches and 25 inches to the mile; and whether he will give an assurance that it is not his intention to ask them, now, to prepare plans on maps of a different scale.

I am aware of the extensive work already undertaken by planning authorities and shall not, where a revision of planning proposals already shown on maps is necessary, ask for maps on a different scale unless they would be more convenient and economical.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning the reason for the continued delay in giving approval to planning schemes submitted to the Ministry of Health before the outbreak of war in 1939; whether he is aware of the many important decisions connected with these schemes now facing interim development authorities; and whether he will give an assurance that this delay does not indicate that he intends to ask for a revision of plans.

The absence of many owners on national service, and the shortage of technical staff both in my Department and among the local authorities, have made it impossible hitherto to proceed with formal steps in the consideration of planning schemes submitted for approval before the war. Moreover, in view of the wider aims of planning which are now generally agreed to be necessary, substantial revision of many of the schemes so submitted will, be required before they can be adopted as a proper basis for planning control. My regional planning officers are available to advise authorities as to the nature and extent of the revision required in any particular case.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is aware that it is impossible on the basis of existing legislation and particularly its financial provisions, for local authorities in over industrialised areas to give effect to the decentralisation of industry proposed in the Greater London plan; and, as decentralisation of industry is the principal factor in securing decentralisation of population in such areas, if he will introduce legislation to enable the decentralisation of industry to be carried out.

I think it is premature to arrive at conclusions in the matters referred to until local authorities have actually used to the full the extensive powers now available to them. I shall, however, be glad to be informed specifically of any difficulties which such experience may show to exist. As my hon. Friend will be aware, I have set up a committee to consider how the recommendations of the Greater London Plan can best be implemented, and the question of decentralisation is one of the matters with which the committee will deal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the Sodbury Rural District Council at the request of his Ministry undertook a scheme for the collection, cutting and storage of wood fuel in September, 1942; that repeated requests have been made to his Ministry for authority to sell this fuel in view of its rapid deterioration; and will he now give authorisation for its sale.

There has been difficulty in negotiating the selling price for this wood. Authority has now been given for the sale of the wood on terms which should ensure distribution.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal was distributed for domestic purposes in the Borough of Willesden during the last quarter of 1944 and in January, 1945; and what were the corresponding amounts distributed in the last quarter of 1945 and in January 1946.

Merchants disposals of house coal to domestic consumers in the Borough of Willesden during the period 1st October, 1945, to 26th January, 1946, amounted to 33,526 tons as compared with a total of 31,805 tops for the corresponding period in 1944 and 1945.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the present deliveries of coal to merchants in the West Riding of Yorkshire are insufficient to meet the domestic coal ration; and what steps he is taking to meet this emergency.

I realise that, owing to shortage of coal, deliveries to merchants in all parts of the country are inadequate to meet the maximum quantities permitted under the restrictions. I am satisfied, however, that merchants and householders in the West Riding of Yorkshire are receiving their fair share of the supplies available. With regard to the last part of the Question, any increase in deliveries depends entirely on an improvement in output, and this vitally important question, as the hon. Member is aware receives our unremitting attention.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the newly appointed recruiting officer of his Department is a civil servant; and on what grounds this officer is permitted to make political speeches commenting on the British conduct of foreign affairs.

Yes, Sir. The officer concerned became a temporary civil servant on his appointment, and as such, is expected to maintain at all times a reserve in political matters. He informs me that he had no idea that certain observations made at a purely private gathering would receive any publicity, and he has expressed his sincere regret and undertaken to conform with care to the requirements of the Service in these matters.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a shortage of paraffin exists in the Accrington district; and what measures he is taking to improve the position.

My right hon. Friend has received no reports indicating that the supply position is more difficult in the Accrington district than in other parts of the country. As regards increased supplies I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on the 5th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Banbury (Colonel Dodds-Parker).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he intends to cease petrol rationing on 1st April next, in view of the recent announcement by the Belgian Minister of the Interior to that effect in so far as Belgium is concerned.

My right hon. Friend cannot yet say when it will be possible to cease petrol rationing in this country. I am unaware of any announcement by the Belgian Minister of the Interior that petrol rationing will cease in Belgium on 1st April, 1946.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) on what date application was made by the Markinch Gas Light Company to lay mains for the Croft and George Street housing schemes of the Markinch Town Council; on what date authority was granted to them; and why there was no prior consultation with the town council;(2) if he is aware that a considerable waste of capital expenditure has resulted from his granting permission to the Markinch Gas Light Company to lay gas mains to service local housing schemes in Markinch which the local authority had decided should be serviced by electricity; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in future no authority,to lay mains is granted without prior consultation with the local authority.

The Markinch Gas Light Company applied to my Department by letter, dated 29th August, 1945, for authority to purchase 422 yards of pipes stated to be required in connection with building programmes for 63 houses proceeding at the George Street and Croft sites in Markinch. The authority was despatched on 7th September, 1945. Except in minor cases such as this where only a relatively small quantity of material is involved, my Department asks gas undertakings for corroborative evidence that the mains are required for approved housing schemes. In this case, there appeared to be some urgency, and the necessary authority was given without delay. As regards the policy of the local authority, my Department was informed that the Markinch Town Council had included a sum of£ 213 in respect of gas services in the estimates for the houses on these sites.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what surplus there was towards the target of 8,000,000 tons of extra coal at the end of December, 1945.

Up to the week before Christmas about half a million tons had been obtained towards the supplementary winter target of 8 million tons. This gain was wiped out by the setback during Christmas week. This was due in part to the fact that in most districts there were three days holiday instead of the normal two.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will inquire into the probable connection between the lower production of coal per man and the small ration of essential foods now provided; that in some collieries in this country where the heat is great, men at the coal face may lose as much as 10 pounds weight during one working shift, making it up during the evenings and at week-ends; and if he will take steps to provide an improved diet which may result in greater production of coal per miner employed and less absenteeism.

Extra rationed food, including meat, is already provided for the miners at colliery canteens on the highest scale for industrial workers. This takes account of the heavy nature of their work and it represents a distinct increase on the normal domestic ration. I earnestly hope that until the general food situation improves and rations can be increased the miners will make the utmost use of colliery canteens and so maintain their energy for the production of coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he proposes to take to ensure a substantial increase of recruits for the mines; how many new underground young workers he considers necessary as a first instalment for the adequate manning of the industry; and whether he is satisfied that he can obtain such a number by appeals for voluntary recruitment.

I regret that I cannot deal adequately with this matter within the scope of Question and answer. In conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service I am taking steps to stimulate voluntary recruitment of both juveniles and adult workers with the object of building up the manpower of the coalmining industry as rapidly as possible, subject only to the capacity of the industry to absorb and train new entrants. Whether the rate of voluntary recruitment can be raised to a satisfactory level depends on a number of factors, the effect of which can only be assessed in the light of experience.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of boys under 16 and between 16 and 18 years of age employed below ground in mines who were injured and off work for more than three days in each year from 1938 to 1945; the number injured per 1,000 in each division; and how these rates per 1,000 compare with the rate for all ages employed below ground.

I will send my hon. Friend the information he requires.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the statement in the Reid Report relating to the accident rate to boys engaged on rope and pony haulages in mines is still true; if there has been an improvement since the Report was published; and whether he will consider giving more careful and longer training to boys employed on these hazardous tasks.

The total accident rate to boys employed on rope and pony haulages in mines is, I regret, relatively high, though I am glad to say that the rate for fatal accidents shows a declining tendency in the last few years. The report to which my hon. Friend refers was published in March, 1945, and statistics for the year 1945 are not yet available. Since the 1st February, 1944, all boys starting employment below ground have been required to have adequate training under the provisions of the Coal Mining (Training and Medical Examination) Order, 1944, and the scope of these requirements will be considerably extended by the Training Regulations made on 28th September, 1945.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement with regard to the demobilisation of boys called up for work in coalmines; and whether it is proposed to release any of them under the Class B scheme.

With regard to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 29th November, 1945, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Derby (Mr. H. White). In reply to the second part of the Question there is no scheme of special release from the mines comparable to the Class B scheme of release from the Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the need of all our workers for a holiday away from home during the coming summer and in view of the difficulties of transport, hotel and boarding-house accommodation, he will consider introducing a policy of staggered holidays:

Steps to promote the staggering of holidays are already being taken, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Blackpool (Wing-Commander Robinson) on 20th December last and to the hon. Member for Hartlepools (Mr. D. Jones) on 24th January. The standing committee for England and Wales has already met.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that many building operatives changed their occupation during the war, he will take steps to encourage them to revert to the building trade, irrespective of their current description or occupation.

Yes, Sir, this is already being done. A special registration of ex-building trades operatives employed in other industries was made last June, since when arrangements have been in operation for securing their return in all suitable cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is still a shortage of labour for the manufacture of surgical boots; and what steps he is taking and proposes to take to meet the situation.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the needs of this industry and I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 8th November to the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. G. Nicholson).

asked the Minister of Labour if he will agree to continue the payment of lodging allowance at the rate of 24s. 6d. to employees who, at the direction of his Department, were working away from home and are now returning to their home area, in those cases where the employees are unable to find accommodation for their families in the home area in the maximum period of 13 weeks during which the allowance is payable.

I regret I do not see my way to extend this concession further.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of workers employed, either directly or indirectly, upon exports in June and December, 1945; what is the comparable figure today; and what is his estimate in respect of next June.

The only figures available relate to the estimated number of workers employed directly in the manufacture of goods for export. The figures for 30th June and 31st December, 1945, were 417,000 and 897,000 respectively. Figures are not available for any later date, nor am I able to make an estimate for next June.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress is being made in the provision of factories in Scotland for disabled ex-Servicemen under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act.

The Disabled Persons Employment Corporation, set up under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, is making inquiries for suitable premises or sites in Scotland in localities where there appears to be need for special factories for the severely disabled. Present indications are that there are some six such localities in which factories should be established at an early date to which others may be added as necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the alarm in Wales about the number of women who have left Wales for employment in England since the cessation of hostilities; if he will state the figures; and what steps are being taken to provide employment for women in Wales.

I have no information as to the total number of women who have left Wales for employment in England since the cessation of hostilities, but about 1,200 unemployed women for whom no suitable local work was available at the moment, have since August, 1945, accepted employment in other regions through the Employment Exchanges. I am not aware of any general concern over this matter.1 understand from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that up to the end of December, 1945, the new industrial projects completed or approved, including the use of Government owned factories, will in due course provide employment in the Development Area for over 67,000 workers, of whom more than half will be women. Potential developments will, it is estimated, provide work for a further 24,000 workers, a large proportion being women.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of unemployed in Wales at the last convenient date, and in each separate area for which figures are available, including all men, women, boys and girls;(2) the number of unemployed in the development area of South Wales, in Monmouthshire and in Newport at the latest convenient date, giving men, women, boys and girls separately.

I am sending my hon. Friend the information in reply to these Questions

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an assurance that no conscientious objector will be released prior to the release of those officers of the same groups whose release has been deferred

As provided by Section 1 (1) of the National Service (Release of Conscientious Objectors) Bill, conscientious objectors will not be released from their conditions until after the date fixed for the release from the Army of all ranks in the corresponding age and service groups. Thus conscientious objectors will not be released before the date fixed for the release of the Army officers whose release has been deferred.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of graduate entrants to the teaching and other professions, he will favourably consider the release from the Forces of those university students who have already passed part of their M.A. or B.A. degree, in order that they may now be allowed to return to complete their course with all possible speed.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my replies to his Question of 5th February and the Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Bodmin (Commander Douglas Marshall) on 31st January.

asked the Minister of Labour when Mr. B. A. Shepherd who, on release from the R.A.F. in August, 1945, applied for assistance under the Further Education and Training Scheme in order to pursue his studies at the Royal Agricultural College, may expect a decision on his application.

A favourable decision has now been sent to Mr. Shepherd. I find that there was undue delay in dealing with this case for which I wish to express my regret.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of applications for Government grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme; the total number of grants made and the average time which elapses between the application being made and the result notified.

15,653 applications have been received up to 31st January, 1946; grants had been made in 3,649 cases and the applicant had been notified that a grant would be made in a further number of cases estimated at 2,600. The average time which elapses in a straightforward case between the application being made and the result notified varies between six and nine weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now amend the call-up regulations in order to allow students and apprentices to complete their courses of training before joining His Majesty's Forces.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will reconsider the case of Mr. A. M. Parsons, of 1, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, details of which have been brought to his notice, whose application for deferment to continue his studies has been refused, despite the fact that, owing to illness, he was prevented from applying for admission to Cambridge University in the autumn of 1944, when he would have qualified for deferment at the standard then prevailing, and having regard to the fact that he now holds an open scholarship for Peterhouse College, and a county senior scholarship.

Further consideration has been given to the case referred to by the hon. Member. I regret that I cannot vary my previous decision.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of railwaymen still serving with His Majesty's Forces compared with the number at July, 1945

Figures supplied to me by the Railway Executive Committee show that the number of railway employees serving with H.M. Forces was 110,129 at 14th July, 1945, and 84,240 at 26th January, 1946.

asked the Minister of Works if he will cease to grant licences for the redevelopment and extension of industrial enterprises in over-industrialised areas in the Greater London Region where industrial decentralisation is recommended in the Greater London Plan now under consideration by the local authorities within the region.

Applications for licences for industrial projects are considered in the light of advice from the Government Departments concerned with planning and industrial development.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the adverse effect on the tourist industry of this country of retaining more than 1,000 hotels under requisition after April next; whether he will consult with those responsible for developing the tourist industry with regard to the freeing of these hotels; and by what date he anticipates that it will be possible to release all of them.

The importance of releasing hotels in the interests of the tourist industry as well as of the public generally is fully recognised. My Department is in continuous touch with those concerned with the industry and will continue to consult them where necessary. It is anticipated that by the end of April next a total of 3,083 hotels will have been released, or about 75 per cent. of all hotels held on requisition by Government Departments in January, 1945. Releases 0f the remaining hotels will continue but it is not possible to forecast the date by which they will all have been surrendered

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the Braintree Urban District Council informed his Department in December that bases for 50 prefabricated houses were complete and awaiting superstructures; that none of these houses has yet been delivered and that delivery of a maximum of 10 is promised for the month of March; and if he will state the causes of this delay and give instructions that all 50 houses are to be delivered forthwith.

Yes, Sir. Tarran houses were allocated to Braintree, but owing to difficulties which Messrs. Tarran Industries encountered in production, the rate of delivery of this type of house fell badly behind the programme. I regret that I am, therefore, unable to promise the delivery to Braintree of more than 10 next month, but the difficulties referred to have now been overcome and improved deliveries will be made as quickly as possible.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will speed up the derequisitioning of garages and, where there is still a necessity for him to retain some garage accommodation, whether he will requisition those garages in respect of which the owners have considerably increased the rentals recently, owing to the shortage of garages, and derequisition others in their place.

I will communicate with Departments holding garages and I have no doubt that they will release these premises as soon as the maintenance of essential public services permits. 1 regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in the latter part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Works why Messrs. Hartley and Pitt, who each received a seven years' apprenticeship as plasterers, obtained Lancashire and Cheshire Institute and also City and Guilds London Institute certificates, worked for further experience as journeymen before spending three years on war service in their trades, are now prevented from working on their own account by being refused registration under Defence Regulation 56AB.

I have reviewed this application and have given instructions for a certificate of registration to be issued.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the Uxbridge Urban District Council have had to re-advertise for tenders for a housing contract because the original contracting firm was unable to secure the Class B release of one of its principals; that the Air Ministry have stated that they could not release this man, of whom he has been informed, because his Department refused to sponsor the application; and why this key man's release was not sponsored.

My Department did not originally recommend release in Class B as the man's release in Class A was imminent; it has, in fact, already taken place.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the almost complete lack of finishing plaster for building purposes in Coventry he will arrange for an increased allocation to Coventry and the Midland region generally.

Yes, Sir. Allocations to this region are being steadily increased as additional hardwall plaster becomes available

asked the Minister of Works the present monthly output and potential capacity of the slate industry; and if he will increase the allocation now being made to South Wales, in view of the need of such material for repair of bombed property and the building of houses

Output from England and Wales for the pas' three quarry months has been:November, 1945, 8,082 tons; December- 1945, 7–975 tons: January, 1946, 6,381 tons.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that 18 blocks of flats, 294 houses and 10 hotels in the Royal Borough of Kensington are still held by Government Departments; that these premises, if they were released, would accommodate upwards of 8,000 people; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this situation.

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on the occasion of the Motion made by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) on 8th February. On that occasion I gave the House a survey of the position and indicated what Government Departments had done during the past year and were continuing to do with a view to the release of premises suitable for housing purposes, and I dealt particularly with the position in the London boroughs. Certain hotels and flats in Kensington are in process of release and other properties will presently be released.

asked the Minister of Works if he will give the results of the investigation being carried out by his Department regarding the cost, manhours and suitability of use in the United Kingdom, of the Aulei Quick Building method now being tried out in the British occupied area of Germany.

The results of the investigation are not yet available. When I receive them I will consider the best means of making them generally known.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the setting up of a committee of inquiry into the brick industry.

A sub-committee of the National Brick Advisory Council was set up by the Council in August, 1942, to inquire into the technical aspects of the industry This sub-committee is still at work In consultation with representatives of the employers and workers 1 am now finding members for a further committee with the following terms of reference:" To consider and report upon measures that might be taken to make the brick industry more attractive to recruits, excluding wages and terms of employment falling within the negotiating machinery of the industry."

asked the Minister of Works whether, in the course of the erection of building estates, adequate attention is being paid to the preservation of sites of archaeological or historical value such as, for example, the prehistoric circle recently discovered at Budbury, Bradford-on-Avon, upon which it is proposed to erect four prefabricated houses; and whether, in view of the fact that alternative sites are immediately available, he will reconsider his decision.

Yes, Sir. As only three temporary houses were to be erected on part of this site, and as arrangements had been made by my officers for expert archaeological supervision, I did not feel that I should be justified in delaying the erection of the houses by asking that the site should be changed.

asked the Minister of Works how many brickworks were held under requisition by the Government on 30th November, 31st December and 31st January, respectively.

At 31st December last, 269 brickworks, some of which normally produce other types of clay products, were still held by Government requisition. At 31st January, 1946, the number had been reduced to 194 and of these more than half are now in process of clearance and will be completely vacated very shortly. I regret that the figure at 30th November, 1945, is not available.

asked the Minister of Works how many brickworks were still closed down on 30th November, 31st December and 31st January, respec- tively; and how many of these are now producing finished bricks.

The numbers of closed brickworks at the respective dates were 593, 561 and 496. None of these works was producing finished bricks on 31st January last, which is the latest date for which returns are available.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the increased interest in Parliament and the presence of many visitors in London in connection with the present U.N.O. Conference, he will make such improvements in the lighting of the Palace of Westminster as will allow it to be seen at its best.

The reductions in lighting made in the Palace of Westminster during the war have been fully restored in Committee and Reading Rooms, but in the interest of fuel economy, it has not been considered proper to restore full lighting in corridors and lobbies for the present.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make arrangements to extend the amplifying equipment now installed in this House for the convenience of the Press, to enable the speeches of hon. Members, many of which are now inaudible, to be more easily heard and so increase the efficiency of Parliament.

I am unable to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Austin) on 18thOctober, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Works if he will 'arrange either to transfer the Members' cloakroom from its present temporary location or to heat Westminster Hall.

I regret that there is no alternative location to Westminster Hall for the Members' cloakroom, and that it is impracticable to heat the Hall.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, under what statutory authority a local utility company is entitled to lay gas mains in the burgh roads without the prior consent of the local authority.

The powers of a statutory public utility undertaking to break up streets are set out in the enactments under which it operates. The powers of a non-statutory undertaking to break up streets appear to be uncertain.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state as a percentage the proportion which the population of Scotland bore to that of the United Kingdom in the years 1924, 1934 and 1944.

The proportion which the population of Scotland bore to that of the United Kingdom (England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) in the years 1924, 1934 and 1944 was respectively 10.8, 10.6 and 10.6 per cent. The figures for 1924 and 1934 are based on estimated total population; that for 1944 is based on estimated civilian population.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that no action will be taken, or has been taken, by his Department which will seriously prejudice the implementing of the recommendations of the Clyde Valley Regional Planning Advisory Committee.

In a few cases in which it was necessary to reach an urgent decision I have taken a different view from the Committee about the siting of housing schemes. But nothing has been done which will seriously prejudice the Committee's recommendations as a whole. Final decisions on proposals arising out of the Committee's report will, of course, rest with me as Planning Minister in consultation with the other Ministers concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that fishermen are returning home now after five years' war service to find that their nets and floats have deteriorated so as to be valueless for fishing; and whether it is the intention of the Government to offer any compensation for such losses due to war service.

I am aware that nets and gear which have been stored during the war will have deteriorated, and provision has been made under the Herring Industry and Inshore Fishing Industry Acts for financial assistance in case of need to fishermen, including in particular ex-Servicemen, towards the cost of new equipment. To provide compensation to fishermen for such deterioration would require special legislation, of which I see no prospect.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of those local authorities who permit daily visits to inmates of public assistance institutions, and who allow the inmates to wear their own private apparel, respectively.

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not yet available. Local authorities are being asked for it and I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as it is forthcoming.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what prospects there are of the College of Art, Edinburgh, being soon released for its legitimate purposes.

Part of the Edinburgh College of Art is occupied by the Ministry of Food, and the provision of alternative accommodation for that Department is a matter for the Minister of Works. The question of the release of the premises has been under the active consideration of the Ministry of Works and the Scottish Education Department, but I am not yet in a position to indicate when the occupied part of the premises may be restored to the College authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the shortage of fish baskets; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply.

I am aware that owing to shortage of material there has recently been a scarcity of fish baskets at certain Scottish fishing centres. Every effort has been made to meet these difficulties, including the securing of first priority for the making of these baskets and the introduction of wire baskets at some ports. I hope, however, that the general position will be relieved in the near future with the arrival in this country of a substantial consignment of willows.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the boy James Kennedy, 39, Scott Street, Glasgow, C.3, who found, on 17th November last, a medical practitioner's attache case, containing articles valued in court at£440, and handed it immediately to the police, to be rewarded later with the sum of 5s.; and if he will take steps to secure that an appropriate sum is awarded in such circumstances.

I am informed that there was no Court valuation of this attache case and its contents, and that the owner, from whose locked car the property had been stolen, put its value at£15 when he reported his loss to the police. I understand that it is not the police practice, when restoring stolen property to the owner, to charge him anything by way of reward to a person who has found the property, but that in this particular case the owner left a reward of 5s. for the finder. The matter is not regulated by Statute and there is no ground on which I could intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of admissions to the Poor's Roll in the Sheriff Courts for the years 1939 and 1945; the number of these cases concerning husband and wife, and the number concerning affiliation and aliment.

The number of admissions to the poor's roll in the Sheriff Courts for the year 1939 was 1,718 and for 1944 (the last year for which figures are available) 1,021. Statistics are not available as to the kinds of cases, but it is estimated that some 90 per cent. were concerned with affiliation and aliment. Divorce cases are dealt with in the Court of Session where the numbers of admissions to the poor's roll for the years mentioned were 296 and 964, about 90 per cent. probably being concerned with divorce petitions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of clients advised at the Edinburgh Legal Dispensary during 1945 and 1939, respectively.

I am informed that the Edinburgh Legal Dispensary, which is a voluntary service provided by the legal societies in Edinburgh, had, in the years ended 28th February, 1945, and 28th February, 1939, 1,285 clients with 1,957 consultations and 2,029 clients with 3,471 consultations respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a decision has yet been reached on the question of acquisition of the farm of Ballinaby; what are the figures of expenditure, differentiating between capital and ordinary expenditure, and income on the farm for the year ended 28th November 1945; how, and by whom were the valuations of stock, crop and implements made at the close of the years ended 28th November 1944, and 1945; and if he is satisfied that the valuation is reasonably related to the realisable value, particularly having regard to recent tuberculin testing of dairy stock.

It has been decided to acquire under Section 9 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1941, that part of Ballinaby Farm, Islay, of which possession was taken at 29th November, 1943, in terms of Regulation 51 of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939. Preliminary figures for the year ended 30th November, 1945, show expenditure of£ 7,400, comprising capital expenditure on improvements,£ 4,700 (less drainage grant of£ 2,100); purchase of livestock,£ 900; wages and other expenses, including depreciation,£ 3,900. Income amounted to£ 2,100, representing sales of stock,£ 1,500, crops and miscellaneous,£ 600. The valuations of stock, crops and implements on the farm at 30th November, 1944 and 1945, were made by Tech- nical Officers of the Department of Agriculture on the basis of market prices for stock and crops and on the basis of cost, less depreciation, for implements. I am. satisfied that the valuations are reasonable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total dollar balances available to this country on 1st January, 1946.

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 15th February

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what grant is made annually, directly or indirectly, from the Exchequer to the Northern Ireland Road Transport Board.

None, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the temporary hardship which under P.A.Y.E. may be caused to the married ex-Serviceman with children, during the first few months of civilian employment, until his tax code number has been agreed; and will he approve some provisional arrangement which will allow such taxpayers to obtain from the start, the reliefs to which they may be entitled.

The fixing of the correct tax deductions from civil pay depends not only on the code number but also on the tax deducted from Service pay. Tax offices have been instructed to make arrangements for provisional deductions where all the required information is not immediately available. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of any individual cases, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now give an estimate of the number and cost of the staff of each civil Department together with the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, for the year 1946–47.

This information will be given in the Estimates for 1946–47, which will be published shortly.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will issue an instruction that not only will civil servants be given permission to offer themselves as candidates in elections to local authorities, but that, if elected, they will be given time off, if necessary, to attend meetings without deduction of pay.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a Question on this subject on 20th November last to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, Central (Mr. G. Thomas).

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the poor reception of the B.B.C. Home Service programme in areas of South-eastern England, any application has been made by the Corporation to erect a mast of suitable height to overcome these technical difficulties; and, if so, whether permission has now been granted.

The application has been made and discussions are taking place between the interested departments but no decision has yet been reached.

asked the Minister of Information the amount which the Government contributed in each of the war years and the year immediately before, to B.B.C. income; and specify the different services provided by the B.B.C. for which these Government payments were made.

The payment to the B.B.C. from the Broadcasting Vote was for the financial years:—.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will take steps to have added to the question relating to religion on application forms for posts under British Military Government, Germany, a note of the reason for which this information is required and an indication that the nature of the answer given will not in any way affect the candidate's chance of being selected.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his suggestion However, to obviate any misgivings I have arranged that the information concerning religion will only be called for after appointment and the question will be deleted from the application form.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he proposes to accord to trade unions in the British zone 'of Germany limited bargaining powers similar to those enjoyed in the Russian zone and in all four sectors of Berlin.

In accordance with Inter-Allied Agreements, trade unions in the British zone already have bargaining powers on wages and hours of work similar to those enjoyed in the Russian zone of Germany and in all four sectors of Berlin.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the refusal of U.N.R.R.A. to transport 500 Polish children from the British zone in Germany to Eire owing to the objections of the Polish Provisional Government, the British Government will arrange for the transport of those children, or what is to be done with them.

The offer of the Eire authorities to accept and care for a number of Polish orphans from the British zone of Germany was a generous one. The offer presented difficulties, transport difficulties in particular, but the matter is being re-examined to see if they can be overcome.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the Forces' parliaments at Akyab and Rangoon have been closed.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 29th January. On this subject, the same instructions apply to Akyab and other stations as those issued at Rangoon.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air when the portion of the Ribble valley in the neighbourhood of Bolton-by-Bowland and Gisburn will be freed from the restrictions which now deny the public access to it.

We do not intend to keep this area as a permanent ammunition depot, but as labour for moving the hundreds of thousands of tons of explosives involved is very scarce, I am afraid that it will not be possible to clear this part of the Ribble valley for some time. Meanwhile, we have allowed a limited use of the closed roads.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, since 15th Octo- ber, 1945, he has taken any, and if so, what steps to release from requisition the seven properties occupied by his Department for business purposes in the city of Exeter, and when any or all of these premises will be derequisitioned.

Four of these properties were released in November and one in December. We are still using the other two, but we are seeking alternative accommodation.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air the present strength of the A.T.C.

The cadet strength of the A.T.C. at 31st October, 1945, was 78,500. We have not yet received the returns for 31st January, 1946, from all units, but judging from those we have up to date, I think that there has been a fall in strength since last October.

asked the Minister of Health what investigation his Department has made into the possibility of converting sound Nissen huts and others of similar types into suitable domestic accommodation.

No general investigations have been made into the possibilities of converting various- types of huts into suitable domestic accommodation, but as far as the Nissen hut is concerned, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins) on 23rd August. Local authorities have been authorised to take over and convert wartime huts and buildings in appropriate cases and I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of a circular which deals with the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the requisitioning of house property in Abingdon, in the county of Berkshire, under Defence Regulation 51 (1), in order to find accommodation for Government staffs or the employees of contractors employed by Government Departments; and to the case of 27 Victoria Road, Abingdon, whereby action was taken which is preventing the estate of the deceased owner from being wound up, to the detriment of the beneficiaries; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

The Abingdon Town Council, in common with other local authorities, are requisitioning houses for persons inadequately housed which may include such persons as those mentioned. No. 27 Victoria Road is among the houses so requisitioned and I see no reason to interfere with the decision of the Council not to release it merely in order that it may be sold with vacant possession.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that houses are wanted as quickly as possible, regardless of whom the people are who do the job; and if he will consider extending at once the£16 10s. subsidy to all houses of a given- value built by private builders for owner occupiers.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr. E. P. Smith) on 14th February.

asked the Minister of Health, how many local authorities in England and Wales had placed firm contracts for municipal house-building; and how many had placed no such contracts by 30th November, 31st December and 31st January, respectively.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Members for Kingston-upon-Thames (Major Boyd-Carpenter), Bodmin (Commander Douglas Marshall) and Preston (Squadron-Leader Segal) on the 14th February.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any records exist showing the number of cows suffering from contagious abortion during the last 20 years; and whether cow keepers report to his Department the incidence of this disease amongst their cows.

Bovine contagious abortion is not a notifiable disease and no records as to the number of cases are therefore available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of applications which have been made for further agricultural education and training under the Government's scheme; the number of these grants which have been made; and the average time which elapses between the application being made and the result notified.

Four hundred and sixty-eight applications for further agricultural (including horticultural and veterinary) education or training have been received by my Department, and 192 awards have been made. Save in exceptional cases where considerable inquiries are necessary, decisions are notified to applicants within six to eight weeks of the date of submission of their applications to the Appointments Officer of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for the release, in Class B, of rural craftsmen have been made for the county of Berkshire; and how many of these applications have been successful.

I have been asked to reply. Five applications. for the release of rural craftsmen under the Class B individual specialist arrangements have been received by the Berkshire War Agricultural Executive Committee. In one case release has been effected and the remaining four cases have been rejected. In addition, five applications for the release of rural craftsmen in Berkshire under the Class B block release arrangements are at present under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce details of the peace celebrations; and whether a decision has been reached that these celebrations will take place on the same day or days throughout the country.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Wing-Com-mander Hulbert) to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister if any decision has yet been reached about the future of the Social Survey attached to the Ministry of Information.

No, Sir. This matter is under consideration, but I am not in a position to make any statement at this stage.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that poisonous bombs or shells are being used in military exercises by troops from the military camp at Llanegryn, Merioneth; that these missiles contaminate pastures and caused the death of a large number of sheep, dogs and a bullock; that this is contrary to an undertaking given by the military authorities; and what action he is taking in the matter.

Smoke bombs containing phosphorus have been used in this area during the training of Royal Marine Commandos, but not for the past four months. I am advised that the number of animals who have died from poisoning has not been more than two, for which compensation has been paid. Although no undertaking has been given that bombs of this type would not be used, instructions have been issued that their use is to be kept down to the minimum essential for training purposes, that the bombs shall not be used at all on good pasture land, and that farmers shall be given due warning when exercises involving their use begin and end. I am having further consideration given to the question as to whether it is essential to use this type of bomb in peacetime training.

asked the Secretary of State, for the Home Department what action he is prepared to recommend with reference to labour and mechanical excavators to demolish dangerous bombed buildings and clear bombed sites in Birmingham, which is long overdue, and where these ruins are an inconvenience to residents and a menace to health in that city.