asked the Secretary of of State for War if he is aware that his intention that all soldiers shall have facilities for education is being frustrated by an order issued by the commanding officer, 1st Royal Dragoons, B.A.O.R., to the effect that recruits and reinforcements may not attend the education hour until they have attained a special standard of proficiency in footdrill and that, with rare exceptions, no man is to be sent on an educational course unless his Class A release group is within the eight groups next due for release; and if he will give instructions for a suitable modification or withdrawal of this order, which has caused indignation among the men concerned.

Owing to the wide variations in the state of training of men posted to this unit, they are given a two weeks' course of training, which includes instruction in footdrill. Arrangements have now been made to include the usual educational periods in this two weeks' course. The fulltime educational courses at formation colleges are intended for those who have shown they can profit from them, but it is in accordance with War Office policy for men in early age and service groups to be given preference for such courses.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the progress made with the Class A release scheme, carpenters and painters in the Army, whose group number is 35, have not yet been offered Class B release under the block release scheme.

Carpenters of groups up to 38 have been offered release under Class B. Men in Group 35 who were recorded as carpenters on joining the Army should therefore have been offered Class B release. Hitherto it has not been necessary to offer Class B release to painters in Group 35; a further demand has recently been received, but I cannot yet say what groups will have to be called upon to meet this demand. The group to which offers have to be made in any particular category depends on the numbers demanded by the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the end of January, men in release Group 27 were still in Batavia; and whether he will give an assurance that all men of this group from S.E.A.C. will be back in the United Kingdom in time to be released not later than the rest of their group.

Transportation is being provided to meet all requirements for the repatriation of men from India and S.E.A.C. to the United Kingdom. I have therefore no reason to believe that men of Group 27 who were in Batavia at the end of January will not be back in this country in time to be released within the period laid down for their group.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to allay the concern felt by men in the Army owing to the fact that as a result of the cutting down of the rate of demobilisation after 7th March by one-half, their service will be much longer than that of naval and R.A.F. personnel in violation of the age and length of service principle laid down for release.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lichfield (Major Poole) last Wednesday. There is no question of any violation of the age and service principle involved.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the demobilisation of Group 27 will not be completed till 20th April.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service to the hon. and gallant Member for Uxbridge (Flight-Lieutenant Beswick) and the hon. Member for Drake (Mr. Medland) on 26th February. My hon. Friend may also like to refer to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lichfield (Major Poole) on Wednesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many R.A.S.C. officers of Release Groups 23, 24, 25 and 26 have been deferred compulsorily in M.E.F.; and how many released.

I regret that the information in the form asked for is not available in the War Office. I have therefore had a cable sent to the Middle East, and as soon as I have received a reply I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men are there in His Majesty's Forces in age and service Group 40, and above, with four or more years' service at the latest date for which figures are available.

I regret that accurate and up to date information is not available for any of the Services and could not be obtained without a considerable amount of research, which could only be carried out at the expense of other urgent work. In the case of the Army, however, it has been estimated that there are now some 32,000 men in Groups 40 and later who would have completed four years' service by December, 1945.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is necessary for a Class W (T) reservist to rejoin the Colours to be assessed for age and service group and final discharge.

Yes, Sir. But this is not to say that all such men will necessarily have to rejoin the Colours before general demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the evidence submitted to him on 31st January concerning grave irregularities in the administration of C.A.S.(B.) in the cotton-growing area of Upper Burma; if he will circulate in Hansard a full report on these matters, with particular reference to the price and methods of disposal of cotton and the events leading up to the death of the officer in charge of the Upper Burma Supply Scheme; and what steps he is taking in consultation with the Secretary of State for Burma to protect the people of this part 01 Burma from commercial exploitation under the guise of official relief and from the danger of famine.

I have received a lengthy report from the Supreme Allied Commander in conjunction with the Governor of Burma on the allegations made in the statement submitted by my hon. Friend and I am satisfied that these allegations are completely unfounded. I am sending my hon. Friend a summary of the report for his information. As regards the last part of the Question, I am satisfied, and the Governor of Burma has confirmed, that there is no evidence whatever of commercial exploitation under the guise of official relief. A very large part of the energies of the Government of Burma, as previously of. the C.A.S.(B.), are devoted to ensuring that the people-of Burma shall not be exploited by private interests and shall be protected against famine.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will, in the interest of public safety, either remove or securely guard dumps of ammunition still remaining in the county of Surrey.

As regards the removal of ammunition dumps generally I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Devizes (Squadron-Leader Hollis) on 28th January. Ammunition stored in the South-Eastern counties including Surrey has been given priority for disposal, as this area is more thickly populated and attracts more visitors than most of the other areas affected. Every effort is made to provide adequate guards for ammunition dumps within the limits imposed by the manpower available. The more dangerous material is segregated in wired areas and closely guarded, while patrols and sentries arc provided for the remainder.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the correspondence, forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Maldon, Essex, concerning an order which has been interpreted by a number of men .serving in S.E.A.C. as increasing the period of Python en titlement from three years four months to three years five months; and if he will make a precise statement on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Python personnel embarking from ALFSEA, who embarked ex-United Kingdom during December, 1942, will not embark for the United Kingdom until April next; and whether the qualifying period for Python commences from the time of embarkation ex-United Kingdom and ends on disembarkation in the United Kingdom.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Members for Taunton (Mr. Collins) and Oxford (Mr. Hogg) on 26th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to furnish a reply to the letters from the hon. Member for the Rugby division of Warwick, dated 1st November, 29th November, 27th December, 21st January and 28th January, in regard to the case of 904313 Private Salisbury.

I regret no trace has been found of the hon. Member's letters of 1st November and 29th November. A reply was, however, sent to his other letters on this case yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will expedite the holding of the court martial, for which 7612334 Corporal C. J. Neilson, is being detained as a witness beyond the release date for his age and Service group.

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

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take to amend the A.B.64, Part 2, particulars of character of the soldier whose name was indicated to him in a letter from the junior Member for Oldham, dated 24th January, 1946; and to arrange for an apology to the man concerned.

Steps have now been taken to re-write this soldier's testimonial and to amend the assessment of his military conduct. I very much regret that the regulations on this subject were not properly carried out in the first place. Details of the case have been brought to the notice of the Command concerned so that appropriate action can be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 14599300 Staff-Sergeant A. Ramsbottom, the joint owner of a small business in the building trade, whose application for a C class release was brought to the attention of his Department by the hon. Member for Spen Valley on 17th October, War Office reference B/5349, is not considered eligible for such release.

This case has been very carefully considered in the light of all the available facts, and I regret that I cannot agree to this soldier's release under Class C. There are a large number of cases of a similar type where applications for Class C release from overseas have had to be turned down and it would not be possible to make a special exception in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to institute an inquiry into the severe beating of 14854831 Private I. Pacey, Leicestershire Regiment, by members of the military police, in December, 1945.

A court of inquiry has been held to investigate this matter. After careful consideration of the proceedings of the Court by both the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command concerned and the War Office the conclusion has been reached that the injuries sustained by this soldier were caused by his falling from a stationery truck. The allegation that he was assaulted by members of the Corps of Military Police has not been substantiated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship caused to owners of one-man businesses whose release from the Forces under Class C is now being refused solely because their businesses had to be closed down when they volunteered or were called up; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure these men are not treated less generously than men whose position was exactly similar at the beginning of the war but who were able to find someone nominally to keep their businesses in existence for them and so improve their claim to be released now.

Compassionate cases, of whatever sort, are dealt with on their individual merits. Owners of one-man businesses which were closed down on their entry into the Army are not altogether excluded from consideration. An extremely limited number of cases where the opportunity of reopening is unlikely to recur if the business is not reopened immediately can be considered. Any further relaxation of the rules would either be at the expense of other types of compassionate cases or would be liable to interfere with releases under Class A.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present number of men in the Army on regular engagements; and what has been the enlistment for each of the past six months.

It is estimated that at the end of January, 1946, there were approximately 85,500 soldiers serving on Regular engagements, but some 32,000 of these were due for release in or before March, 1946, if they did not re-engage. The enlistment figures for the last available six months are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that cattle and sheep are dying from what is believed to be escaping poison gas from containers stored in the War Department dump on Glinn's Farm, Kippen, Stirlingshire; and what steps he proposes to take to remove this public danger.

I understand that the cause of the recent deaths of cattle in this area has not yet been definitely established. No further destruction of ammunition will, however, be carried out in the area until the results of investigations now in progress are known.

asked the Secretary of State for War approximately what pro portion of the Polish Second Corps under General Anders' command today have fought on the side of His Majesty's Forces; how many served in the Todt organisation, the Wehrmacht or the Waffen S.S.; and whether he will publish the results of the inquiry conducted last January by the Polish general staff in London which revealed that in the opinion of their unit commanders the great majority of the Poles, formerly in Ger man service and recruited into General Anders' army, are of low military value and Nazi in outlook.

The majority of the Polish Second Corps as at present constituted, fought beside British Forces during the war. 1 regret that the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not readily available and could not be obtained without a considerable amount of research. I am informed that no inquiry of the nature stated by my hon. Friend in the last part of his Question has ever been held.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Polish Second Corps under the command of General Anders, which consisted of an infantry division and an armoured division when hostilities in Europe ceased, now comprises two infantry divisions, an armoured division and an armoured brigade; approximately, how many of these postwar reinforcements have been recruited from prisoners of war of Polish nationality, and how many are Yugoslav Ustashy or Chetniks.

When hostilities in Europe ceased, the Polish Second Corps in Italy contained two infantry divisions and one armoured division; in addition there was one armoured brigade of this Corps in the Middle East for training purposes. This armoured brigade returned to Italy in October, 1945, in order to simplify administration. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that about 40 Spaniards serving in the Pioneer Corps, all in Groups 24, 25 and 26, have been informed that their releases have been indefinitely deferred and will he state the reasons for this.

The question of the release of aliens of all nationalities now serving in this country has been under consideration with the Departments concerned. The release of certain aliens serving in No. I Spanish Company of the Pioneer Corps, to whom my hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers, has been held up pending a decision on this general question. It has now been decided that generally, aliens who enlisted outside the United Kingdom will not be eligible for release in the United Kingdom, but that those who enlisted in the United Kingdom will be eligible for release in this country. In the latter case, release for those who are eligible will very shortly proceed.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the 12 hutments belonging to his Department, on land at Elmbridge Drive, Eastcote, Middlesex, are unoccupied; that the local authority are prepared to adapt these hutments for housing purposes and that the Ministry of Health have agreed to the proposals; and, in view of the fact that 2,400 applicants are needing accommodation in this urban district area, if he will review his decision and release these hutments for housing purposes.

A communication from the Ministry of Health on this subject has just been received and is being considered. I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as a decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War why at No. 2 W.T.C., Instow, for an establishment of under 100 other ranks, one lieutenant-colonel, one major, two captains, and two subalterns are employed in addition to an adjutant captain, and a quartermaster, lieutenant.

My hon. Friend has evidently been misinformed about the establishment of this unit; it is, in fact, six officers and 127 other ranks. The officers are one major, four captains (including the adjutant), and a lieutenant quartermaster. It is proposed to reduce the number of officers still further by 1st July to one major and three captains.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider making a monetary allowance and allocation of clothing coupons to pupils of the Royal Military School of Music, Alder-shot, who qualify as bandmasters, so that they can provide themselves with the uniform appropriate to their new rank.

No, Sir. I do not consider that there are sufficient grounds for treating this class of warrant officer more favourably than warrant officers in general.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many personnel have been punished for indiscipline of all types since the outbreak of the last war; what were the nature of those offences and punishments; and, as some of the punishments were so harsh as to rouse the spirit of revolt rather than result in correction, if he will consider their alteration.

I regret that the detailed information asked for in the first and second parts of the Question is not available. I cannot accept the statement contained in the last part of the Question. In accordance with the Army Act, power is vested in confirming and reviewing authorities to mitigate, remit, or commute sentences awarded by Courts Martial. In practice sentences are frequently mitigated or commuted, whenever the original sentence appears to have been too severe. So far from being harsh sentences have been, in comparison with those in the 1914–18 War, generally speaking lenient.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that workers required by his Department in Northern Ireland will be drawn from the ranks of ex-Servicemen and those who normally reside within that area.

The War Department authorities in Northern Ireland have a standing instruction to obtain all workers required through the local employment exchanges. The submission of applications for vacancies notified to exchanges is a matter for the Northern Ireland Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men of the Polish Forces stationed in Scotland are still not allowed to travel from Scotland to England on leave; and, if so, when this restriction on leave travel will be lifted

At present Polish forces stationed in Scotland may travel to England for leave only on compassionate grounds. I understand that the question of removing this restriction is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War why three armourers have recently been sent to No. 3 Command W/S. Grafton, Sierra Leone, West Africa Command, when there is already one armourer surplus to the establishment.

These three craftsmen were despatched to Sierra Leone to relieve others who are due for release early in May. Men have to be despatched to Sierre Leone as shipping is available, and although this may sometimes result in a temporary excess over establishments, it is done in order to avoid any delay in the homeward movement of men due for release.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps his Department is taking to make up the large deficiency in R.A.S.C. officers so that the basic principles of age and service release may be adhered to and officers not penalised by undue retention in the Forces.

Every possible step has been taken to meet the shortage of R.A.S.C. officers by means of increased output from O.C.T.U.'s, reduction in war establishments, and ready acceptance of volunteers who are prepared to defer release. In addition, G.H.Q., Middle East, have been instructed to employ officers of other arms on R.A.S.C. duties wherever possible, in order that the number of R.A.S.C. officers deferred as operationally vital may be reduced to the absolute minimum.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to appoint a committee of inquiry on conditions in Army detention institutions.

I do not consider that the appointment of a committee of inquiry is necessary at the present juncture.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men in the Army in each age group from 32 to 50, respectively.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to Age and Service Groups. On that assumption, following is the information:

asked the secretary of state for War what stocks of foodstuffs, beer and spirits are at present held by N. A. A.F.I.; and how these stocks compare with those held a year earlier.

N.A.A.F.I, stocks are held in many places throughout the world and vary from day to day. The information asked for is not, therefore, readily available and could not be obtained without a great deal of research.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many A and B vehicles, respectively, were held on charge at Donington Park ordnance depot on 1st September 1945, 1st December 1945, and at the latest convenient date.

No "A" vehicles have ever been held at Donington Park. The number of "B" vehicles held on the dates mentioned was:

asked the Secretary of State for War what accommodation is provided for the officers' mess at Donington Park ordnance depot; and how many officers were housed in it on 1st September 1945, 1st December 1945 and at the latest convenient date.

Officers' quarters at this depot are provided for 15 military officers and 16 A.T.S. officers. The actual number' of officers on the three dates mentioned was:

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to derequisition Berrington Park, Leominster, which has been partially derelict and unoccupied since August, 1944.

This camp is no longer required for military purposes. Provided it is not required by any other Government Department steps will therefore be taken to derequisition it

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men who, by 31st May or nearest date, will have served for five years and six years, respectively, and are still serving.

I regret that the information asked for is not readily available and could not be obtained without a consider-able amount of research which would be-at the expense of other urgent work

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make in regard to the disturbances at the military detention barracks, Northallerton, Yorkshire; and what is the present position.

At about 11 a.m. on 1st March, 1946, a disturbance in "A "Hall at the Military Prison and Detention Bar-racks, Northallerton, was started by one of seven men recently arrived from B.A.O.R. He was joined by the rest of the B.A.O.R. party; and they got on to the roof and started throwing down bricks and slates. Subsequently some stores were broken into and set on fire and smoke was seen to be coming from the Hall. The fire brigade was called and troops were called in to stand by if needed. The fire was subdued, but a few men remained on the roof until 7 p.m. when they came down as the result of a broadcast by the Sub-District Commander.Some damage was caused to the building of "A "Hall and some Nissen huts near by were damaged by fire. One warrant officer on the staff was admitted to hospital with minor injuries to the face. Three other members of the staff were slightly injured. No soldiers under sentence were injured.The trouble was confined to "A "Hall, and by no means all the inmates of that hall took part. A court of inquiry has been held, and I am awaiting a full report.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the C.O.D. Bicester is to be a permanent establishment and the number of the estimated establishment; and how many War Department houses will be required and how many civilian.

It is intended that the C.O.D. Bicester shall be a permanent establishment but it is not possible yet to say what its permanent staff is likely to be. A considerable number of civilians will be required but it is hoped to draw most of them from neighbouring towns. For certain key personnel it is intended to provide houses under War Department arrangement? and the responsible local authority is being kept informed of any additional housing accommodation which may be required for other civilian personnel so that they ran provide for it in their plans

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for prohibiting marriages between members of the forces and Austrian women; and how long the prohibition may be expected to continue.

Marriages between British officers or soldiers and German or Austrian women have been prohibited because it is considered that such marriages would be inimical to the interests and security' of the occupying force I cannot say how long it will be necessary to continue this prohibition.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to initiate an immediate inquiry into conditions at Changi Barracks, Singapore, particularly as to whether, the present available accommodation as regards light, water, rations and sanitary arrangements are adequate, as their insufficiency is regarded by responsible officers on the spot as in a measure explaining the unrest prevailing in the RAF service in the area.

A report has been called for and as soon as it has been received 1 will write to the hon Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to release the buildings on the anti-aircraft battery site, Abbey road, Neath; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of housing accommodation, he will give the Neath Borough Council an assurance that these buildings will be made available in the immediate future for conversion into dwellings

The future of this A.A. site is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the useful work of constructive engineering performed by he Corps of Engineers in the U.S.A.; and whether he will examine the possibility of introducing a similar system of training and work in this country.

The importance of giving good training in heavy engineering to Royal Engineers in peacetime is fully recognised. Various methods of providing such training including the American system are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the daily rate at which prisoners of war employed in agriculture are paid: and how many receive extra payment as proficient workers.

The rates of working pay of prisoners of war are as follows;

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his inquiry into the arrival in Germany of German prisoners of war from Britain with rationed goods, allegedly obtained by illicit means, is now complete; and what are his findings.

I have not yet received a complete report from Germany on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war in this country nave had previous agricultural experience.

On 31st December, 1945, there were 32,422 German prisoners of war in this country whose civilian occupation was recorded as either farmer or farm-hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War what inducements, other than bonuses, a farmer is permitted to give to prisoners of war to encourage them in their work.

None, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the scale of rations German prisoners of war in this country are now receiving.

The present daily ration scale for German prisoners of war employed in working parties is as follows:

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether thorough inquiry has been made in every incident in the R.A.F. involving a clash between white and coloured Servicemen; whether the men involved, especially Colonials from the West Indies, have been allowed to choose independent counsel to represent them; and whether any reports of trials or of investigations following disturbances are available for perusal by interested Members of Parliament.

Yes, Sir. An inquiry is held into all such incidents. Where trial by court martial is involved any member of the R.A.F., whatever his nationality, has the right to engage legal assistance and to be represented by his own counsel, or he may have an officer to assist him at his trial. The official reports of trials or investigations are not normally made available outside the Service, but if my hon. Friend is interested in any special case I may be able to give him information in confidence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether provision is made to give dental treatment to airmen; whether he is aware that airmen in Burma soon to be released are advised to apply for dental treatment when they arrive back in England, but then are told that no treatment can be given; and whether he will promise an improvement in this situation.

Dental treatment is provided for airmen during their service with the Royal Air Force. I will gladly make further inquiries if my hon. Friend will send details of the case to which she refers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many coupons are allowed our service naval men in Germany to enable them to make purchases of clothing from naval stores; and whether other nationalities are allowed to purchase from these store? without production of coupons.

Officers of the Royal Navy receive an annual maintenance allowance of 60 clothing coupons. These may be used for purchase from naval stores in Germany or from naval stores or outfitters in the United Kingdom. Naval ratings do not receive clothing coupons, but are allowed to purchase items of uniform clothing up to the value of their kit upkeep allowance, either from naval stores or from outfitters in the United Kingdom. This arrangement also applies to naval ratings serving in Germany. Personnel of other nationalities are not permitted to purchase from naval stocks in Germany.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present order of seniority of the 12 senior foremen of works, and acting general foremen of works in the Civil Engineer-in-Chief's Department, Admiralty; and what regard is had to the question of seniority, in selecting suitable officers to fill vacant posts for general foremen of works.

There are at present no confirmed general foremen or senior foremen of works. The order of seniority of those holding acting appointments in these grades is determined generally by their seniority in their confirmed rank of foremen of works. Where officers drawn from the list of acting foremen are selected for promotion to these grades, they are regarded as junior to all those drawn from the list of confirmed foremen. In selecting officers to fill vacant posts for general foremen and senior foremen, regard is paid to the question of seniority, but age and suitability inevitably play their part in the final selection.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the National Association of General Foremen and Foremen of Works, Civil Engineer-in-Chief's Department, Admiralty, wrote on 1st October, 1945, asking for a conference between themselves and the official side to discuss a number of matters regarding their status and salary schemes; that no reply was sent to this application until 6th December last, and arrangements have still not been finally made for the deputation to be received; and whether steps can be taken to expedite the matter.

Yes, Sir. The delay in replying to the original letter from the Association was due to extreme pres sure of work, as was explained at the time. The amplified statement of points to be discussed, which accompanied the Association's letter of 1st January, and which covers a very wide field, has since been under consideration although this has been delayed still further by the move of the Civil Engineer-in-Chief's Department from Bath to London. It is hoped to complete arrangements for the reception of a deputation from the Association in the near future.

asked the Minister of Works the number of brickworks closed during the war which are still out of operation; and if the opening of the brick yards and tile works will be expedited as rapidly as possible.

Of the 925 brickworks closed during the war, licences for production have been issued to all but 373. The answer to the latter part of the Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Works how many brick works have been reopened in the North of England; and what provision has been made for the necessary labour supply.

Licences have been issued to 325 brickworks in the North of England, and of these 123 produced finished bricks in January of this year. A considerable number of men have already been released under Class "B" and applications have been submitted for the release of all brickyard workers particulars of whom have been provided by their employers. All other possible steps will be taken to provide the necessary labour for these works.

asked the Minister of Works why a screen eight feet high is being erected round the site of the new House of Commons building, thus effectively preventing persons using the Commons Court from viewing the progress made.

It is normal practice to protect building works in this way so as to enable the contractors to control their operations, safeguard the work and prevent accidents.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is now prepared to make a statement about the prospects of men returning from the Forces, and others, who join the brickmaking industry.

Yes, Sir. I am glad to have this opportunity of referring to the urgent need for a large number of recruits for the brickmaking industry, and to the prospects of those who join it. There is no doubt that this industry will have as much work as it can undertake for an indefinite time to come, and recruits therefore can have every anticipation of steady and full employment.There have been improvements in labour conditions and further improvements may be expected. I have appointed a Commitee to consider and report upon measures to make the industry more attractive to recruits and I am glad to say that Sir Wilfrid Garrett, until recently Chief Inspector of Factories, has consented to act as chairman. The Committee will include four representatives from either side of the industry and Mr. Lockhart Hutson, until recently Director of Building Materials.A national joint council has just been set up for this and allied Industries and is to consider the question of wages at its first meeting to be held very shortly.

asked the Minister of Works the average weekly output of completed temporary houses in July, August, September, October, November and December, respectively; and the numbers of these actually occupied.

The weekly average numbers of completed temporary houses handed to local authorities for the months in question were:

asked the Minister of Works how many building operatives are employed on maintenance staffs of Government Departments, local authorities and industrial companies, respectively.

At the end of November, 1945, the estimated number of building and civil engineering operatives directly employed by Government Departments was 23,000; by local authorities, 132,000; and by Public Utilities, 85,000. No information is available regarding other industrial companies.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production the total production to date of plumbing units for prefabricated houses manufactured at the factory at Prestwick airport; and how many houses it is estimated will be supplied with plumbing systems from this factory by the end of 1946.

I have been asked to reply. The total number of plumbing units for temporary houses manufactured by the Scottish Aviation Company at Prestwiek Airport was 664 up to 20th February. It is estimated that at least 3,400 temporary houses will be supplied with plumbing units from this factory by the end of 1946.

asked the Minister of Works when he expects to make arrangements to straighten the sword in the hand of the equestrian statue of Richard Coeur de Lion and to repair the holes in the horse's tail, near hind leg, off foreleg and hindquarters.

The war damage incurred by the statues and memorials in the care of the Department is being reviewed and decisions will be reached in due course as to what repair should be put in hand in order to prevent further deterioration, and which war- scars can be allowed to remain. This equestrian statue is included in the survey.

asked the Minister of Works how long the British Council proposes to continue in occupation of the premises at 6, Hanover Street, W.I, which they have requisitioned; and if he will do everything possible to speed derequisition.

Two floors of these premises were requisitioned by the Ministry of Works and are at present occupied by the British Council. I am unable to say how long the British Council will continue in occupation, but in view of the shortage of office accommodation and the urgent need to release residential space, it is not possible to accord any high degree of priority to the release of these premises which were formerly used as a dance club.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many coalminers in this country are not members of any trade union

I regret that the information required is not in the possession of my Department.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the yield of outcrop coal during the years 1944 and 1945; what percentage these yields formed of the total production of coal in Great Britain; and what is the maximum yield of coal estimated to be still available if outcrop seams are fully developed.

The quantity of coal produced by opencast mining methods in 1944 and 1945 was 8,647,300 and 8,114,000 tons respectively representing 4.5 and 4.4 per cent. of the total coal output. It is estimated that there is sufficient workable coal in sight to maintain outputs of this order for another two years.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken at the present time to explore and implement the possibilities of utilising waste industrial gas and heat for communal domestic heating on both existing and future housing schemes.

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that large quantities of coke oven gas are already sold to gas undertakings for domestic and industrial use. It is doubtful whether there remains at any one place a sufficient surplus, continuously available to meet the demands of a communal domestic heating system of appreciable size. However, in the detailed technical and economic investigations of district heating now proceeding, consideration is being given to the possibility of using any available surplus gases or waste heat from industry, including the so-called "waste heat from electricity generating stations Waste heat from industrial processes can frequently be utilised to advantage at the point of production, and my fuel efficiency engineers pay particular attention to this.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many Electricity Commissioners have resigned since the authority was first appointed in order to take up appointments with electricity supply companies, and will he give their names

Two; Sir Archibald Page, then Mr. Page, who resigned in 1925, and Sir Leonard Pearce, then Mr. Pearce, who resigned in 1926.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he is taking to ensure the regular and effective distribution of coal supplies in the Belper area necessary to enable consumers to receive their domestic fuel allocation.

Consumers in the Belper area are receiving their fair share of the available supplies, and distribution arrangements are working smoothly. If any consumer is suffering hardship through lack of supplies, he should seek the assistance of the local fuel overseer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that tenants on the Temple Farm Estate, near Rochester, numbering more than 3,000 people, are receiving only 3 cwt. of coal for each house per month; and whether, in view of the bleak character of this district, he will ensure that the local distributors are able to supply more

I am aware that the average delivery to householders in this area has been 6 cwt. for the January to February period. The average delivery over the period 1st May, 1945, to 23rd February, 1946, however, amounted to 26 cwt per registered premises, which is slightly in excess of the average for the South Eastern Region. Consumers in this area are getting their fair share of the limited supplies available. Any consumer who is suffering hardship should seek the assistance of the local fuel overseer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when electric cookers will be available on hire to cottage tenants in rural areas who already have current in their houses.

The production of electric cookers is still unfortunately at a low level and some priority of supply will have to be accorded to the housing programme. It is hoped that production will increase during the course of this year, but it is not possible at present to make a forecast as to when all demands in rural areas for apparatus on hire or hire purchase terms will be met.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what suggestions he has received from his local officials for the disposal of the emergency wood dump at Dudbridge, near Stroud; and if he will see that this wood is put to good use before it deteriorates.

Authority has been given to open this dump to meet local needs. Distribution is being organised jointly by the rural and urban district councils, and logs will be made available to consumers in the rural and urban districts at 45. 3d. and 4s. per cwt respectively. The local merchants have been advised that this wood is now available for distribution in accordance with consumers' needs.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider revising the present call up for military service so as to demobilise more men over 30 years of age from present military service.

No, Sir. If the present age limit for call-up, which is 30, were raised, the number of additional men who could be withdrawn from essential industries and services would be so small as to make no appreciable difference to the rate of release from the Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour if agricultural workers who were conscripted to work in the mines will now be released to resume their former work.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Kings Lynn (Major Wise), on 17th December last, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour when, and in what places, it is proposed to set up the Corporation for Domestic Workers as recommended in the Markham - Hancock Report.

Urgent steps are being taken to establish the National Institute of House Workers recommended by the Markham-Hancock Report on the lines of my statement of 7th February, 1946 [Official Report, 7th February, 1946, c. 1893–4]. It will be one of the first tasks of the Institute to consider, in consultation with my Department, in what form and in what places experimental centres are to be set up.

asked the Minister of Labour the latest known figures of the number of unemployed males and females in Wallasey.

At 14th January, 1946, the latest date for which figures are at present available, the numbers of unemployed insured persons suitable for ordinary employment on the registers of the Wallasey Employment Exchange and Juvenile Employment Bureau were 540 males and 544 females.

asked the Minister of Labour the number in each educational category of the applications received up to date for financial assistance under the Government Further Education and Training Scheme; how many applications have been successful in each category; and what have been the commonest reasons for turning down applications.

Following is the information.

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers in each release group in each of the services, subdivided into main branches and trades, from the groups now being released to Group 60, inclusive.

In view of the amount of work involved I should not feel justified in asking the Service Departments to provide this information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will facilitate the Class B release of wartime graduates in scientific subjects, now serving in his Majesty's Forces, in order that they may become available to industry, or may take up post graduate studies which have been interrupted by war service.

The scheme for the release of certain university students in Class B already provides for the release in appropriate cases of wartime graduates in scientific subjects in order to resume their studies; as regards release to industry, applications for the release of individual trained scientists can be made through the appropriate Departments.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an immediate decision on the application made by the Cardiff Technical College several weeks ago, for the Class B release of 1345 Flying-Officer E. A. Stanley, 5022 Squadron, R.A.F., B.A.O.R., to enable him to resume his studies in time to sit for his degree examinations in July, 1946.

Consideration of this application was held up pending decisions on certain general questions. It has now, however, been forwarded to the Air Ministry, with which, of course, the final decision rests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many dollars were received from the U.S-A. or credited to our account during 1945,in payment for whisky exported from Scotland and England, respectively

:Our exports of whisky to the United States in 1945 were valued at £3,940,000 f.o.b. I have no separate figures for Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will exempt from Purchase Tax on importation, articles bequeathed to persons resident in the United Kingdom.

The non. and gallant Member will not expect me to anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give a date when the Government intend to pay the larger claims for compensation for destruction of property through enemy action.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. M. Lindsay) on 5th February, 1946.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the cessation of hostilities, arrangements can now be made to place the Civil Service List on sale to the public.

Yes, Sir, the next edition will be on sale to the public.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production the number of Government-owned and controlled factories at present equipped and in production that are dealing with the output of building component parts such as baths, sanitary fittings, stoves and grates, and light castings; what is the estimated output compared with the' total output in the country; and what the estimated output will be in six months' time.

Orders for civil requirements, including housing fitments, are being placed with the Royal Ordnance Factories in order to help to overcome shortages. Conversion of capacity, and in some cases a measure of experiment is necessary and the main work so far has been retooling and installation of equipment. It is not possible, at present, to give a complete forecast of future production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as there is a desire in some cases to present returned members of the Forces with Bibles, which are in short supply, he will release an increased quota of paper in order that the demand for Bibles may be met.

Paper quotas for book publishing have recently been substantially increased and in addition it is open to any publisher who is unable to reprint a standard edition of the Bible from lack of paper to apply for a special allocation for this purpose from the special reserve. Such applications are very sympathetically considered,

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will consider authorising the Assistance Board to provide wireless licences to such old age pensioners as are unable to afford them.

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to accept this suggestion.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that J. E. Potts, 132 Richardson Street, Wall- send, after a period of illness was certified fit for light employment; that his benefit was exhausted at the Wallsend employment exchange; that he was refused assistance by the Assistance Board officer because he was unfit for work, and by the public assistance officer because he was tit for work; on what authority the officer of the Assistance Board ignored the medical evidence supplied; and will he issue instructions that medical reports are to be accepted, pending opposite medical opinion being provided

I am informed by the Assistance Board that Mr. Potts has appealed against the decision of the officer to the independent Appeal Tribunal. As regards the last part of the Question, 1 am assured by the Assistance Board that their instructions about medical reports are in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in assessing furniture costs in respect of bomb damage claims, he will see that this is done at reigning replacement prices and not at 1939 values.

In accordance with the Regulations and Orders made under the War Damage Act, 1943, claims in respect of war damage to goods have to be and are assessed on the basis of values ruling at the time of loss and not at 1939 values. If my hon. Friend has in mind a possible disparity between the values ruling at the time of the loss and at the time of replacement, I would refer him to the general assurance given by the then Parliamentary Secretary on 3rd June, 1942, during the Debate on the War Damage (Amendment) Bill. I am sending my hon Friend "a copy of that assurance Where however, for special reasons, earlier payment is made, the amount assessed may be increased to enable essential good- to be repaired or replaced immediately

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the Rating and Valuation (Apportionment) Act, 1928, with a view to ensuring that industrial undertakings shall make a reasonable contribution towards local rates

As was stated on 31st January in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Southall, the Government do not exclude derating from the general examination of local government finance which they hope to make, but this is clearly a complicated issue and in any case there is no possibility of legislation in the present session.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that four flats at Allhallows, Kent, are retained by his Department, although they have been empty for several months and are needed for civilian housing; and if he will release them forthwith.

I have been asked to reply. These flats were transferred to my Department on 30th January and have been taken over by the local authority for housing purposes.

asked the Minister of Health the average cost of the typical three-bedroom permanent house approved by him and accepted by local authorities; the average super floor area of these houses; whether this approved cost includes the charges for land and services and the work done by employees of the local authorities and his Department; and, in view of these figures, what price private builders may charge for similar houses.

The average cost of a permanent three-bedroom house in tenders submitted by local authorities and approved by me up to 31st January, 1946, is approximately £980, and the average floor area approximately 910 square feet. The approved price is based on the accepted tender, or direct labour estimate, and is exclusive of charges for land, service or any additional work undertaken by the local authority or my Department. The maximum price permitted for a three-bedroom house. of 1,000 superficial feet erected by a private builder under licence is £1,300 in the London Region and £1,200 elsewhere. This includes the price of the developed land. 1 will send the hon. Member a copy of a circular which 1 am issuing to deal with the special problem of houses built on expensive sites.

asked the Minister of Health on what basis his Department estimates that houses will be able to be let at a net rent of 7s. 6d. a week.

The net rent of 7s. 6d. per week is the average rent at which, having regard to the general level of building costs, a local authority should be able to let a house, where under the Housing Bill they get a special Exchequer contribution of £25 I0s. a year for 60 years, and provide an annual rate contribution of £3 a year for 60 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 1,198 properties requisitioned up to 31st January, 1946, were occupied at the time of requisition as dwellinghouses and for other purposes, respectively.

Of the 1,198 properties requisitioned up to 31st January, 1946, 1,068 were dwellinghouses and 130 had been used for other purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons employed in Scotland at the last date before 3rd September, 1939, for which figures are available on the erection of houses, the repair, maintenance, conversion and adaptation of houses, and on other building operations, respectively