asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the supply of newsprint to local newspapers.

May I take this opportunity of apologising for not being here to answer Question No. 89 on the Order Paper last Thursday? My absence was due to circumstances over which I had no control.

The reply to the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. G. Wallace) is: No, Sir. The matter will be kept under review but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a promise was given to me a short while ago that the matter would he reviewed again in April?

It is being reviewed at the present time.

Will the Minister be able to give an answer when we return after the Easter Recess?

I will give one as soon as possible, but I would not like to tie myself down to a specific date.

Is the Minister satisfied that the increase which has been given to the national newspapers has reached the local ones, because there have been many complaints?

I am advised that all newspapers, both local and national, are treated in the same way, and that if anything there is a bias in favour of the local newspapers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to announce a reduction in the number of coupons required to be surrendered for the purchase of towels.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that stocks are accumulating?

I am willing to look into the position, and to make a reduction if it is possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many boot and shoe factories have been derequisitioned; what are the names of the owners; and where are they situated.

One hundred and five hoot and shoe factories, representing about 1,179,000 square feet, were derequisitioned up to 28th February, 1946. Of this total, 74 factories are situated in the North Midland Region, and eleven in the North Western Region, with the balance distributed over the United Kingdom. If the hon. Member so desires, I will send him a detailed list of the factories and their location.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that technical and sales representatives of British firms are unable to obtain shipping passages for their wives to accompany them when taking up permanent appointments abroad; that many of them have only recently been demobilised and have been separated from their wives for several years and are unwilling to take up these appointments unless their wives are able to accompany them; and, seeing that the number involved would only be some 500, if he will take steps to provide facilities.

Yes, Sir. I am very anxious that facilities should he available for wives and dependants to join their husbands acting as resident technical and sales representatives abroad. Unfortunately, the number of berths available to most destinations is not yet sufficient to enable us to arrange this. Any berth thus occupied would deprive a business man or some other priority passenger of the opportunity to travel. I am sure that, wherever possible, these representatives will proceed to their posts. Every effort will be made to enable their families to join them subsequently. I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on the Question.

Will the hon. Gentleman constantly bear this matter in mind, in view of the necessity of providing a stimulus to the export trade at the present time? Is he aware that this small facility would be of great assistance?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman give particular attention to the provision of these facilities for people travelling to South America?

I am hopeful that something might be done with regard to South America.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when there will be more matches available for sale by retailers.

Since 1st April, there has been a small increase in the amounts distributed, and these additional supplies should reach the retailers shortly.

May we define "shortly "as meaning before Easter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will improve the quality of utility perambulators.

There is no such thing as a utility perambulator. The manufacturers make perambulators to their own designs. I am not aware that the quality of perambulators now produced is unsatisfactory, but I will investigate any complaint of which the hon. Member will send me particulars.

Is the Minister aware that quite often people have to have two perambulators for one baby because of the unsatisfactory nature of the perambulators? If the Government want babies, will they provide transport for them?

I was not aware of the information that the hon. Gentleman has given me, but I have had one perambulator for two babies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the large stocks of wool in Britain, he will withdraw all restrictions and licences as to the disposal, processing and marketing of wool and its products.

Arrangements have been made whereby the supply of raw wool to users has already been very largely transferred into private channels of trade, and the building up of stocks of wool in private hands is also being permitted. Control over such transactions and over the processing of wool is, however, still necessary in order to ensure the required output of utility and other goods, including demands for the Services and the export trade.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the industry were given complete freedom, it would be clearly of benefit at home and to the export trade?

No. Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the importance of Britain's export trade and of the housing problem, he will give a clear indication of His Majesty's Government's policy with regard to the purchase of raw materials in the paint industry.

The policy is to secure that the raw material needs of the paint industry shall be met to the greatest possible extent, having regard to the availability of supplies and the needs of other industries.

Is the Minister aware that the uncertainty which has been caused to the industry by the policy of the Government is holding up much necessary work which has been waiting to be done for six years?

I have done my utmost during the last two or three weeks to give the fullest possible information to the paint industry, but the industry is dependent very largely on a raw material which is in short supply throughout the world.

What help has the Minister given to the people in the industry to get on with the job?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government have initiated any futures dealings in cotton in other countries; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to make use of futures markets in foreign countries.

No, Sir. There is no present intention of doing so.

Unless the Government deal in futures in foreign markets in cotton, how can they secure the most advantageous price to the consumer in Britain and prevent a world sellers' ring being put up against them?

As was explained in the Debate which took place, the Government have not found it necessary to deal in futures, but the Control have nevertheless been able to conduct their operations without loss.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will publish details of the Government's proposed cotton purchasing commission, with particular reference to recruitment and conditions of employment.

These matters are under consideration and an announcement will be made in due course.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, due to the uncertainty, a number of merchants are thinking of moving to Dublin and Ghent to open up markets overseas because they see no future in this country?

That is another question.

Is the Minister aware that the system adopted elsewhere —using firms as firms and not selecting individuals—could very well be used in this country, and will he give full weight to representations which, I believe are to be made to him shortly?

I believe the Liverpool Association is coming to see my right hon. Friend very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what redress spinners have when supplied with unsuitable cotton by the Cotton Control.

Spinners are not called upon by the Cotton Control to accept unusable cotton.

Is it not the case that spinners have to whatever is supplied and have to accept it with all faults?

No, Sir. Spinners are persuaded sometimes to accept—

It is in the contract.

—cotton which has been supplied when no other suitable cotton is available, but they are not obliged to take cotton which they do not want.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that this practice simply adds to the export price because the cotton concerned is a dead loss to the man who has to take it and cannot use it?

I cannot conceive of any circumstances under any form of machinery in which the spinners would not be supplied sometimes with cotton they regard as unsuitable.

That is the Minister's conception.

Is it not stipulated at the beginning of the contract that the spinner has to accept it whether he likes it or not?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of electric motors of all sizes, he will permit their export only when they form an integral part of a machine or equipment of considerably greater value than the motor itself.

No, Sir, but arrangements to ensure that no undue proportion of electric motors is exported direct are being discussed with the manufacturers. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is taking all practicable steps to increase total supplies.

Does the hon. Member realise that by exporting motors alone they have a lesser value in foreign currency than when they are exported as part of a more valuable machine?

The hon. Gentleman must also remember that some of these exports are very necessary to supply spares for British machinery installed in other countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in setting up the committee to organise the Great Exhibition of 1951, he will ensure that science will be adequately represented.

No decision has yet been taken upon the form the administration of this International Exhibition, but whatever form it takes I can assure my hon. Friend that science will be represented.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of the larger sizes of ladies' shoes and hosiery; that shopkeepers are unable to obtain these sizes from their wholesalers; and if he will take steps to have these larger sizes manufactured.

With regard to the larger sizes of ladies shoes, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given today to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn). I am not aware that there is now any general shortage of the larger sizes of ladies' hosiery; but I should be glad to look into the cases of any retailers who are having special difficulty in getting supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many successful prosecutions have been undertaken against the furnishing company of Messrs. Jays, and its associated concerns, for infringement of price regulations.

Since April, 1943, there have been 11 successful prosecutions under the Goods and Services (Price Control) Acts, 1939 to 1943, against this group of companies; six against one company and five against another.

How long does the Minister intend to allow this company to have a cynical disregard for the price regulations?

I would like to have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a delay of several months in the delivery of dustbins ordered by local authorities in the Greater London area and that much inconvenience is caused to householders and to public health authorities by this delay; and if he will take steps to speed up production and delivery.

I am aware that there have been delays due to the fact that production of dustbins has been limited by shortage of sheet steel and blackplate of the necessary gauges. I am glad to say that supplies of these materials have improved recently and dustbin production has increased considerably.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that seedgrowers who in the past have distributed their products in paper bags are now using cotton containers; and if he is satisfied that the supply of textiles for clothing, furnishings and the export trade is yet adequate to warrant this use of an essential commodity.

Yes, Sir. In certain cases where no other material would be equally suitable, low quality cotton cloth is being used for seed containers. The quantity of yarn used (about nine tons a year) is so small as to have no appreciable effect on the supply of textiles.

Is the Minister aware that, before I put this Question on the Order Paper, I consulted Messrs. Sutton's, of Reading, who informed me they would much rather use paper than cotton bags if suitable paper were available?

I was not aware that Messrs. Sutton's sold seeds in any particular kind of container.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that two-thirds of the machinery at Messrs. J. and E. M Worrells, Ordsall Lane, Salford, is lying idle, and only one-third of prewar staff are employed; that this firm did a large export trade previous to the war; and, in view of the increase in unemployment in the area, when this firm will be fully employed.

I am aware of the difficulties of this firm which specialises in the dyeing and finishing of velvet. Owing to the shortage of cotton yarn, the manufacture of velvet is necessarily much below its prewar level, but, as yarn supplies improve, arrangements will be made to increase the production of velvet, and the position of the firm should improve accordingly.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the oldest firms in the county, and that they are under an obligation under the 1944 Reinstatement Act to reinstate employees but are not in a position to do so? What assistance does the Board of Trade intend to give them?

The only assistance that the Board of Trade can give is the indirect one of doing everything we can to stimulate the production of velvet which in turn would stimulate their dye interests.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the prewar trade of this firm was 85 per cent. export, and that they need all the encouragement they can get at the moment?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that for the first six months of this year the total allocation of cotton to furnishing fabric manufacturers in the United Kingdom for the production of material for export is 250 tons and that, during the same period, 3,300 tons of cotton is being transferred to manufacturers in Belgium to enable them to produce furnishing fabrics for export to the British Dominions and foreign countries; and if he will stop this transfer of raw material.

The 250 tons, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, represents the maximum amount of cotton yarn that could be spared out of our limited resources in the first quarter of this year for the manufacture of furnishing fabrics for export. I hope to make further provision for this purpose in the second quarter. No cotton yarn is being supplied to Belgium; nor is there any arrangement for the supply or transfer of raw cotton from the United Kingdom to Belgium. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

If I supply the hon. Gentleman with further information on this matter will he look into it again, as the information I have is to the contrary?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken by his Department to bring to fruition the proposal to establish a new manufacturing industry near Carn Brea station in the urban district of Camborne-Redruth; and what is the present position with regard to the matter.

If the hon. and gallant Member refers to the proposal that a well-known manufacturer of office machinery should establish a factory in the Camborne-Redruth district, the Board of Trade has been in the closest touch with the Urban District Council and with the firm, and has given both their full support. As to the second part of the Question, negotiations with regard to the provision of a suitable site for the factory are still proceeding, and I am in touch with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Town and Country Planning.

Is the hon. Gentle man aware that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning is holding up consummation of this project because he refuses to allow the local authority, the Camborne-Redruth Urban District Council, to sell the site to the company which wishes to erect a factory there, and says that they may only grant a lease? As the council are anxious to sell the site, will he, therefore, bring pressure to bear on the Minister of Town and Country Planning?

It would be impossible for me to bring pressure to bear on my right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning, but my right hon. Friend will be receiving a deputation from the council shortly.

Could the hon. Gentleman put pressure on the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if allocations of permits to purchase equipment have now been made in the case of all clubs in Northern cricket leagues; and if sufficient goods will be available in local shops to cover the permits issued.

Allocations have been made against all applications received up to date. A retailer may not be able to meet all requirements at once from his stock but he should be able to get an order accepted by a manufacturer if it is supported by a buying certificate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why no allocation of clothing coupons in replacement of cricket outfits is being made, as previously, direct to Lancashire leagues, who have been told to apply to the Yorkshire cricket federation for all their requirements; and if he will revert at once to the customary practice whereby each county supplies its own clubs.

I am informed that the Central Lancashire Cricket League, to whom the hon. Member no doubt refers, were advised on 4th April of the issue of coupons to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now amend the regulations to permit manufacturers to make overalls for schoolchildren in all sizes from 24 inches in length upwards.

Present arrangements permit a full range of sizes in schoolchildren's overalls, but if there is any particular difficulty which my hon. Friend has in mind I should be glad to have inquiries made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make about obtaining the views of trade, industry and labour, before His Majesty's Government enter the trade negotiations proposed by the U.S.A. in Command 6709.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await a statement which my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council proposes to make after Questions today.

Later —

I apologise for the length of this statement, but it is a matter of great importance to trade and industry. In the statement which he made to the House on the 6th December with regard to the United States Proposals for Consideration by an International Conference on Trade and Employment (Cmd. 6709), the Prime Minister said that both the United States and. the United Kingdom intended, well in advance of the international conference, to carry on between themselves and other countries, including British Commonwealth countries, preliminary negotiations upon the subjects dealt with in the American document. These preliminary negotiations would be designed to prepare the ground thoroughly for the full international conference, which is to be called by the United Nations.

The United States Government have accordingly invited the Government of the United Kingdom to nominate representatives to attend a preliminary meeting. His Majesty's Government have accepted this invitation, and I understand that similar invitations have been accepted by the Governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India, and of Belgium-Luxembourg, Brazil, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, France and the Netherlands, while the U.S.S.R. is still considering the invitation. The United Kingdom Delegation will represent Newfoundland, Southern Rhodesia, Burma and the Colonial Empire, and will be assisted by advisers appointed for the purpose by the Governments concerned. No date has yet been fixed for the preliminary meeting.

It is hoped that the countries attending the preliminary meeting will reach substantial agreement among themselves bo[...] on the adoption of effective domestic and international measures for the preservation of high levels of consumption and employment, and on the positive contributions which they are prepared to offer towards the reduction of trade barriers of all kinds. The intention is that any agreement reached on the basis of these offers should be considered by the full international conference, in the hope that the countries not attending the preliminary meeting would be prepared to make their contributions on a similar basis and that a comprehensive agreement should be brought into operation. The full conference will be held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, which has approved the initiative taken by the United States Government in the matter and has constituted a Committee to prepare for the full Conference.

One of the factors which will be essential to the success of the Conference will be a full exchange of views between the members of the British Common wealth and Empire; whose economic interests are so closely interwoven. The United Kingdom Government are in communication with other Common-wealth Governments with a view to a meeting being held to discuss the American proposals in detail before the preliminary meeting to be convened by the United States. The date of these Commonwealth discussions will depend to some extent on the date of the latter and will be arranged to suit the convenience of the Commonwealth Governments concerned.

Although, as I have said, no dates have yet been fixed, either for the preliminary meeting or the Commonwealth discussions which will precede it, it will be vital for the success of the negotiations that the United Kingdom Delegation should enter them with a full understanding of the considered views of trade, of industry and of labour in this country. I am therefore getting in touch with the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of British Industries, the National Union of Manufacturers and the Trades Union Congress. My right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for the Home Department will similarly arrange to obtain the views If the various organisations representing the farming, fishing and ancillary industries in Great Britain arid Northern Ireland, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food will similarly obtain the views of the food industries of the country. Organised labour will have an opportunity of expressing its views through the Trades Union Congress. We shall welcome the views of all these bodies on every aspect of the negotiations; but, in particular, I am anxious to ensure in the first place that we know what concessions United Kingdom export industries think it important to seek from the Governments of other countries taking part in the negotiations and the relative importance that should be attached to such concessions; and. secondly, how much importance is attached to particular preferences now accorded to this country by other parts of the Commonwealth. Finally, I recognise that it is desirable that the United Kingdom Delegation should, before entering the negotiations, be supplied with as complete a knowledge as possible of the circumstances of every industry which is likely to be affected in any way by modifications of the United Kingdom tariff, or by other aspects of the trade proposals. Accordingly, the letters which are being sent today to the representative bodies I have mentioned—I am placing specimens of these letters in the Library of the House—will explain that any trade organisations who think that their interests may be affected should make their views known to the Department with which they normally have dealings. Moreover, the various Government Departments concerned will not hesitate in any case in which it may be helpful to take the initiative in seeking, when practicable, the advice of representatives of industries in addition to the other organisations I have already mentioned.

The letters to the organisations suggest that they should communicate with the bodies affiliated to them in order that the views expressed may be as representative as possible. Other interested organisations not affiliated to these national bodies are, of course, at liberty to submit their views in writing to His Majesty's Government.

I recognise that it must be difficult to make constructive proposals, particularly in regard to the level of tariffs and preferences, at a time when uncertainty about the future trend of prices and costs is unavoidable and when there is a universal shortage of many classes of goods. On the other hand, His Majesty's Government believe it is in the best interests of the country to join in a determined effort to secure the clearance of trade barriers by concerted international action while the situation is still fluid. It is their aim to work now, in collaboration with other countries, for the creation of conditions which will allow the largest possible exchange of goods in a future in which supply will have caught up with demand and in which it may be more difficult to find markets than to obtain goods.

Thus we hope to enter the negotiations fortified by expert advice. But the negotiations will be complex and it is only in the light of the final offers and counteroffers that it will be possible to assess the advantages and disadvantages to national interests I would, therefore, appeal to all concerned to remember that the ultimate objective is to secure such a worldwide lowering of trade barriers as will lead to a great increase in international commerce and so contribute to that expansion of our own exports which is essential to the maintenance of our position as a great nation.

While 1 thank the right hon. Gentleman for his full, perhaps overfull, statement on the matter, I wish to ask two questions. The first is whether I would be right in reading it in the light of assurances given to the Leader of the Opposition concerning Imperial Preferences. Secondly, may we have an assurance from the Lord President of the Council that the forthcoming negotiations will not stand in the way of the Government carrying out the policy for British agriculture as announced on 15th November?

The undertakings given by the Prime Minister still obtain, and, of course, will be upheld. In regard to agriculture, these discussions will in no way prejudice the statement on the long term policy made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

May I, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, express our pleasure at the eminently satisfactory statement made by the Leader of the House, and express the hope that the negotiations will be successful in bringing about a better economic situation for every country in the world?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will give an assurance to the House that before any undertakings are entered into, not only trading organisations in this country but organisations throughout the Colonial Empire will be consulted, and that no decision affecting Imperial Preference will be entered into without their views being taken into consideration?

That is the responsibility of the Colonial Office, and I feel sure that my right hon. Friend will take care of that aspect of the matter. At any rate, I will call his attention to that aspect of the matter.

Might I ask my right hon. Friend whether the negotiations will at any stage prejudice our fight to continue our policy, or develop our policy, of bulk buying, and bulk purchases, for the nation, by the nation?

I think not. My recollection is that that point was protected. I do not think that there is any reason why these negotiations should prejudice that point.

May I ask the right hon.. Gentleman, in view of the transcendent importance of the questions to which he has referred, and the difficulty of giving any date for these resepctive conferences, that we may be allowed as long notice as possible before the first conference is held? Those who represent certain associations such as the British Association of Chambers of Commerce, might then have ample time to consult our respective constituent bodies in the country.

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that three conferences have to be kept in mind, the Commonwealth Conference, the Preliminary Conference and the full National Conference under the auspices of U.N.O. It would be our wish, and we shall certainly do our best, to give everyone an opportunity. It is partly for that reason, that I wanted to give everyone in trade and industry an opportunity to express views, that I have made the statement now, instead of waiting until the date was announced.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, where an internationally approved and desired piece of machinery is in jeopardy, if he will give an assurance that it will not be suppressed without proper consideration? This applies particularly in reference to the recent action in regard to the suppression of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the unsatisfactory manner in which the work of the Political Intelligence Department mission in Egypt is being carried out, he will consider terminating the activities of this organisation.

The Political Intelligence Mission in the Middle East has recently undergone a detailed reorganisation, and the Director-General of the Department has himself been inspecting their work during the past week.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Members of this House are not accepted as sponsors for applicants for passports; and whether he will arrange that they shall be.

The categories of persons mentioned on the passport application form as being qualified to verify the declaration of an applicant are not intended to be exhaustive. I have no reason to doubt that a Member of this House would be accepted as a sponsor provided he had a reasonable personal knowledge of the applicant.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it desirable that that fact should be stated? Does he really think that hon. Members should be labelled as less competent in this matter than the Mayor of Margate or the Vicar of Ventnor?

I would draw the attention of the hon. Gentleman to the fact that the paragraph ends with that very useful expression " et cetera."

Would it not be in keeping with the dignity of this House if the Minister secured the insertion in the forms of the phrase "Members of Parliament" rather than leave it to be inferred from the words " et cetera " ?

I am not certain that it is any assistance to hon. Members of this House that it should be generally known that then are qualified to perform this service.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it desirable that the constituents of hon. Members should know that their Member is qualified to render this service to them, and does he think it proper that hon. Members of this House should be reduced to the position of et cetera ?

I have no doubt that after this discussion the constituents of the hon. Gentleman, at any rate, will be aware of the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will call the attention of the Security Council to the Kurdish rising in North-west Iran against the authority of the Teheran Government and to the presence of foreign officers with the Kurdish tribes in this area.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he proposes to take action under the Charter of the United Nations on the arming of Persian and Iraqi Kurds by the Soviet Army and their training by Soviet technicians.

My right hon. Friend considers it is in the first place for the Governments concerned, on the basis of the evidence at their disposal, to decide whether there is a case for referring to the United Nations any alleged interference in the internal affairs of their countries.

Could the hon. Gentleman say who are the foreign officers concerned?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the U.S.S.R. has undertaken to carry out her obligations under the 1943 Treaty and to withdraw her troops from Iran, he will take steps to initiate tripartite negotiations between Great Britain, the U.S.S.R. and Iran on the whole question of future concessions for oil and other undertakings in the various regions of that country.

My hon. Friend has no doubt in mind the Treaty of Alliance of 1942 between this country, the Soviet Union and Persia. That Treaty laid on the Soviet Government as well as on His Majesty's Government the obligation to withdraw their troops not later than six months after the conclusion of hostilities with Germany and Japan. My right hon. Friend doubts whether any useful purpose would be served at the present time by initiating intergovernmental negotiations as suggested by my hon. Friend.

After the U.S.S.R. have carried out the obligation to withdraw their troops would the hon. Gentleman then reconsider the matter?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will not think me unfair if I ask him to put down this Question again on that undertaking.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the publication in the "Etoile de Soir" newspaper of an account of the wartime experiences of Mr. Edward Chapman was officially arranged through the British Embassy in Paris; and how much money was received from the newspaper for this series of articles.

Publication of the articles to which my hon. Friend refers was not arranged through His Majesty's Embassy in Paris, but through commercial channels.

But did it not emerge, during the recent proceedings at Bow Street, that publication had been arranged by officials of the British Embassy, and, if so, is it not very odd that the persons concerned were prosecuted for publishing matter which had been officially published in the public interest?

My information is that this proceeding was arranged through the normal commercial channels and if my hon. Friend has any questions to put on the proceedings at Bow Street perhaps he would be good enough to address them to the Home Secretary.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the foundation in the British zone in Germany of 'the Deutsche Aufbau Partei, a party of the extreme Right, led by persons formerly associated with the Nazi Party.

The Deutsche Aufbau Partei first came to notice in the spring of last year. It now has a small following, mainly in Schleswig Holstein. In accordance with democratic principles it has been allowed to form branches in the British Zone at Kreis, or County Level, provided that acceptable leaders are forthcoming. No persons known to-have been active Nazis lead the party. Such persons are debarred from political activity in the British Zone.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider if arrangements for the complete extermination of wild rabbits in this country by humane methods of destruction would be of advantage to agriculture; and whether he will take steps to initiate a campaign of extermination in order to end the present suffering caused by the inhumane trapping methods.

I have no doubt that the complete extermination of wild rabbits in this country would be to the advantage of agriculture, but it is an objective which, unfortunately, is very difficult to reach. The county agricultural executive committees have been engaged since the outbreak of war on an active campaign of rabbit destruction, and I have recently again impressed on them the desirability of following up the autumn control measures by gassing at this season wherever practicable, in order to destroy the breeding stock.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that public opinion is strongly opposed to the continued and unnecessary retention of steel-mouthed traps; and will he not put his foot down?

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that sometimes the use of these traps is the only way of dealing with the pests?

Oh, nonsense.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of agricultural land are in the possession of the Service Departments; and how many acres are now under the plough or are to be ploughed for spring sowing.

The total area of land in England and Wales in possession of the Service Departments on 31st March was 693,000 acres. Figures are not available to show the acreage that has been ploughed or will be ploughed for spring sowing, but the hon. Member will appreciate that much of the area is unsuitable for cultivation

Is the Minister absolutely satisfied that the procedure to be adopted by farmers in farming this land is absolutely tied up and uniform as between the three Services? Is he not aware that some of the farmers have great difficulty in obtaining permission to do anything?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that there is the closest liaison between my Department and the three Service Departments, who are very anxious to release as much land as they can for food production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what provision is made for assuring that where rubber tyres are provided for tractors there is also available a supply of the necessary discs.

Supplies are being provided by tractor manufacturers and im- porters and by other firms. Increased authorisations for materials are being issued by my Department in accordance with estimated demand, but I am afraid that there is still some difficulty in providing sufficient manufacturing capacity at present owing to the general shortage of foundry labour.

Is the Minister aware that in certain cases tyres have been delivered when there were no vehicles? Will he take steps to remedy the situation?

Yes, Sir. When the shortage was apparent towards the end of last year, manufacturers were appealed to for an increase of production and special raw material was made available to them for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take on the Report of the Wool Marketing Committee.

The action to be taken on the Report of the Wool Marketing Committee is at least as much a matter for the industry as for myself. I am in touch with farmers' organisations and hope that these discussions will shortly produce useful results.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the London County Council have decided against sowing any spring wheat on their farms, which cover 6,420 acres; and if he will take steps to have this decision reversed, as contrary to the national interest.

The council's policy, with which I am in full agreement, has been to provide from their farms a continuous supply of milk and vegetables for their hospitals and institutions. As a result of the world food crisis, the council ordered an intensification of this policy, and I do not consider that this is contrary to the national interest.

Is the Minister aware that it was stated in the agricultural Press that the London County Council had been permitted to sow 35 acres for poultry? Does he not think that such a report is very annoying to farmers, who are compelled to sell wheat to the Minister of Food at£3 per ton less than they give for pig food?

I have not seen any such report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether the protein ration for dairy cows will be maintained this year, particularly during the summer period, at last year's level; (2) whether the protein ration for beef cattle will be maintained this year, particularly during the winter period, at last year's level.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement indicating what amounts of foodstuffs he anticipates will be available for the various categories of farm livestock during 1946 and, in particular, with regard to cattle, horses, pigs and poultry.

Ration scales for livestock during the period from May to September will be, in general, the same

The allowances against milk production are issued in the proportion of t protein: 3 cereal.

(b) Allowances issuable from Discretionary Reserves

At County War Agricultural Executive Committee's discretion, on proof of need, no particular rate of issue being specified. Qualifying cases are: (i) Where milk production is being jeopardised by late growth or deterioration of pasture. (ii) Where there are high-yielding cows in the herd but the herd average does not qualify for rations as in (a) above. (iii) Where dry cows and calving heifers require some concentrates before calving.

as last summer except that basic rations for commercial pigs and poultry will be sufficient only for one-sixth of prewar numbers. Strict economy will also be necessary in supplementary issues for all classes of stock. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the scales for the classes of farm stock mentioned in Questions. I am not at present in a position to make any statement about ration scales during the winter of 1946–47, but, in view of the present and prospective world supply situation, I would take this opportunity of again impressing upon farmers the vital necessity of increasing their efforts to attain the maximum self-sufficiency in feedingstuffs of all kinds.

Is the Minister satisfied that the Minister of Food has obtained all possible supplies from Argentina?

My right hon. Friend has obtained the maximum supplies possible.

Does the Minister consider it too late to encourage farmers to sow linseed this year?

I should like notice of that question.

Following are the particulars of ration scales:

(c) Special Allowance for cows and heifers calving in October or November

Any issue which may be made under this head will depend upon sufficient supplies being available.

CALVES

(a) Calves up to 6 months old

⅜unit calf-food per month. This allowance is given normally only on milk-selling holdings.

(b) Bull calves up to 6 months old, from milk-recorded or pedigree dairy herds

I unit per head per month (in protein and cereal), in lieu of calf-food allowance as in (a) above.

(c) Allowances issuable from Discretionary Reserves

At County War Agricultural Executive Committee's discretion, on proof of need, no particular rate of issue being specified. Qualifying cases are: (i) Heifer calves 6–12 months old, on small holdings where no milk is sold or on hill farms where rearing is the chief occupation. (ii) Other young stock on holdings where essential crops for direct human consumption have been grown at the expense of fodder crops.

OTHER CATTLE

(a) Premium bulls being used for service

Monthly allowance of ½ unit protein and up to I unit of cereal, according to need.

(b) Other hulls, 6–16 months old, being reared for service

Monthly allowance of up to ½ unit protein and I unit cereal, according to need.

HORSES

(Allowances for agricultural horses are made only if the oats grown on the holding are unavoidably insufficient for them.)

(a) Agricultural Horses, in work.

Up to 2½ units for May, 1¼ units per month June-September. If engaged in continuous heavy work, up to 4 units per month.

(b) Farmers' Horses for Transport or other trade purposes, e.g., milk delivery.

Up to I unit per month.

(c) Heavy Stallions at stud.

Up to 5 units per month for Shires, 4 units per month for Suffolk, Percherons and Clydesdales. Allowance obtainable up to July.

(d) Urban Transport Horses and Pit Ponies.

The Ministry of Food issues rations of between ½ and 3¾ units per month for horses engaged on essential work.

PIGS

(a) Basic Issue.

1 unit per pig per month May-August, for one-sixth of numbers registered at June, 1939, or December, 1940.

(b) Pedigree Pigs.

½unit per pig per month for up to one-third of the numbers registered at June, 1939, or December, 1940.

(c) Premium Boars.

1 unit per boar per month.

(d) Farrowing Sows.

6 units for each sow or gilt about to farrow.

POULTRY

(a) Basic Issue.

1½ units per 20 birds per month May-August, for one-sixth of the numbers registered at June, 1939, or December, 1940.

(b) Supplementary rations for Sound Poultry Breeding Stock.

1⅛ units per month per 18 fowls, 15 ducks or nine turkeys.

Rations for pigs and poultry are issued in the proportion of 1 protein: 9 cereal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount of space taken in local newspapers and the cost incurred by the Agricultural Wages Board in advertising its recent order, running to a length of 2,500 words, in some newspapers; and if he will instruct the Board to make clearer and briefer announcements in future.

I have not at present precise information as to the cost of advertising the recent Order of the Agricultural Wages Board, but it is probable that the average number of lines used for single advertisements was 180 and that the aggregate cost for advertising the Orders for the 47 separate Agricultural Wages Committee areas was about £2,500. The Board has to make separate Orders for each of the county areas, and as the average length of a notice on this occasion was 900 words, I assume that the hon. Member is quoting the case of a newspaper circulating in more than one county and carrying more than one notice. The Board is required by the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, to give notice of the contents of its Orders, and in view of the fact that the Orders have the force of law, every effort is made to ensure that the notices are informative as well as reasonably short.

Is the Minister really satisfied that these notices are necessary, in view of the continued shortage of newsprint, and of the further fact that farmers are busy people?

I can assure the hon. Member that the notices issued on this occasion were very closely summarised. I ought to explain that they referred to four separate matters: increased minimum rates for women workers; increased weekly and overtime rates for all classes of workers; reduction of hours covered by the weekly minimum wages; increases of public holidays. That was the reason for the very long notice.

Is the Minister aware that the waste of paper by his Department is nothing when compared with the waste in other Departments?

I would not disagree with the lion. Member.

Why not give the agricultural worker a square deal?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that little more than one-third of Swaziland is in the occupation of the indigenous population and that acquisition of land by the Government for native settlement in recent years is not a substantial addition to that proportion, he will give favourable consideration to the acquisition of land now being advertised for sale.

As a result of the recent addition of the 230,000 acres of private land which have been acquired for occupation by the natives in Swaziland, with funds provided under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, and also the 135,000 acres of Crown land which are being utilised for native settlement, the area of Swaziland now under native occupation is slightly over 2,000,000 acres, or approximately half the total area of the territory. This has been regarded as satisfactorily meeting the needs of the present situation and it is not proposed to devote more funds under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act to acquire additional land. The development of the additional areas thus acquired will necessitate very considerable expenditure during the next few years.

Is the Minister aware that Sir Alan Pym, in his recent report, emphasised the insufficiency of land for native settlement? Why cannot some of the land now advertised for sale in London newspapers be acquired for native land settlement?

My hon. Friend is not quite up to date in his information. We have acquired a great deal of extra land. What is now being done is to settle that land, and to see that the best use is made of it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how money of the Soviet citizens freed by forces operating under British command, and sent back to the U.S.S.R. in accordance with the agreement signed at Yalta, have protested at being sent back.

I regret that I am unable to answer this Question. No records have been kept by the military authorities of the numbers of repatriates who may have protested against repatriation.

Does the Minister deny that the operation of this Agreement has denied the right of asylum under the British flag to political offenders?

I think that is another question. I am asked about the numbers of repatriates. I regret there are no records on this subject.

Have any been sent back who objected to being sent back?

Again, I must not guess.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the official announcement by the French Foreign Office that His Majesty's Government had not asked for the extradition of Amin el Husseini, ex-Mufti of Jerusalem, but only for his transfer from French to British custody, he will now take appropriate steps to obtain his extradition.

The offences with which the Mufti might be charged are not extraditable offences under the Anglo-French Extradition Treaty. No useful purpose would, therefore, be served by applying for his extradition.

Is the hon. Member aware that the Mufti actually enlisted Forces against this country in Germany; and in those circumstances does he not propose to do something about the matter?

I am not asked whether I will do something. I am asked about extradition and I must point out that this does not fall inside the compass of an extradition treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why His Majesty's Government informed the French Government that Haj Amin el Husseini did not come within the category of war criminals, but was regarded as a Quisling; and if, in view of the ex-Mufti's activities on behalf of the Nazis and Fascists during the war in Germany, Italy and elsewhere, and the part he has played as an instigator of, and collaborator in, the plans for the extermination of European Jews by Hitler, he will now take appropriate steps to obtain his extradition so that he can be tried as a war criminal.

The Mufti is not a war criminal in the technical sense of the term, since he is not an enemy national, nor a person who served in the enemy forces. The matters in respect of which he could be accused would be that, being a person who owed allegiance to the Crown, he committed offences against his own national law. I have already dealt with the question of extradition in reply to another question.

Will the hon. Member say whether he will endeavour to obtain the Mufti by some method or another in order to have him tried?

I think if I am going to be asked about some method or another, I must have notice of the question.

Is it not a fact that, unlike the British Government on the question of expelling people who do not want to go back to Russia, the French Government do not extradite people for political offences?

In view of the terms used, is he the Mufti or the ex-Mufti?

Is it a fact that a request was made by the British Government to the French Government to transfer the Mufti from French to British custody, and can he say whether that request was refused, and whether it will be renewed?

I should not be prepared to answer without notice.

asked the Minister of Transport the rates of freight in operation or authorised by him on 1st January, 1943, and 18th March, 1946, for the carriage of oranges from Palestine, South Africa, Brazil and Jamaica, apples from the Northern sea board and North America, Australia and South Africa and onions from Egypt; how these rates compare with those in operation at 1st January, 1939; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the present rates to more normal proportions.

This traffic is normally carried in liner tonnage. In the liner tariffs, rates vary according to the nature of the packing and the conditions of stowage. I am sending my hon. Friend particulars of the rates for which he asks. Before the war, the particular traffics mentioned by my hon. Friend were usually arranged under contract for each season, and the freights were influenced by competitive and other considerations. In present circumstances I do not think that the existing rates are unreasonable.

asked the Minister of Transport the reason for the present congestion of shipping in the Brazilian ports; and what steps he is taking to ease it.

Serious shipping congestion has recently been reported only at Santos; the delays are mainly attributable to labour and inland transport difficulties. The British Shipping Mission in Washington is in touch with the U.S. Government whose ships are also affected. The U.S. Government have made representations to the Brazilian Government who have undertaken to make improvements. Meanwhile, the British liner companies serving this trade are restricting calls at Santos.

As the United States Government made representations, would it not be a good plan for this Government also to make representations?

We keep in touch on these matters.