asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will regrant British nationality to Mrs. Grammatikou, concerning whom his Department has been in correspondence with the honorary secretary of the Anglo-Egyptian Aid Society.

Mrs. Grammaticou's application was received in the Home Office on 12th March, 1946. Certain inquiries are necessary to establish that she is eligible to apply for readmission to British nationality; these have already been put in hand and as soon as they are completed her application will be considered.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of money paid to voluntary hospitals in the county of Devon for Emergency Medical Services since 1939, to date; and the amount paid to the voluntary hospitals of Plymouth for those services for the same period.

The total amount of money paid since the 2nd September, 1939, to voluntary hospitals in the County of Devon, including the county boroughs of Exeter and Plymouth, for the reservation of beds and the maintenance and treatment of patients under the Emergency Hospital Scheme, which is part of the Emergency Medical Service, is about £550,000. Of this sum, about £160,000 has gone to voluntary hospitals in the county borough of Plymouth.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the discontent in the ambulance services; and whether he is prepared to incorporate the National Ambulance Service into the National Health Service.

It will be my object when the National Health Service is established to try and ensure an efficient and contented service in all areas.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the L.C.C. frequently send out ambulances with only the driver and no attendant; that the relatives have to assist in the removal of the patient; and if he will give instructions that no ambulance shall he sent out without another person accompanying the driver.

The administration of the London County Council ambulance service is the responsibility of the council, and I have no authority to issue directions in the matter. I am informed, however, that two men are sent with L.C.C. ambulances except where this is clearly unnecessary.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the danger of allowing E.M.S. ambulances to carry patients with no nurse or other person in attendance; that many cases, especially stretcher cases, cannot be taken from an ambulance without skilled assistance; and if he will arrange that in future all E.M.S. ambulances shall have an attendant in addition to the driver.

The provision of a nurse or qualified attendant for every ambulance case is not absolutely essential, and at present the shortage of nurses makes it impracticable. An attendant is provided to an E.M.S. ambulance dealing with a stretcher case, and a nurse or qualified escort accompanies in other cases where this is considered necessary.

asked the Minister of Health when he estimates that the Middlesex County Council will be in a position to provide additional maternity accommodation at the Chase Farm Hospital, as promised.

I understand that owing to shortage of staff and other difficulties, the council have not made as rapid progress as they expected. They hope to receive tenders for the necessary adaptations next month and, given the required labour, the work should take about four months from the starting date fixed by the Ministry of Works after the receipt of tenders.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the failure of the Middlesex County Council to provide additional maternity accommodation at Chase Farm Hospital, he will reconsider the proposal of the urban district council of Enfield to establish a maternity home at Enfield.

No, Sir. I am advised that the proposal is not a very satisfactory one. Other measures for relieving the pressure on maternity accommodation in the greater London area are in contemplation, and I am writing to my hon. Friend in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in spite of the lack of hospital accommodation in Essex the Essex County Council Hospital at Broomfield has recently closed a whole ward; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

Yes, Sir. This sanatorium is among those affected by the prevailing shortage of nurses and domestic staff. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is aware of its needs, and priority is being given in the endeavour to provide staff.

asked the Minister of Health what approximate percentage of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of the bones and joints are caused by the bovine tubercle bacillus.

I am advised that the bovine tubercle bacillus is estimated to cause less than 2 per cent. of all cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and about 30 per cent. of all forms of non-pulmonary tuberculosis, but it is not possible to give a separate figure for tuberculosis of the bones and joints.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in England and Wales suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of the bones and joints during 1945, or the latest 12-monthly period for which figures are available; and what was the approximate cost to the community of the treatment of each case.

It is estimated that at 31st December, 1945, there were in England and Wales approximately 182,000 persons under treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis and 54,000 for non-pulmonary tuberculosis, but no separate figures are available regarding non-pulmonary bone and joint cases. The information referred to in the last part of the Question would involve a special and intricate inquiry of all tuberculosis authorities which I scarcely feel justified in undertaking.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of smallpox have been admitted this year to the Port Health Hospital, New Ferry; and how many of them are members of the forces or of the crews of the steamers arriving in Liverpool.

I am informed that eleven cases of smallpox have been admitted to the hospital referred to this year, of which six were members of H.M. Forces and one a member of the crew of a ship arriving at Liverpool.

asked the Minister of Health, if he will indicate, in respect of the latest convenient period, what proportion of plans for new housing estates contain accommodation for old people.

I regret that information giving the number of dwellings on plans approved for new housing estates which are intended solely for the accommodation of old people is not available. Of the 57,137 houses for which tenders had been approved by the 28th February, 2,564 were one bedroom dwellings. A large number of these are designed for the housing of old people.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Mr. J. Pallett, Back Lane, Hoar Cross, near Burton-on-Trent, is under notice to quit his present house and that the Tutbury Rural Council have failed to provide him with alternative accommodation, although there have been several cottage, vacant in the area for long periods; and if he will compel this council to exercise its powers of requisitioning and provide this man with a house.

I understand that the rural district council are fully alive to Mr. Pallett's needs and 'are doing all they can to meet them, The only vacant cottages in the area, however, are in an Air Minis- try "danger" area and cannot, therefore, be occupied.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a decision of Mr. Justice Charles, on 15th April, to quash an order made by him to acquire compulsorily 1½acres of land, the property of Mr. George Stafford, of Monsley; if he will take steps to ensure that his Department will exercise more care in future; and what disciplinary action does he propose to take against the persons concerned on this occasion.

My attention has been called to the case. The Order was confirmed in August of last year. At about the same time, though not in connection with this case, instructions were given instituting an amended procedure. No question of disciplinary action arises.

asked the Minister of Health the present position with regard to the scheme of conditions of service recently adopted by the National Joint Council for local authorities, administrative, professional, technical and clerical services; and if he will make arrangements for public authorities to be given a suitable opportunity to discuss this particular scheme.

The position is that all local authorities to whom the scheme applies were furnished with copies of the scheme by the National Joint Council, when the two sides of that council had agreed upon it. I am not sure what is meant by the last part of the hon. Member's Question, since in fact local authorities have an opportunity to discuss the scheme before deciding whether to adopt it. In making a decision, they will no doubt bear in mind the representative character of the Joint Industrial Council.

asked the Minister of Health the number of day nurseries in existence in January, 1945, and in February, 1946, respectively.

Including part time nurseries, there were 1,535 and 1,336 respectively.

asked the Minister of Health if it is within the terms of reference of the committee now sitting on London government to consider and report on a revision of the boundaries of the administrative County of London, or if it is only confined to considering the boundaries of Metropolitan boroughs within the limits of the present administrative county.

The terms of reference of the Committee on London Government do not enable them to recommend alterations in the boundary of the administrative county of London.

asked the Minister of Education how many child guidance clinics have been set up under local education authorities; and how many such authorities use the services of a qualified psychiatrist for the purpose of helping difficult and delinquent children.

There are 66 child guidance clinics provided by local education authorities, and 49 other authorities have established a child guidance service using clinics provided by voluntary bodies or other local education authorities. In all these cases the services of qualified psychiatrists are available.

asked the Minister of Education if she will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted, of a captain, R.A., married and released under the Class B scheme on 14th December, 1945, in order to study at King's College, London University, for the diploma in education who, though eligible for the payment of a maintenance grant under the Further Education Training Scheme, has not received it; and if she will expedite payment.

This applicant for an award under the Further Education and Training Scheme was informed soon after his application was received in my Department that a grant would be made to him. A letter has now been sent to him informing him of the amount of his maintenance grant and payment will be made as soon as the certificate of attendance, which is my Department's authority to pay, is returned by the college.

asked the Minister of Food the number of prosecutions undertaken by his Department or local authorities in 1938 and the last three years, respectively, or latest convenient dates, for not reporting rat infestations in the Metropolitan area.

There was no duty on occupiers in 1938 to report rat infestation. The first part of the Question, therefore, does not arise. The answer to the second part of the Question is one prosecution in 1943 and none since. I prefer to rely on a system of voluntary reporting, to which the public widely resort.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to abandon or relax the restriction which, while allowing older established newspapers to accept advertisements up to 55 per cent. of their space, limits newly-established papers to 25 per cent. of their space.

The relaxation allowing small newspapers and periodicals to be published was intended primarily for publications not of a commercial nature; it is not proposed to increase their permitted proportion of advertisement space, which is 20 per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the cost to the Exchequer of the subsidy on wool piecegoods which came into operation on 1st February, 1945; and if it is now proposed to abolish this subsidy, as has been done in the case of wool.

For the 12 months beginning 1st April, 1945, payments amounted to £2,652,000. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what approximate percentage of dyes used in this country came from Germany before the war; what percentage is now produced in this country; whether he is satisfied as to the dependability and quality of these dyes; and whether instructions will be issued to his Public Relations Department to publicise the present satisfactory position with regard to such dyes.

It is estimated that approximately 13 per cent. by weight, of the dyestuffs used in the United Kingdom before the war were imported, the proportion from Germany being about nine per cent.; and that at present over 95 per cent. of United Kingdom usage of dyestuffs is from home production.

Users of United Kingdom dyestuffs have expressed appreciation of the range and quality of the British dyes produced during the war. In the normal course of business, dyemakers draw attention to the durability and fastness of their products, and no doubt will continue to do so. I do not think therefore that it is necessary for the Board of Trade to take special measures to publicise the satisfactory quality of home-produced dyestuffs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will give favourable consideration to allowing voluntary ambulance society members to replace badly worn uniforms, without having to surrender personal clothing coupons.

Full time members of voluntary ambulance societies make a token surrender of six or eight coupons and in return are allowed, coupon free, an initial outfit of uniform and replacements on an agreed scale. Part time members on duty for 48 hours or more every month may if they choose receive their uniform on these terms. Those who serve for less than 48 hours a month are allowed coupons for an initial outfit on recruitment but we should not be justified in enabling them to replace these uniforms coupon free.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the shortage of soft woods in the Coventry area, he will arrange for bulk supplies to be brought into this district immediately from the stores where they are at present lying.

Timber generally is in short supply, but I am not aware of any particular shortage in the Coventry area. If my hon. Friend has any specific cases in mind, I shall be glad to inquire into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order that stock holders and users of timber in Coventry may not be penalised by the uneven distribution of timber stocks which is involving them in heavy transport charges, he will cancel the extra cost for carriage of the timber from other areas beyond the equalisation charge allowed under the provisions of the Timber Control Orders.

The equalisation charge on imported timber has been abolished and prices are now on an ex-ship basis, to which, of course, have to be added landing costs and cost of transport to the place where delivery is made. On the average, prices to the consumer remain substantially unchanged, but, as before the war, delivered prices in inland areas are naturally higher than at the port.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that T/14427913 Driver J. Parker, 19 G.T. Coy., R.A.S.C., B. A O.R., has been endeavouring since September, 1945, to recover his watch and 2,503 Belgian francs, illegally held in the divisional welfare fund; and will he instruct the commander, 53rd Division, to ensure that this man obtains his rightful possessions.

Inquiries are being made and as soon as they are completed I will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. and gallant Member for Spen Valley will re- ceive the report on 4608393 Pte. W. E. Hatfield, promised under W.O.ref.M.P. / 1991/ XL, dated 20th November, 1945; and whether, as there is no evidence that this soldier intended to desert the Army he will now implement the pledges given to this House on 29th March, 1946, with a view to assisting the soldier's wife and child whose allowances ceased in 1942.

I regret the delay in sending my hon. and gallant Friend a final reply about this case, but enquiries are still being made in South Africa and India as well as in this country with a view to finding out the full circumstances under which the Court of Inquiry made their declaration of desertion. So long as Private Hatfield remains posted as a deserter his wife and child are not entitled to any allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Mr. Norman Counsell of 20 Park Street, Northampton, who was demobilised on 15th January at Talavera Camp, Northampton, may expect to receive his demobilisation suit from Brandon depot, Burton-on-Trent; and why Brandon depot have not answered or acknowledged any of his letters.

I regret that on the information given it has not been possible to identify the case referred to, but steps have been taken to obtain the necessary Service particulars from Mr. Counsell in order that the matter may be investigated. I am sorry that there has recently been some delay in dealing with correspondence at Branston depot, but this has been caused by the concentration of all available staff on the task of issuing clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the release under Class B of 1931428 Corporal J. Yates, R.E., as a key specialist in the electrical contracting industry, which was recommended by the Minister of Works last March, has not yet been carried out; whether he is aware that Corporal Yates has been sent to 72 Transit Camp for transit to Italy; and whether he will expedite his decision in this case.

A request for the release of Corporal Yates was not received from the Ministry of Labour and National Service until 15th April. Steps are now being taken to offer him Class B release, but it may take a little time before his release can be carried out as he had unfortunately left for C.M.F. before the hon. Member's Question appeared on the Order Paper and before any request for his release had been received by the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Class B release of 14916747 Private H. Hughes, 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment, S.E.A.C., has not yet been effected although approved by the Ministry of Works.

I understand that there has been some difficulty in tracing this man as he has moved between India and S.E.A.C. I am, however, taking steps to find out whether an offer of Class B release has yet been made to him and, if so, with what result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has published an A.C.I. for issue to commanding officers regarding the release of Class B men registered as agriculturists or ancillary trades.

Instructions are issued from the War Office in each individual case for an offer of release to be made to any man who is eligible for Class B release as an agricultural worker. No general A.C.I. dealing specifically with the release of agricultural workers is necessary, as they are dealt with in the same way as other classes of men to whom offers of Class B release are being made. Full instructions have been issued and are in the hands of all commanding officers covering the whole of the procedure relating to Class B releases.

asked the Secretary of State for War what common lands are now requisitioned by his department in the counties of Brecon and Radnor.

So far as I have been able to find out in the time available, some 250 acres of common land are requisitioned by the War Department under Defence Regulation 51 in the County of Radnor and 165 acres in the County of Brecon.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that trenches dug on common land in South Wales for the purpose of Army exercises during the war are still unfilled; that they are an inconvenience to farmers and a danger to animals that graze on this land; and what steps he is taking to have these trenches filled.

Trenches dug during training are normally filled in before each particular exercise closes. In cases where trenches have been left unfilled, compensation may be claimed by landowners, or tenants, through district claims officers, to cover labour expenses incurred. It is not in such cases the policy of the War Department physically to reinstate land, except in exceptional circumstances, and then only when labour is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the difficulty which exists in overseas units in obtaining copies of the form E.D. 653A, being application for further educational training; and if he will arrange for supplies to be made available to all units, especially in the M.E.F.

Printed Forms ED 653A are not required from Members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas who wish to be considered for awards under the Government's Further Education and Training Scheme. Applications are made on Forms ED 653A prepared locally in accordance with a specimen shown in the Appendix to Army Council Instruction 156 of 1946, which has been circulated down to Companies, Batteries, and equivalent units.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and men of the British Army in India were recorded as suffering from smallpox in 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944; how many of the cases proved fatal; and how many were recorded as vaccinated or re-vaccinated.

I am taking steps to obtain the information asked for, and as soon as it is received from India I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to release the Lex garage in Kensington Place; and whether he is aware that the continued occupation of these premises by his Department is the cause of great inconvenience to the residents in that area.

I am fully aware of the need for returning garages to their normal use as early as possible, and all garages occupied by my Department are released as soon as the military need for them ceases. The Lex garage, Kensington Place, provides workshop accommodation for the Car Company. R.A.S.C. serving Headquarters, London District. There is no alternative garage accommodation in London at the disposal of my Department, and I regret that I cannot at present forecast the date by which the garage in question can be released.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the discontent of theatres, factories, cinemas and other places of public entertainment, he will set up a committee of inquiry into the operations of the Performing Rights Society.

No, Sir. I have no such general evidence as would justify the institution of a special inquiry at present, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will furnish me with full particulars, I will look into the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why C/ JX269111 Leading Signalman Alfred Smart, who was demobilised on 8th February, 1946, at No. 3 Civilian Clothing Depôt, Northampton, has not yet received his demobilisation suit from the Central Depot, Branston; and why the commandant at Branston has failed to acknowledge three letters from Leading Signalman Smart.

I have been asked to reply. During the peak period for releases production of civilian clothing fell behind requirements and as a result, it was impossible to supply a number of men with complete outfits of the correct sizes at the time of release. These cases are now being cleared at the rate of some 7,000 items of clothing daily and it is hoped that the position will be normal by the end of this month. I regret that there has recently been some delay in dealing with correspondence at Branston depot, but this has been caused by the concentration of all available staff on the task of issuing clothing. I am having Mr. Smart's case investigated.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 2,100 men who left their employment in the coalmining industry during 1945, without the permission of a National Service officer, contrary to the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order, 1943, have been prosecuted; how many have been convicted; and what was the nature of the penalty in each case.

During the year 1945 proceedings in England, Scotland and Wales were taken under the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order, 1943, against 756 persons for leaving their employment in the coalmining industry without the permission of a National Service officer with the following results:

Fined 479 Imprisoned 88 Bound over, dismissed under Probation of Offenders Act or admonished 69 Dismissed or withdrawn 120 756

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to ensure that men who volunteer for further service in the Forces under the terms recently announced will continue to come within the scope of the Reinstatement in Civil Employment Act, 1944

Any right to reinstatement conferred by the Reinstatement in Civil Employment Act is subject to the provision that the obligation placed on employers by Section 1 of the Act comes to an end after six months have elapsed from a date to be declared by Order in Council to be the end of the present emergency. This date has not yet been fixed and my right hon. Friend cannot anticipate the decision. If, however, the emergency is declared at an end for this purpose within three or four years, the position of men whose release from the Forces occurs at a later date as a result of voluntary re-engagement will obviously be affected.

asked the Minister of Labour, for what reason G. Morrison, of Haldene, Annan Road, Dumfries, an engineering student at Edinburgh University, after being notified on 10th October 1945 that he would be called up and having discontinued his university course in consequence, did not receive a calling-up notice until 7th April 1946.

My present information does not confirm the statement made by the hon. Member. As to the date on which this student was told that he would be called up, I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I receive a full report.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now permit university students to complete their courses even although they fail in an examination, provided that they pass the examination at the second attempt before receiving their calling-up notice.

My right hon. Friend is already considering the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in order to facilitate the export of proprietory medicines and drugs, arrangements have been made to issue licences permitting the import of bottles from certain European countries on condition that they are subsequently used for export purposes; and whether arrangements can be made to enable the 25 per cent. duty imposed on the import of such bottles to be refunded when they are in due course re-exported containing medicines and drugs.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of this trade. But the duty on imported bottles is very small in relation to the value of the medicines and drugs contained in them and I see no sufficient reason to waive the duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of each class of hydrocarbon oils retained for home consumption during the year ended 31st March, 1946, and the net amount received in respect of duty thereon.

Description ( a ) Approximate Quantity retained for Consumption. Approximate Net Receipts. Gallons £ Light Oils — Petroleum Spirit— Motor Spirit … … 1,414,338,000 53,038,000 Other Spirit … … 34,469,000 1,293,000 Coal Tar Products Benzol … … — — Other Sorts … … — — Turpentine … … 1,044,000 39, 000 Heavy Oils for mixing with Light Oils ( b ) … … 10,000 — Other Hydrocarbon Oils … … 58,000 2,000 Oils in Composite Articles … … 9,000 — 1,449,928,000 54,372,000 Deduct net amount paid to Isle of Man ( c ) … … — 84,000 Total, Light Oils … … 1,449,928,000 54,288,000 Heavy Oils for use as fuel in Road vehicles (duty-paid atrate for Light Oils) 109,737,000 4,115,000 Other Heavy Oils (duty-paid at id. per gallon)— Petroleum Oil— Crude Oil … … 28,000 — Kerosene … … 297,493,000 1,240,000 Lubricating Oil … … 119,330,000 497,000 Gas Oil … … 224,106,000 934,000 Fuel Oil … … 64,997,000 271,000 Other Sorts … … 2,386,000 10,000 Coal Tar Products … … — — Other Oils … … 174,000 1,000 Oils in Composite Articles … … 65,000 — Total, Heavy Oils duty-paid at Id. per gallon … … 708,579,000 2,953,000 Total. Dutiable Oils … … 2,268,244,000 61,356,000 ( a ) The descriptions of oil correspond to those used in customs documents, but are not defined by statute. ( b ) Dutiable as light oils. ( c ) Difference between amounts collected in, and allocated to, the Isle of Man during the year ended 31st March, 1946.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since the postwar credits will shortly become payable to men of the age of 65 years and over and women of the age of 6o years and over, it

Information in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1946, is not yet available, but the following table covers the 11 months' period 1st April, 1945, to 28th February, 1946.

The quantities of each class of Hydrocarbon Oils retained for home consumption and the respective net amounts of duty received therefrom during the II months ended 28th February, 1946, were approximately, as follow:

is the Government's intention to extend this benefit so as to make it payable to the beneficiaries or their executors of such persons who had reached that age and who have died, with special regard to the beneficiaries who are their children and where the postwar credits have been divided into the proper proportions applicable.

I propose that the title to repayment shall depend on the age of the beneficiary and not on the age of the deceased.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now state the quantities of malt and raw grain spirit and also the quantity of non-potable spirit produced in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the year 1944–45.

The particulars which I think the hon. Member requires, of the quantities of spirits produced in the year ended 30th September, 1945, are as follow:

Proof gallons Distilleries using malt only 3,692,258 Distilleries using malt and other materials 6,014,111 Distilleries using molasses only 36,688,798

These figures relate to the output of ethyl alcohol distilleries by the fermentation-distillation process. There is no separate classification for non-potable spirits.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is willing to alter the terms of the agreement between the Civil Service unions and the Government providing for the reference to arbitration, in default of agreement of issues concerning conditions of service, in such a way as to provide 'hat disputes on superannuation issues at present excluded from the scope of arbitration should be referable to arbitration.

No, Sir. Superannuation questions, unlike those at present covered by the agreement, are governed by Statute and are not therefore appropriate for arbitration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make the monthly digest of statistics available in future in the Vote Office.

No, Sir. This is a non-Parliamentary publication. It is however, available to Members on the green demand form. I would add that a single application on this form can be made to cover all issues published during a whole Session.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will now state when it is proposed to publish the Report of the Royal Commission on Equal Pay.

I cannot add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 29th January.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma, what steps- he is taking to secure the full development of the Burmese rice industry.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the detailed statement I made in the House on 5th April, 1946, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the recent rains in India have materially improved the food situation there.

No, Sir. Parts of the Punjab and the United Provinces received some rain in the last week of February and the first week of March. But no material improvement is to be hoped for from this. The total rain received over the period November-March was only 2.8 inches against a normal 6.3 inches in the Punjab and 3 inches against a normal 5.9 inches in the United Provinces. It is clear that any improvement in the poor outturn of the spring crops which was apprehended in the areas affected will be negligible in relation to the overall shortage in India.

India's import requirements for the first half of this year were stated to the Combined Food Board as two million tons of wheat and half a million tons of rice. Allotments of 1.4 million tons of wheat or maize and 145,000 tons of rice were proposed by the Board, and India will require at least those quantities in order to maintain the existing low cereals ration of 12 oz. per adult per day.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many British residents in India have secured passages home in each of the months of January to March inclusive; what numbers it is estimated will secure passages during each of the next three months; and what further shipping facilities are to be made available during the present summer.

The number of home passages provided for British residents in India in each of the months January to March inclusive was 1,048, 369 and 1,059, respectively. In April it is expected that over 1,000 will be provided and it is hoped to improve on this figure during the following months.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why surplus men in the Fleet Air Arm, who were trained by the R.A.F., are not transferred to the R.A.E. to stabilise demobilisation.

I have been asked to reply. The release of Naval Air maintenance ratings will shortly be slowed up. The transfer of any substantial number of ratings for any appreciable time could, therefore, not take place without delaying the release of these groups behind that of the rest of the Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that, in a case submitted to him, a lieutenant-commander, R.N., sent in to his Department an invention which was described in a letter from that Department as having been of value, but, because the contribution did not qualify for a Board letter of recognition, no recognition was made; and whether he will revise these rules as discouraging invention on the part of officers in the Service.

The officer to whom the hon. Member refers was not in fact the originator of the idea in question, but one of several associated with its development. His individual contribution, although of value, was not held to justify a Board letter of recognition, which is restricted to cases of outstanding merit. I think the hon. Member will agree that it is important that this criterion should be maintained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the nature of the adjustments made in the system of marking trade tests for artificer apprentices at Tor Point, Rosyth and Newcastle-under-Lyme, and mechanician candidates at Devonport; and at which establishments it was necessary to make such adjustments by reason of numbers and differing types of machine tools.

The scheme of marking for the trade test provided for a maximum number of marks from which deductions were made for mistakes and inaccuracies. A compensatory higher maximum in the light of the standards produced at previous examinations was fixed, however, for the Mechanical Training Establishment at Devonport, where the tools are rather older and more worn than at the Artificer Training Establishments, and at the Artificer Training Establishment, Newcastle-under-Lyme, which, at the time of the examination, was in course of removal to permanent premises, and where certain machine tools were temporarily not available.

asked the Minister of Pensions when his Department will decide what unemployability supplement can be granted to Mr. R. E. Simmons, of 35, Hadley Gardens, W.4, with whom they have been in correspondence since 22nd December, 1945.

I will look into this case and write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions upon what grounds special hardship allowance is allowable to partially disabled pensioners of the 1939 war and not for the 1914 war.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Bolton, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the hearing by the new tribunals of appeals by farmers in cases of dispossession and termination of tenancies will be open to the public.

Yes, Sir, unless the appellant objects. I might add that the appellant will be entitled to appear before the tribunal either in person, or by counsel or solicitor. He will of course be able to give evidence himself and to call any witnesses he may think fit; and he will also be entitled to cross-examine any witnesses called by the war agricultural executive committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made with afforestation schemes in Wales; where these schemes are located; and what proposals he has for the development of further schemes.

During the season that is now coming to an end 1,000 acres are being planted in 60 forests distributed throughout Wales. Plans are in being for progressive increases of the planting programme which, for the next year, should reach 5,000 acres. The acquisition of land, raising of nursery stocks, and other essential operations necessary for the planned extension are progressing alongside the development of planting.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to ensure that Government Departments declare surplus as many of their stores in the nature of scientific instruments as possible; and what Department is responsible for listing, classifying and distributing in accordance with need, such stores.

Government Departments have standing instructions to declare for disposal equipment in excess of their needs, but in view of the shortage of scientific instruments they have recently been asked to make a special review of their holdings of such equipment. The duties connected with the disposal of scientific instruments fall to the Ministry of Supply.

asked the Minister of Supply what are the terms of the instructions given to the makers of boat engines with the object of ensuring a priority to the fishing industry in the manufacture and sale of such engines.

The information necessary to enable me to give guidance to manufacturers about the allocation of output between home and export is still being collected. Meanwhile, the principal manufacturers have undertaken to give priority to engines for the fishing fleet over engines for pleasure craft and to give special consideration to cases of hardship.

asked the Minister of Transport how many long-distance passenger trains arrived at their terminal destinations during March within 10 minutes of their advertised arrival time; and how many were more than one hour late.

During the four weeks ended 23rd March, out of a total of 26,924 long-distance express passenger trains, 18,664 were not more than 10 minutes late and 709 were more than one hour late.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the statement of the Australian Prime Minister that he is proposing to raise the question of the nationality of married women during his forthcoming conversations in London, and of the fact that South Africa is now in accord with the policy announced by His Majesty's Government in 1931, he will reconsider his decision not to discuss this issue with all the Dominions' Prime Ministers during the London conversations.

In my previous reply to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, I explained the reasons which seemed to me to preclude the discussion of this matter at the forthcoming meeting of Prime Ministers. If, however, the Dominion Prime Ministers desire that there should be an interchange of views on this subject I should be glad to make such arrangements as may be practicable.

asked the Minister of Food the total production of gin in December, January and February last; what percentages went to the home and export markets, respectively, in each month; what was the f.o.b. price per bottle obtained by the producers for the latter; and have the respective percentages remained unchanged since then or been altered.

As regards the first part of the Question, I regret that statistics of gin production in the United Kingdom are not available but it is estimated that at present about 300,000 proof gallons per month are produced on average.

As regards the second part of the Question, the exports of gin, including relatively small quantities of other compounded spirits, during December, January and February last were 72,855, 51,547 and 39,021 proof gallons respectively. These figures include exports through N.A.A.F.I. for the Services overseas but no information is available as to the quantities so included. The balance of production is retained in this country for the home market, including home Services' requirements.

As regards the third part of the Question, the values f.o.b. of the exports in the months in question were £110,484, £84,190 and £55,278 respectively. The export strength of the spirit varies but on an appropriate average strength these values represent an average f.o.b. price of about 4s. per bottle.

As regards the final part of the Question, it has been arranged with the trade that supplies for the home market shall be maintained at the level obtaining during 1945 and that any surplus over this quantity which may be available owing to the reduced demands of the Services or through increased production, shall be exported. It is therefore anticipated that the percentage of total production represented by the home market will remain relatively constant, whilst that for export markets will increase.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with what foreign forces British subjects have served with His Majesty's licence since 1936.

The hon. Member is presumably referring to licences under the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870. No such licences have been issued since 1936 to any British subject.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if any decision has yet been reached as to the permanent location of the Savings Department, and if he will give an assurance that the views of the staffs affected will be taken into consideration before it is decided to transfer the Department permanently to the provinces.

A decision has not yet been reached as to the permanent location of the Savings Department. Any proposals that may be made about this will be discussed with the staff representatives through the appropriate machinery.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if lie will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed statement showing the overseas telephone facilities which are now available to private subscribers; and, in particular, whether calls can be booked for a fixed time.

Telephone service with the following countries is available to all subscribers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Belgium, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Ceylon, Cuba, Egypt, India, Kenya, Mexico, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Palestine, Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, South Africa (including South West Africa), the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (Khartoum and Omdurman only), Tanganyika, Uganda, and the United States of America.

In the Anglo-Continental services fixed time calls cannot yet be offered owing to the shortage of landline circuits on the Continent. The facility will, however, be reinstated as soon as conditions permit.

The services with the extra-European countries are all radio-telephone services and if the calling subscriber states the time, during the hours of service, at which he wishes to speak, every effort is made to complete the call at the time specified. The completion of the call is dependent on, inter alia, the availability of the distant party and the radio conditions existing at the time, and no guarantee can, therefore, be given that a particular call will mature at the time required. No extra charge is in any case payable.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that it is not possible for Members' secretaries, on their behalf, to make trunk or toll calls from 5, Old Palace Yard; and whether he will take steps to see that this facility is provided.

I will arrange for discussion with the Sergeant at Arms to see whether steps can be taken to provide the desired facility.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the average delay at present between receipt of an application form for a withdrawal of over £3 from the Post Office Savings Bank and payment of the amount to the depositor; what is the average delay in answering inquiries by depositors as to the reasons for delay in effecting a withdrawal applied for; and why no reply or remittance has yet been sent to the depositor in the case to which, by letter of 16th April, 1946, the hon. Member for Kettering directed his attention.

Application for withdrawals over £3 are in general dealt with within three or four days of receipt of the appli- cation, though occasional cases may arise in which by error or because of special difficulties longer time is taken. Inquiries by depositors relative to withdrawal applications are in ordinary course answered within a day or two.

I regret that there was delay in the case to which the hon. Member drew my attention in his letter of 16th April. Payment was authorised by telegraph on 13th April. I am arranging for one of my officials to see the depositor so as to ensure the payment to her of the sum she requires. I will write to the hon. Member when inquiries into the cause of the delay have been completed.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total acreage of forest in the British-occupied zone of Germany; what is the policy of the Control Commission towards these forests; and what proportion the proposed annual fellings bears to the annual increment.

There are about 4½ million acres of forests in the British zone. Our policy is to use these forests to meet the essential timber requirements of the zone and to provide the maximum amount of timber for export. The projected felling programme for 1946 represents from two to three times the annual increment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the immediate appointment of a commission to investigate the future of broadcasting in this country, with especial reference to the possible introduction of commercially sponsored programmes.

No, Sir. As stated in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) on 19th February, the Government has given the fullest consideration to the appointment of a commission to consider the future of broadcasting in this country, and has decided that no independent investigation is necessary The question of permitting commercially sponsored programmes was fully considered when this decision was made.