asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether Meopham, near Gravesend, is to be the site of one of the new towns; and if he will make a detailed statement on the development proposed.

The matter is under consideration, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a decision, will he visit the site so that a suitable reception can be prepared for him?

I will certainly visit the site.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give notice of his visit?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will give a detailed list of the sites and numbers of the proposed satellite towns.

A new town is to be established at Stevenage. I am not at present in a position to say how many other new towns there will be or where they will be situated.

May I repeat my supplementary question on Question No. 1?

May I repeat my reply to that supplementary question?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the report by Mr. A. H. S. Walters, V.C., on the scope and efficiency of the measures at present employed in the ironstone industry in Northamptonshire and adjoining counties for the restoration of land damaged by quarrying operations.

I am afraid that, because of the pressure of other urgent matters, some time must still elapse before I am able to make a statement on this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 16th October last he undertook to make a statement on this matter at the earliest opportunity? Is it really the case that there has been no opportunity up till now, and is he not aware of the importance of land restoration for the purpose of food production, and that nothing was said about this matter in the course of yesterday's Debate?

The undertaking still stands. I do intend to make a statement at the earliest possible opportunity, but there are other urgent matters which must take first place.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if it is the Government's policy, under the Town and Country Planning Acts, to grant permission for the conversion of large houses into flats, accompanied by a provision that the fiats may only be used for a limited period of time.

In the present housing emergency, it is the Government's policy to encourage in appropriate cases the conversion of houses into flats. Local planning authorities may, however, limit the period of time during which the flats may be used, in order to prevent prejudice to their longer-term planning requirements. But in determining the period of time, they should take into account the capital expenditure incurred by the developer.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that licences are being issued by the London County Council with a limiting period of 14 years, and does he not agree that this policy does not allow flats to be converted out of old Victorian houses, and it is definitely not helping the existing housing shortage?

It is always open to a developer who is dissatisfied with a decision of the London County Council to appeal to me.

When licences are granted for the conversion of houses at present covered by the Rent Restriction Acts, will the right hon. Gentleman see that proper provision is made for reasonable rents to be charged for flats as and when they become ready for occupation?

That, of course, is another question.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware of the plan of the Haslemere Urban District Council to start an industrial zone in the neighbouring and rural parishes of Camels-dale and Fernhurst; and, as such proposals are strenuously opposed by the parishes and rural districts whose inhabitants will be injuriously affected by them, what is his attitude in this matter.

I am aware of the plan referred to. I am at present in consultation with the planning authorities concerned on the application of the Haslemere Urban District Council for my consent to the acquisition of land for industrial development. I am not, therefore, in a position to express an opinion upon it at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has also taken into consideration the objections of the rural authorities?

Certainly, in considering it I shall take into account all sides of the question.

asked the Minister of Works why the Grosvenor Square premises of the Italian Embassy, which have not suffered any material war damage, are being redecorated inside and outside; and for what purpose it is proposed to use these premises.

I have made inquiries and I am advised that certain maintenance work is being carried out on these premises by Italian " co-operators " seconded to the Embassy for general duties.

asked the Minister of Works how many scaffolding poles then; are at present in situ up the Victoria Tower; how many years they have been erected and not been made use of; if he will use prisoner-of-war labour to remove these, erect stands in the streets from the material for the public to view the parade on Victory Day and then re-erect the poles on the Victoria Tower; and, if he will give an estimate of how many seats this would provide.

There is approximately a 120,000 feet run of steel scaffold poles on the Victoria Tower. The scaffolding, which is about half of that erected in 1937, has since been in use for the continuation of the stone restoration work on a small scale. It would not be practicable to use prisoners of war to dismantle and re-erect the scaffolding, which could only be done by skilled scaffolders and I regret, therefore, that I am not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's proposal.

Could not the Government give the public the greater opportunity of seeing His Majesty's Ministers in this parade?

Not via this scaffolding.

asked the Minister of Works what arrangements he is making for the floodlighting of the Royal Parks during the Victory celebrations; and if he will continue the floodlighting for a fortnight to enable those visiting London before and after the celebrations to enjoy them.

St. James's Park lake will be floodlit from 10 p.m. to midnight on the nights of 8th June to 15th June inclusive. A number of fountains, water falls, etc., will be temporarily installed to enhance the effect. In view of the continued need for the conservation of fuel, I do not propose to extend the period of floodlighting.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will arrange for representatives of the war disabled to be given special accommodation for viewing the victory parade.

Yes, Sir. Special accommodation has already been reserved for representatives of the war disabled to view the victory parade.

asked the Minister of Works why the fireworks displays to be given in connection with the forthcoming London victory celebrations were not put out to tender; and why one of the directors of the firm which is to supply these fireworks is a member of the River Pageant Committee which is arranging them.

It was not practicable to invite competitive tenders for this display. It was, therefore, decided to entrust the work to a firm having the experience and manufacturing facilities necessary for a display on the scale contemplated. The firm was invited to join the committee after the contract had been awarded to them so that the fireworks could be coordinated with the rest of the display.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when the decision was made; because I understand the gentleman in question has been a member of the committee since March? May I at the same time ask the right hon. Gentleman to accept my apology if I have unjustifiably drawn attention to what appeared to be an abuse, which I know he would be the first man in this House to deplore?

I can assure the hon. Member that there is no question of abuse. It was just a question of prac- ticability, and the firm in question were not invited to join the committee until after this matter had been decided.

In view of the courteous explanation that the right hon. Gentleman has given me in writing, I do not propose to ask this Question.

asked the Minister of Works how many civil servants it is pro posed to accommodate in the terrace houses of Regent's Park.

It is estimated that about 5,000 civil servants can be accommodated in the houses in Regent's Park which have been taken over for use as Government offices.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that before the bombing took place there were over 1,000 people accommodated in these houses; and will he take steps to ensur3 that those homeless people be returned to their homes at the earliest possible date?

Are they members of the working class?

Are not we entitled to them, as workers?

I do not see how that can be done with this property, in view of the decision that has been taken. I am just as anxious as the hon. and gallant Gentleman to see that they are rehoused.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the large number of persons, including visitors from all parts of Britain and from overseas, who visit the Royal Parks in the London area, he will make arrangements at an early date to effect an improvement in the quality and variety of shrubs and flowers therein, and particularly to arrange, in conjunction with the horticultural industry, to provide an effective demonstration of the achievements of modern British horticulture in this field.

It has always been the aim of the Department to provide the most effective display of shrubs and flowers in the Royal Parks, though naturally during the war, owing to shortage of labour and the need for concentrating on food production, it has not been possible to preserve the high standard attained in the past. Now that more labour is becoming available, and, as stocks of plants increase, further improvements may be expected in the general appearance of the Royal Parks, and any proposals put forward by the horticultural trade for providing new and improved varieties will always be welcome.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do everything in this respect to encourage the use of British grown horticultural products and new forms of British varieties?

Yes, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman making an experiment with beech or hornbeam hedges, because these deciduous plants are much cleaner in London than the evergreen plants which are planted now?

We have been making experiments with quite a number of hedges, and I will take notice of the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Works how many circulars, regulations forms and instructions have been issued by his Department and its regional or other subsidiary offices during the first quarter of 1946; and what percentage of increase or decrease there is compared with the first quarter of 1936.

During the first quarter of 1946 my Department was responsible for two regulations, five circulars and 28 forms. No similar documents were necessary during the first quarter of 1936.

asked the Minister of Works if he will state which Depart- ment or branches of Departments are at present in occupation of Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, Westminster; the number of staff in each case; to what extent any part of the leased buildings is at present unoccupied; how many additional persons could be accommodated; who occupies the part of the buildings not under lease to the Government; and whether he will consider initiating arrangements to secure the full occupation of these buildings by the Ministry of Pensions at an early date so as to provide accommodation for the staff of that Department who have been away from their homes in London for over six and a half years.

As the answer is long and contains a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the need for additional labour for brickworks, which are often in remote areas, he has considered the desirability of providing transport in cases where men are available but are unable to take employment because of the lack of transport facilities.

Yes, Sir. As an emergency measure to meet special cases of difficulty in recruiting labour due to lack of transport, a scheme has been agreed whereby daily transport will be provided for groups of men who would have to travel long distances to brickworks. Employees participating in such a scheme will pay 6d. per day and my Department will reimburse to employers the expenses of the main journey in excess of this amount. A supplementary estimate to cover this expenditure will be presented in due course, but in view of the urgency to which my hon. Friend refers, the scheme is being brought into operation at once and will be financed in the meantime by advances from the Civil Contingencies Fund.

asked the Minister of Works whether the building department of the London Co-operative Society, 54 Maryland Street, E.15, has been given a certificate by his Department under Defence Regulation 56AB; and what are the rates of pay paid by this firm.

The London Cooperative Society Ltd. was granted a certificate of registration, in respect of its building department, in September, 1941. I am informed that the rates of wages being paid by this firm to building operatives are, 2s. 8½d. per hour to craftsmen, and 2s. 2¼d. per hour to labourers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the rates of pay paid by this firm do not infringe the conditions which his Department require before they grant a certificate?

All I know is, these were the complementary rates in operation when the registration was granted. There has been no alteration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to ensure that the rates of pay paid by this firm do not infringe those requirements?

I will inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will give an assurance that Trafalgar Square will shortly be cleared of Government advertisements and other excrescences, and will be kept clear.

The posters on Nelson's Column have already been removed, and I hope that Trafalgar Square will shortly be cleared of the temporary buildings erected during the war, and that it will be possible to keep it free from advertisements and temporary buildings in future.

Many thanks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that it is kept free from private advertisements as well?

asked the Minister of Works what are the present plans of his Department for recruiting building trade labour for the purposes of the new Housing Corporation; and whether he will now make his full statement about this proposal.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Minister of Works how many prefabricated houses are at present stored by his Department owing to lack of fitments.

Hardly any prefabricated houses are stored owing to lack of fitments. The normal practice is to deliver houses as soon as sites are ready for their erection.

The right hon. Gentleman says that hardly any are stored. Does he mean by that, that those are stored pending being sent out to the sites for erection?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Works how many hotels, large houses, small houses and flats, respectively, in the London CD. region, have been derequisitioned by the Government for use as dwelling accommodation since 7th February, 1946.

The total number or hotels, large houses, small houses and flats derequisitioned in the London Civil Defence region between 1st February and 30th April, 1946, was 1,883, made up as follows:—Six hotels, 89 large houses, 1,231 small houses, and 557 flats. In addition, requisitioning Departments have transferred to the Ministry of Health for housing 240 properties consisting of 59 large houses, 135 small houses, and 46 flats.

Would the Minister give an assurance that everything possible is being done to expedite this?

Yes, I certainly will.

asked the Minister of Works what percentage of baths manufactured in this country go to the export market; and what percentage to the home market.

; Approximately 3 per cent, of the baths manufactured in this country are exported. The remainder are available for distribution in the home market.

Does roughly the same percentage apply to other sanitary equipment?

I could not say. That is certainly the figure with regard to baths.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much of the projected 8,000,000 tons of extra coal production was achieved by 30th April, 1946.

Two million tons.

In view of the earlier confidence of the Minister, can he say why he failed by such a substantial margin?

The hon. Member is quite wrong. For the six months period we forecasted 87,000,000 tens. In fact, we gained 89,000,000 tons, so we were 2,000,000 tons to the good. I should have been better pleased if we had got the additional 6,000,000 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present monthly output and average cost per ton of opencast coal; the details of how this cost is made up; and how the cost compares with that ruling a year and two years ago.

As the answer necessarily contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many separate colliery undertakings were in operation in Yorkshire in December, 1925; December, 1939; and December, 1945; and the number of persons employed on these respective dates.

The number of separate owners of mines producing coal in the district of Yorkshire, as defined for the purpose of wages ascertainment, was 200 in December, 1925; 132 in December, 1939; and 122 in December, 1945. The corresponding number of wage earners on colliery books at mid December in each year was 192,900, 144,000 and 139,400 respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many collieries in Yorkshire have Airotone baths installed; and has he any reports of the number using these baths, and of any beneficial results to miners using them who suffer from various types of rheumatism.

I am informed that Aerotone baths have been installed at five collieries in Yorkshire, and that during the first quarter of the present year they were used on various occasions by 130 miners as well as by 90 other persons, including members of miners' families. The use of this type of bath as an aid to miners suffering from rheumatism is still regarded as in the experimental stage. So far, however, my medical advisers have not found any reason to believe that the bath has any special therapeutic value, but the results will continue to be carefully watched.

Does the right lion. Gentleman know that people suffering from rheumatism—[HON. MEMBERS: " Speak up."]—after treatment in these baths have been able to resume work?

I have heard of such cases, but they do not justify us in the assumption that these can provide a complete cure.

If these experiments are successful, will the Minister instal the baths elsewhere?

After we are satisfied that we have a remedy we shall certainly seek to apply it.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many collieries in Yorkshire have pit-head baths installed; how many there are without pit-head baths; and what steps are being taken to provide baths where none are at present installed.

Sixty-five mines employing over 70 per cent, of the mineworkers in Yorkshire have pit-head baths in- stalled; and 84 mines, including 29 small mines employing fewer than 50 men each, are at present without them. The pithead bath building programme unfortunately had to be stopped during the war; it has now been resumed by the Miners' Welfare Commission and will be progressively accelerated as increased supplies of labour and material become available. A number of Yorkshire mines are included in the baths building programme for the current year.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in connection with the meeting of the European Goal Organisation in Paris, he can state what is the function of this Organisation; what is the effect of its activities directly or indirectly on the distribution of British coal; whether it controls the amount of British coal which shall be available for British industry; and to what extent this Organisation is responsible for the limitation of fuel available for the essential needs of the population of this country.

As explained in the White Paper issued in January last on this subject (Cmd. 6732) the main purpose of the European Coal Organisation is to promote, during the present period of general shortage of coal and of certain types of coal mining supplies and equipment, the supply and equitable distribution of these commodities in Europe. The Organisation makes recommendations to the Governments concerned regarding the allocation of coal export surpluses, and my Department gives effect to these recommendations in so far as they relate to the limited quantity of United Kingdom coal available for export to Europe. The Organisation is not concerned with either the quantity of coal used in the United Kingdom or its distribution. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby) on 19th March.

As regards the last part of the reply, can we have a definite assurance that this European Coal Organisation cannot limit the supplies available to this country for domestic and industrial purposes? It is a very serious matter indeed to have an international body controlling the affairs of this country.

It is not a serious matter, because they have no power to interfere— we have determined that.

Will the Minister give an assurance?

I am happy to give an assurance, because so far nothing has occurred or is likely to occur.

I shall hold the Minister to it.

What are the guiding principles which determine the economic need for the rationing of coal for various European countries, particularly those which have been able to dispense with petrol rationing and other forms of fuel rationing?

Obviously I cannot go into details of the operation of the European Coal Organisation in reply to a question; but so far as I know all these factors are considered—coal consumption, industrial acceleration and the needs of domestic coisumers. I am bound to say, from what I know, that the European Coal Organisation acts equitably.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the amount, quality and saleability of the coal so far obtained from the recent mining at Wentworth Woodhouse; and whether he is satisfied that the progress so far made justifies its continuance.

Up to 24th May, 25,200 tons of coal had been obtained, of which 5,530 is classified as inferior and is being exported. The remainder is up to the recognised standard of the seams and is being disposed of to industry at home. It is usual for inferior coal to be obtained at the surface edge of the seams and I have no reason to change my opinion that this enterprise is fully justified.

Is the Minister aware that a statement has been published that the amount of coal so far obtained is very much less than originally anticipated, and in view of this statement will he not close down on the whole scheme because of the vandalism which is involved?

As regard the figures, if my hon. Friend desires accurate figures he should apply to the Ministry of Fuel and Power. I have given him the accurate figures as far as I am aware of them. A public statement on the amount of coal secured, contrary to what I have stated, ought to be regarded with scepticism. As regards the alleged vandalism, while I agree that there is some spoliation, in all the circumstances the decision taken was warranted.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how he proposes that the development of the gas industry should be encouraged and financed in the in terval before nationalisation.

I am at present having discussions with the gas industry on this matter.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider revising the scheme for the allocation of coal to householders, particularly in contemplation of further acute stringency during the next winter; and, in particular, whether he will allow a greater weighting of the scale in favour of householders with old-fashioned houses and parents and others with extra needs for washing and warming in respect of young children.

No, Sir. It is open to any consumer who claims to have special needs to apply to the Local Fuel Overseer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether de-mobilised ex-Servicemen who have just returned from service in the tropics are entitled to an extra allowance of fuel.

No, Sir, but if in any case there are special medical grounds, vouched for by medical certificate, application should be made to the local fuel overseer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one of the demobilisation centres in Lancashire the Advisory and Welfare Department have been telling soldiers that if they have served in India they are entitled to this extra allowance? Will he get in touch with the Secretary of State for War on the matter, because these men are going to the fuel overseer for the extra allowance and are then being refused?

There would appear to be no ground for giving such information to the men concerned, but in view of what the hon. and gallant Member has said I will see that the matter is cleared up.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he intends to implement the recommendations set out in the Heyworth Report.

The recommendations of the Heyworth Committee are being considered in connection with the proposals for the nationalisation of the gas industry. I am not yet in a position to say to what extent the recommendations will be implemented.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in connection with the stocks of coal which have been provided for emergency purposes, he will give an assurance that full recognition has been given to the drastic deterioration which takes place if coal is maintained in this manner for a substantial period of time and that the stocks are being repeatedly turned over.

Of the emergency stocks of coal laid down on Government account between 1940 and 1943, over two-thirds have now been sold to meet consumers' essential requirements, and few complaints have been received of deterioration in the quality of the coal supplied. I appreciate that some of the more friable domestic coals tend to break down in size whilst lying in stock, but provision is made for screening such coal before it is disposed of to domestic consumers. The question of disposing of these emergency stocks is receiving attention.

But will the right hon. Gentleman specially bear in mind that there is undoubtedly a certain amount of deterioration still going on, and, in view of the grave shortage, will he take steps to see that these coals are used now, or that steps are taken to turn them over in the necessary way to avoid waste?

I am trying to dispose of them as fast as is practicable.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the existing stocks of coal in this country; and what total stocks he is aiming at accumulating.

Total distributed stocks at end of last month were approximately 6½ million tons. In order to be sure that the country will get through next winter without serious industrial stoppages due to lack of fuel, we would have to aim at bringing stocks to a total of about 16 million tons by 1st November next.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the fact that, during the recent Winter, coal stocks in London fell short of reasonable demands, what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate stocks are built up during this Summer so that supplies are available for the coming Winter.

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I fully realise the need for building up stocks of coal during the Summer months, and I am taking all possible steps to this end.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give publicity to the need for merchants to set aside substantial reserve stocks for winter supply to those who have no stocking facilities and so encourage small consumers to save fuel now; and what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate labour and transport will be available to make these small deliveries during the Winter.

All merchants have been notified of the tonnage they must stock between May and October, and that this stocking must be a first charge on their supplies. Merchants' stocks cannot, however, be laid down on a scale which would enable me to guarantee delivery of the full permitted quantities during the Winter, and I have emphatically warned all consumers that supplies distributed in the Summer are intended primarily for use next Winter. With regard to the last part of the Question, the labour position will be kept under constant review. I do not anticipate any special difficulties in the transport position.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give wide publicity to this statement, and so encourage people to save fuel?

I cannot imagine any wider publicity than this Question and the answer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give British motorists in Britain the same petrol allowance as is given to British motorists in Belgium.

I could not undertake to grant petrol allowances to motorists in this country on the particular scale adopted in some other country.

Can the right hon. Gentleman improve on the scale?

With the greatest pleasure, if circumstances justify it.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider granting supplementary petrol allowances to enable demobilised men with three or more years' foreign service to live with their families whilst undergoing vocational training or whilst in employment within some specified distance of their homes.

Supplementary allowances are granted, within certain limits, to enable a person to travel by car or motor-cycle between his residence and place of work, where the use of public transport is not reasonably practicable.

Will the Minister consider some cases to which I have drawn his attention of men in Northampton, who have been five years abroad, and who have to travel 32 miles to their work in Leicester, and whose application for petrol, to enable them to live at home, has been refused?

If there are no alternatives of transport, then clearly these cases ought to be reviewed, but if there are alternative means of transport, they should be used.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, until more supplies of petrol are available, he will withdraw the allowances of fuel to owners of aeroplanes using their aircraft for taxi purposes, as this causes much ill feeling among taxi drivers whose mileage is severely restricted.

When the ban on civil flying was lifted at the beginning of this year, the allowances of civil aviation fuel to be granted for private and charter flights were carefully considered in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation. In the case of companies or firms operating charter or taxi flights, the allowance of fuel is limited to the amount required to provide a maximum of 60 flying hours for each aircraft per month I see no reason that would justify me in revising the arrangements made so recently. As regards the position of charter taxi aeroplanes in relation to taxi cabs, I would also refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him on 6th May.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this example of class distinction, that wealthy people, who can afford it, can travel by aeroplane any distance, but ordinary people who want to travel on pleasure by taxi cab are restricted to a very narrow limit? Does this not also penalize—[HON. MEMBERS: " Speech."]—the taxi drivers, who, very often, are ex-Service men? Will the Minister— [HON. MEMBERS: " Speech "; " Go on."] consider, as there is no restriction in the length of travel by aeroplane, withdrawing the restriction on taxi drivers?

My hon. and gallant Friend misunderstands the position. Those private aeroplanes are permitted a maximum of 60 hours' flying; so that there is a restriction imposed. As regards taxi cab drivers, while I should be very glad to relax the present regulations and provide more petrol, they have a very reasonable amount on the whole, and, so far as I know, have made no complaint. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend I have no desire to impose any class distinction.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the concern felt in the electricity supply industry about the present position of the certification of meters required by the 1936 Act; and whether an extended period is to be allowed for the certification of all meters now on circuit when the procedure laid down in the 1936 Act is resumed.

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the extension of the ten-year period specified in Section 3 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1936, within which uncertified meters installed before the Appointed Day (1st July, 1938) have to be replaced. This period has already been extended to 30th June, 1950, by Article 2 of S.R. & O. 1946, No. 162. I understand that the Electricity Commissioners received some representations in this matter from electricity undertakings. I am not prepared so far in advance to take steps to provide for an extension of the period beyond 1950, and every effort should, therefore, be made to complete the change of meters before the 30th June, 1950.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what his reasons are for refusing to disclose the amount of stocks of petrol in this country.

I would refer the hon. Member to the last part of the reply I gave on 18th December, 1945, to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers).

May I ask the Minister whether the real reason for refusing to disclose the stocks in this country is that their publication would show that petrol rationing is no longer justified?

No, Sir. The hon. Member can understand that there is a considerable military element in the use of petroleum products, and when we review the position we have to take into account that factor.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the tonnage of coal represented by the officially admitted 7.7 per cent, deficiency in the supplies to the Hull Co-operative Society, of their equitable share of the domestic coal actually supplied to the city in the coal year ended 30th April, 1946; and how many premises lost a two-bag delivery because of this mal-distribution.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact that the duties of local fuel overseer in Hull are sufficiently onerous to require the full-time attention of a capable and impartial officer with adequate staff and of the recent maldistribution of coal in the city, he will approve the appointment of a full-time official and bear the cost upon his Department's Vote.

The selection of the local fuel overseer and his staff is, under the Coal Distribution Order, the responsibility of the local authority for the area concerned, but reasonable expenditure on the fuel administration is refunded through my Department. I am prepared to consider any proposals which the local authority may make.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the Hull Fuel Committee's Report of 25th April, 1946, of which a copy has been sent to him, that, while small house holders, with no alternative means of heating were without fuel and suffered an undue and disproportionate amount of hardship, large householders, with alternative means of heating, were able to obtain the maximum amount of eight 10 stone bags, he will take steps to ensure that the district house coal officer so distributes the available coal among the merchants that the small householders receive their equitable share.

The report referred to appears to be an expression of views largely at variance with the position disclosed by the investigation made by my regional controller. I do not accept the aspersion implied in the latter part of the Question on the district house coal officer, who recently received, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, a unanimous vote of confidence from merchants and coal dealers in the Hull district.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that, under the Memorandum of Procedure drawn up by the Electricity Commissioners for observance by applicants for permission to erect a generating station, only owners of land within 300 yards thereof and the local authority for the district in which the station is to be situated need be informed; and whether, in view of the far-reaching effects of a big modern plant on amenities, he will amend the procedure so as to enlarge the area in which notices must be given and provide for neighbouring local authorities to be informed; and if he will arrange that in all cases the earliest possible information is given to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning.

In addition to the notices indicated by the hon. Member it is usual to require notices to be published in the " London Gazette " or " Edinburgh Gazette " as the case may be. Moreover, it has been the practice since the formation of the Ministry of Town and Country Planning to inform that Ministry of all proposals at the earliest possible stage. I am not aware that in general any difficulty arises in regard to these arrangements and I feel that requirements as to notices are reasonably adequate.

What is the good of the " London Gazette "? Does the Minister think it is right that the people of London and Middlesex should be polluted and begrimed by a nuisance from Surrey without being given the chance to ask the reason why?

As I have indicated, we have taken these matters up with the Minister of Town and Country Planning, who affords all reasonable facilities for such objections. I am not aware of the pollution to which the hon. Member refers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the supposed injustices implied in the Question would be cleared away if he got my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce a thorough-going tax on site values?

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to state what arrangements have been made for the keeping of Remembrance Day this year; and if the dates 1939–1945 will be added to the Cenotaph in Whitehall.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to him on 7th May to which at present I have nothing to add. I would assure the hon. and gallant Member that both questions are far from having been overlooked.

If I put down a Question after Whitsun, will the Prime Minister be able to give me an answer?

I hope so, and I shall be much obliged if the hon. and gallant Member will do that.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that several Government White Papers and other official documents are frequently published on one day, with the result that they cannot be adequately summarised in the exiguous newspapers of our times; and if he will make arrangements to insure a more judicious selection of dates for publication.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of this difficulty and have taken such steps as are possible to improve the existing arrangements.

Will the Prime Minister alternatively, or in addition, do something to remove the causes of the exiguity of the newspapers?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the formation of trades union organisations in the British zone of Germany; and what progress has been made in this direction.

I have been asked to reply.

Without any reflection on the qualities of the hon. Member who is to reply, is the Prime Minister aware that the Chancellor of the Duchy was absent yesterday, as well as being absent today, and, in view of that, would it not be much better if the Prime Minister appointed a Cabinet Minister to reply to this important series of Questions, or arranged for Questions to the Chancellor of the Duchy to be put down on one day?

I understand that there is a rearrangement regarding Questions. My hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy has been answering Questions with great assiduity. His duties, of course, take him abroad, but I would welcome anything which was done to make.the burden of answering Questions a little less onerous.

The reply to the Question is: Yes, Sir, that is our policy. 119 trade unions are already functioning in our Zone, and a further 159 are in the early stages of formation. Total membership now exceeds 700,000 and is increasing daily. Trade union representatives serve on the German Zonal Council which has been set up to advise the British authorities. They also participate in the work of German de-Nazification panels and committees.

In view of this admirable policy, will my hon. Friend ask the Chancellor to make quite sure that it is not frustrated in the districts by local dictators in the Military Government preventing trade unions from being formed?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the concern caused by the fact that responsible positions in the police force of Hanover are occupied by well-known Nazis; and what action he intends to take in the matter.

A special investigation of the Hanover police' is now in process. The chief of police has been arrested, the chief of the personnel department dismissed and the remaining officials are being scrutinised.

Will the hon. Member see that very careful inquiry is made into the antecedents of all members of the police force in Germany, particularly in view of the very serious effect any wrong step in an appointment would have on the population there?

I shall be pleased to bring that to the notice of my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the Allied Control Council in Austria has refused to give its consent to the adoption by the Austrian Parliament of the 1929 constitution; and what the position is regarding the drafting of a new constitution.

The Provisional Government under Dr. Renner's chancellorship proposed a law reviving the 1929 constitution. This law was adopted by the Allied Council and is still in force. Subsequently, in December, 1945, the present Austrian Parliament proposed a law making an amendment to the constitution. It was not possible to secure the unanimous agreement of the occupying Powers to this amendment. The Austrian Government were instructed to prepare a comprehensive draft of a revised constitution so that the small amendment could be considered in a wider context.

In view of the fact that Parliament have refused to draft a Constitution, what is the next step?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under what ordinance of the Allied Conrol Commission, Herr Scheidermann, chef d'orchestre of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, has been prohibited from giving recitals or accepting chamber music engagements whilst allowed to retain his position of chef d'orchestre.

The action referred to by the hon. and gallant Member was taken by the Russian authorities as Herr Schneiderhahn—who is, I understand, the person referred to—was resident in the Russian sector of Vienna. He is stated to have been a member of the Nazi Party. Discussions are proceeding in Vienna with a view to dealing with cases of this kind on a quadripartite basis.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that repayment of the proposed U.S. Loan has been arranged at a stable exchange rate which shall at no time diverge from the rate at which the Loan was made.

The proposed Loan is to be made, and to be repaid in U.S. dollars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether television receivers which will shortly be on sale again will be subject to Purchase Tax.

Yes, Sir. Television receivers, like other wireless receiving sets, are chargeable with Purchase Tax at 33⅓ per cent., if they are of the domestic or portable type.

Would the Chancellor bear in mind that we can only export television receivers in the future if British transmitters are used abroad, and that that will depend on rapid progress in the home market, which will be retarded by the incidence of Purchase Tax?

That would be a suitable matter to discuss on the Committee stage of the Finance Bill, and while I am make no commitment, I shall be very glad to hear the argument.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give particulars of any agreement or understanding reached at Washington between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the U.S.A. regarding the amount by which our sterling obligations were to be scaled down, and the method of repayment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, in the course of negotiations, present or future, concerning the application of Article 10 of the Washington Loan Agreement, he will bear in mind the fact that under Article 6 of that same agreement His Majesty's Government is not entitled to apply the proceeds of the U.S. Loan for the settlement of blocked sterling balances.

(2) whether there have been any discussions between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the U.S.A., or between His Majesty's Government and the holders of blocked sterling balances about the extent or nature of the proposed reduction in these balances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will give an undertaking that His Majesty's Government will not, without first consulting this House, enter into any new commitments with the Government of the U.S.A. regarding the terms of the settlement of the sterling area balances under Article 10 of the Washington Loan Agreement of 6th December, 1945.

(2) the approximate amount of dollars to be ceded to holders of sterling balances; the approximate extent to which these balances are sought to be scaled down; and the approximate period during which the remaining balances are to be liquidated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will obtain, through the representatives of His Majesty's Treasury in Washington, the full and authentic text of the reference made by Mr. Vinson, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, to the terms of the settlement of blocked sterling balances in the coarse of his evidence before the House of Representatives Banking and Currency Committee on 20th May; and if he will make the text available to hon. Members;

(2) if he will inform the House of the real rate of interest on the U.S. Loan of £937,500,000, allowing for the fact that only part of this amount will be applied for the benefit of the United Kingdom and that interest at 2 per cent, per annum will have to be paid also on that part of the Loan which will be ceded to other countries;

(3) if he is now in a position to inform the House of the net amount of the proceeds of the U.S. Loan after deductions of the maximum amount of dollars which His Majesty's Government is prepared to cede to holders of sterling balances and after deduction of the maximum amount of sterling which His Majesty's Government is prepared to make freely convertible into dollars at the holder's option.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will give this House a detailed account of the various proposals suggested both by His Majesty's Government and by the U.S. Government concerning the method of the settlement of the blocked sterling balances;

(2) whether representatives of His Majesty's Government regularly attend the sittings of the House of Representatives Banking and Currency Committee during the discussion of the Loan Agreement of 6th December; to what extent they dispatch regular and comprehensive reports to the Treasury; and whether he will make such reports available in the Library of the House.

I have little to add to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the New Forest (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre) last Thursday. The obligations of His Majesty's Government are set out in Article 10 of the Anglo-American Financial Agreement. There is not, nor will there be, any additional agreement or commitment. Article 6 (i) of the Agreement will, of course, be observed, and His Majesty's Government have other resources, including existing balances and accruing receipts, out of which any commitments which may be taken to third countries can be met. The rate of interest on the loan is not affected by the objects on which it is spent. It would be premature to enter into any discussions about arrangements with holders of sterling balances, until the Loan Agreement has been approved by Congress, and the settlements themselves will be a matter for negotiations which I cannot anticipate. It would be most improper to publish confidential reports received from His Majesty's Embassy in Washington on any subject, including the proceedings of Congressional Committees.

May I ask whether the Chancellor will give the House a categorical assurance that there is no understanding of any kind between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States regarding the settlement of the sterling balances, either on the amounts involved, or the methods to be used?

I have already made it repeatedly plain that until the Loan is granted these discussions will not begin.

Will the Chancellor give the House an assurance that in no circumstances will he make any arrangements with America which would prejudice our financial settlement with Egypt in the matter of transferring- military installations?

That has nothing to do with these Questions.

Are we to understand that discussions on sterling balances held by India are not being carried on by the Ministers there?

They have no authority to discuss such questions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an estimate of the amount of saving to the State as a result of industries, firms and companies undertaking the work involved in the collection of P.A.Y.E., Entertainment Tax and Purchase Tax; and has he any plan for compensating these people for the expense so involved.

has increased the revenue, but has not reduced the total cost to the State of collecting it. As to Entertainment and Purchase Tax, I cannot give any firm estimate. I cannot adopt the suggestion in the last part of the Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the clerical work involved in the collection of these taxes by taxpayers is a great hardship on them, and that they are put to a good deal of expense in collecting them?

In this case, I follow faithfully in the footsteps of my two predecessors.