asked the Minister of Works why priority in labour and materials for carrying out repairs has been granted for Transport House, over bomb-damaged schools in London; and if he will rectify this immediately.

No priority in labour or materials has been either requested or granted for the repair of Transport House.

asked the Minister of Works how many officers of his Department are authorised to sign Statutory Rules and Orders on his behalf; and what are the respective departmental ranks of these persons.

It is the practice in my Department for Statutory Rules and Orders to be signed by the permanent secretary or, in his absence, by one of the two deputy secretaries.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average number of coupon units of petrol of all categories issued monthly at the present time; and how does this figure compare with the corresponding period 12 months ago and with the corresponding number of gallons consumed per month in 1938–39.

The quantity of imported motor spirit entered for home consumption in the first two months of 1946 was 169 million gallons, and in the first two months of 1945 was 351 million gallons. The corresponding figures for the first two months of 1938 and 1939 were 190 million and 195 million gallons respectively. These figures include military requirements. To disclose the number of coupon units of petrol of all categories now being issued would be to disclose the extent of these military requirements, I regret that I do not feel able to give the information concerning coupon issues.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the imports of petrol for the latest three months for which he has statistics; and the amount of petrol used or taken by coupons by users in the same period.

Imports of motor spirit for the three months ended 3oth April, 1946, as published in the Trade and Navigation Accounts were 1,285,000 tons (385,500,000 gallons). As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given today to a somewhat similar question by the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the difficulty and distress experienced by housewives in Southrepps and adjacent north Norfolk villages by the coal allowance being reduced to half a hundredweight per week; and if, in view of the fact that there is no gas supply, that most of the villagers have no electricity supply and that the allowance of paraffin is used exclusively for lighting, he will take steps to increase the weekly coal allowance.

I am not aware that any distress is involved by the fixing of 15 cwts. as the maximum quantity of house coal which may be supplied without licence in the Southern Regions between May and October. Local fuel overseers are authorised to grant, on application, additional supplies to consumers who are entirely dependent on coal for cooking. Notices to this effect are published in the local Press in every district and coal merchants are also aware of the procedure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will present to the House a White Paper setting out all the inventories of factories, machinery, land, docks, ships, wool, cotton, metals, and all other raw materials which have been compiled, with their attendant values.

No, Sir. This would involve much labour, which cannot now be spared. Information about any particular class of assets can be supplied by the responsible Departments, whenever needed for some practical purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport why copies of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1936, reprinted in 1945 and bearing the imprint WT 242A 250 6/45 26/943/3 are on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office with no reference to the Merchant Shipping Act (Amendment), 1923, which modified Section 34 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906; and if he will give an undertaking that no further copies will be sold without the amendment being made clear to the purchaser.

I have been asked to reply. They were reprinted by His Majesty's Stationery Office in the normal way so as to have copies available to the public for purchase. As the Merchant Shipping Act contains no provision which permits copies thereof to be printed in a form containing amendments made by subsequent Acts, it is not permissible to reprint the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, with the amendment to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the growing tendency among building trade operatives to work only a portion of a week with their normal employer and to seek other and private employment for which they can avoid paying taxes; and what action he is taking to stop the avoidance of tax payment.

The income paid in such a case is of course liable to tax and the P.A.Y.E. regulations require the private employer to furnish particulars to the Inland Revenue of the payments made.

asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received from the Building Trades Federation and the Amalgamated Woodworkers Union that men engaged upon building operations should either be given a paid holiday on Victory Day or be allowed to work at double rates; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. McEntee), on 21st May.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he intends to take with the London Society of Compositors, who have refused membership to a Streatham man who completed his apprenticeship in July, 1939, and was then mobilised as a Territorial soldier and served throughout the war, and is now unemployed although vacancies are available in trade union houses.

Questions regarding the acceptance or non-acceptance of new members by trade unions are matters entirely within the discretion of the unions themselves and I have no power to intervene. With regard to the case which I gather the hon. Member has in mind, I understand that the man in question obtained a post as a hand compositor on 21st May

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-miners suffering from pneumoconiosis in South Wales have applied for admission to training centres, how many have been accepted; and how many have commenced training.

Five hundred and sixteen ex-miners suffering from pneumoconiosis have applied for training in South Wales since January, 1942; fifty-six later withdrew their applications; four hundred and forty-one of the remaining 460 were accepted; and 242 have so far commenced training.

asked the Minister of Labour how long the dispute between the N.U.R. and the National Union of Vehicle Builders, as to which union should have the right to punch rivets, has been going on; what is the estimated loss of output resulting; and if he will make it plain that anyone who can punch a rivet should do so irrespective of whether he belongs to a union or not.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a dispute at the Great Western Railway Workshops, Swindon, regarding the allocation of certain drilling and riveting work on new coach construction. I understand that following the allocation of these items of work in September last, a difference arose as to the class of worker who should perform them, as a result of which the completion of new coaches has been held up since early in January. In the meantime, I understand that the men are fully employed on other work. The trade unions concerned have been considering a suggestion for reaching a settlement and I am awaiting their full replies.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange that a decision as to grants to individuals under his Department's further education and train ing scheme be taken prior to the individual's demobilisation.

This is already done wherever possible. In many cases however a personal interview is necessary before the details of training can be settled and a decision reached. Applicants are invited to arrange such interviews as soon as they can make themselves available. This may, of course, be when they are on leave.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that new applications for grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme can at present only be made by applicants on or after the first day of release; and whether he will allow applications to be made before release, as many applicants would prefer not to be released if they were not to receive the grants.

Applications for awards under the Further Education and Training Scheme are accepted from persons still serving in H.M. Forces as soon as their date of release under the age and service group scheme has been announced. Information to this effect, together with a special form of application, has been promulgated through the usual Service channels. Over 300 applications per week are in fact being received from men and women still in H.M. Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the functions and responsibilities of the National Institute of Houseworkers; whether the appointment of the chairman of its board of directors has been made by his Department or on a recommendation by him; and whether any report has been issued which outlines the work to be done by this organisation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on 7th February, 1946, a copy of which I am sending to him, in which I gave an outline of the functions of the National Institute of Houseworkers and an indication of the activities it would undertake during the early experimental period. The appointment of the Board of Directors rests with me. Miss Dorothy Elliott has accepted my invitation to be chairman of the Board and I hope to be in a position to announce the appointment of the other directors at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will publish statistics to show the number of men and women still subject to the Essential Work Order in Government and in the other categories of work in which they are employed, respectively; and the numbers employed in each category.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of Thursday, 23rd May, to the hon. and gallant Member for Cambridgeshire (Mr. Stubbs) a copy of which I am sending him. It is estimated that about 2,900,000 men and women are at present subject to Essential Work Orders, including about 600,000 in employments which will cease to come within the scope of the Orders by 3rd August. A comprehensive analysis of these figures according to type of employment is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will reconsider the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a science graduate of London University who was nominated for a research scholarship at the Imperial College, and who is prevented from accepting this offer, through misapprehension, by the Appointments Board, of material circumstances in the case.

I have replied to the hon. Member's correspondence.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed at the latest available date in the following towns in the county of Denbigh: Colwyn Bay, Llanrwst, Abergele, Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen.

At 8th April, 1946, the numbers of unemployed insured persons aged 14 years and over, suitable for ordinary employment, on the registers of employment exchanges at Colwyn Bay, Llanrwst, Abergele, Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen were SI, 21, 10, 43, 25 and 14 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to announce the conditions of service of personnel at present being called up for National Service.

I hope to be in a position to make a statement later this week.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that bands of hooligans are smashing up the work of housing contractors at night, destroying foundations, damaging water pipes and drains, breaking glass and timber and purloining interior fittings on the sites; and what steps he is taking to prevent such damage.

I am aware that certain damage of the kind described by the hon. and gallant Member is being done, but almost without exception the culprits are young children, very often below the age of criminal responsibility. There is no evidence to suggest that this malicious mischief is done by organised bands. It has happened at only a very few of the many sites where work is now going on and at all of these the police are giving as close attention as their resources allow. In particular cases to which my attention has been drawn I have already raised the matter with the Chief Constables concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the cooperation he is receiving in his efforts to increase the rate of bricklaying on Scottish housing schemes; and what steps is he taking to improve the existing position.

Some weeks ago I had meetings with the trade union leaders and secured their cooperation in increasing the bricklaying output. I am pleased to say that with the present good building weather and the continued return of men from the Services, there has been recently a further improvement. There is, however, room for a substantial increase in some areas and I am doing everything possible to stimulate output.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are now needed in the city of Aberdeen; what plans have been made to build new houses and flats and to convert old houses to meet this need; how far these plans have developed and when they will be completed; and when this need will be completely satisfied.

I am arranging to meet representatives of the Corporation this week for a general discussion on progress. Against an estimated total need of 15,000 houses, the Corporation plan to have 2,800 permanent houses erected at the end of 1948; 134 have so far been completed, with 222 under construction, and tenders for 508 additional houses have been approved. Of prefabricated types, 96 Swedish timber houses are under erection by the Scottish Special Housing Association and the Corporation have accepted an offer of 250 B. I. S.F houses. Of the Corporation's allocation of 1,500 temporary houses, which should be finished next year, 79 have been completed and slabbing has either been completed or is in progress for 650. Eighteen requisitioned properties have been adapted to provide 33 homes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to secure the release, for housing purposes, of the ground at Saughton Mains, Edinburgh, at present held by the Post Office.

My Noble Friend the Postmaster-General has agreed to make some 20 acres of this site available at once for housing purposes and hopes to release a further 20 acres in a few weeks' time, when the transfer of certain installations has been completed. The remainder of the site will continue to be required for essential Post Office services for 12 to 18 months.

asked the Secretary.of State for Scotland whether he will permit the building of more three-roomed houses for the rural population of Angus than at present allowed, in view of the increasing demand for this size of house.

With the exception of two three-apartment houses under construction, the county council's current programme of 108 houses consists of four-apartment houses. No further proposals have so far been submitted, but while in general I am anxious that houses of not less than four apartments should be provided I shall be prepared to consider any representations which the council may make.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that the Angus rural housing programme is being held up by delays in the procedure for obtaining building materials from the Ministry of Works and by delays caused by the delivery of building materials in the wrong order of requirements; and whether he will take steps to ameliorate the situation;(2) whether he will take steps to speed up the delivery of internal fitments such as baths, tubs, sinks, washhand basins, slates, skylights, wardrobes and hardwall linings for new rural houses in Angus in view of the fact that four and a half months have passed without such fitments arriving.

I am aware that there has been some delay, owing to supply difficulties, in the delivery of certain materials and components for Swedish timber houses under erection in Angus and elsewhere. Everything possible is being done to overcome these difficulties and wall and ceiling linings far 26 houses will be delivered to sites in Angus within the next few days. Of the other components all but a small proportion can now be supplied, provided the county council can make storage accommodation available

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what special steps are being taken to overcome the brick shortage which at present threatens the housing' programme in Scotland.

Everything possible is being done still further to expand production, which has been considerably increased in recent months. Among the special steps being taken is the provision of financial help for the extension of plant, the introduction of a training soheme for key workers, and the improvement of general conditions of employment and of welfare arrangements. As a temporary measure arrangements have been made to obtain twenty million bricks from England for housing. It is of urgent importance that bricks should be used only on essential work where substitute materials cannot be obtained. The utmost economy in their use and the avoidance of waste is vital.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the contracts for the new 3,000 houses are to be on an upset price or on a cost price basis.

The prices which have been agreed with the contractors are ceiling prices, subject to costing after the completion of the first 1,000 houses. Details of the arrangements generally are being intimated this week to the local authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the remuneration of the sheriffs in Scotland is inadequate and disproportionate to their judicial responsibilities; and when, and by how much, he intends to increase it.

I presume that my hon. and learned Friend's Question relates to Sheriffs-Substitute whose memorial for an increase in salaries is receiving my consideration in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Lord Advocate and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I hope to be able to communicate with the memorialists on the subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has -considered the statement of the Medical Officer of Health for Fife, a copy of which has been sent to him, regarding the delay by the Department of Health in enabling the Fife County Council to proceed with the purification of the River Leven; and what action he is taking to help the county council to proceed with this urgent and important scheme essential for the improved health and housing of the community.

There has been no unnecessary delay in regard to this scheme on the part of my Department. A report by the county engineer on this scheme was forwarded to the Department of Health by the County Clerk on 14th March, but the report stated there had been no opportunity or staff to carry out the necessary surveys and that more detailed estimates would be required before any work could be proceeded with. No request for authority to proceed was made until a further letter was received from the County Clerk on 12th April, but again no more detailed specifications or estimates were provided. When the Department's Engineer discussed the position. by arrangement, with the County Engineer on 7th May, he found that its extent and some of its features had still to be finally settled. The necessity for the prevention of pollution is fully recognised, but, as has been pointed out to the local authority, approval of the scheme cannot be considered until all the necessary particulars are available. When these are provided by the County Council of Fife there will be no delay in dealing with the proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officers of his Department are authorised to sign Statutory Rules and Orders on his behalf; and what are the respective departmental ranks of these persons.

Statutory Rules and Orders of a continuing character which make any substantial change in law are usually signed by me as Secretary of State, but other Orders may be signed on my behalf by officers duly authorised for the purpose. The numbers of officers so authorised are eight in the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, nine in the Scottish Education Department, 14 in the Department of Health for Scotland and 13 in the Scottish Home Department. The Departmental ranks of these officers are Secretary, Under Secretary and Assistant Secretary. The Permanent Under Secretary of State and the Assistant Under-Secretary of State are also authorised for this purpose,

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what circumstances he allowed, under his letter of 27th February, 1946, county councillors of Lanark County Council, who were tenants of council houses, to vote in matters affecting the rents of such houses.

Under the Local Government Amendment (Scotland) Act 1939, the Secretary of State may remove the disability imposed under that Act upon councillors personally interested in a particular item of business in any case in which it appears to him that it is in the interests of the inhabitants of the area that he should do so. The disability was removed in the case in question because more than a third of the landward members of the Council would otherwise have been precluded from discussing and voting upon the question of a standardisation of rents and rent rebate scheme which is a matter of direct concern to a large proportion of the electorate they represent.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the honourable Member for Solihull can expect a reply to his letter of 3oth April in respect of the British Military Hospital in Tripoli.

A reply to the hon. Member's letter was sent yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men serving in the 12th Madras Engineers Battalion. I.E., S.E.A.C., were recently without an issue of soap for some six weeks and that their food and N.A.A.F.I. service generally are inadequate in quality and quantity; and what steps he is taking to deal with this and other similar complaints from S.E.A.C.

I am making inquiries about the supply of soap to this particular unit and S.E.A.C. generally. As re gards food the ration scale for British troops in S.E.A.C. is larger than that in any other overseas theatre. There have been complaints in the past about the shortage of fresh foods, but I understand that this has now been largely rectified by means of the importation of meat and fresh vegetables from Australia.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the complaints forwarded to him of conditions at 21st Court Martial and Holding Centre, Portici, C.M.F., with particular reference to sanitation, water supply. issue of mildewed bread and period spent awaiting trial; and what steps have been taken to improve such conditions.

I have received a full report on the complaints sent to me by my hon. Friend which appear to be quite unjustified. I understand that an adequate external water supply exists at this camp, and, although certain necessary repairs to the internal ablutions and latrines are at the moment in progress, adequate temporary washing and sanitary. arrangements have been made. I am informed that bread is not kept for more than two days and that no complaint about mildewed bread has ever been made through official channels. The average period spent by soldiers awaiting trial in straightforward cases is about three weeks, but a longer delay is often unavoidable in complicated cases involving a great deal of investigation. Every effort is made to ensure that the time taken to bring soldiers to trial is reduced to the minimum.

asked the Secretary of State for War by what authority II sergeants and 37 corporals have been under open arrest at Aldershot ever since the incident on the s.s. " Corfu "; whether any charges have yet been made against these men; and if he will have them either released or brought to trial.

These N.C.Os. have been kept in open arrest under the authority of King's Regulations, paragraph 559. They are being tried today by District Court Martial on charges of desertion. The delay in bringing them to trial was due to the necessity of obtaining their documents from India.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress is being made with the reduction of the length of overseas tour from three years four months to three years; and whether he expects to get down to the three year target by October.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement I made in my speech on the Army Estimates on 14th March.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what terms it is proposed to dispose of the following publications: " Parade," " World's Press Review," " Forces Radio Times " and " Mid-East Mail," now published by the Army Welfare Services, G.H.Q., M.E.F., to the Socièté Oriental de Publicité.

Certain proposals are being considered by G.H.Q. Middle East, but I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter until I have received and considered the Commander-in-Chief's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the arrangements which are being made for the wives of officers and other ranks serving in B.A.O.R. to join their husbands.

This Question is till under discussion, and I regret that I am not in a position to make a statement at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of men in India have had their repatriation to this country held up because their places on troopships have been taken by troops detailed to attend the Victory parades

So far as I am at present aware no troops serving in India have been prevented by the Victory contin gents from reaching this country in time for release within the periods laid down for their groups.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what exceptional circumstances allowances from Army funds are, or may be, granted in respect of an illegitimate child whose mother is German and whose father is an English soldier; and what action will be taken to implement the principle that Servicemen shall at least financially bear their share of paternal responsibility even though the woman involved be German.

If my hon. Friend has in mind the case of a child born to a German woman living outside this country as the result of an association which began in Germany after the man had become a soldier, the answer to the first part of the Question is " None." As regards the second part of the Question, a soldier can only be compelled to contribute to the upkeep of an illegitimate child if an affiliation order is produced against him. A woman living outside the jurisdiction of British courts would not be able to obtain such an order.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to release from military occupation the holiday home of the Home Workers' Association at Walton-on-the-Naze.

I regret that this property cannot be released at present, but I hope that it will be possible to move the Ministry of Supply unit now in occupation elsewhere in December this year, so that the Holiday Home can then be released.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he ha s decided to close down permanently the military camp at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.

No, Sir. This camp will be required for military purposes for an indefinite period.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the decision to bring the Polish Second Corps to the United Kingdom and to look after the men pending resettlement, he will now reconsider the decision to demobilise abroad aliens enlisted abroad into the British Army.

Although it remains the general policy that troops enlisted abroad should be demobilised either in their own countries or where they enlisted, the question of the release of aliens who were enlisted into the British Army in North Africa and elsewhere outside the United Kingdom on British service engagements has been carefully reconsidered, in accordance with the undertaking given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 20th May. It has been decided that the only practicable course, in view of their peculiar difficulties, will be to allow these particular men to be released in the United Kingdom if they wish and instructions to this effect are being issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether aliens serving in the British Army who are demobilised abroad are given gratuities, leave pay and civilian clothing.

Yes, Sir, subject to the same qualifying conditions as are applicable to British soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many aliens are still serving in His Majesty's Forces; and how many have been demobilised since VJ-Day, in the United Kingdom and abroad, respectively.

On 31st March, 1946, 5,208 men and 427 women of alien nationality were serving in the Army. These figures are 5,345 and 446 respectively below the corresponding figures for December, 1944, which represents the wastage from all causes during this period. I cannot say what proportion were released under the release scheme since VJ-Day nor where they were released as no separate figures are maintained for the release of aliens either in the Army or in the other two Services.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the existence of several ammunition dumps in the Gartocharn and Croftamil areas of the county of Dumbarton; and when it is proposed to have them removed.

I am aware that there is a field storage depot for ammunition and explosives in this area. Every effort is being made to dispose of the large quantities of surplus ammunition in this country as quickly- as the shortage of manpower and the necessity for adequate safety precautions allow, but I am afraid that it will be a considerable time before all the ammunition held at this depot can be disposed of.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the high cost of living in Palestine, ration allowance to a Jewish soldier demobilised in Palestine has been cut from 6s. 8d. per day to 3s. 4d. per day; and if he will take steps to restore the higher allowance and ensure that such soldiers will receive the same demobilisation leave as other members of His Majesty's Forces demobilised in the United Kingdom.

There is no distinction between Jewish soldiers released in Palestine and other soldiers. It is true that 6s. 9d. per day is the normal ration allowance in Palestine for all troops who would otherwise draw rations from British sources, but the ration allowance issued during release leave in all areas is 3s. 5d. per day, irrespective of the nationality of the soldier or the country in which he is released. In determining the allowances to be issued on release leave it was necessary to give great weight to administrative simplicity in order to secure smooth and speedy demobilisation. The complexities which would have resulted from the use of many different rates of allowance had to be avoided and it was for this reason that it was decided that all personnel should receive the rate of ration allowance issued to soldiers on leave in the United Kingdom. Release leave is granted to soldiers released in Palestine under the same conditions as for those released elsewhere. In assessing overseas service leave only service outside the Middle East area is counted as overseas service in the case of a soldier released in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the danger flags to be taken down on the Sunnybridge artillery range when the useable through roads are open to traffic.

In future danger flags on Sennybridge Artillery Range will be hoisted only when firing is about to take place and will be hauled down again when firing has ceased. The useable roads will be open to traffic when the danger flag is not flying.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that numbers of temporary civil servants have a grievance as a result of the transferring of the R.A.P.C. office from Leicester to Salisbury Plain; and what steps are being taken to find work for those, especially ex-Servicemen, who are thus being displaced.

The move of two Pay Offices, which are at present in Leicester, to Perham Down, Wilts, is planned to take place in the middle of June. The Pay Offices in question are occupying requisitioned premises which are urgently required either by the Board of Trade, for industrial purposes, or by the education authorities. No suitable alternative accommodation is available to the War Department in the vicinity. The names of all redundant temporary staff will be reported to the Ministry of Labour who will consider what steps it is necessary to take to find work for them including those among the number who are ex-Servicemen.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the danger to holiday-makers and the needs of agriculture, he will now state on what date the clearance and release of the areas on the South Downs will be completed.

Since I answered the hon. Member's previous. Question on this subject on l6th April a further 2,500 acres have been cleared and are in process of release. I regret that I cannot yet say when the process of clearance will be completed, but the work is being carried out as quickly as the shortage of technical personnel and equipment permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that conditions for British troops in the South Pacific islands are made as tolerable as possible and that all possible steps are being taken to prevent morale and discipline suffering from the climatic conditions.

I have no doubt that the commanders concerned are taking all possible steps to secure the end the hon. Member has in view, but if he has reason to believe that in any specific locality this is not the case and will send me full particulars I will gladly have the matter investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he intends to hand back the house annexed to the Drill Hall, Lockerbie, which he informed the hon. and gallant Member for Dumfries in a letter dated 25th April, that -he was taking steps to return to the Territorial Army Association.

I am informed that this house was returned to the Territorial Army Association about three weeks ago.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there is no regulation in the Army to enforce any payment on an officer in the Forces under legal agreement or court order, to maintain his wife and family; and if he will take steps to compel officers, the same as other ranks, to fulfil their obligations and payments in support of their wives and families.

To implement my hon. Friend's suggestion would require legislation, and prior consultation with the Admiralty, the Air Ministry and other Departments concerned in a matter which is not free from difficulty. I can, how-ever, assure my hon. Friend that this matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Craftsman D. H. Marshall, 177, Plashet Road, E.13, has been refused a compassionate release in view of the evidence submitted by the hon. Member for Upton.

Craftsman Marshall has already been granted a total of 24 weeks temporary release on compassionate grounds and I regret that after careful consideration of the case I do not feel able to grant any further period of compassionate release.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Craftsman D. H. Marshall, 177, Plashet Road, E.13, has been refused Class B release in view of the evidence submitted by the hon. Member for Upton.

Craftsman Marshall's trade is recorded as plumber. This is one of the trades which are being dealt with under the Class B block release scheme. In order to meet the demands of the Ministry of Labour it has not been necessary to offer release to plumbers in Craftsman Marshall's age and service group.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Captain R. Spencer Andrews, R.A.P.C., has had his release deferred by one month on reporting to A.P.O., Manchester, after having been informed, on release embarkation in India, that as a volunteer to return to the United Kingdom by air he would not have his release deferred.

This officer is in Group 31 and is therefore not due for release until 17th June to 23rd June. His release has not been deferred and will not be deferred beyond the period laid down for the release of his age and service Group.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon and gallant Member for Dorset, North, can expect an answer to his letter of 1st May concerning 14887493 Private Freak, Dorset Regiment.

A reply to the hon. and gallant Member's letter was sent to him yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War why all officers of Group 28 serving in C.M.F., who were originally due for release in March, and have already had two deferments, first to April and then to May, now face a third deferment of their release until August; if there is any limit to the number of times an officer's release. can be deferred; and what steps he is taking to relieve the anxiety and uncertainty of these officers and their families with regard to promises of release.

The latest information I have is that only one officer in Group 28 in C.M.F. has had his release deferred. Officers in this group were not due for release until 23rd to 31st May. It is not the fact that officers in this group in C.M.F., or in any group, have had their release deferred three times.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men returning from the Mediterranean are not told that they are entitled to a free allowance of cigarettes at the Forces' transit camps; and if he will issue orders that all ranks should be more fully informed in advance of what facilities are available.

In overseas stations 50 cigarettes are issued free each week whether the soldier is with his unit or in a Transit Camp. I have no reason to suppose that this is not well known to all troops serving overseas, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case where it appears that the correct issue is not being made, I will gladly make investigations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether those ranks in the Army who were enlisted for the emergency and now choose to take advantage of the new conditions of service and undertake a Regular engagement, are permitted to count towards service for pension the years which they have already served in the Army.

Yes, Sir. On enlistment on a normal Regular engagement previous Colour, mobilised and embodied service either as an officer or other rank may be counted towards the prospective pension entitlement, subject to the usual conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many persons within his Department are authorised to sign Statutory Rules and Orders on his behalf; and what are the respective departmental ranks of these persons.

The Permanent Under-Secretary of State, the two Deputy Under-Secretaries of State and one Assistant Under-Secretary of State are authorised to sign on my behalf certain Statutory Rules and Orders of local application.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Dower House,

Camp Number.				Location.				Officers	Other Ranks	Total
Belgium.
2218	…	…	…	Vilvorde	…	…	…	85	4,243	4,328
2221	…	…	…	Vilvorde	…	…	…	59	7,590	7,649
2224	…	…	…	Jabbeke	…	…	…	73	7,860	7.933
2225	…	…	…	Fort Merxem		…	…	3	279	282
2226	…	…	…	Zedelghem	…	…	…	2,013	3,674	5,687
2227	…	…	…	Zedelghern	…	…	…	3	9,921	9,924
2228	…	…	…	Overyssche	…	…	…	33	20,455	20,488
2232	…	…	…	Krasi	…	…	…	12	4,429	4.441
Germany.
2233	…	…	…	Munsterlager	…	…	…	13	12,220	12,233
2234	…	…	…	Esselheide	…	…	…	9	2,664	2,673

On 1st March, 1946, the caloric value of their ration scale was 2,400. On 15th March the ration scale was reduced to 2,000 calories for non-workers, but remained at 2,400 for workers and sick.

asked the Secretary of State for War approximately the number of German prisoners of war now in this country who have been prisoners here or Pax Hill, Lind-held, Sussex, which it is understood was vacated by the military in February last, still remains requisitioned.

I assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to "The Lodge," Pax Hill, which together with part of the Mansion forms part of a hutted camp. This camp is held to meet impending military commitments and I regret that I am unable at present to forecast a date for release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a list of the prisoner-of-war camps in Germany and Belgium, stating the number of prisoners detained in each and the caloric value of their rations as at 1st March, 1946.

Following is a list of the prisoner-of-war camps in Germany and Belgium together with the numbers of prisoners in each camp on nth May, 1946elsewhere for five and six years or more, respectively; how many prisoners have been repatriated; whether any decision has yet been reached respecting systematic repatriation; whether he will arrange for good conduct and service between now and next winter to ensure speedier repatriation; and what further measures are likely to be taken to avoid deterioration in morale among those prisoners who will be detained in this country indefinitely.

Some 4,000 German prisoners of war had been captured by May, 1941. I regret that I have no information as to the numbers of those prisoners still in captivity. The total number of German prisoners repatriated during and since the war is 36,279. Anti-Nazi prisoners and sick will continue to be repatriated but no scheme for general repatriation is under consideration. The suggestion that good conduct and service should be taken into account will be borne in mind when the time comes for an extension of the present limited programme of repatriation. The provision of additional inducements to work is already under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons German prisoners of war are being retained in this country; and whether a plan is under consideration for their repatriation.

His Majesty's Government do not consider that the time has yet come when the great majority of German prisoners of war should be repatriated. In the meantime they are being usefully employed in this country on work of urgent national importance for which British labour is not available. In addition there are a number who are being held because of the probability that they would engage in subversive activities if released in Germany. Prisoners who are unfit for work and anti-Nazis who can be of use in Germany are repatriated at frequent intervals.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war have been brought into this country from Belgian and U.S. prisoner-of-war camps, respectively.

Up to 25th May, 1946, 110,890 German prisoners of war had been brought to this country from the U.S.A. and 45,953 from Belgium.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Netherlands troops are now being trained in Britain and other parts of the Empire with a view to being sent to Indonesia; and who is paying for their training and support.

Some 3,850 Netherlands troops are at present under training in this country. The whole cost of training and maintenance of these troops now being provided from British sources is recoverable from the Dutch authorities.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to secure compensation for officers of local authorities displaced as a result of the provisions of the National Insurance Bill, in view of the fact that such compensation is to be paid to such displaced employees of approved societies.

I cannot add anything at this stage to what was said on the subject by my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance in the Debate on this Bill on 4th April last.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give an approximate estimate of the number of sufferers from rheumatic diseases in its various forms in England and Wales.

I am afraid that there are no means of arriving at any really useful estimate.

asked the Minister of Health whether his regulations permit the use of Sisalcraft on the roofs of houses, in place of roofing felt or tile bodging.

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the relevant provisions of the model series, on which most local building byelaws are based. It is for the builder to satisfy the local authority that the form of construction adopted complies with the byelaws in force.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to say what improvements are being effected at the Bulcamp Institution, Halesworth, Suffolk.

I understand that the delivery of meat has been improved, increased stocks of- linen have been provided, laundry deliveries have been increased to three each week, the lighting and other structural difficulties are receiving attention and the Master has returned to duty from war service.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the need for the re-opening of the institution at Hill House, Manston, near Ramsgate; and when, in fact, this institution is going to be re-opened.

I am aware of the position and the Institution will be re-opened as soon as necessary restoration works have been carried out, which may take some time.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will arrange for S coupons to have the same value and entitlement to spare parts as E coupons, in view of the increasing need for spare parts for old vehicles running for business purposes.

There is no general control over the distribution and sale of spare parts, but for certain makes the regional maintenance and certifying officers grant spares shortage certificates to assist the owners of vehicles engaged on essential work in obtaining spare parts which are in short supply. For private cars, certificates are normally issued only for those for which " E " petrol coupons have been granted, but in exceptional cases where the circumstances warfant they are issued for cars for which " S " coupons have been granted.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will draw the attention of local authorities to the bad timing of many traffic lights, especially in the Metropolitan police area, with a view to their adjustment.

Local authorities fully appreciate the need for adequate maintenance of traffic light signals. The reasons for delay in adjustment in certain cases are either the lack of components or shortage of skilled staff to do the work, but improvements in both these respects are anticipated in the next few months.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the fact that there is a shortage of baths and of capacity for manufacturing these, he has inquired into the possibility of making use of unused or partly used foundries of his Ministry for the purpose of manufacturing these items.

There are no Ministry of Supply foundries which could be used for making baths. There is in fact no shortage of manufacturing capacity; the limiting factor is labour.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that there is no educational scheme in the First Indian Armoured Divisional Signals, nor any provision for wireless sets, newspapers or magazines; and what steps he is taking to provide these facilities.

I have no information on this matter but the Government of India have been asked to forward a report and I will communicate with the hon. Member on its receipt.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the present discharge of his responsibility to Parliament for the peace, order and good government of India will continue to be fully assured by the Interim Government; and whether he will give an assurance that this proposed Government will be fully representative of the main sections of Indian opinion.

The intentions of His Majesty's Government regarding the formation of an interim government have been made clear in paragraph 23 of the statement by the Cabinet Mission and the Viceroy published in Command Paper 6821, and again in the statement issued in India by the Cabinet Delegation on 25th May. I would only add that under these proposals the present constitution must continue during the interim period as well as the responsibilities or the Secretary of State thereunder to parliament.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma the cost-of-living index in Rangoon at the time when the country was taken over from the Japanese; and the cost-of-living index for the last recorded month.

No cost of living index was prepared while Burma was under military administration. The first prepared after the resumption of Civil Government was in respect of November, 1945, when the figures were 679 for Burmans and 656 for Indians as compared with 100 for 1941. The latest figures which I have are those for April, 1946, which were 384 for Burmans and 368 for Indians.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma whether he is satisfied with the distribution of clothing and other commodities in Burma; what arrangements there are to ensure that persons living in agricultural districts get their fair share; and whether in order to ensure a more equitable distribution, the allocation of commodities to the towns will be suspended for a time in order to allow country districts to get their proper quota.

The distribution of clothing material and other essential commodities throughout the whole of Burma is organised and directed by an authority known as the Civil Supplies Project of the Government of Burma. In addition to the regular operations of the Project, the Government are now introducing a special scheme for the issue of essential articles to cultivators by way of advances in kind against the subsidy of 12 Rs. which is being paid for each acre newly brought into cultivation. To achieve distribution under this scheme, all supplies already in stock and those due to arrive in May, June and July are to be diverted by the Civil. Supplies Project from the towns to the villages.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total acreage sown for this season's wheat, oats and barley in the county of Denbigh.

According: to the March, 1946, returns, the agricultural occupiers in Denbighshire then stated that the areas under wheat, oats and barley for this year's harvest for that county would be: wheat, 4,400 acres; oats, 32,800 acres; barley, 6,500 acres.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give particulars of the places registered for experiments on living animals under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, in Berkshire.

The registered places in Berkshire and the persons responsible for them are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of constables in the police force who qualified for the rank of sergeant in the period 1936 to 1946; how many of these were actually advanced in rank; and how many are now, due to length of service and failure to gain the rank in time, out of the z-ne of selection.

I assume my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the Metropolitan Police Force. In the period 1936 to 1946, 3328 Metropolitan constables qualified for promotion and 1,087 were promoted. Of the remainder, 809 are now out of the zone of selection.

asked the Minister of Education the proportion of teachers over 50 years of age employed by the State and municipal schools; how many teachers have retired since the declaration of war in 1939 on breakdown pensions before reaching 60 years of age; how many teachers over 60 years of age have consented to stay on in the schools to help the present scarcity; and whether she is aware that the conditions resulting from inadequately warmed classrooms, multiplication of extraneous duties and large classes are pressing especially hardly on these older teachers.

It has not yet been possible to have a full census taken of serving teachers classified by their ages, but it is estimated that the proportion of teachers employed in grant-aided schools and educational institutions who are over the age of 50 is approximately one quarter; the number of teachers who have retired since September, 1939, on breakdown pensions before reaching the age of 60 is approximately 4,000; the number of teachers over 60 years of age who under normal conditions would probably have retired on pension but who are still in service is estimated at 3,000. The matters referred to in the last part of the Question affect all teachers and involve the general efficiency of the schools; as such they deserve and are receiving my careful attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will appoint a specially qualified staff to press forward mass education work in Africa, in view of the overburdening of existing education departments with other work.

Whatever detailed local arrangements may be made in the different African Colonial territories for the organisation and encouragement of mass education and of campaigns against illiteracy, it is essential that such work should be carried out in close liaison with the education departments of the territories. It is not, however, contemplated that the full additional burden imposed by such work should be borne by the existing staffs of these departments. Some African Colonial Governments have already appointed special mass education officers; and I have no doubt that all would welcome the services of men or women with special qualifications for such work.In the wider sense of the term " mass education " covers a considerable range of activities designed to raise the social and economic level of the Colonial peoples and, to this extent, it may be said that every additional appointment to such departments as the Department of Agriculture or the Social Welfare and Medical and Health Departments increases the numbers of trained staff, whose efforts will promote the aims of mass education. I am doing, and will continue to do, all I can to help Colonial Governments to recruit the best possible staff in all these fields. The whole question is at present under consideration by the Mass Education Sub-Committee of my Education Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance His Majesty's Government have recently extended to the French Government in connection with the re-equipment of the French Army

His Majesty's Government have supplied, largely as Mutual Aid, considerable quantities of equipment for the rearmament of the French Metropolitan Forces, and negotiations are now in progress with the French Government with a view to the sale on favourable terms of further.quantities of equipment for these forces. His Majesty's Government have also equipped, principally on repayment, one full French division and a number of smaller formations for the Far East.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he will implement the undertaking given to the hon. Member for Penryn and Falmouth, in his letter of 17th December, 1945, to the effect that surplus submarines in the Restronguet Creek would be removed as soon as towage and other details could be arranged.

One of these vessels was removed a week ago. Two others are likely to be removed in the near future. As regards the remaining vessels, opera tional considerations made it necessary to remove these vessels from the scrapping list, but they have now been restored, and every effort will be made to have them removed as quickly as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty. how many persons within his Department are authorised to sign Statutory Rules and Orders on his behalf; and what are the respective departmental ranks of these persons.

The only persons authorised to sign Statutory Rules and Orders on behalf of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are the Permanent Secretary, and, in his absence, the Deputy Secretary.