asked the Minister of Works if he will revise the arrangements whereby social service organisations have to tender for disused Army huts, etc.; and if he will substitute a system of definite charges so that these organisations may quickly obtain their requirements.

No, Sir. A system of definite charges for disused Army huts would be most difficult to operate because of wide variations in type, condition, specification, cost of dismantling and cost of removal. Such a system would involve the separate valuation of each individual hut, and would be slower than the tender system.

asked the Minister of Works how many bricks, approximately, were made each month in August or September, 1945; what is the present output of bricks per month; and if future output is likely to meet the enormous demand created by the building programme.

Brick production in August, 1945, was 88,000,000 and in September, 1945, 102,000,000. Output in April, 1946, was 200,000,000. I hope the steps that are being taken to increase the labour strength of the industry, and to extend its capacity, will have the effect of raising production to the level of future requirements. In the meantime it is necessary to observe a strict economy in the use of bricks in the interests of the house-building campaign.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that 1,336 sites are ready for the erection of temporary bungalows in Sheffield; that the erection of bungalows is being held up by delays in delivery; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite deliveries.

There are 1,059 sites with foundations completed in Sheffield and 918 houses have been delivered. There is now no undue delay in the delivery of houses to Sheffield sites that are ready to receive them.

asked the Minister of Works the value of materials for prefabricated houses imported into this country since l0th May, 1945, otherwise than under lend-lease arrangements; and the amount of import duty paid upon such materials.

Apart from lend-lease arrangements, the only substantial import of materials specifically for prefabricated houses since the l0th May, 1945, has been the timber sections of 4,810 wooden houses imported from Sweden. The total value is £2,419,714 inclusive of import duty of £413,286. Imported materials are used for other types of prefabricated houses and for housing generally, but it is impossible to identify the specific amounts of these materials which may have gone into prefabricated houses.

asked the Minister of Works the number of brickyards and brickfields still under requisition; and their prewar output.

Two hundred and twelve brickworks are still under requisition and their prewar capacity was approximately 130 million bricks per month. Most of the requisitioned works are cleared of storage and are taking steps to get into production.

asked the Minister of Works if he will now take steps to derequisition the premises belonging to the Finsbury Park Methodist Church, the deprivation of which is causing great hardship and seriously affecting communal life and in particular the youth movement in this part of London.

The premises belonging to the Finsbury Park Methodist Church will be derequisitioned as soon as other accommodation can be provided. As suitable existing premises cannot be found the erection of hutting is now being considered.

asked the Minister of Works what was the average comparable daily pay and output of bricklayers for 1930, 1936, and 1946, respectively.

The comparable wage rates for an eight hour day in Grade A areas are as follow: 1930, 12s. 8d.; 1936, 12s. 4d.; 1946, 20s. I regret that no figures are available showing the average daily output in these years.

asked the Minister of Works the number of standards of constructional softwood used in housing work, both temporary and permanent, for the most recent three months for which he has statistics.

The following figures show the number of standards of constructional softwood for use in housing work, temporary and permanent, for which certificates to purchase were issued in the three months January to March, 1946: Temporary housing, 29,559 standards; permanent housing, 78,953 standards.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what quantity of coal is being exported to Ireland at the present time; and how this compares with prewar figures.

The total quantity of coal exported from this country to Eire during the year 1945 was 923,000 tons, as compared with 2,477,000 tons in 1938. The bulk of the coal now being sent to Eire is of low quality.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state, in comparable conditions, the daily pay and output for coal miners for 1930. 1936 and 1946, respectively.

Average cash earnings per man-shift worked (all workers) was 9s. 4d. in 1930, l0s. in 1936, and 23s. 1d. in the last quarter of 1945, the latest figures available. Corresponding figures for output per man-shift overall are 1.08 tons, 1.16 tons, arid 1.02 tons respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has considered representations from the Hackney Carriage Operators complaining of irregularities in connection with the use of petrol adversely affecting their business; and what steps he is taking in this respect.

The representations made by the deputation from the National Car Hire Association were primarily concerned with the question of the distances within which hire cars and taxicabs are allowed to operate and my right hon. Friend has these representations under consideration. Suggestions were also made that irregular use of petrol is involved. The deputation were informed that investigations are regularly carried out by the Ministry's inspectors in connnection with suspected illegal acquisition and supply and misuse of petrol and proceedings are taken in suitable cases. All cases reported to the Ministry by the Association have been examined and only in a few cases has there been found any basis for the allegations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether in view of climatic conditions during the winter months in Norfolk, he will consider transferring this county, which is one of the counties grouped in the eastern area in which the maximum amount of coal which may be supplied is 34 cwts., to the group of areas in which the maximum allowance is 50 cwts.

My right hon. Friend has already considered similar proposals submitted to him by local authorities in Norfolk and adjoining areas but regrets that he is unable to make this concession.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of registered unemployed in the development areas at the last count; and what percentage this figure was of the total population of these areas.

171,839 or 7.6 per cent, of the estimated insured population at July, 1945.

asked the Minister of Labour if Servicemen who are on demobilisation leave are entitled to sign on at the employment exchange prior to the date of demobilisation; and, in such cases where men have signed on as available for work, will they be entitled to receive unemployment pay.

Yes, Sir, Servicemen are free to register for employment at employment exchanges during their demobilisation leave. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance, that a Serviceman in these circumstances is not entitled to receive unemployment benefit while he continues to receive full Service pay, that is to say, until the end of his demobilisation leave.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some employers of labour do not intend to pay their workers for the public holiday on 8th June in celebration of V-day; and what steps he intends to take to deal with the matter.

The question of payment for the V-day holiday is solely one for negotiation between the two sides of Industry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an estimate of the amount of money being transferred to Ireland by people leaving this country on account of high taxation and moving to the Free State to avoid taxation; what steps he intends to take to stop this potential loss of revenue; and what are the estimated figures for the next two or three years, respectively, of capital so transferred.

The movement of funds within the sterling area is not subject to restriction, and statistics are, therefore, not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether payment for the 1,000,000 lbs. of silk allocated to this country from Japanese production is to be made in dollars; and, if so, what is the total sum involved in dollars.

The discussions on this subject in Washington are not yet concluded.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total amount of dollars spent by His Majesty's Government on food and other imports, respectively, into the British occupied zones of Germany, Austria and Italy, respectively, from May. 1945, until the latest available return.

About 35 million dollars on food for Germany and two million dollars on food for Austria up to 31st March, 1946. Dollar expenditure on other imports to Germany and Austria has been relatively small. No dollar expenditure has been incurred on imports to Italy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the loss of dollars which this country has sustained due to the shipment of wheat to Germany and its subsequent replacement by Canada and the U.S.A., will be recouped from the German gold reserve at present in Allied hands.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave today to the hon. Member for New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel CrosthwaiteEyre).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the reduced quantities of liquor available to be sold by publicans, the amounts of the publicans' licences will be correspondingly reduced.

No, Sir. Clause 9 in the Finance Bill now before Parliament con- tinues the reliefs provided by the Finance Act, 1942, to compensate publicans for reduced trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the effect of the reduction in cereals available for brewers upon the trade of publicans; and whether he is proposing to take any steps to alleviate their loss.

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given today to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make with regard to the capital requirements of B.O.A.C.

Yes, Sir. In March, 1940, the Corporation issued £41 million of 3 per cent. Airways Stock 1960–70 to the National Debt Commissioners under Treasury guarantee. The price of issue was 95. Authority has now been given for the Corporation to make a new issue to the National Debt Commissioners, under Treasury guarantee, of £5¾ million of 2½ per cent. Airways Stock 1971–76, at a price of 99. The purpose of this issue is to repay temporary advances, and to pay for aircraft and other new capital assets. Since these requirements need to be met in the immediate future, it has been decided not to wait for the passage into law of the Civil Aviation Bill, but to authorise the Corporation to act under the powers contained in the British Overseas Airways Act, 1939. Their capital is now increased up to the limit of £1o million provided in that Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will initiate negotiations to ensure that the trade deficit of the British zone of occupation in Germany should constitute a prior charge on the German gold reserve in Allied hands.

It has been agreed that all gold found in Germany by the Allied Forces is to be divided among those countries from which gold was looted by the Germans.

asked the Financial-Secretary to the Treasury how many Ministers, other than the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, have official residences; what rent is paid in each case; if any charge is made in lieu of rates; and if free fuel and light are provided.

The Lord Chancellor occupies official premises for which no rent or rates are charged but in respect of which he pays for fuel and light. The First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs occupy official premises for which no rent or rates are charged but in respect of which they pay any charges for fuel and light in excess of £200 in any year. The Secretary of State for Air and the Minister of Town and Country Planning occupy official premises for which rents of £300 and £120 per annum, respectively, are charged, and which include rates, fuel and light and some furniture.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Cruden houses he proposes to allot to the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, and county of Wigtown, respectively.

The councils of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright and the county of Wigtown have each been offered l00 Cruden houses. In addition, the small burghs in Kirkcudbright have been offered a total of 44 houses and those in Wigtown 54.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that, on account of the delays imposed by the Department of Health in insisting upon approving each site, the terms of each purchase, the type of house, the layout and the acceptance of the contract, three schemes in East Fife, at Lower Largo, Kingskettle and Freuchie, for which application was originally made by the Fife County Council in September last year, have not yet reached the stage where any building has been commenced; of the widespread public indignation on account of these delays; and what steps he is taking to prevent bureaucratic interference with the performance of the duties of the Fife County Housing Authority.

I give below a statement giving the relevant dates, which show that most of the time since September was occupied by the council themselves in necessary preparatory work between the different stages of the schemes. House tenders were approved for two of the schemes towards the end of April and for the third scheme, after

Housing site	No. of Houses.	Site Plan.		L.O. Plan.		Site preparation Tenders.		House Tenders.
		Submitted.	Approved.	Submitted.	Approved.	Submitted.	Approved.	Submitted.	Approved.
Lower Largo	50	22.9.45	10.10.45	30.1.46	16.2.46	5.4.46	30.4.46	5.4.46	30.4.46
Kingskettle	20	22.9.45	15.10.45	18.12.45	28.12.45	6.4.46	30.4.46	6.4.46	30.4.46
Freuchie*	20	22.9.45	13.10.45	18.12.45	9.1.46	5.4.46	—	5.4.46	—
		18.12.45	28.12.45	8.1.46	14.1.46
* Site and layout plan were submitted in two parts. The tenders submitted on 5th April, 1946, were not approved because of high prices. Alternative tenders on an agreed price basis were submitted on 17th May and approved on 24th May, 1946

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision is to be made to provide scholarships or bursaries for Scottish students on the lines recently announced for England; and when the scheme will come into operation.

It is my intention to issue a circular on this matter to the Education Authorities at an early date. It will deal with the awards to be made in respect of the coming session, and I shall send a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps should be taken by agriculturalists who desire to be considered for membership of one of the new A.A.E.Cs.; and when he will be in position to announce the conditions of service.

The members of the area executive committees will be selected and appointed by myself after consultation with the representative organisations of owners, farmers and workers. Before making my appointments I shall be pre- retendering on an agreed price basis, on 24th May. The council have now powers under the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act to obtain access to the sites. As to the hon. Member's allegation in the latter part of the Question, the approval of the county council's housing proposals is a statutory requirement which cannot be waived by my Department, but apart from this, I have taken every possible step to eliminate delays.pared to consider any suggestions for membership that may be made to me in the course of these consultations as well as any that may reach me from other sources. Members of the committees will act in an honorary capacity and the latter part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement regarding the future of the emergency hospitals built during the war and administered by the Department of Health for Scotland.

Yes, Sir. These hospitals, although intended originally for air raid casualties, have treated large numbers of patients who were in Services or auxiliary organisations or who became the responsibility of the Ministry of Pensions. The numbers of patients in these classes are now falling, of course, but they are still substantial and they must be regarded as a first commitment. Certain classes of civilian patients have already been admitted and I propose to extend the arrangements for the admission of such patients in order that the hospitals and the special facilities they provide may serve the people of Scotland as a whole. The extent to which they can do so depends primarily on the numbers of medical, nursing and other staff available, and I hope that the existing staffs, including members of the Civil Nursing Reserve, will continue on the new basis. The new arrangements will take some time to bring into full effect, but before the National Health Service comes into operation these hospitals should have found their proper place in the permanent hospital system of Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the sudden bloc deferment of R.A.M.C. tradesmen, senior non-commissioned officers and warrant officers in Groups 29 and 30 serving in C.M.F.; and whether he will take steps to speed up the replacement of medical personnel in that command.

There is a serious general shortage of warrant officers, senior N.C.Os. and tradesmen in the R.A.M.C., but only three men of Groups 29 and 30 in these categories serving in C.M.F. have had their release deferred compulsorily. There is, therefore, no question of any block deferment.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers in the Royal Signals in Groups.27–32, at present serving in toe Middle East, have not had their release deferred as a result of appeal on compassionate grounds; how many applications have been received; and how many yet remain to be dealt with.

I am taking steps to obtain the information asked for, and as soon as it is received I will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of officers of all arms at present serving in M.E.F. whose release has been deferred; and the relationship which this number bears to the total number of officers of release Group 34 and below at present serving in that theatre.

On 15th May the release of 565 officers serving in M.E.F. had been deferred. This represents 6.75 per cent. of all officers in Groups 34 and later who were serving in M.E.E. on 31st March, 1946, the latest date for which the figures are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Middle East Command is the only theatre where demobilisation of cipher officers has been deferred; what percentage of trained operators is being turned out by the cipher schools in England and in the Middle East to replace operators due for release; how long it takes to train these operators; and when it is anticipated that operators in Group 33, now serving in the Middle East, will be demobilised.

It is not the case that the M.E.F. is the only command in which cipher officers and cipher operators have had their release compulsorily deferred, although it is true that the numbers deferred have been greater than those elsewhere largely because of the higher proportion of men in M.E.F. who were in early age and service groups. There is in fact a general shortage of cipher operators, but in providing replacements M.E.F. has been given priority over all other theatres. The average output of trained cipher operators from the United Kingdom School and the Middle East School is 32 per month. It takes 10 to 14 days to train a medium grade cipher operator and 4 to 6 weeks to train a high grade operator. I cannot at the present stage give any indication as to whether or not it will be necessary to defer the release of any cipher operators of Group 33 in the Middle East.

asked the Secretary of State for War why surveyors in the C.M.F. in Group 31 and over have had their demobilisation date deferred; and for how long are they delayed.

The latest information I have is that no R.E. officers in C.M.F. have had their release deferred and only seven R.E. other ranks. I have no information as to the trades of the latter. I am not clear as to which particular type of surveyor my hon. Friend has in mind, but if he would send me further information on this point and on the units concerned I will gladly make some further enquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for the sudden deferment of officers in Group 28, serving in 13 Corps in C.M.F.; and if he will take steps to see that replacements are sent to permit these officers to be released.

Since my recent reply to a similar Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cambridge (Major Symonds), I have received information that 23 officers now serving in C.M.F. in Group 28 have recently had their releases deferred until July or August. These officers are serving with an operational formation which it is essential to maintain at a high state of efficiency. All available officers are being sent overseas to replace those whose releases have been deferred.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British officers and men are still serving in the small islands of the Pacific; and what arrangements are made for their welfare and for the inspection of the conditions under which they live.

Those small islands in the Pacific on which British troops are stationed are under the control of S.E.A.C. and the authorities in that command are taking all possible steps to provide such welfare and other facilities as conditions allow, in the same way as they do in other areas of the command. It is not the normal practice to publish figures of the strength of our forces in any particular area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to alleged bad and unhealthy conditions under which British soldiers are serving in Morotai and other islands in the South-West Pacific; and whether he will cause investigation to be made into these conditions with a view to action being taken for their amelioration

I am informed that there are no British soldiers stationed on the island of Morotai, which is in the Australian zone. As regards the other islands in the Pacific on which there are British troops, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Streatham (Sir D. Robertson) on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now provide particulars of the new Army uniform for ceremonial purposes as approved by the Dress Committee of his Department; and whether he will afford an opportunity to Members who are interested of viewing this and other models including the ceremonial walking-out dress with shirt, collar and tie which was approved by his Department in 1938.

I am at present considering the recommendations of the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second part of the Question, I will consider whether such an opportunity can be given.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the delay in returning to this country 14777339 Fusilier Smedley, whose Class B release was authorised on 26th February.

I have received a report from overseas to the effect that arrangements for the release of this soldier are proceeding, but I understand that he is serving in Japan and this has no doubt led to some delay in bringing him home for release.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he will be in a position to reply to the letter dated 4th February, 1946, the receipt of which he acknowledged on 6th February, 1946, from the hon. Member for Thirsk and Mahon, relating to the case of 10582922 Craftsman R. S. Armstrong; whether he has yet considered the letter from the same hon. Member dated 22nd April, 1946, receipt of which has not yet been acknowledged; and whether he will expedite his methods of dealing with correspondence.

A reply was sent to the lion Member on 31st May; his letter of 22nd April was acknowledged on 23rd April. I regret the delay in replying to the hon. Member's original letter of 4th February, but I can assure him that I am making every possible effort to ensure that letters from hon. Members are dealt with expeditiously.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to order a new and independent inquiry to be made into the case of 1490445, Sergeant J. Evanson, R.E.M.E., with a view to investigating allegations that this noncommissioned officer was victimised by his superior officers for the assistance which he gave to the Special Investigation Branch concerning misconduct and irregularities at the Command Vehicle Park, Ince Blundell, Liverpool, as the result of which information disciplinary action is believed to have been taken against a number of officers and officials; and what is the reason for the delay in replying to the hon. Member for Wirral's letter, dated 5th January, 1946, on this subject.

The various complaints made by Sergeant Evanson have already been fully investigated and these investigations culminated in a personal interview with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of his command. At this interview, which lasted 1¼ hours, Sergeant Evanson was given every opportunity for putting forward his grievances and of discussing them in detail. In these circumstances I do not consider that there are any grounds to justify making further investigations into this case, I very much regret that owing to an oversight a reply was not sent to the hon. Member's letter of 5th January.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will expedite the Class B release of 14847080 Private Taylor, J. K., 10 Platoon, D. Company, 2nd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, M.E.F., which has been under consideration for nearly four months and was approved one month ago, in view of the fact that Private Taylor had, as recently as 20th May, received no notification that he was to be released; whether he will take steps to shorten the period between the approval and the actual granting of Class B release of men whose services are urgently needed in industry; and if he will state the average length of this period.

A request for the release of this man under Class B was not received by the War Office until 25th April. On the following day authority was given for an offer of release to be made to him. I am taking steps to find out what action has been taken by the authorities in the Middle East. I regret that I cannot give any average period for carrying out a Class B release as the time taken naturally varies greatly according to where the man concerned happens to be stationed and the transport facilities which happen to be available there. Instructions are already in force for Class B releases to be dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now investigated the case of 5666900 Gunner T. R. Heal, R.A., details of which were supplied by the hon. Member for Taunton; and, if so, with what result.

I have not yet completed my investigations into this case. I can assure my hon. Friend that careful consideration will be given to the representations he has made on behalf of Gunner Heal and that I will write to him as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for the payment of war gratuity to D. 37793 Private W. H. Jemmett, who was demobilised last year.

I regret that I have been unable to trace this soldier from the particulars given; the Regimental number mentioned in the Question is an old one applicable to the former Home Defence Battalions. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me the man's latest Army number and the last Regiment in which he served I will gladly investigate the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Captain G. W. Waite, 172824 52 L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. C.M.F., and Lieutenant J. P. Ombler, 233527 1st H.A. A. Regiment, R.A.., both joined the Territorial Army before the war, were mobilised before the commencement of hostilities and now after 6¾ years of service at home and abroad have had their demobilisation deferred; and if he will issue instructions that no man who has served continuously throughout the whole of the war shall have his demobilisation deferred.

I cannot guarantee that a man who has served continuously throughout the war will not have his release deferred, as the governing factor must he military necessity. I am, however, inquiring into the two specific cases mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War what decision has been reached in the case of 4271391 Fusilier L. Brown, particulars of which were sent to him by the hon. Member for Newcastle, Central, on 6th March and r6th April last.

I regret that my inquiries into this case are not yet completed. I have taken steps to obtain a full report on the case from the overseas Command concerned and as soon as I have received and considered this I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the deep feeling among the Spaniards serving in the British Army against being demobilised in Italy; and if he will now demobilise them in England, pending their departure to destinations of their own choice.

I would refer my hon.. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Grimsby (Mr. Younger) on 28th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the reason for his decision to close down the Earl Mill, Military Clothing Centre, Oldham;(2) for what reason has the usual routine methods of tendering one month's preliminary warning of redundancy and one month's actual notice of discharge to departmental staffs not being followed in the case of those employed at the Earl Mill, Oldham.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the terms of a notice given to the employees at the Earl Mill, Oldham, demobilisation centre; and what steps are being taken to find them alternative employment.

Owing to the reduced rate of release it has been possible to reorganise the release machinery in this country and, as a result the Military Dispersal Unit at Ashton-under-Lyne will no longer be required after the beginning of July. The clothing depot at Earl Mill, Oldham, which served this dispersal centre, will therefore be closed down at the same time and the premises will then be used for War Department storage purposes. The decision to close the clothing depot on 6th July was taken towards the end of May and it was, therefore, only possible to give the employees entitled to a month's notice about two weeks';yarning in addition to the formal period of notice. The preliminary warning in addition to notice is not a rule, although it is given where practicable. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has arranged for those affected to be interviewed with a view to placing them in alternative employment.

asked the Secretary at State for War whether he is aware that, at 31st August, specialists of the R.A.M.C. will be 15 groups behind other medical officers and two groups behind other ranks in release; and whether he will see to it that this anomaly is put right at an early date.

Specialists were generally older than other medical officers on entry into the Army, and there was therefore a far larger proportion of Specialists in the early age and service groups. This made it inevitable that their release programme should fall behind that for general duty medical officers. Specialists are being released as rapidly as the requirements of the Army allow, and about 70 per cent. of those serving in June, 1945, have already been released. In the interests of serving soldiers I cannot allow any serious deterioration in specialist services. To assist in meeting the Army's requirements specialists will in future be accepted on an 18 months engagement and I hope that this will increase the intake from civil life.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, during the dismantling of W.D. property at Heppington House, near Canterbury, glazed sinks, in perfect condition and suitable for civilian use, were smashed with heavy hammers and loaded on to lorries; that a tank in the wash-house, standing on a timber frame, was thrown 15 feet to the ground and smashed; that the frame of four-inch by two-inch timber, much needed by country builders, was smashed and given away as firewood; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the destruction of useful building material now in short supply.

Before this house was de-requisitioned a number of fittings were removed by the War Department. There were five sinks; one of these was already broken in half and was left on the site; another was badly damaged and on inspection was found to be beyond repair, so was broken up in the R.E. yard. The remaining three are in good condition and are in store. There were three tanks, all of which were carefully dismantled and lowered. These have also been returned to store. The timber frame supporting one of these tanks was not removed from the site at the time because there was no transport available to take it away without dismantling and the timber was in short lengths which were not required for immediate use. On the facts of this case as reported to me there does not appear to have been any unnecessary destruction of useful building material.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the free issue of cigarettes issued by 92 D.I.D. Trieste; and what action he is taking to remedy this.

All cigarettes issued to British troops in Italy are manufactured in the United Kingdom and are of the normal brands sold to the general public in this country. I have not received any previous complaints about the quality of the cigarettes issued from this particular depot, but it the hon. Member will send me full details of any complaints he has received I will gladly investigate them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the order to British occupation forces prohibiting marriage between British Servicemen and German or Austrian women has been relaxed in the case of Colonel J. M. D. Wood, a Regular Army officer, in view of the fact that Frau Maria Holy, an Austrian lady, has recently been granted an entry permit to this country to marry this officer.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an Austrian woman was enabled to fly to this country in order to be married to an English officer; and, in view of this, whether any facilities are now to be granted to ordinary soldiers to marry Austrian or German girls.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the ban on the marriage of British troops with German and Austrian women has now been lifted, in view of the impending marriage of a British officer with an Austrian woman.

His Majesty's Government are now considering the question of marriages between British Servicemen and Austrians. The marriage of Colonel Wood did not amount to a breach of the relevant order since this only affects men actually serving in the Occupation Forces, whereas Colonel Wood has been serving in this country since February. But I am giving further consideration to this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War when sufficient accommodation will be made available so that the scheme under which the wives of all ranks of the British Military Mission to Greece can join their husbands in Greece can be implemented.

Up to date 15 applications for passages to Greece for the families of officers and other ranks of the British Military Mission have been approved and seven of these families have already sailed. I cannot say when accommodation will be available for all families of the British Military Mission, but no application for a passage would be forwarded to the War Office unless the Command concerned were satisfied that suitable accommodation is available. I should point out that transport as well as accommodation is a limiting factor.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements for the wives and families of officers and other ranks stationed in Greece to join them there.

It is the general rule under the present scheme that only the families of those men who have at least a further period of 12 months still to serve in the station concerned should be allowed to join them. As it is not expected that this condition will apply in the case of those serving in Greece except for members of the British Military Mission, it has been decided that general permission for families to go to Greece cannot be given. As regards passages for the families of officers and other ranks of the British Military Mission I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Westmorland.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the delay in the repatriation from Hong Kong of officers and other ranks due for demobilisation in Groups 29–32.

I am not at present aware of any delay in the repatriation of men from Hong Kong for release, but I am making inquiries and as soon as they are completed I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men belonging to release Group 36, who are serving in India, have now been sent to transit camps whilst in the case of personnel serving at Singapore only men belonging to Group 32 and earlier groups has so far been sent to transit camps; why there is this wide discrepancy; and whether he will give an assurance that men stationed at Singapore will be repatriated in time to be released with their respective groups.

The difference in movements to transit camps between India and A.L.F.S.E.A. is no doubt due merely to different internal administrative arrangements. The fact that internal moves may begin on different dates does not by any means imply that the men from one Command will arrive back in this country late for release within the dates laid down for their groups. With the exception of one small party which was 48 hours late, men from A.L.F.S.E.A. have generally been arriving back in this country in good time for release, and I have no reason to suppose that they will not continue to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers, who are due for early demobilisation, are sent to India, with the result that they are due to return soon after disembarkation.

Men are not posted overseas unless they will have a useful period to serve before becoming due for release from the Army. At present men in groups earlier than 5o are not normally posted to India, unless they have deferred their release voluntarily. I realise that in sonic cases the period served by men overseas before they become due for repatriation for release may be comparatively short, but this is unavoidable in view of the present shortage of manpower if we are to continue to ensure that only the minimum possible numbers are compulsorily retained beyond their release dates.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of British mothers of illegitimate children being able to secure affiliation orders against British soldiers, he will consider arranging for similar opportunities being extended to German women in respect of British soldiers.

Any arrangement on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend would require legislation. Moreover, it could clearly not be confined only to soldiers and is not therefore primarily a matter for my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions have been issued recently to Army commanders with reference to the voluntary nature of vaccination and inoculation; where these instructions referred also to the wives and families of officers and men; and whether such instructions are brought to the notice of all the officers who are concerned in such matters.

Instructions issued as recently as 20th February stated that inoculation and vaccination are voluntary and I believe that this is well known throughout the Army. These instructions refer to Service personnel and their families. The question of the inoculation and vaccination of families proceeding overseas is at present under discussion. Difficulties arise because it is laid down by some foreign countries that vaccination and inoculation certificates must be produced as a condition of entry into the country concerned. Where this is the case passages clearly cannot be granted to civilian passengers unless they are in possession of the necessary certificates. Present instructions therefore state that certain types of vaccination and inoculation must be carried out before passage can be allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers carry in their pay books a record of the vaccinations performed.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the Army publications, " Parade," " World's Press Review," " Forces Radio Times " and " Mid-East Mail " will not be disposed of to the Societe Oriental de Publicite, while British troops remain in the Middle East theatre of operations.

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member last Tuesday I shall not be in a position to make any statement on this matter until I have received and considered the recommendations of the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East.

asked the Secretary of State for War what theatres are counted as overseas service for soldiers recruited from different parts of the British Empire.

For British Service personnel, the general rules are:For those normally domiciled and enlisted in the United Kingdom (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man) or Eire all service outside the United Kingdom counts as overseas service.For those who are normally domiciled outside the United Kingdom or Eire and were enlisted outside the United Kingdom or came to the United Kingdom for enlistment, all service outside the area of domicile counts as overseas service, provided that the individual claims repatriation to the country of domicile or to some other country outside the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an estimate of the additional cost of granting to demobilised Palestinian soldiers ration allowance at 6s. 9d. per day.

The existing rate was decided upon after careful consideration and for the reasons given in my reply to the hon. Member's Question last Tuesday. I do not therefore feel that any useful purpose would be served by making such an estimate, which would in any case take some time to prepare and would involve a considerable amount of work.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many surveyors have been trained since 1st January, 1946; and how many are at present in training.

The number of surveyors who have completed courses of training at the Survey Training Centre, since 1st January, 1946, is 110 and the number now under training is 72. These figures include officers and other ranks of the trades of trigonometrical surveyor, topographical surveyor and topographical draughtsman.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will facilitate the return to public use of the numerous rights of way and open spaces still requisitioned by his Department.

Out of 286 footpaths closed under Defence Regulation 16 during the war 117 have already been officially reopened, and steps are being taken to reopen many more. Each individual case is dealt with on its merits as and when circumstances permit. Open spaces are being released by my Department immediately alternative locations can be provided on War Department estate and every endeavour is being made to release such areas as soon as they are no longer required for essential military commitments.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make arrangements for books written in the Welsh language to be included in the standard unit library.

The unit library is a collection limited to 400 books, carefully selected and designed to provide a general library of wide appeal as a background to study under the Army Education Scheme. Orders for the books were placed some considerable time ago and almost all of them have now been issued to units entitled to receive them. As the composition of the unit library is now complete it is not possible to include books written in the Welsh language. Books written in the Welsh language may, however, be made available in command libraries for issue to units at their request. Every endeavour is made to obtain books specially asked for by units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Service personnel in Britain on overseas leave and due to return on 7th June will be granted an extension of 48 hours in order that they may have an opportunity of taking part in the Victory celebrations.

An arrangement on the lines suggested could not be made without serious interference with the leave travel services and the leave programme as a whole. It would, moreover, give an unfair advantage to those men who happen to finish their leave on this particular date as compared with other men whose leave finishes a few days earlier. It is not therefore proposed to make any special arrangements for extensions of leave over Victory Day.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a statement as to the arrangements being made for wives to join their husbands serving with the B.A.O.R.; and if he is aware that distress and uncertainty is being caused by the lack of any such statement and by contradictory announcements by senior officers in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now able to state when the wives of officers and other ranks will be able to join them in the B.A.O.R.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Northern Dorset (Mr. Byers) last Tuesday, although I hope to be able to give a definite answer shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that cadets from Sandhurst and Woolwich enter the service at about 19 years of age, he will consider amending the new pension regulations for Regular officers, so that the sum assessed for these officers on retirement can be calculated from the date of entry, instead of as now from 21 years of age.

All commissioned service counts towards the minimum of 20 years necessary to qualify for retired pay. In assessing the retired pay rate, the officer must have given at least the standard service period for his rank in order to qualify for the standard rate for that rank. If he has less than the standard period, the retired pay rate is reduced. It is in reckoning this standard service period that service given before age 21 is not counted. The new retired pay code has been designed for application to all three Services, and this rule has been introduced in order to prevent discrepencies which would otherwise occur. The standard retired pay periods have, however, been so arranged that the officer commissioned before he reaches the age of 21 will normally secure the full retired pay rate on compulsory retirement from any rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War what staff changes were made at Stakehill detention barracks as a result of the inquiry.

Stakehill detention barracks were closed on 1st January, 1946, before the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry were completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many compassionate posting committees are functioning in overseas commands; what personnel, specified by rank, serve on them; to what extent such personnel is thereby relieved from other duties; and how frequently each committee meets.

There are compassionate posting committees in B.A.O.R., C.M.F., M.E.F., India, A.L.F.S.E.A., East Africa, Malta and Gibraltar. Their composition is entirely at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief but I understand that in all major commands the president is a lieutenant-colonel and that in all cases the committees are composed both of officers and other ranks. I have no detailed information as to the extent to which members of these committees are relieved from other duties nor how frequently each committee meets. This will clearly depend on the number of cases to be dealt with in the particular command concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the continued need for the facilities provided by the King George V Club for Officers, Piccadilly, London, he will arrange to keep it open until at least the end of 1946.

In view of the fact that these premises are urgently required to meet civil needs, I regret that the club cannot be kept open beyond 31st July.

Station.						Daily rates.
						Officers.	Other Ranks.
United Kingdom—Duty rates	…	…	…	…	…	34d.	38d.
Leave rate	…	…	…	…	…	41d.	41d.
Overseas—Duty rate and local leave rate (other than release leave)
Aden	…	…	…	…	…	46 annas.	53 annas.
Azores	…	…	…	…	…	41d.	47d.
Bermuda	…	…	…	…	…	77d.	86d.
Caribbean Area (North):
Bahamas	…	…	…	…	…	76d.	88d.
British Honduras	…	…	…	…	…	83 cents.	96 cents.
Jamaica	…	…	…	…	…	48d.	55d.
Caribbean Area (South)	…	…	…	…	…	103 cents.	119 cents.
Ceylon	…	…	…	…	…	265 cents.	307 cents.
East Africa	…	…	…	…	…	343 cents.	396 cents.
Gibraltar	…	…	…	…	…	36d.	41d.
Malta	…	…	…	…	…	35d.	40d.
Mauritius	…	…	…	…	…	310 cents.	360 cents.
Middle East:
Cyprus	…	…	…	…	…	50d.	58d.
Cyrenaica	…	…	…	…	…	61d.	71d.
Eritrea	…	…	…	…	…	50d.	58d.
Egypt	…	…	…	…	…	70d.	82d.
Palestine	…	…	…	…	…	69d.	81d.
Sudan	…	…	…	…	…	41d.	48d.
Syria and Lebanon	…	…	…	…	…	98d.	115d.
Persia, Iraq	…	…	…	…	…	217 fils.	252 fils.
Trinidad	…	…	…	…	…	108 cents.	125 cents.
West Africa:
Gambia	…	…	…	…	…	* 50d.	57d.
Gold Coast	…	…	…	…	…	* 67d.	78d.
Nigeria	…	…	…	…	…	* 45d.	52d.
Sierra Leone	…	…	…	…	…	* 53d.	61d.
* Rates in issue on 29th March, 1946—current rates not yet reported.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the retired pay of The possibility of providing alternative premises elsewhere has been explored, but it has proved impossible to find any suitable alternative because of the general shortage of accommodation in London.

asked the Secretary of State for War the normal ration allowance for troops who would otherwise draw rations from British sources in the United Kingdom and in other theatres, respectively.

Rates of ration allowance, issued in place of rations in kind, for British troops and other troops entitled to British troops' scales of rations, on 1st June, 1946, were as follow:officers of the Services was reduced between 1919 and 1935 by 9½ per cent. on account of a reduction in the cost of living and that many officers who retired before the present war are still drawing the reduced rates, he will consider the restoration of the cuts then made and some increase to bring them more into harmony with the rates given to officers retiring at the present time.

The new retired pay code which was announced in the White Paper Command 6750 is intended primarily for officers making a career in the postwar Forces. The scheme of which I gave particulars on 15th April, in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport), will provide a measure of reassessment of retired pay, based on the new code, to retired officers who served during the war, but I should not feel justified in extending the application of the new terms to officers who did not give full-time paid service in the Armed Forces in the 1939–45 war. There is, however, already provision in the Pensions Increase Warrant of 1944, for the grant of a percentage increase to the retired pay of such officers. The great majority of them benefit from this provision, only those in receipt of retired pay of £645 a year and upwards being excluded.

asked the Secretary of State for War why one man and six German prisoners of war guard the empty camp at Clifton Heath, Berkshire, during the day when the camp is unguarded all night; and when he anticipates making use of this camp again.

The one man and six German prisoners of war are not guarding Clifton Heath Camp but are engaged on maintenance work in the area. It has now been decided that the camp will not be required for military purposes. Steps will therefore be taken to derequisition it as early as possible, provided it is not required by any other Government Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the long period for which prisoners of war have already been detained in this country against the Geneva Convention and the apparent intention of His Majesty's Government to continue to detain them indefinitely, he will give instructions that the non-fraternisation rule is forthwith to be suspended.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a list of all camps under British control in the Frisian Islands, whether controlled by the Army or the Field Security Service, stating which of them contains military and which civilian prisoners.

I am informed that there are no such camps.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many people there are detained in prisoners-of-war camp No. 2228 at Waterloo in Belgium; what was their standard ration on the 1st January, 1946; what is it today; and how many persons have died in the camp or in hospital outside the camp from malnutrition since the camp first opened.

The number of prisoners of war now detained at No. 2228 Camp is 13,600. The average holding over the period August, 1945, to May, 1946, works out at approximately 30,000. The calorific value of the ration on 1st January was 2,000 for non-workers and 2,400 for workers and for those non-workers certified by the medical authorities as requiring additional rations. The scale is the same today. The total number of deaths, both in camp and hospital, over the whole period, attributed to malnutrition was 61. Nearly all these occurred during November and December last year when the first really cold spell of winter coincided with an outbreak of dysentery. Except during these two months the death rate was in no way abnormally high as is shown by the fact. that the total number of deaths from all causes over ten months with an average population of 30,000 was 167.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what newspapers or periodicals in the German language are issued regularly to German prisoners of war held in camps in this country; and whether any such newspapers or periodicals are published under the authority of his Department.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 copies of various newspapers published in the British and American zones of Germany are distributed weekly to German prisoners of war held in camps in this country. In addition a small number of Swiss newspapers printed in German are distributed. Two publications are issued under the authority of the Foreign Office. They are a weekly newspaper, " Die Wochenpost," and a monthly digest of opinion in the democratic world entitled " Ausblick. "

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any conversations have taken place between the Governments of occupying Powers in Germany with a view to securing a common decision respecting repatriation and maximum periods of imprisonment before repatriation.

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to German prisoners of war, in which case the answer is " No, Sir."

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Polish troops from the Continent that he expects will be located in Scotland under the Government's scheme of resettlement.

It is expected that it will not be necessary to locate in Scotland more than 5,000 of the Polish troops who are being brought from the Continent.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Poles, who at any time served in the German Army, were captured by British troops or were transferred to our keeping after capture by our Allies before May, 1945, and since that date, respectively; how many of such Polish soldiers have since been incorporated in the Polish Army coming under the control of his Department; and what has happened to the remainder.

The numbers of Polish members of the Wehrmacht captured in North West Europe by British troops or transferred to our keeping after capture were as follow:

Before May, 1945	54,898
After May, 1945	13,795
Total	68,693

The great bulk of these had been serving under compulsion and were anxious to join the Allied Forces on capture. The number of the above enlisted into the Polish Army under British Command was 53,630.I regret that figures of captures and enlistments in the Central Mediterranean Force are not available.The disposition of Poles not enlisted into the Polish Army (including Central Mediterranean Force) is as follows:

Repatriated to Poland	12,419
Prisoners of war status awaiting repatriation	2,010
Held as displaced persons and unwilling to be repatriated	144
Held as prisoners of war and unwilling to be repatriated	944
	15,517

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the contingent of Polish airmen he has invited to take part in the Victory Parade have refused to do so, in view of the absence from the parade of any Polish sailors or Polish troops associated with His Majesty's Forces, especially at Falaise and Monte Cassino; and what action he proposes to take.

I am aware of the difficulty referred to in the first part of the Question. Allied Governments have been invited to send contingents for the Victory March representative of their fighting services, and in response to that invitation the Polish Provisional Government are sending a contingent from Warsaw. His Majesty's Government still hope that it will also be possible for a party of Polish airmen who flew with the Royal Air Force in the. Battle of Britain to be included in the parade. While fully mindful of the magnificent services which were rendered by the Polish soldiers and sailors who fought side by side with His Majesty's Forces and to which they gladly pay tribute, His Majesty's Government much regret that they do not see their way to arrange for them to be represented in the March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will approach the Polish Provisional Government to allow orphans from Poland to come to this country for a short period of recuperation, in response to invitations from private persons willing to accommodate the children upon arrival and from a responsible reception committee registered under the War Charities Act, 1940, and operating from 29, Portman Square, W.I, who would make all arrangements except the transport to the United Kingdom.

His Majesty's Government would be prepared to consider any scheme of this sort which might be put forward either by the Polish Provisional Government or by the Reception Committee with the official approval of the Polish Provisional Government. Full details would he required of any proposals so that His Majesty's Government could satisfy themselves that the proposals could be put into effect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the conditions necessary for Polish ex-Servicemen, demobilised in this country, to become British citizens subject to reasonable safeguards against persons with police records.

As indicated by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in reply to a supplementary question on 22nd May, special consideration will have to be given to the question of what arrangements shall be made for the naturalisation of those Poles who after demobilisation settle in this country, and it would be premature to formulate plans at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that adequate provision has been made to secure that no attempt to change the status quo in Trieste by force could have any chance of success.

I would direct the hon. Member's attention to the public statement which the Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean made towards the end of March this year in which he said:

"The American and British Governments have authorised me to declare that it is their firm intention to maintain their present position in Venezia Giulia until an agreed settlement of the territorial dispute has been reached and put into effect."

asked the Secretary of State for War why Rommel's white charger has been brought to this country for the purpose of taking part in the Victory Parade.

I have no knowledge of the whereabouts of Rommel's white charger or even of its existence, but I can assure the hon. Member that it will certainly not be taking part in the Victory Parade.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange, through accredited ex-Servicemen's organisations, for a limited number of small parties of relatives to visit the graves of deceased Servicemen in some of the nearby battlefields during the next few months.

I regret that it is not at present possible to make arrangements for such visits and I do not anticipate that transport and other conditions will have improved sufficiently to enable anything in this direction to be done during the next few months. The question will, however, be carefully considered at the earliest appropriate time and in this connection I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion as to how such visits might be organized

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what representations have been made to him by the county boroughs of East Ham and West Ham to compulsorily acquire further sites on Wanstead Flats for building purposes

I understand that the County Borough Council of West Ham intend to submit for my confirmation a Compulsory Purchase Order under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1944, in respect of 163 acres of Wanstead Flats for the erection of permanent houses, and that the County Borough Council of East Ham will oppose the project.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that huts built for war purposes, which do not conform to his regulations, are being sold to the public; and what steps he is taking to prevent consequent infringement of the Town and Country Planning Acts.

The use of huts built for war purposes which are acquired by the public are subject to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts, and I am not aware that any special steps are required to secure their enforcement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as a result of the discussions between the British arid French authorities on the Impot de Solidarite, he will now make a statement as to the effect of this tax on moveable assets belonging to British subjects.

For the time being I have nothing to add on this subject to the statements made in the House on 15th February and 4th March last, but I hope to be able to make a fuller statement in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to take any steps to modify the proposals laid down for the International Conference on Trade and Employment, in view of the preferential arrangements, though not yet enacted, which have been made between the United States Government and the Philippine Islands.

No, Sir. The proposals are those of the United States Government. They will be subject to discussion and negotiation in the course of which the future level of preferences, whether they be Imperial preferences or preferences between other countries, will be arrived at as part and parcel of a process of bargaining aimed at a settlement advantageous to all the negotiating countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now exempt children's gymnasium shoes from coupons and so relieve school authorities and parents from difficulty in obtaining essential equipment.

No, Sir. An allocation of coupons is made to the Ministry of Education and the Scottish Education Department to provide plimsolls for communal use in schools. If they were taken off the ration, it would be difficult to ensure that sufficient plimsolls were available for gymnastics and physical training.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a shortage of cotton regatta cloth required for nurses' uniforms and that at the present moment nurses are starting their training without suitable and adequate clothing, how much of this type of cotton was made last year; and how does he propose to increase the production.

No, Sir. I am not aware of any shortage of cotton regatta cloth required for nurses' uniforms. The production in 1945 was about a million yards, and larger quantities are in production for 1946. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member has any cases of difficulty in mind and will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to relax the restrictions on newspaper advertisements relating to commercial, industrial, educational and social requirements, as the restrictions on advertise ments are causing an increasing slowing up of the activities of the community.

I do not think that in present conditions it would be reasonable to allow a larger proportion of newspaper space to be occupied by advertisements.

asked the Attorney-General the approximate date when all the European war criminals will have been tried and sentenced; and the estimated number of such criminals involved.

The present trial of major war criminals at Nuremberg is expected to end in the course of the next two months, but as a great deal depends on the conduct of the defence, a matter which is outside the control of the prosecution, it is impossible to give any firm estimate. The question whether a further trial of major war criminals should take place is now under consideration between the four Powers concerned under the terms of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal.It is impossible yet to say by what date all British trials in respect of what are known as minor war criminals will have been completed. Two hundred and eighty-four such cases have been dealt with, and others are in progress. Cases against 327 minor war criminals are either in process of trial or are awaiting trial. In addition evidence is being collected in a considerable number of cases and the total numbers involved will depend on the progress of these investigations and the apprehension of wanted war criminals still at large.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, with the exception of Dover and Folkestone, the population of the other South East Coastal towns is back on an average to approximately go per cent. of the prewar figure, but that the figure for Folkestone is under 75 per cent.; and if he will take steps to arrange for an interdepartmental committee to visit Folkestone with a view to assisting the early occupation of the large number of empty houses which need repairs and furniture.

My right hon. Friend is aware that there is an appreciable difference between the population of these two towns, expressed as a percentage of the prewar population, and that of other towns on the South East Coast. Urgent consideration is being given to the housing difficulties in these towns and the Regional Building Committee, consisting of officers of the Government Departments concerned, had already arranged to hold a special conference with the Folkestone Town Council, following similar conferences held with other local authorities on the South East Coast.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses, boarding-houses and hotels in Folkestone are empty; and how many persons could be accommodated in these premises.

There are 21 empty hotels in Folkestone and 977 empty houses including boarding houses for which separate figures are not available. It is estimated that these premises would provide accommodation for some six thousand people. My right hon. Friend understands that most of the houses are unfit for occupation. He is, however, looking further into this and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have accepted the invitation to send observers to witness the atomic bomb tests in the Pacific; and whether he will state the names of the observers appointed.

Yes, Sir. The United States Government have invited the Governments represented on the Atomic Energy Commission to send two observers each to witness the atomic bomb tests. His Majesty's Government have accepted this invitation and have appointed as observers the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) and the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble).