asked the Minister of Pensions if pensioners, suffering from paraplegia, are supplied with motor-propelled tricycles at State expense.

Except where considerations of health or safety make such a course undesirable all paraplegic pensioners will, in future, be eligible for the supply and repair of a motor invalid tricycle at State expense.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will make this as widely and fully known as possible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Pensions under what circumstances ex-Servicemen of the 1914–18 war and the last war, respectively, in receipt of disability pensions, can obtain allowances on marriage.

A disablement pensioner of either the 1914–18 war or of the recent war may be granted an addition to his pension in respect of his wife if the marriage took or takes place not later than ten years after the end of the relevant period of war service. If the pensioner is classed as unemployable by reason of his pensionable disablement he may be granted an allowance for his wife whatever the date of marriage. Similarly, while undergoing a course of approved treatment which prevents him from working, a pensioner may be granted an allowance for a wife to whom he was married before the commencement of treatment. Where an allowance is payable for a wife, allowances may be paid for the children of the marriage.

Is it not most unfair that this 10 year rule should be perpetuated, and is it not ridiculous that, when a pensioner marries within the 10 year period and his wife dies and he remarries, he cannot get an allowance in respect of the second wife? Why should the second wife be penalised?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply which has been given in the past. It is only fair to remember that this position is a considerable advance on that which existed before this Government came into office.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consult with the Minister of Transport with a view to arranging free travel, or at reduced fares, for parents who have to travel long distances to visit wounded Servicemen still in hospital.

Reduced fare facilities are already available, in the United Kingdom, to wives and relatives, including parents, for the purpose of visiting ex-members of His Majesty's Forces who are undergoing approved in-patient treatent for pensioned disablement. The arrangement is available for not more than two persons on the occasion of each visit. Moreover, if a pensioner becomes dangerously ill while in hospital there are special arrangements for the issue of free railway warrants for two persons, one of whom must be a relative.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider granting these facilities, not only to the persons named, but to all persons who are dependants visiting wounded Servicemen?

I will certainly take that into consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions when the assessment appeals tribunals will begin to sit; how many such tribunals there will be; and where located.

It is hoped that pensions appeal tribunals on assessment will commence to sit about October, but these tribunals will be entirely independent of my Department and their numbers and sittings are matters for my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor, or in Scotland and Northern Ireland for the Lord President of the Court of Session and the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland respectively.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend told the House a few weeks ago that he hoped that these tribunals would begin their sittings in July, and, in view of his present answer, can he explain the disparity?

"Hope springs eternal".

This matter has been given very careful consideration. I think that it would not be the wish of anyone to delay unnecessarily the start of the hearings of these appeals, but it is important that the preliminary work which has to be done should be done fairly in the interests of the men concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of these cases awaiting hearing? Why cannot the hearings begin during the present month?

I cannot tell how many cases are coming up for hearing until the appeals are all put in.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many disabled persons are entitled to draw additional clothing coupons and how many have, in fact, drawn them.

Applications for additional clothing coupons on the ground of disablement causing excessive wear and tear on clothing are dealt with by the Board of Trade. So far as war disabled pensioners are concerned it is estimated that about 37,500 may be eligible for the grant of such coupons but I understand that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has no information as to how many have made application.

As the hon. Gentleman has obviously no information to give in this case, why does he not advise that the Question be transferred to the Board of Trade?

I would point out to the hon. and gallant Gentleman that I have given him some information.

asked the Minister of Pensions when it is proposed to pay to the widow of Ordnance-Artificer Simpson, killed on war service in H.M.S. "Coventry," her pension and allowances; and if he is aware that this pension, granted in September, 1944, and now retransferred from South Africa to this country, has not been paid for the past 17 weeks.

A pension order book providing for weekly payments with effect from 17th June, was issued on 19th June, together with a postal draft for £41 4s. 11d. in respect of arrears. I regret the delay which occurred before resumption of payment following Mrs. Simpson's return to this country.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his replym—

Why?

Because it is a decent reply.

I am sorry the hon. Members opposite have not better manners. While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask if he will give us an assurance that these delays in the payment of pensions to war widows of men killed in the Navy in circumstances such as this will be reduced considerably in the future, because it is causing great trouble in my area?

While thanking the hon. Member for the courtesy shown, I should like to say that we are taking special measures in view of these particular cases to see that this does not occur again.

Will the Minister let it be known that the Socialist Party are now grateful for the two years' delay?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet able to announce the establishment of a supplementary register for those engaged in tuberculosis nursing.

This matter is still under consideration and I am not yet ready to make an announcement.

Will the Minister say when he is likely to make his announcement, because it is widely felt that this will help in the profession generally?

These rules are linked up with other rules now under discussion, and I hope to make an announcement on all rules shortly.

asked the Minister of Health is he is aware of the nuisance caused by cement dust deposits from cement works operating in Thames-side districts, especially Swanscombe and Greenhithe; and if he will institute a public inquiry into this matter.

I am aware of the conditions to which my hon. Friend refers. My alkali inspectors have recently paid visits to the works in the area in question and have the matter constantly under review. I am satisfied that the firms concerned are taking all practicable steps to minimise the emission of dust, and I do not consider that there would be any advantage in directing a public local inquiry into the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a predecessor of his did say that this matter was capable of solution but that it was purely a question of expense? Is he further aware that blades of grass, trees, houses, and people and generally the surroundings of the district are covered with a great film of dust, which is disgraceful considering that these people have to live there? Is it not a fact that Kent is supposed to be the garden of England, and yet we have this terrible blot imposed by industrialists without consideration to the people in those areas?

I need no pressure put upon me to make me realise what the emission of dust of this sort does in an area like Kent, because we have had to put up with it in South Wales for half a century There are various ways of preventing this nuisance, and when it is possible to instal it the plant necessary for the purpose is being installed, but at the moment the demand for cement is so great that we have to put up with secondary systems

asked the Minister of Health if he will give his sanction to the Berkeley Sharpness and district water supply scheme at the earliest possible date; and, in view of the housing needs of the area which cannot be met until the scheme is carried out, if he will instruct his officials to take all necessary steps to expedite it.

Final details of a scheme of water supply, estimated to cost roughly £168,000, to serve the parishes of Alkington, Berkeley, Ham and Stone, Hamfallow, and Hinton have just been received, and I propose to direct a public local inquiry into the scheme at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the memorandum drawn up by the justices of the Gore Division of Middlesex, a copy of which has been sent to him, in which concern is expressed with regard to the unhygienic and insanitary conditions in which drinks are served in many licensed premises; and whether he is prepared to take steps to require that licencees shall serve all drinks in vessels which have been cleaned and dried after use by a previous customer.

Yes, Sir. Section 13 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, which applies to all premises where food or drink are sold lays down requirements for hygiene and the avoidance of contamination of the food or drink: in particular, it requires persons employed in the premises to observe cleanliness, both with regard to themselves and their clothing, and to all articles and apparatus used. The enforcement of the Section rests with the local authority of the area concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to circularise local authorities in order that the Act may be complied with in this respect?

It is hardly necessary, because they are already aware of the provisions of the Act. But if my hon. Friend is aware of any negligence I should like to hear about it.

Do the drinks at present being served deserve any better conditions?

The worse the drinks the better the conditions ought to be.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Winchester Rural District Council has submitted any sewerage schemes for approval; and what progress has been made with them.

The Winchester Rural District Council resubmitted proposals for the sewerage of the parish of West End in May last, and have been authorised to call for tenders for the execution of the work.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to acquire German sanatoria in Switzerland for the treatment of tubercular subjects from this country when the Swiss Diet ratifies the recent agreement, signed in Washington, whereby German property in Switzerland may be sold to approved persons of non-German nationality.

I am taking no such steps at the moment, as I think our resources could more advantageously be applied in fully developing the treatment services in this country.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce legislation empowering local authorities to institute municipal funeral furnishing services, including crematoria and ancillary requirements.

Local authorities already have power to provide crematoria, and there is no proposal at present before the Government to empower them to institute funeral furnishing services.

Is it not a fact that under the National Health Service scheme £15 million to £20 million is provided by the Government for such purposes, and would it not be better that local authorities should be associated with such functions from the beginning?

That is another issue entirely.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a number of persons who were allocated prefabricated bungalows in the borough of Reigate last December are unable to obtain possession owing to the absence of internal fittings; and when such fittings will be available.

Yes, Sir. I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Stockton Road site for 15 temporary houses. Four of these have already been handed over to the local authority ready for occupation and I hope that seven more, which have been awaiting ceiling panels and other wooden fittings, will be handed over within the next few days. The remaining four houses are waiting for plumbing units which are in short supply generally. Everything is being done to expedite supplies of these units.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman bring about coordination in these matters, because it does create a good deal of hardship for the individuals concerned?

In these systems of prefabrication, if initial mistakes are made it is almost impossible to catch up with them afterwards.

asked the Minister of Health how many acres of land acquired by local authorities for housing sites are now under cultivation for food production.

I regret that this information is not available.

Why is this information not available? Is it not a fact that a great deal of this land which is acquired for housing purposes has not been used for that purpose but for food production, and why is not the Minister aware of the changes in these cases?

Because I think the information is not so useful as to divert the local authorities from the job of building houses in order to collect it.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons it is estimated are still seeking accommodation or changes of accommodation.

I am unable to say how many persons are still seeking accommodation or changes of accommodation, but the number is very large. As I said in answer to the hon. Member for Bucklow (Mr. W. Shepherd) on 13th December last, it has been estimated that 750,000 houses are needed in order to provide a separate house for each family, and the latest Housing Return issued for 31st May, 1946, shows that just over 170,000 families in Great Britain have been re-housed between the end of March, 1945, and the end of May, 1946.

When the Minister is making a statement of this kind, would he not consider prefacing it by saying that it is a consequence of Tory neglect for many years?

It is hardly necessary to labour the obvious.

asked the Minister of Health, if he will take steps to prevent the demolition of 1,200 houses in the development of London airport, Heathrow, until the present housing shortage is overcome; and if, in providing housing accommodation for the 10,000 workers expected to be transferred to the airport, he will ensure that the urgent claims of the constituent authorities of the West Middlesex Joint Planning Committee will not be superseded.

Not more than 32 houses are to be demolished this year and 46 next. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."

Is the Minister aware that the number of housing sites in this locality is very restricted, and if the proposal to accommodate these 10,000 new workers in the vicinity of the new airport is proceeded with, it will be a detriment and prejudice to other authorities who have insufficient land available for the housing accommodation of their own people?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning has asked the West Middlesex Joint Planning Authority to report on the land which may be available for purposes of this sort.

asked the Minister of Health if, with regard to the future use of Anstey Hall, Trumpington, Cambridge, he will apply the provisions of Defence Regulation 68CA, SO as to ensure that the property is made available to the local housing authority for emergency housing.

I am advised that none of the purposes for which these premises have been used since 31st December, 1938, constitutes "residential purposes" within the meaning of Defence Regulation 68CA. They do not, therefore, come within the scope of the Regulation. I am drawing the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works to my hon. and gallant Friend's representations on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health the total acreage of land acquired by local authorities for housing since 30th July, 1945; the total cost thereof; how many houses are in course of erection thereon; and how many have been completed and are in occupation.

The information available as to land acquired and houses erected on it is contained in the published monthly return, to which I would refer the hon. Member. I regret that information as to the cost of the land is not readily available.

How many years will it take to develop all this land at the present rate of progress, it any? In view of repayment costs, would it not be advisable, in special cases, to defer any further purchases until the present land is developed?

It is necessary to acquire land in order that it may be planned and provided with roads, sewers, and basic services. Local authorities are provident in acquiring land and are developing it in a most remarkable fashion.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the deplorable circumstances of housing accommodation in Birmingham, special priority will be given to ex-Servicemen with wives and young children existing at present in congested and unhealthy single rooms, wholly deprived of the elemental amenities of family life.

The allocation of housing accommodation within the control of a local authority is a matter for the local authority concerned, but I understand that in considering applications the Birmingham Corporation give full weight to service in His Majesty's Forces. Nature and size of family and present living conditions are also taken into account.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman instruct local authorities to take into special consideration the pitiful cases of people who have returned from the Services?

They do it; but consideration must be based on overall need.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Birmingham Estates Committee have a points scheme which gives 50 per cent. to ex-Servicemen, 20 per cent. to priority cases, and 30 per cent. to other cases? Sir Patrick knows that very well.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, on the register of applications for houses, the estates department at Birmingham has received 41,000 applications; that, at the present rate of progress of house building in Birmingham, thousands of the applicants will be without homes for years to come; and if special plans will be devised, in consultation with the local building societies and other organisations, to expedite house building with particular reference to ex-Servicemen with wives and young children.

I am aware that 41,000 applications for housing accommodation have been received by the Birmingham City Council. As much use as possible will be made by the local authority of all building agencies who are willing to build on their behalf in their efforts to meet the needs of ex-Servicemen and others without a home of their own, but the amount that can be achieved is at present limited by the supplies of labour and materials that can be made available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider a modification of his policy regarding private enterprise building of houses? Why cannot private builders build for those who want to occupy their own property instead of renting it?

Private builders now build almost all the houses that are being built, because they build under contract for local authorities. If more private builders built houses for sale there would be fewer houses for needy persons who wish to rent.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Birmingham City Council, at their meeting last Tuesday, stated that they would be able to find habitation, by the end of this year, for 6,000 persons, against 29 for the first year after the 1914–18 war?

Is the Minister aware that there is a large volume of opinion which feels that if the regulations were relaxed the building trade could provide more houses without in any way upsetting the programme in which he is interested? In view of the pathetic state of affairs which exists at present, will the Minister encourage private building?

There is a large volume of opinion which is being artificially created—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—and which is wholly uninformed. The hon. Member, with his business associations, knows that the limitation upon the construction of houses at the present time is not building workers on the site, but the supply of materials, which would not be added to by adding more building workers on the site.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the announcement that legislation could not be introduced this Session to extend the Rent Restriction Acts to safeguard tenants not at present protected from unreasonable demands for increased rent under threat of eviction has led to a further widespread abuse of this position; and if he will now announce that he will propose to make his legislative proposals retrospective or take some similar steps to stop this abuse.

I should be glad to look into any particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind, but I would remind him that the choice of legislation for introduction into the House does not rest with me. I will consider the suggestion that restrictions should be made retrospective, but the decision will, of course, rest with Parliament.

While appreciating the magnitude of the tasks which my right hon. Friend has before him—and the short time available for legislation—may I ask him whether he does not think that it is intolerable that people in lodgings should always have the sword of Damocles over their heads? Is he aware that this matter is causing great concern in my constituency, and will he reconsider it with a view to introducing early legislation to put it right?

I am aware of the vicissitudes to which poor people are subjected, but there, are difficulties, as my hon. Friend knows. The question has been raised over and over again, but the raising of it does not add to the Parliamentary facilities available.

asked the Minister of Health how many Airey houses have been asked for, respectively, by the rural district councils in Northamptonshire; whether he is satisfied that in no case has the rural district councils' request for Airey houses been postponed or restricted by reason of lack of water supply; and what are the results of the consideration of existing conditions as to water supply in Northamptonshire rural areas arranged by him.

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

Following is the reply:

The applications for Airey rural houses from Rural District Councils in Northamptonshire are as follow:

I am informed that the Northampton Town Council are taking preliminary steps for the construction of a new reservoir, from which supplies can be afforded to other authorities. The provision of interim supplies, pending the construction of the reservoir is being considered. Plans are also being prepared for the development of local supplies in other parts of the county.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses in categories of permanent and temporary were completed by November of the years 1919, 1920 and 1921, respectively, in Great Britain.

All the available information is contained in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Handsworth (Mr. H. Roberts) on 11th March, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that local authorities are fully cooperating with him in his permanent housing programme; and, in the case of local authorities not so cooperating, what action does he propose taking to remedy matters

I am satisfied that local authorities generally are cooperating very well indeed in the housing programme. I am investigating the position in those areas where progress seems to be unsatisfactory, and I shall consider in relation to the circumstances of each case the action to be taken.

Will the Minister pay particular attention to the rural district councils in Wales, particularly in the counties which I represent?

I have been watching some of the rural district councils in Wales for some time. I am glad to say they are now beginning to move.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the shortened form of Birth Certificate B issued in the case of illegitimate children, omitting reference to parentage, is only obtainable at the time of registration and that no subsequent copy may be issued; and, since this operates as a discrimination against such children by forcing them to produce full details of their birth when they are not in possession of an original certificate, if he will issue instructions that these certificates should be issuable at any time.

The document referred to is merely an acknowledgment that a birth has been registered. It could not be used as a birth certificate, since it does not give the name of the child. The question whether arrangements could be made to issue at any time a shortened form of birth certificate is being examined.

asked the Minister of Health why persons having lost their identity cards and applying for new cards have to make a second visit to their local registration office, thereby causing unnecessary congestion at the registration office and inconvenience to the persons concerned; and why the new identity cards are not sent by post.

The issue of the new card is delayed for a brief period during which a check is made to ensure that the claim is not fraudulent. Personal attendance is required in order to secure that the card gets into the hands of the person for whom it is intended.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a considerable rush at the local registration offices at the moment owing to the issue of new ration books, and if it is possible to send a postcard to the applicant why is it not possible for the registration card to be sent?

Because it might not arrive for the person for whom it is intended.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that instructions have been given to public assistance committees of county councils to adjust outdoor relief payments by the family allowances due to be paid from 6th August next; and if he will instruct local authorities that the family allowance is not to be used for the saving of local rates.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange that the minimum income permissible to qualify for public assistance shall be graduated and increased so that the Family Allowance Scheme shall fully benefit the children of those families living on the lowest standard of income, that is, on Public Assistance grants.

On the specific Question put by my hon. Friend, I can only refer him to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Hackney (Mr. H. Hynd) on 30th May. I would, however, point out that the duty of public assistance authorities is not merely to take into account available resources. They have also to satisfy themselves—in the light both of the provision now being made for children in the National Insurance and Family Allowance Schemes, and of the scales of assistance laid down by the Assistance Board with the approval of Parliament—that the needs of a household and, in particular, the needs of dependent children are fully met.

asked the Minister of Education whether she has now considered the representations of the Derbyshire Education Committee for the provision of an emergency training college at the Hayes Swanwich, Derbyshire; and what action she proposes to take to obtain these premises for this purpose.

As I have already informed my hon. Friend, in reply to a letter which he addressed to me, this suggestion of the Derbyshire local education authority is now under examination. I will let him know the result as soon as possible.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is definitely a suitable building, that it has been used for a similar purpose before, and that it has been under consideration for a considerable time? Will the right hon. Lady speed up the matter?

It really does not speed things up if one is always interfering with a planned programme. The addition of further buildings to the list does not really help. What really helps is to get into order those that we have on the list, and until we can do that, it does not help to add others to the list.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the building is already there, and that it merely needs to be transferred from the War Office to the Ministry of Education, and that then it could be used?

I much appreciate my hon. Friend's kindness in trying to help. We know everything about this building. I am sorry to say that it is not quite as simple a proposition as my hon. Friend thinks. I would be quite prepared to go into the matter with him if he would come to see me about it.

asked the Minister of Education how many education authorities have been waiting two months or longer for a decision by her Department on the appropriate increments to be paid to emergency college-trained teachers with previous experience.

To produce this information would impose a disproportionate amount of work on my Department which is already heavily over-pressed. My hon. Friend, will, however, be glad to know that the guidance which I have promised to give to local authorities in order to save delays in these cases will be issued tomorrow. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the document.

May I now take it that these young people will not have any further delay in receiving their salary increments?

Yes, Sir. I am hoping that, as a result of that document, they will not.

asked the Minister of Education what steps she proposes to take for the establishment of a residential school for the deaf and dumb in South Wales.

The Royal Cambrian Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, which has been evacuated to the country, has recently acquired, with my approval, a property near Cardiff into which it is hoped that the school may move shortly. The school in its new premises, with suitable extensions, should suffice to meet the needs of deaf children in Wales.

asked the Minister of Education what steps she is proposing to take to prevent local education authorities refusing employment to women teachers solely on the ground of marriage.

I am not aware that any local education authority has refused employment to a woman teacher solely on the ground of marriage.

If I send my right hon. Friend particulars of a local authority that is refusing to employ women teachers solely on the ground of marriage, will she be prepared to take action in that instance?

If my hon. Friend will send me particulars, certainly I will look into them, but I have made my position in this matter very clear.

asked the Minister of Education what prospect there is of additional staffing in the near future for the primary schools.

The number of teachers in primary schools increased from 117,870 in October, 1945, to 121,161 in April, 1946. My plans for further recruitment of teachers allow for this improvement to continue, and Circular 115, which I have just issued to local education authorities, and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, has a bearing on this matter.

Will the right hon. Lady pay particular attention to providing as quickly as possible an adequate number of teachers specially qualified in the teaching of young children?

The hon. Gentleman may take it that I will.

asked the Minister of Education whether the School Certificate will be continued or soon dropped or changed, and, if the latter, how.

As indicated in paragraph 6 of Circular 103, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member, I propose to await the advice of the Secondary School Examinations Council before reaching a final decision.

Is not the right hon. Lady aware that, whatever may be the arguments for the abolition of the School Certificate, nothing is more discouraging to pupils than to be required to work year after year on an examination which they have the impression has been condemned as useless by professional experts, and that, therefore, it is highly important that a decision should be taken one way or the other?

That is precisely why we have set up the Secondary School Examinations Council to deal with the matter.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that members of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Nursing Service and the Malayan Nursing Service, captured in Malaya, are unable to count the period of internment towards the qualifying period for their Defence Medals; that they are classified as civilians; that members of the V.A.D., doing identical work, qualify for campaign stars and war medals and are allowed to count the period of their internment; and whether he will take steps to remedy this.

A proposal to reduce the qualifying period in such cases is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the present volume of legislation is overburdening the Civil Service and endangering the proper control by Parliament over the Executive in respect of delegated legislation; and what action is being taken with a view to ameliorating the position.

The Government's programme of legislation is urgently required in the national interest. I cannot agree that the control of Parliament over the Executive is being endangered. The coincidence of reconstruction work with the clearing up of matters arising out of the war has certainly put a heavy burden on the Civil Service, and we are doing all we can to alleviate it.

Does not the Prime Minister think that the time has now come to set up a working party to deal with the Civil Service?

I think the whole House is a working party at present.

Will the Prime Minister tell the House what definite steps have been taken to overhaul the machinery of the Civil Service, in view of the fact that we have been at peace now for a year, and nothing appears to have been done in this matter?

That is another matter; perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question on it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the headquarters of the British Element of the Control Commission for Germany is in Berlin or the British Zone of occupation; and whether the present arrangements are to continue.

The headquarters of the British Element of the Control Commission for Germany is in Berlin where the quadripartite control of Germany as a whole is located. There is a zonal office at Lubbecke in Westphalia which functions as the administrative centre of the British Zone. The zonal office is to move to Hamburg as soon as facilities can be made available, but the headquarters of the British Element will remain in Berlin.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of plans to open an information centre in Hamburg under the auspices of a committee of British other ranks; and if he will instruct the Control Commission to encourage and facilitate all such efforts to enlighten the British Forces in Germany and the German public about the Commission's work and purpose.

Yes, Sir. I welcome the initiative which has been shown by a group of other ranks of the Hamburg garrison in this matter, and will certainly see that this and other similar projects are given every facility and encouragement. My hon. Friend will be interested to know that information rooms at Regional Headquarters and at other centres giving a bird's eye view of the Commission's activities are already available for the staff of the Control Commission. For the German public, too, information rooms presenting life and thought in democratic Britain have been, or will shortly be, opened in all the principal towns of our zone.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered reports sent to him of the conference which, on the invitation of the Bermuda branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association, recently took place in Bermuda between delegations from the branches of the association in Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Bermuda and delegations from the two Houses of the American Congress; and the subsequent proceedings in the Senate of the U.S.A.; and if he has any statement to make.

Yes, Sir. I am very glad to have the opportunity of telling the House something about the conference which, at the invitation of the Bermuda branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association, took place in Bermuda between 10th June and 19th June, between delegations from the branches of the Association in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand and Bermuda. For the second time in the history of these conferences, a notable feature of the meeting was the presence of delegations of four members from the American Senate and four members from the American House of Representatives, who, by appropriate resolutions in both Houses of the American Congress, were selected to attend the conference. The discussions in Bermuda afforded an invaluable opportunity of close personal contacts and exchanges of well considered, if necessarily unofficial, opinions on matters of common interest to the great family of English-speaking peoples.

This is the second occasion on which there has been this close association between delegations from both Houses of the American Congress and from the United Kingdom Parliament and Parliaments of the overseas Empire, and I think it would be difficult to exaggerate the good effect on mutual understanding between the American people and the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations which may be expected to flow from what, I hope, will be a progressive expansion of these inter-Parliamentary contacts.

After the discussions in Bermuda, the delegates went on to Washington, and from there to Ottawa. In Washington, the delegates from the British House of Commons, the Canadian Parliament and the Parliament of New Zealand were invited on to the floor of the Senate and the Members of that House stood in recess for a few minutes in order that the right hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden) and the Leader of the Canadian delegation might present them personally to each Member of the Senate. In Ottawa three busy days were spent in the forming of contacts, the acquisition of invaluable information, and the mutual strengthening of friendships which proceeds, as so many Members of this House are aware, from the generous hospitality which in Canada is invariably accorded to visiting Members from the United Kingdom and other Parliaments of the Commonwealth.

I should like to express our thanks to all those, alike in the United States, in Bermuda and in Canada, who accorded such ready hospitality to their Parliamentary visitors. I hope that, with the progressive resumption of peaceful conditions, opportunities for such meetings will increase and that we in this House may have our opportunities of returning the cordial hospitality afforded to Members of the House both in the United States and the British Empire.

Whilst associating myself with every word of the Prime Minister's answer, might I ask him, in relation to the very courteous gesture extended to Members of this House and of the Canadian and New Zealand Parliaments by the United States Senate—a gesture which, as far as I know, is quite unprecedented—whether he, perhaps in conjunction with you, Mr. Speaker, would consider sending some message of appreciation to the Senate from this House for their attitude?

I should like to do so very much if that is the general view of the House and of yourself, Mr. Speaker.

Hear, hear.

In view of the exceptional compliment paid by the Senate to this House by inviting our delegation on to the floor of the House and suspending the proceedings of the Senate in order to welcome us, would the Prime Minister consider using his influence so to amend the Orders of this House that, in the event of American visitors coming here, we might pay them a similar compliment?

I think that would require a great deal of consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will issue a revised cost-of-living index based on the current expenditure of the public on commodities.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make on a proposed revision of the cost-of-living index.

The question of revising the basis of the cost-of-living index figure is being referred to the advisory committee which has considered the subject in the past and which is now being reconstituted.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an ex-Serviceman in Hackney is having to wait at least three months for a course of training in watch and clock repairing; and whether anything is being done to avoid such a delay.

The number of persons admitted to training is governed by the capacity of industry to absorb them after training. In this industry the call on the available facilities for ex-Servicemen who are disabled is such that, I am sorry to say, there must be some delay in the admission of able-bodied applicants.

Will my right hon. Friend undertake that in such conditions some indication of the length of time a man will have to wait will be given to him when he is accepted for a course?

Wherever we are in a position to give such information we do so and advise the applicant to take other employment temporarily, but we are not always able to do this until the industry concerned has been able to satisfy itself as to its future requirements.

Is there only one centre in London, and could the right hon. Gentleman say how many men can be accepted for instruction at one time?

I cannot answer that offhand, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a Question, I will look into the matter.

Is the Minister aware that there are many Servicemen who have waited for periods exceeding six months to take a course of vocational training, and that there is great dissatisfaction in this connection?

We are aware of the waiting list and I can assure the House that every step is being taken to overcome the problem. It is difficult to find accommodation and to have places rebuilt, but the work is making very rapid progress and, indeed, by the end of this year we hope we shall have 38,000 places available which should very considerably diminish the waiting list.

Is the Minister aware that in the industry mentioned in the Question facilities can be granted locally without going to the Ministry of Labour centre, that many men in the Services, particularly instrument makers in the R.A.F. and the Army, received some basic knowledge of this trade, and that local firms are willing to accept them if the Minister of Labour will give them permission? May I ask the Minister to look into this?

Certainly, Sir; if the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars I will examine them.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. R. G. Davis, of 35, Wisborough Road, South-sea, a plumber released from the Forces under Class B, has been discharged from his employment owing to the W.B.A. order; that he cannot take other work which is available to him until his period of six months has expired; that this is one of several similar cases in Portsmouth; and whether he will authorise them to take temporary employment until their firms can re-engage them.

Mr. Davis has now been placed in other employment in his own trade of plumber for which he was released. Only one other case of this kind in Portsmouth is known and the man concerned has also been placed in employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are taken to bring to the notice of a person coming before a local appeal board, under the Essential Works Orders, his rights with regard to the calling of evidence in the presentation of his case; and what opportunities are afforded to a person having appeared before such a board, to apply for a fresh hearing on the grounds of submitting new evidence, such as apply in most other courts.

The proceedings of a local appeal board are within the discretion of the chairman. I think the procedure normally adopted properly safeguards the interests of both workers and employers, but I should be glad to have inquiries made into any individual case in which the hon. Member thinks that an appellant has not had the opportunity to present his case.

Would it not be desirable to give as much information as possible to those who are likely to be affected, and would it not be helpful if full information were posted up in the employment exchanges as to what are the rights of appeal to these courts and the possibility of allowing those concerned to submit evidence from those who can speak on their behalf?

Any worker desiring this information can obtain it quite easily by inquiring at the employment exchange. As for posting up all these notices, while I know that most of the employment exchanges are badly in need of repainting and decorating, I do not want to wallpaper them with notices.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make special inquiries in regard to this matter as there are so many cases where workers do not seem to know the facts?

I will certainly look into it, but this is the first information we have had that any problem exists.

asked the Minister of Labour how many permits have been issued during the last 12 months to foreign musicians and conductors; and if he will state their nationality and the amount of the fees they received for their services in this country.

The information asked for is available only as from 1st April last when my Department became responsible for the issue of these permits. From that date to 26th June, 187 permits were issued in respect of foreign musicians and conductors who have come or will be coming here either as individual artists or as members of established foreign orchestras. Their nationalities are American 7, Belgian 7, French 38, Hungarian 5, Danish 2, Polish 1, Italian 124, Swiss 1, Dutch 1 and Stateless Persons I. Information is not available as to the total amount that has been or will be received by these artists for their services in this country.

Is the Minister aware that comparatively speaking very few British artists and conductors have the opportunity of going abroad and that there is very great dissatisfaction because there are so many of their foreign counterparts in this country taking places that should be taken by British musicians, and will he take steps to remedy this?

The question of exit permits is not the concern of my Ministry. It is our responsibility to see that the fact that these people come here does not prove detrimental to our own artists. So far there has been no complaint.

Will the Minister take into account the interest of the consumers as well as those of the artists?

I should like to know what is meant by "consumers" of entertainment.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking, in view of the urgency of maximum food production and the heavy strain on farmers' wives who are without domestic help, to arrange for foreign domestic workers to be brought in to relieve those farmers' wives who are most hard pressed; and whether he has consulted with the National Farmers' Union to decide the numbers of foreign domestic workers required immediately to meet this need.

Special and favourable consideration is given to applications from farmers' wives who know of a foreign domestic worker and apply for a permit for her admission. I am also looking into the possibility of assisting them to get in touch with foreign workers. Every application can be considered on its merits and there is no question of a limit on the numbers. The last part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Is the Minister aware that nothing at all is in fact happening under this scheme and will he give the farmers' organisations authority to go to the Continent to see if they can succeed where he has failed?

I should hesitate to give a definite answer to the latter part of the question because the primary aim we have in mind is to secure enough foreign domestic workers for our hospitals and institutions. Until that demand is satisfied we do not propose extensively to operate a scheme for private persons. If, however, persons have made these contacts themselves and know, foreigners they may wish to bring in they can do so, but I do not know whether the farmers' organisations would take it on.

When the time comes, will the Minister bear in mind that it is not only the wives of farmers who are hard pressed and over burdened, and that there are other categories of housewives who need domestic help?

May I ask the Minister what he has in mind when he says he will assist farmers' wives to employ domestic workers, and what piece of machinery he proposes to use?

Quite frankly we have not got that clear in cur own minds yet. [ Laughter. ] I heard one hon. Gentleman opposite say the other day that laughter does not take the place of argument. I was trying to give a reasoned answer. We are trying to work out a scheme by which we can achieve this object and the fact that we have not yet got it clear in our minds is no reason why we should not try to do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that Mr. W. R. Banner, a full-time temporary civil servant employed at the Ministry of Information, Nottingham, is acting as the political agent for the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Follick); and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

I am informed that Mr. Banner is not acting as political agent for my hon. Friend the Member of Loughborough (Mr. Follick), and that the only occasion on which he has acted in that capacity since his first appointment to the staff of the Ministry of Information was for one month during the General Election, during which time he was not in the employ of the Ministry.

Is the Minister aware that—

On a point of Order. Is it not against the traditions of this House to put down a Question on the Order Paper about a matter intimately affecting a Member of this House without first giving notice to that Member, especially when the Question contains a suggestion of dishonesty on the part of a loyal and trusted friend of the Member concerned?

Is not this a breach of tradition which is aggravated by the fact that the person in question is the Mayor-elect of the borough, a person of considerable civic importance?

I could not possibly have been aware of those circumstances. In answer to the first point of Order, I would say that I always regard it as desirable that if a Question is about to be put down affecting an hon. Member of this House, that hon. Member should be informed. The Question appears upon the Order Paper, and perhaps the hon. Member who raised the point of Order might have seen it for himself. Obviously it is not a matter in which I, as Speaker, could have done anything.

I apologise to the hon. Member, Sir, for not having given him notice.

Further to that point of Order. May I point out that I was first made aware of this Question having been put down by a reference to it in the Press?

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer is aware that Loughborough Labour Divisional Headquarters are let in the name of this gentleman as tenant, and further that this gentleman has a business premises vote for those premises? How does the Chancellor reconcile those two facts with his answer?

I have taken considerable trouble, of course, the Question having been put down, to make careful inquiry into the allegations against this gentleman. What I find is that Mr. Banner is, according to all accounts, an exceedingly competent officer of the Ministry of Information who was originally appointed in 1941 when either Mr. Duff Cooper or the right hon. Member for Bournemouth (Mr. Bracken) held that office. I forget now which. He continued, apparently giving complete satisfaction to his chief, until April, 1945, when he tendered his resignation, perfectly honestly and properly, in order to take up duties as agent for the hon. Member whom we are all glad to see in the House. I have all the facts here. I have armed myself with all the particulars. On 9th July, 1945, after the electors had voted, but before the result of the election was known, this gentleman was reappointed as meetings officer, under the so-called Caretaker Government. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd, who was at that time a Member of this House, was responsible. Mr. Banner was reappointed on that date, no other suitable candidate belonging to the Tory Party, or to any other party, having been found who, in the opinion of Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd and of those who advised him, was competent to carry out those very responsible duties. Since that time, I am informed, this gentleman has continued to give as great satisfaction to the Central Office of Information as he did to the Conservative Ministers who successively occupied the position as the head of the Ministry of Information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now fix the appointed day for the payment of claims under the War Damage Act, 1943, Part II, Private Chattels Scheme; and whether he will consider the revision of settlements of claims to allow for increases in cost of replacement between the date of settlement and the date of payment.

I have this question under consideration at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the subscriptions to National Savings Certificates and Defence Bonds for the three months ended 31st May, 1946; what have been the encashments of each during the same period and the net increase or decrease in the deposits in the Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks.

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.