asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to increase the supply of barrels for cured herring.

As large a quantity as is obtainable of staves of the wood usually employed for herring barrels has been purchased, and the Herring Industry Board are examining the question of using other woods or making staves in this country from sawn timber.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the changed circumstances brought about by the U.S. Loan, he will consider increasing the paper allocation to national and local newspapers.

The matter is under review with the representatives of the newspapers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Norwegian and Dutch herring exporters are allowed by the Belgian Government to send herring to Belgium, whereas no import permits are granted to British herring exporters; and if he will start immediate negotiations to enable British exporters to obtain import licences.

If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have full particulars of any unsuccessful application, to import British herrings into Belgium, including types and quantities offered, I will gladly look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the difficulties experienced by miners and quarry workers in providing themselves with protective footwear, he will arrange for safety boots to be available coupon free.

Arrangements already exist for underground workers in coal and metalliferous mines to be allowed coupon equivalent certificates for the purchase of one pair of safety boots a year. An issue of these certificates was made on 31st May, 1946. I have now arranged for a second issue to be made later this year, and details will be given shortly to pit production committees. Surface workers, quarry workers and slate miners who need to wear protective boots have not hitherto shared in the coupon free facilities: but it has been arranged that they shall be eligible for a single issue of certificates during the year, and this issue will be made at the same time as the issue to the coalminers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what types of electrical equipment are being exported from this country; and to what extent it is estimated that such exports are delaying the spread of electricity to country districts.

Full information as to our exports of electrical equipment is published each month in the Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom. I am not aware that such exports are likely to cause any delay in the spread of electricity to country districts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences have, in the last six months, been granted for the sale overseas of textile machinery.

Only textile machinery and plant, including textile printing and finishing machinery and plant, manufactured before the 30th April, 1941, now needs an export licence. 396 licences have been issued in the last six months to export such machinery.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of wheat imported in the form of flour and in the form of grain, respectively, during the past 12 months; and the quantity of wheat exported in the form of flour and of grain, respectively, during the same period.

In the year ended June, 1946, imports of wheat amounted to 3,824,000 tons and of wheat meal and flour to 598,000 tons, the corresponding figures for exports being 3,000 tons and 29,000 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider increasing the allocation of paper for educational and publicity purposes to the United Nations Association in connection with their special week from 29th September to 6th October.

The Association are being allowed the quantity of paper which they have indicated is essential for their needs, and in view of the necessity for economy it is not possible to allow more.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma how many people were murdered and how many dacoities took place in Burma in June.

During the month of June there were 217 murders and 1,033 dacoities in Burma excluding the Myitkyina District for which no returns have yet been received.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why, since 1st June, manufacturers of rotary hoe machines are allowed to keep only 10 per cent. of their production for sale in the home market.

The decision to keep only 10 per cent. of current output of rotary hoes for the home market was that of the manufacturers concerned and had regard to the fact that these machines were designed primarily for export. As I stated, however, in my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard) on 15th July, I have now arranged with the manufacturers for a major proportion of the output to go to the home market during the next few months. In the meantime the manufacturers have in hand plans for a substantial increase in output.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a former R.A.F. landing ground in Winkfield, Berkshire, is still held under requisition by the Air Ministry; that portions of it are used as a recreation ground by the adjacent German prisoner of war camp; and whether he is taking steps to arrange that this area is brought back into cultivation and the hay crop harvested.

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air on 17th July. As to the second and third parts, I understand that the area used by German prisoners of war for recreation is about two acres, and that as the grass has been mown there is no hay to harvest. I am considering what action to take as regards the cultivation of these two areas now that the whole of the landing ground has been placed at the disposal of my Department for unrestricted agricultural use pending derequisition.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what acreage of potatoes has been planted this year, as compared with 1945; and what steps have been taken to see that sufficient potatoes have been grown this year to offset the cut in flour supplies.

Potato growing on farms continues to be subject to direction where necessary and the acreage planned for and likely to have been actually grown in 1946 does not fall much below the maximum attained during the war. Actual figures of this year's acreage will be available towards the end of August. People with gardens and allotments were also urged in the spring of this year to plant a much larger area with potatoes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much ground is now being cultivated by allotment holders as compared with the war period; and it he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to encourage the growing of food supplies on allotments.

Exact figures for the area at present under allotment cultivation are not available, but the position has not changed materially since 1943, when it was estimated that there were some 1,400,000 allotments with a total area of about 137,000 acres. I am doing everything possible to stimulate interest and activity in allotment cultivation and have urged local authorities to do likewise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of the trade demands on the Seed Imports Board for White Lisbon spring onion seeds have been imported for the current year; and what alternatives have the Seed Imports Board to offer to growers.

All available stocks of White Lisbon onion seed showing good germination have been imported by the Seeds Import Board and represent about 15 per cent. of the trade demands for this seed. I am advised that onion seed of the varieties known as Ebenezer and White Portugal will take the place to some extent of White Lisbon onion seed for the production of spring onions, and both these varieties have been made available by the Board.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give the names of the unpaid commissioners for the Scottish traffic area; and state where they reside.

There are no unpaid commissioners for the Scottish Traffic Area at present. Under the authority of the Traffic Commissioners (Reduction of Number) Order, 1940, the Chairmen of Traffic Commissioners were empowered to sit alone, but I am considering the revocation of the Order with a view to the reinstitution of panels of commissioners as laid down in Section 63 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930.

asked the Minister of Transport how many road passenger transport operators there are in the area which was known as the Northern Traffic Area of Scotland prior to the publication of the Variation of Traffic Areas (Scotland) Order, 1940.

There are 329.

asked the Minister of Transport whether as the provision of better road transport services is the most immediately practicable of the amenities promised to those who live in country districts, he will take action, to enable and to encourage the companies responsible to improve their services forthwith.

Omnibus services in country districts have been, and will continue to be, improved as more vehicles and crews become available. I am always ready to investigate, through the regional transport commissioners, any proposals for the provision or improvement of services where it can be shown that there is a need.

asked the Minister of Transport why Mr. C. Mortimer's licence was withdrawn without notice, thus preventing him from using his lorry, depriving him of his means of livelihood and his three men of their jobs; and if he has any statement to make on this case, particulars of which have been sent to him.

My information is that the defence permit authorising the use of the vehicle in question expired on 31st May. Despite a reminder at the end of April, no application for the renewal of the permit was received and consequently fuel rations for the vehicle were stopped. Mr. Mortimer has now made application for the renewal of the permit and fuel is being issued pending a decision on this application.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that none of the roads to and from the City of Durham conform to modern requirements and that differences of opinion between the county council and the city council, in respect of improvements, contribute to this state of affairs; and if he will consider making a personal inspection of these roads to appreciate the seriousness of the position and expedite improvements.

I am aware that the roads to and from the City of Durham do not in all respects conform to modern standards, but they are not inferior to comparable roads in other parts of the country. I do not know of any difference of opinion between the county council and the city council except on the question of an internal through road, about which I gave an answer to the hon. Member on 8th July.

asked the Minister of Transport the mileage of trunk, Class 1, Class 11 and unclassified roads at 31st March, 1940 to 1946, inclusive.

The following table gives the information so far as it is available. I regret that without making detailed inquiries of all highway authorities it is not possible to provide a more recent figure for unclassified roads than that given for 1939.

	Trunk Roads.	Class 1.	Class 11.	Unclassified.
31·3·39	4,456	23,089	17,634	135,348
31·3·40	4,456	23,176	17,715	—
31·3·41	4,463	23,176	17,715	—
31·3·42	4,459	23,180	17,729	—
31·3·43	4,459	23,180	17,729	—
31·3·44	4,457	23,180	17,731	—
31·3·45	4,457	23,195	17,750	—
31·3·46	4,455	23,194	17,748	—

Since 31st March, 1946, the mileage of Trunk roads has increased by 3,685 miles as a result of the Trunk Roads Act. 1946.

asked the Minister of Transport why the Thames Conservancy have been allowed to remove Skinners Bridge at Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.

I am informed that in 1944 Skinner's footbridge, which was originally constructed by the Thames Conservancy in 1881, was in a defective condition and liable to fall into the river. As the bridge was a danger to navigation and to the persons who used it, the Conservators decided to remove it. The removal was effected in April, 1945. The Conservators do not accept liability for the reinstatement of the bridge.

asked the Minister of Transport how much longer the barges which have been anchored in the Thames off the Palace of Westminster since before D-Day are likely to remain there.

The majority of the barges were removed before Victory Day. Those now in the Kings and Lambeth reaches of the Thames were retained in connection with the Victory Day firework arid aquatic displays. Of the 39 remaining negotiations for disposal of these craft are proceeding and unnecessary expense would be involved in moving them elsewhere than to their ultimate destination.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will grant adequate facilities for Scottish women who are engaged to Americans to obtain passages to the U.S.A., as at present they are finding difficulty in doing so.

I am not able to grant special facilities to this class of passenger. The demand for passages across the North Atlantic greatly exceeds the accommodation available and some delay is inevitable. An intending passenger should apply to a shipping line for passage and, if all her documents are in order, may also ascertain from the nearest U.S. Consul whether the United States authorities are able to help in finding accommodation.

asked the Minister of Transport how many vessels discharged cargoes weekly in the port of Aberdeen during the last eight weeks; what were the classes of cargo; how many such cargoes were intended ultimately for

Week ending.			Classes of Vessels.			Classes of Cargo.
25th May, 1946	…	…	9 Liner Coasters	…	…	General Cargo.
			9 Colliers	…	…	Coal
			2 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General Cargo.
1st June, 1946	…	…	9 Liner Coasters	…	…	General Cargo.
			7 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			1 Tramp Coaster	…	…	General Cargo
						(2 Prefabs, and Woodpulp)
						(2 Woodpulp)
						(1 Lumber).
8th June, 1946	…	…	11 Liner Coasters	…	…	General Cargo.
			6 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			3 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General Cargo.
			1 Overseas	…	…	Lumber.
15th Jane, 1946	…	…	6 Liner Coasters	…	…	General.
			5 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			2 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General.
			1 Overseas	…	…	Lumber and Plywood.
22nd June, 1946	…	…	11 Liner Coasters	…	…	General.
			7 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			5 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General.
			3 Overseas	…	…	Woodpulp.
29th June, 1946	…	…	11 Liner Coasters	…	…	General.
			6 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			4 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General.
6th July, 1946	…	…	13 Liner Coasters	…	…	General.
			5 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			3 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General.
			1 Overseas	…	…	Bricks (Belgian).
13th July, 1946	…	…	10 Liner Coasters	…	…	General.
			8 Colliers	…	…	Coal.
			2 Tramp Coasters	…	…	General.
			1 Overseas	…	…	Bricks (Belgian).
			Totals.—	Liner Coasters	…	80.
				Tramp Coasters	…	22.
				Colliers	…	53.
				Overseas	…	12
All cargoes were for local consumption.

asked the Minister of Transport why, in view of the importance of export trade and of the fact that Singapore merchants find great difficulty in obtaining shipping space for goods, ships are allowed to leave British ports for Singapore with empty cargo space.

There is adequate provision of cargo space for this trade and according to my information there are no arrears of export cargo available for shipment from the United Kingdom to Malaya up to the present time. If the hon. Member has any specific instance of difficulty in mind I will have investigations made on receiving further information. Empty space on these outward sailings may be explained by the necessity for

The following is the information:reserving space to load cargo en route or by last minute delay in the delivery of cargo for shipment.

asked the Minister of Transport how many ships were in Singapore Harbour at the latest available date; what is the average time taken for their turn round; and if he will take steps to relieve the congestion as quickly as possible.

On 11th July 21 ocean ships were discharging and 13 loading in the port of Singapore. Owing to the great variety of traffic using the port and the difference in the size of ships, average figures for turn round would be misleading, but the turn round is improving. Every effort is being made to relieve congestion by the supply of additional lighters and the repair of go-downs and other port facilities damaged during the war.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of recent railway accidents, what is being done to examine the conditions of the permanent ways and rolling stock and to put and keep both in a condition which will obviate accidents.

The permanent way and tolling stock is under continual examination, and inquiries into recent accidents do not indicate any diminution in the high previous standards of safety or that there is any general cause of such accidents as occur.

asked the Minister of Transport if be is now in a position to state the nature of the personal injuries sustained in the accident on 15th July to the King's Cross to Aberdeen train near Hatfield and the amount of material damage and loss; and what steps are being taken to compensate the sufferers.

Of the 400 passengers in the King's Cross-Aberdeen train, II were taken to hospital; one was seriously injured, necessitating leg amputation, and the other To sustained less serious injuries. The forearm of one was fractured, one had a scalp wound, two sustained crushed hands, and the remainder suffered from shock and lacerations of arm, hand, leg or foot. I am informed that one has already been discharged from hospital and that five will probably be discharged this afternoon or tomorrow. The rest are progressing favourably. The engine was slightly damaged, and, of the 14 coaches involved, one was wrecked, three were heavily damaged and 10 slightly. Half-a-mile of track has had to be relaid. As to compensation I cannot at present say more than that the usual procedure in such matters will be followed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that recent increases in suburban fares and season ticket rates by the main line railway companies, have led in certain areas, to anomalies and that the previous benefit of competition between wholly L.P.T.B. routes and partly main line routes under which the same fares were charged for comparable journeys has been ignored, creating the possibility of a serious diversion of passengers to the cheaper routes; and whether he will consider the restoration of the competing fares pending the conclusion of the present inquiry on L.P.T.B. rates.

I was aware that the exclusion of the London Passenger Transport Board's railway fares from the increases which came into force on 1st July would disturb relationships with fares on the suburban services of the main line railways, but, as I explained to the House on 29th May, an immediate increase in the main line companies' charges was necessary. The inquiry by the Charges Consultative Committee into the adjustments to be made in the Board's fares has recently concluded and I propose to consider the matter further when I have the Committee's report.

asked the Minister of Transport why the charge for a quarterly season ticket between London and Faversham, distance 52 miles, costs 26s. 1d. more than a ticket between Whit-stable and London, distance 59 miles; and whether he will make a reduction in the case of Faversham.

The season ticket between London and Faversham to which my hon. Friend refers is available for journeys between intermediate points and is in accordance with standard conditions; that between Whitstable and London is restricted to direct journeys. A season ticket with intermediate availability between Whitstable and London costs more than the corresponding ticket between Faversham and London.

asked the Minister of Transport why, on 29th June, the train leaving Liverpool Central at 10.10 p.m. and which should arrive at Manchester Central at 11.35 p.m. was 26 minutes late.

There was five minutes delay at Liverpool awaiting passengers from the steamer from North Wales for whom this train is a recognised connection. Further, owing to exceptionally heavy traffic on this day there was delay at each station because the train was too long for the platforms and had to draw up twice. I regret any inconvenience which was caused to the hon. Member and other passengers by these delays.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange to have an extra coach put on the London trains and reserve a proportion of dining-car tickets at Newport, so that those from this station do not have to stand and go hungry all the way.

Trains from South Wales to London are already up to the maximum engine load and it is not possible to add an extra coach. Relief services are being arranged and should assist passengers from Newport to obtain seats. The demand for meals from passengers joining London trains west of Newport already exceeds the facilities which can be provided and I regret that accommodation cannot he reserved for passengers from Newport.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to investigate the poor travelling facilities now existing between south-east London, especially the borough of Lewisham and the City and West End; and whether, in order to help these heavily-bombed dormitory areas, he will investigate the possibility of providing underground railway connections.

Services from this area to the City will be substantially improved after 12th August when the repair of war damage to Blackfriars signal box will be completed. The question of underground railway connections has recently been investigated by the Railway (London Plan) Committee whose report has been published and is under consideration

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will provide facilities to British manufacturers to manufacture or assemble in this country German and Italian motorcars such as the Volkswagen, the Fiat 500 or other motorcars costing only £80 to produce.

Proposals have been received for the manufacture in this country of certain makes of German and Italian motorcars; they are now being examined.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the prices of many popular makes of new British motorcars are more than 100 per cent. above prewar level, although the costs of labour and material used in their manufacture and assembly have risen less than 70 per cent.; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent further increases in the prices charged for new motorcars.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Preston (Dr. Segal) on 1st July.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that some British manufacturers are advertising their products as new motorcars when, in fact, they are 1939 or 1940 models; and whether he proposes to take any steps, legislative or otherwise, to prevent this practice.

Current production of new cars is based mainly on developments from prewar designs owing to the fact that postwar designs are not yet ready to be put into production. This is not a matter in which I can see any reason for intervening.

asked the Minister of Supply how many senior officials of his Department are allowed to use official motorcars to take them daily from their homes to their offices; whether there is any mileage limit; and to what grades of officials these facilities apply.

At the moment the number is four very senior officers and officials. The journeys are within the London area.

asked the Minister of Supply how many gas cookers are at present held in stock by his Department; how many are earmarked for export; and the number manufactured monthly for his Department during the past 12 months.

No gas cookers are held in stock by my Department, which places direct orders only for those required for the temporary housing programme. Total production for all purposes is equivalent to an annual rate of about 327,000, of which some 4 per cent. goes for export.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is in a position to allocate a small quantity of lead to the British toy trade for home market purposes.

The available supplies of lead are not sufficient to meet our requirements of important products such as cables, batteries and housing components and we are having to use substitute materials to satisfy the demands for these. In the circumstances I have had with much regret to cut out supplies of lead for non-essential manufactures including toys. Manufacturers should endeavour to use other metals which are not in short supply, and we will gladly advise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Purchase Tax the owner of a rabbit skin has to pay, first, when it is cured and, next, when it is cut by a glovemaker, so that the owner can have the skin made into fur gloves.

No Purchase Tax is payable, provided the owner is not a trader registered for Purchase Tax purposes. If he is, he will, as heretofore, have to pay tax on the wholesale value of the article he sells, or otherwise disposes of, to an unregistered person.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the £415,000,000 subscribed to the tap issue of 2½ per cent. Savings Bonds was subscribed by private investors as opposed to Government Departments and financial institutions.

It would be contrary to long established practice to publish such information regarding subscriptions to Government loans.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether h will give guidance and remove uncertainty by making a statement in connection with the Excess Profits Tax postwar refunds to show on broad principles what type of expenditure would be regarded by the Treasury as being for the purpose of developing and reequipping a business; to what extent existing reserves should be withheld from distribution so as to avoid indirectly benefiting the proprietors by the receipt of Excess Profits Tax postwar refunds by a company; and where the line of distinction is drawn between benefiting the business and benefiting the proprietors of the business.

I cannot of course give an answer which will deal with all the varying circumstances of all the businesses receiving these refunds, but I will ask the Advisory Panel—which I hope will start work almost immediately—to issue in due course a considered statement on this subject. I intend that the words "developing or reequipping" of a trade or business should be broadly interpreted, to cover any use of the refund which increases its capital resources and, subject to the normal risks of carrying on the trade or business, effectively maintains such increase. This would cover, for example, an increase in fixed assets or in working capital. It would also cover the replacement of assets where, owing to a rise in prices, cost of replacement is higher than the original cost and would apart from the refund, require additional finance.The relation between the use of the refund and the disposal of existing reserves must depend on the circumstances of each particular case. It is not intended to require that, in no circumstance whatever, should any part of existing reserves be distributed; but clearly, such reserves should not be distributed merely because the receipt of the refund has made it no longer necessary to retain reserves accumulated for the purpose of increasing the capital resources of the business. Such distribution would mean that the refund was indirectly being applied in a manner contrary to the undertakings required by the statute.As regards the third part of the Question, the use of a refund in a business should obviously benefit the business, and any resulting increase in its current earnings can be freely dealt with in the same way as its earnings generally. It is the refund itself which, under the statute, is not to he distributed or applied for the benefit of the partners, shareholders or proprietors. But I must once more repeat that generally speaking, I do not regard increased dividends as being in the national interest at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reconsider a refusal by the Board of Inland Revenue of a claim by Dr. Arnold Renshaw, a distinguished graduate of London University, for his laboratory to be granted special allowance for depreciation in respect of scientific research equipment, in view of the work in medical research carried out by this laboratory for the past 20 years; and whether he will extend the same provision to other laboratories similarly circumstanced.

No, Sir. The provisions of the Finance Act, 1944, which grant a special allowance for expenditure on scientific research, apply only to traders and not to persons carrying on professions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the approximate number of forms used by all Government Departments, which the public may be required to fill in; and the separate totals for each Department.

I regret that this information is not available. It could not be obtained without a great deal of labour which would not be justified in present circumstances.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury where the accounts of the Arts Council of Great Britain are filed; and whether copies of these accounts can be obtained by members of the public.

Audited accounts are available at the headquarters of the Council, covering the period from the date of its inception as "The Committee for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts" on 19th January, 1940, to 31st March, 1945. The Council's accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1943, and for subsequent years have been included in the Council's published annual reports.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the sums of money spent out of the annual grant to the Arts Council of Great Britain in each of the years 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945, directly in Scotland, directly in England and Wales and for general purposes in Great Britain as a whole, respectively.

The information is as follows:

Financial year ended 31st March.		Direct Expenditure in Scotland.	Direct Expenditure in England and Wales.	General Purposes Expenditure not allocated.
		£	£	£
1942	…	3,169	36,120	18,527
1943	…	5,843	72,999	20,711
1944	…	6,267	87,554	35,399
1945	…	12,881	105,574	31,164

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr and Bute, Northern (Sir C. MacAndrew) as representing the House of Commons Members' Fund Trustees, what steps are contemplated either to reduce the contributions to this fund or expand the benefits payable.

The Trustees operating the House of Commons Members' Fund are governed by the Act of 1939; under its provisions they have no power to reduce the contributions or increase the benefits. Any changes such as suggested in the Question could not be carried out without legislation. A Return was presented to the House stating the financial position of the Fund and ordered to be printed on 3rd July, 1946.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that, for the past six months, it has been impossible to obtain glass for the repair of windows damaged by gales in Shetland last winter; and if he will take immediate steps to see that glass is made available for current repairs in these islands.

I am informed that the manufacturers have recently despatched a supply of window glass to the Shetland Islands. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any long outstanding orders still remaining unfulfilled I will have further inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Works the amount of building work he has licensed the London Co-operative Society to carry out by way of reconstruction or other types of construction, as distinct from maintenance, during the year ending 31st July, 1946.

Licences to the value of £16,989 have been issued to the London Co-operative Society since 1st August, 1945, for building work other than that included in the annual maintenance licence. The work consisted almost entirely of war damage repairs.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that Nos. 4, 6, 8 and 10, Lexham Gardens, W.8, have been requisitioned for Government offices; that these premises would provide residential accommodation for 60 people; and if he will consult with the Ministers concerned with a view to finding alternative acommodation.

These premises were requisitioned in January, 1944, and have since been occupied by Government staff in order to release residential fiats. The use of large houses for office purposes is by agreement with the Ministry of Health, and I see no prospect of being able to relinquish these premises at an early date.

asked the Minister of Works the names of the Prefabricated Hut Design Committee, who have been responsible for evolving the design of huts now being provided for the national schools.

The personnel of the Prefabricated Hut Design Committee naturally changed from time to time, but the following participated in its discussions, over the period when the Standard hut was being developed:

• Sir Thomas P. Bennett, C.B.E., F.R.I.B.A., Ministry of Works (Chairman).
• Mr. H. Ryle, C.V.O., O.B.E., A.R.I.B.A., F.S.I., Ministry of Works.
• Mr. R. H. Hall, Ministry of Supply.
• Mr. G. Watt, Ministry of Supply.
• Colonel E. F. Brawn, War Office.
• Mr. Alwyne Tutton, A.R.I.B.A., Air Ministry.
• Mr. R. Fitzmaurice, B.Sc., M. Inst.C.E., Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
• Mr. A. Scott, M.B.E., F.R.I.B.A., M.I.Str.E., Ministry of Health.
• Mr. Guthlac Wilson, B.Sc., M.I.Struct.E.. M. (American) Inst.C.E., Ministry of Works.
• Major-General H. S. Gaskell, C.B., D.S.O., R.E., Ministry of Aircraft Production.
• Mr. J. M. Rownthwaite, Admiralty.
• Professor J. F. Baker, O.B.E.. Sc.D., A.M.Inst.C.E., M.I.Struct.E., Ministry of Home Security.
• Mr. F. Jackman. F.R.I.B.A., Ministry of Education.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British Service personnel have been killed or wounded as a result of attacks in Egypt since May, 1945.

As the available information is not complete I have called for a special return. I will write to my hon. Friend when it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to secure the payment of four years' arrears of pension from March, 1941, to March, 1945, due to Mrs. Mill, of 152, Copnor Road, Copnor, Portsmouth, whose husband, 391560 F/Q.M.S. E. W. Mill, Royal Signals, died on 1st May, 1940.

This soldier's pension was issued with his pay during the period in question. No arrears are therefore due. He died on 1st May, 1945.

asked the Secretary Ira State for War when the hon. Member for Upton can expect a reply to his letters concerning the compassionate discharge of 14823585 Private W. F. Easton, Pioneer Corps.

A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 18th July, notifying an extension of this soldier's release.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the 150 Polish troops who recently arrived in the Sedbergh area have been billeted in Baliol school and not Ingmire Hall military camp, which has accommodation for 300 men and is at present only occupied by 40.

The spare accommodation at Ingmire Hall Camp is about to be used for German prisoners of war required locally for harvesting.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give a definite date on which he will derequisition Baliol school and grounds, Sedbergh.

I cannot say at present when this property is likely to become available. I understand, however, that the premises are not required by the owners for scholastic purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the conditions on which the wives and families of officers and men serving in Germany are permitted to join their husbands.

The information is not quite ready for publication but I hope it will be issued very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, after the dismissal of eighty Civilian temporary clerks on 29th June, 1946, from the Army Pay Office, Officers' Accounts, Stockport Road, Manchester, officers now have to work compulsory overtime for two hours each evening and four hours on Saturday or Sunday; and if he will take action to prevent military personnel being used in this way to speed up the redundancy of their civilian colleagues.

This special duty, which was temporary and for a very limited period, resulted solely from the introduction of the new pay code on 1st July. Military personnel are not being required to work extra hours in order to speed up the reduction of the civilian establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether agreement has yet been reached as regards the payment of members of the Polish Paratroop Brigade who were captured at Arnhem, during the time that they were prisoners of war.

Yes, Sir. Instructions for the assessment and issue of arrears of pay were issued on 20th May last.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, during the court of inquiry into the conditions in the nine prisoner-of-war camps in Belgium, steps were taken to obtain the views of men who had been in the camps when conditions had been bad, or whether only present occupants were questioned; and how many of those Members of Parliament and journalists who had brought to the public notice, as distinct from that of the authorities, the fact that conditions had been bad were invited to give evidence;(2) if he will give the date on which each of the nine prisoner-of-war camps in Belgium was opened and the date in each case when the first inspection from headquarters was made; on what date in each case adverse reports were received at his Department; and how soon was he satisfied in each case that improvements were adequate;(3) what is the nature or character of the investigation or inquiry made into the management at each one of the nine prisoner-of-war camps in Belgium; whether, and in how many cases it was found necessary to take disciplinary action; and in how many cases has the commandant been dismissed.

The date on which each of the nine prisoner of war Camps was opened on the Lines of Communication and the date of the first inspection by Headquarters were as follow:

Camp Number.			Date of Opening.	Date of First Inspection.
2218	…	…	18·8·44	10·3·45
2221	…	…	26·3·45	17·4·45
2224	…	…	18·8·44	16·2·45
2225	…	…	26·3·45	20·4·45
2226	…	…	20·2·45	20·3·45
2227	…	…	20·2·45	20·3·45
2228	…	…	20·3·45	31·5·45
2232	…	…	51·4·45	22·5·45
2375	…	…	18·8·44	31·3·45

These camps were subsequently concentrated in Belgium by 1st May, 1945, except Camp 2225, which was transferred to Belgium in February, 1946. They were under the administration of Headquarters—B.A.O.R. to whom reports were rendered as necessary by Headquarters Lines of Communication. A report dated 3rd January, 1946, was forwarded to Headquarters, B.A.O.R. from Headquarters Lines of Communication regarding the high incidence of deaths in No. 2228 Camp during November and December, 1945. Matters improved rapidly and by the middle of February this camp reached a satisfactory standard. No other specific investigation was made until I gave instructions for a Court of Inquiry following the allegations which appeared in the Press in May, 1946. As explained to the hon. Member on 2nd July, this was a military Court of Inquiry. I decided that its results did not call for dis- ciplinary action. The composition of the court was referred to in the statement on 2nd July and, as also indicated in the statement, every endeavour was made to obtain evidence from officers and others who had first-hand information on the conditions in the camps during the period covered by the allegations. No Members of Parliament or journalists were among those invited to give evidence. All occupants of the camps who appeared before the court had been in the camps during the winter.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many German prisoners of war have been graded as "white" namely, as reliable anti-Nazis.

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to German prisoners of war graded in this country. Of these, some 23,000 active anti-Nazis have been graded as "white." There are, in addition, approximately 70,000 less active, but still reliable, anti-Nazis classified as "grey."

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what has been the reallocation of wavelengths of ex-enemy countries between the Allied Powers; and for what services are these now employed.

There has been no reallocation of wavelengths of ex-enemy countries between the Allied Powers and the ultimate use of those wavelengths has yet to be decided. They are for the present being used by the Allied Powers themselves to meet the requirements of the Forces of occupation, and by the countries themselves for purposes approved by the Allied authorities.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether on the appointment of the new governors to the B.B.C., he continued the war-time practice of asking for undertakings from, and giving instructions to, them and in what form.

No undertakings were sought from the recently appointed Governors, nor were any instructions given to them on appointment. At the stage, however, when they were invited to accept the appointments they were informed of the conditions of their appointments in the following terms:

(1) Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation act primarily as trustees to safeguard the broadcasting service in the national interest;

(2) with the Director-General, they discuss and then decide upon major matters of policy and finance, but they leave the execution of that policy and the general administration of the service in all its branches to the Director-General;

(3) Governors should he able to judge of the general effect of the service upon the public and are, of course, finally responsible for the conduct of it;

(4) under Clause 12 (b) of the Charter a Governor is disqualified if he holds any office or place of profit in which his interests may conflict with the interests of the Corporation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what would be the cost, and what amount of labour would be necessary, to convert a L.C.T. and a L.S.T. to peacetime requirements.

The cost and the amount of labour necessary to convert one of these craft would depend on the type of conversion and the nature and extent of the alterations required. If the hon. and gallant Member will let me know what peacetime purposes he has in mind. I will look further into the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to give a reply to a communication dated 25th April, 1946, sent to his Department by Messrs. Bramsdon and Childs, of 10, High Street, Portsmouth; and whether he is now in a position to give his complete findings concerning the allegations made against the client of Messrs. Bramsdon and Childs.

The matter to which the hon. Member referred has required careful investigation, but it is hoped to reply to Messrs. Bramsdon and Childs very soon.

asked the Minister of Education whether she will recommend that the summer holidays in Herefordshire schools be postponed until September so that children may be allowed to help their parents to pick hops.

No, Sir. The managers of individual schools in the county of Herefordshire have discretion to fix the summer holidays to suit the needs of agriculture in their immediate area. The city schools' holidays have been fixed for August to suit the convenience of the majority of families, but parents who are taking their holiday at a different time may ask for leave of absence for children up to two weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the tension in Palestine resulting from the recent military operation and from the continued detention of large numbers of Jewish leaders without charge, he will make a statement with regard to the release of these men either entirely or pending their committal for trial.

I am not prepared to make any statement at present.

asked the Minister of Health how many licences have been issued in respect of the 103,566 permanent houses and flats for which plans have been approved during the first three months of 1946.

I assume the right hon. Member is referring to the approvals of layout plans in Table No. I of the monthly progress return. These plans relate to houses to be built by local authorities for which no licences are required.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have included plans for one-bedroom dwellings in the plans submitted to him during the first three months of 1946.

Forty-seven local authorities included one-bedroom dwellings in plans submitted during the first three months of this year.

asked the Minister of Health how much land has been acquired by local authorities since the beginning of the year, under Compulsory Purchase Orders.

I regret that the information desired by the hon. and gallant Member is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider altering the rationed allowances for children, as stated in the bread-rationing scheme, to read: Children aged 1 to 4 years, 4 ounces, and children aged 4 to 11 years, 8 ounces, to enable children who have reached a higher consuming need and are not attending school to obtain a more appropriate amount of flour products.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the Oral Questions by him and by the hon. Members for Tiverton (Mr. Amory) and Mansfield (Mr. B. Taylor) on 17th July.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Cardiff Regional Food Committee take a long time to grant licences to returning ex-Servicemen; and if he will speed up the present machinery.

In a few cases the necessary inquiries by the Committee have entailed some delay in granting licences but decisions are given as promptly as possible; I will, of course, investigate any case where undue delay is occurring to which my hon. Friend may draw my attention.

asked the Minister of Food if, he is aware that troops serving in India can obtain supplies of such articles of food as tinned fruit, peas, beans, butter, Argentine beef dripping, grape fruit, jam, marmalade, cereals, Kraft cheese and tinned milk from the canteen services, in addition to their rations; and, in view of the shortage of these items in this country, if he will arrange for some of these supplies to be diverted to the United Kingdom in future.

With the approval of His Majesty's Government, the Indian Canteens Department does its best to supply a variety of goods for sale in Service canteens. The welfare of troops in India and elsewhere is a matter to which I attach so much importance that I should not feel justified in diverting the very small quantities of food involved.

asked the Minister of Food the proportion of the nation's total food supplies, in terms of calories, provided by home production in the years 1938, 1944 and 1946 and, particularly, the proportions of wheat, other cereals, potatoes, sugar, meat, dairy produce and eggs

Home produced supplies of food (excluding barley for brewing) calculated on a calorie basis, as a proportion of total food supplies in the five prewar years, 1944 and 1945–46 are given below:

Calories from:	Prewar (1934/35 to 1938/39).	1944.	1945/46 (June/July).
All Foods	30	40	39
Wheat Flour	10	39	24
Other Cereals.	32	63	77
Potatoes	97	100	100
Sugar and Syrups.	23	24	33
Meat	42	29	39
Dairy Produce.	82	78	83
Eggs and Products.	59	43	45

Figures for the year 1938 and for Me whole of 1946 are not available. The hon. Member will appreciate that there are other bases of calculation, which gives appreciably different results.

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of rationed food, both home produced and imported, is allocated to hotels, restaurants, etc.; and what increase would be possible in the civilian ration if all rationed food consumed in such places was subject to inclusion in each individual's weekly allowance.

Hotels, restaurants and catering establishments of the commercial type, excluding industrial canteens, purchase on average 3·4 per cent. of the total quantity of rationed foods available for civilian consumption. Of this amount 0·7 per cent. is eaten by residents in catering establishments who have to surrender their ration books; this consumption is an alternative to, and not an addition to, the domestic ration. The remaining 2·7 per cent is eaten by non-residents. If this food were included in the domestic ration it would allow an increase of about one-tenth of an ounce per week of tea, preserves, cheese and bacon, three-tenths of an ounce per week of fats and sugar and about three-tenths of a pennyworth of meat.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that under the present arrangements, whereby the value of the sugar coupon has been increased for fruit preserving, persons suffering from diabetes, who have their sugar coupons cancelled, are deprived of this extra allocation and are thereby prevented from preserving fruit; and if he will take steps to make special provision for these cases.

I am in full sympathy with diabetics over this and have arranged for a "spare" coupon to be used for the extra one lb. of sugar which is available during the present rationing period. Diabetics will, therefore, be able to obtain this allowance.

asked the Minister of Food what measures he contemplates taking to mitigate the special hardship that reduction in the soap ration will cause in areas where the water is exceptionally hard.

I regret that I cannot undertake to provide a larger ration of soap for people who live in areas where the water is exceptionally hard.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why his regulations prevent a married woman with two or more children from receiving family allowances if she is separated from her husband by a court order or mutual agreement; and whether he will take steps to remove this injustice.

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Family allowances due in respect of children living with a woman separated from her husband my be payable either to the wife or to the husband according to the circumstances. If the husband is not contributing to their maintenance, the allowances will be paid to the wife. If he is contributing, it is primarily a matter for the parties to agree upon, but in default the Act requires my right hon. Friend to decide to which of them the allowances should be paid.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the amount of land under corn production in the British zone of Germany in 1939 and in the present season.

The land under cereal production in what is now the British zone of Germany amounted to 5,461,000 acres in 1939; the estimate for the present season is 4,695,000 acres.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will state, as a result of the visit of the Directorate of Aerodromes, when services will be initiated to Tiree, Benbecula, Machrihanish and Hatston.

The visit was for the purpose of deciding the steps to be taken for the improvement of the air services already operating to Tiree, Benbecula, Machrihanish and Hatston.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that from time to time juvenile courts impose fines of several pounds, in certain cases, on children and, in view of the fact that heavy fines on children below the age of 10 years cause only hardship to the parents and cannot act as a deterrent to the children, if he will issue a circular discouraging the imposition of such heavy fines by children's courts.

In the case of a child under 14 the amount of the fine must not exceed 40s. and it may be imposed on the parent unless the court is satisfied that he has not conduced to the commission of the offence by neglecting to exercise due care of the child. It is for the juvenile Courts to decide whether, having regard to all the circumstances, a fine is the best way of dealing with a particular offence, and on the information before me I do not think they need further guidance in the exercise of their discretion.