asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to resume the steamboat passenger services from Scottish east coast ports to London.

The passenger vessels engaged on this service prior to the war are not now available and I am informed that the companies concerned have replaced them by cargo ships.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the food situation and the necessity for encouraging international trade, why the " Empress of Australia " had only 200 cases of soap in her forward hold on arrival at Singapore; and why the "Orangi" the " Charon " and the "Engor" which arrived in February, had empty cargo space.

" Empress of Australia " has space for about 1,000 tons of baggage, mails and cargo, which on the voyage in question was fully occupied by baggage and mails. In February the "Aorangi " was employed on Naval service under the orders of the Naval Commander in the area and was not available for the carriage of cargo. The " Charon " made a voyage in February from Australia to Singapore with several intermediate ports of call. She was well filled on leaving Australia. I am unable to identify the vessel referred to as the "Engor."

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there are six pilotage authorities in the Firth of Forth exercising a varying degree of control over a staff of 50 pilots; that this arrangement cannot be operated satisfactorily and makes it impracticable to establish a pilots' benefit fund such as exists in every other pilotage district in the United Kingdom; and whether he will order an inquiry into this matter with a view to constituting a single pilotage authority for the Firth of Forth forthwith, pending any future general legislation concerning ports and harbours.

I am aware of the number of pilotage authorities in the Firth of Forth and also of the difficulties in connection with the benefit fund. I have no specific power to order an Inquiry as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, but I will use my good offices and invite representatives of interested bodies to a conference to see if agreement can be reached for overcoming present difficulties.

asked the Minister of Transport how many ships have recently been diverted from the Port of Wisbech; and why such diversion has been necessary.

I am not aware of any such diversions.

asked the Minister of Transport when it will be possible to run through trains from the North and the Midlands to Brighton and Hove, thus avoiding the inconvenience of crossing London during the summer holiday season.

Shortage of rolling stock prevents the restoration of these through facilities this year but it is proposed to consider their restoration next summer.

asked the Minister of Transport when it will be possible to commence the construction of the Tamworth road bridge, Hove, together with a new central station adjacent, as envisaged before the war in 1939.

The proposal for the reconstruction of this bridge has recently been reconsidered by the Hove Town Council, who are the responsible highway authority, but they have decided temporarily to defer it. I understand from the Southern Railway Company that the conversion of the nearby Aldrington Halt into a station is included in their postwar works programme, but must be accorded a lower priority than a number of other more urgent schemes.

asked the Minister of Transport the average period of time goods wagons are kept as non-runners awaiting repairs on the L.N.E.R. and at Whitemoor Yards; and why, in early July, 168 wagons were labelled from Whitemoor to Peterborough for repairs, the majority of which could have been carried out at Whitemoor.

Information is not available on which to base a reliable estimate of the average periods wagons are awaiting repairs on the L.N.E.R. and at Whitemoor Yards. I understand that during July it was necessary to send some wagons to Peterborough for repairs because the repairing firms at Whitemoor were fully occupied.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any compensation is payable by the railway companies to growers of perishable foodstuffs whose consignments are ruined by unauthorised strikes.

Under the standard terms and conditions of carriage of merchandise, authorised by the Railway Rates Tribunal under the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, the railway companies are not held liable for loss, damage or delay proved by the railway companies to have been caused by strikes. The relevant conditions are No. 17 and No. G.14.

asked the Minister of Transport if any provision was made for the feeding, care or clearance of livestock consigned to Bishopsgate Station during the period of the recent strike, whether any deaths occurred; and whether he will give the approximate numbers of poultry and other stock so consigned.

During the period of the recent strike there was no livestock traffic at Bishopsgate.

asked the Minister of Transport why Section No. 8, Details of Working Expenses, is omitted from the published annual accounts of the L.P.T.B.

Under the Railway Control Agreement all revenue receipts and expenses of the controlled undertakings are pooled and clearances between them are not made. Any details of working expenses which might be given for an individual undertaking would therefore be misleading.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that there is only one general waiting room with two chairs and seats around the wall at King's Cross station, London; that on Thursday evening, 18th July, and Friday morning, 19th July, soldiers and sailors were lying asleep on the table and the floor; and if he will go into this matter with the L.N.E.R. and endeavour to provide facilities for these Servicemen and the general public.

The general waiting room at King's Cross has seats around the walls which will accommodate about 30 people and additional chairs are being provided as supplies become available. There is also a ladies' waiting room which is kept open all night; a second ladies' waiting room was destroyed by enemy action. There was a rest room for the Forces in the Salvation Army Canteen with 24 bunks, but this was closed down about a month ago owing, I understand, to the little use that was being made of it.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will improve the rail services between Macclesfield and Birmingham.

Yes, Sir. As from the 7th October the 2.54 p.m. and 5.55 p.m. trains on week days from Macclesfield to Birmingham are to be accelerated.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans have been made for extending and rebuilding Stroud station.

No plans have been made for rebuilding or extending Stroud Station.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the annual cost of operating level crossings in Gloucester.

I am informed that the annual staff cost of operating level crossings in Gloucester is £4,513.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will report on the circumstances under which passengers in the Bradford portion of the 10.45 p.m. train from King's Cross to Leeds and Bradford were squeezed into 1½ passenger coaches at Leeds at, approximately, 4 a.m. on Friday, 12th July, and continued their journey in discomfort whilst, approximately, ten empty passenger coaches remained behind at Leeds; and whether he will instruct the railway companies to have greater regard for the well-being of their customers.

On the night of 11th-12th July, eight vehicles were, as usual, detached from this train at Leeds to form another train. There were 21 first class and 56 third class seats on the remaining section which went on to Bradford. I am informed that there would have been sufficient seats for all but a few of the standing passengers, if those seated had been willing to make room. The railway authorities considered adding an extra coach, but decided not to, because this would have delayed the train for ten minutes, and the rest of the journey took only 20 minutes in all. There have been no previous complaints about overcrowding on this train, the loadings of which are being carefully watched.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the institution of non-lighting of streets in many parts of London and in support of the road safety campaign, if he. will make representations to borough councils that all heaps of rubble deposited in the roadways by builders and demolition squads should be indicated at night with storm lanterns.

If rubble is deposited on a public highway it is a legal requirement that the use of the highway by the public should be safeguarded. Ordinarily this requires the provision of lights at night. Local authorities are, I think, well aware of these provisions, but I have no doubt that the hon. Member's Question and my reply will be a reminder to them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that .410 cartridges are of little use for killing grey squirrels; and if he will, therefore, consider the free issue of 12-bore cartridges to grey squirrel clubs instead of the smaller type, in view of the great damage done to food by this pest.

According to returns from county war agricultural executive committees, grey squirrel clubs to which .410 cartridges have been issued free have been responsible for the destruction of a very large number of grey squirrels. My right hon. Friend is aware that the short range of .410 cartridges limits their effective use and that in some circumstances 12-bore cartridges are more efficient. Committees are therefore authorised to issue a reasonable number of 12-bore cartridges free to the clubs in order to enable them to deal with grey squirrels which cannot be reached by the other type.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why fanners with threshing machinery are precluded from using it on neighbouring farms; and when the present restrictions will be removed to enable farmers possessing such tackle to help their neighbours.

Farmers are not prevented from using their threshing machinery to give occasional help to their neighbours. If, however, the extent of the work done for others brings the farmers within the-scope of the Agricultural Contractors (Registration and Control) Orders, 1940, they are required to register with the County War Agricultural Executive Committee and to comply with such directions, if any, as the committee may give them in common with other threshing contractors in the county.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what use is to be made of the tomato soil sterilizer purchased by the Oxfordshire W.A.E.C. in 1943–44 at a cost of £2,000; why it has never been used; and for what reason it was purchased.

This machine, which cost £1,000 and was supplied to the Oxfordshire W.A.E.C. in August, 1944, was transferred in June this year to the Surrey W.A.E.C. for contract work. It was not used in Oxfordshire because applications for soil sterilization were less than had been expected and other smaller apparatus that became available in the county after the committee had ordered their machine was, able to deal with the work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of feeding-stuffs for dairy cows and to prevent hay and oats being directed to hunting and riding horses, he will ensure that all such animals must be put out to grass during the winter months.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Keenan) on 17th July. My right hon. Friend has no means of ensuring that horses are put out to grass during the winter months.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the approximate number of hunting and riding horses maintained in the country at the present time.

I regret that there is no information available. As far as I am aware no census of hunting and riding horses has been taken for several years.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make available immediately extra German prisoner of war labour in North Lincolnshire to help with the flax crop which was badly damaged in the recent storms.

Additional prisoner-of-war labour has been drafted to North Lincolnshire to help in harvesting the flax crop.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken, in view of the cut in feeding-stuffs, to increase the supply of fishmeal to farmers.

The supply of fishmeal depends on the quantity of fish landed and the utilisation of waste material arising from it. Catching power is gradually increasing and as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food proposes to alter the present Maximum Prices Order so as to provide an inducement to the landing of cod and coalfish with head on, an increase in fishmeal production may be expected.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many places at agricultural colleges and farm institutes will be available by next October; what percentage of the places are being reserved for ex-Servicemen; and how many entries from all sources have been refused.

It is estimated that just under 500 places will be available at agricultural colleges next session and about 1,200 at farm institutes and other centres of that type. Preference is being given at agricultural colleges to suitably qualified applicants who have served in the Armed Forces, but agricultural colleges, like universities, may apply where necessary for up to 10 per cent, of the available places to be reserved for students recommended for deferment by joint recruiting boards. At the farm institute level, approximately 50 per cent, of the total number of places come within the special arrangements made for the institutional training of ex-Service personnel under the Government's agricultural training scheme Places have been obtained by all applicants approved under the further education and training scheme for courses in agricultural colleges next session, and are available for all those selected for institutional training at the farm institute level under the Government's vocational training scheme. I have no direct information as to the number of unsuccessful applications for admission to agricultural colleges and farm institutes from students not eligible for awards under these schemes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what fresh steps are being taken, in view of the cut in feedingstuffs, to make available to farmers the thousands of acres of grass on aerodromes, road verges and railway embankments.

As regards grass on airfields, adequate arrangements are already made for its utilisation, so far as practicable, either by grazing or by cutting for drying, hay or silage. As regards road verges and railway embankments I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply on 1st July to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. J. Morrison) and my hon. Friend the Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Randall).

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of staff for whom the Chief Veterinary Officer of his Department is responsible; and whether arrangements can now be made for him to enjoy the same status as the second secretary.

The chief veterinary officer is responsible for about 560 full-time professional and technical staff, and also for about 1,070 part-time local veterinary inspectors. The reply to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he anticipates it will be possible to reach an agreed settlement for the salaries and status of the veterinary staff of his Department.

Discussions are still proceeding with the N.V.M.A., and I cannot say when a settlement is likely to be reached, though I hope that it will be fairly soon.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will take steps to bring the salary scales for the veterinary officers of his Department into line with the other scientific services of the Government; and if he will arrange that the Government's chief veterinary officer shall receive a salary not substantially less than the Government's chief medical officer.

No, Sir. The revised scales for veterinary staff now under discussion with the N.V.M.A. have been framed in relation to those of other professional and scientific civil servants. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend does not consider that the responsibilities of the chief veterinary officer are comparable with those of the chief medical; officer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the distress which will be caused, particularly to the smaller farmer, as a result of the recent revision of agricultural prices; and what steps he is taking to enable the farmers to meet the substantial rise of £2 per ton in the costs of feeding-stuffs.

No, Sir, my right hon. Friend has no reason to expect that such distress will occur. If any difficulties become apparent during the next six months it will be open to the National Farmers' Union to make appropriate representations at the next annual price review in February. Similarly, if there has been any rise in the costs of feeding-stuffs, the appropriate time to raise this matter is next February along with any other cost increases or decreases.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now announce the detailed allocation of the increase in prices of fat cattle, sheep and lambs during the period August to December, 1946.

Details of the various increases in the current prices for fat sheep, cattle and lambs that will come into operation at intervals from 5th August onwards were published in a Press announcement issued on 22nd July, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will reopen the special price review; and if he will receive evidence from representatives of producers regarding the increased cost they would have to bear that would not be met by his present proposals.

The National Farmers' Unions have had ample opportunity at the recent special price review to bring forward all the evidence in their possession; and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to impair the agreed procedure for price fixing by holding a further special review so soon after the conclusion of the last.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the 325,000 tons of wheat that he anticipates will be delivered off the farms in August and September will come from the six Northern counties, Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire.

The estimate to which the hon. Member refers concerned deliveries to millers and was made on a national basis. No estimates have been made of the proportions likely to be delivered from any particular area.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that his new prices schedule does not cover the increased costs of the marginal farmer; and whether it is his intention to order priority crops to be grown on this land.

As my right hon. Friend has often stated in the House, the Government can give no guarantee of complete or automatic recoupment of increases in the costs cither of all farmers, or of particular classes of farmers such as marginal farmers. With regard to the second part of the Question, while a farmer may be directed to grow a crop which will give him a smaller financial return than he might have secured with freedom of cropping, it is not the intention that he should be directed to grow a crop on land which is so unsuited to it that even with efficient cultivation he is likely to be involved in financial loss.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the trouble farmers are having to get German prisoners of war to work; if he will ask for a report from the W.A.E.Cs. regarding the matter; and if he will state the Government's policy to obtain the necessary manpower for the industry when the German prisoners have returned home.

My Department is in constant touch with war agricultural executive committees concerning the employment of prisoners of war, and my right hon. Friend is fully aware that difficulties do arise. Committees have been instructed to do all they can to make the employment arrangements effective. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War also recently announced certain measures to encourage the output of prisoners. As to the last part of the Question the policy of the Government is to create conditions in agriculture which will enable an adequate number of workers to be recruited by normal means, but special arrangements to augment the permanent agricultural labour force will no doubt have to be continued for some time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will withdraw the prisoner-of-war labour from the county of Lincoln, in view of the fact that the National Union of Agricultural Workers and the National Farmers' Union have failed to reach the agreement on piece rates.

No, Sir, but I am giving urgent attention to the position in Lincolnshire arising from the failure of the two sides of the industry to reach an agreement on piece rates.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prisoners of war who have been made available for employment in the county of Radnor during the last four months; and whether he is satisfied that prisoners are not being used to the detriment of land girls or other British labour.

The average number of prisoners of war available for agricultural work in the county of Radnor in the four months ended 30th June, 1946, was 178. This was a much smaller number than in 1945, and I have no reason to think that prisoners are being employed in this county to the detriment of members of the Women's Land Army or other British labour.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the demand for potash in the fruit-growing area of North Essex; and if he is satisfied that this area has had the appropriate share of the supplies which have been available in the last six months.

My right hon. Friend is aware of this demand for potash but the restrictions on the use of this fertiliser for certain crops extend to all fruit, except black currants. The position will, however, be reviewed in the autumn in the light of the supply position then obtaining.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many British farmworkers are still retained in the Armed Forces; and whether he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to secure the release of skilled men.

At the end of June, 1945, that is, more than a year ago, the number of workers in agriculture and commercial horticulture in the Armed forces was about 85,000. Of these all but approximately 17,000 have been or are in process of being released. The bulk of the 17,000 are men who have been offered, but have refused, release in Class B.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will authorise W.A.E.Cs to issue permits to purchase wire netting to private growers to prevent the destruction of vegetables by pests.

No, Sir. Release of wire netting for private gardens and allotment holders is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is yet in a position to say how soon it will be possible to release the County Hall, Dorchester, which is urgently required by the Dorset branches of the Women's Institute.

The Ministry of Works, in conjunction with my Department, has for some time been seeking alternative accommodation for the staff of the Dorset War Agricultural Executive Committee who arc at present occupying the hall. These efforts have been unsuccessful and offices will have to be built. The Ministry of Works are arranging to lease a site near Dorchester for this purpose, but I am afraid it will be some time before the new buildings are ready for occupation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many land girls have been engaged by the Radnor W.A.E.C.; how many have been demobilised; how many have left; how many dismissed; and how many W.L.A. hostels have been closed down during the last four months.

Eighty-eight members of the Women's Land Army were employed by the Radnor War Agricultural Executive Committee in December, 1945, when the official release scheme started. Of that number 12 have since been granted willing release, 11 have left, and one was dismissed. In addition, 10 land girls have been transferred to other War Agricultural Executive Committees and two have taken employment with farmers. During the last four months one Women's Land Army hostel has been closed down by the committee after consultation with the county branch of the Land Army.

asked the Under-Secre-tary of State for Dominion Affairs the total sum given by way of free gifts to the Government of Newfoundland by British Governments since 1933.

The grants made to Newfoundland from United Kingdom funds, from 1933 onwards, amount in all to. approximately £3,960,000. This sum includes grants under the Colonial Development Act of 1929.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether assent has yet been given to the Native (Urban Areas) Act of the Southern Rhodesia Legislature.

A notification that His Majesty would not be advised to exercise his power of disallowance in respect of this Act was conveyed to the Southern Rhodesia Government in a despatch dated 25th May and the Act was brought into operation on 14th June.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs why the Merchant Shipping (Registration of New Zealand Government Ships) Older, 1946 (S.R. & O., 1946, No. 1086), which was made on 10th July, does not comply with the requirements of Treasury Circular No. 21/46 dated 21st June.

This Order was issued at the request of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand in accordance with New Zealand law, and affects New Zealand interests only. It does not therefore fall within the description of subordinate legislation to which Treasury Circular No. 21/46 refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps his Department will take to assist ex-Guardsman F. H. W. White, of Gilling-ham, Dorset, to obtain a passage to Canada for himself and his family, in view of the fact that this man is 80 per cent. disabled, has been waiting for many months for a passage and is now told that it is unlikely he will get one for a further year.

I understand that Mr. White came to the United Kingdom from Canada in 1937 with the object of joining the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and that he married whilst in this country. He has since been recognised as a Canadian citizen and the Canadian authorities have accepted responsibility for his repatriation to Canada together with his family. Owing to the shipping situation and the large number of Canadian military and civilian personnel awaiting repatriation it will be appreciated that some delay is bound to occur. My hon. Friend may however rest assured that passages will be provided for Mr. White and his family as soon as shipping space becomes available for the category of priority passengers in which they have been placed.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is yet in a position to arrange a sale of Government surplus stores at some place in the North-East of Scotland, where the people of Aberdeen may have an opportunity of buying them; and if he will specify the kinds of stores and the time and place when and where they will be made available for inspection and sale.

No, Sir; there have not yet been such surpluses of consumer goods in the North-East of Scotland as would justify a local sale.

asked the Minister of Supply (1) whether, in view of the difficulty still being experienced throughout the country in obtaining spectacles, he will take steps to increase supplies in the near future;(2) if he is aware that difficulty is being experienced in Birmingham in supplying orders for solid ground bifocal lenses which have been outstanding for eight months; and if he will take immediate steps to bring about an improvement in supplies.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to increase the supply of spectacle lenses, in view of the long delays still experienced by those requiring these articles.

I am aware that it is still difficult, in Birmingham and elsewhere, to obtain bifocal and complex lenses, in spite of the fact that production is increasing and is now considerably greater than before the war. I am, however, advised that it should be possible to meet all such orders much more speedily than my hon. Friend suggests, and if he knows of any particular case of delay and will let me have details I will do all I can to help, for I do realise the inconvenience and hardship involved. We are doing everything possible to improve the labour position since a shortage of the highly skilled workers needed for this industry is the main difficulty in increasing output.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will now lift the embargo on the supply of lead for the manufacture of toys for sale in the home market; and, if not, when he expects to be able to do so.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedford (Mr. Lennox-Boyd) on 22nd July. I regret that I see no prospect of an early improvement in the supply position.

asked the Minister of Supply why he has stopped allocations of lead to the toy trade.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have given today to the hon. and gallant Member for Dumfries (Major N. Macpherson).

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of complaints received from discharged men from the Services because of the delay in providing them with suits of clothes at the depot, Branston; and if he will take the necessary measures to provide the depot with release clothing for earlier distribution to applicants.

While stocks of suits of normal sizes are reasonably adequate, there has been some delay in supplying those which have to be specially made and double-breasted suits. I have, however, taken action to speed up the delivery of these and I am glad to say that the position is improving.

asked the Minister of Supply which Government Departments and non-official individuals and organisations are entitled to priority in the delivery of motor cars; and how many motor cars have been delivered to each Government Department and to each category of such individuals and organisations since 1st January, 1946.

The requirements of Government Departments for new motor cars are dealt with by direct orders placed by my Ministry on the industry and not by a priority system. The industry itself administers a system of priorities for dealing with identifiable private orders for new cars required by doctors and mid-wives for their professional duties. Reconditioned surplus cars are also allocated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on a priority basis to badly disabled ex-Servicemen.The deliveries to Government Departments since 1st January last amount to 1,624 cars; figures for deliveries to doctors, midwives and ex-Servicemen are not available.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that private growers of foodstuffs cannot obtain any wire netting from ironmongers as retailers cannot obtain further supplies from manufacturers without licences; and if he will take steps to modify this rule in the interests of food production.

I am doing my best to increase supplies of wire netting, but there is still insufficient to meet the present very heavy demand. In view of the importance of the needs of private growers a proportion of output is made available without licence to ironmongers.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the continued shortage of electric kettles in Norfolk; and if he will hold out any hope of an increased supply being made available in that area in the near future.

During the past six months production of electric kettles for the home market has been larger than before the war. I was not aware of a shortage in Norfolk, but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have details, I shall do all I can to help.

asked the Minister of Supply the total quantity and value, respectively, of photographic accessories made available from surplus Service stocks to Messers. H. A Gregory and Company, Limited, Great North Road, London; and for what purpose such stocks were made available.

Some 60 tons of scrap film have been sold by competitive tender to this firm for the recovery of nitrate of silver.

asked the Minister of Supply the present approximate number of typewriters in the possession of his Department; how many are required; and how many are to be released as surplus during the current year.

About 8,000 typewriters are in my Ministry's possession. All are needed at present, but any becoming surplus during the current year will be released immediately.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) to what extent are secondary industries dependent on the paint, varnish and lacquer industry for surface coating materials essential to the proper functioning and sale, especially in the export trade; what representations have been made on these matters to his Department; and whether he has been able to give satisfactory assurances that the present scarcity is likely to end before the end of the year;(2) what representations have been made to his Department by shipbuilders, ship owners, railway companies and local authorities regarding the shortages of paint and varnish for renovation, maintenance and new construction; and, as the present scarcity is seriously delaying anticipated programmes, causing heavy additional expenditure in the future, what steps he is taking to allocate as much paint as possible for such purposes.(3) what steps the Government propose to take to ensure that more raw materials required for the paint, varnish and lacquer industry will be forthcoming in the near future; and if manufacturers can rely upon these essential materials being made available before the end of the year.

The present shortage of paint arises mainly from the shortage of linseed oil, regarding which I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food in reply to Questions on 29th May. Every effort is being made to supplement linseed oil by the provision of substitutes and to increase the availability of other paint materials in short supply by expanding home production and facilitating imports.It is not possible to say to what extent secondary industries are dependent on surface coating materials but the importance of meeting their essential requirements is fully recognised. I have received representations on this matter from the paint industry. Local authorities have drawn attention to the effect which a shortage of paint would have on their housing programmes and I understand that similar representations have been made to the Ministry of Transport by shipowners in regard to their maintenance programmes.Exports of paint were recently drastically curtailed; and a scheme of paint distribution, which will come into operation on 1st August, makes specific provision for transport and general industrial uses, as well as for building purposes. I cannot at present say when the. scarcity of paint-making materials is likely to end; but I hope that the action which is being taken will enable the present supplies of paint in this country to be maintained, and if possible increased, during the next few months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a shortage of clothing of every kind in the shops of Aberdeen; and if he will take steps to increase it before the onset of the coming winter.

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given to him on 24th June.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the negotiations for a commercial agreement with Yugoslavia.

Comprehensive discussions covering shipping, property and finance, as well as the resumption of trade, have recently taken place with a Yugoslav trade delegation. It is hoped that the relative agreements will be signed in the latter part of August.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will devise a new method of allocating any extra newsprint which becomes available; and give consideration to applicants for newsprint who had no allocation in 1939.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether with a view to diminishing the alleged tendency to monopoly in the public Press, he will remove the existing restrictions which prevent the starting of new newspaper enterprises, especially in districts where existing local newspapers are exclusively of one political shade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will relax the restriction on advertisements in respect of local newspapers started since 1940, so as to enable them to devote the same proportion of space to advertising as papers already existing in 1940 are able to do;(2) whether, in considering possible relaxations in the severity in the control of the issue of newsprint, he will have regard to the desirability of making such concessions as will enable new publications to bo started which will stand or fall on their own merits.

The basis of allocation is now under review, but I am not yet able to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the recent loan agreement with the U.S.A., he is now in a position to increase the supply of newsprint.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he anticipates being able to make a statement on the question of making available increased supplies of newsprint.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Upton (Mr. A. Lewis) on Monday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to increase the supply of newspapers to seaside resorts where great difficulty is experienced by visitors in obtaining newspapers.

The distribution of newspapers is controlled by a committee of the newspapers themselves, but, if my hon. Friend will advise me of any specific cases of shortage, I will see that these are brought to their notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much leather, in quantity and value, has been exported during the first six months of 1946 and to what countries; and if he will consider taking steps to retain all leather in this country so as to increase employment in the shoemaking industry.

The figures which the hon. Member desires in the first part of his Question will be found in the monthly Trade and Navigation Accounts for June, copies of which are available in the Library. In view of the importance of re-establishing our export trade in leather, it is necessary to continue a small percentage of exports, but the amount exported which is suitable for footwear is a very small proportion only of total supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much of the 295,000 tons of cotton in the United Kingdom and the 220,000 tons abroad, or afloat, was bought for cash and how much in futures dealing; for the futures which foreign markets were used; and what were the amounts bought in those markets, respectively.

Apart from American cotton acquired under Lend/Lease, all our cotton stocks have been bought for cash.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new shops have been opened in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, in the first year since the war ended; and how many are fruit shops.

During the six months ended 31st December 1945, the following numbers of licences were granted under the Location of Retail Businesses Order: England, 15,989; Scotland, 1,808; Wales, 776. These figures include 6,993 licences granted in respect of the acquisition of goodwill of existing businesses and 1,746 transfer licences. Since that date, it had not been necessary to obtain a licence to open a non-food retail shop, and no further statistics are available. Food shops, including fruit shops, are the concern of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, and are not included in the above figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that boys' flannel shorts are unobtainable in the city of Norwich; and if he will take steps to ensure adequate supplies of this essential article of school attire.

I am aware that there is a shortage of boys' flannel shorts in Norwich. I am asking suppliers to the local shops to do their best to remedy the position as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the conditions under which supplementary coupons are issued to demobilised men; whether they will continue after the issue of the additional 26 coupons; how many such additional coupons have been issued since the termination of hostilities; and what is the average number issued in all to each demobilised man.

The conditions are that members of all ranks, men and women, shall have relinquished their basic civilian clothing ration, given full time paid services in the Forces for over one month at least, and have been released to civil life at the due termination of such service. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative and to the third, "None," since the first of the additional issues of 26 coupons will not be made until November. I regret I have not sufficient information to enable me to answer the last part of the Question, but the normal entitlement, including the 26 additional coupons and apart from the share of the basic ration and any industrial supplements which vary from case to case, is, for men 116 coupons and clothing in kind to the value of 63 coupons, and for women, 172 coupons and no clothing in kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what conditions additional clothing coupons are issued to serving officers and men by the War Office; whether these coupons are obtained from his Department; and what was the total number issued in the last 12 months.

Service coupons restricted to the purchase of uniform and accessories are made available by my Department to the War Office for issue to serving officers to build up an outfit, and maintain it; of these Service coupons, 21 a year are available for the purchase of certain civilian clothing No coupons are at present issued to other ranks, but, on this point, I would ask the hon. Member to await the answer which I propose to give today to my hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Mr. J. Freeman). I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that the figures for which the hon. Member asks are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the pronouncement of the Leeds stipendiary magistrate that all those who have been using relations' clothing coupons have been committing crimes; and if he will take steps to amend the necessary order to make clear that this practice is legal.

I am advised that it is legal for a person to use the ration book of another person on whose behalf the goods are being obtained, and that, in the case of the members of a family, in the absence of evidence to the contrary the necessary authority would be inferred from the possession of the ration book.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that delay is being caused in the issue of clothing coupons to those returning to the United Kingdom from abroad owing to a decision that all applications for such coupons must now be submitted to his Department in London; and if he will take steps to have this decision reversed and to revert to the practice of giving some discretion to his local representatives in dealing with such applications.

In order to ensure that the varied requirements of people returning from different places abroad should be equitably met, it has been found necessary to concentrate this work in London. Since applications had normally to be made by post under the earlier system, however, the change should not slow up the treatment of applications appreciably. It would not be in the interest of equity to revert to the earlier practice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to make the announcement which has been promised about civilian clothing coupons for other ranks.

Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that I have just concluded arrangements with the Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry, whereby all "other ranks' and ratings of the three Services, including the Women's Services, who are members of our British Forces and who have at least one year or more still to serve on the 1st October, 1946, shall receive a book containing 21 clothing coupons. The concession will date from 1st October, but it is not expected that actual distribution of the books will be complete until the New Year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the regulation authorising naval ratings to wear plain clothes when off duty, he will allow them civilian clothing coupons.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Mr. J. Freeman).

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he anticipates that British subjects coming from abroad for short visits, who now receive 10 clothing coupons on arrival, will be brought into line with aliens visiting this country who receive an allocation of clothing coupons after two months.

I have under consideration the question of coupons for British and foreign visitors but I regert I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps were taken to expedite the machinery for granting import licences when the hon. Member for Derby, High Peak, complained of nine weeks' delay in granting a licence to Messrs. Levi Jackson & Sons, Limited, Hobroyd, Glossop, on 22nd January, 1946; why, after an application for a further licence had been made on 3rd June, 1946, seven reminders were necessary before the licence was issued on 4th July, 1946 and whether he will give an assurance that such delays in his Department will not recur.

The staffing of the Import Licensing Department has been improved since the hon. Member asked a similar Question on 30th January and every effort is made to reduce delays to a minimum. Of the delay of a month in dealing with this further application, 12 days was due to shortage of typing staff which has since been partially remedied. The hon. Member appears to be misinformed as to the number of reminders: I understand that the Department received one telegram and one further letter from the firm.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the allocation of .35 of a coupon made to the Rugby Union, the Football Association and other national games organisations per player is inadequate, in view of the fact that a jersey requires four coupons, a pair of shorts three coupons, a pair of stockings two coupons and a pair of boots five coupons, making a total of 14 coupons; and if he will re- consider this allocation in order that thousands of young men may not be debarred from playing games during the coming winter season.

No, Sir. The allocation is intended to meet cases of special need and not to absolve players from spending some of their personal coupons for this purpose, and I could only do more at the expense of other people.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that 62,000 metric tons of potash fertiliser have been exported from the British zone in Germany up to 1st July, 1946, and that only 17,000 tons were sent to the United Kingdom; and, as this potash is in short supply in England and urgently required here in the interest of agriculture, if he will endeavour to obtain a higher proportion of the available export.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that fruit-growers and other agriculturalists in this country are in urgent need of potash fertiliser; and if he will endeavour to secure a larger percentage than hitherto of the supplies of it available for export from the British zone of Germany.

World supplies of fertilisers during the year ended 30th June, 1946, were allocated among consuming countries by the Combined Food Board in Washington, and supplies for the current season have been allocated by the International Emergency Food Council. Under this latter allocation, all potash produced in the British zone of Germany will be retained for use within the zone, but the United Kingdom will be entitled to obtain from other sources a quantity sufficient to cover its estimated requirements. Every effort will of course be made to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amounts of potash he expects will be imported for agricultural use from the British zone of Germany between now and the end of the year; and whether this will be sufficient to meet demands.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given today to similar questions on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to indicate the decision of His Majesty's Government on the recommendations of the Catering Wages Commission on the development of the catering, holiday and tourist services.

Yes, Sir. The Government have decided to bring into being a non-Government organisation to foster and develop the catering, holiday and tourist services. As the Prime Minister informed the hon. and gallant Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) on 7th June, the Board of Trade is now primarily responsible for questions relating to those services. We are at present considering the steps necessary to create the organisation but, before reaching any conclusions as to its structure, I am about to undertake discussions with the interests directly concerned. As soon as those discussions have been completed, I hope to make a more detailed announcement

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the bank strike in Northern Ireland, it has been found possible to take some steps to release coupons to enable making-up firms to purchase cloth.

Yes, Sir. A General Licence has been signed and will be published tomorrow enabling deliveries of rationed goods to be made in Northern Ireland to makers-up and other traders against a declaration in due form by the purchaser of ability to meet the coupon expenditure involved. Full information is being circulated in the normal way both here and in Northern Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a large firm of exporters to the U.S.A. of Scottish granulated peat for fertilising purposes is unable to accept business to the extent of at least 1,000,000 U.S. dollars because the suppliers of peat moss in Scotland are unable to obtain the necessary labour or secure permits to erect the special plant required to deal with this volume of business; and if he will do his utmost to facilitate this important export business in Scotland.

Yes, Sir. My Regional Officers in Scotland and the North of England are in touch with the producers of this material, who will be given all possible assistance to overcome their difficulties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to give effect to the request contained in the letter, dated 13th July, 1946, addressed to his Department by the Hastings and St. Leonards Chamber of Commerce on the subject of area percentage figures and to ensure that the allocation of supplies of goods to this locality are on a similar basis to towns which were not in the front line and whose local traders did rot suffer from a ban of nearly five years on their livelihood.

I have no reason to think that manufacturers and wholesalers are in general still basing their supplies to front line towns and evacuated areas on the obsolete area percentage figures published at the end of 1942, but in order to remove any doubt I will draw the attention of the trade associations concerned to the fact that these figures no longer accurately represent the position. My present information is that Hastings is receiving its fair share of scarce goods and my regional distribution officers have instructions to keep a careful watch on supplies in areas specially affected by the war.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has noted the observation of Mr. Justice Stable, at the Manchester Assizes on 24th July, in regard to the complicated nature of the orders issued by his Department; and if he has any statement to make as to the possibility of simplification.

The case tried by Mr. Justice Stable included charges relating to offences dating from June, 1944, and it was accordingly necessary to go into the provisions of Orders then in force and subsequently revoked, as well as those at present in operation. The scheme of control over sales of non-utility furniture was worked out in conjunction with the trade, and I fear that any scheme dealing with this extremely complicated subject is inevitably itself elaborate and complex. I hope shortly to re-enact the existing orders in consolidated form, and I shall see that they are simplified wherever that is possible without prejudice to their efficiency in preventing profiteering and black market dealing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give some or any of the quantities of agricultural implements recently exported from this country to Germany, France, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Italy.

As the answer is necessarily somewhat detailed, I will send my hon. Friend the information for which he has asked.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will enable qualified members of the medical and ancillary professions who, in the interests of public hygiene, are obliged to wear protective gowns and overalls for their work, to obtain these garments coupon free.

Yes, Sir. As from a date in August, private practitioners in these professions will be able to buy a limited number of overalls, in the case of doctors, operating gowns, without surrendering their personal coupons. Details of this scheme, including the exact date of operation, will be published in the appropriate professional journals.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, before increasing the subsidy on wool materials, he did not first consult all branches of the trade, especially the producers of cloth.

The method of rebate was fully discussed with both merchants and manufacturers when it was first introduced, and there was no occasion to con- sult them upon the recent increase in amount, which was settled after investigation by the Board's accountant adviser into the costs of the garment makers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of the fact that no manufacturer, merchant or draper requires a subsidy on wool materials, a further subsidy has been given since 1st June at a cost to the taxpayer of £4,500,000.

As the hon. Member was informed on 1st July, the existing rates of rebate on utility wool cloth have been increased because of increased labour costs in the heavy clothing industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that orders for woo! materials for Rhodesia and South Africa cannot be executed because the Wool Export Control in Bradford refuse to give allocations especially for 206 and 208 qualities of which there is a glut in Britain; and what steps he is taking to alter this practice.

I am aware that, owing to the shortage of labour in the wool industry, the amount of cloth available for export is much below the level of overseas demand. Export allocations, however, arc fixed as high as possible in relation to other claims, and it would not be practicable or desirable to divert utility cloths to export. The production of these cloths, including numbers 206 and 208, is no more then sufficient to meet the current needs of the clothing ration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, in view of the high wages that are being offered by the making-up trade in the cotton and wool manufacturing districts, the production side of the industry is unable to secure adequate labour; and if he will take steps to encourage the production of cloth which is the first necessity.

I am aware of the shortage of labour in the textile industry and every effort is being made to increase its labour force. I can readily give the hon. Member an assurance that all possible steps will be taken to encourage the production of cloth, but for the most part the textile industry does not compete directly with the making-up trade for operatives. The question of wage rates in any industry is a matter to be settled between the two sides.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to which other Departments the 7,800 available poles have been allocated; how soon the remainder of 6,200 will be allocated; and if these 6,200 will be allocated to the electricity supply industry for which additional poles are urgently needed.

The following using Departments have shared the 7,800 poles allocated so far for 1946: Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Fuel and Power, Air Ministry, Ministry of Works, Home Office, Ministry of Supply, Department of Health for Scotland, Crown Agents for the Colonies and the Government of Northern Ireland. The total allocation to these Departments represents somewhat less than half of the requirements so far tabled by them. The balance of 6,200 poles, which depends in part on supply prospects being realised, must be retained to meet unforeseen demands and cannot be allocated at present to any one using Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to increase in wages costs in the wool trade, it is not now possible to maintain a good quality of 210a material at 3 coupons a yard value and the leading makers have demanded an advance in price which takes the cloth into the 210b category thus involving 4½ coupons per yard instead of 3, to the detriment of the consumer; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

No, Sir. Cloth manufacturers are taking orders for utility cloth No. 210A in much larger quantities than last year, and I have no evidence that they are not maintaining the normal quality of this specification.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether more specific details can be given of the United Kingdom exports by U.N.R.R.A., which appear in the Board of Trade Journal under the bare titles, "Agricultural Machinery" and "Industrial Machinery."

These figures were provided by U.N.R.R.A., and they have, at my request, analysed their exports into a considerable number of groups. Those referred to by the hon. and gallant Member are not large, and I should regard it as unreasonable to ask U.N.R.R.A. to subject their original records in respect of machinery to any further analysis.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General an estimate of the number of wireless receiving sets in use in Great Britain for which current licences have not been purchased; and how many persons have been convicted in the last six months for not possessing current licences.

As my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council said on 19th February in reply to Questions by the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle), it is difficult to estimate the extent of evasion of payment of licences. I am, however, satisfied that the number of wireless receiving sets in use in Great Britain for which current licences have not been purchased is very small in relation to the number of sets for which current licences are held, and I draw this conclusion partly from the fact that the number of licences in force has increased from approximately 9,982,000 to 10,672,000 during the first six months of this year. This is an increase of 690,000. During the same six months 940 persons were convicted for not possessing current licences.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will include in the new charter to be granted to the B.B.C. a provision that an annual report and accounts must be presented to Parliament.

The Government will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will include in the new charter to be granted to the B.B.C. a provision for the number of its governors to be increased to eight appointed by the Prime Minister, of whom two would retire every year, each appointment to be subject to affirmative resolutions of approval by Parliament.

The B.B.C. Charter already makes provision whereby the periods for which governors hold office can be staggered, as the hon. Member suggests, and their number increased or reduced by Order in Council. Their appointment is the prerogative of the Crown, and I am afraid that the Government cannot accept the suggestion that it should be subject to affirmative resolutions by Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, with a view to encouraging night and early morning services, he will sanction an overtime charge on taxicabs by raising the initial hiring charge of 9d. to 1s. after 10 p.m. and until 8 a.m. in the Metropolitan area.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 7th February.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to abolish forthwith the requirement of a passport or travel permit for journeys between this country and Eire.

I would refer to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for South Battersea (Mrs. Ganley) on 27th June.

asked the Secretary of State for War what gratuity will be pay- able to the members of the Polish Armed Forces now to be demobilised and who will bear the cost of such gratuity.

No gratuity will be payable on transfer from the Polish Armed Forces to the Polish Resettlement Corps. The question of the award of a war gratuity on final discharge from the Polish Resettlement Corps to members of the Polish Armed Forces who are taken into that Corps is under consideration.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the average current period of time between the posting of an air-mail letter in New York City and its delivery to an address in central London.

Air mail letters posted in New York should normally be delivered in Central London from two to two and a half days after posting.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many people in Tunbridge Wells are waiting for the installation of telephones; and how many have, been supplied in the last three months.

The number of applicants waiting for telephone service from Tunbridge Wells exchange is 491. The exchange equipment at Tunbridge Wells is now practically all used up, and it is therefore possible to meet demands only to the extent that existing subscribers give up their service from that exchange. As a consequence, only eight new subscribers have been connected to the exchange in the last three months. Arrangements have been made for a relief exchange to be opened and it is hoped that this exchange will be ready for service in the early part of 1947.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make about the progress of voluntary recruiting for the Armed Forces since the recent promulgation of new rates of pay and conditions.

Enlistments into the Regular Forces are in general considerably below the large number required, but, it is too early to judge the results of the special recruiting campaign which has only been in progress for barely two months. There are, however, encouraging . signs of considerably increased interest in the Services as a career.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in supplying reinforcements for officers and other ranks due for Python or release but retained as operationally vital, on account of political considerations, in C.M.F.

As a result of the progress that has been made, the numbers in C.M.F. deferred on operational grounds decreased during the first half of this month and I hope that the figures for the second half will continue to show an improvement. I regret, however, that i cannot promise that the measures taken will immediately eliminate compulsory deferments and interference with the normal operation of the Python Scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is his intention to introduce legislation to amend the terms of the Members' Pension Fund, in view of the substantial surplus that has now accumulated.