asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is in a position to make a statement on the Government's policy towards de-Nazification in the British zone in Germany.

Our policy is to grade Nazis into categories: to intern the dangerous Nazis; and to remove from office all who were more than nominal adherents of the Nazi Party Considerable progress has been made in examining and reviewing individual cases, and it is hoped that this process may soon be concluded. De-Nazification is effected mainly through German panels, on which, particularly in industrial regions, trades' unions and workers' interests are fully represented Nazis at present interned are to be classified and penalties or sanctions applied according to the merits of each case. Sanctions take the form of a further period of internment for the more dangerous cases and for other cases restrictions on movement, financial property, employment and political activities. It has been decided that, except in the more flagrant cases, all German youths born after 1st January, 1919, should be exonerated with a view to encouraging their speedy reintegration into German democratic life.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the latest figures for absenteeism, analysed under different headings, among the coal-miners in the Ruhr; and how these figures compare with the position six months earlier.

Unauthorised absenteeism in September, 1946, was 2.2 per cent., as against 2.6 per cent. in March, 1946. The total of absenteeism from all causes was 23.9 per cent. in September, 1946, compared with 22.5 per cent. in March, 1946, comprising: sickness, 10 per cent. in September against 10.2 per cent. in March; accidents, 2.9 per cent. in September against 2.6 per cent, in March; contracted holidays, 6.1 per cent. in September against 3.9 in March; authorised absences, 2.7 per cent. in September against 3.2 per cent. in March, together with unauthorised absences, as I have already indicated.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether trade union leaders are included among the politicians, officials and other persons in Germany who receive British publications at public expense.

The scheme to which my hon. Friend refers does not include trade union leaders as such, but in practice a number of trade union leaders qualify on other grounds to receive these publications.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many workers in the British zone of Germany pay unemployment insurance contributions; and what unemployment benefit is paid on account of these contributions.

There are about four million unemployment insurance contributors in the British zone. The benefits paid which vary according to locality, average roughly one-third of normal wages for a wage of 36 marks a week or lower. Above that wage level, the payment is normally 15 marks. A sum varying between 3½ and 5 marks per week is paid for the first dependant and about 3 marks per week is paid for each further dependant. Rent allowances are additional but the total relief must not exceed 80 per cent, of normal earnings.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many persons under 21 years of age have been convicted of offences in the British area in Berlin during the last six months; what are their nationalities; and of what offences have they been convicted.

Six hundred persons under 21 years of age—all but two of whom were Germans—have been convicted in the British sector of Berlin during the last six months. The total number of charges against these persons amounted to 633, made up as follows: stealing, 245; black market, 102; embezzlement, 90; fraud, 86; unlawful possession of firearms, 25; unlawful possession of property, 17; acts prejudicial or disrespectful to the Allied Forces, 14; traffic offences, 16; miscellaneous, 38; total, 633.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many persons are now awaiting trial in the British area in Berlin; what are their nationalities; for how long have they been detained; and what proportion of such persons consists of young people under the age of 21 years.

On 30th September, 1946, 342 persons, including 59 under 21 years of age, were awaiting trial in courts in the British sector of Berlin. All these are Germans except for two Netherlanders, one Belgian, one Pole, one Italian and one of uncertain nationality. 199 of them have been detained for less than three months and the remainder for more than three months.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give a list of wireless stations and wavelengths, which are wholly or partly British controlled, broadcasting in the German language; how many hours per day are devoted to British-edited German language news broadcasts; and whether he is satisfied that the quality and quantity of these broadcasts is adequate to explain the British point of view to Germans in the whole of Germany.

The only British-edited German language news broadcasts are contained in the B.B.C. German Service which is broadcast from London on four short wave lengths ranging from 25 to 59 metres. This service, which includes nine news broadcasts a day, occupying in all five hours 45 minutes, is relayed from Norden in the British zone on 455.9 metres. The Norden transmitter is high powered and the broadcasts from that station can be heard, particularly during the hours of darkness, throughout a large part of Germany. In addition, there are five stations in the British zone; Hamburg and Cologne operating on 332 metres; Berlin, Hanover and Flensburg operating on 225.6 metres. From these stations, which cover as far as possible the whole of the British zone, news bulletins, edited by Germans under British supervision, and averaging 10 minutes each, are broadcast seven times a day. The quality and quantity of these broadcasts are kept at as high a standard as possible and are, I think, adequate. Every endeavour is, however, being made to improve both their quality and reception.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the question of war damage compensation being paid to Mr. Hoare, 113, Spur Road, Orpington, particulars of which have been sent to him and to the War Damage Commission; and, in view of Mr. Hoare's age and financial difficulties, if he will make an immediate payment on account.

I regret that I cannot give special priority to this particular case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet decided to make any change in the amount of settlement of claims that fall within the Private Chattels Scheme of the War Damage Act, 1943, Part II, in view of the increase in price levels between the date of damage and of payment.

The Government intend that these payments, together with accrued interest less tax, shall be finally discharged as soon as possible next financial year, and that the amounts assessed should, in appropriate cases, be increased. As regards details, I would ask the hon. Member to await a full statement which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade proposes to make next week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will now exempt from Purchase Tax, gifts brought into the country by members of His Majesty's Forces returning from overseas;(2) whether he will now exempt from Purchase Tax, gifts sent from abroad to persons resident in this country;

I am not prepared to exempt from Purchase Tax gifts from abroad, whether sent to this country or brought in by members of the Forces. Any general exemption for gifts would inevitably be open to grave abuse, and would be unfair as between individuals. It is impossible, from the Customs returns, to distinguish between gifts and other imports.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in view of the critical food situation, part of the U.S. loan was used to buy U.S. films.

Because the British people like United States films.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the purchasing value of the £ relative to 1914 on 1st July, 1945, and 1st October, 1946, respectively.

Forty-eight per cent, at 1st July, 1945, and 49 per cent, at 1st September, 1946, the latest date for which a figure is available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give any further indication of the national gold and dollar holdings.

Our official holding of gold and U.S. dollars on the 30th June, 1946, was £545 millions, as compared with £595 millions on 30th June, 1945.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is still His Majesty's Government's policy that this country should not avail itself of the facilities of the International Monetary Fund and of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and whether he will inform the House on the reasons for this policy.

We have no need at present to make any further arrangements for overseas borrowing.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the maximum amount which the United Kingdom can be called upon, under existing arrangements, to lend under the Bretton Woods scheme, whether in the form of contribution to the capital of the International Monetary Fund and of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, or as a result of member countries of the Fund using their quotas for the purchase of sterling.

£325 millions to each, but the Bank can only call £65 millions unless money is needed to meet a guarantee. Other countries cannot get more sterling from the Fund than we have put there by means-of our subscription.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his recent inspection of Forestry Commission holdings in Scotland and the interest he has expressed in the development of Scottish resources will be followed by Treasury aid for approved projects; and if he will make a statement arising from his visit.

As I stated in my Budget Speech, I am providing £20 million for the expansion over the next five years of the work of the Forestry Commission, and I undertand that of the 290,000 acres proposed to be planted by the Commission in this period, 123,000 acres have been provisionally allocated to Scotland. I was most favourably impressed by what I saw of the Commission's activities and enterprise in Scotland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Mr. Bernard Starszak, formerly of the Polish Army, is receiving a payment of £5 4s. 9d per week from the interim Treasury committee for Polish questions; and what allowance would be paid to a British subject in his circumstances under the Assistance Board, by the public assistance committee for his area, or as unemployment benefit.

Mr. Starszak is a disabled and destitute ex-Serviceman, with a wife and two children, and is living in a foreign country. Such a case must excite sympathy, but the allowance now being paid to him exceeds that which the Assistance Board would pay in similar circumstances, and I have given instructions for the case to be further examined.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to remove misconceptions and misunderstanding, he will now remove the prohibition on the capitalisation of reserves.

This question is now being studied in all its aspects.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a private trader, non-limited company, will be allowed to utilise, the 20 per cent, returnable E.P.T. for improvement to machinery and buildings, or if it will be added to income and be subject to Supertax.

A private trader is allowed to use E.P.T. post-war refunds for improvement to machinery and buildings, but these refunds are taxable income and are chargeable to Sur-tax if received by an individual.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement on the monetary policy of the Government; and, in particular, on his policy for the future regarding the bank rate and yield on Government securities.

There has been no change in this policy since my last Budget Statement, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reason why the Capital Issues Committee have refused the application by the company concerned to raise further capital for the continued operation and development of East Pool tin mine.

No, Sir. I do not think this would be advisable. The proceedings of the Capital Issues Committee have always been confidential.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will now authorise the printing of the Report of the Forestry Commission submitted annually to this House.

Yes, Sir. It is proposed, as a special case, to resume publication of the annual reports of the Forestry Commission, and authority has been given for the publication of the report for the year ended 30th September, 1945.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the purpose of proviso (b) in Article 2 of the Blocked Accounts (Authorised Investments) Order, 1946 (S.R. & O., 1946, No. 1598).

By limiting the investment of blocked sterling to securities of not less than ten years' life, the proviso postpones the date at which, under current practice, exchange must be found for the transfer of the funds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ascertain from the University Grants Committee the number of undergraduates entered for each university for October, 1946; and how these numbers compare with the prewar average.

These figures should be available early next month, and I will then circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of buildings in Palestine partly held by the military and partly by other than the armed services on 22nd July, 1946.

On 22nd July, 1946, 69 buildings; by 31st August the number had fallen to 62.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the sergeant in the R.A.M.C., about whose case representations have been made to him by the hon. Member for Oxford, was kept in close arrest for seven months in Cairo pending charges for which he was acquitted; why letters were stopped; whether he is aware that by reason of his being held incommunicado his wife miscarried and his mother died; and what is the reason for the delay in the report for which he has called from the M.E.F.

As I informed the hon. Member by letter on 2nd October, the proceedings of the trial have been received but I am still awaiting a report on the delay and the stoppage of letters. I propose to look into the whole matter personally when the proceedings have been examined and the further information is received, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has refused to release 10569824 Private J. Stewart, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire, as a named key worker under category B to resume his position as welder, manager and partner in the firm of B.S.K. Industries, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in spite of the application for his release being sponsored by the Ministry of Works since last January; and whether he is aware that as a result of this refusal B.S.K. Industries have had to dismiss most of their staff.

This soldier was nominated in March, 1946, by the Ministry of Works for consideration for release in Class B as a welder under a "bulk" quota. He was not offered out of turn release in Class B in view of the shortness of his Army service.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the findings of the Court of Inquiry into the death of Warrant Officer, 2nd Class, Mann, R.A.C., M.E.L.F., on 18th July, 1946, are to be made known; and when the witnesses detained in connection with the case, are to be allowed to return to the United Kingdom for demobilisation, repatriation on long service grounds, etc.

No details of this case are available in the War Office. I have called for a report and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War why letters written by a soldier in detention barracks to the hon. Member for Oxford have been tampered with; and what steps he proposes to take in punishing the offenders, whatever their ranks.

Discretionary power to withhold letters written by prisoners is provided in the rules governing military prisons and detention barracks and I understand that a similar rule operates in civil prisons.

asked the Secretary of State for War what delays there have been in repatriating men serving in East Africa for demobilisation and whether he is satisfied that sufficient shipping is allocated to ensure that men serving in this command are not demobilised later than those from other commands.

As already explained to hon. Members in May last, about 600 men were delayed for a few weeks owing to the priority given to troops taking part in the Victory Parade. Recently, a further 123 men arrived in this country very shortly after the end of their release period, due to the delayed departure of the "Maloja" from the United Kingdom. I know of no other instances. In the great majority of cases men arrive before their release period begins but in view of the present transport difficulties I cannot give an absolute guarantee that a short delay will never occur.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a non-Regular soldier overseas who is joined by his wife has to pay 10s. per day should she receive treatment in a military hospital, whilst a Regular soldier pays nothing if his wife receives treatment; and when and how he intends to remove this inequality.

This inequality has now been abolished. The families of non-Regular soldiers who go overseas under the approved scheme will be allowed medical and hospital treatment on the same terms and conditions as the families of Regular soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now reached a decision as to the procedure to be adopted in the Army regarding church parades.

Yes, Sir. The new regulations were announced, through the Press, on 5th September, immediately following the issue of instructions to the various commands to bring them into force. I am sending a copy of the notice to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many ex-employees of Messrs. Hogg, Robinson and Capel-Cure, Limited, were employed in the Movements Branch of the War Office during the War; and how many officers of Movement Control have been taken into this firm's employment on demobilisation.

One officer from this firm was employed for a time in the Movements Branches in the War Office. He has since returned to the firm. As far as is known, five officers formerly employed on Movement Control, outside the War Office, have joined the firm's staff since their release.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many married quarters in A Block, Assaye Buildings, Colchester, are occupied and how many unoccupied; what the corresponding figures are for the other blocks of Assaye Buildings; how long those quarters which are not occupied have been unoccupied; and when he expects that they will be tenanted.

There are 16 married quarters in A Block, all of which have been unoccupied since 18th March last. They are being reconditioned and are due to be ready by the end of next month. The position in B Block is similar, except that the work should be completed by the end of October. The remaining four blocks each contain 16 married quarters, all of which are fully occupied.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Army authorities responsible have withdrawn the supplies of films for the use of voluntary projectionists and that the result of this action will deprive the many bedridden men who are still in hospitals of their periodic film shows; and if he will agree to continue the issue of these films where there is a projectionist willing to do this voluntary work.

The use of these films is controlled by the contractual agreement with the British and American Film Renters. The present agreement stipulates that the films shall not be exhibited except by a member of the staff of the Army Kinema Corporation or an authorised representative serving with an organised military unit. I regret, therefore, that they cannot now be released to voluntary projectionists.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that the suffering and indignity recently inflicted on the men of the 13th Parachute Battalion were caused by irregularities caused by their officers there, whether he will take steps to compensate them adequately for their sufferings and indignity; and what steps he proposes to take to assess and pay such compensation.

No, Sir. I have already said that I think there was prima facie evidence to justify these men being charged with mutiny and that their convictions were quashed on grounds of irregularities in the conduct of the legal proceedings.

asked the Secretary of State for War how frequently home leave is now granted to men serving in India and the Far East and how this compares with similar facilities for men serving in Western Europe.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the comprehensive statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 4th June, 1946, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Mr. Callaghan), and to the reply given on 16th July, 1946, to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Wolverhampton (Mr. H. D. Hughes), copies of which I am sending to him. No changes have since been made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the date of appointment of the present Judge Advocate-General and his legal qualifications; whether the Judge Advocate-General decides appeals from the decisions of courts martial in consultation with the Army Council; and whether there is any appeal from his decisions.

The present Judge Advocate-General was appointed in 17th September, 1934. He has been one of His Majesty's counsel since 1924 and a bencher of the Middle Temple since 1931. Before assuming his present appointment he served as Military and Air Force Deputy of the Judge Advocate-General and in charge of the Military and Air Force Department of his Office from 1923 onwards.The Judge Advocate-General does not decide appeals from courts martial. His function is to review the proceedings of all courts martial to see whether they have been regular and legal and he does this in normal course. He also advises on any petition against a finding of a court martial. Where in his opinion there are legal grounds for quashing proceedings of a court martial he so advises the appropriate Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of applications for marriage allowance from soldiers under 21 years of age since the introduction of the new code of pay and allowances; and whether he will recomsider the position.

I have no information as to the numbers. Applicants are advised to apply for war service grants; these are issued by the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he will make a statement on camp conditions in S.E.A.C. and the steps being taken to improve them;(2) if he will consider the dispatch of a Parliamentary delegation to South-East Asia and India Commands in order that hon. Members may see for themselves the present conditions of service overseas.

At the end of the Japanese war the accommodation position was extremely serious, especially in Burma and Malaya. The numbers of troops were vastly in excess of the accommodation possibilities, and new plans had to be made based on the expected garrisons to be provided on the "run-down" of forces. These plans involved very considerable expenditure to provide even semi-permanent accommodation, and completion is dependent upon labour and materials together with the necessary supervisory staff—all of which are in short supply.The situation is being improved as rapidly as the circumstances allow and I hope that the present programme will be completed by the middle of next year. While I should have no objection to the visit of a Parliamentary delegation to South-East Asia, I do not think that it could assist in accelerating the process. As hon. Members are aware, the responsibility for the provision of accommodation in India rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the poor canteen and other barrack or hutted accommodation available for British troops in northern Greece; and what reasons have prevented him from carrying out improvements and extensions before the winter.

The accommodation used for British troops in northern Greece consists mainly of requisitioned buildings, which are the best that can be made available. I have not had any reports that the accommodation is poor, but if the hon. Member will let me have details of any specific case, I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that demobilisation Groups 27c to 38 from B.A.O.R., which arrived at the Guildford dispersal centre at 8.30 p.m. on 6th September, were discharged from there at 10.45 p.m. on the same day with no arrangements made for their accommodation; and what steps he has taken to prevent any recurrence of such treatment.

A release draft from B.A.O.R. arrived at 7.30 p.m. on that day and the men were given the option of release the same evening. Thirty-three of the men decided to remain overnight. The remainder were dealt with at once and were released at about 10.30 p.m., after receiving a hot meal. They were conveyed to the railway station in time for the London trains.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will be in a position to state, in the near future, the date on which general demobilisation will commence, bearing in mind that many of those who agreed in 1945 to defer their release from the Army until this date are anxious to know how much longer they are likely to have to serve.

I am already looking into this matter but I cannot promise an announcement in the immediate future.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many protected personnel, under Article 9 of the Geneva Convention, are being retained in this country as German prisoners of war.

8,361. Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to issue the next balance sheet and report of the N.A.A.F.I.; whether he will ensure that such balance sheet and report will be as detailed as possible; and what suggestions he has made to the N.A.A.F.I. authorities as to the most useful method of distributing its disposable profits.

The next balance sheet and report for the year ended 1st September, 1945, will be presented to the council of N.A.A.F.I. at a meeting which is to be held on 8th November next. The balance sheet and report will be in the usual form and will be issued by means of an Army Council Instruction in the usual manner as soon thereafter as possible. It is intended that, as in past years, available profits shall be disposed of by grants to Service benevolent and welfare funds and by meeting the cost of E.N.S.A. entertainment provided during the year in question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a full statement as to the future of the N.A.A.F.I.

It is intended that the N.A.A.F.I. shall continue to provide the canteen and other services for His Majesty's Forces which they have provided since their formation for the purpose in 1921.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will make a statement about the threat to Midhurst Common, involved in the proposal of the Midhurst Brickworks Company, Whites, Limited, to extend their works through the purchase of new sand workings on this common.

Permission for this firm to extend their workings was refused in August by the Midhurst Rural District Council. The firm have exercised their right of appeal and an inquiry will be held on 29th October.

asked the Minister of Works what licence has been granted, and for what amount, to premises known as Dropmore, near Slough, Bucks; and if he is satisfied that the work now being carried out at that address is of an urgent character.

Early this year a licence was granted to make these premises habitable following military occupation. Subsequently licences were granted to make good deficiencies brought to light in the course of the work including damage to timber by the death watch beetle and repairs to the sewage plant. The total value of the licences granted has been £24,740. The licences date from February last when labour was readily available in this area. Although the repairs were considered necessary by the local authority to make the premises habitable, I doubt whether the decision taken at the time was justified. I understand, however, that the essential work is now almost completed.

asked the Minister of Works what certificates have been granted to permit of extensive repairs to the Ship Hotel, Cromer, Norfolk; and it he will withdraw these and divert the labour to building houses for which there is a great local demand.

A building licence for £3,000 has been granted for the repair of war damage at the Ship Hotel, Cromer. I am advised that this work should not prejudice the local housing scheme and I see no reason, therefore, to withdraw the licence.

asked the Minister of Works on whose authority a licence has been issued authorising over £2,000 to be spent on alterations to a private house named Chivers, of Stondon Massey, Essex in an area where materials and labour for new buildings are scarce.

A licence was issued sometime ago by my regional licensing officer for work at a farmhouse known as "Chivers," Stondon Massey, Essex, which had been occupied by the military. The work has since been completed. The licence was issued after consultation with the war agricultural executive committee and officers of the local authority and after technical inspection by officers of my Department.

asked the Minister of Works how many full man hours, as far as building trade operatives are concerned, have been used in the repair and alterations to Buckingham Palace since VE-Day 1945 to the present date.

The number of building trade operatives employed at Buckingham Palace has fluctuated considerably and I would require a good deal of calculation to give the total number of man hours worked. The number of men employed since May, 1945, represents an average of 36 which is not excessive having regard to the extent and area of the buildings. Three-quarters of all the work carried out has been bomb damage repair and the remaining quarter, deferred maintenance.

asked the Minister of Works how many applications on form CRO 29 were received by his Department during the period 1st May to 31st August, 1946; how many certificates to master builders were issued in the same period; and what steps are taken to ensure that these applications are bona fide.

22,909 applications were received on Form CRO 29 between 1st May and 31st August this year, and 11,850 certificates were issued during the period to master builders. There is now no control of entry to the industry but applicants on form CRO 29 certify that they intend to set up an undertaking. Certificates are withdrawn if no undertaking is set up.

asked the Minister of Works why the terms of the lease made between his Ministry and the University of London Institute of Education were violated; and why the premises were not vacated on 31st August, 1946.

The information asked for was conveyed in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little) on 14th October of which I am sending the hon Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Works why he has not honoured an undertaking given on behalf of his Department to vacate the whole of the premises of the University of London Institute of Education by 31st August, 1946; and when he proposes to hand back these premises to the University.

The information asked for was conveyed in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little) on 14th October, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Works how the 3,200 craftsmen are distributed in South Wales boroughs and urban areas for housing construction; and how the 1,400 craftsmen employed in South Wales on the construction and extension of factories are distributed over exchange areas.

As a long list of figures is involved, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, send the information direct to him.

asked the Minister of Works if he will issue a regulation making it compulsory for distributors of building materials to make a periodical return to his Department of the stocks which they hold.

No, Sir. My regional materials officers maintain close touch with the distributors of building materials, and possess in my opinion a more accurate and up-to-date knowledge of stocks than returns could give.

asked the Minister of Works how many building firms there are and the total number of working partners, in the total area covered by Stroud and Nailsworth urban district councils and Stroud and Dursley rural district councils.

There are 135 firms and 44 working partners in the area covered by the Stroud and Nailsworth urban district councils and Stroud and Dursley rural district councils.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the completion or repair of many houses is being prevented by the shortage of water taps, copper tubes and guttering; and what steps he is taking to enable manufacturers to overcome this shortage.

I am aware that these items are insufficient to satisfy all demands immediately, but my regional officers are prepared to deal specially with cases where house completion is actually held up if the facts are brought to their notice. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, as production authority, is taking all possible steps to enable output to be increased.

asked the Minister of Works how many new houses, without a bath, have been occupied up to August, 1946; how many baths were produced in this country in December, 1945, April, 1946, and August, 1946, respectively; and whether he is satisfied with present production, or what steps he intends to take to effect an early improvement.

I regret that the answer to the first part of this Question is not available. Twelve thousand two hundred and ten baths were produced in the United Kingdom in December, 1945; 18,430 in April, 1946, and 23,660 in August, 1946. A steady increase in production has therefore been achieved; but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is not yet satisfied with the rate of production, and is doing all he can to stimulate further improvement.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the continued delay in preparing the housing site at Lodbourne Farm, Gillingham, Dorset; and what efforts have been made since 17th July to expedite this matter.

Since July bills of quantities have been prepared and printed and tender documents have been drawn up. Tenders will be invited this week.

asked the Minister of Works (1) what action he is taking to increase the supply of plasterboard and the allocation made for use in housing;(2) how much plasterboard is used in the normal three-bedroom house; and how many houses can be provided for from the present allocation.

Two new plasterboard factories are now being erected, and extensions and alterations are being made to existing plant. By the middle of next year it is expected that production will have increased by nearly 50 per cent, above its present level. Special allocations of plasterboard are made for temporary houses and permanent prefabricated houses and for war damage repairs. Most of the balance is available for the ceilings of traditional houses for which supplies of hardboard, insulation board and lime plaster are also available. About 100 square yards of plasterboard are needed for the ceiling of a normal three bedroom house.

asked the Minister of Works whether, of the 18,216 slabs completed for the temporary housing programme on which, according to the latest Housing Return, houses have not yet been erected, he will state the number allocated to the Uni-Seco house, the Arcon house, the aluminium house and other types, respectively.

The information for which my hon. Friend asks is as follows:

asked the Minister of Health how many refrigerators have now been installed in occupied prefabricated and permanent houses; and what are the prospects for further installations in both types of houses.

About 24,000 refrigerators have been installed so far in temporary houses in which they form a part of the equipment. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the number installed in permanent houses and the extent to which they can be installed in the future will largely depend on general supply.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the chairman of the Colliery Nationalisation Compensation Tribunal, whose proceedings were in camera, has stated that both sides conducted the inquiry in a manner which should be a model; and whether the proceedings will be published as a model to other industries to be nationalised.

There is nothing in the chairman's statement to suggest that the proceedings should be published and as by consent of both parties the reference was held in private, it is not proposed to do so

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of coalmines in Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire and South Wales, using tubs or trams fitted with ball-bearing wheels that reduce excessive friction and increase haulage efficiency below ground; and whether he will consider prohibiting the use of tubs not fitted with ball-bearings within a reasonable limit of time.

There are 16 coal mines in the areas mentioned where tubs or trams fitted with ball or roller bearing wheels are used. In present circumstances I see no justification for making their use compulsory, since the mere substitution of anti-friction bearings alone will not add materially to haulage efficiency or safety without wider measures of general reorganisation being carried out. Modernisation of haulage methods under the National Coal Board will, no doubt, enable full advantage to be taken of anti-friction bearings in appropriate conditions, but this is only one factor in the general reorganisation of underground haulage.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the Colliery Nationalisation Tribunal's estimate of the net maintainable revenue of the industry if it had remained in private ownership; and the number of years' purchase to which their award is equivalent.

The Coal Industry Nationalisation Compensation Tribunal were under no obligation either under the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, or under their terms of reference to state any figure other than the aggregate amount or the global sum to be awarded for compensation. As no separate figures were furnished by the Tribunal for the net maintainable revenue of the industry or the number of years purchase to which their award was equivalent, I am unable to give the hon. Member the information he requires.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the names of the collieries receiving cooked and packed meals from the Bevin Hostel, Crook, county Durham and the number of meals supplied to each colliery; and what is the proposed maximum number of meals to be supplied each day from this hostel.

During the third week of its operation ended 12th October, 7,612 packed meals were delivered from this centre, to 25 collieries, of which I will send particulars. The centre is equipped to meet a largely increased demand from collieries within a radius of 20 miles.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the names of the persons appointed as marketing director and production group manager, respectively, for the Welsh Regional Coal Board and their previous employment.

These are appointments to be made by the National Coal Board and will no doubt be announced by them. In this connection, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on Tuesday, 8th October, to the hon. Member for the New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent collieries and their subsidiaries have, since the passing of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Bill, made inter-company arrangements transferring control and subsidiaries and other assets with a view to bringing these subsidiaries and other assets into different categories and thus postponing their acquisition by the State; and what steps he is taking to prevent this.

Full information relating to dealings with assets is being collected under the recently issued Coal Industry Nationalisation (Options and Constitution of Compensation Units) Regulations, and this, combined with the provisions of Part V of the First Schedule to the Act, which I referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Swingler) on 8th October, a copy of which I am sending to him, affords ample safeguards against manŒuvres of the kind mentioned.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the vesting date will be for the transfer to the Coal Board of the colliery undertakings.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on this matter in the near future.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider publishing in the next issue of the Statistical Digest, statistics relating to diseases arising from dust inhalation and also the particulars of remedial measures being applied.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that certain colliery companies in South Wales refuse to employ miners who have commuted their compensation payments; and whether, in view of the shortage of labour in the mines, he will take steps to remove this ban.

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Special action is taken in an endeavour to provide suitable employment for miners who having commuted their compensation are capable of performing a reasonable day's work and in appropriate cases consideration would be given to the issue of directions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what new instructions have been issued to regional coal officers and to local fuel overseers regarding the allocation of domestic fuel supplies to subtenants.

I am satisfied that the present procedure, by which the needs of subtenants are individually assessed by the local fuel overseer is the fairest and most practicable which can be devised. But I propose to make certain minor changes in the conditions governing the grant of separate registration. For this reason and in order to secure greater uniformity I am issuing revised instructions to local fuel overseers. I am also arranging to make available at local fuel offices a leaflet explaining fully the circumstances under which extra fuel may be granted for subtenants.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why September allocations of S petrol coupons were in many cases reduced; and why no communication explaining the reduction was forwarded along with the coupons.

The value of "S" unit coupons was increased by 50 per cent, as from 1st August and, as I indicated in my statement in the House on 16th July, it was necessary, therefore, to reduce the number of units issued in the case of those who, as a result of the automatic increase, would have received a greater benefit than their circumstances justified. In all cases, however, the number of gallons of petrol authorised would be the same or greater. It was consequently not considered necessary in such cases to call the applicant's attention to any decrease in the number of units issued.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for the continuation of petrol rationing.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 16th July. The question of the abolition of petrol rationing is constantly under review, but in present circumstances I regret that I am not yet able to announce any further relaxations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the amount of petrol allocated to professional men is based upon a maximum fixed by his Department, or is based upon requirements necessary to meet the circumstances of the individual case.

In the case of professional men engaged on work categorised as "essential," the supplementary petrol allowance is intended to cover their essential needs, and is not based on a fixed maximum. In the case of "S" coupon holders in what is known as the "Semi-essential" class, the circumstances of the individual case are taken into account in assessing the allowance, subject, however, to a scale maximum, the gallonage equivalent of which was increased by 50 per cent, as from 1st August.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will abolish petrol rationing in order to maintain the reserve in this country which in normal times is essential if adequate supplies are to be available.

As I have often explained before, the reason for petrol rationing is the necessity of economising our dollar resources and I do not understand how the abolition of rationing would assist in the maintenance of what the hon. Member describes as the reserves of petrol in this country It is, of course, necessary to have a working stock of petrol to ensure that the whole distribution system from ocean installation to garage pump is maintained and broadly speaking, the higher the consumption the higher the working stock required.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he anticipates being able to increase the ration for petrol in 1947; and if there will be sufficient tankers for this transport early next year.

I am not yet in a position to say whether it will be possible to increase the ration of petrol in 1947. Tanker transport is, of course, one of a number of factors which have to be taken into consideration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to maintain our reserves of fuel oil, compatible with the demands of our Service Departments.

It would not be in the public interest for me to give information regarding the reserves of oil which are being maintained by the Service Departments.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the arrangements which have been, or are being, made by him in regard to capital expenditure incurred by electricity undertakers on development of supplies during the period prior to any legislation affecting the industry; and have such arrangements been communicated to the interested parties.

After a meeting held last May between a committee representative of the electricity supply industry and officials of my Ministry, a formula was communicated to the committee who, however, have not yet favoured me with their views.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on whose authority a licence has been issued to the Gas Light and Coke Company, Kensington, to carry out extensive work on their directors' dining room involving the installation of two-inch mahogany doors and the use of other expensive materials in short supply.

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will expedite the supply of a few hundred poles to the Barrow Corporation for much needed electricity development in certain rural districts of the Lonsdale division of Lancaster.

The Barrow Corporation have applied for 235 wooden poles this year and the Electricity Commissioners have issued licences for 143. No more licences can be issued until more poles are available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why there is a high percentage of ash in the coal supplied for electricity generation; and why this cannot be taken out by washing at the pit-head, thereby eliminating unnecessary transport costs.

The need for using all the fuel that is available to meet our growing requirements inevitably means some deterioration in the quality of coal supplied to consumers including power stations whose requirements in particular have increased very considerably in recent years. The extent to which increased tonnages of coal can be handled at existing washeries is limited by the overall availability of coal which is appreciably less than it was when existing washeries capacity was designed. Everything possible is being done to speed up the installation of additional washeries but this can only have a limited effect on the position during the coming winter.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total number of men and women employed at the London Appointments Office in Tavistock Square; what is the rent of the building; what is the total annual cost of salaries; what is the average number of men and women who have been placed in employment through that office during the six months ended 31st July, 1946; and if he will give the same information about each of the 13 area appointments offices.

Following are the figures:

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the total cost of the Appointments Department of his Ministry in each year since it was created; how many permanent posts were filled by this Department in each year; and what was the average cost of filling each post.

I am having such information as is available extracted and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed for three months or more in the city of Salford at the latest available date; and what proportion were men and what proportion were women 16 years of age and over.

Four hundred and forty-two at 16th September, all of whom were men aged 16 to 64.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an estimate of the number of foreign scientists who have accepted permanent employment in this country during the last 15 years; and, in view of the prospective shortage of scientific manpower as envisaged in the Barlow Report, what steps are being taken to enlist the services of additional qualified foreign scientists until our requirements can be supplied from British universities.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir. In regard to the second part, every effort is made to utilise the services of foreign scientists in this country whose qualifications are in demand and who are known to be available. Though no general steps have been taken to enlist the services of foreign scientists from outside the United Kingdom, arrangements have been made for the entry into this country of a number of scientists possessing knowledge and experience of a special value.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now able to state when he proposes to end the Essential Work (Agriculture) (Scotland) Order.

I propose to revoke the Essential Work (Agriculture) (Scotland) Order, 1945, with effect from 31st December next.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women and what trades are still subject to Essential Work Orders.

Approximately 750,000 workers are still subject to the Essential Work Orders. The trades in which these are employed are building and civil engineering, certain building materials industries, shipbuilding and shiprepairing, shale oil, certain parts of agriculture, one or two food industries, the Merchant Navy and dock labour. Notice has been given to a number of them that the Order will be withdrawn at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to issue a revocation order to the Essential Work (Building and Civil Engineering) Order or intends to pursue the present policy of not scheduling future work unless arrangements are made with the industry at regional level.

The future of the Essential Work (Building and Civil Engineering) Order is kept under constant review but I am not able at present to make any statement about its revocation. I know of no suggestion to depart from the present arrangements between the Ministry of Works and the Industry for discussion at the regional level of the application of the Order to individual sites.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women respectively, who have been registered as unemployed in Scotland for more than six months.

The numbers of insured males and females registered as unemployed in Scotland at 16th September, 1946, who have been continuously unemployed for six months or more were 12,900 and 2,600 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the hold up in training courses for shoe and boot repairing in Yorkshire has yet been overcome; and, if not, when does he anticipate an improvement.

Leather supplies for these classes are improving, and steps are being taken, with the agreement of the industry, to start an additional class at Leeds.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an approximate estimate of the numbers of workpeople at present engaged in the manufacture and assembly of motor cars in this country.

I regret that the information necessary to enable an estimate to be made is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total number of insurance books exchanged through the Luton employment exchange in July of the years 1946, 1945, 1938, 1937 and 1936, respectively.

The following table shows the numbers of unemployment books exchanged at the Luton Employment Exchange in the three months July-September, in the years specified:

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the total cost of the Denmark Street Employment Exchange in each year since it was created; how many permanent posts in the catering industry were filled by the exchange in each year; how many in other industries; and what was the average cost of filling each post.

The Hotel and Catering Employment Exchange (Denmark Street, London) was opened at the end of 1930. Annual costs have, therefore, been shown on the statement below for each complete year from 1931 onwards. The figures regarding vacancies filled relate to all vacancies; it is not possible to distinguish in this matter between permanent and other posts. This Exchange does not effect placings in other industries.^*

asked the Minister of Labour how many non-ex-Servicemen have been employed in his Ministry's depots in Paisley since the war.

If by "depots" my noble Friend means "Local Offices," the answer is eight, including a blind telephonist.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the placing of Italians and Germans in foundry work is due to shortage of labour; and why apprentices to this work are being called to the Forces.

The proposed employment of Italians in iron founding is entirely due to the shortage of suitable British labour. Deferment is given on application in the case of all young men in iron founding, including apprentices.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unofficial strikes have taken place during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1946; how many man- hours have been lost; and how many official strikes there have been in the same period.

2,300 stoppages of work arising out of industrial disputes have been reported to my Department as having occurred during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1946. Information is not available as to the number of man-hours lost in these stoppages, but it is estimated that they resulted in an aggregate loss of approximately 3,140,000 man-days. The information available does not permit a distinction to be made between official and unofficial stoppages.

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to establish a National Juvenile Employment Council; and what will be its terms of reference.

The National Juvenile Employment Council, of which Lord Morrison will be Chairman, is now in process of being set up. Its terms of reference will be:

"To consider all matters affecting the organisation, procedure and development of the Juvenile Employment Service, and from time to time to make such recommendations and reports to the Minister as they think fit in order to promote the efficiency of the Service."

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the memorandum submitted in July by the main line railway companies and the Road Haulage Association; and whether he has any statement to make.

I have studied the memorandum, but the Government have other plans as to the solution of the problem.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to compensate British subjects, both business and private individuals, in the Philippines for damage done to their properties during the war against Japan; and if he will give an assurance that the compensation will be the same as that granted to U.S. citizens.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. D. Marshall) on 17th July. Discussions with the United States Government axe continuing, but it is not expected that the announcement relating to the presentation of claims, which was foreshadowed in the earlier reply, will be made this month.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue dockets to students who are taking up residence at universities, in order to enable them to purchase sheets.

No, Sir. Priority dockets are given only to members of the public to provide for additional needs, such, for example, as those which arise when on marriage people set up house for the first time. I understand that a certain quantity of sheets are made available to universities.