asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that all reasonable steps are being taken to avoid overcrowding in leave ships to the United Kingdom; and whether any improvement in the position can be expected.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the ships used for leave journeys are not filled beyond their approved passenger capacity. The hon. and learned Member will appreciate that we must still exercise the greatest economy in shipping.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will release, in accordance with their age and length of service groups, those Regular officers whose services it is not intended to retain by reason of their medical grading.

No, Sir, but any Regular officer who considers that he is unfitted for further service, because of his low medical category, may at any time apply to retire or resign Each application is carefully considered by a Retirements Board at the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider granting pay and allowances to officers of the Army Cadet Force commensurate with conditions already existing for officers of the Sea Cadet Corps, Junior Training Corps and Air Training Corps.

The grant of pay and allowances to Army Cadet Force officers is now under consideration together with other proposals designed to encourage the development of the Cadet Forces.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now issue to personnel of the Army Cadet Force one pair of boots per year and one overcoat to each member.

I am glad to be able to announce that greatcoats will in future be issued to members of the Army Cadet Force. I hope that this action will help to stimulate the valuable activities of the Force throughout the year. Cadets are allowed a special issue of coupons for the purchase of boots.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers of the Netherlands and Netherlands East Indies armies have been trained in Britain and British territories; and who is paying for this training.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Netherlands troops are now under training in the United Kingdom; who is responsible for their training, equipment and administration; and what Netherlands troops, other than those now under training in this country, are to be trained here in future.

In all, about 1,190 Dutch officers and 7,510 other ranks have been trained in the United Kingdom, excluding those who were trained as part of the British Forces before the re-formation of the Netherlands Army proper. Two hundred and forty-eight officers and 2,621 other ranks are under training at the moment. They are administered by the Dutch, but equipped from British sources. These numbers are being reduced considerably in the next month but I cannot forecast beyond the immediate future. As far as I am aware no Netherlands troops have been trained in British territories overseas. Since 15th February, 1946, the cost of all training and, with certain exceptions, all equipment has been chargeable to the Dutch Government. They also paid the cost of any training and equipment provided between 1940 and 31st May, 1944 Between that date and February, 1946, certain specified training and equipment was furnished free as mutual aid.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much equipment has been, and is being, transferred from the British Forces in Indonesia to the Dutch Forces; whether he will give details of this equipment; and whether he will state its value and who is paying for the transaction and by what means.

Some military equipment and stores have been and will be, handed over to the Dutch Forces. Details will not, however, be available until the evacuation of Indonesia by British troops has been completed. All the equipment and stores handed over since 15th February, 1946, with certain specified exceptions, will be paid for by the Dutch.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to improve conditions for men serving in the Far East arising out of the recent troubles in Malaya and the observations of the hon. Members who visited B.C.O.F. in Japan.

As regards South East Asia, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 15th October to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Swingler). The situation in Japan was dealt with in reply to an earlier Question today by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Spen Valley (Lieut.-Colonel Sharp). I am sending my hon. Friend copies of both these replies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the military road from Appledore to Rye is deteriorating rapidly and becoming full of holes; and, if his Department do not propose to keep it in repair, whether he will hand over the appropriate portions of the road to the Kent and Sussex County Councils, respectively, in order that this valuable short cut to the town of Rye may continue to be used without danger by the agricultural community.

The transfer to the council of the relevant portions of this road has been agreed and the necessary legal steps are now being taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many houses in Calais are still requisitioned by his Department; and for what purpose are they used.

Fifty-four, Sir. In 19 cases, only part of the premises are occupied for military purposes, the remaining portions being in civilian occupation. These houses are in use as troop accommodation, offices, canteens and clubs in connection with cross-Channel movement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to alter the voluntary basis of enlistment and service in the Territorial Army.

Flans for the early reformation of the Territorial Army rely upon the voluntary basis of enlistment and service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by members of the Forces stationed in Cyprus owing to the delay in the receipt and despatch of their mail; and if he will take steps to remedy the situation.

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction, but if my hon. Friend has any specific instance in mind and will send me particulars I will cause inquiries to be made. Mails for Cyprus of letters prepaid for air transmission are despatched daily by air from this country to M.E.L.F. and are then forwarded to Cyprus on a twice weekly air service.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many blankets, used and unused, are in stock; and, in view of the big reduction in personnel which has recently taken place and the surplus stocks resulting therefrom, what steps have been, or are being, taken to dispose of this surplus.

The present Army stocks of serviceable or repairable single brown blankets in this country amount to about 3½ million. At the request of the Board of Trade three million single brown blankets have been released by the Army, and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply already has the disposal arrangements in hand. Commands overseas have authority to declare surplus blankets locally.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much redundant ammunition remains to be disposed of.

On 14th October, about 540,000 tons.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops are now in Indonesia; and when it is hoped to evacuate them.

It is not the practice to make public figures of the strength of our Forces in particular theatres. British troops in Indonesia will be withdrawn by 30th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War the terms of reference of the committee to inquire into the court martial system; the names of those appointed to serve on the committee; and whether he will give an assurance that the inquiry will be held in public except when a public hearing might deter persons from giving evidence.

In answer to the first two parts of the Question, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air, and hope to make an announcement shortly. As regards the last part of the Question, the practice in the past has been to hold such an inquiry in private, in order to give it the widest possible scope and freedom, and, although I am not in a position yet to make any final statement on the matter, I should expect that the same course would be followed at the forthcoming inquiry. In any case the report will be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the recently announced revision in the regulations affecting service in the Army, including the abolition of sick and pay parades, applies to men serving under the India Command; and have the commanding officers concerned been so informed.

Copies of the letter laying down the new policy were sent to India and I have every reason to believe that it is the intention of the Commander-in-Chief in India to apply that policy so far as is practicable, in his command. No instructions were included regarding the abolition of pay parades.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been reached about the position of pensioners who rendered full-time service in the 1939–45 war.

If, as I assume, my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the reassessment of service pensions in respect of war service, I would refer him to the full statement made on 15th April, 1946, in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to clear the moor in the Widecombe and Lydford districts of Devonshire from bombs and live shells, in view of the fact that a number of accidents entailing loss of life has already occurred.

The clearance of the area of Dartmoor which is still requisitioned, is held in abeyance until the future of this area, which is now under consideration by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Service Land Requirements, is known. Other areas in the vicinity, for which there is no further military requirement, are held purely on account of the presence of unexploded missiles. These areas will be cleared as quickly as the shortage of trained manpower will permit. Notice boards are placed in prominent positions warning the public of the danger of unexploded missiles.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether white bread is still being issued in the rations of Army personnel serving overseas; and what steps are being taken to approximate Army bread rations to the type of bread now issued to civilians in this country.

White bread is still issued to the troops overseas, firstly because the darker flour will not keep satisfactorily in the hot and humid temperatures of most of the commands and, secondly, because the four main commands are supplied by direct shipment from North America and Australia, where the darker flour is not milled.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action is to be taken to deal with the 75,000 vehicles not in use in the British zone of Germany; to what Ministries they are offered when they are declared surplus, as in the case of 35,000 of them, or how they are disposed of.

The 35,000 vehicles have been notified for disposal to the Control Commission, who act in Germany on behalf of the Ministry of Supply. The remainder of the surplus vehicles will be dealt with in the same way. I understand that the Ministry of Supply arrangements for the disposal of surplus vehicles arising in Germany provide for the acquisition by the Control Commission of vehicles needed to meet its essential requirements, for the removal of types and quantities for which there is a demand elsewhere and for the disposal within Germany of the remainder. Action along these lines is in progress.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his Department's huts situated at the rear of the rectory, St. Paul's Cray, Kent, will be handed over to the Kent Educational Committee for use as urgently needed temporary school accommodation.

I am now considering this matter as a result of a direct approach to my Department from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. I hope it will be settled within the next ten days.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent correspondence from soldiers in detention camps is now censored.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 15th October to a question by the hon. Member for Oxford (Mr. Hogg). If the commandant finds it necessary to withhold a letter from a soldier in detention, the soldier is given an opportunity of writing a further letter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give details of the scales of clothing now authorised for issue to other ranks; and whether any immediate improvements are contemplated.

The authorised scale at home includes the following main items:

Uniform (including head-dress) (sets)	2
Greatcoat	1
Boots (pairs)	2
Shoes, canvas (pairs)	1
Shirts	3
Socks (pairs)	4
Underclothing (sets)	2
Gloves (pairs)	1*
Pullover	1
Towels	2
* Winter only.

In addition, protective and working clothing, e.g., overalls, is issued as required. At overseas stations there is a corresponding scale of items in suitable materials to meet climatic conditions.As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the general question of postwar dress is now under consideration. The present position regarding pyjamas and handkerchiefs—which have been suggested as additional items—was explained on 15th October in reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Chester (Mr. Nield), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the prison at the Verne Citadel, Portland, is being used to accommodate young men recently called up to the Army; whether he is aware that the accommodating of soldiers in a disused prison is not in keeping with the new conditions in the Army; and if he will reconsider this in view of the effect of this bad accommodation upon recruiting.

The Verne Citadel, Portland, is not, and, I understand never has been, a prison. I am aware that some of the barracks now used by the Army, such as the Verne Citadel, are out-of-date and require replacement by new building, but this can only be done as part of the overall plan for the modernisation of Army accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will have inquiries made into the conditions under which British troops are now living in Singapore, particularly those under canvas; and, in view of the fact that the arrival of wives and children of service personnel is adding to the overcrowding, if he will take immediate steps to rectify the bad conditions prevailing.

I am already aware of the need for improving the accommodation of the troops in this command. I explained the situation and the action now being taken to effect improvements, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Swingler) on 15th October. I am sending a copy of that reply to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action has been taken against 2599334 Signalman E. Rostron, who was placed under close arrest for singing the Red Flag.

This soldier was not placed under arrest for the reason given. He was arrested and awarded 28 days' detention for three offences under the Army Act, two relating to the disobedience of lawful commands (refusal to produce identity documents and to return to barracks) and the third to conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he behaved in a disgraceful manner and was improperly dressed in Allee Strasse, having no hat, no tunic, and shirt wide open, thereby lowering the prestige and dignity of occupational forces.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an estimate of the number of British and United States deserters from Germany now at large in Paris and Brussels; and the total number of deserters from His Majesty's forces in the British zone of Germany at the nearest convenient date.

I have no information on which to base an estimate of the number of British and United States deserters at large in Paris and Brussels. On 30th September the number of British troops belonging to B.A.O.R. who were in a state of desertion was 472.

asked the Secretary of State for War what amount of foodstuffs and soap have had to be destroyed at Singapore by N.A.A.F.I.—E.F.I., owing to poor storage and exposure to the weather; and what is the consequent loss to the British taxpayer.

I have no knowledge of any such destruction at Singapore owing to poor storage and exposure to weather, but I have called for a report. No loss would fall on public funds in the circumstances stated by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War at what date the proceedings of the court martial of the paratroopers, in respect of which the convictions were recently quashed, was received by the Judge Advocate General's office.

30th September, 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for War what disciplinary action is being taken against those responsible for the conditions at Muar camp.

As I have stated, I had already taken steps to discover who was responsible for the conditions at this camp in order that appropriate action might be taken.The proceedings of the court of inquiry, which I have now studied, show that the main cause of the bad conditions was that certain necessary engineer work had not been completed by the time the main body of the 13th Parachute Battalion

arrived. This was due to a combination of circumstances, including:

asked the Secretary of State for War what action is being taken against those officers responsible for the substantial irregularities in the field general court martial of the men of the 13th Parachute Battalion; and what action he is taking to ensure that such irregularities do not occur again.

As I stated on 15th October in reply to supplementary questions by hon. Members, I have called for a full report on the case. I would prefer to await its examination before dealing with the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the average length of service of the 258 men of the 13th Parachute Battalion concerned in the recent court martial in Malaya.

Forty of the men had over three years' service; 128 had between two and three years' service and the remaining 90 between one and two years' service.

asked the Secretary of State for War the age, qualifications, length of service and experience of the officer who acted as Judge Advocate General in the court martial last August and September, of the 13th Parachute Battalion in Malaya; and what are the regulations governing the appointments of officers to such responsible positions.

The Judge Advocate at the trial was a major of the Indian Army, attached to the legal staff, Malaya Command. In consequence, the personal details requested are not available in the War Office. They have been applied for and when they are received I will write to my hon. and learned Friend.In the case of a field general court martial, Rule of Procedure 106 (E) empowers the convening officer by order to appoint a fit person to act as judge advocate thereat. Note 3 to Rule of Procedure 101 in the Manual of Military Law says that a judge advocate should be free of all suspicion of bias or prejudice, that he should have had experience of the practice and procedure of courts martial and should have knowledge of the general principles of law and of the rules of evidence. The judge advocate at a trial overseas is usually appointed on the recommendation of the legal representative of the judge advocate general in the command concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 200 Italian business men have been permitted to establish themselves in business in Eritrea, additional to the 300 already authorised to go there; and whether these additional 200 are persons who had not previously been in business in the country.

At present Italians may in general only return to Eritrea on urgent compassionate grounds and, in view of the acute economic situation in the territory, and the consequent high rate of unemployment among the Italian population, the administration authorities are making every endeavour to repatriate Italians to Italy and to reduce the number of Italians in the territory which it cannot economically support. On humanitarian grounds, however, mainly for the purpose of reuniting families, small numbers of Italians have recently been allowed to return to Eritrea. Simultaneously, the Italian Government have accepted a much larger number of Italians from the territory. I have no specific knowledge of the 200 additional Italian business men to whom my hon. Friend refers and am obtaining information on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to review the sentences passed by a military court in Eritrea on a number of Eritreans, arising out of a demonstration held on 28th July, 1946; and whether he will take into account the provocation to which the accused men were subjected.

Sentences on 18 of the accused involved in the disturbances in Eritrea in July have been reduced, and charges have been withdrawn or acquittal resulted in 22 other cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make available to Members of the House a full report of the incidents which caused the death of more than 40 Eritreans and injury to a number of other natives at Asmara on 28th August, 1946; and why members of the 13th Battalion Sudanese Defence Force were permitted in the streets of Asmara armed with rifles and Bren guns on the day in question.

The incidents which occurred in Asmara on 28th August have their roots in long standing racial and religious antipathy between the Sudanese and Eritreans. On the day in question, which was the Moslem feast of Bairam, trouble started with an attack by Eritrean natives on some 13 unarmed Sudanese Defence Force soldiers. A court of inquiry has investigated the incident and the report, which has just been received in London, is being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Polish troops in this country served in the German armed forces and how many in the Todt organisation; and how many of these men afterwards fought for the Allies.

Some 39,000 of those now in this country served with the German Armed Forces or with the Todt organisation. I cannot give separate figures for the two bodies. Some 18,000 of the men afterwards fought for the Allies. The rest had no opportunity of fighting before the war ended. As previously stated, most if not all of these men were compulsorily conscripted by the Germans, and many took the first opportunity of crossing to our lines, often at considerable risk to themselves.

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

These protected personnel are being retained in continuance of agreements reached during the war between the belligerents which provided for the retention of such personnel for the care of their sick and wounded. Arrangements are being made to repatriate any who are surplus to present needs, but all the medical officers are still required for these duties at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now fix a time when payment will be made for claims under the War Damage, Private Chattels, Insurance Scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he is going to fix the date for paying the war damage compensation on private chattels where the amount exceeds £25.

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement made yesterday by my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue received through P.A.Y.E. in the year ended 5th April, 1946, and in the period 5th April, 1946, to 5th July, 1946.

£580 million and £128 million respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the heavy Purchase Tax on church organs is preventing country churches replacing worn-out instruments; and if he will consider exempting such instruments used solely for religious purposes from this tax.

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the Purchase Tax on organs was reduced from 100 per cent. to 33⅓ per cent. in the last Finance Act. I cannot now anticipate my next Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give full details of the item, Surplus Receipts from Certain Trading Services, which appears in the Treasury returns for the first half of this financial year.

The total estimate of £50 millions is made up as follows:

	£
Board of Trade
Raw Materials	35,000,000
Tobacco	5,000,000
West Africa Produce Control	6,000,000
Ministry of Supply
Cotton	4,000,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost of the British Information Services in the U.S.A. during the first six months of the years 1945 and 1946, respectively.

£267,000 and £135,000 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average production cost per copy of the weekly HANSARD.

1s. 0¼d. net.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the desirability that scientists in the Government services should possess outside industrial experience, he will make allowances in pension calculations for scientists who thus qualify themselves.

Superannuation for most scientists in permanent Government employment is provided under the Federated Superannuation System for Universities, which also covers a number of industrial research associations. The system is expressly designed to facilitate interchange of staff between the constituent institutions without loss of accrued pension rights, but it is not possible to make any special allowance for service outside the System

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that some local authorities are using their powers under Section 3 of the Town and Country Planning (Interim Development) Act, 1943, to deprive property owners of cost-of-works compensation to which they are entitled under the War Damage Act; and if he will take steps to prevent such misuse of the Section in question.

An owner of any property who is either refused permission to rebuild or granted permission for a limited period has the right to appeal to me against the planning authority's decision. The appeals so far received which relate to war-damaged property do not lead me to think that planning authorities are misusing their Interim Development powers in the way suggested.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will now reconstitute the New Towns Committee, with appropriate changes of membership, and invite them to consider the creation and development of new holiday towns.

The problems of planning for increased holiday facilities are under examination and I doubt whether it would be appropriate at this stage to undertake a separate inquiry on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he approved the letter, dated 30th July, signed by his private secretary, a copy of which has been sent to him, stating that the Minister regarded the National Savings advertisement, entitled "A Bit of Land of Your Own," as inappropriate and was taking steps for its withdrawal.

Yes, Sir. But it so happened that no such steps were necessary as the advertisement had already run its normal course. So that the hon. Member may be fully informed about this matter, I have sent him a letter setting out facts beyond the ambit of the Question he has put and I shall be glad to supply a copy of this to any hon. Member who so requests.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will make a statement as to the extent to which the recommendations contained in the Report of Mr. A. H. S. Waters, V.C., on the restoration problem in the ironstone industry in the midlands will be implemented.

As indicated in the White Paper recently published, these recommendations and the Report as a whole are at present under consideration, and it is intended as soon as possible to issue a statement as to future policy.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will now state the date when the Report on the Conservation of Wild Life will be available.

My right hon. Friend expects to receive the Report before the end of the year

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he has now considered the report of the local inquiry held about the proposal to erect an electricity generating station at Llanover in the Usk Valley; and whether he will make a statement.

I have considered the report of the local inquiry and have come to the conclusion that the use of the proposed site for this purpose would be open to serious planning objections. In my view, it has not been established that no alternative site can be found where these objections would not arise. I have, therefore, recommended to the Electricity Commissioners that the proposed site should not be used for a generating station. The Commissioners have informed the South Wales Power Company accordingly and have suggested that the Company, in consultation with the Central Electricity Board, should endeavour to find a suitable site in some other locality.

asked the Minister of Works when the necessary alterations will be undertaken at Lackham House to enable it to be used as a farm training school by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Work at Lackham House began early in September, but owing to the shortage of skilled labour very slow progress has been made. The site is comparatively isolated and lies in an area where there is a large housing programme. Efforts are being made to increase the labour force so as to enable the training scheme to come into operation in January.

asked the Minister of Works whether the Slate Quarry Industry Committee have yet made their report to him; and whether a decision has been reached as to the future of the Rhiwarth slate quarry.

asked the Minister of Works when the report of the committee of inquiry into the Welsh slate industry will be published.

I have received the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Welsh slate industry which will be published as soon as possible. The report is being carefully studied and I am not yet in a position to make any statement regarding the industry as a whole or particular quarries.

asked the Minister of Works (1) when it is intended to derequisition Aldenham House at present occupied by the B.B.C.; and, if retention is decided, whether he will take immediate steps to compensate the tenants for the capital sums expended on the premises;(2) if he is aware that the requisitioning of Aldenham House for an indefinite period prevents the tenants from earning their livelihood as residential county club proprietors; that the large amount of furniture in store is deteriorating in value; and what steps he will take to remedy this injustice;(3) if, for as long as the requisitioning of Aldenham House continues, he will arrange for this to be confined to such structures as his Department have themselves erected, returning the rest to the tenants.

Aldenham House is at present being used by the B.B.C. for foreign broadcasting and will be required for this purpose for a considerable time, possibly six years or more. Compensation in respect of requisitioned property is governed by the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, and the Requisitioned Land and War Works Act, 1945. Under these Acts no provision is made for repayment of capital sums spent on premises, but compensation based on the estimated annual value of the premises is paid. The furniture has been stored and maintained at Government expense. It would not be practicable to surrender any part of the premises at present under requisition.

asked the Minister of Works whether arrangements can be made for setting up a stall for the sale of newspapers and periodicals in the Central Lobby.

I am unaware of any general demand for a stall for the sale of newspapers and periodicals in the Central Lobby, which would increase the acute congestion already prevailing there. Copies of current publications are available for reference in the Reading Room and Library, and the introduction of shops or stalls into the Palace of Westminster is open to serious objection.

asked the Minister of Works if he will maintain and improve the display of window boxes in Whitehall next summer and entrust the day-to-day care to volunteers from the offices and buildings concerned.

Yes, Sir I think this experiment is worth repeating. I shall be glad to consider any offers of help from the staffs of the occupying Departments.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of skilled building labour on Tees-side; and if he will take all possible steps to improve the position.

There is a shortage of skilled building labour in the country generally and all possible steps are being taken to improve the situation, including the release of building operatives from the Forces under Class "B" and the provision of the special adult training scheme. A building trades training centre is already in operation at Aycliffe.

asked the Minister of Works if satisfactory arrangements have now been made for retail stockists to receive supplies of electrical equipment surplus to W.B.A. requirements.

Present production does not permit of the accumulation of stocks, and I am not aware of any need for special steps to divert additional supplies to the retail trade.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the bronze bust of the Emperor Sileus and the silver statue of the Goddess Diana, removed from the museum at Richborough Castle for the sake of safety at the outbreak of war, have not been returned, and if he will state their present whereabouts and when they will be returned to the place where they rightfully belong.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the bronze bust of Silenus, which is being cleaned and treated for preservation by my officers and will be returned to the museum as soon as possible. I am unaware of the existence of any statue of Diana found at Richborough.

asked the Minister of Works whether he has inquired into the allegations of black market building and exceeding of licences in the parish of Nazeing in the county of Essex made to him last September; and if he will make a statement.

I have inquired into two cases of alleged contravention of the building regulations in, the parish of Nazeing, on information received last September. In one case, investigations are not yet complete; in the other, I am satisfied that there has been no contravention.

asked the Minister of Works what builders' materials he has in stores surplus to his requirements which can now be disposed of throughout the building industry.

My Department takes over responsibility for building materials declared surplus by other Departments, and disposes of them, as a continuous process. Goods are disposed of where they stand, and are not taken into central Ministry of Works' Depots. According to circumstances they are either offered to local housing authorities; sold by public auction; or disposed of to bona fide merchants. The lists of goods for disposal are prepared locally. So far as my own Ministry's stocks are concerned, in general purchases are made to meet current requirements only. Should surpluses become available they are immediately disposed of.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will now publish a statement giving the reasons why the output of Tarran type houses fell so seriously during the autumn of 1945.

The output of one of the firms making Tarran Houses was hindered in 1945 by manufacturing difficulties and particularly by a change in the design of moulds for the pre-cast concrete units. These difficulties were overcome, and I do not think it is necessary to publish any additional statement.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent powered hand tools are now used in house building; whether their increased use would result in the production of more houses; and what action he is taking to see that more are used.

I regret that there are no figures of the actual number of powered hand tools in use in house building, but manufacturers' orders indicate that then-use is increasing. To encourage their use a mobile exhibition, organised by my Department, was recently held in a number of towns in Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Supply what was the recent monthly production figures of powered hand took such as electrically driven hand-saws and drills, which can be used in house building; to what extent supplies are augmented by imports or reduced by exports; and what action he is taking to increase the available supply.

Powered hand tools are produced in a wide range of different types and sizes, and records of production, exports and imports are not maintained in sufficient detail to distinguish those which are suitable for use in house building. The supply position is at present being examined by my Department, in consultation with the Ministry of Works, with particular reference to the requirements of the housing programme.

asked the Minister of Works what progress is being made in establishing a nationally agreed co-ordination of sizes in house building, technically known as dimensional co-ordination.

I would invite the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the Second Progress Report of the Standards Committee, "Further Uses of Standards in Building," published by the Stationery Office early this year, which deals with dimensional (or modular) coordination. In view of the conclusion of the committee that complete modular coordination is not a practicable proposition or desirable in the interests of economy, no further action is being taken for the time being by my Department to introduce modular coordination.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the allegations made against his Department at a recent meeting of the Rochford Rural District Council, at which it was stated that a contractor had been held up for a month because his Department had quibbled over whether four or six inches of concrete should be allowed as a house foundation; and if he will make a statement to clarify this matter.

Tenders for the erection of 24 houses were received in my Department on 2nd September They were too high to be approved and the council were so informed on 5th September and advised to seek a reduction. A lower price was submitted by the council on 30th September, but was still unnecessarily high owing to the proposed use of five and six inches of concrete in foundations where four inches would be adequate. A further substantial reduction of price was thereupon obtained and approval of the final figure, which was received in my Department on nth October, was given on 12th October.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he proposes to take to encourage further recruitment for the mines and, in particular, if he is prepared to provide training facilities for suitable displaced persons from the British zone in Germany who are willing to work in the British coalmines.

An intensive recruitment campaign designed to attract men and youths into the industry is being vigorously pursued by my officials in collaboration with officials of the Ministry of Labour. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the earth movement in Kimblesworth, colliery village, Co. Durham, as a result of which nearly 100 persons are homeless; if he is satisfied that the cause of this subsidence is not due to mining operations; and what action be proposes to take.

I have heard with regret of the severe and extensive damage at Kimblesworth. I am not, however, in a position to state the cause. If it should be established that it is due to mining operations the matter will lie for settlement between the council and the colliery company.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the comparison between the amount of supplies and materials held in stock by the coalmining industry at August, 1945, and August, 1946.

Steel, timber and conveyor belting comprise the major portion of colliery stocks of materials. Returns are not available for the dates named by my hon. Friend, but the increases in stocks at June, 1946, compared with June, 1945, are as follow:

• Steel, 12,700 tons.
• Timber, 111,800 standards
• Conveyor belting, 35,100 feet.

The same general improvement applies to other items.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the production of deep mines output of coal for the mining year to 30th April, 1945–46, to compare with figures given for the year 1946–47.

The production of deep mined coal during the coal year ended April, 1946, was 173.0 million tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give particulars of the modern coal-cutting or other mining machinery that has been exported from this country during 1946.

The following table shows the number of machines exported, and the number despatched to collieries in this country, between January and September, 1946:

Machine			Exports	Home
Coalcutters	…	…	71	553
Conveyors	…	…	148	1,494
Power Loaders	…	…	4	82

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present debt incurred by the Coal Charge Account; and the amount of the present levy per ton.

The debt on the Coal Charges Account for advances made by the Exchequer is £37,150,000. Against this the Account has assets which are expected to yield about £10 million net, which will be available to reduce the debt. The rate of levy is 15s. per ton of coal supply.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that all motor-cars over 20 h.p. get the same bask ration of 15 gallons per month; and whether he will consider increasing the basic allowance on a sliding scale for horse-power in excess of 20.

The average monthly basic petrol ration for private cars of 20 h.p and over is 15½ gallons. I regret that I am unable to increase the allowances for cars in excess of 20 h.p.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when it is expected that petrol coupons will be supplied to colonial civil servants on leave; and why no consideration is given to these visitors who have spent long periods abroad due to the war, thereby injuring their health and being in need of recreation and rest.

A leave allowance of petrol, sufficient to cover 300 miles' travel may now be granted to any British sub- ject who returns to the United Kingdom on leave from abroad. The allowance is available for use in a car registered in the name of the applicant, or his wife, or her husband, or by one of their parents.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why supplies of best coal have been stopped in rural districts of Leicestershire and only poorer grades allowed, when best coal is still supplied to the city of Leicester.

Certain depots in Leicestershire and in the city of Leicester are supplied partly with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coal and partly with Leicestershire coal. Increased production in Leicestershire has made it possible to switch some of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coal to make good deficiencies in other areas and replace it with Leicestershire coal. In making these transfers the primary consideration has been economy in transport and there has been no discrimination against rural districts.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the allocation of fuel for the winter is bearing hardly upon people living in furnished rooms; and if he will make some concession to help them.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave on the 15th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton (Mr. Warbey).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will inform the House of the stocks of coal available, or which will become available, for the maintenance of railway transport in accord with the passenger timetables published by the four principal railway companies; and if the published services can be continued without prejudice to goods traffic the maintenance of which is important during the winter months.

The stocks of coal for railway services generally amount to about 1½ weeks' winter supply at the present time. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what publicity he is giving to the facilities which exist for those persons who rely solely upon coal for heating and cooking purposes to obtain an additional allocation of coal.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) on 26th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average completion date now being quoted for new applications for a supply of electricity with particular reference to rural areas.

An average figure could be struck only after detailed returns had been obtained from 570 electricity undertakers. I do not think that I should be justified in asking for these forms to be filled up in existing circumstances.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proportion of the coal now used in generating stations could be utilised for the production of gas and by-products.

This matter has been fully investigated, and apart from Scotland where there is a greater degree of inter-changeability than elsewhere, there is at present no coal supplied to generating stations which could be used for the production of gas and by-products.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an assurance that a British factory for the employment of severely disabled persons will be established in Newport, in view of the large number of such men in this area; and when it is likely to be started.

The Disabled Persons Employment Corporation intends to establish a factory at Newport. It is not possible at this stage to give a definite date for the erection of the factory.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the present condition that all large firms must employ three per cent. of disabled persons in accordance with the provisions of the Disabled Persons Act is sufficient to absorb into employment all employable disabled persons in this country; and whether he will consider, in the near future, taking steps to increase the percentage in order to achieve that object.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the quota obligation of 3 per cent. is as far as it would be prudent to go at the present time The position is being carefully watched and the percentage will be increased if necessary to secure that disabled persons who are capable of employment are absorbed, though a certain percentage of unemployment must be expected as in the case of the able bodied.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Highfield Tool Works, Little London Road, Sheffield, was closed on 4th January 1946, and approximately 120 employees discharged; and what steps have been taken to find employment, in their own trades, for the persons discharged.

I understand that 70 men and 10 women were employed at the Highfield Tool Works immediately before the firm closed down and that all redundant workers were either placed in employment by my Department or found work. If there is any particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind, I shall be glad to have it looked into if he will let me have particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour the total and percentage of unemployment amongst all insured persons at the latest available date; the total and percentage of unemployment amongst disabled persons at the same date; and the corresponding figures for the Scottish, Welsh, northern and north western regions.

The following table shows the numbers and estimated percentages of insured persons unemployed in Great Britain and in the northern, north western, Welsh and Scottish Regions at 16th September, 1946:

—	Number	Estimated Percentage
Great Britain	353,840	2½
Northern Region	48,589	5
North Western Region	65,826	3
Wales	57,691	8
Scotland	77,191	4½

As registration under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act is voluntary and is by no means yet complete, the total number of disabled is not known. Of those who have so far registered, the numbers unemployed at 19th September, 1946, were as follow:

—	No. of Registered Disabled Persons unemployed.
Great Britain	67,753
Northern Region	8,009
North Western Region	11,827
Wales	14,898
Scotland	7,387

These numbers cannot, for the reasons explained above, be expressed as a percentage of total numbers disabled.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now consider the removal of the standstill order as applied to agriculture in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Berwick and Haddington (Mr. Robertson) on 15th October to the effect that it is proposed to revoke the Essential Work (Agriculture) (Scotland) Order, 1945, with effect from 31st December next.

asked the Minister of Labour what official publication defines the meaning of the industry letters ZTF, ZTG, ZVN, ZVO and SA, referred to in S.R. & O., 1946, No. 1278 and other statutory instruments.

The industries represented by the industry letters referred to are as follow:

ZTF	Farming, Stockrearing and Forestry
ZTG
ZVN	Market Gardening, Fruit, Flower and Seed Growing
ZVO
SA	Coalmining

The letters ZTF and ZVN relate to workers insured under the Agricultural Scheme and-the letters ZTG and ZVO to those under the General Scheme. So far as I am aware there is no official publication containing this information.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons whose unemployment books bore the industry letters ZVN were prosecuted or otherwise dealt with under the Control of Engagement Orders, 1945, as though the letters were ZVM; and with what result.

There were no such prosecutions and, though precise records are not available, it is not thought that any persons with unemployment books bearing the letters ZVN were treated as if the letters were ZVM except those who were within the scope of the Orders on the other ground that they were normally employed in Agriculture (including Horticulture).

asked the Minister of Labour what progress he is making in recruiting foreign workers for industries that seem likely to be permanently short of workers; and what steps he is taking, in his negotiations with the trade unions, to make it clear that sub-standard conditions in the industries concerned must be improved, and that precautions will be taken to prevent future unemployment among the workers at present in the industries affected.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to the hon. Member for Northern Dorset (Mr. Byers) on 17th October, 1946, where the limitations on the importation of skilled workers were indicated. The only scheme now being arranged is one, which is agreed with the representatives of both sides of the industry, for bringing Italian foundry-men to this country for employment so long as British workers are not available. My right hon. Friend is confident that this scheme cannot cause unemployment amongst workers at present in the industry. No unskilled workers are at present eligible for permits to enter the country for industrial employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the labour shortage in agriculture, he will now release agricultural workers who were called up between October, 1945, and December, 1945, who are urgently required for autumn work on the farms.

In fairness to those members of the Forces who have to await their normal turn for release by age and length of service, it has always been a firm principle of the Class B scheme that men with less than a year's service should not be eligible. I feel that this rule must be maintained.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Class B release for schoolteachers has been suspended, or what is the lowest group offered release.

The scheme under which school teachers have been released from the Forces in Class B has not yet been suspended although it has largely fulfilled its purpose. Virtually all men identified as teachers by the Education Departments have been offered release in Class B provided they have served not less than 12 months in the Forces and can be spared from their military duties.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the maximum age at which men are now being called up for the Forces.

With very few exceptions, the maximum age is 30. Men are not normally called up to the Forces if they were born before 1st January, 1916.

asked the Minister of Labour why Mr. R. R. Dredge, 78, Sutherland Avenue, Welling, was not called up for service in the Forces after medical examinations in 1942 and 1945; and whether he is satisfied that his medical condition has altered in such a manner as to justify his call-up on 10th October, 1946.

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider amending the regulations for compulsory call-up so that boys under the age of 19 years should have the opportunity to sit for the Higher School Certificate where it can be proved that their education was interrupted by compulsory evacuation.

Under present arrangements the call-up of boys may be deferred or postponed to enable them to sit for the Higher Schools Certificate Examination if they will not have reached the age of 19 by the end of the academic year, 31st July. My right hon. Friend would not feel justified in extending these arrangements.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the service of volunteers who have been conscripted after their demobilisation counts for their period of conscripted service and so entitles them to an earlier discharge.

Yes, Sir, provided it was service in the Armed Forces after 3rd September, 1939, which counted for Service pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the report of the Cameron Committee on the application of the recommendations of the Rushcliffe Committee on legal aid and legal advice to Scotland.

Yes, Sir. Arrangements have been made for the publication of this report tomorrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make on the report of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee on Housing Management.

I am commending the report, copies of which are now available in the Vote Office, to the careful consideration of local authorities in Scotland, and am asking them to take an early opportunity of reviewing their housing management arrangements in the light of the suggestions which it contains.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the numerous and responsible duties carried out by the Scottish sheriff court judges, he will now invite them into consultation with him with a view to having their salaries increased to the level of those now paid to the county court judges in England.

After careful consideration of the representations made by the Association of Sheriffs-Substitute, their salaries were revised three months ago. There has been no change of circumstances which would justify a further review.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the discontinuation of educational, recreational and other cultural activities in all camps caring for 100 or more Polish displaced persons, ordered to take effect from 1st October by U.N.R.R.A.'s Stuttgart district office.

Yes, Sir. Immediate inquiries were made of the European Regional Office of U.N.R.R.A. who have replied as follows:

"The Order referred to in the Question was in fact issued, but as it was considered that the wording of the Order might be open to misconstruction it quoted out of the context of other Orders issued at the same time it has been withdrawn. The policy which was intended to be expressed in this Order is, however, still in effect. That is to say that, as part of the scheme for the consolidation of national groups amongst the displaced persons in the American zone of Germany, certain Polish displaced persons camps are to be closed in order to move all Polish displaced persons to larger camps. The educational and other equipment in the existing camps is to be withdrawn and transferred to the camps to which the Polish displaced persons themselves are to be transferred. There has at no time been any suggestion that the educational activities themselves should be discontinued."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that an instruction issued by the U.N.R.R.A. district office in Stuttgart, dated 26th September, 1946, declared that from 1st October, 1946, all educational, recreational and other cultural activities are to be discontinued in all camps caring for 100 or more Polish displaced persons; and, as this measure stops the cultural and educational development of the Polish nation, if he will take steps to have this order annulled.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely (Major Legge-Bourke).

asked the Secretary of State for Air why immobilised reserve service in the R.A.F. does not count for service pension on the same basis as in the Army.

Under the new pension code the period of qualifying service for pension is now the same for all three Services. Unmobilised reserve service does not count.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many German men, women and children are interned in camps in Denmark for which we are responsible.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Aston (Mr. Wyatt), on 8th October, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British troops are held in custody by the Yugoslav Government; and what steps are being taken to obtain their release.

Four British soldiers have been under arrest by the Yugoslav authorities for periods varying between five and nine weeks. His Majesty's Ambassador has made representations to the Yugoslav Government on these cases, and it is hoped that an early settlement will be reached.