asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, under the new Forestry Dedication Scheme, private owners are to be allowed to buy young trees direct from the Forestry Commission nurseries at cost.

Normally the Forestry Commissioners do not aim at providing plants in excess of their own requirements. When a surplus occurs the young trees are offered to the nursery trade for retail sale at prices which are agreed annually between representatives of the Commission, private woodland owners and the nursery trade. The Commissioners recognise, however, that dedicated woodlands occupy a special position, which will be borne in mind in this connection.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the new houses for foresters and woodmen to be built for the Forestry Commission will be built of wood.

It is not possible to say definitely what proportion of the new houses to be built for the Forestry Commission will be of wood, since this will depend on the availability of materials, but of the total of 1,772 houses proposed to be built in the year ending 30th September, 1947, it is so far planned that 100 will be of wooden construction.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the increase in drainage rates is causing considerable dissatisfaction to the marsh farmers; and if he will consider the formation of a catchment board for North-East Lincolnshire so as to spread the burden over a wider field.

I have received very few complaints about any increases in drainage rates necessitated by the extensive land drainage works carried out in wartime for the benefit of the districts concerned and I believe the value of such work, carried out with the aid of Government grant, is generally recognised by the persons affected. With regard to the second part of the Question, I am giving further consideration to the administration of land drainage in the North-East Lincolnshire area, including the question of setting up a catchment board to take over responsibility for the main watercourses.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to enable cattle grids to be erected on roads adjoining open commons.

The decision on such matters must rest with the responsible highway authority and I have no power to intervene.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many small pig-keepers clubs are in existence now; and how this number compares with the number in existence at 31st August, 1945.

The number of pigs clubs registered with the Small Pig Keepers' Council at the end of October, 1946, was 4,885. At the end of August, 1945, the number was 4,836.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the sugar beet crop in North Lincolnshire will be in jeopardy unless commercial vehicle tyres are supplied immediately; and if he will deal with this problem as a matter of urgency.

I am advised that while the shortage of tyres in North Lincolnshire is causing inconvenience, the sugar beet crop there is not in jeopardy. The assistance of the Tyre Manufacturers' Conference has already been invoked to obtain tyres for commercial vehicles owned by farmers in cases where the county war agricultural executive committee confirm that the vehicles would be immobilised without them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present position of the appeal boards set up to consider appeals from farmers who are dispossessed by A.E.Cs.; what is the nature of these boards; how the members are selected; and what is the procedure followed in effecting dispossession.

At the beginning of this year I set up regional Tribunals to consider appeals against proposals by county war agricultural executive committees to dispossess owner-occupiers of agricultural land or to terminate agricultural tenancies. The tribunals are non-statutory, appointed ad hoc and each comprises a chairman with legal qualifications selected by me and two additional members, one selected from a list of persons nominated by the National Farmers' Union and one from a list submitted jointly by the Central Landowners' Association, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Land Agents' Society.The function of the tribunals is to advise me in cases referred to them whether the grounds specified by the committee for the action proposed to be taken against the farmer are substantiated or not and if so whether, having regard to all the circumstances, my consent should be given to such action. The tribunals do not deal with the cases of farmers who had already been dispossessed before it was decided to allow appeals.The procedure is that county war agricultural executive committees make every effort to induce inefficient farmers to improve their work and methods, and they offer all possible guidance and assistance before resorting to drastic action. When, however, they conclude that there is no alternative to the taking of possession or the termination of the tenancy of a holding in the interests of food production, and when the Land Commissioner, acting on my behalf, is satisfied that there is a prima facie case, the farmer is informed of the committee's intention to apply for my consent to the taking possession of his land or the termination of his tenancy, as the case may be, and of the grounds upon which they are acting. He is further informed that he has a right to have the matter referred to the tribunal if he wishes, and he is given 14 days in which to notify the Committee that he intends to appeal. Failing such, appeal, the matter is referred to me for an immediate decision. In cases of termination of tenancy, the owner also is given an opportunity to be heard by the tribunal.So far, these tribunals have been called upon to consider only 21 cases, of which seven are pending. In 12 of the 14 cases which have been heard the tribunal have confirmed the recommendation of the county war agricultural executive committee. The final decision whether or not to dispossess the farmer or terminate his tenancy rests with me, as the Minister in whom the authority has been vested under the emergency legislation. As I have already announced, however, I am prepared, save in exceptional circumstances, to act in accordance with the recommendation of the tribunal. In cases where my consent is given, a formal notice of taking possession or terminating the tenancy is served on the farmer, and he is directed to give up possession by a specified date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consider sending a mission from Newfoundland to Iceland to study how the latter manages to run a self-supporting economy.

My noble Friend is considering this suggestion and if he thinks it should be pursued he will consult with the Newfoundland Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what action he is taking to increase the market for Newfoundland fish in Europe.

The Newfoundland Fisheries Board, which is a statutory body working in close collaboration with the Newfoundland exporters, has recently undertaken a comprehensive survey of the postwar markets for salt fish, and has made a number of recommendations designed to increase both the quality and quantity of Newfoundland exports. At present, the major part of the Newfoundland catch is subject to allocation by the Combined Food Board or has been contracted for by U.N.R.R.A., principally for distribution in Greece and Italy. Salt cod is also being sent in considerable quantities to Spain and Germany. The Commission of Government are fully alive to the need for increasing the market for Newfoundland fish both in Europe and elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Food what proportion, in quantity, of the food consumed in this country is consumed in catering establishments, works canteens and private houses, respectively.

Of rationed foods 3½ per cent. is consumed in commercial catering establishments, 6½ per cent. in canteens, plus school meals service, etc., 2½ per cent. in mainly residential institutions and 87½ per cent. in private houses.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that during the present autumn large numbers of fat cattle ready for slaughter have been held back at slaughtering points because of inadequate slaughtering facilities; that this has resulted in loss of weight and quality to both his Department and the consumer; and if he is prepared to open more slaughterhouses in readiness for the autumn peak of 1947.

A large number of fat-stock has been marketed during the past few weeks and there has been some unavoidable delay in slaughtering a small proportion of the stock. The delay is due to a shortage of slaughtermen which is gradually being made up, rather than to inadequate slaughtering facilities. De-day in slaughtering may result in some loss of weight but not necessarily in the quality of the meat.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the varying retail prices of nuts, walnuts and chestnuts in particular, he will take immediate steps to impose a reasonable controlled price for this Christmas fare.

I have great sympathy with my hon. Friend's object, but on the whole I have come to the conclusion that in the case of these minor foodstuffs such as nuts, it is better not to attempt control, but to let the ordinary play of the market operate. I face the fact that this may mean all sorts of anomalies and possible profiteering while demand exceeds supply. But it will produce and in this case has produced increased supplies. Government buying and control is really not suitable to these small, miscellaneous and perishable foodstuffs. Needless to say my hon. Friends need have no fear that we shall put any of the great staple foodstuffs at the mercy of the market so long as demand exceeds supply.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider the re-establishment of graded English apples, in view of the high-class packaging of dates, figs, etc., being imported from abroad.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I are most anxious to see a return to a higher standard of grading of apples as soon as conditions permit, and our Departments are in consultation regarding the future grading and marketing of fruit in this country.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the South Caernarvonshire Congregational Association were unable to hold their quarterly meeting in September at the Rhiw Congregational Church, Caernarvonshire, because they were refused a permit to purchase rationed foods; that, as the village of Rhiw has no public eating house, the meeting had to be held at another place, with the result that the missionary aspect of this part of the association's work was vitiated; and if he will issue instructions that a similar application of the December quarterly meeting of the association to be held at Talysarn, near Caernarvon, will be more sympathetically treated.

I appreciate the difficulties mentioned by my hon. Friend but I regret I would not be justified in varying the policy in these matters described in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on 16th October.

asked the Minister of Food for what quantities the Biscuits Victoria of Utrecht recently applied for an import licence; and has such licence been granted.

An application has been made to import these biscuits by a firm in this country. I have no doubt a licence will be granted subject to agreement being reached as to the maximum price at which the biscuits will be sold.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the shortage of porridge oats and golden syrup in the Eastleigh district, Hampshire; and if he will take the necessary action to improve distribution.

Supplies of milled oats were temporarily reduced as a result of the adverse harvesting conditions but oats are now being released from Ministry stocks to supplement the supplies from farms and increased quantities of porridge oats will shortly be available in all districts. Porridge oats are distributed under the points rationing scheme and I have no reason to think that the Eastleigh district of Hampshire is not receiving a fair share of available supplies. Allocations of golden syrup to the Eastleigh district have already been very substantially increased.

asked the Minister of Food why he has decided to classify turkeys produced in Eire as foreign and to fix the price at 9d. per pound less than that paid for home grown turkeys and for those coming from Northern Ireland; whether this classification and price difference was in operation in previous years; what conversations were held with the Eireann Department of Agriculture on the matter; and whether the new prices were agreed with them.

asked the Minister of Food why turkeys imported from Eire are to be classed as foreign; and, in view of the fact that it will react unfavourably on the Eireann producers as against Northern Ireland and home-produced birds, thus causing the number of turkeys available for the home market to be considerably reduced, if he will reconsider his decision.

In the recent announcement turkeys from Eire were not classified as "foreign" but as "imported," a description which included turkeys from other countries in the British Commonwealth. The decision to fix the maximum price of imported birds at the lower level than those of home-produced was taken in order to give the consumer the benefit of lower prices at which they had been procured or purchased.Before the war turkeys from Eire were frequently cheaper than British birds and the maximum price fixed for them in 1940 was lower than for home-produced turkeys. The representative of the Government of Eire was notified of the proposals before the announcement was made but after further consideration of the representations made by him I have decided to make an intermediate maximum price for turkeys from Eire which I shall be announcing shortly. The object will be to encourage maximum supplies of turkeys from Eire and adjust the price level on a basis proportionate with the prewar practice in comparison with home produced and birds imported from other countries.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to deal with the heavy landings of herrings at East coast ports.

First, I am taking every practicable step to increase the consumption of herrings in this country. Nor are these steps unsuccessful, for the offtake for the home market during the present East Anglian season has gone up by 80 per cent. over last year.Second, we are developing the processing of surplus herrings into oil and meal. About 900 tons have been sent to reduction factories this year as a start and we hope to get this process going on a substantial scale by next season.Third, I have contracted on behalf of the Control Office for Germany and Austria to buy over 20,000 tons of pickle-cured and klondyked herrings, and the Herring Industry Board has arranged for these and other exports.In view of recent heavy landings, which I hope will be repeated, three vessels are now on their way from Germany in order to pick up fresh herrings for distribution in Germany.

asked the Minister of Food when the third review of the world food shortage may be expected.

The I.E.F.C. is at the moment undertaking its main review of the world food situation for 1947 and it would be a pity if His Majesty's Government published an independent survey before we know the result. But we hope to publish our next review early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Food what have been the reasons for delay in wheat shipments from Montreal; what extra costs will have to be paid as the result; and whether these charges will be added to the amount of food subsidies.

Shipments of Canadian wheat in the current crop year have been dependant upon farmers' marketings from the new crop and the movement of these restricted supplies has been impeded by serious transportation difficulties in Canada. This has resulted in some delay in the loading of vessels which had been positioned in the expectation that cargoes would be available. Complete information is not yet available as to the extra cost occasioned by the delay since claims for demurrage have been presented only in respect of these vessels which have arrived and discharged their cargoes in the United Kingdom. The amount of approved claims will be added to the landed cost of the wheat and will be charged to the food subsidy.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he proposes to take both to ensure a proper proportion of the Ceylon tea crop to this country and to see that the Ceylon export tax on tea now proposed does not fall on the British consumer.

I have seen the announcements in the Press by the Ceylon Board of Ministers of their intention to impose an export tax on tea, but my Department has not yet been supplied with details of its scope and amount. Pending the receipt of this information I am not in a position to gauge precisely the effects of such a tax on the supply of tea from Ceylon to this country and on the price to the British consumer, or to decide what steps it will be necessary to take in this connection.

asked the Minister of Food what sum has been expended in the U.S.A. for the purchase of vegetable colouring matter; and for what purpose these substances were bought.

None, Sir. The second part of the hon. Member's Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Food if transport can now be provided for the import of larger supplies of oranges which would supply the necessary vitamins to those people suffering from the lack of sunshine this summer.

I am importing all the oranges that I am able to purchase and I am assured that all the necessary trans- port will be available. I expect to be able to distribute 50 per cent. more than last winter.

asked the Minister of Food the number of bread-rationing coupons received from an average size bakery for one month; and the number of persons employed to count them and the time involved.

It is difficult to determine what is an average size bakery and I regret that the precise information asked for is not available. I find, however, that the number of B.U. coupons received from a fair size bakery in a provincial town was 23,061 in respect of a four-week period, and I estimate that it would take one clerk 11 to 12 hours to count them.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there is a shortage of evaporated milk, canned puddings and canned meats in Leicester; what is the method of distributing these commodities in the Midlands; how the last distribution was made; and what steps he will take to deal with the position in the future.

Leicester is receiving its fair share of evaporated milk, canned puddings and canned meats. The releases of all "points" foods are made on the same basis in the Midlands as in the rest of the country.

asked the Minister of Food when he expects to be able to make an announcement about the future organisation of slaughtering and marketing of meat and other perishable foods in view of the relation of policy in this matter to local planning.

Plans for future organisation of marketing and processing of foods generally are being worked out as quickly as possible by the Government and will be discussed with the various interests concerned as soon as they are ready.

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement of the Government's policy towards the World Food Board plan, in view of the recent official U.S. disapproval of the plan.

The policy of His Majesty's Government to the World Food Board was expressed by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary. Secretary to the Ministry of Works, who is leading the United Kingdom Delegation to the F.A.O. conference at Washington, in his opening speech. I am putting a copy of his speech into the Library and also a copy of the speech delivered by Mr. Dodd, the leader of the U.S.A. delegation.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the food situation in the British zone of Germany, the Government will make special arrangements for the transmission to that zone of the extra Christmas rations of those who are willing to forgo them.

These extra rations would not be so helpful to the German people as would additional supplies of cereals which are under discussion with the United States Government. The question of permitting the despatch of individual food parcels to Germany is, however, under review.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consent to the granting of priority milk to all persons over 75 years of age.

I very much regret that I cannot grant extra milk for elderly people at the present time. It could only be done at the expense of other sections of the community, and I would not be justified in reducing their allowances.

asked the Minister of Food if he will give instructions that applicants, other than initial purchasers, for orange juice, etc., supplied under his Department's scheme, are to return the empty bottle before obtaining a new one and thus, save 600,000 bottles weekly which are not at the moment being returned.

I do not propose to issue such instructions since they would be detrimental to the operation of the Welfare Foods Service. Bottles which are not returned to the Ministry are salvaged locally.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there have been plentiful crops of lentils in the Near East; and if he will secure some of these for milling in this country, in view of their dietetic value and the fact that we have been without them for some years.

We shall purchase all the lentils we can from the Near East, but it is unlikely that the quantity will be very large—they are wanted for local consumption.

asked the Minister of Food if he will take steps to let the pulse-milling industry know what supplies of peas and lentils are likely to be forthcoming during the next six months, in view of the fact that the mills are now running on a day-to-day basis and that it is impossible to plan production ahead.

Yes, Sir, as far as it is possible to do so, but our supplies over the next six months are not yet assured.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will review the decision of his Department to refuse an allocation of cooking fats to Mr. William Hunt, of Alfreton, Derbyshire, in view of the fact that this ex-Serviceman had to close his business on call-up and now wishes to resume.

I regret that I cannot make an exception in favour of Mr. Hunt. As a retail butcher he does not qualif} for an allocation of cooking fat.

asked the Minister of Food how many tins of evaporated milk stored at May Bank, Newcastle, Staffs, have become unfit for human consumption; and what steps he is taking to prevent similar occurrences of wastage of food.

Some 2,000 out of 12,600 cases of the evaporated milk stored in this warehouse have been sent to a Ministry sorting depot but until examination is completed it is not possible to say what proportion of this quantity will eventually prove to be unfit for human consumption. The existing arrangements for inspection provide a check against avoidable deterioration of food stocks and, while damage to a commodity like evaporated milk is always liable to occur, the overall amount of wastage is very small in relation to total supplies.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the standard of road signposting in this country is still below that of many other countries; and if he will endeavour to ensure that in future an adequate amount of money is allocated from the Road Fund for the purpose of improving the signposting arrangements.

In March of this year I advised highway authorities on the way in which the signposting of this country should be improved and brought up to date and my officers are giving special attention to the matter. Grants from the Road Fund are available towards the approved cost of traffic signs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to assist the road safety movement, he will take steps with other Ministers concerned and the motorcar manufacturers to improve the supply and distribution of those motorcar spare parts which are needed to enable the owners of existing vehicles to maintain them in a roadworthy condition and, in particular, replacement parts for the steering mechanism, transmission, brakes and tyres.

In conjunction with the Ministry of Supply arrangements are in force under which my regional maintenance and certifying officers assist the owners of vehicles engaged on essential work in obtaining spare parts which are in short supply. Particular attention is given by both Ministries to the production of parts for such units as steering mechanism, transmission and brakes. I understand that production of tyres is improving and that the supply to additional classes of motorists of new car size tyres, as opposed to retreads, will be authorised as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that local planning schemes are being held up owing to lack of information as to routes of projected trunk roads; and when a decision is to be reached regarding them.

Surveys are at present being conducted to determine what modifications are desirable in the routes of trunk roads, and the necessary orders establishing new lines will be made as soon as the provisions of Section 1 of the Trunk Roads Act, 1946, can be brought into effect. In the meantime, my divisional officers maintain close contact with the regional planning officer of the Minister of Town and Country Planning and with local planning authorities. I am not aware of any cases where planning schemes are being held up by lack of information; but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I shall be happy to look into it.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is intended to introduce legislation to permit local authorities to erect motor-omnibus shelters.

I regret I can see no prospect of early legislation in this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport what alterations have been made in the passenger train service to and from Lowestoft; whether he is aware that the inadequate service acts as a deterrent to industrial development of the town; and if he will seek an early opportunity to improve the service.

I am informed that the principal alterations made on 7th October in the passenger train services to and from Lowestoft were the acceleration of the mid-morning express from Liverpool Street by 23 minutes; the introduction, in place of the portion formerly provided on the 3.40 p.m., of a through train at 3.20 p.m. from Liverpool Street, giving an acceleration of 19 minutes on the time of the afternoon journey; and the provision of a new through train from Lowestoft to London at 4.18 p.m. A restaurant car is provided on one additional service in each direction. The existing service is almost up to the level of that provided before the war.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that essential materials for the repair of the sea wall at Lowestoft have had to be brought by road at an increased cost to the Corporation owing to the embargo on delivery of such materials by the L.N.E.R.; and whether, in view of the serious consequences which would ensue, due to delay in delivery of these materials, he will cause the embargo to be removed.

I am aware of the difficulties which are due primarily to shortage of locomotive power. The restrictions on acceptance of traffic are reviewed daily and removed as soon as conditions allow.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make immediate inquiries into the congestion of mineral traffic on the railways in the Midlands, which has already forced the Welbeck and Blidworth pits and others to reduce output, taking into consideration the facts that the weather has been good for transport recently and there has been no immediate reduction in the number of wagons and engines available for this traffic.

The records of wagons put into the collieries named by my hon. Friend over the past five weeks show that a fair supply was maintained, but that notwithstanding small quantities of coal were lost. There is some difficulty in keeping all collieries fully supplied with wagons owing to the general shortage of wagons and locomotives due to lack of renewal and maintenance during the war. I have instructed the railway companies that movement of coal must be given priority in wagon supply and they assure me that every endeavour is made to equalise the available supply of all pits.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will inquire into the practice of gratuities being offered and accepted as the basis for allocation of sleeping berths on railways, with special reference to the Manchester-London run, and take steps to prevent it.

Following representations from the hon. Member, I inquired specially into the allocation of berths on the Manchester-London service on an occasion to which he referred, but I was satisfied that the berths had been properly allocated in order of application. Both I and the railway company are concerned at the suggestion that gratuities influence the allocation of sleeping berths, and if the hon. Member has any evidence that this is the case, I will, as I have already told him, make further inquiries.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dirty conditions prevailing in many railway carriages and station waiting rooms; and if he will take immediate steps to improve standards of comfort and hygiene.

Considerable arrears of redecoration and renovation have unavoidably accumulated during the war, and in present circumstances much needed renovation must yield place to more urgent requirements. The railway companies are, however, doing their best with the limited resources available. If the hon. Member will inform me of any particular cases he has in mind I will see what more can be done.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that on 19th August 24 empty cases were handed to the L.M.S. Railway at New Cross, London, for dispatch to Wolverhampton; that after 75 days' delay they have not yet been delivered and the railway company have no knowledge of their whereabouts; and if he will investigate the causes of these long delays in goods transport and take steps to prevent them in future.

The L.M.S. have no depot at New Cross, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with information as to the name of the consignee and the name of the railway company to whom the cases were handed I will have further inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has investigated the complaint of the chaotic state of the rail transport of coal in the North Midlands, sent to him by the hon. Member for South Derbyshire on 21st October and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. As I have explained to the hon. Member in my letter of 14th November the delay in the area in question was due to an abnormal flow of coal to London and the south of England for building up stocks for the winter. In addition, repair work to the Woodhead Tunnel necessitated a substantial diversion from the London and North Eastern system to the London Midland and Scottish Railway of traffic consigned to London. The situation was further aggravated by a shortage of staff in the traffic movement grades in the London area.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can hold out hope of an early increase in the number of ships available between this country and the Dominions and Colonies, in view of the large numbers of suitable emigrants who have been awaiting passages for months and who are still faced with indefinite delay.

I regret that I can hold out no early hope of a substantial increase in the number of passenger ships on any particular route. As more ships return to commercial use, however, the position will gradually improve. I am in close consultation with Dominion authorities in an endeavour to find means of commencing a reasonable flow of settlers next year.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the superiority of the parachute flare system, for saving life at sea, over the present approved signal, if he will have a scientific investigation to ascertain if the objection to it on account of its size can be surmounted without impairing its efficiency.

It is important that lifeboats should be supplied with a combined rocket and flare and the question whether the parachute flare to which my hon. and learned Friend refers could be made to serve both purposes and be made sufficiently small for use in lifeboats is one to which the manufacturers should give their attention.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will publish the Report of the working party that considered the parachute flare system for saving life at sea and rejected its general adoption in British ships because of its size.

My right hon. Friend has set up a number of working parties to consider the Ministry's regulations and instructions on various matters affecting shipping but it was not his intention to publish their reports which are very detailed and technical and inappropriate for general publication.

asked the Minister of Transport why the "Aquitania" sailed for New York last week with a considerable number of empty berths; and whether, having regard to the fact that hundreds of people are anxiously waiting for transport to the U.S.A., steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.

As I informed the hon. Member for Wavertree (Mr. Raikes) on 24th October, the "Aquitania" was not specially chartered for the voyage in question, being already in the service of His Majesty's Government, and it is estimated that the earnings of the voyage would cover the cost. This vessel is fitted as a troopship and the maximum number of civilian passengers which could be carried with a moderate degree of comfort on the recent voyage was 1,004. 982 were embarked. The shipping company, was, however, unable to dispose in time of the remaining 22 berths in dormitories although they were offered to those on its waiting list.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the complaints from passengers in H.M.T. "Winchester Castle" regarding the bad conditions on board and stating that, owing to contaminated or unwholesome food, there was an epidemic which affected some 600 of the passengers on board; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement.

I am informed by the shipping company that they consider this unfortunate outbreak of illness was probably due to a sudden and considerable fall in temperature following very hot weather in the Red Sea, resulting in gastric disturbances. The port health authorities at Mombasa made a thorough inspection of the refrigerators, larders and galleys which were all found to be in accordance with hygienic requirements. Arrangements were made for samples of the foodstuffs to be analysed at Durban, but full results are not yet available. A further investigation will be carried out by the shipping company and by my Department, when the "Winchester Castle" arrives back in this country shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport how many vessels of over 1,000 national registered tonnage have been sold in this country for breaking-up during the past 12 months; and how many of them were sold to continental companies for the same purpose.

During the twelve months ending October 31st, two vessels over 1,000 gross registered tons were sold to shipbreakers in this country, and four to continental shipbreakers. During the present month, three further sanctions have been granted in respect of ships over 1,000 gross registered tons.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of attempts made to segregate white and black passengers on Africa-bound ships, in particular on the ss. "Hilary" at the end of September, when all the passengers had booked first-class; and whether he will ensure that such discrimination is not attempted.

I have arranged for inquiries to be made into this particular allegation and will inform the hon. Member of the result, but I understand from the shipping company concerned that their policy is against racial discrimination such as is alleged to have occurred. I need hardly assure the hon. Member that I am strongly opposed to any racial discrimination on British passenger ships.

asked the Minister of Transport in how many cases in the past year the rule that requisitioned ships should be dry ships has been relaxed; and whether this rule will now be abandoned so that there is equal treatment for all sea-going passengers from and to this country.

The continuation of the ban on the sale of alcoholic liquor in requisitioned passenger ships, whether carrying troops or civilians, is dictated by the liquor supply position. This is kept under constant review with the object of removing the ban at the earliest date. The only cases in which the rule has been relaxed during the past year were the "Queen Mary," in which, owing to the large number of civilian passengers carried eastbound from New York to this country, the sale of alcoholic liquor was permitted on her last few eastbound voyages prior to release from Government service; and the "Aquitania" on her recent westbound voyage to U.S.A. when she carried a large number of foreign delegates to the Council of Foreign Ministers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the anti-nationalisation campaign now being conducted by the four main-line railway companies, in conjunction with the Road Haulage Association, through the medium of pamphlets and advertisements in the public Press; whether an estimate of the cost of this campaign was submitted by the railway companies at the time of their latest application for an increase in fares; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the cost of this campaign shall not fall upon public funds.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Central Hackney (Mr. H. Hynd) on 12th March last. As expenditure incurred for the purpose in question does not fall upon the control account, no estimate of the cost was submitted at the recent hearing of the Charges Consultative Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider, with the L.P.T.B., the introduction, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., of a short-stage 1d. fare to assist house-wiyes in their shopping problems.

A 1d. fare for one-stage road journey has already been considered by the Board and the Charges Consultative Committee, and found it to be impracticable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the comments made by the Consultative Charges Committee on the accounts as presented by the L.P.T.B.; and whether he is prepared to examine the methods used by this board with a view to introducing a better system of accounting.

The net revenue account submitted by the Board to the Charges Consultative Committee was prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Railway Control Agreement, under which certain settlements between the railways and the Board were rendered unnecessary. While the Agreement remains in force this form of accounting must continue.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that Vauxhall Motors, Luton, are now planning to re- duce substantially their output of motor cars in 1947 on the ground that their allocation of steel will be insufficient to produce the output originally announced; and if he will give the figures of this allocation for last quarter and next quarter.

Unfortunately, supplies of sheet steel will not permit this firm to expand its output as much as was hoped. It would not be desirable to give allocations to individual firms.

asked the Minister of Supply how many of the proposals for development in the steel industry submitted to the Steel Control Board have been sanctioned and how many refused; and how many in each of these categories fall within the recommendations of the B.I.S.F. Report and how many outside them.

Approval has been given to 51 schemes included in the Federation plan and to 58 smaller schemes not included in the plan. No major schemes, whether included or not in the plan, have been rejected, although in certain cases companies have been asked to defer their proposals or to reconsider the siting proposed for the developments in question.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the urgent and increasing need for ambulances, he will consider the production of a standardised type of vehicle in a Government factory or elsewhere.

The design and production of ambulances for civil purposes is a matter for the motor industry, who have to take account of the requirements of purchasers.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the method of disposal of Government surplus steel.

All Government surplus stocks of iron and steel, including scrap, are disposed of by Iron and Steel Disposals Limited, whose capital is wholly owned by the Ministry of Supply and who operate under the direction of the Iron and Steel Board. Prime and re-usable steel is sold direct to consumers, where practicable, or through merchants to the smaller consumers. All surpluses are sold at controlled prices, where these apply, or at the best prices that can be obtained. The Ministry of Supply receives the proceeds of all sales.

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent vehicles loaned out by the former Ministry of Aircraft Production to private firms are still being used by them; whether this practice is likely to continue; and if he is satisfied in respect of payments for the usage of these Government vehicles.

Two thousand five hundred and fifty-five vehicles are still on loan, but they are gradually being withdrawn. I am satisfied as to the charges made.

asked the Minister of Supply if the German scientists who have come to this country to work on rocket research were engaged on a voluntary agreement; and what are the terms of that agreement.

The agreements, which are entirely voluntary, offer employment to these scientists for six months in the first instance and are subject to renewal by mutual agreement. The contract may be terminated earlier on compassionate grounds or for other reasons at the Department's discretion. The salaries offered are graded according to qualifications.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that rolling mills are refusing to accept steel scrap; and if he will take steps to see that all possible steel scrap is utilised in the efforts to combat the steel shortage.

Steel works are taking all the scrap they can, within the limits of their stocking space. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any instances to the contrary, I will look into them.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will make a statement about the future disposal of some 4,000 acres of new forest moorland, situated at Ashley Walk, east of Fording-bridge, used during the war as a bombing range and handed over to his Department by the Air Ministry.

This land will be returned to the Forestry Commission, to whom it belongs, as soon as skilled labour can be spared to clear it of unexploded bombs and target structures.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there is a shortage of electric batteries for bicycle lamps; and what steps he is taking to overcome this shortage.

My information is that the present production of these batteries is sufficient to satisfy the demand. There may, however, be local shortages, due to distribution or transport difficulties, and if the hon. Member will let me have particulars I will do what I can to help.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will take steps to have the lighting in the Chamber improved.

With the present type of fixture it is not possible to increase the amount of light that can be provided in the Chamber. The lighting could only be improved by the installation of an entirely new system, involving the use of labour and materials which I do not consider would be justified at the present time. I will, however, hear the problem in mind.

asked the Minister of Works what quantity of bricks was despatched to London from South Wales and Monmouthshire during the months of July, August, September and October, respectively, of this year; and what quantity of bricks was imported to South Wales from Belgium in the same period.

No common bricks were despatched to London from South Wales and Monmouthshire during the period in question but there was a despatch of special facing bricks amounting to about 290,000 in July, 124,000 in August, 180,000 in September, and 270,000 in October. The importations into South Wales from Belgium were of common bricks amounting to about 395,000 in September and 1,922,000 in October.

asked the Minister of Works why it is necessary to retain 30, Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, a house with 19 rooms, four bathrooms and four kitchens, under requisition, in order to house His Majesty's inspector of factories; and how long this requisition will be maintained.

Owing to the scarcity of accommodation in Bristol it has not been possible to find alternative premises for His Majesty's Inspector of Factories and his staff of 24. It is hoped by rearrangement to release one self-contained flat in the house but at present I cannot say when I shall be able to release the remainder.

asked the Minister of Works what annual rent his Department is paying to the Salford Corporation for the ground occupied by the Ministry of Supply on the Crescent Playing Fields, Salford; and how the rent paid compares with prices paid to private landowners for similar accommodation.

The annual compensation paid by my Department for this ground, which is used for storage, is £125 per annum, or about £9 per acre. This is based upon its value as a playing field. I have no information as to ordinary rents paid to private landowners for storage accommodation.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will give a licence for the necessary repairs to Dr. Johnson's house in Gough Square.

A licence for the necessary repairs to Dr. Johnson's house in Gough Square was issued on 14th November.

asked the Minister of Works what action has been taken by his Department to develop the use of breeze blocks as a substitute for bricks.

Concrete blocks, in the manufacture of which breeze is used, are widely employed as a substitute for bricks. My Department has encouraged the precast concrete industry to increase its production of the blocks, and has sponsored several large schemes for their manufacture for factory building in South Wales and Tyneside.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the shortage of skilled building operatives in this country, he will make a statement on the forthcoming departure of 600 such men to Australia.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to a similar Question addressed to him by the hon. Member for North Dorset (Mr. Byers) on 8th October.

asked the Minister of Works what useful purpose is served by having to insert the fire insurance value of a house on Form CL. 1136A when making application for a licence for small urgent repairs; and whether he will now withdraw the demand for this information.

The information is a useful guide to the size and value of the premises and assists my officers in considering applications. In future reprints of the form the applicants will have the option of giving the rateable value, or the Schedule A assessment, or the fire insurance value.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent the shortage of sheet glass is affecting the completion of houses; and what action he will take to remedy this shortage.

There is no evidence that the completion of houses is being held up owing to a shortage of sheet glass. Where local shortages are reported special action is taken to arrange supplies. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have particulars, I will have it dealt with immediately.

asked the Minister of Works what is the present position in regard to supplies of sheet glass in the Glasgow area; and if he will give an assurance that sufficient supplies will be available in the immediate future for the replacement of broken panes in working-class houses.

Supplies of glass to Scotland have been increased and are sufficient for all urgent needs such as replacement of broken windows in dwelling houses.

asked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to meet the shortage of supplies of sheet glass to the Midland area for glazing purposes.

The Midland area is in the same position as the rest of the country. There is sufficient glass to meet all priority requirements but not for the accumulation of stocks for other purposes.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that many rural houses in Cornwall have been wired for electricity which cannot be used owing to the lack of fittings; and if he will make the necessary supplies available.

The supply of approved electrical fittings is not at present adequate to meet all requirements for installation in existing buildings. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is doing all he can to increase production so that such demands may be met.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to expedite the delivery of poles to electricity companies in order that light and power may be provided to rural areas.

All practicable steps are being taken to obtain as many poles as possible, from home sources and from countries overseas, for all essential requirements, including the electricity supply industry. Any question as to how the Electricity Commission use the allocation of poles made to them should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ensure that sufficient supplies of timber are made available in respect of the licences for timber granted to Messrs. Pochins (Manchester) Limited, at Middlewich, Cheshire, so that this firm's contracts for the timber work in a great number of permanent and temporary houses and for the manufacture of permanent prefabricated houses, all of which contracts are for local authorities and none for private building, may be fulfilled and the dismissal of a large proportion of their employees be avoided.

I understand that the Timber Control area officer has already suggested certain possible sources of supply to Messrs. Pochins, and he will do his best to assist further if they will communicate with him. I fear, however, that, in the present shortage of timber, it is inevitable that some licence holders should experience difficulty and delay in procuring timber in the specification and quality they require.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the proposals to close down certain industries during the winter if the coal position deteriorates.

Discussions have been proceeding between my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power and my right hon. and learned Friend and with both sides of industry, about the arrangements for the supply of fuel to industry this winter in the event of supplies being insufficient to meet the increasing industrial consumption. At no time in these discussions has it been contemplated that certain industries should be closed down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions have been taking place regarding the plan to close down certain industries in the event of fuel shortage; and when that plan will be available to the House and to the industries concerned.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I have given today to the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. Shephard).

asked the Minister of Supply why surplus Government clothing cannot be tendered for by firms or individuals other than members of the Reconditioned and Salvage Clothing Merchants Association; who are the members of this association; and how many of them are ex-Servicemen.

I have been asked to reply. The R.S.C.M.A. deals only with used clothing. It is a non-profit making association of wholesale merchants formed specially for the purpose of controlled disposal of Government second-hand clothing. Membership was open initially to all firms who were in the trade before the war, but the Association are willing to admit ex-Servicemen who are genuine wholesalers. I will send the hon. and gallant Member a list of members of the Association, of whom there are 41. I understand that seven of these are ex-Servicemen recently admitted to membership. Government surplus clothing in new condition is disposed of through other trade associations similarly constituted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to increase the supply of umbrellas to the public.

Production increased by over 34 per cent. between the first and third quarters of this year. The rate of increase would have been more rapid but for the shortage of cloth. Steps have already been taken to provide more cloth for umbrellas, both from home sources and by import, with the result that there should be a further sharp increase in the fourth quarter of this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, with a view to encouraging the home production of hearing aids, he will restrict their import to cases of special need which cannot be met from domestic production and give home manufacturers the fullest assistance to produce new and improved types; and what has been the dollar expenditure during the past year in respect of imports of U.S. aids

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on this matter on 28th February last. Import licences for hearing aids from dollar sources have been issued during 1946 at the approximate rate of 42,000 dollars per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give details of the sale to the Dominions and foreign countries of components or equipment manufactured in this country in connection with the housing programme.

The components or equipment which can be used in connection with the housing programme cover a very wide range of items, several of which could be used for a number of other purposes. If, however, my hon. Friend will let me know of any particular items in which he is interested, I shall do my best to let him have the information he wants. In the meantime, I would refer him to the reply which I gave on 15th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Penryn and Falmouth (Mr. King), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the limitation of the recent increased quota of newsprint to publications existing before 1939 favours the monopolistic tendencies in the Press about which concern was expressed in the Motion recently accepted by the Government; and if he will extend this increased quota to new publications, as the simplest means of countering such tendencies.

As the hon. Member for Gravesend (Mr. Allighan) was informed on 9th October, the present supply position does not enable us to allow additional paper to new newspapers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continued shortage of mattresses in South London; that in certain areas holders of priority dockets are being told that they cannot be supplied with a 4 ft. 6 in. mattress, priced at £12, within six months or more, but that one could be supplied from stock without dockets for £18; and if he will take steps to put an end to such dealing in regard to both price and method.

I am not aware that supplies of mattresses are shorter in South London than elsewhere. Production of mattresses for the home market has now reached the prewar level, but spring mattresses, to which my hon. Friend appears to refer, form only a small proportion of the total, owing to short supplies of certain of the components. Consequently, docket holders who insist on obtaining a spring mattress may have to wait in some cases for a considerable interval, though they can avoid the delay by accepting a mattress of another type. With regard to the last part of the Question, if my hon. Friend will let me have full particulars, I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the approach of winter, he will increase the supply of woollen vests for young children, as these are now almost unobtainable.

In spite of a slight fall in production during the holiday months of July and August, supplies of children's woollen underwear will be better than they were last winter. The continued shortage of wool yarn, unfortunately, prevents as much improvement as we should wish, but the close restriction on exports will help to improve home supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the shortage of materials required in the manufacture of flies for salmon and trout fishing is depriving a number of partially disabled ex-Servicemen of employment, and if he will increase the import quota of these materials to the manufacturers concerned.

Licences are now being issued to manufacturers of flies for fishing to the extent of the value of their prewar imports of feathers for this purpose. These imports, which are being allowed on the understanding that an adequate proportion of production is exported, should be sufficient to meet manufacturers' needs.

asked the Minister of Labour how many building trade trainees are engaged upon factory construction in the South Wales Development Area.

Seven hundred and twenty-three trainees are engaged in the building industry, having completed their courses at centres in Wales. Separate statistics are not immediately available to show the number engaged on factory construction in the South Wales Development Area, but I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if it is the intention of the Government to make a pronouncement regarding the Christmas holidays, in view of Christmas Day falling on Wednesday and Boxing Day on Thursday; and if he is aware that a difficulty is foreseen in industries working the five-day week in re-starting for the Friday only.

No, Sir. Holidays, so far as they are not governed by Statute, are a matter of joint arrangement between employers and workers in the various industries.

asked the Minister of Labour if the same conditions regarding military service of young men entering a university will apply to those who desire to enter an agricultural college; and if he will give an assurance that the latter will not be penalised by first seeking employment on a farm in order to gain practical experience.

Conditions regarding entry to universities and agricultural colleges next year are at present under consideration. Existing arrangements provide that under certain conditions men born between 1st October, 1928, and 31st July, 1929, who are undergoing farm training can obtain deferment with a view to entering an agricultural college in the autumn of 1947.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the desirability of changing the date of the municipal elections in county and non-county boroughs from 1st November to a more suitable date when the days are longer, in order to encourage a larger number of people to exercise their franchise in these important elections.

This matter will receive consideration, but my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, at the recent municipal elections, all Service personnel serving outside this country were disfranchised; what steps will be taken to remedy this now that the local government electorate is the same as parliamentary; and what will be the position at the next General Election with regard to the Service vote.

An elector who is entered on a Service register is entitled, by Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1945, to vote at local elections by the proxy whom he has appointed for Parliamentary elections.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the application of Mr. Nicholas Alders, 68, Kimbolton Road, Bedford, for British naturalisation; and when Mr. Alders may expect this to be granted.

Mr. Alders, who applied for naturalisation as recently as September of this year, has claimed that priority should be given to his case. This claim to priority, which is one of several thousands that I have received, is at present under examination, and I am not yet able to say when it will be possible to proceed with Mr. Alders' application.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to remedy the position of British-born women who have married Poles who enlisted and served in the British Forces and are now unwilling on release to return to Poland and who, if they enlist in the Resettlement Corps, will become Stateless; if he will enable such women to regain their British nationality; and will those Poles who served with British Forces throughout the war be granted British nationality if they have work or employment in this country.

Pending legislation to amend the law regarding the nationality of married women, there is no method by which a British-born woman who has acquired Polish nationality on marriage can regain British nationality during the continuance of the marriage except through the naturalisation of her husband. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member on 24th October.