asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why a general maximum age of 45 years, and a provisional maximum age of 40 years have been fixed for the appointment of probation officers in Scotland.

The present upper age limits for first appointment as full-time salaried probation officers, which have been found generally satisfactory in practice, have regard primarily to the difficulties likely to be experienced by new entrants above these ages in adapting themselves successfully to the arduous and exacting duties of the probation service.

related to the county and burgh police; in how many cases were inquiries held; in how many were appeals dismissed without an inquiry; and how many appeals were outstanding in each class as on 30th September, 1946.

The following table shows the number of appeals in Scotland under the Police (Appeals) Acts, 1927 and 1943, up to the 30th September, 1946:

There would also be difficulty in admitting to superannuation schemes officers first appointed above these ages.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the areas under cereal crop and potato crop, respectively, in 1945 in Dumfriesshire; and what was the nature and purchase value of the agricultural equipment held by the A.E.G. for the use of farmers in this county.

The areas of the cereal and potato crops grown in Dumfriesshire in 1945 were 51,143 acres and 6,211 acres respectively. The agricultural equipment held by the tractor service for use, in supplement of farmers' own machinery, in the committee's area in 1945 comprised 42 tractors, 44 ploughs, 103 cultivators, harrows, seed drills and other cultivating implements, 3 mowers, 33 binders, 10 potato diggers, 1 drainage machine, 1 threshing mill, 2 balers, 1 power potato sorter and 36 trailers. The purchase value of this equipment was approximately £24,000.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will make arrangements for information about the activities of the Agricultural Research Council to be made more frequently available to those concerned with its work; and whether he will appoint a public relations officer to deal with the work of this council and other research bodies under his control.

Wartime difficulties naturally restricted the extent to which information about the activities of the Agricultural Research Council could be disseminated generally, though, as the hon. and gallant Member will, no doubt, be aware, the publication "Agricultural Research in Great Britain," was issued in 1943 and has since been reprinted, while the results of individual pieces of research continued to be published. The council now have in hand the publication as soon as possible of a report which will include reference to the work of the war years, as well as to that of the past year, and subsequently of an annual report instead of a biennial one as before the war. Every opportunity is also taken to make the practical results of agricultural research work known to a wider public through the Agricultural Departments, their advisory services and their agricultural improvement councils.

As regards the other research councils, the Medical Research Council are able to supplement their own arrangements with help from the Health Departments, while the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research already have an information and intelligence division. In all the circumstances, the question of an officer jointly responsible to the three councils hardly arises.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is yet in a position to say if the report on the fluorine hazard, near Port William, will be published.

Yes, Sir, as soon as it is available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to reduce housing costs and to encourage the use of alternatives to timber, he will remove the 33⅓ per cent. purchase tax on concrete linen posts, which are being ordered in large quantities in connection with local authorities' housing schemes.

I will consider this suggestion in connection with my next Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will add schoolbags to the list of those articles of leather, hide or skin on which the rate of Purchase Tax was reduced from 100 per cent. to 33⅓ per cent. as set forth in the amended notice 78E of 10th April, 1946.

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my next Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to introduce legislation to amend the War Damage Act, 1943, in the respects indicated by Mr. Justice Vaisey in his recent decision in In re 36, 38, 40 and 42, Jamaica Street, Stepney.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) last Tuesday.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a mint in South Wales where large quantities of nickel are available, for the purpose of manufacturing the new cupro-nickel coins and to provide increased employment in this special area.

I regret that this would not be practicable at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a mint in the city of Edinburgh for the manufacture of cupro-nickel coins, in view of the fact that there was formerly a mint in that city.

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions are given to inspectors of Income Tax with regard to the assessment of the 4.6 million tons of coal which are distributed annually to colliery staff as wages in kind; and whether the coal so distributed is valued at current retail prices.

This coal is not assessed to Income Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the proceeds of the U.S. Loan has been spent on the purchase of mining equipment; how much of this equipment is now on order in the U.S.A.; and what is the approximate time-lag between the date of ordering and the date of delivery in this country.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on 1st August. £100,000 worth of such machinery is now on order in the United States, and the time lag varies from nine months to two years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, under the Bretton Woods Agreement, the possibility of an increase in the price of gold has been provided for; and if, in view of the need for such an increase to meet increased cost of production, he will recommend to the International Monetary Fund that such an increase be made.

The answer to the first part is "Yes, Sir"; to the second part, "No, Sir."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that rises in production costs of gold in South Africa threaten to make many mines unprofitable, and, in view of the importance to this country and the Empire of maintaining the output of gold, what action has he taken, or does he propose to take, with the South African Government to remedy this situation.

This is a matter for the Government of the Union, and it is not for me to take any action.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total of credit granted to this country by Sweden in the form of accepting payments for Swedish exports in blocked sterling balances.

During the two years ending 30th April, 1947, Sweden has agreed to accumulate sterling balances up to a total of £41 million which may be used in accordance with the Anglo-Swedish Monetary Agreement of 6th March, 1945.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what future exchange facilities are offered, under existing regulations, by the Bank of England for the help of exporters and importers; in what currencies such facilities are obtainable; and what is the longest period forward for which the Bank of England is prepared to accept or make delivery of foreign currency.

The Bank of England normally provide forward exchange cover for imports arid exports up to six months in the following currencies:—U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, French francs, Swiss francs, Swedish kronor, Dutch florins, Belgian francs, Danish kroner, Norwegian kroner, Portuguese escudos. This satisfies the bulk of traders requirements. Transactions falling outside these arrangements are considered on their merits. But traders are encouraged to invoice in sterling and so avoid any exchange risk.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the need for all practicable steps to be taken to encourage and develop tourist traffic to this country during 1947, he will undertake to investigate to what extent the living theatre could more effectively contribute to the attraction of such traffic if it had not to bear the burden of the present level of Entertainments Duty.

I doubt it even the abolition of Entertainments Duty on the living theatre would have any practical effect on tourist traffic.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recent collapse of silver prices in Bombay and its possible effect upon Anglo-Indian trade.

I do not think that the recent fall in the price of silver in Bombay will have any material effect on Anglo-Indian trade.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will now increase the allowance of £75 for persons going abroad in those cases where people are suffering from tuberculosis and wish to undertake treatment in foreign countries.

More may be granted in suitable cases.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if, in view of the undertaking he gave on 18th April, 1946, he has any further statement to make regarding the position under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944, of retired officers who did not serve in the 1939–45 war.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Pensions (Increase) Bill now before the House.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how the annual budget of £63,000 for the Social Survey is expended in detail.

The following are the figures: £ Salaries and wages of staff 33,888 Fees to part-time field investigators 7,250 Travelling, etc., expenses 12,000 Accommodation, etc. 5,000 Assistance in tabulating and other work and miscellaneous 4,862 £63,000

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it has yet been decided to make advances of war damage payments to aged persons, where further delay might mean that they would never receive payment during their lifetime.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 10th October to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the plain clothes allowances granted to prison officers are subject to Income Tax while those granted to police officers are not; and whether he will remedy this by freeing the prison allowance from Income Tax.

It has been the practice for the past 25 years not to charge tax in the case of the allowances made to detective officers. While it is not proposed to withdraw this long standing concession, it cannot be accepted as a precedent for other cases.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is necessary for those who wish to send small Christmas presents to Canada to forward to the Customs and Excise at Liverpool an exchange control declaration after it has been approved by the Bank of England.

Gift parcels under £5 in value do not require an exchange control declaration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases from 30th June, 1939, to 30th June, 1946, shown separately for each year, of established civil servants, and how many cases of non-established civil servants, have been brought before the courts of Great Britain; in how many of these cases was a conviction made for offences in any way connected with their employment; and the similar information for the previous seven years under the same headings.

This information could not be obtained without special inquiry involving disproportionate labour and expense.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether members of the staff of the Civil Service are informed of the amount deducted from their salaries for superannuation.

No deductions are made except under the federated superannuation system for universities or some similar contributory scheme.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Social Survey of any other Government Department is engaged on any research into the difficulties at present experienced by the Civil Service in obtaining new recruits.

Yes, Sir. The Social Survey has just completed an inquiry into the attitude of young people and parents towards Civil Service employment. The inquiry was made at the request of the Treasury, with the object of assisting the Government to improve the efficiency of Civil Service recruitment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on what date the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee's Report on Reconditioning was passed to His Majesty's Stationery Office for printing; and when it is anticipated that it will be ready for publication.

Part was first received for printing in July last. It is hoped to publish the completed report about the middle of January.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether His Majesty's Stationery Office have printing works in Scotland for the printing of Reports and White Papers dealing with Scottish affairs and any other official documents, such as telephone directories, which relate exclusively to Scotland.

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what regulations and customs duties France is allowed to send to Britain woollen piece goods.

Woollen piece goods may be imported from France under the token import arrangements announced on 8th April last. These were extended to France on 6th November. The quantity which may be imported per annum is limited to 20 per cent. by value of the prewar imports of similar goods from France. The rate of duty chargeable is. in general, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to prevent the present volume of cotton business between foreign countries, which would normally be subject to Liverpool contracts and arbitration and produce substantial foreign exchange, being done by foreign competitive markets without benefit to this country.

Liverpool firms are free subject to Exchange Regulations, to undertake cotton business between foreign countries. Discussions are, at present, taking place with the Liverpool and Manchester Cotton Associations with a view to the continued provision of arbitration facilities under the rules of the associations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present value of the cotton stocks held by the Government as compared with the purchase price.

The purchase price of the Cotton Control's stocks at the end of October was about £61 million, excluding holding charges in this country. It is estimated that the present replacement cost would be between £80 million and £90 million.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the sugar exports of the following countries was bought by the United Kingdom in 1920 and in 1937: Union of South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius, Aus-

— 1920 1937 Total Domestic Exports. Of which to United Kingdom. Percentage to United Kingdom. Total Domestic Exports. Of which to United Kingdom. Percentage to United Kingdom. Thousand cwts. Thousand cwts. Per cent. Thousand cwts. Thousand cwts. Per cent. Union of South Africa 291 246 85 4,337 3,289 76 Kenya and Uganda Not available. 320 192 60 Mauritius 3,592 2,681 75 6,161 5,702 93 Australia* 84 ( a ) — 8,564 7,184 84 Fiji 1,460 — — 2,594 1,429 55 British West Indies 2,947 2,121( b ) 72 8,180 5,832 71 British Guiana 1,675 377( b ) 23 3,631 1,363 38 * Figures relate to years ending 30th June, 1921 and 1939 respectively. ( a ) Less than 500 cwts. ( b ) Records of exports from the British West Indies and British Guiana to the United Kingdom in 1920 are not available and the figures quoted represent the quantity of unrefined sugar imported into the United Kingdom from these territories as published in the United Kingdom Import returns

137–8–9. asked the Minister of Food (1) the quantity of sugar imported into the United Kingdom from Cuba during the last 12 months; and what proportion did this bear to our total imports of sugar;

(2) the reason that no sugar was imported from the Union of South Africa, Mauritius, Australia or Fiji during the first nine months of this year, and that the great majority of sugar imported during that period came from Cuba and St. Domingo;

(3) what percentage of imports of sugar, during the last 12 months, has been drawn from Empire and foreign sources, respectively; and the corresponding position in 1937.

The quantity of sugar imported from Cuba during the 12 months ended 31st October, 1946, was 758,840 tons, which was 52 per cent. of our total imports. No sugar was imported from South Africa during the first nine months of this year because of the domestic shortage due to drought. Poor crops and the need to meet our commitments in the same geographical areas, including New Zealand and Ceylon, are the reasons why no sugar was imported

tralia, Fiji, British West Indies and British Guiana.

The following statement shows the quantity of sugar exported from the undermentioned countries during the years 1920 and 1937, distinguishing exports to the United Kingdom:

from Australia, Fiji and Mauritius during the same period. During the 12 months ended October, 1946, imports of sugar from Empire sources accounted for 24 per cent. and 76 per cent. came from foreign countries: the corresponding percentages for 1937 were 60 per cent. and 40 per cent. respectively. In that year, however, the proportion from Empire countries was above normal for reasons connected with the introduction of the International Sugar Agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it will be possible to purchase motorcar tyres without permits and without delay.

The production of new car tyres is steadily improving, and a careful watch is being kept on the position with a view to extending their availability to other than E petrol coupon holders as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to provide more household furniture for those setting up house for the first time.

The quantity of Utility furniture allowed to those qualified for it is as large as can be provided from available production. The size of the ration is kept constantly under review, but must be related to the amount of furniture which can be manufactured with the raw materials available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that members of lifeboats' crews working under the auspices of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution are refused permits to purchase seaboots unless they are full-time fishermen; and whether he will relax these restrictions to enable men performing these dangerous duties to be fully equipped.

I think the hon. and gallant Member may be under a misapprehension. Under a long standing arrangement, lifeboatmen who are not fishermen, and require seaboots, should apply through their local representative to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, who may issue boots on loan for use exclusively in connection with lifeboat work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present cost of a complete outfit for a nurse is estimated to be about £30 and requires 50 coupons; and whether, in view of the great demand for nurses, he will arrange for more utility clothing to be made available at a more reasonable price.

The only cost in coupons to a nurse is a contribution of six to her initial outfit. The utility programme has always included provision for nurses' uniform garments at reasonable prices. Production of the special cotton cloths for nurses' dresses is being increased, and the Board of Trade is co-operating with professional organisations to improve the supply and design of nurses utility uniforms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an outsize man who needs more than 3½ yards of material for a suit cannot obtain a suit on the coupons permitted; and what arrangements he will make to enable such people to be decently clad.

Supplementary coupons are given on application to cover the extra material required, and a special licence is issued to enable the tailor to accept coupons in excess of the usual number. I must emphasise that these issues are made only in cases where the measurements are quite abnormal. Arrangements have also been made to credit tailors who are in coupon difficulties, including those caused by the losses which they incur in making large sizes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue an order to relate the coupon value of dressing gowns to the coupon value of the cloth therein.

The coupon value of dressing gowns is related to cloth content in certain sizes. We could only make the relationship exact in all sizes by increasing the pointing and we are not at present satisfied that this would be justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardship being caused to Merchant Navy ex-prisoners of war in that they are not eligible for the issue of supplementary coupons to members of His Majesty's Forces; that they have not received the ordinary civilian allowance of coupons for the time when they were prisoners, therefore being at a disadvantage compared with both Forces and civilians; and whether he will take immediate steps to allow them some sort of supplementary issue, taking into consideration the length of time that they were prisoners of war.

We cannot admit that there is any hardship. The merchant seaman who was repatriated and then went back to sea received a generous allowance for re-kitting and, if he decided instead to return to civilian life, he was given coupons up to a maximum of 153, according to his need. In either case, he has been re-equipped for active life on a reasonable basis, and we do not see any justification for a further issue.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what encouragement is being given to Empire producers of tobacco to increase their production and export to the United Kingdom; and whether any guarantee has been offered them that their total production will be imported into this country for a specified number of years.

The export of tobacco to the United Kingdom from other parts of the Empire is encouraged by the margin of preference which it receives. The present heavy demand from the United Kingdom and other importing countries absorbs the whole exportable output at prices which are highly remunerative to growers and give them further encouragement to increase their production. No guarantee of the kind suggested has been offered by His Majesty's Government to the growers; tobacco imports into the United Kingdom are in general on private account.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the margin of preference on an ad valorem basis on Empire tobacco entering this country in 1920 and following the agreement with the U.S.A. in 1938, respectively.

The average value of imports of stripped tobacco from Empire sources was 2s. 1¼d. per lb. in 1920, and 2s. 3d. per 1b. in 1944, the first full year after the reduction in the preferential margin, consequent on the United Kingdom/United States Trade Agreement of 1938, became effective. For stripped tobacco, with a moisture content of 10 per cent or more, the preferential margin was 1s. 45/12d. per lb. in 1920 and 1s. 6⅜d. in 1944, the margin being higher if the moisture content is lower. The moisture content of the imports is not known, but, on the basis of the figures given above, the preferential margin expressed as a proportion of the average value of imports in the year was 65 per cent. in 1920 and 69 per cent. in 1944.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what decisions have been taken in regard to site clearance schemes in the development area of South Wales; and whether he will state the location of such approved schemes.

Three sites at Merthyr Tydfil comprising; about 44 acres of derelict land have already been cleared under the provisions of Section 5 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945. Eleven other sites totalling about 176 acres have been selected for clearance from proposals put forward by the regional offices of the Board of Trade, Ministry of Town and Country Planning, the Welsh Board of Health, and the local authorities. Six of these sites are in the Rhondda, two at Merthyr Tydfil, two at Mountain Ash and one at Aberdare. In addition, seventeen other sites comprising about 190 acres of derelict land throughout the development area have been inspected, and a decision as to clearance will be made shortly Schemes for the improvement of amenities undertaken by local authorities will, in appropriate cases, qualify for grant up to 100 per cent. of the cost of clearance. As the list is somewhat long, I will send to my hon. Friend details of these sites.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of canned fruits imported into the United Kingdom from Empire and foreign sources in 1931 and 1937, giving the respective rates of duty in each case.

In 1931, 47,000 tons of canned and bottled fruit to the value of £1,296,000 were imported from Empire countries and 118,000 tons to the value of £4,603,000 from foreign countries The corresponding figures for 1937 were 88,000 tons at £2,399,000 for Empire countries and 107,000 tons at £3,914,000 for foreign countries. As the answer to the last part of the Question is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, send it to him

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many pottery firms are now in production in Stoke-on-Trent; how the figures compare with 1938; and what factories are still under requisition.

One hundred and sixty-four licences to manufacture domestic pottery are held by about 150 separate firms in Stoke-on-Trent. I regret that no comparable figures are available for 1938, but there are only 14 potteries in this area still under requisition. Of these, two are due for release by the end of the year. The sanitary ware and glazed tile industries are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, and electrical porcelain is dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to publish a statement on the recommendations made to him by the North Wales Post-War Development Committee.

My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to send a reply shortly to the North Wales Development Council and will let the hon. Member have a copy of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the particulars which have been sent to him concerning the large containers of soap powder at Hong Kong, which were condemned, but were in fact usable; and what action he proposes to take.

Yes, Sir. My information is that torrential rain during discharging operations saturated the cartons of soap powder, many of which disintegrated. In addition to this, part of the soap powder had deteriorated en route from Australia. I can find no evidence that any usable stock has been condemned, and the damaged and dirty goods are being sold as salvage.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Japanese troops are at present under arms in Java and Sumatra, respectively; and by whose orders they were allowed to retain their arms.

As far as I am aware there are no Japanese troops under arms in either Java or Sumatra.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the narrow roads in the vicinity of Easton Lodge airfield, now being used as a depot, are unsuitable for large heavy traffic; that accidents have occurred; and whether he will give an assurance that, in any plans made for the future of Easton Lodge, the anxieties of local inhabitants will be given consideration.

I am aware of anxiety locally about the traffic to Great Dunmow Airfield, to which, I understand, the Question refers. The traffic to the airfield reached its peak during the summer but has since been much reduced and should in future remain at a low level. The use of an alternative route is, however, under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent Army Order 140, dealing with improvements in the way of life of the soldier, has been implemented in British forces in Iraq; and whether he will arrange for the immediate elimination of all unnecessary parades.

The local commander, being on the spot, is in the best position to judge how the detailed measures envisaged by the Army Council can best be implemented in that theatre and I have no reason to suppose that the principles of the Army Council's policy are not being applied in Iraq.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will allow the time spent by men on short university courses run under the auspices of the Army to count as Army service in the fixing of age and service release groups.

Men were relegated to the Reserve for these courses and attended them as civilians, and I do not propose to alter the policy that only paid service with the Colours counts for purposes of release.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a number of men in age and service Group 43, who were promised that they would be demobilised by 18th November are detained in transit camp at Toulon, whilst Group 44 is passing through the camp to be demobilised.

As far as I am aware no men in Age and Service Group 43 have been detained in the transit camp at Toulon too late to be released by the end of the period allotted to that group. Men from several commands may pass through this camp, and any of those commands may for transport or other reasons have found it advisable to despatch some men in Group 44 from their commands shortly before the opening date for the release of that group.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is not possible for men from S.E.A.C. to arrive in England at least one month prior to demobilisation in order that they may have their 28 days' disembarkation leave.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my predecessor on 16th October, 1945, to several hon. Members, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men in S.E.A.C., in release group 44, have not yet been transferred to the transit camp, thereby delaying their ultimate date of demobilisation.

Group 44 is due to be released with Group 45 between 19th November and 22nd December and I have no reason to think that all members of these groups will not be released during the allotted period. The detailed arrangements are, however, a matter for the command concerned, as I explained in a reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for The Hartlepools (Mr. D. Jones) on 5th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it was with the sanction of his Department that the infantry, with Bren-gun carriers and armoured cars, were used to patrol the camp of an R.A.O.C. regiment in the Middle East, following a protest about the slowing down of demobilisation.

I am awaiting a report on this matter and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he has taken, and when, to ensure that every soldier fully understands the reasons for the slowdown in demobilisation and for the relatively small provisional release programme for the first six months of 1947.

All commanders-in-chief were informed by cable on nth November of the reasons for the rate of release promulgated and were instructed to explain them to the troops. Commands were warned in advance of the broadcast on the release programme by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and arrangements were made for the troops to hear this. A verbatim report of his statement in the House on 26th November on the release programme was also cabled at once to all commands, where I have no doubt arrangements were made to circulate it immediately to all formations and units.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Army and ex-Army personnel were on demobilisation leave on 31st August, 1946.

Officers and other ranks remain in the Army until the end of their release leave. The figures for those on release leave on 31st August, 1946, were: — Officers. Other Ranks. Total. British Army (male) 23,068 246,508 269,576 Nursing officers and V.A.D. 798 400 1,198 A.T.S. 635 9,087 9,722 Totals 24,501 255,995 280,496

asked the Secretary of State for War how many instances have been reported to his Department of units where refusal to obey orders has followed the issue of the provisional release programme for the first six months of 1947; and whether the officers of the units concerned had received previous instructions so that they could explain the reasons for the small releases to be effected.

I am aware of four incidents. An explanation did not accompany the details of the release programme for the first half of next year announced by the Ministry of Labour and National Service and previous instructions were not given to officers. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today to his oral Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent men in good physical condition who have asked to remain in the Army are having their applications refused on account of age and what is the age limit.

Regular soldiers may remain on in the Service, after completing their current engagement, subject to the normal Regular Army rules for extension of service or re-engagement.

Non-Regular soldiers may re-enlist on Regular engagements if they are under 30. If over 30 they may enlist for Short Service engagements provided they are fit and there are vacancies in their Corps or trade. If they are between 40 and 57 and are non-commissioned officers they may engage for extra regimental employment only, or if between 50 and 57, for service with the Polish Resettlement Corps. A few men who apply cannot be accepted because they do not satisfy these conditions but no man under 57 is rejected on grounds of age alone.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, following a demonstration by Servicemen at a large ordnance depot in Egypt, the commanding officer, in addressing the men on the following morning, stated that it was a military offence to write to a Member of Parliament; and if he will inquire into the matter and acquaint the commanding officer with the statements made by His Majesty's Ministers on this subject and see that the men are informed accordingly.

I was not aware that any such statement was made, but I am looking into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in the new Territorial Army, there will be any horsed or pack units or training in animal management, in view of the important role animal transport played in some theatres in the last war.

No, Sir, in view of the generally limited role of such units and the greater need for as many units as possible of other types.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no rest-leave facilities are provided in the hills of Ceylon for Army personnel equally as for R.N. and R.A.F. personnel.

The leave camps at Diyatalawa in Ceylon, which are maintained by the Royal Navy, are available for members of all three Services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department could make use of the hutments at West Ridge Camp, Greenford, for storing records and thus free for temporary housing the hutments in Gunnersbury Park which the Ealing Town Council think are available for that purpose.

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 29th October. The hutments at Gunnersbury are being used not only for the storage of records but also as an office for over 200 clerks belonging to the Record Office in occupation, and there is no room for either at West Ridge Camp, Greenford, as half of the camp is occupied by prisoners of war and the remainder has already been handed over to the Ministry of Health for temporary housing.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a locally-born wife of a British soldier is not eligible for free treatment in military hospitals overseas.

A locally born wife of a British Regular soldier is eligible for free treatment in a military hospital abroad; but as I informed the hon. and gallant Member on 19th November locally born wives of non-Regular soldiers, being in their home countries, are expected to make use of local civil hospitals if possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and men, respectively, in the Army are serving on Regular engagements; and how many have been so recruited during each of the last six months.

It would not be in the public interest at present to give the figures asked for in the first part of the

Month. Regular Army Permanent Commissions and normal Regular Engagements. Short Service Commissions and Engagements. Permanent Commissions and Engagements and Short Service Commissions and Engagements. 1946. Offrs. O.Rs. Total. Offrs. O.Rs. Total. Offrs. O.Rs. Total. May … 81 1,435 1,516 — 497 497 81 1,932 2,013 June … 143 1,605 1,748 338 800 1,138 481 2,405 2,886 July … 71 1,821 1,892 540 587 1,127 611 2,408 3,019 August … 69 1,950 2,019 964 713 1,677 1,033 2,663 3,696 September … 227 2,306 2,533 1,411 855 2,266 1,638 3,161 4,799 October … 147 2,791 2,938 1,860 1,807 3,667 2,007 4,598 6,605 Total … 738 11,908 12,646 5,113 5,259 10,372 5,851 17,167 23,018

asked the Secretary of State for War how many N.C.O.s of No. 1 Tyre W/Shop Company, No. 2 Base Workshops R.E.M.E. in M.E.L.F., were placed under close arrest on 11th November; whether they were put into solitary confinement; whether they were charged on arrest or when were they charged; and what was the charge.

I am awaiting a report and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is yet able to state that men under 21 years of age will be eligible to receive marriage allowances.

I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement since the matter is still being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War from what source compensation is paid to members of the Q.A.I.M.N.S. for kit destroyed in vessels lost at sea when travelling under Admiralty orders on active service.

Compensation, if admissible under the regulations, is payable from Army Funds. It would normally be

Question. The following have been recruited during each of the last six months:

admissible only in respect of war risks. All officers, including nursing officers, are advised by Army Council Instructions to insure their kit against loss by the ordinary risks of civil life, including ordinary marine risks. The award of compensation therefore depends on the particular circumstances of the loss.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the majority of the crockery at the Connaught Military Hospital, Hindhead, is chipped and cracked and that the cutlery is rusty; and whether, in view of the number of tuberculosis cases undergoing treatment there and the risk of the spreading of infection, he will ensure that only unblemished utensils are used.

When these premises were taken over by my Department on 12th September a considerable amount of crockery was cracked and chipped. This was all withdrawn and has been replaced. Every effort is being made to replace poor quality cutlery as quickly as possible, but supply is difficult.

asked the Secretary of State for War when 13106997 Private Joseph Edenhoffer, R.A.S.C., now at Elles Barracks, Farnborough, whose demobilisation is now two months overdue, will be demobilised.

Private Edenhoffer is in Group 41 and was due for release in the period 6th to 19th October. On 15th October an application was received in the Repatriation Office for his repatriation to Czechoslovakia. The required authority to travel through Austria has now been obtained and a transit visa for travel through France is being sought. These arrangements will be completed shortly and Private Edenhoffer will then be repatriated to Czechoslovakia for release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet given consideration to the petition in respect of Private Bowring, which was forwarded to him on 14th November by the hon. Member for Colchester; whether he is aware that copies of this petition were forwarded to the commanding officer concerned on 3rd October; and when the solicitors acting on behalf of Private Bowring may expect to receive some communication on the subject other than a formal acknowledgment.

I have received a copy of the petition submitted to the Superior Military Authority concerned by solicitors acting on behalf of Private Bowring. There has been unavoidable delay in replying to the petition due to the disbandment of one of the formations concerned and to the illness of the president of the court from whom a statement had to be obtained. The petition had also to be referred twice to the Judge Advocate-General whose final advice on the petition was sent to the superior Military Authority on 27th November, 1946. A communication on this subject was sent on 29th November to the solicitors and to the prison in which Private Bowring is serving.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent among all ranks in parts of C.M.F., M.E.L.F., and especially in Palestine, at the lack of proper accommodation for the winter months and the lack of welfare, in particular, entertainment facilities; what steps are being taken to remedy these serious deficiencies; and whether he is aware that the impression among the men in these places is that, while their officers have done everything possible with the resources available, these deficiencies are the direct result of financial restrictions imposed by the Government.

I am already examining the questions of accommodation and entertainment in Palestine and elsewhere. With regard to the former, much has been and is being done to effect improvements but labour and supplies are the main difficulties rather than finance.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the delay in completing the permanent camps for troops in Palestine South and North of Gaza is due to materials having been diverted to the construction of a new camp for refugees in Cyprus.

So far as I am aware the delay has not been caused by the use of materials for the Cyprus Camp.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the proposed change in the constitution of Territorial Associations will take place.

I cannot at present say, since the change cannot take place until the final allocation of units to counties has been made, Commanding Officers are appointed and other types of members of the Associations nominated.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many non-commissioned officers and men are at present serving sentences in detention, both at home and abroad.

No non-commissioned officers are serving sentences in detention. The number of other ranks serving in military prisons and detention barracks at home at the end of October was 1,371, and in military prisons and detention barracks overseas 1,422, a total of 2,793. In addition 1,570 were serving sentences in civil prisons in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any German detonators were used, or in possession of the Army, on the shore of Belfast Lough, near Rockport, County Down, in the early months of 1945.

No record can be found at present of the use by, or possession of, German detonators by the Army at the time and place named in the Question. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member has any detailed information I will make further enquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Regular Army rankers with emergency commissions have applied for Regular commissions; and how many have been granted Regular commissions.

Apart from Quartermasters, about 2,300 officers who were serving on normal Regular engagements before the war, have so far applied for and about 400 have been granted Regular commissions.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what future purpose it is proposed to use Craigiehill Hotel, Cramond.

These premises are required for occupation by a military unit, whose presence in the area in future is essential in the national interest.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will hold an inquiry into the incident at Irvine on 13th/14th September last and publish the findings, in view of the effect on the morale of Polish soldiers of reports which they believe misrepresent the facts.

An inquiry has already been held, but it was not possible to discover who was responsible for the incidents described by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland in answer to an earlier Question and no disciplinary action was taken. Shortly afterwards the Polish troops were moved from the vicinity of Irvine but for reasons entirely unconnected with the incident.

asked the Secretary of State for War what led up to three German prisoners of war falling into a police trap and being arrested at New Yatt, in Oxfordshire, for providing motorcar tyres of a great variety of sizes; how many instances of German prisoners of war selling Government equipment have occurred; from what prisoner-of-war camp they came; from what source the goods concerned were obtained; and what action he is taking to ensure that similar activities do not occur again.

Four German prisoners of war working at Bicester were arrested on 25th November at Witney attempting to sell four motor tyres to a civilian. I know of no similar occurrence. Inquiries are being made about the source of the tyres and the circumstances of the theft.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether German prisoners of war in this country have any choice of zone to which they are eventually to be repatriated; and what rules govern the destination of men whose prewar homes were outside Germany or in provinces which are likely to be ceded to neighbouring countries under the peace treaties.

Prisoners of war are repatriated to their zone of domicile, that is the present domicile of their next of kin; if they are not domiciled in one of the four zones they are repatriated to the zone of the Power by whom they are held.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in view of the volume of evidence given at the Stevenage inquiry against the proposal to set up a new town, he is prepared to publish reasons for his decision

The letter which was sent on 8th November from my Department to the local authorities concerned and to all who had given notice of their objection to the proposal, made clear why I considered that the objections raised at the public local Inquiry at Stevenage disclosed no sufficient ground for abandoning the proposal to develop a new town there—a project which I am satisfied is expedient in the national interest. A copy of this letter was made available to the Press. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will ensure that the sites of such bombed churches in the city of London as are not to be rebuilt are retained for ever as open spaces for the refreshment of City workers and a memorial to those who died in the bombing of London.

I shall certainly ensure that the City of London Plan, before it is accepted as a basis for redevelopment, makes adequate provision for open spaces for the pleasure and recreation of City workers. It does not necessarily follow, however, that the sites of churches which are not to be rebuilt will be the most suitable for this purpose. The provision of open spaces as a memorial to the victims of bombing may commend itself to those responsible for acquiring and laying out the grounds, but that is not a matter with which I am directly concerned.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why it is impossible to consider the requests of elderly people that they should be able to make retrospective contributions so as to qualify for retirement pensions under the National Insurance Act.

The provision made for retirement pensions in the National Insurance Act is based on insurance principles, including the payment of contributions throughout working life, and it would be contrary to those principles to allow elderly persons, by the payment of retrospective contributions or a lump sum, to secure a title to pension earlier than would otherwise be the case. The fact that elderly persons, who are within 10 years of pensionable age at the date when the new scheme starts, and who then become insured, will be able to qualify for a retirement pension after a minimum period of 10 years insurance represents a very considerable concession which could not be extended without imposing a heavy extra burden on the taxpayer.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that Mr. E. P. Hooper, 17, Lime Tree Avenue, New Earswick, who has been in receipt of an old age pension since 12th July, 1946, has not yet received his new pension book and that repeated applications by Mr. Hooper to his Department have not even been acknowledged; and if, in view of the fact that Mr. Hooper, who is a disabled ex-Serviceman, is being embarrassed by the delay, he will take early action on this application.

A new pension book at the increased rate was not issued to Mr. Hooper as the records of my Department did not show that he had retired from regular employment. A letter of inquiry from him was sent under the new arrangements to the Assistance Board on 17th November so that he could be seen and the facts of his case established. If these inquiries confirm that he has retired a new book for the higher rate of pension will be issued to him without delay.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what authority he has for withdrawing a contributory pension and issuing a non-contributory pension to Mrs. Wilson, 4, Grove Terrace, Old Pool Bank, Pool-in-Wharfedale; and why she was never consulted prior to such a change.

I wrote to the hon. and gallant Member fully about this matter on 27th November. Mrs. Wilson was until 4th October last in receipt of both a contributory pension of 10s. a week as a widow and a non-contributory pension of 10s. a week as a blind person, the latter granted on the basis of her means. As from 4th October by Section 74, subsection (3), of the National Insurance Act, 1946, she ceased to be entitled to receive the two pensions concurrently but became entitled to a non-contributory pension of 26s. The non-contributory pension was accordingly increased to 26s. and my Department then suspended the contributory pension of 10s. and did not consult Mrs. Wilson before doing so as it was assumed that she would not wish to have the whole of her non-contributory pension cancelled in favour of a smaller amount by way of contributory pension. It has since been learnt that she wishes in any event to draw her contributory pension and arrangements have been made accordingly. As this may involve a substantial reduction in her weekly income I shall be prepared to revert to the previous arrangement if after further consideration she wishes this to be done.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that the pension book, No. 11418168, due to Mrs. Tillotson, Sea Hills, Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire, has not been renewed and no pension has been drawn since 1st October; that three letters to the Blackpool office have produced nothing but printed acknowledgements; and if he will take immediate steps to see that this old age pensioner is not caused further hardship through delays in his Department.

I am having inquiries made and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he has considered a resolution sent from a mass meeting of northern branches of the National Spinsters Pensions Association, held in Manchester on 23rd November; and what reply has he to make.

I have received this resolution which reiterates the view of the association that pensions under the National Insurance Scheme should be payable to spinsters from the age of 55. This question was thoroughly discussed during the proceedings in this House on the National Insurance Bill. A proposal to reduce the pensionable age for unmarried women to 55 was then rejected and I am not aware of any grounds for reopening the matter.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is now in a position to make any statement about the dispute as to the terms on which dentists should undertake National Health Insurance work.

Following the discussion initiated by my hon. Friend on the Adjournment of the House on 25th October, there have been further talks between the Government and the leaders of the dental profession, and I am happy to be able to announce that a settlement has been reached on which the Joint Advisory Dental Council are recommending the profession to resume the dental benefit service forthwith. The terms of settlement which the Government, the leaders of the profession and representatives of the approved societies have mutually agreed are fair to all parties concerned are as follows.

As soon as the Report of the Spens Committee on dental remuneration is available there will be negotiations between the Government and the dental organisations to agree in the light of the report two things: the method and order of remuneration of dentists in the National Health Service, and an appropriate scale of fees for work done under the present limited dental benefit scheme. If the scale of fees so arrived at shows that the present one was inadequate to meet the just claims of the profession; the Government will seek Parliamentary authority for making payments retrospectively to dentists calculated to meet the difference between the amounts due to them for work paid for on the present scale from a current date and what they would have received had that work been done on the scale to be agreed.

Pending the completion of these negotiations the scale of fees introduced by the Government on 30th September will continue in force and will determine the payments to be made by insured persons entitled to dental benefit and by their approved societies. The necessary information is being sent immediately to members, of the dental organisations and to approved societies, and an early meeting of the Dental Benefit Council has been called at which any details left outstanding can be jointly settled.

I should like to pay a tribute to the way in which the leaders both of the profession and the approved societies have met the Government in seeking a way out of this unfortunate dispute. The settlement carries with it the assurance to the dentist that from now onwards he will receive for his National Health Insurance work whatever additional remuneration may be found by impartial inquiry to be justified and the Government hope it will be a happy augury for the future success of the arrangements for dental treatment under the National Health Service.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will consider bringing mentally deficient persons, outside institutions and unfit for work, into any future Insurance Act thereby placing them on a level with the blind.

Such mentally deficient persons, in common with all other persons of working age in the community including the blind, are within the scope of the National Insurance Act, 1946. When this Act comes into operation they will be entitled to its benefits according to the class in which they fall and the contributions paid. In so far as they may have been unable to pay the necessary qualifying contributions owing to infirmity it is the intention of the Government that they should be brought within the scope of the new national assistance scheme under which provision will be made for them according to their needs.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-trade union officials are employed in his Department

So far as can be ascertained from Staff Records, some 69 of the 286 labour supply technical inspectors and 340 of the 2,835 Government training centre instructional and technical staff now filling temporary posts in my Ministry have formerly been Trade Union officials.

asked the Minister of Labour how many skilled electricians are registered as unemployed at the Cardiff employment exchange.

At 16th September, the latest date for which an occupational analysis is available, there were 21 men registered at the Cardiff employment exchange for employment as electricians, wiremen, etc., and four as electrical fitters.

asked the Minister of Labour how many building workers were unemployed at Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wallasey, respectively, at the last date returns were made.

The numbers of insured men aged 16 and over in the building industry registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Liverpool (including Bootle), Birkenhead and Wallasey at 14th October, were 1,414, 116 and 108, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as disabled at the Cardiff employment exchange; and what proportion of that number are unemployed.

The total number of persons registered as disabled at the Cardiff employment exchange on 21st October, 1946, was 3,600. The number unemployed at that date was 362, exclusive of 58 classified as unsuitable for ordinary employment.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there are 75,000 unemployed in Scotland, of whom 55,000 are men; if he will give an assurance that no compulsory transference of labour from Scotland to England will take place; and, in view of the disproportionate amount of unemployment in Scotland, what immediate steps he is taking to provide employment for these men and women.

Yes, Sir. The severe limitations which I have placed on the use of directions make it highly improbable that any person would be compulsorily transferred from Scotland to England. With regard to the last part of the Question, the Government's policy is to ensure the provision of additional opportunities for work and the steps which have been taken to this end are already showing their effect. 388 new factory buildings and extensions in Scotland, of which 312 are located in the Scotland Development Areas, had been approved by the end of September, 1946. These projects when completed are expected to give employment to 69,000 workers.

asked the Minister of Labour if men other than ex-Servicemen up to 31 years of age are still required to get jobs through his Department; why is this control of labour maintained and when is it likely to be relaxed.