asked the Minister of Transport how many ships have, during the last six months, sailed to the U.S.A. and Canada in ballast; and what proportion of ships sailing have been short-loaded.

During the past six months, 650 British ships, other than oil tankers and troopships, have sailed from this country to North America. All available outward cargo for North America was lifted, but for lack of such cargo 490 ships sailed in ballast and 135 of the remainder carried part cargoes only.

May I ask the Minister whether this is not further evidence of the futility of State control in shipping?

Not at all.

Can the Minister say whether these vessels had to purchase bunkers with United States dollars?

Yes, Sir.

Can the Minister say whether, when these ships were not fully chartered, they were in the hands of private enterprise?

A good many of them were.

asked the Minister of Transport if there is any intention of closing down or modifying the operation of the Merchant Navy reserve pool.

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Keenan) on 2nd December, the present arrangement will terminate at the end of this year, but the National Maritime Board have, for some time, had under consideration the question of possible future arrangements. At the request of that Board, the Government furnished them, at the end of October, with information on a number of points that will arise if the Board should decide to proceed with an approved arrangement for the supplementation of benefit under the Un employment Insurance Acts and the corresponding provisions of the National Insurance Act of 1946.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this news will be received very badly among a large number of seafarers? May I ask whether coloured British sea men will have at least as good treatment as white British seamen in the new arrangements?

I cannot reply definitely on the question of coloured seamen, but if my hon. Friend indicates that our own seamen are receiving good treatment, we will certainly bear in mind the claims of coloured seamen.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that in future the conditions will be adequate to protect merchant seamen against the bad conditions which they have had in the years between the wars?

I am unable to say at the moment whether they will be adequate, but I am watching this matter with very careful interest.

Is not the announcement which the right hon. Gentleman has just made in some conflict with the very definite pledge on this matter given by the right hon. Gentleman the Foreign Secretary when he was Minister of Labour in the Coalition Government?

No, I do not think so. At the moment, as I have indicated, this matter is under consideration by the National Maritime Board, which is fully representative of both sides of the industry.

When the pool is closed down, what does the Minister pro pose to substitute for it in order to prevent chaos?

As I have indicated, I am awaiting an announcement of the arrangements made by the National Maritime Board which, I repeat, is representative of both sides of the industry.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the British-India ss. "Maloja" recently arrived in Mombasa from London with a large number of vacant berths, and only partially loaded with cargo; and, in view of the urgent demand for facilities for carrying passengers and goods to East Africa, why there was such waste of passenger and cargo space in this ship.

All but four of the 424 cabin and dormitory Berths in the troop transport "Maloja" were full when the ship left this country for Port Said, Mombasa and Durban. A small number of the passengers disembarked at Port Said, but a greater number joined the ship. The troopdeck accommodation is unsuitable for civilian passengers. Very little space was available for cargo after providing for mail and baggage, and there was no suitable outward cargo offering for shipment.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the loss sustained by the railway companies by pilferage in 1945 and 1938, respectively.

In 1945 the four main line companies and the Cheshire Lines Committee paid £2,525,405 in respect of 641,389 claims for articles lost or stolen. This compares with a payment of £180,462 in respect of 151,426 claims in 1938. I regret that separate figures for pilferage are not available.

Is the Minister able to tell us what has happened during this year; and would he say whether he considers there is any relation between this obvious decline in public morality and the success of the Government at the polls last year?

Is the Minister aware that this is due to the practice of leaving goods wagons unattended and un locked in sidings; and can he tell us in how many cases there were prosecutions and in how many there were convictions?

I cannot answer the latter part of the supplementary question with out notice, but I would assure my hon. and learned Friend that all possible pre cautions are taken by the companies.

Can the Minister say whether there has been any diminution in thieving recently?

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give figures relating to absenteeism on the railways at the pre sent time.

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Minister give us a rough idea of the percentage involved in his answer?

I would suggest that the hon. Member should await the communication to which I referred. The matter is too complicated to be dealt with in reply to a supplementary question.

When the Minister sup plies the figures, will he also supply figures showing the absenteeism of directors from board meetings?

Is the Minister aware that very long hours are being worked by the operative grades and that there are serious shortages of railway staffs?

Yes, Sir. but that is in evitable in present circumstances.

Following is the statement: ABSENTEEISM ON RAILWAYS (Week ended 16th November, 1946). (Information in respect of four Main Line Railways and the Railways of L.P.T.B.) Note.—Absences from duty exclude those due to sickness or accident. Number of staff absent from duty on week-days during week in question for: Conciliation Staff. Workshop Staff. Number. Per cent. Total Staff. Number Per cent. Total Staff. 1 day … … … … … 9,683 2.3 6,629 4.8 2 days … … … … … 1,711 .4 985 .7 3 days … … … … … 507 .1 275 .2 4 days … … … … … 200 .05 85 .06 5 days … … … … … 145 .03 52 .04 6 days … … … … … 714 .2 190 .1 Number of staff failing to report for duty on Sunday, November 10th. Number Per cent, of staff required for duty Number. Per cent, of staff required for duty. 4,544 3.6 2,521 1.6

asked the Minister of Transport what embargoes affecting East Kent have recently been placed on railborne goods; and what steps are being taken to ensure that no further embargoes are imposed.

The position, of course, varies from day to day, but this morning the main restrictions on acceptance of traffic, other than coal and perishable traffic consigned to stations in East Kent, in force are from stations north of a line roughly from the Mersey to the Wash and from all companies' stations via L.M.S. London junctions. As I have already stated the present difficulties are due in the main to shortage of locomotives and all practicable steps are being taken to relieve the situation and to ensure the most effective use of the engines avail able.

Why did the Government export 720 railway engines in the first nine months of this year?

That question should be put to my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade, or to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

It was,, but he did not answer.

asked the Minister of Transport how many officers of all classes at present employed by the railway com panles are above the normal retiring age; and what proportion they bear to the total number of officials employed.

The number of staff in receipt of salaries of £500 per annum, excluding war advance, and over, employed by the main line railways or on the rail ways of the London Passenger Transport Board is 3,139 and of these 33 or approximately one per cent, are above the age of 65 years.

While I appreciate the valuable services rendered by officers and staff above the retiring age during the war, may I ask the" Minister whether, in view of the new and urgent problems in the postwar years, he does not think that the railway management should contain a larger proportion of younger, more active and virile minds if these postwar problems are to be solved?

That may be so, but at the moment I think anybody who desires to remain in the service can be usefully employed.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to arrest the steady deterioration in railway traffic operations, particularly in regard to general merchandise, coal and mineral traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to alleviate the shortage of locomotives and rolling stock which has existed since the cessation of hostilities.

As I have already indicated, movement by rail is being ham pered by shortage of serviceable engines and wagons and by the poor condition of much of the stock. The remedy lies in a substantial measure of replacement and this is being speeded up as much as our resources permit. Meanwhile, all avail able means are being used to relieve the situation. With the co-operation of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply I am endeavouring to arrange for the repair of a number of engines returned from war service on the Continent. Two senior railway officers have been appointed to investigate operation in order to ensure the utmost fluidity throughout the railway system and to see that capacity both of existing stock and of the workshops is used to the best advantage. A number of passenger trains are being withdrawn to release engines for coal and other freight traffic. I have asked the railway and engineering unions for a special effort over the next three months to increase train movements, especially at week-ends, and output of repairs and construction of rolling stock.

May I ask the Minister whether, in his opinion, this is not another case showing the futility of exporting locomotives while this frightful shortage exists in this country?

Why will the Minister not permit the railway c6mpanies to use the large number of War Department type locomotives at present lying rusting in sidings in Kent in full working order, in stead of putting out this pious explanation?

There are certainly no engines in good condition rusting in any part of the country. If the hon. Gentle man has any information to that effect and cares to furnish me with it, I will certainly have the matter investigated.

May I have an answer to my supplementary question?

It does not arise out of the original Question.

asked the Minister of Transport why the 6.40 p.m. train from Liverpool Street to Hertford on the evening of 2nd December was 51 minutes late in arriving at Waltham Cross, a distance of only 12¾; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the train-users of Hertfordshire from such delays.

On 2nd December engine maintenance difficulties at the locomotive depot delayed the start of the 6.40 p.m. train from Liverpool Street to Hertford for 19 minutes. At Tottenham the engine failed and time was lost in changing it. A further 10 minutes were lost because the train was then running out of schedule, and I am informed that it arrived at Waltham Cross 40 minutes late. I regret that, in present circumstances, it is not practicable to avoid delays of this kind.

Is the Minister aware that these delays are sadly typical of the line running from Liverpool Street to Hertford; will he not take some measures to try to get this service better; and, finally, is he aware that the only reason I do not give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment is because I have already been balloting for some time in order to do so?

I quite appreciate the difficulties on this line. It is not easy in a matter of months to overtake the deterioration of the past years.

asked the Minister of Transport why he authorised the Requisitioning of New Privately-owned Railway Wagons Notice (S.R. & 0., 1946, No. 2011); and why 16th December, 1946, was selected as the date of the requisition.

On the outbreak of war in 1939, privately-owned wagons except those of certain specially exempted types, were requisitioned so that they should be operated in a pool with railway-owned wagons. This enabled substantial operating economies to be effected and has greatly helped the railways in dealing with the heavy volume of traffic. New requisitioning notices have to be made from time to time to cover wagons built since the date of the original notice. No special significance attaches to the date on which the notice becomes effective.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps the main line rail- way companies are taking to introduce diesel-electric locomotives for long distance passengers and freight services.

The railway companies are giving this matter close attention. The L.M.S. have two diesel locomotives on order for experimental purposes. The Southern Railway are proposing to carry out trials. The hon. Member may also like to know that the G.W.R. have placed orders for two gas turbine locomotives for use on long-distance services.

Can the Minister say what the L.N.E.R. are doing?

Not at the moment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the difficulties caused to railway passengers in the provinces owing to the small number of signs on the stations indicating the name; and if he will take steps to have the names of the stations prominently displayed in more than one place at all stations.

Experiments to improve the effectiveness of station name signs are being carried out by the railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport what consultations took place between his Department and interested bodies before the Transport Bill was introduced.

I have had discussions—some of them informal—in the past few months on the subject with a number of organisations representing trade, industry, agriculture and transport. In addition many representative bodies have provided me with information about their transport requirements.

Will the Minister say in particular what consultations he has had with the railway companies and the road haulage interests?

I have had no direct negotiations on the lines suggested by the hon. Baronet, but this matter has been discussed with representative bodies in a general way.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman interested in the views of the railway companies and those of the road haulage interests?

Very much interested.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been in consultation with representatives from the horticultural industry who are particularly affected?

I have met agricultural representatives. I could not say whether that covered horticultural interests or not.

asked the Minister of Transport how many additional appointments will be required with separate figures for men and women, to administer the proposals in the Transport Bill.

I am not at present able to state what, if any, net addition to existing staffs will be required.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that on the Second Reading of the Bill he will have that information, because it is of very great importance?

Certainly not. I cannot indicate on the Second Reading of the Bill what staffs will be required. I cannot do that until the Commission has had an opportunity of examining the staffs.

Could the right hon. Gentleman inform us exactly what is the target figure of the Government in regard to the strength of the Civil Service?

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that the greatest problem we have today is the acute shortage of man power? Why add to the shortage by this addition of non-productive people?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that that is just what I resisted doing in reply to this Question in refusing to anticipate a demand that at the moment is not there.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement about further appointments to complete the constitution of the appeal tribunals which he is required to set up under the provisions of Section 15 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, or when he anticipates being able to do so.

I am re-appointing Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E., to be a member of the Road and Rail Appeal Tribunal. I regret I am not yet in a position to announce the name of the second member, but hope to be able to do so before the Recess. The Chairman is Mr. Gleeson E. Robinson, lately Com missioner for the Metropolitan Area.

asked the Minister of Transport for what reasons he approved the conversion of the L.P.T.B.'s Neasden power station to fuel-oil burning; and by how much will the operating costs be in creased.

The conversion of certain boilers at Neasden power station from pulverised fuel to oil fuel is being carried out by the London Passenger Transport Board, and is not a matter for which my approval is necessary. The conversion would reduce the serious dust nuisance to residents in the vicinity. The estimated additional operating cost will be approximately £45,000 per annum on the basis of existing prices for coal and oil fuels.

Can the Minister say whether this is a temporary or a permanent measure, in view of the very serious increase in operating costs?

Permanent.

asked the Minister of Transport the reasons for refusing to consider applications for the position of driving examiner from men who were born before August, 1905; whether he is aware that this age discrimination bears unfairly against many ex-Servicemen; and whether he will take steps to remove it.

As I explained during the Second Reading Debate on the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Bill, the upper age limit of 41 for applicants for the post of driving or traffic examiner was fixed after consideration of all factors including the ages of the present staff. With a view to affording opportunities for ex-Servicemen the upper age limit was fixed six years higher than would otherwise have been justified.

In view of the shortage of manpower, is not the Minister setting a thoroughly bad example by refusing to employ men over 41 years of age in jobs which they could perform adequately?

No, Sir. It is essential in this group of examiners to have a balance from the point of view of age. Most of the existing examiners are getting on in age, and it is essential to have younger ones.

Is the Minister aware that his colleague the Minister of Labour not very long ago sent a circular to employers asking them to give special consideration to men over 45 years of age, in view of the difficulties which men of that age are meeting, and why does not the Ministry of Transport set an example?

That may well be, but the work of an examiner is very strenuous, and most of our present examiners come from the prewar staff and are elderly. It is essential to have the balance of a young group of fresh entrants.

In view of the fact that many persons driving on the road are now 80 or more years of age, why should men of 50 years of age who have served for years in the Forces be debarred?

In view of the consider able age of our prewar examiners, it is better that we should have that balance of younger people of a maximum age of 41. It does not debar ex-Servicemen.

I beg to give notice that owing to the unsatisfactory answer I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken to relieve the transport difficulties of workers in Preston and district.

As I have informed my hon; and gallant Friend, a local conference was held to investigate the com plaints and, as a result, the local trans port consultative committee was revived to devise means of relieving the difficulties. The committee has held three meetings so far, and some improvements have already been made in the services.

Is the Minister aware that according to reports which I have received from the workers' representatives, practically no improvement has taken place; that production is being lost at some of Leyland Motor Works, who are losing keymen because there are not transport facilities; that, quite apart from the hardship that is being suffered by the workers, it is a matter of the greatest urgency; and will he press this on the regional traffic commissioners?

Certainly some of the points made by my hon. and gallant Friend do not accord with my information, and I will look further into the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give an estimate of the number of A, B and C licence holders in the coastal towns of Kent and Sussex whose vehicles proceed inland beyond a 40-mile radius.

Exact figures are not avail able, but I am informed that there are probably some 200 licence holders in these towns, who operate on a substantial scale beyond a 40-mile radius from their base, and some 600 who do so occasionally. These figures must be taken as rough estimates. I am not in a position to give separate figures for A, B and C licensees.

Is not it very desirable that the Minister should1 take the trouble to obtain the requisite data before introducing legislation of a highly controversial and dangerous nature?

We have the general in formation, but to break it down into districts would mean unnecessary labour, in view of the shortage of labour.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will cause an inquiry to be held and a report issued on the future work and staffing position of Woolwich Arsenal.

No, Sir. These matters are under continuous review and I see no reason for a special inquiry.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that although they may be under continual review in his mind, that is not apparent to the very large number of people who have to earn their livelihood there; and that there is very great concern over the fate of these workers in a wide area?

The staffing and the work at the Arsenal are a matter of continual tension and action.

And Wilmot?

Sometimes. I do not think there is any need for an inquiry.

Would my right hon. Friend state whether this matter is being considered in conjunction with the other royal ordnance factories?

Certainly, and with the joint industrial council concerned.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of men from Eire and Northern Ireland, respectively, now employed in his Department's depots in England; and what subsistence allowance is payable to such men.

Ninety-one men from Eire and 90 from Northern Ireland are now employed in Ministry of Supply storage depots. A lodging allowance of 24s. 6d. a week is being paid to 64 of them.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will terminate his present policy of discharging on the ground of redundancy, ex-Servicemen employed in his Department's depot, while retaining in such employment Irish workers who did not serve in the Armed Forces, on the ground that their length of service in such depots exceeds that of the ex-Servicemen.

This policy is in accordance with an agreement reached on the Ministry of Supply Joint Industrial Council in August of last year. I have arranged for it to be reviewed immediately.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether, before initiating this policy, he consulted the British Legion, and whether he secured any agreement with them with regard to it; and does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the present policy, while it may provide full employment for Irish workers and conscientious objectors, does lead to unemployment among ex-Servicemen who are recommended to the Ministry by ex-Servicemen's associations?

I would rather leave it at the moment, and say that the matter is being reviewed.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will investigate the claim, particulars of which have been sent to him, of the development by the Ryan Aeronautical Corporation in the U.S.A., of a light-weight stainless-steel muffler to eliminate 90 per cent, of the noise in 65-85 horsepower aircraft engines; and if he will arrange for the muffler, if successful, to be produced in this country and to be fitted to all training aircraft used near centres of population.

We have asked for particulars from America to enable us to make a full technical examination of this device.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep the Air Ministry informed, as most of the trouble is caused by Tiger Moths used by the E.F.T.S.?

asked the Minister of Supply if, in view of the need for a communal centre on the Ministry of Aircraft Production estate at Kingsdown, near Swindon, and of the fact that the residents are willing to erect it with voluntary labour, he will supply an Army hut for the purpose.

This matter is at present being discussed with the local education authority concerned.

asked the Minister of Supply if he proposes to have street lighting installed in the Ministry of Aircraft Production estates at Moredon and Kings-down, near Swindon.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply how the present production of commercial vehicles compares with production before the war; and what proportion of the total vehicle production this represents in each case.

Present production of commercial vehicles is about 50 per cent, higher than before the war. The proportion of commercial vehicles in the total vehicle output was a little over 20 per cent, before the war and is 40 per cent, at present.

asked the Minister of Supply what was the total output of locomotives in each of the first three quarters of 1946; how many of these were allocated for use at home and how many exported; and, in view of the needs of the British railways, if he will consider making a greater proportion of loco motives available for home use.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The output of steam locomotives from railway and privately owned shops combined was 164 in the first, 220 in the second, and 181 in the third quarter of 1946. In the first quarter, 63 were for the home railways, 13 for home industrial firms and 88 for export; in the second quarter, 87 were for home railways, 21 for home industrial firms and 112 for export; in the third quarter, 74 were for home railways, 13 for home industrial firms and 94 for export. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir Waldron Smithers) on 26th November.

asked the Minister of Supply when Radway Green factory, near Crewe, is likely to be in production.

If my hon. Friend refers to the royal ordnance factory at Radway Green, this factory has been in production for six years.

I consider that that was a ridiculous answer. The Minister may deal flippantly with a Question like that, but there are many people in the adjacent areas—Kidsgrove, for instance—who have been out of work since the factory completed armament production, and we are concerned about consumer production from that factory.

If my hon. Friend is referring to the production of cookers in this factory, as perhaps he is, that production begins early next month.

Thank you.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that additional production is turned out from this factory, as there is great unemployment in South-East Cheshire because the factory is not going "flat-out"?

The nature and volume of production in the royal ordnance factories have to be balanced with a number of other factors.

asked the Minister of Works if he will state the cause of the five months' delay in the delivery of bricks for work at Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, Malvern Road, Orpington.

The cause of this delay was explained in my written reply to the hon. Member on 25th November.

As the Minister has—as may be seen from the Written Answers in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 25th November, 1946, Volume 430, column 220—already admitted making a mistake, causing inconvenience, will he take steps to avoid a repetition?

Certainly. I relied on outside information, and informed the hon. Member so.

The right hon. Gentle man was wrong.

asked the Minister of Works the number of builders convicted for black market offences in the period 1st July to 31st October, 1946, inclusive.

Yes, Sir. The number is 60.

Is the Minister aware that there are 163,000 building firms in the country, and that his answer makes complete nonsense of the allegation of the Minister of Health that there is a wide spread black market?

I do not think it does at all.

asked the Minister of Works if he will call a conference of trade unions engaged in the building industry and employers' organisations with a view to the acceptance of measures of control which will stamp out black-market practices and fully mobilise the skill, labour and materials available behind the Government's housing programme.

I am already in consultation with the trade unions and employers' organisations through my National Consultative Council and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by calling a special conference.

asked the Minister of Works if it was with his approval that the Birmingham Trades Council made an appeal to all building workers in the Midlands to supply information about black-marketing in the building trade; and if he will state the results of this particular appeal.

I am not aware that any appeal has been made by the Birmingham Trades Council to all building workers in the Midlands to supply information about illegal building work. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

Is the Minister aware that such an appeal was made, was published in the local and national Press. including the Socialist paper the "Town Crier," and that, as a result, exactly one case was sent in throughout the whole of the Midlands, and that that case proved to be unfounded?

I was not aware of that, otherwise I should not have given the answer I did.

asked the Minister of Works how many cases of infringement of the Building Licence Regulations have been brought to the notice of his Department during the past 12 months; and in how many cases court action has been taken.

In the past twelve months 11,453 cases of suspected infringement have been brought to notice. In only 147 of these cases was I advised that the evidence was sufficient for prosecution, and those cases were taken to court.

In view of the disproportionate number taken to court, does it not give the impression that we are fighting shy of this matter? Is the Minister pro posing to take any firmer action in the future against this black-market work?

Yes, Sir, I am already discussing with the associations of local authorities the possibility of local authorities making prosecutions rather than my Ministry, with a view to seeing that where there are prima facie cases, they shall be taken to the courts.

How many prosecutions were unsuccessful out of the small number of cases reported?

Only four cases were unsuccessful—there were 143 convictions out of 147.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry do not prosecute where there is a prima jade case, or is the disparity in the figures due to the fact that a large number of the allegations are unfounded?

There is something in both contentions. The Ministry submit evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who decides whether a case is to be taken to the courts.

asked the Minister of Works why a supply of timber has been refused for the erection of four houses in 309–315, Hillcross Avenue, Morden, for which cost-of-work payment has been authorised by the War Damage Commission, and for which the necessary licences have been issued by the local authority.

I regret that sufficient timber is not at present available to me a meet this and similar requirements for houses which are not at an advanced stage of construction.

When will it next be avail able?

I cannot say at the moment, but probably not until January.

asked the Minister of Works what tonnage of steel it is estimated will be needed for the temporary and permanent types of houses so far projected which have yet to be built.

In view of present un certainties, I am not in a position to give an estimate.

Will my right hon. Friend keep the situation under review to see that no undue quantities of steel are diverted to houses, in view of his statement, in a recent speech reported in the Press, that the supply of bricks is no longer a bottle neck in holding up the housing drive?

There is constant super vision from that point of view.

Is the Minister satisfied that all the steel which can possibly be used has been taken away from blitzed buildings?

No, Sir; I will look at this point.

asked the Minister of Works from what sources the 324,000 building-trade operatives, recently engaged on non-priority work and maintenance of houses, obtained their supplies of building materials.

The supply of certain materials is sufficient to enable manufacturers and merchants to meet other demands after the requirements of priority work have been met.

In view of the fact that nearly one-third of the available building labour is being diverted to non-priority work, does this mean that the W.B.A. priority scheme is failing adequately to operate, and, if so, will my right hon. Friend give consideration to the suggestions which have been put before him for improving the system of control?

We are always considering the possibility of improving the system of control. It does not mean that the W.B.A. scheme is not working because the work is not priority. Non-priority work may also be regarded as essential.

Can the Minister say whether it is true that people who receive W.B.A. priorities are able to obtain goods against them from more than one source?

Not without some dodging.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the 10 temporary houses allocated to St. Ives Borough Council, Huntingdonshire, the main parts of which were delivered in October, have not yet been completed, and that, meanwhile, fittings have been stored in temporary houses with no doors and without anybody keeping watch over them, and that children have been tampering with those fittings; and whether he will arrange for the houses to be completed at an early date, and the fittings to be properly preserved meanwhile.

The responsibility for the safe custody of the fittings rests with the contractor, and I am not aware that there has been any loss or damage. The doors and remaining equipment are now being delivered, and I hope that all the houses will be ready for occupation next month.

In view of the serious shortage of these fittings, will the Minister make it clear to the contractors that the responsibility is theirs, so that these losses do not occur?

I have already made it clear to them.

asked the Minister of Works if he will give an assurance that the local authority concerned is always consulted before the issue of building licences by his regional departments.

The local authority concerned is always consulted before the issue of any licence relating to housing work, and in any other case where it is in a position to give useful advice. But in cases involving national considerations, or in exceptional circumstances, I must reserve the right to grant licences without such consultation.

Does the procedure apply to cases where the local authorities turn down an application which the regional people review and grant what is required?

No, Sir, it does not refer to that. Steps are now being taken to make that impossible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the concern felt by the Heston and Isle-worth Borough Council regarding the delay on the part of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Land Requirements in making a decision as to whether the 43 acres of land at Beaver's Lane, Hounslow, is to be acquired for military purposes, or whether such land, together with the hutments erected thereon, can be immediately surrendered for use by the council to provide housing accommodation urgently required; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I have been asked to reply. The camp is in full use by a primary training centre of the Regular Army and will be required for this purpose for some time to come. The Inter-Departmental Committee has not vet considered the question of the permanent retention of this camp, as it has bean full" engaged in considering proposals in respect of training areas. Arrangements are being made, however, for the committee to give special consideration at an early date to the future use of this camp.

Is the Lord President aware that the delay in reaching this decision has been a serious handicap to the local authority in formulating their housing scheme? Can he, therefore, give an assurance that the Inter-Departmental Committee will give urgent consideration to the matter?

I will see that the considerations to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention are brought to their notice. In the meantime, it is the case that the Regular Army will need the land for some time. But I will see that the points that he has mentioned are given consideration.

The Lord President of the Council says that the Army requires accommodation, but may I point out to him the serious need of the people of Heston and Isleworth for housing accommodation?

asked the Prime Minister what decisions have been reached regarding the standardisation of arms in the discussions taking place between military representatives of His Majesty's Government and the U.S.A.

I have been asked to reply. No decisions have been taken. In view of the reciprocal exchange of weapons between the United States and the United Kingdom which took place during the war over a very wide field, and the existing cooperation between the respective Forces in the occupation of Germany, there have naturally been informal exchanges of views on continuing such standardisation in the interests of economy and efficiency. The general position of the Government here was made clear in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the Debate on the Address of 18th November.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that American newspaper reporters have stated that they have had their information from authoritative spokesmen of the War Office in this country? Does he, therefore, categorically deny that statement, thus informing the British public that it is untrue?

The hon. Member may be disposed to take everything that appears in the American Press at its face value, I am not.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar statements were made by the hon. Member for Gates-head (Mr. Zilliacus), and is that not much more important?

Of course, if any Member of this House makes a statement, I am bound to treat it with respect, but I should not take it as conclusive.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether research is proceeding into the possible effects of supersonic sound upon the health of workers in the manufacture of turbo-jet aero-engines.

The Medical Research Council are making preliminary inquiries on the subject, and when these are completed consideration will be given to the question of a programme, of research.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is some anxiety in the minds of workers in the factories where these engines are being made as to the possible effect of the high frequency waves, and will he press on with the investigation being made?

I will see to it that my hon. Friend's point is taken into account.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the acreage of spring wheat sown in England and Wales in the years 1939, 1945 and 1946.

Farmers are not asked to make separate returns of the area under spring wheat, but it may be roughly inferred from other data that the acreage for the 1945 harvest was around—

On a point of Order. I cannot hear what the Minister is saying, and as I had occasion last week to put a supplementary question following an answer which I only half heard, may I ask him to speak up?

I said that farmers are not asked to make separate returns of the area under spring wheat, but it may be roughly inferred from other data that the acreage for the 1945 harvest was around 350,000, and for the 1946 harvest around 150,000. Corresponding figures for the 1939 harvest are not available. These spring wheat acreages vary considerably from year to year according to weather conditions.

Is the Minister prepared to tell the House, therefore, that it was only a question of weather conditions which reduced the acreage from 350,000 to 150,000?

Yes, Sir.