asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give consideration to the appointment of bi-lingual examiners for driving licences in Welsh-speaking areas.

I have already several bi-lingual examiners in the traffic areas covering North and South Wales.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider raising the upper age limit for applicants for the post of driving-test examiner to 50 years.

I refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I have given today to the hon. and gallant Member for South Blackpool (Wing-Commander Robinson).

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the new centre refuges at the junction of Brompton Road, Beauchamp Place corner, which are considerably higher and block the motorist's view of the traffic lights; whether this innovation was made after consultation with his Road Traffic Safety Committee; and if these tall refuges are to be part of the standing equipment for London.

My right hon. Friend has accepted the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs that bollards on refuges should not be more than 4 ft. above road level except when a specially large "Keep Left" sign is authorised when 4 ft. 6 in. is appropriate, and he has advised highway authorities accordingly. At the junction to which the hon. Member refers there is some obstruction of the traffic lights and my right hon. Friend will consider with the Kensington Borough Council what improvements can be made.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the dangers caused by the traffic problem in Bicester, Oxfordshire; if he will take steps to improve these conditions; and if adequate parking spaces will be provided.

Traffic difficulties are always likely to arise where part of a trunk road consists of inadequate town streets, as at Bicester. My right hon. Friend proposes, as soon as practicable, to construct a roundabout at the junction of trunk road A.41 and the Oxford-Buckingham road, and he will also give consideration to the need for a by-pass. In addition a system of one-way working for traffic is being examined. The duty of providing adequate parking places rests with the local authorities and in a recent circular they were reminded of the need to plan on a generous scale.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to the public by the cancellation, without notice, of the 6.25 p.m. train from North Woolwich to Stratford on several occasions recently; and if he will take steps to ensure that where further cancellations are necessary reasonable notice thereof shall be given to the travelling public.

I regret that on eight recent occasions the shortage of serviceable locomotives has made it necessary to divert the locomotive of this train to maintain other services, cancellation of which would have caused still greater inconvenience Blackboard notices are exhibited as soon as it is decided that the train must be cancelled, but on occasions when, until shortly before the starting time, it has appeared possible to run the train, the notice has necessarily been short. The next train is the 6.41 p.m.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the bad conditions now prevailing at the Motive Power Depot, Springs Branch, near Wigan, L.M.S., where 200 men are employed; and what steps are being taken to remedy them, so as to prevent men from leaving the employment of the railway company.

No, Sir, but I have made inquiries and am informed that work is to be put in hand to renew the roof and improve the lay-out of No. 1 Shed. Progress is, however, hampered by shortage of staff. The extension of the canteen, delayed by lack of roofing material, is now in progress.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Shipbuilding Advisory Committee has prepared plans for the future of the industry, to be introduced once the war time losses have been replaced.

The committee is engaged on this task. Fortunately, for the time being the industry is busy.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to prevent shipowners from placing orders for new ships and ship repairs in foreign yards.

I have no evidence to support the hon. Member's suggestion that United Kingdom owners are placing such orders abroad in preference to our own yards. No special action on my part in this matter is required.

asked the Minister of Supply the demands from the Service Departments for penicillin lozenges since 1st January, 1946, specifying the purposes for which they are used and the average unit content per lozenge supplied.

Demands total 515,000 lozenges, the penicillin content of which is 500 units per lozenge. The purposes for which they are used is a matter for the respective Service Departments.

asked the Minister of Supply the average annual value of iron and steel output in Scotland and its relationship to that of England.

Information is not available in the form required, but in 1944 and 1945 Scotland produced approximately 15 per cent. of the total steel ingot and castings production of Great Britain and nearly 13 per cent. of the total iron casting production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what changes are contemplated in the composition and functions of the Agriculture Improvements Council following the establishment of the Agricultural Advisory Service.

Under its present terms of reference the Agricultural Improvement Council is competent to advise generally, and does in fact do so, as to the lines on which a policy designed to raise technical standards of production can best be carried out. Its members comprise leading fanners, horticulturists and scientists, and the head of the National Agricultural Advisory Service is himself a member. Changes in composition and functions are accordingly not required to enable the Council to continue the close cooperation with the N.A.A.S. which already exists.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the rates of pay provided for the new Agricultural Advisory Service are sufficient to retain enough individuals of the right calibre and of a type who will be able to convince farmers of the value of their advice; and what arrangements are under consideration for improving the rates of Pay.

The salary scales have been settled in relation to those of other scientific and technical civil servants, and I regard them as satisfactory. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consult the National Veterinary Medical Association in connection with his plans for initiating in 1947 a large-scale campaign to utilise scientific knowledge to the full in eradicating from the dairy herds of this country bovine tuberculosis and other diseases; whether he will indicate the present approximate annual loss caused by such diseases; what is the present cost of the campaign for eradicating the diseases; and what estimate has been made of the cost of the new campaign now contemplated.

In July last, a memorandum on problems associated with large-scale measures for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis was sent by my Department to farming and other organisations, including the National Veterinary Medical Association, and I shall have due regard to the views expressed by any of these organisations. No reliable estimate of the annual loss caused by diseases of dairy cattle alone is available, but in their second report, issued in 1944, the Committee on Veterinary Education in Great Britain quoted an estimate of £30 million as a minimum figure for animal diseases as a whole, the greater part of which was related to diseases of dairy cattle. The expenditure this year on the veterinary service, excluding the cost of compensation for animals slaughtered on account of foot-and-mouth disease, is estimated to be about £1 million; but it is hardly practicable to segregate the expenditure on diseases affecting dairy cattle particularly. As to the last part of the Question, I am unable at present to make an estimate, as detailed plans have not yet been formulated.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now prepared to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of spring-steel traps.

If, as I assume, the hon. and gallant Member refers to the setting of spring traps in the open for catching rabbits I would refer him to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Peter Freeman) on 21st October.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the anxiety of British egg producers that the development of the egg producing industry of this country is increasingly being sacrificed to the interests of the foreign egg producer; and what steps he proposes to take during 1947 to ensure that British egg producers provide a greater proportion of the egg consumption of this country.

The development of egg production in this country depends almost entirely on future supplies of feedingstuffs, on which I fear I can say nothing at the moment. As the hon. Member is aware, guaranteed prices and a secure market for British egg producers are a part of the Government's agricultural policy which will be embodied in the Agriculture Bill shortly to be laid before Parliament.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of land are now being farmed by county A.E.Cs. in England and Wales.

County War Agricultural Executive Committees are farming approximately 195,000 acres of land in England and Wales of which possession has been taken under emergency powers. In addition, by arrangement with the Service and other Departments, the committees are farming a considerable acreage of land held by or taken over from those Departments. Particulars are not readily available, but they are being collected and will be forwarded to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the shortage of 3-inch tile drains in Hampshire; and what action he is taking to overcome this shortage.

Yes, Sir. This shortage has been mainly due to the greatly increased production of bricks. My Department and the Ministry of Works are taking all possible steps to improve the general supply of field drain tiles, and I am exploring what further action can be taken to increase deliveries in Hampshire.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs if, in view of the labour shortage in this country, the figures of emigrants laid down under the Anglo-Australian Immigration Agreement of April, 1946, still hold good; and for what numbers it is expected that passages can be provided in 1947.

I have been asked to reply. In view of the conditional nature of the assisted migration arrangements, no definite figures were laid down in the agreements made with the Australian Government. The number of passages to be provided when the schemes are operative will be contingent upon the outcome of negotiations now being conducted with the shipping interests.

asked the Minister of Works if he will consider installing an illuminated annunciator on Bag Ben, so that information similar to that now given in the Dining Room, Smoke Room, Library, etc., may be made available to the public.

I am not aware of any public demand for such an installation and feel that existing arrangements for giving publicity to the activities of the House are adequate. The cost of installing and running such an installation would be high, and its appearance would be unsightly

asked the Minister of Works what percentages of total United Kingdom production of electric lighting appliances, accessories and fittings and electrical cooking and heating apparatus are being taken by his Department for the housing programme; and what proportions, respectively, have been installed and placed in stock to date.

Approximate figures are available for a number of the items as follow: — Percentage of Total Production acquired for housing by Ministry of Works, October 1946. Percentage of Total Acquisition installed at 16th November 1946. Per cent. Per cent. Wash Boilers 17 90 Immersion Heaters 21 85 Electric Cookers 14 90 Thermostats 8 89

Figures are not available for other electrical items, but the percentages acquired by the Ministry of Works in other cases are very much smaller

asked the Minister of Works how many workers, insured in the building and civil engineering trade, there are in the London area; how many of these are employed on: new building, including temporary houses, bomb damage repairs, rebuilding war-destroyed houses, conversions for family occupation, maintenance work, and foundations and sewer work for houses.

It is estimated that there were 234,000 building and civil engineering operatives employed in the London area at the end of October. Of these about 33,000 were engaged on new house building, including temporary houses and the rebuilding of war destroyed houses, 93,000 on war damage repairs to houses, 11,000 on conversions for family occupation, 19,000 on maintenance of houses, and 2,000 on housing site preparation

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that housing is being held up at Leven, Fife, because his Department insists on English tiles while local tile works are stored to capacity; and why these tiles are not being used.

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that locally manufactured tiles are in fact being used on the scheme to which the hon. Member refers. My Department have never insisted on the use of English tiles.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that there are three houses at Kennoway, Fife, which have been ready for tiling for a month; that there are 50,000 tiles on the site but they cannot be used because they are the wrong colour; and if he will make a statement on this matter.

I have been asked to reply. The three blocks of houses referred to are part of a scheme of 102 houses, which for reasons of good appearance, the county council wish to tile in various colours. I am informed that while there was a delay of' some ten days in the delivery of Marley tiles, which are manufactured in Scotland and for which the council placed a bulk order, and also some delay in the delivery of tile straps, tiling is now in progress and should be completed at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to persuade the Soviet Government to permit the Soviet wives of British ex-Servicemen to come to this country to rejoin their husbands.

We have made repeated representations on this subject to the Soviet Government since the end of 1942. As a result of a personal appeal by the Prime Minister to Marshal Stalin at Potsdam in August last year, about a dozen wives were allowed to come to this country. Since then no more have been allowed to leave the Soviet Union, in spite of the fact that our Ambassador in Moscow has pressed the matter constantly. But in August this year the Soviet Ministry for Foreign Affairs undertook to look into the matter again.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to exercise their right under the Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement of December, 1944, to give the requisite three months notice to vacate the territory now occupied.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, despite the assurance given by the European regional office of U.N.R.R.A., the facilities in the U.S. zone for educational, recreational and other cultural activities for Poles are still suspended; and if he will again make representations in the proper quarters for the immediate re-establishment of these essential activities.

I am informed by the European Regional Office of U.N.R.R.A. that these facilities exist in all Polish displaced persons camps in the United States zone of Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has received on the reception given to Poles who have been repatriated from this country; and if these are satisfactory.

Various reports have been received from the officers commanding drafts of repatriates. These reports are in the main satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Food why sheep are brought to Congleton from considerable distances, incurring loss of weight in transit, when sheep from neighbouring farms presented at the grading centre are supplied to cover local requirements; and if he will go into this matter further.

Sheep purchased at Congleton collecting centre are normally slaughtered at Congleton slaughterhouse to meet local requirements. Exceptionally, in order to make the fullest use of the slaughtering capacity available and to meet the butchers' requirements, sheep must be brought in from centres operating on other days, even though this entails moving them some distance.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, on 4th October, the s.s. "Washington" obtained from a local creamery at Plymouth 400 gallons of milk; that this vessel was only making a 10-hours' journey to Havre; that this milk was to be used for normal consumption on board the vessel; that jugs of milk were placed on the tables at meal times for consumption by the passengers; and why old people in this country have to drink water while milk is provided for U.S. ships.

I am making inquiries into the case. There may have been irregularities connected with it. At the same time we do and must sometimes supply milk and other foodstuffs to foreign vessels calling at our ports. For if we did not we could not expect them to victual our own ships.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the shortage of linseed and linseed oil in the United Kingdom, he will state the total amount it is anticipated will be imported between now and 30th June, 1947, from the Argentine and India, respectively.

The international allocations of oils and oilseeds for 1947 have still to be settled. We hope to obtain as much as possible, and to ship it promptly. I am afraid that it is not possible yet to say how much will arrive before 30th June next.

asked the Minister of Food the estimated tonnage of the Argentine and Indian linseed crop of the present season now harvesting or about to be harvested; and to what countries their surplus requirements are being shipped.

I have seen widely varying unofficial estimates of the size of the new Argentine crop of linseed, but I know of no official estimate. The Indian crop is later and no estimate of its size has been made. The international allocations of these crops are under consideration by the International Emergency Food Council but decisions have not yet been taken.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in the interests of home horticulture, he will consider limiting imports of lettuce and tomatoes while these commodities are out of season in this country.

If my hon. Friend is suggesting that imports of lettuce and tomatoes should be reduced during the period of the year when home production is entirely insufficient to meet the demand, the answer is "No, Sir."

asked the Minister of Food how many firms engaged in building houses in the rural districts of the Maldon Division of Essex have now secured the provision of packed meals for their employees; and what percentage of the total number of firms engaged in these districts this number represents.

In the rural districts of the Maldon Division three building firms engaged in building houses are operating a packed meals service. This number represents 7.3 per cent. of the total number of licensed building employers in the area.

asked the Minister of Food if he will state precisely what series of steps should be taken to secure packed mid-day meals for building trade workers employed by small firms in rural areas; whether it rests with employers or employees to take the initiative in this matter; and what steps can be taken by workers, or by his Department, in cases in which employers are unwilling to make the necessary applications and returns.

Application should be made to the food executive officer for a canteen licence. Responsibility for providing a meals service normally rests with employers, but any responsible group or organisation of employees may apply for a licence and may undertake to carry on the service.

asked the Minister of Food the percentage increase over prewar prices being obtained by British farmers for home produced meat as compared with the increase agreed to for meat to be obtained from the Argentine; and if the Argentine meat recently complained about by butchers was bought under the new meat contract.

It is estimated that in October, 1946, producers' prices for home killed fat cattle, other than cows, were 61 per cent. above prewar; fat sheep 58 per cent.; bacon pigs 90 per cent.; and pork pigs 68 per cent. These figures take account of seasonal variations. The basic increase in prices from the Argentine is likely to be about 45 per cent. above 1939. The meat recently complained about by butchers was bought and shipped before the recent revision of the contract.

asked the Minister of Food the price per cwt. of Argentine chilled beef delivered to Smithfield Market.

Chilled beet is not now being shipped to this country. The prices to be paid for Argentine frozen beef under the new agreement have not yet been settled.

asked the Minister of Food what amount of biscuits was exported to Canada, Bovril to Australia and rationed foods to South Africa during 1946.

Exports from the United Kingdom during the 10 months January to October, 1946, included 1,591 hundredweights of biscuits for human consumption to Canada and 890 hundredweights of extracts and essences of beef or veal (including Bovril) to Australia. Particulars for Bovril alone are not available. It is not possible to state the quantity of rationed foods exported to South Africa, but it is small.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially stated that 104,000,000 lb. of tinned fish will be exported to the United Kingdom during the year ending 30th June, 1947; and what will be the amount and cost of canned pilchards included in this figure.

The figure quoted is the allocation approved by the International Emergency Food Council for export from the United States of America to this country. Negotiations for purchase in the United States of America are now in progress and neither the amount nor the cost of the pilchards has yet been arranged.

asked the Minister of Food if he will issue the text of the statement made by the U.S. representative at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in November concerning the arrangements recently made by this country for the provision of wheat, cocoa and meat.

I have placed in the Library a copy of the statement made by the United States Representative at the opening session of the Preparatory Commission of the Food and Agriculture Organisation. I am not aware of any further statement made by the United States Representative concerning the arrangements made by the United Kingdom for the provision of wheat, cocoa and meat.

asked the Minister of Food what items he expects to be in shorter, supply in 1947 than during 1946 as a result of the agreement made between this country and U.S.A. for the joint administration of their zones in Germany.

asked the Minister of Food what reductions in the supplies of food from the dollar countries can be anticipated as a result of the dollar cost to His Majesty's Government of the fusion of the British and U.S. zones of Germany.

Our import programme from dollar countries, as from all sources of supply, is subject to periodic review in the light of our available foreign exchange resources and, more particularly, our dollar resources. The agreement recently reached for the fusion of the British and United States zones of Germany does not create a new situation in that respect. There is no intention to alter our import programme from dollar sources as a direct result of that agreement.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider the allocation of tinned fruit in accordance with the family sugar ration, thereby ensuring a more fair and equitable distribution.

No, Sir. I do not think this would be practicable.

asked the Minister of Food what are his objections to Members of Parliament accompanying deputations to divisional food officers.

If my hon. and gallant Friend has been prevented from accompanying a deputation to the divisional food officer I am sorry.

asked the Minister of Food if Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Financial Secretary to the Government of Ceylon, adheres to his proposal to levy an export duty on Ceylon tea, thereby increasing the price to British users of Ceylon tea, while there is a temporary shortage of world supplies of tea.

Although I have been notified that the Ceylon Government proposes to levy an export duty on tea, I am still without precise information as to its probable scope and amount. I understand that a final decision will not be reached until some time in January.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will give a comparative price list of prices paid to British producers and to Denmark for butter, cheese, bacon, eggs and meat during the latest convenient period or on the latest convenient date.

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd December, 1946; Vol. 431, c. 2), supplied the following information:

COMPARATIVE PRICES PAID FOR VARIOUS COMMODITIES TO DENMARK AND TO U.K. PRODUCERS

The price paid to Denmark for butter is 220/- per cwt f.o.b. No comparison is possible with the price paid to home producers of butter which is based upon the subsidised price of the liquid milk allocated to them for butter making. The cheese purchased from Denmark is of types entirely different from any which is at present being made in this country.

The price paid for Danish bacon is 150/- per cwt. f.o.b. The price paid for home cured bacon varies with the circumstances of different curers, and no direct comparison with the Danish price is possible. The average price paid to U.K. producers for meat is £126 19s. 3d. per ton. I regret that I am unable at present to supply information regarding the price paid for meat from Denmark. The price paid to U.K. producers of eggs is at present 38/4 per long hundred, the eggs being sold retail at 20/- per long hundred. The present price for eggs from Denmark is 19/6 per long hundred, f.o.b.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the continuing shortage of bottles for soft drinks and imported wines.

Supplies of all glass bottles are still insufficient to meet demand although output generally is well above the prewar level, and is increasing. Priority is given to the production of bottles: for milk, welfare foods and medicines. The output of soft drink bottles so far this year had been running at a higher rate than in 1938. Separate output figures are not available for wine bottles, but home production is being supplemented by imports which are being licensed freely. We are doing all we can to help the industry to increase production. Meanwhile the public can assist by returning their empty bottles.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the tonnage of cereals exported from Great Britain to the British occupied zone in Germany and to U.N.R.R.A. each month during 1946.

The tonnage of cereals exported to the British occupied zone in Germany from stocks in Great Britain this year has been: Tons. January … … … 52,000 February … … … 43,000 March … … … 20,000 April … … … 31,000 May … … … 9,000 June … … … 36,000 July … … … 21,000 August … … … 9,000 September … … … 1,000 October … … … Nil November … … … Nil

There have been no exports on U.N.R.R.A. account this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of barley exported from Great Britain each month during 1946, showing the countries of destination.

The total exports during the ten months amounted to 154,568 tons, the principal countries to which exports were sent being Germany, Netherlands and Eire.

Following are the figures: 1946. Tons. January … … … 5,055 February … … … 22,033 March … … … 12,470 April … … … 13,075 May … … … 4,261 June … … … 15,402 July … … … 52,778 August … … … 16,362 September … … … 1,361 October … … … 11,765

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that contractors on housing schemes are unable to purchase timber except in small quantities and, as a result, an additional 20 per cent, is charged, with a consequent effect upon the expenditure of public funds; and if he will see that this practice is stopped.

No, Sir; but, if my hon. Friend knows of any cases where licence holders are unable to obtain timber except in small quantities for reasons which are within their suppliers' control, we shall be glad to look into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if in consultation with the Minister of Food, he is now able to say when imports of preserved ginger may be resumed from China.

Negotiations are at pre sent being held which will, it is expected, result in imports of preserved ginger in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the procedure for claiming the additional allowance of clothing coupons for ex-Servicemen, in the case of a man who has lost the coupon book which was issued to him on demobilisation.

Local food offices have always held stocks of a form L.C.4, which is handed to any applicant who states that he has lost any form of clothes rationing document, including the voucher con-

Insulated and electric wires and cables. June July. August. September. October. Telegraph and telephone wires and cables:— Submarine 305 879 258 1,035 339 Other 981 3,357 2,385 1,048 1,115 Other descriptions:— Rubber insulated 984 1,251 1,162 977 1,534 Paper insulated 2,183 3,446 2,079 2,030 2,357 Other 748 1,931 854 720 1,023 Total 5,201 9,864 6,738 5,810 6,368

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to secure the retention in this country of all domestically manufactured glue, in view of the shortages of this material which are at present restricting production in the motor-manufacturing, abrasives and other industries.

Since 1st June last, export licences for glue have been granted only to the minimum extent necessary to maintain contact with important overseas

tained in the original demobilisation book. The applicant completes the form, showing cause of loss, and signs a declaration that he holds a Service release certificate, dated on or after 18th June, 1945. This certificate must be produced before a responsible person, who then attests the declaration as having inspected it. The form is then handed to the area office of the Assistance Board, who have instructions to issue spare vouchers only in cases of burglary or fire. I am having the position carefully watched, but any relaxation of the present procedure might well introduce abuse.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the monthly export of electric cables since June, 1946, specifying the quantities covered by polyvinl chloride, rubber and lead, in their relative proportions, but excluding main power cable.

I regret that the specific information requested by my hon Friend is not available. The most detailed statistics available relating to the tonnage of United Kingdom exports of electric wires and cables in June to October, 1946 are as follow:

markets, and I do not think it is desirable in the national interest to restrict them further.

asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking, in view of the need for constantly improving the quality of British goods, to raise the standard of technological training, particularly in the polytechnics.

In accordance with the recommendations of the Percy Committee. regional councils and academic boards are being set up to link the major technical colleges with the universities and industry. As soon as they are in being, a national council will be set up to coordinate regional activities and to advise on national policy.

Among other measures which are being taken, are the inclusion of wider representation of industry and commerce on the governing bodies of colleges, and the establishment of national colleges for those industries whose needs cannot fully be made on a regional basis. The hon. Member may care to know that a pamphlet will shortly be issued from my Department indicating how the needs of industrial personnel may be ascertained and how they should be met.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of man-hours lost by the City of Oxford Bus Company during each of the last three years owing to labour disputes; and what have been the main causes of these disputes.

The numbers of man-days lost through stoppages of work owing to industrial disputes affecting the City of Oxford Bus Company have been approximately 230 in 1944, 160 in 1945 and 150 this year. The dispute in 1944 arose mainly through dissatisfaction with canteen facilities. In 1945 there was a stoppage arising from the prosecution by the management of three conductresses and a further short stoppage resulting from the discharge of a conductress for misconduct. The stoppage this year arose out of disagreement on questions relating to the guaranteed week and paid holidays.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the Polish journals published in this country of which the circulation in the British zone of Germany is forbidden.

There is no list of Polish journals of which the circulation is forbidden. Circulation of papers is, however, confined to those on an approved list which includes "Tygodnik Polski" and "Jutro Polski" both of which are published in the U.K. Editors who wish to have their journals included on the approved list should apply to my Department.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why Mrs. Rands, The Green, Cogenhoe, Northampton, whose pension number is 12509794, has not yet received her pension order book.

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will sanction a special date stamp, valid from Colwyn Bay post office, advertising the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales, 1947, in view of the fact that this is a Welsh national function, non-political and non-sectarian, supported by the whole Welsh nation and of world-wide interest.

I regret that I cannot authorise the use of a special date stamp for this purpose. It is necessary to confine the use of special advertising date stamps to matters which are of primary concern to the United Kingdom as a whole, and a departure from this principle in favour of the Eisteddfod would not be justified.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now authorise licensed dealers in securities in addition to bankers brokers and solicitors to stamp and sign declarations on the back of transfer deeds as required by Defence (Finance) Regulations, 1939.

I am considering this Question in connection with arrangements to be made under the Exchange Control Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated amount of our adverse balance of trade in the first 10 months of 1946 which was due to payments made abroad as a result of the commitments of our Armed Forces, the maintenance of civil government in Germany and elsewhere, and relief and assistance to other countries, respectively.

I must ask my hon. Friend to wait for the full 1946 balance of payments figures.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will give the following information with regard to each of the satellite towns planned in the Stevenage and Crawley areas, respectively; the total area in acres which will be covered; the acreage of freehold property now held by private residents; the acreage of freehold property leased to private residents; the acreage of property owned by Government or local authority; and why, in the case of Stevenage, only objections were admitted at the inquiry and consideration of both sides of the matter were not heard.

I regret that the information for which the hon. Member asks in the first part of his Question is not available in the form requested. The following information can, however, be given in respect of the proposed new town at Stevenage. The acreage to be used for general building purposes, which will include local open spaces and roads, is likely to be in the neighbourhood of 4,300 acres out of a total for the designation area of 6,140 acres. No separate figures relating to property held by private residents can be given, but the 6,140 acres is made up approximately as follows: Acres. Area of owner-occupied property 2,220 Area of property not occupied by owners 3,700 Area of property owned by Government or Local Authority 240

In respect of the proposed new town at Crawley, it is only possible at this stage to say that the area within the boundary shown on the map accompanying the Draft Crawley New Town (Designation) Order is approximately 6,200 acres.

In reply to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 19th November to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Poole), which explained the purpose and procedure of public local inquiries in connection with draft designation orders under the New Towns Act, 1946.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, 15 months after cessation of hostilities with Japan, no air branch of the R.N.V.R. has been formed; that flying personnel already demobilised will have lost touch with the service and that delay in the formation of such a reserve will prejudice its ultimate success; and if he will take steps to form the branch without further delay.

The arrangements for reserves of flying and air maintenance personnel are at present receiving urgent consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present hotel accommodation in Jamaica and what plans exist for its expansion to provide for increased tourist traffic.

I am informed that there is accommodation for visitors at hotels and guest houses in Jamaica for some 1,500 persons. The Hotel Aid Law of 1944 provided for refunds or exemptions from import duties and tonnage taxes, in respect of building materials and specified articles of hotel equipment, and also for Income Tax relief in respect of expenditure on new hotels and extensions. It is hoped that as building materials and supplies become more readily available advantage will be taken of this special legislation to provide the additional accommodation required for increased tourist traffic.

asked the Prime Minister whether in connection with the rebuilding of the House of Commons, consideration can be given to installing some plaque in memory of the late President Roosevelt in order to commemorate the deep regard which Members of the British Parliament had for him.

Successive Governments have for many years followed the general rule that no Memorial should be erected in the Palace of Westminster to any individual within 10 years of his decease except in accordance with the resolution of both Houses of Parliament. Even if such a resolution were passed, having regard to the time necessary to complete the new building scheme it would not be possible to show the tablet for some years. The House will be glad to know, however, that I am in communication with the Dean of Westminster with a view to setting up a tablet in memory of the late President Roosevelt in a suitable position in the Abbey.

asked the Minister of Health if he will arrange to make available for housing purposes the disused U.S. military hospital at Nocton, near Lincoln.

I am informed that the Air Ministry want these premises as a permanent R.A.F. hospital.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases and deaths of infants have occurred from post-vaccinal encephalitis in England and Wales during the six years 1939 to 1944.

As post-vaccinal encephalitis is not a notifiable disease the number of cases cannot be stated. The numbers of deaths of children under one year of age in England and Wales in the years mentioned were as follow: —1939—none; 1940–4; 1941—none; 1942–2; 1943–3; 1944–2.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many establishments are now occupied by his Department in the county of Merioneth; the location of each establishment and acreage comprised in it; whether such establishment is owned, requisitioned or held for the exercise of training rights; and what the intentions of his Department are with regard to each area.

Twenty-seven Sir, of which the particulars are given below. Of the property not owned by my Department some is included in the schedule of lands referred to the Interdepartmental Committee but until the results of the Committee's deliberations have been examined and decisions taken it would not be appropriate to specify which areas have been suggested for retention or acquisition. Place and establishment Acreage. Nature of Holding. Aberdovey Shed — D.R. 51 Ardudwy 7,450 D.R. 52 Artog, Iceland Camp 90.5 D.R. 51 Barmouth Dyffryn Camp. 4 D.R. 51 Harlech 1,155 D.R. 51 Llanunchllyn, Home Guard Store. .5 D.R. 51 Llwynygwril, Burma Camp. 80 D.R. 51 Rhinog 3,500 D.R. 52 Tal-y-Bont 525 D.R. 52 Tonfanau 200 W.D. 12.5 D.R. 51 Towyn: Beach Camp 6.5 D.R. 51 Bryngwalia House — D.R. 51 Church Hall — Hired Congregational Chapel. — Hired Corbett Avenue Camp 4.5 D.R. 51 Gwalia Camp 2 D.R 51 Matapan Camp 57 D.R. 51 Miniature Range .75 D.R. 51 Morfa Camp 20 D.R. 51 N.A.A.F.I. Hut .5 D.R. 51 Neptune Hall Camp 1,275 D.R. 51 Recreation Ground 18 D.R. 51 Rifle Ranges 80 D.R. 51 (Unnamed training area) 338 D.R. 52 Trawsfynydd: Baggage Shed — D.R. 51 Training area 8,200 W.D. Wernddu, Searchlight site. 2 D.R 51 W.D = owned by the War Department. D.R. 51 = requisitioned under Defence Regulation 51. D.R. 52 = used for training under Defence Regulation 52.

asked the Secretary of State for War what further arrangements he is making, since his reply to a Question on 8th October in the last Session of Parliament, for the housing of the Army Record Office and Pay Corps Records, approximately 1,000 officers, in Edinburgh other than Dalmeny Street Hall.

The question whether the Army Pay Office should remain permanently in the City and whether part of the Record Office should remain there for the present depends on the availability of suitable accommodation, for which search is being made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will issue a tabulated state- ment showing the number and addresses of premises, other than Regular R.A.F. buildings or hutments, which were occupied by his Department on 5th November, 1946, within five miles, approximately, of Westminster, indicating whether requisitioned or rented, showing the annual rent and annual upkeep cost, respectively, the number of service personnel, and/or civilians living on or working on the premises, respectively; how these figures compare with the peak period during the war; and indicating those premises subsequently released since that date.

I have sent the particulars to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.