asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of cases reported between 1st September and 31st October, 1946, of burglary and larceny from dwelling houses of personal property belonging to personnel of the Control Commission stationed in Herford; the number of arrests made as a consequence; the number of convictions in German or Military Government courts in respect of such burglaries and larcenies; the number of cases where the property stolen was recovered; and what precautions have been taken to protect the property of the personnel of the Control Commission in Herford.

The number of such cases reported is 54; 22 arrests were made. Nineteen convictions were obtained against Germans in Military Government courts; court-martial proceedings against two British other ranks are pending. In 12 cases some property has been recovered. British civil police and German police have been strengthened and additional German watchmen are to be employed. A system of resident staff is being arranged so that houses will at no time be left unattended. There are indications that these precautions are proving effective, as the number of cases has fallen sharply in the past few weeks

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of Germans employed in non-industrial capacity by the Control Commission in Germany.

I presume the hon. Member is referring to office staffs. The number is about 11,500.

asked the Minister of Food what percentage of the custard powder available for distribution during the past six months was allocated to catering establishments and what percentage to retail shops.

About 10 per cent. of all the custard and blancmange powder distributed was allocated to priority catering establishments—industrial canteens, hospitals, schools and other places providing essential meals. I am afraid I cannot give a precise figure for commercial caterers, but it is certainly less than 5 per cent.; at least 85 per cent., therefore, goes to the housewife.

asked the Minister of Food when a fresh delivery of lemons is expected; and what allocations per head he will make and at what price

The first of our supplies of lemons are arriving now and are being distributed in certain areas on the basis of one third of a pound per head. The maximum retail price is 6d. per lb., except in certain districts in the North of Scotland, where it is 6Jd., to cover the exceptional transport costs.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that recently, in Leyton at Temple Mill siding, there were 29 truckloads of herring left standing for about a week in a putrefying condition; and. in view of the present food shortage, if he will take steps to prevent this happening in the future.

The 29 truckloads of herrings were surplus to home and export requirements, and were sent for processing into edible oil and feeding meal. Delay in unloading trucks did not destroy the value of the fish for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is now prepared to authorise a special allowance of soap to persons employed as spinners in the cotton industry, in cases in which there is no adequate washing accommodation provided at the mill.

pursuant to the reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 27th November, 1946, Vol. 430, c. 1616], supplied the following information:

By Section 42 of the Factories' Act, 1937, all factory occupiers are required to provide adequate and suitable washing facilities The Ministry of Food issues permits for soap to such employers to assist them in carrying out this obligation. In cases of difficulty reference should be made to His Majesty's Inspector of Factories for the district.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the rice ration in Penang is only threequarters of that in Singapore; and what action he is taking to remove this inequality.

The reason is that, mainly for geographical reasons, the large population of Singapore has less opportunity to buy locally produced foodstuffs than the population of Penang. However, I hope that before Christmas it will be possible to increase rations slightly throughout Malaya and, as part of the plan, it is intended to bring the Malayan Union scale up to the Singapore scale.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what pension, gratuity, award or decoration has been, or will be, given to those Asiatics in British Malaya and Sarawak who assisted, at great personal risk, European prisoners or internees; and whether, in cases where such persons were tortured and murdered by the Japanese for so doing, adequate compensation will be given to their families.

Full information is not available in this country. I have therefore asked the Governors of the territories concerned for reports, and will write to my hon. Friend when I have received them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the return of planters' families to Malaya may be delayed owing to lack of educational facilities for children; whether any steps are being taken to reopen some of the schools in the hills; and if he will give an assurance that where the return of a family is delayed till after 31st December, 1946, owing to lack of educational facilities in Malaya, they will not thereby forfeit the privilege of a free passage.

No, Sir, I am not aware that the return of planters' families to Malaya may be delayed for the reason suggested. Educational facilities up to and including the school certificate examination are available in Government and aided English schools for the children of planters under the same conditions as for other children. It is expected that one of the former private hill schools will re-open in January, 1947. The last part of the hon. Member's Question does not therefore arise, though some deferment of the time limit for the privilege of free passages may be necessary on account of shipping difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now cause to be published, or make a full statement upon, the new draft treaty affecting the future constitution of Malaya.

Discussions have proceeded during the past few months with the Malaya Rulers and representatives, and proposals have emerged for a revised constitution. These proposals have now been transmitted to London and have been under consideration by His Majesty's Government. I cannot at present give details of these proposals, since certain points are still under discussion, but I hope the full proposals will be published in the near future. I must emphasise, however, that there is no question of His Majesty's Government giving final approval of the proposals until all other interested communities, besides the Malays, have been given full and free opportunity to express their views. In view of the importance of this matter, I append a statement setting out the position which has now been reached:

For some months past the Governor-General and the Governor of the Malayan Union have been engaged in discussions with Their Highnesses the Malay Rulers and with Malay political leaders in an endeavour to elaborate proposals which would overcome the objections of our Malay friends to the form of the Malayan Union Constitution, and would at the same time preserve the fundamental objectives of His Majesty's Government, namely, the establishment in Malaya of a strong central Government, with control over all matters of importance to the progress and welfare of the country as a whole, and the creation of a form of common citizenship which will be open to all those who regard Malaya as their real home and as the object of their loyalty.

These discussions have now been completed, and full proposals, which have received the approval of Their Highnesses, have been submitted for the scrutiny of His Majesty's Government. I am not yet at liberty to divulge the substance of these proposals, since there are a few points which are being referred back to the Malay representatives for further examination. But I am happy to say that, subject to the satisfactory resolution of these outstanding points, which should, I feel sure, present, no serious difficulty, the essential features of the present proposals, which represent the outcome of much patient and devoted work and much constructive good will on both sides, appear to His Majesty's Government to be calculated to achieve those fundamental objectives in Malaya for which they themselves have always striven.

There can be no question, however, of His Majesty's Government reaching any final decision on any of the matters involved until all interested communities in Malaya have had full and free opportunity of expressing their views. I am glad to say that the necessity of consulting to the fullest extent the other interested communities has been clearly appreciated by the Malay representatives themselves. It its now intended, therefore, that the proposals should, with the minimum of delay, form the subject of wider discussions in Malaya. His Majesty's Government will again consider the matter in the light of the results of these discussions, and at that stage the House will be given the opportunity of commenting on the proposals as a whole. Meanwhile, copies of the proposals as published in Malaya will be placed in the Library of the House, as soon as they are received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the composition of the Labour and National Service Board in Fiji; and what representatives of trade unions sit on this Board.

The Labour and National Service Board in Fiji lapsed in May, 1945, the emergency which it was designed to meet having come to an end. It was replaced early this year by a Labour Advisory Board, of which the Labour Commissioner is chairman and whose membership includes two workers' representatives, one nominated by the Sugar Workers' Union, and one by the Stevedore Workers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Fiji will consider granting loans for the construction of houses to approved members of the public on the lines of those granted to civil servants.

No, Sir. The Government of Fiji, is, however, considering the establishment of a housing board, to serve the general public. One of its objects will be to construct cottages to be let at moderate rents to approved families. The achievement of this object will probably mean substantial financial assistance from Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of his reply to the hon. Member for Leek on 3rd July that the cost of living in Fiji for the quarter ended 31st March, 1946, in country districts and in Suva, had risen by 87 per cent. and 69 per cent, respectively, above that on August, 1939, whereas the highest bonus granted to civil servants was 65 per cent., if the Government of Fiji will remedy this position by an adequate bonus system and by establishing a cost-of-living index to cover other groups besides Indian labourers.

I am advised that the increase in cost of living for the higher income groups is substantially less than the figures of 87 per cent. and 69 per cent., which refer only to Indian workmen earning less than 50s. a week. Since there could be no discrimination in wage rates as between one race and another for the same job, an index which took into account the rise in cost of living of other sections of the community would react unfavourably on Indian workers, whose living costs have risen more sharply than those of other workers, owing to a greater rise in the cost of their customary food supplies. The cost of living allowances of civil servants have recently been consolidated in revised scales of salary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will arrange for responsible officers in his Department to visit from time to time those colonial territories with which they are concerned.

Yes, Sir. I has long been the practice of the Colonial Office to arrange for such visits and a large number have been made. So far as the staffing situation permits, I have every intention of extending this process.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made towards the framing of a new Constitution for Malta and what further steps are being taken for the rehabilitation of the island.

The Constitutional Commissioner, Sir Harold MacMichael, who visited Malta last summer for local consultations, has submitted his report, which is at present under consideration. My intention is that this report, together with a White Paper containing His Majesty's Government's proposals regarding the form of the new constitution, should be published shortly. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my predecessor's statement of 9th July, of which I am sending him a copy, regarding the financial assistance to be made available to the Malta Government for the rehabilitation of the island. The necessary legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Malteese emigrants are now qualified to go to the U.S.A.; and if he is satisfied that the people of Malta can obtain visas in Malta from a U.S. Consul.

I understand that during his recent visit to Malta, the United States Vice-Consul in Tunis granted approximately 70 visas. With regard to the second part of the Question, it is expected that a United States consular officer will be able to visit Malta periodically; but the present need is not so much to increase the rate at which visas are issued as to ensure shipping for those who already possess them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Trinidad has yet submitted its 10 years' plan of development for his consideration.

Outline proposals have been received. I invite my hon. Friend's attention to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Central Hackney (Mr. H. Hynd) on 21st November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many cases flogging has been administered since its reintroduction in Trinidad; and if he will now consider its abolition in that colony

Since the ordinance came into force in January last, up to the end of October corporal punishment has been awarded to six persons. I am closely watching the operation of this ordinance in consultation with the Governor, and I earnestly hope that the ordinance will lapse at the end of the period for which it was enacted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, in the case of ex-officials in East Africa, the maximum income qualifying for an increase in pension is £300 per annum in the case of married men and £225 in the case of unmarried men; and if he will consider increasing this figure.

The income limits to which the hon. and gallant Member refers are those prescribed in Section I of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944. In the Pensions (Increase) Bill now before Parliament, it is proposed to alter these limit, so far as United Kingdom law is concerned to £450 and £350 respectively. If these proposals are passed into law, I shall, as I informed the hon. and gallant Member in the answer I gave him on 4th December, take up with the Colonial Governments the question of a similar alteration in the Colonial legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present composition of the Legislative Council in Sierra Leone; how many of the members are Europeans; how many are African; how many are appointed; and whether it is proposed to increase the elected membership.

The Legislative Council is composed as follows: the Governor as President, 11 official members and 10 unofficial members. Of the unofficial members there are three nominated protectorate members who are Africans, three elected African members for the Colony and urban and rural communities, two nominated African members and two nominated European members. It is not proposed to increase the elected membership at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects municipal government to be re-established in Freetown, Sierra Leone; and whether the Freetown Municipal Ordinance is to be revised.

The operation of the Freetown Municipality Ordinance was suspended to give time for its purpose, which had been widely misrepresented, to be fully understood by local public opinion. I regret that it has not been practicable to bring the ordinance into operation I have discussed the matter again with the Governor but even yet, it is not possible to say when the ordinance will be put into effect. In the meantime, Freetown continues to be administered under the 1927 Ordinance

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is made by the Government of Aden for the elementary education of Jewish children; and whether he is satisfied that this is adequate.

The Government maintains primary schools to which admission is granted strictly in order of application without distinction of race or creed. The medium of instruction is Arabic, but although most Jewish children have an adequate knowledge of spoken Arabic none enters these schools. The Government also makes a grant to a Hebrew elementary boys' school, at the same rate as for other aided schools, and there is an independent Hebrew girls' school. I am advised that the provision of elementary education for Jewish children is reasonably adequate to meet present demands.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many places are available in Government secondary schools in Aden; and how many boys, Arab and Jewish, have not been admitted owing to shortage of places in the last year.

The Government secondary school is in two sections—a lower in which Arabic, and a higher in which English, is the medium of instruction. The average number of places available annually in the bottom class of the lower section is 70, and in the bottom class of the higher section, 30. No applicants up to the required standard of entry were rejected in either section in the last year. Eight Arab, ten Jewish and two Indian candidates for the higher section were rejected as they failed to reach the necessary standard.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons the Government of Aden declined to take over the broadcasting station at the end of the war; and what provision is made for broadcasting in Aden.

The broadcasting service of approximately two hours daily operated during the war on behalf of the Ministry of Information was discontinued in September, 1945. In view of the good reception of programmes from the B.B.C. services in Arabic, the relatively high cost of the service and the limited artistic resources available, the Government of Aden did not consider it advisable to undertake a local broadcasting service. There is, therefore, at present no local broadcasting in Aden, but the equipment is still available and the matter is being kept under review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the wishes of the majority of the population of Cyprus for union with Greece, he will take steps to grant this request.

No such change is contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated loss to the Palestine railways due to destruction by terrorists and to the suspension of services; what effect this had had on the export of the citrus crop, potash oil and foodstuffs; and if any steps are being taken to ensure a steady flow of these commodities to their eventual markets.

Material damage to the Palestine railways is estimated at £325,000; the loss of revenue since 18th November is over £3,000 a day. Shipment of the citrus crop has not yet been seriously affected, since it has been possible, at a cost to the industry of an additional £10,000 to date, to use motor transport for 50 per cent. of the crop. Shipment itself may be delayed, should the present situation continue. Transport of potash by rail has been reduced to one-quarter, and the possibilities of using road transport are limited and expensive. I understand that the Potash Company will soon be compelled to stop production, should there be no improvement. Oil transport by rail has been reduced by approximately one-third. Adequate stocks of cereals had been built up in the main towns, and there has so far been no food emergency.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the approximate cost of storing the armament of a frigate and providing accommodation on a similar scale to that provided in H.M.S. "Enchantress" prior to September, 1939.

Any armament which might be removed would be placed in existing Naval store-houses. The additional cost would be negligible. To convert a frigate and provide accommodation on a similar scale to that in the prewar "Enchantress" would cost roughly £30,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many days have the holders of the offices of First Lord, Parliamentary Secretary and Civil Lord, respectively, spent afloat in His Majesty's ships since the beginning of August, 1945.

My noble Friend has not yet been able to spend any time afloat with the Fleet. His predecessor spent eight days afloat, the Civil Lord two days and I, myself, three. I may add that we have also visited numerous naval establishments throughout the United Kingdom, and in the Mediterranean.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the number of battleships in the U.S. Navy is being reduced to two; and whether it is intended to reduce the number in the British Navy to the same figure.

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed regarding the battleship strength of the United States Navy. The position is that the United States Navy is retaining in active commission three battleships in the Atlantic, and one in the Pacific. Many more battleships are being maintained in reserve. On 31st December, 1946, the Royal Navy's battleship strength will have been reduced to two in active commission. Three other battleships with specially reduced complement will be employed as harbour training ships, while four battleships and a battle cruiser will be retained in reserve.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is in a position to reply to letters of 4th June and 21st August, respectively, from the hon. Member for Heston and Isleworth relating to the case of Mr. G. V. Gibbs, of Hounslow.

This matter involved important matters of general policy, but in fulfilment of the promise which I gave to him in my letter of 5th September, I have now written to the hon. Member informing him of the decision.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many men who, since VE-Day, have left the R.N. after 12 years' service or on demobilisation, have applied to return; and what percentage of each of these two categories have accepted.

7,115 men applied at recruiting offices for re-entry on normal and extended Service engagements, between the end of December, I945, when the re-entry scheme was introduced and 23rd November, 1946, of whom 36 per cent. have actually been accepted. Records do not distinguish between men who had completed a normal regular engagement before leaving the Service and those who served on a "Hostilities Only" basis.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) when it is intended to publish a return of the losses of all ships of the R.N. and all auxiliary ships of the R.N., during the 1939–45 war, together with precise locations and other relevant data in similar form to the returns relating to the 1914–18 war ordered to be printed on 19th August 1919;

(2) when it is intended to publish a return of the losses of British merchant and fishing vessels captured or destroyed by the enemy and similar vessels damaged and molested but not destroyed during the 1939–45 war, showing, so far as is known, the name, gross tonnage, date, position and method of attack, cause of loss or escape, and number of lives lost in a similar manner to the return relating to the 1914–18 war which was ordered to be printed on 19th August, 1919.

It is hoped to publish returns of losses on these lines early in 1947.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what procedure has to be followed by ordinary seamen who, whilst on Active Service, wish to communicate with their Member of Parliament.

There is no procedure prescribed for ratings who wish to communicate with their Member of Parliament, but as regards requests or grievances in Service matters, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Lord President of the Council to the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 19th November, 1945.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of grass drying plants which are now installed on Admiralty airfields; the total tonnage of dried grass produced during 1946; and the channels through which this produce is distributed.

Grass drying plants are in operation at three Naval air stations, and produced a total of 350 tons of dried grass meal this season. Distribution is effected by the naval air stations under local arrangements which they make themselves. It is customary to sell output in bulk lots to wholesalers or firms capable of absorbing it in sufficient quantity. The firms make direct application to the air stations at the beginning of the season, and supplies are made to the limits of production secured.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that only some 80 ratings are now accommodated in the camp at White Court, Braintree, which was formerly a U.S. military hospital, is equipped with electricity and other, services, and is capable of accommodating some hundreds of families, and that the agricultural land in this 70-acre estate is going to waste; and if he will, at the earliest possible moment, release this property for temporary housing or as an industrial hostel or return it for agricultural purposes to its owner.

it is the Admiralty's intention to use White Court, Braintree, as accommodation for the Naval Rehabilitation Centre and the Naval Medical Records Section which are at present occupying requisitioned properties urgently required for civilian use. The moves are planned to take place before the end of next month.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what requests he has received from the Merchant Navy for permission to fly the Union Jack forward in addition to the Red Ensign aft; and whether the suggestion has been further considered.

I have now received representations from the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and the Officers (Merchant Navy) Federation, which are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what reasons the privilege of flying the Union flag forward on the jack staff has been refused to British merchant ships; and if, in view of the strong wishes of many Merchant Navy men, he will reconsider the matter.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling).

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether the B.B.C. earns more dollars than it spends, or vice versa; and what are the exact figures.

the B.B.C. normally spends more United States dollars than it earns. In the six months ended the 30th September, 1940, B.B.C. dollar expenditure amounted to £37,706 and the Corporation's dollar earnings over the same period were £22,160, showing a net excess of dollar expenditure over earnings of £15,540

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what test he has imposed at the request of the Union of Post Office Workers, to see that no Polish troops, who are Fascist sympathisers are employed on sorting Christmas mail at main line railway stations

No test has been imposed by the Post Office.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that parcels sent by ordinary civilian post to Austria and Czechoslovakia often tail to reach their destination, whereas registered parcels of 4 lbs. maximum weight usually reach their rightful recipients; and, in view of this, if he will consider allowing the maximum weight of registered parcels to be increased to 7 lbs.

Registration in the international postal service is confined to the letter post. The maximum weight of 4 lb. for letter packets is fixed by international regulations and I cannot increase it. I am not aware that ordinary parcels are failing to reach the addressees in the countries mentioned It is known, how ever, that there ha? been delay in the delivery of parcels sent to Czechoslovakia, due to conditions on the route. I will gladly have inquiries made into any case of which my hon Friend will furnish details.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the amounts charged per newspaper sent by air-mail to members of His Majesty's forces serving in South-East Asia, India, M.E.L.F., B.A.O.R., East Africa and West Africa, respectively.

There is no separate airmail postage rate for newspapers for H.M. Forces overseas. The letter rates of postage quoted in my reply to the hon. Member on 31st October apply to all the destinations now mentioned except B.A.O.R. There is no special air mail rate for any class of correspondence for B.A.O.R. but in general letters up to one ounce prepaid at the ordinary Forces rate, namely, 1½d., are forwarded by air.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General on what basis a condition of employment as a postman is to have a height of five feet four inches.

Sorting letters forms part of a Postman's normal duties; and men who are less than five feet four inches in height would generally experience difficulty in reaching the upper parts of the sorting frames.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether, in view of the difficulties experienced by subscribers using the Grimsdyke telephone exchange, it is now possible to announce a date by which this, exchange will be converted to the automatic system.

The difficulties referred to by my hon Friend arose from a shortage of operating staff. This has now been overcome and the quality of service should improve as the new staff gains in experience. Grimsdyke exchange can be extended to meet the requirements of new subscribers and its conversion to automatic working is not therefore being considered in present conditions.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to arrange parcel deliveries from the United Kingdom to Albania, Bulgaria, Rumania and the U.S.S.R.

We have been pressing for the resumption of these parcel post services for some time and with regard to the U.S.S.R. I am glad to be able to announce that the agreement of the Soviet and Finnish authorities has just been received to the exchange of parcel mails through Finland, and the service from this country starts tomorrow.

Arrangements for a gift parcel service to Albania, Bulgaria and Rumania are in hand, and these services will start as soon as the necessary agreement of intermediate countries on the route has been obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the average age of films shown for the entertainment of airmen stationed in Saigon; and if he will take steps to secure a supply of more modern films than some of those shown recently.

Sixteen months from the date of general release at home. Part of this delay is due to the fact that special 16 millimetre prints have to be made and sent out to the Far East. The R.A.F. Cinema Corporation is now negotiating new renting contracts with the film industry and hopes to improve the cinema service throughout the Air Force

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will explain why, up to the middle of this month, in spite of his assurance to the hon. Member for Brighton to the contrary, films were being shown at the R.A.F. station, Sharjan in Iraq, which had previously beer shown there only six weeks before and airmen are expected to pay for this service twice over; and if he has taken any further steps to put the matter right.

Neither my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State nor I has ever given any assurance that the same film may not sometimes be shown twice at the same station. We are short of new films, and we have sometimes to choose between showing the same film, and showing none at all. As I have just indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg), we are doing all we can to improve our cinema service.

asked the Secretary of State for Air. what progress is being made in the training of new entrants as wireless mechanics; and when he expects the results to be sufficient to permit wireless mechanics to be demobilised at the same time as other tradesmen in the same group.

Nearly 400 airmen are now under training as wireless mechanics. We hope to increase this number but are handicapped by the shortage of instructors. The course is ten months' long and to my regret, I cannot predict how soon the output of trained men will be sufficient to bring this trade into line with the general level of release.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused by Air Ministry demobform No. 73 to serving personnel both in this country and overseas, particulars of which have been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Demobform No. 73 announced the release programme for the first half of 1947. I regret that I cannot add to the statement on demobilisation made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 26th November.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why, on 25th November last, all units of 24 Group (Technical Training) received instructions to destroy all copies of "Soviet News" held in reference libraries and information rooms; and by whom this instruction was issued.

Following a decision to stop the free distribution of "Soviet News" within the Royal Air Force, Technical Training Command were informed by my Department that they could dispose of old or unwanted copies as waste. In passing through several hands this was by mistake turned into a definite instruction to destroy them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in order to prevent disturbances, he will see that more R.A.F. police are available at the Services Club, Piccadilly, Manchester.

No, Sir. We consult the Manchester City Police in arranging for Service patrols. The police authorities have told us that they are satisfied with the arrangements we have made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what improvements have been effected in recent months in the R.A.F. establishment at Mingalodon.

Mingalodon was heavily damaged during the fighting in Burma. Work on repairing and rebuilding the station has already begun. I have called for a report on the progress that has been made and I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation from what date civilian air-transport facilities will be available at Fairwood Common, Gower.

It is planned to begin civil air services to and from Fairwood Common as the aerodrome for Swansea during the summer of 1947 but the actual date for the beginning of the services has not yet been fixed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what percentage of civilian passengers has been carried on the Prestwick—Montreal service during the past six months; and what has been the average percentage of empty seats.

The United Kingdom service between Prestwick and Montreal has been operated with Liberator aircraft. As from 21st September it ceased for fare-paying passengers but has been maintained on a lower frequency for mails and freight. During the period up to that date the percentage of passenger seats unoccupied was just over 2 per cent. The 98 per cent. occupied, comprised roughly 68 per cent. civilian and 30 per cent. Service passengers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will publish the terms of reference for the recently-formed National Civil Aviation Consultative Council and give a list of the trade, professional and technical organisations represented on it.

The terms of reference of the National Civil Aviation. Consultative Council are as followTo be a forum for the review of developments in Civil Aviation generally, and to assist the Minister of Civil Aviation in the examination of questions relating thereto.

My noble Friend has invited the following to be represented on the Council:

Group I—Operators: Association of British Aero Clubs. British Air Charter Association. British European Airways Corporation. British Gliding Association. British Overseas Airways Corporation. British South American Airways Corporation. Royal Aero Club.

Group II—Personnel: British Airline Pilots Association. Radio Officers Union. *Other Unions represented on the National Joint Committee for Civil Air Transport Trades Union Congress.

Group III—Constructors: Radio Industry Council. Society of British Aircraft Constructors.

Group IV—Users: Association of Municipal Corporations. *Creative Tourist Agents Conference. *Institute of Travel Agents. Joint Air Transport Committee of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce the Federation of British Industries and the London Chamber of Commerce.

Group V—General: *Accident Offices Association. Aerodrome Owners Association. *Aviation and Genera] Insurance Co., Ltd. *British Aviation Insurance Co., Ltd. Sir G. Bruce (Representative of Wales). Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of the British Empire. Institute of Transport. *Lloyd's. Northern Ireland Advisory Council. Scottish Advisory Council. Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers. *One representative to be nominated jointly by these Organisations in the respective Groups.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when the Scottish Advisory Council will be entering upon its functions; and whether it will do so without waiting for the four further appointments.

The Scottish Advisory Council is to hold its first meeting on 14th December. The hon. and gallant Member will, therefore, see that the Council is, entering upon its functions without delay and without waiting for the further appointments still to be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will explain why no consultation has so far been held with the organisations representing the pilots, radio officers and other staff of the three civil aviation corporations in connection with the development of a pensions scheme and if he will ensure that full consultation does take place before the terms of the pension scheme are published.

My noble Friend appreciates the importance of full consultation through the appropriate channels before the terms of any pension scheme are published, but much preparatory work has had to be done. Some time ago the chairmen of the corporations were invited to submit outline schemes and these have been examined by my Department in conjunction with other Departments concerned. Last month the corporations were authorised to proceed with consultations with the staff organisations on the basis of the outline schemes. These con sultations are being initiated through the National Joint Council for Civil Air Transport starting next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is intended to introduce the same terms of service, pay and pension, as apply to the pilots of B.E.A.C, to the pilots flying on internal airlines who were employed previously by the separate companies which have now been absorbed by B.E.A.C.

The separate companies have not yet been absorbed by British European Airways Corporation, but are operating as agents or associates. Negotiations for acquisition of the companies are proceeding, and when complete British European Airways Corporation hope to take over the existing staffs and assimilate their conditions of service to those already applying to the Corporation's staff.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present yield from Purchase Tax on skiffs and rowing boats used for sporting purposes.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the amount of the Fiduciary Note Issue.

I have authorised an increase in the amount of the Fiduciary Note Issue by £50 million to £1,450 million as from 10th December, 1946. The Treasury Minute will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount paid up to date out of public funds covering the requisitioning of property by the fighting Services.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th November, 1946, Vol. 430, c. 336–7], supplied the following information:

The cost to the Service Departments of requisitioning property from the outbreak of the war to a current date was approximately £100 million.

asked the Minister of Education how many students at universities, university colleges and other institutions at which grants under the Further Education and Training Scheme are tenable, are ex-Service men and women and are eligible for grants.

I am considering ways in which the procedure can be improved, and I hope very shortly to make an announcement.

asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to alleviate the widespread hardship arising from the operation of the Further Education and Training Grants Scheme caused by the long delays in payment.

I am considering ways in which the procedure can be improved and I hope very shortly to make an announcement.

asked the Minister of Education if she will investigate the case, details of which have been submitted to her, of an external student of London University, who was called up when he had only one year's training to complete a degree course, has been six and a half years in active commissioned service and resumed his studies in September, 1946, after application to her Department for further education grant in May, and, as he is still unable to obtain part payment, if she will rectify this position

Consideration of this application was much delayed by a general question of policy affecting the assessment of the candidate's grant, which was raised by the Exchequer and Audit Department. No decision could be reached before the end of October. The student has been notified of the amount of his award and payment is being put forward immediately.

asked the Minister of Education the reason for the small amount expended by her Department on research: whether she is aware that the sum expended compares unfavourably with sums spent on research by other Departments; and whether she is satisfied that the sums being expended are adequate to ensure progress in the field of education.

Apart from the expenditure incurred directly by my Department on research, which has substantially increased, there is the research work carried on in technical colleges maintained by local education authorities, whose expenditure on this work ranks for grant from my Ministry. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of a circular which was issued to authorities on this subject earlier in the year, and which has been much welcomed by both the authorities and the principals of technical colleges.

The recently constituted National Foundation for Educational Research is already carrying out some interesting research work with the aid of grant from my Ministry, and is planning to expand its programme. The foundation is also assisted by subscriptions by the various bodies represented upon it, and contributions amounting to over £5,000 have been made during the present financial year by local education authorities, and these are recognised for grant by my Ministry. Comparison with the expenditure of other Departments on research cannot properly be made without reference to the character of the research work undertaken and the subjects to which it is related.

UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS OF WHEAT DURING 1946 BY COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN Tons. Jan. Feb. March. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Canada … 290,914 231,616 262,358 331,695 317,587 285,459 238,200 129,138 173906 212,063 U.S.A. … — — — — 4,500 — 33,298 108,365 87,374 79,112 Argentine … 11,189 — 948 51,654 34,730 2,600 6,637 4,027 — — Total … 302,103 231,616 263,306 383,349 356,817 288,059 278,135 241,530 261,280 291,175

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is proposing to take to give greater discretionary powers to consuls to issue visas in countries where "Come to Britain "campaigns are being inaugurated.

Appropriate instructions have already been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it is necessary to notify a British citizen leaving the country for even a short period that he will not be included in any register of electors unless, being otherwise qualified, he registers his address at the National Registration Office on return to

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of barley imported into Great Britain each month during 1946, showing the countries of origin.

Imports of barley were almost entirely consigned from the Argentine, from which the following tonnage was received: 9,362 in January, 9,000 in March, 8424 in April, 10,439 in May, 9,100 in June, 18,717 in July, 9,624 in August, 18,007 in September and 10,906 in October. In addition, 10 tons were received from Eire in February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of wheat imported into Great Britain each month during 1946, showing the country of origin.

The following are the figures:

the United Kingdom, considering that in any case no person re-entering this country can obtain a ration card without providing an address.

Experience has shown that for various reasons there is a liability that a person who has been abroad may on his return fail to get his name restored to the National Register and to the Electoral Register, and the object of the notification is to minimise this risk.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the long delay, amounting in some cases to four months, in receiving mail from His Majesty's Forces in Japan; what are the reasons for this delay; and whether he will take steps to ensure a more speedy mail service to and from His Majesty's Forces in this area.

Direct sailings to and from Japan are infrequent but we have now arranged for outward surface mails, except parcels, to go via the United States and are opening negotiations for the same route for homeward mails. This route should give a maximum time of 47 days. Air mail now takes 14 days but I hope this will drop to 12 or 13 days.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Portuguese Government with a view to ensuring that German assets in Portugal shall be available for reparations and that the gold looted by the Germans, which is at present in Portugal, shall be restored; and what the result of these representations has been.

Formal negotiations between the Portuguese Government and the Governments of Great Britain, France and the United States on the subject of German assets and of gold looted by the Germans at present in Portugal were opened as long ago as 3rd September last and are still in progress. I regret to say that, contrary to my expectations, it has not yet been possible to conclude an agreement with Portugal on the lines of the recent agreements with Sweden and Switzerland.

asked the Minister of Health how many parishes in the rural districts of Newark, Southwell and Bingham, are without an efficient sewage disposal plant; and when it is anticipated such plants will be installed.

There are six parishes in Newark Rural District, 33 in Southwell Rural District and five in Bingham Rural District containing groups of 20 or more houses not connected to public sewers. The primary responsibility for the pre- paration of schemes rests with the rural district councils. An outline scheme has already been submitted to me by Bingham Rural District Council for the sewering of three of its five inadequately sewered parishes and I will be glad to give consideration to any schemes put forward by the Rural District Councils of Southwell and Newark.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state, as regards the county of Gloucester, how much agricultural land remains in the occupation of Government Departments; how much agricultural land has been released from Government occupation since the end of the war with Germany; and how much of such released land has been restored to the production of food.

The acreage of agricultural land in Gloucestershire remaining in the occupation of Government Departments, other than my Department, is 11,802 acres. This figure includes 5,980 acres held by the Air Ministry and made available for agricultural use, and also parts of airfields totalling 2,643 acres under concrete or buildings. 3,463 acres have been released since May, 1945, over 2,000 acres of which have so far been restored to food production.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give an estimate of the number of persons, inclusive of those in his and other Government Departments, who are engaged in clerical, administration and managerial work in connection with respectively, the railways, road haulage and other transport concerns.

I regret that the information is not available.