asked the Minister of Works, in view of the short supply, what stocks of the main articles of electrical wiring accessories were being held by his Department on 1st January, 1947.

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the difficulty of obtaining supplies of electrical components in Dorsetshire; and what steps he has taken during the last few weeks to increase supplies.

I am not aware of any special shortage in Dorsetshire, but if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any priority work which is being delayed by a lack of electrical components, I will see that they are supplied.

asked the Minister of Works the total amount of coal allocated for the use of the boilers in the offices of the Ministry of Fuel and Power; and for how many days it is anticipated they will be without heat.

Three hundred and fifty tons of coal were allocated for the principal office of the Ministry of Fuel and Power for the present season from October, 1946, to May, 1947. If the allocation is made available in full there should be sufficient fuel to cover this period, although the allocation is 10 per cent. less than last year.

asked the Minister of Works the cause for the long delay in the commencement of slabbing on temporary housing site 22 Portsdown Hill, since the Portsmouth city architect was informed by his Department that work would commence during the first week in October last.

The delay was due to the default of the orginal contractor and the need to negotiate a new contract with another firm. Work on the site began on 31st December.

asked the Minister of Health the proportion of refrigerators allocated to new houses and to applications from the owners or tenants of existing houses, respectively.

There are no specific allocations of domestic refrigerators, apart from the direct orders placed by the Government for temporary houses.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India why British troops were used to quell the recent communal riots in Bombay.

British troops were used on the most recent occasion because they were troops most readily available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what were the arrangements, and by whom were they authorised, for the release from arrest in Berlin of four Indians, Brijlal Mukerjee, Anjit Singh, Dr. Kudas Faruqui and Habibur Rahman; on what charges were they kept in prison; when were they brought to trial; and by what means and at whose expense are they returning to India.

The four men named were among a number of Indian civilians found in Germany by the British military authorities and apprehended on account of collaboration with the enemy during the war. They were subsequently released at the request of the Government of India; no formal charges have been raised against them. Their repatriation to India is being made at their own request in accordance with arrangements made by the High Commission for India, in consultation with the India Office and with the Indian Military Mission in Berlin, under the authority, and at the expense, of the Government of India.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will set up a catchment area and board to deal with flooding of the River Ebbw at Newport and adjacent areas and drainage problems in the district; and whether he will include the large areas of otherwise good agricultural land in this county which are rendered useless by flooding at the present time.

I understand that representatives of the Monmouthshire County Council and the County Borough Council of Newport are to meet shortly to discuss the possibility of setting up a catchment area and board for the River Ebbw. The area would, of course, include all lands subject to flooding from the river.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has considered the pamphlet, "Instructions for dealing with Rabbits," which has been sent to him and describes a humane method for dealing with rabbits; and if, in view of the cruelty and danger involved in the use of the steel-toothed trap, he will send copies of this pamphlet to all A.E.Cs.

I have read this pamphlet, and while I would endorse much of its contents, it contains a good deal of information which has become out-of-date since its publication in 1940. I could not therefore commend it to my county committees. I can assure my hon. Friend however that the committees fully recognise the need for controlling rabbits by humane methods. This has been brought to their notice on many occasions, and I feel confident that the principle is observed as far as possible in their efforts to exterminate these very destructive vermin.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for the importation of Seville broad bean seeds, in view of the fact that this type of seed is particularly suitable to land in Somerset.

Every effort was made by the Seeds Import Board to obtain Seville broad bean seed from the Moroccan 1946 crop, hut for reasons beyond the Board's control the seed was not forthcoming. The Board are in negotiation with suppliers in France and Morocco for a substantial tonnage of this seed from the 1947 crop.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the superiority of Seville broad bean seeds over other types, he will endeavour to secure an adequate supply from Morocco, or any other source where they may be available.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil (Lieut.-Colonel Kingsmill) today.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will publish a full report of the proceedings of the committee set up to review the workings of the Agricultural Marketing Acts.

It is my present intention to publish in full the report of the committee which is now reviewing the working of the Agricultural Marketing Acts, but I very much doubt whether the publication in full of the committee's proceedings would be justifiable or would contribute to the usefulness of the report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present acreage planted or plantable at Thetford Chase, Kielder, and Loch Ard forests.

The figures asked for are:

Forest	Total Plantable Land	Planted to 30th September, 1946	Still to be Planted.
	acres.	acres.	acres.
Thetford Chase	41,026	30,899	10,127
Kielder	37,778	18,306	19,472
Loch Ard	16,783	7,396	9,387

asked the Minister of Agriculture what approximate increase in forestry planting has taken place in the year ended 30th September, 1946, over that of the previous year; what are the comparative figures as regards clear fellings and thinning operations; and to what extent there has been an increase in the labour force engaged in forestry work.

The comparative figures, which are for State forests only, are:

—	Year Ending
	30th September, 1945.	30th September, 1946.
	Acres.	Acres.
Planted or sown	6,510	10,421
Felled	2,568	1,411
Thinned	8,221	10,838
	Number	Number
Forest workers employed.	4,921	6,771

It is regretted that figures for private estates are not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the recent Report on Nutrition in Newfoundland.

Dr. Cuthbertson's valuable report has recently been published here as a Stationery Office paper. It is being carefully studied. In the meantime a member of the staff of the Rowett Research Institute, Miss F. Russell, has been seconded to Newfoundland as a nutrition adviser and has among other activities arranged for broadcast talks in the island. Amongst the measures which have already been taken following Dr. Cuthbertson's visit to Newfoundland I. may mention the trebling of the rate of fortification of margarine with Vitamins A and D, the removal of customs duties on margarine and canned milk, and an increase in relief allowances. Arrangements are also being made for a largely increased quantity of chocolate powder to be distributed in 1947.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the recent Report on Tuberculosis in Newfoundland.

The former Canadian Naval Hospital in St. John's has recently been re-opened as a sanatorium; and building will begin in the spring of a new sanatorium on the West Coast with a capacity of up to 250 beds. A tuberculosis dispensary is also being established in St. John's and should be in operation by March. In addition, increases have been made in the allowances to indigent persons and to sufferers from tuberculosis, and public health education regarding tuberculosis is being intensified.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the gross debt, sterling and dollar, of the Newfoundland Government, and the rate of interest being paid on it.

At 31st March, 1946, the approximate gross debt, sterling and dollar, of the Newfoundland Government was as follows:

Sterling	£19,072,546
Dollar	$5,004,100

The main part of the sterling indebtedness is made up of 3 per cent. Guaranteed Stock 1943–63. There are also two small issues of 3½ per cent. Trustee Stock. The dollar indebtedness consists of three loans which were raised in Newfoundland during the war, and on which the rate of interest varies between 3 per cent. and 3¾ per cent.

asked the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean, as representing the Charity Commissioners, if he is aware that no accounts have been rendered by the John Groom Crippleage to the Charity Commissioners since 1938; and if he will take steps to ensure that accounts from such institutions are rendered annually.

The charity is mainly supported by subscriptions which are exempt from the jurisdiction of the Charity Commissioners, though it does possess endowments within their jurisdiction. For some years past the staff at the disposal of the Charity Commissioners has not been sufficient to enable them to circularise trustees of charities reminding them of their statutory obligations in regard to rendering accounts. This will be undertaken as soon as practicable.

asked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, the cause of the inability to supply in the dining room nonalcoholic apple juices for the hon. Members who require them.

Non-alcoholic apple juice has been available for several months past, but so far as I am aware, it has not been asked for. If hon. Members have been unable to obtain it I am sorry, and the staff has been informed of its availability.

asked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he is aware of the frequent complaints made by hon. Members that water is not available on the dining tables of the House except in a few instances; and if he will see that this is remedied.

I am aware of some complaints and I assure my hon. Friend that it is not because of any shortage of water, or of its price, which is approximately 10d. for 1,000 gallons, that it is not on all tables. There is however a real difficulty in obtaining suitable water jugs and glasses. I would remind my hon. Friend that water, like all other drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, which are in supply, can be obtained by those who ask for them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement regarding his negotiations with the Egyptian government for an acceptance by them of responsibility for the murder of British soldiers in Alexandria on 4th March, 1946.

As the House is aware, a Note was addressed on 7th October to the Egyptian Prime Minister of that time. To this no reply has been received. A further communication has therefore been sent to the present Egyptian Prime Minister asking His Excellency to inform His Majesty's Ambassador as soon as possible whether he is in a position to agree to His Majesty's Government's proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that a young labour leader, named Augustin Zoroa, has been tortured at the Security Police Headquarters, Madrid; and if he will make representations to secure his release.

His Majesty's Embassy at Madrid has already reported on this case. We have no concrete evidence of ill-treatment. No date has yet been fixed for the trial of M. Zoroa. Our Embassy will continue to keep the treatment of M. Zoroa and fifteen other prisoners under survey.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many petitions he has received in connection with the threatened execution of two Negro boys in Mississippi; and what answer he has made to the petitioners.

My right hon. Friend has received 10 petitions, including five letters from hon. Members of this House. He has answered that this is a matter of United States domestic policy in which it would not be proper for His Majesty's Government to intervene, and further that the sentence passed by the Mississippi Court is now under review by the United States Supreme Court, which is the highest judicial tribunal in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to implement the decision of the United Nations Assembly to create an Economic Council for Europe

The United Nations Assembly in December, 1946, recommended that the Economic and Social Council should give prompt and favourable consideration to the establishment of an Economic Commission for Europe and an Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East The Council is meeting on 28th February, and discussion of this recommendation will be an early item on its Agenda.

asked the Secretary of. State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed that any organisation connected with U.N.O. shall undertake some or any part of the relief work in countries suffering from the effects of the war, which has been up to now undertaken by U.N.R.R.A.

Yes, Sir.Provision has already been made for the Interim Commission of the World Health Organisation to carry on certain of U.N.R.R.A.'s health functions, and 1½ million dollars has been handed over by U.N.R.R.A. to the Organisation for this purpose.In addition, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has been authorised to make arrangements, in consultation with the Economic and Social Council and with the cooperation of the specialised agencies, for the continuance of U.N.R.R.A.'s most urgent and important welfare advisory functions. The funds necessary for this will be found from the United Nations budget An International Children's Fund has just been established to continue some of U.N.R.R.A.'s child-feeding and welfare work. It will utilise U.N.R.R.A 's residual assets together with voluntary contributions from other sources. The Director-General of U.N.R.R.A. has arranged for the Food and Agriculture Organisation to carry on agricultural technical assistance to Governments, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation will provide special assistance in the field of educational relief and rehabilitation. It is hoped that the International Refugee Organisation, whose constitution was agreed at the last meeting of the General Assembly, will take over most of U.N.R.R.A.'s functions connected with the care and welfare of displaced persons.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in some countries in the Near and Middle East the rise in prices has been such that the salaries of British diplomatic and consular officials have been considerably reduced in real value: and whether he will undertake a review to remedy this situation.

The salaries of diplomatic and consular officials are on fixed scales, but foreign allowances are assigned in addition A general review of these allowances is at present taking place, and in fact allowances for certain posts in the Middle East have been recommended by inspecting officers and are under consideration in my Department and at the Treasury, while other posts in these areas are now being visited.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in May, 1946, a body, operating in London, was authenticating the documents of Polish subjects with a stamp bearing the words Polish Foreign Office; and whether he is satisfied that this practice has ceased.

The Polish Embassy last August brought such a document to my attention. Immediate action was taken on this case, and I have no evidence of the recurrence of such regrettable practices.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government proposes to recognise the results of the recent general election in Poland as being free and unfettered within the meaning of the agreement reached at Yalta.

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for South Paddington (Vice-Admiral Taylor) on 23rd January.

asked the Minister of Food if he will define the functions and powers of the International Emergency Food Council.

The function of the International Emergency Food Council is to form plans for making the best use of world food resources in the present emergency. It has no executive powers, but makes recommendations to member Governments on the supply and distribution of food, feedingstuffs, essential seeds, chemicals used in agriculture and fertilisers of which world supplies are inadequate. I am sending the hon. Member a document which sets out in detail the functions, membership and procedure of the Council.

asked the Minister of Food the average prewar annual tonnage of wheat shipped from Canada to the United Kingdom from the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, respectively.

No official information is available but figures extracted from Canadian trade publications indicate that over the four years from 1934/35 to 1937/38 the average annual tonnage of Canadian wheat shipped to the United Kingdom, or for diversion to other destinations on orders from the United King- dom, was about 1,876,000 from the Atlantic seaboard and about 726,000 from the Pacific seaboard.

asked the Minister of Food what steps His Majesty's Government have taken to obtain additional quantities of wheat from Canada over and above the contract for 160,000,000 bushels in the 1946–47 crop year.

The Canadian Government are fully aware of our need for more wheat but have told us that a decision on the possibility of sending more than the 160 million bushels cannot be made until later in the season, because of transport difficulties in Canada and uncertainty about the total amount which will become available for export.

asked the Minister of Food what action he proposes to take to prevent either private traders or other bodies from paying egg producers by some means, such as dividends and bonuses, a higher rate than he prescribes.

The hon. Member is, I presume, referring to dividends and bonuses paid to producers as stockholders in egg packing companies. These payments as a distribution of profits are not part of the price paid for eggs and I can, therefore, see no reasons for preventing them.

asked the Minister of Food the weekly or monthly quantities of milk used in the making of plastics.

None, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the difficulty of buying efficient filters for straining milk; that these filters used to be of absorbent wool or lint with a cotton backing and were expendable, while the new alternatives are much inferior and consist of an unhygienic, washable variety; and whether he will take steps to ensure that supplies of the right kind and quality will be made generally available.

I am not aware of any difficulty in buying efficient milk filter mediums of the normal single service type, but if the hon. Member will let me have details of any particular shortages which have been brought to his notice I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Food, if he is aware of the public anxiety existing at the conditions prevailing in many slaughterhouses; and whether he will encourage local authorities to provide slaughterhouses where humane killing can be efficiently carried out.

I am aware that letters have appeared in the Press containing allegations of gross cruelty in the slaughtering of animals, but I am satisfied that they are not justified as regards slaughterhouses generally. I am unable to encourage local authorities to erect new slaughterhouses until the Government's long-term policy on slaughtering has been decided. We are now working on the plans and they will be discussed with the various interests concerned as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the unsatisfactory position in this country with regard to the inspection of meat and conditions of slaughterhouses, owing to the fact that responsibility is divided between his Ministry and those of Food, Agriculture, and Health, he will arrange, at an early date, for consultation leading to a more effective co-ordination of the work and ensure better conditions generally in slaughterhouses.

The Government's long-term policy for the slaughtering of livestock and distribution of meat which is being worked out in consultation with the Departments concerned, will cover the points referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Food if he will now arrange to increase the importation of maize and other feeding stuffs so as to produce more British eggs and bacon.

We are planning to purchase increased quantities of maize and other feeding stuffs during 1947. The actual quantities we obtain will depend on the outturn of the harvests and the quantities of such grains needed for human food during the year to meet any shortage in wheat.

asked the Minister of Food the estimated and respective costs of the subsidy or subsidies to be paid out of Treasury funds on currants, raisins, sultanas and other dried fruits purchased on his Department's account during the present trading year or during 1946.

It is estimated that the Treasury subsidies on dried fruit purchased by the Ministry for distribution in the United Kingdom in the year ending 31st March, 1947, will be £381,200 for currants, £18,200 for raisins, £2,660,500 for sultanas, and £1,656,100 for other fruit, a total of £4,716,000.

asked the Minister of Food what portion of the costs of dried milk supplied to ice cream or confectionery manufacturers has been borne by the Treasury; and the estimated expenditure for either the current trading year or 1946.

No allocations of dried milk were made to ice cream or confectionery manufacturers during the calendar year 1946.

asked the Minister of Food what fruits imported on his Department's account during 1946, such as apples, oranges, grape fruit, bananas, etc., have been subjected to relief or subsidy borne by the Treasury; and what are the respective amounts.

No fresh fruits imported by my Department in 1946 were subject to subsidy by the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Food if he will give an estimate of the harvested crop of Syrian lentils; and what quantity he has been able to purchase for milling and consumption in this country.

I regret that no information is available on which to base an estimate of the harvested crop of Syrian lentils. No purchases are likely to be made at the prices at present ruling in that country.

asked the Minister of Food if he will state, in terms of tonnage, what stocks of oats were held in London by his Department as at 31st December, 1946; whether he is aware that some of these stocks have been warehoused for many months and that oats are, of their nature, highly perishable; and what is the reason for continuing to hold stocks which are daily deteriorating.

It is necessary to maintain a reserve supply of oats for release in the event of sales off farms being insufficient to meet the requirements of oatmeal millers and essential town horses. The stocks are kept under supervision and I have no evidence of any deterioration. It would not be in the public interest to disclose figures of stocks held by my Department.

asked the Minister of Food what steps are taken at the present time to ensure the maximum efficiency in collecting and utilising for the purpose of fertilisers, medicines and animal foodstuffs all unwanted meat products from slaughterhouses in this country.

The collection and disposal of animal by-products from slaughterhouses controlled by my Department is organised to ensure maximum utilisation. All meat and offals condemned as unfit for human consumption are sold to licensed processors for the production of tallows, greases, glue, animal feeding stuffs and fertilisers. Special arrangements have been made at most slaughterhouses to collect glands required for the manufacture of essential medicinal preparations for home consumption and for export.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider raising the quality of British margarine to that of the near-butter standard of Norwegian margarine.

I understand that the present arrangement in Norway is to sell no butter separately but to combine it with the margarine. I could blend butter with margarine, but of course, only by withdrawing or reducing the butter ration. I think a majority of consumers would wish the present clear distinction to be maintained between these two commodities.

asked the Minister of Food if his attention has been called to the 200 per cent, increase in the price of green vegetables namely, brussels sprouts, and if he will re-impose control of prices.

The former maximum control price for brussels sprouts at this time of the year was 6½d. per lb. My information is that the average retail price in England and Wales during the week ended 18th January was 10d. and in Scotland about 11½d. per lb. These prices show an increase of about 54 per cent. and 77 per cent. respectively over former price control levels. There remain good supplies of savoys at reasonable prices and I do not therefore intend to re-impose price control on brussels sprouts, the season for which is now nearing its end.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the continuous difficulty experienced by expectant mothers in obtaining sufficient fresh eggs for their needs; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply of eggs to them.

I have not heard that expectant mothers experience any difficulty in obtaining their allocation of fresh eggs to which they are entitled, but if the hon. Member will give me particulars of any complaints he has received I will gladly look into them.

asked the Minister of Food the average monthly consumption of oatmeal in the United Kingdom and the size of present stocks.

Data is not available to show the average consumption of oatmeal nor the total stocks held by all sections of the trade. The average monthly deliveries of oatmeal by millers to the manufacturing and distributive trades during the period of 26 weeks ended 21st December, 1946, was 7,159 tons. The stocks of oatmeal held by millers on 21st December, 1946, amounted to 3,558 tons.

asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the high stocks of oatmeal now accumulated at the mills, he will reconsider his decision that oatmeal may not be purchased against bread-rationing coupons or allow oatmeal to be supplied against bread-rationing coupons at the same value as points for oatmeal.

There is, unfortunately, no permanent surplus of oatmeal. There are, however, arrangements by which heavy consumers of oatmeal in Scotland may apply at their local food office to exchange BUs. for points in order to obtain oatmeal.

asked the Minister of Food how much chocolate and other confectionery has been exported during the past 12 months; and if he will give an estimate of the increase in the sweet ration which would result from its retention in this country.

The total amount of chocolates and sweets authorised to be exported on commercial account during the year ended 31st December, 1946, was 3,700 tons. Converted into terms of an increase in the domestic sweets ration this would amount to about 0.2 ozs. per four weekly ration period.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider granting extra bread rationing coupons to cleaners who have to work at night and have no means of purchasing food during their working hours.

The manual workers bread ration is made available to works and factory cleaners engaged in production processes, or in cleaning accumulated waste from floors. I regret that it would not he possible to extend the concession to other types of cleaners.

asked the Minister of Food on what grounds a permit for kosher margarine was refused to Mrs. Newbold, Pinkney's Road, Maidenhead, who had been ordered a certain quantity of this food by her doctor on discharge from hospital.

As a special measure Mrs. Newbold was authorised to obtain extra Kosher margarine and other commodities for one month from the 12th January, 1947, pending the provision of medical statements regarding her experimental diet for consideration of the Medical Research Council. She had also a similar temporary authority from 24th November to 21st December, 1946.

asked the Minister of Food how much sugar was purchased by His Majesty's Government from the British West Indies, Cuba, and Haiti, respectively, for the six months ended 31st December, 1946; and the average price paid to each country.

Purchases are made on the basis of a full year's supply and shipped as freight is available. Six-monthly figures would be misleading. The quantities obtained by the Ministry of Food in 1946 were approximately:

	Tons.
British West Indies and British Guiana	530,000
Cuba	750,000
San Domingo	410,000
Haiti	20,000

The average price per ton c.i.f. U.K. of sugar purchased from the British West Indies and British Guiana was £20 10s. The price of the supplies from the other countries mentioned has not yet been fixed, as it is related to the cost of living index figure in the U.S.A., final figures of which are not available.

asked the Minister of Food why there is a ship in the Thames loading sugar for the Persian Gulf; and where Mauritius sugar is going to.

Mauritius sugar is allocated by the International Emergency Food Council to meet the rationed requirements of Middle East countries for which this country is responsible. Until the new crop becomes available, these supplies have to be supplemented by advances from the United Kingdom, which are subject to replacement later in the year.

asked the Minister of Food the present position of the negotiations with Denmark about the supply of food to this country; whether he proposes to take any steps to place at the disposal of Denmark the bulk-buying power of this country to enable her to obtain feeding stuffs at the cheapest possible prices and thus to accept more satisfactory prices for her food exports; and if he has any information as to how the prices which Denmark has to pay for imported fertilisers compare with those which have to be paid by Britain. Canada and the U.S.A., respectively.

The negotiations are at present in progress in London and we are not yet in a position to make any statement about the outcome. If the Danish Government were to ask for our assistance in purchasing feeding stuffs, we should be only too happy to help them so far as we could and subject to the prior needs of our own farmers. As regards fertilisers, I understand from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that information is not available to make the comparison for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that applications by firms for licences under S.R. & O., 1946, No. 2087, will be dealt with by his regional controllers according to individual merit and not generally according to the class of industry concerned.

I have been asked to reply. It is within the discretion of the Divisional Officers of my Department to support applications according to merit and it is their practice to do so.

asked the Minister of Food if he will cause inquiry to be made into the distribution during Christmas week in the Abingdon district of Berkshire, of fruit to retailers; for what reason were the limited supplies solely sent to Co-operative stores and not to private traders; and what representations have been made to his Department on this matter.

Owing to late arrival of shipping supplies of fruit for the Abingdon district could not be delivered to wholesalers in the area before Sunday, 22nd December. The C.W.S. opened to accept delivery that day and so were able to supply the retail Co-operative stores on 23rd December. Other wholesalers were also offered delivery on the Sunday, but those who did not accept the offer were unable to supply their retail customers until after Christmas. I have sent the hon. Member a full explanation of the circumstances.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the remarks of the chairman of the Carmarthen Borough Magistrates Court on 30th December, 1946, concerning the case of Mr. David George Lewis, who was fined £2 for buying rabbits at a price exceeding the maximum from one of his Department's officers; who was responsible for giving instructions to this officer; and why he was not prosecuted for breaking the law.

I have gone fully into this case and am satisfied that my officer offered no inducement to break the law. It is an accepted practice, approved by the courts, to make tests of this kind where there is no other way of proving offences thought to be habitually taking place. The officer concerned was acting under my orders and in accordance with the law as interpreted by the courts and there can be no question of prosecuting him

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that growing children on holiday from boarding schools are unable to obtain essential milk and eggs because their emergency milk cards can seldom be honoured and because they are registered for eggs with the grocer supplying the school; and whether, in view of the importance of such foods to young children, he will ensure that better arrangements are made henceforward.

I am not aware that children on holiday from boarding school are unable to obtain milk or eggs against their temporary ration documents. Retailers are authorised to obtain certain additional quantities of milk and eggs in order to supply new and temporary customers. These quantities are in general adequate, and although it cannot be positively guaranteed that all the temporary documents which may be presented to a particular retailer can be met forthwith. especially if they are presented without notice, Local Food Offices are usually able to assist in cases of difficulty. If the hon. Member is aware of any particular Case in which hardship is being experienced I will have inquiries made at once, on receipt of particulars.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the inadequate service of trains between Beccles and Bungay and the infrequency of the omnibus services, he will arrange to have these considerably improved.

There are now five trains in each direction between Beccles and Bungay on weekdays. Before the war there were six regular trains on weekdays and two on Sundays. In present circumstances, I should not be justified in asking the railway company to increase the service. The omnibus services are almost up to prewar strength on weekdays. Any specific demand, supported by evidence of need, will be examined, but no further improvement is likely until an additional vehicle becomes available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will ensure that no canals are abandoned before full enquiry into the position of canals by the proposed Transport Commission.

I have now before me two applications for authority to abandon lengths of canal under the provisions of Section 45 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888. While I could not delay my decision on these and any other applications made in the near future, I shall certainly have regard to the importance of the canals concerned in relation to the system of public inland transport contemplated in the Transport Bill.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to ensure that all heavy-goods vehicles carry adequate rear lights.

The law requires heavy-goods vehicles, in common with other vehicles, on the road during the hours of darkness to carry one lamp showing to the rear a red light visible from a reasonable distance. Enforcement of this requirement is a matter for the police.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that purchasers of ex-W.D. or C.D. Hillman Minx or similar canvas-covered light motor trucks are only allowed to register them with a "C" licence; and, in view of their suitability for use as utility motor cars or as station waggons, if he will allow them to be registered as private motor cars in suitable cases.

The facts are not as suggested. Such a vehicle is registered under the Roads Act, 1920, and charged to duty under the Finance Act, 1920, as a "private" or "goods" vehicle according to the use made of it. A "C" licence under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, is necessary if the vehicle is used for the carriage of goods in connection with the owner's trade or business.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that at the controlled road crossing by the Green Park Underground Station, the "Cross Now" notice goes off at the identical moment that the lights change to amber and that motor cars not waiting for green are, in consequence, liable to trap pedestrians actually on the crossing; and if he will take steps to retard or abolish the amber, giving time for pedestrians to get clear.

When the pedestrian "Cross Now" signal is extinguished the amber with red signal is shown to vehicular traffic for three seconds before the green signal appears. While the amber with red signal is showing drivers must not cross the stop line and if this rule is observed it should give ample time for pedestrians to complete the crossing in safety. The significance of the amber with red signal is clearly stated in the regulations and any driver who proceeds to move when that signal is showing commits an offence.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the one-way traffic plan for Central London, details of which have been submitted to him; and whether he will refer this proposal to an appropriate committee for expert examination and report.

Yes, Sir, and I have asked the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee to examine the plan and report to me on it.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to produce a plan to ease the traffic congestion in the Metropolitan area.

The London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee are, at my request, examining the means for relieving congestion in the streets of London. As their recommendations reach me I shall, in consultation with the police and other authorities concerned, put into force any practicable measures which appear likely to be effective.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the lack of passenger-transport facilities in the Long Lane, Longford and Hollington districts of Derbyshire; and what steps are proposed to meet this difficulty.

Neither the omnibus company nor my regional transport commissioner have any request before them for the improvement of the omnibus services in these districts. Any specific demand supported by evidence of need, will be examined.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the number of accidents an-I collisions which occur almost daily at the junction of Berkeley Avenue and Bath Road, in the Borough of Heston and Isleworth, he will consider declaring this section of the road a built-up area, imposing the 30 m.p.h. speed limit, and examining, in conjunction with appropriate county and municipal authorities, other steps to be taken to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly children, and motorists.

My right hon. Friend is making inquiries and will arrange for a statement to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as Soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport when work on the proposed West Cumberland road is to begin.

An Order under the Trunk Roads Act, 1946, will be necessary before the land can be acquired and work begun on the proposed new trunk road between Egremont and Aspatria. In view of the statutory procedure involved, it will not be possible for work on this road to he started this year.

asked the Minister of Transport how many licensed hotels, licensed restaurants and bars he proposes to transfer to public ownership under the Transport Bill now before the House.

I am unable to furnish the information required but the railway companies own some 70 hotels (of which 19 are not at present in use) and have about 400 stations with refreshment rooms, most of which are licensed. This does not take into account canteens and refreshment rooms for staff.

asked the Minister of Transport the number and estimated value of the hotels which it is proposed to acquire under the Transport Bill.

According to the main-line railway companies' accounts for the year ended 31st December, 1945, they own 66 hotels, which will be acquired by the Commission under Part II of the Bill. The capital expenditure on these hotels is shown as £9,785,000.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has considered the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Salford, North, as to the attitude of the Southern Railway Company in respect to existing voluntary pension schemes; and what action he proposes to take to preserve the continuity of payment from those funds until such time as they are taken over by his Department.

I have seen certain correspondence relating to two schemes applicable to employees of the Southern Railway Company. Any modification of one of them would be the result of action by the managers of the fund and not of the company. The second is a non-contributory scheme and the company intends, as I understand, to reduce the pensions allowed by them, in the case of officers reaching 65 after September, 1946, as increased pensions become available to the recipients under the National Insurance Act, 1946, but always so that the aggregate pension of any individual will not be less. I am making further inquiries into this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether cheap fare facilities will be provided for organised parties of Boy Scouts to travel to and from annual summer camps.

Cheap return tickets are available, by arrangement, for parties of Boy Scouts and others travelling to camp. From 1st May to 30th September, these tickets are available for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only. Under present conditions, I regret that it is not possible to extend these facilities to weekends during the summer months.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to relieve the chaotic condition of passenger traffic on the L.N.E.R. suburban lines.

The return to normal working at the Stratford depot will, I hope, enable conditions to be improved progressively Satisfactory services in this area depend, however, upon the completion of the electrification work now in hand.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the delivery of fishing nets to the port of Lowestoft has been delayed by the railway company's refusal to accept them for delivery; what the period of delay has been; and whether he will take steps to see that this disability on the fishing industry is relieved as early as possible.

My attention had not previously been drawn to this matter, but I am informed by the London and North Eastern Railway Company that in two cases recently acceptance of consignments of fishing nets has been delayed owing to the need for giving priority to coal traffic. In the first case the delay was a week and in the second three days. The railway have taken all possible steps to expedite transit of these consignments.

asked the Minister of transport what sum has been spent on the repair and maintenance of railways out of the Suspense Account formed for that purpose since the Government took over control of railways during the war; and how much is now standing to the credit of the Suspense Account.

Withdrawals to 31st December, 1946, in respect of excess maintenance amount to £2½ millions. The balance in the Trust Funds, including interest, at 31st December, 1946, is approximately £152 millions.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the delay and inconvenience caused at Christmas and other times through priority arrangements for royal trains; and if he will have this minimised.

The royal journeys are arranged with due regard to the effect on other traffic, and I am aware of no justification for the suggestion underlying this Question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the bad travelling conditions prevailing on the Dartford loop line; and whether he can hold out any prospect of improvement of this service.

I am informed that during peak periods the train service on the Dartford loop is up to prewar level and cannot be increased owing to lack of track capacity. Overcrowding is mainly due to the concentration of the peak loads into shorter periods of time. Immediate relief can only be effected by the staggering of working hours and the greater use by the public of the more lightly loaded trains to Blackfriars and Holborn. The gradual replacement of existing rolling stock with the new six-aside vehicles will provide further relief.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of employees of the L.P.T.B. who have so far been dismissed for failure to join the Transport and General Workers Union.

Up to 21st January, 1947–176.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give the assurance that whatever alterations of service are carried out by the L.P.T.B. he will insist that existing workmen's fares and other cheap facilities are continued.

I am fully alive to the importance of this question, and will keep it in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport how many ships were held up by the recent strike; and for now long in each case.

I am informed that in all 103 ships were held up in the Port of London during the recent strike for periods varying from one to three-and-a-half days.

asked the Minister of Transport whether all surviving ships used in cross-channel traffic between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have now been returned from Government employment to their normal functions.

All these ships have been released from Government employment, and, with the exception of three which are still being reconditioned, are back in normal service.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is now in a position to make a statement on the future of the £1,250,000 factory at Linwood Road.

My right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade is at present endeavouring to dispose of this factory to a suitable occupier.

asked the Minister of Supply how many foundries in England and Scotland have turned over from floor moulding to the mechanised production of builders' light castings.

Approximately 55 per cent. of the principal foundries engaged in the production of builders' light castings are wholly or partially mechanised.

asked the Minister of Supply, how many foundries are in a position to enamel by vitreous process the stores which they produce.

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to provide an adequate supply of steel sections, aluminium and suitably seasoned timber for the omnibus-building industry.

Authorisations issued by my Department should enable manufacturers to obtain sufficient supplies of steel and timber for their production programmes. Aluminium is not specifically allocated, but I have no evidence that manufacturers are unable to obtain what they need.

asked the Minister of Supply the production figures for 1946 of double-deck trolleybus and omnibus chassis and bodies manufactured; and how many of these were allocated to the export market.

3,137 chassis and 1,897 bodies were produced for double-deck buses in 1946. Of these, 574 and 152 respectively were for export. The corresponding figures for trolley buses were 111 chassis and 86 bodies; 10 of the chassis were for export.

asked the Minister of Supply how many locomotives are standing unused at Richborough; and what action he is taking to make these locomotives available to the railway companies.

There are 196 surplus locomotives standing in sidings, of which 66 are at Richborough. These are the balance of a stock of surplus heavy freight locomotives for which a repair programme is proceeding. They will be made available for service on the railways as soon as they have been repaired.

asked the Minister of Supply how many railway engines are lying idle in sidings, especially at Rich-borough, in Kent; and why these are not being used.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have given today to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter).

asked the Minister of Supply if the depot at Bourn, Cambridgeshire, is to be closed; and, if so, for what purpose he intends to use the buildings and site.

Yes, Sir. The question of the future use of the buildings and site is now being considered.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the general shortage of cast-iron rainwater guttering and spouting; and to what extent the estimated shortage in 1947 can be made good by plastic or other substitutes.

The supply of these goods is insufficient to meet all demands immediately, but substitute materials are now being extensively used and I have every hope that production will meet requirements in 1947.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the shortage of rolled steel joists and angles, principally 6 ins. by 3 ins., is causing delay in the erection of agricultural buildings in Herefordshire; and what action he is taking to remedy the shortage.

I was not aware of a shortage in Herefordshire, but demands for these types of steel are at present very heavy and exceed supplies. The Iron and Steel Board is in close touch with the Ministry of Agriculture concerning the general steel requirements of the agricultural industry.

asked the Minister of Supply what arrangements are being made to supply copper and spelter to manufacturers using such materials in cases where their existing stocks, plus outstanding purchases, plus any new tonnage applied for, exceed six months' consumption at the average monthly rate in September and October, 1946, in view of the fact that manufacturers have been informed by the Non-Ferrous Metals Control that they will be restricted to a six months' supply of these materials and that this will prevent the acceptance of contracts for forward delivery.

Following discussions with representatives of the copper and zinc using industries, the total tonnage of unwrought copper which a firm may hold has now been increased to the equivalent of seven months' consumption The Ministry's purchase arrangements will not permit a similar increase in the case of zinc. Firms whose holdings of metal are in excess of these permitted quantities have been informed that they may resume taking orders.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the Government-sponsored hear- ing aid, announced in the House by the Minister of Health, has yet been put into production; and when he hopes it will be available for deaf persons and at what price.

Prototypes are now in production and it is hoped to make supplies in quantity available to the Ministry of Health when the National Health Service comes into operation next year. I understand that the aid will then be supplied and serviced free of direct charge to any person medically recommended for one.

asked the Minister of Supply how many locomotives of a gauge and type suitable for operating on British railways have been constructed in the shops of private locomotive builders from 1935 to the end of 1946.

Two thousand three hundred and seventy-seven.

asked the Minister of Supply in view of the fact that it is not intended to proceed with the construction of the pressed steel two-storey house, for what other useful purpose the plant which has been prepared for this purpose will be used or adapted.

The plant is of general utility and is capable of various industrial uses. Arrangements are being made for it to be brought into immediate productive use.

asked the Minister of Supply what agreement, understanding or arrangements have been reached with the U.S. authorities in the cooperation of the manufacture of aircraft and aircraft equipment.

None, Sir.

asked the Minister or Supply the details of production at the royal ordnance factory Poole, Dorsetshire, since the war ended; how many people are employed; and to what use their production is being put.

Since the end of the war this factory has been making weapons for the Services on a much reduced scale. The production of electrical ceramics and internal combustion engines is about to begin. Five hundred and fifty people are employed.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to obtain radio-active iodine and other useful medicinal by-products of atomic energy from the U.S.A.

The American Government have been asked for supplies of radioactive iodine and other isotopes. Their distribution s controlled by the Atomic Energy Commission, which has only recently taken office. Its decision is expected very shortly.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the lengthy delays in the delivery of small trade vans from the motor car manufacturers in this country and the serious effects upon trade this is causing; what action he is taking to expedite supplies for the home market; and when traders may expect to receive deliveries.

Yes, Sir; there is a long interval between order and delivery of all motor vehicles. While the output of light vans is steadily improving, it will be some time before supply overtakes demand. In the allocation of steel to the motor industry a measure of preferential treatment has been given to manufacturers of commercial vehicles.

asked the Attorney-General what remedy is now open to employees in royal ordnance factories who are injured in circumstances which would give them a right to damages at Common Law against private employers.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Lavers) on 21st November last. As then stated, where the alleged injury is caused by the wrongful act of a servant of the Crown, that servant may be sued and all proper facilities will be given to the claimant to enable him to identify the wrong-doer and to institute proceedings. In any case where this procedure is inappropriate, the Crown will be prepared to submit the claim to arbitration in such a way as to ensure that it can be adjudicated upon on its merits. As has already been stated, it is hoped to introduce legislation dealing with proceedings as soon as Parliamentary time is available.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent his efforts to improve Oxford omnibus services by increasing the staff have proved successful; what new accommodation has been found for new recruits to the staff; and what has been the result of the further negotiations between the company and its employees.

During approximately the past six months, 124 men and women have been submitted to vacancies of various kinds with the Oxford City Bus Company, of whom 56 have been accepted There is a shortage locally of the type of candidate required, and to assist the transfer of recruits from other areas, new accommodation is being provided by the company by the erection of huts at the depot. As regards the third part of the Question, I understand that the company have found themselves unable to take any course which in their view would evolve a departure from the recommendations of the Court of Inquiry as accepted by the National Council for the Omnibus Industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the desirability of establishing a regime at Hong Kong which will provide a working model of a progressive and democratic community for the benefit of people in the Far Fast, he will arrange, at an early opportunity, to provide the Government of Hong Kong with expert political advisers, labour experts and means to put into operation an effective plan for the social and economic development of the colony.

The Governor has asked for the appointment of a political adviser with experience in China and action to give effect to his request is in hand. A second labour officer has recently beer appointed and the question of creating an additional post, to be filled by a person with trade union experience, is under consideration A representative local committee is assisting in the preparation of a comprehensive plan for the social and economic development of the Colony.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in view of the fact that ship repair workers are being declared redundant in increasing numbers in the Port of London, what steps are being taken to increase the volume of shipping repair and reconversion work in the Port of London

The ship repair facilities in the Port of London are fully employed. File present redundancies are small in relation to the numbers employed and having regard to the variations in the requirements of individual trades inherent in ship repair work.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered the representations from the industrial staff in the Ministry of Works in respect to the granting of pensions, sick pay and annual leave similar to the established civil servant; and if he will make a statement in regard thereto.

Yes, Sir. The claims of all industrial civil servants have recently been considered by the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments. Discussions on some aspects of the claims are still proceeding