asked the Minister of National Insurance how many different types of forms are being used by the family allowances department of his Ministry.

If the initial form of application is completely and accurately filled up and the case presents no unusual features, this is the only form that has to be completed. Where, however, further information is needed it has been found more convenient, to the claimant as well as to the Department, to use one of a series of letters or forms prepared in advance, instead of having to prepare a special letter in each case to which the claimant would have to send a separate reply. The number at present in use is 39.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will transfer the work of dealing with family allowances payable in Scotland from Newcastle to Edinburgh, and so obviate the delays which take place under present arrangements.

A large part of the work in connection with these claims, including the determination of appeals against initial disallowances, is already dealt with locally in Scotland. I do not think it would contribute to efficiency or speed to transfer any more of the work at this stage to Edinburgh, but, as soon as we have our local offices, we shall, of course, use them for family allowance work.

Does the Minister realise that his solution of this difficulty will take some time to put into operation, and may I ask him if, in the meantime, he will take immediate steps to see that the obviously large arrears are wiped out?

They are not very large arrears. We have been in this difficulty. There are cases of disputes about the composition of the family, and it is not for me as Minister to settle these. It is for the referee. We are awaiting the decisions of the referee now, and, when we get them, I can take immediate steps to clear the arrears.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will give an estimate of the proportion of dentists who normally participate in the existing dental benefit service who have not accepted the advice of the Joint Advisory Dental Council to resume the practice of accepting dental letters.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the percentage acceptance of dental letters by dentists at present as compared with the period before the present dispute commenced.

Precise figures are not available. Information which has been received, however, as to the number of dental letters accepted by dentists and returned to some of the larger approved societies during a recent period, suggests that a substantial number of insured persons entitled to dental benefit are now obtaining treatment in accordance with the Dental Benefit Regulations.

I would add that the Joint Advisory Dental Benefit Council have recently reaffirmed their approval of the terms negotiated in December last. I trust that the professional organisations concerned will now take all possible steps to bring home to their members, in the interest not only of insured persons but of the profession itself, the importance of conforming without further delay to these terms, which were negotiated after full discussion with their representatives.

Is it not a fact that branches of the Incorporated Dental Society and the British Dental Association have re, fused to accept the new agreement; and in view of the fact that this dispute has now been going on for well over a year, will the Minister take all possible steps to reach a satisfactory conclusion?

I am very sorry indeed to hear that any of the members are refusing to accept a settlement negotiated between myself and their representatives. I can only hope that they will accept the advice of their leaders.

Will the Minister make it quite clear that the only reason he cannot give definite figures is that only limited statistics are available? The reason he is not able to give a definite decision is because of that. Furthermore, does he not—

That is not a question, it is a speech.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why Mr. and Mrs. George Wainwright, 69 years of age and 68 years of age, respectively, who are both entitled to the increased old age pension rate, have not yet received their new books, although they have made the necessary application to his Department at Blackpool eight times since 28th September, 1946; and what steps he proposes to take to hasten this matter.

New pension order books have now been sent to the Assistance Board for both Mr. and Mrs. Wainwright, who should receive them either today or tomorrow.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the whole question of delay in sending these new books is evidence of the inevitable breakdown of State control and centralised administration?

That has nothing to do with this Question.

In view of the many complaints which hon. Members have had on this issue, will the Minister see that when they make application an acknowledgment is sent to old age pensioners?

Last week I made a very full and frank statement indicating the difficulty and the steps which we are taking to expedite the matter.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, with a view to encouraging elderly people to continue to assist the national effort for increased production, he proposes to take any steps enabling him to pay pensions irrespective of the total earrings of pensioners.

Action on the lines suggested would require the amendment of the National Insurance Act, 1946, which has only recently been approved by this House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the economic position of the country has not improved, that we have had further information on the valuable contribution elderly people can make to industry, and will he keep the matter under review?

We are very anxious indeed to do anything we can under this scheme to encourage people to postpone their retirement and, as the House will know, I doubled the increment proposed by the Beveridge Report and the Coalition White Paper.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that widows over 60 years of age who received the- recent increase of 16s. per week in their pension and now wish to supplement their pension by working a few hours per week at their former employment, are being informed that they might be considered as not having retired and lose their increase; and whether he will take steps to ensure that no deduction in the pension is made unless the widow earns more than 20s. per week.

Where it has been decided by the appropriate statutory authority that a pensioner has retired from regular employment, that decision cannot be revised unless new facts relating to the position at the material date are brought to notice. A pension which has been increased will not be affected by earnings unless they exceed 20s. a week. It appears that some misunderstanding arose in the handling of the case which the hon. Member brought to my notice. I have taken steps to put the matter in order.

Will my right hon. Friend say what is meant by retirement because it seems to me to be important?

I am in a difficulty about that, because the precise definition of the term has also to be decided by the tribunal and the Commissioner and not by the Minister.

asked the Minister of Labour how many painters in Finchley and Friern Barnet are at present unemployed and what steps he is taking to improve the position.

On 16th January last, 12 painters were registered as unemployed in this area. Everything possible is being done to find employment for them.

Can the Minister say if he intends to move these unemployed men to work in other parts of London and ask them to change their employers, or is he able to find work for them as painters in the Finchley and Friern Barnet area with their present employers?

Yes, Sir. Of the 12, 10 were placed in a day or so, but, since then, others have come along and the last figure was 14. The steps I have taken are that, as soon as there appears to be growing unemployment in these classes, in conjunction with the Ministry of Works arrangements are made for other licences to be issued for redecoration and other purposes.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are taken by his Department to ensure that establishments employ the statutory percentage of disabled men.

The attention of all employers who are subject to the Quota Scheme is being drawn to their obligations, and this is being followed up as necessary by an inspection of their records. If this should disclose any deliberate non-compliance, the full powers of the Act will be used to secure enforcement, including, if necessary, the institution of legal proceedings.

As many employers are not conscious of their present obligations, despite the efforts of the Ministry, could not a return be sent to the Ministry showing how many of these men there are in a given area?

I think we have a shorter way of dealing with it than that. We have conferences with the employers in the various areas round the employment exchanges. The employers come in, and we find them very co-operative.

Is the Minister aware that, owing to the fact that the quota is only 3 per cent., whereas many firms are employing 5 per cent. or more, many of the disabled unemployed get no benefit from the Act at present, and can he take steps to raise the quota to a higher level?

On the question of raising the quota, some consideration is being given to that. The fact is that some firms are employing as many as 16 per cent. of disabled 'persons. I may mention one example. If hon. Members took the trouble to look at an exhibition in Oxford Street, they would find that there is a famous motor firm with a department completely staffed by disabled men. The question of the quota is under consideration, but there are difficulties about it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many disabled persons, who have successfully completed courses of training under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944, have had to wait several months before employment has been found for them; what is the reason for such delays; and what steps are being taken to reduce the period of waiting.

Every effort is made to find employment for all trainees, and especially disabled trainees, on the completion of their courses at Government training centres, and, on the whole, these efforts are very successful. I am aware that, in particular cases, delays may occur owing to exceptional circumstances, such as a temporary shortage of materials in a particular area, or the fact that no employment can be found at once near the trainee's Home, and he is unwilling to take work elsewhere. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Labour the nmber of persons registered as disabled to December, 1946; how many have been accepted for training; the number in training centres; and the number placed in new forms of employment.

The number of persons who had registered under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act at 16th December, 1946, was 729,113, of whom, it is estimated, 650,000 were in employment, and 12,343 were classified as incapable of work under ordinary conditions. The number of disabled persons who had been accepted for training since the inception of the training scheme up to 16th January was 43,167, and the number in training on that date was 4,795. I regret that the information asked for in the last part of the Question is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Poles and other Allies were employed in the British coalmines and heavy industries at the latest convenient date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, on 3rd January, out of 142,000 Poles in the United Kingdom only 1,750 were employed in civil trades and industries; what steps he is taking to speed the rate at which ex-members of the Polish forces re-enter trade and industry; and whether he will publish a schedule of trades and industry showing the number of Polish ex-Servicemen employed therein.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of Poles -in this country available for helping the production drive; how many are now actually employed in industry and agriculture; and how quickly the remainder are likely to cease being a drain on this country's resources.

Members of the Polish Forces now in this country eligible for enrolment in the Resettlement Corps number about 142,000, of whom about 52,000 have enrolled. About 58,000 are employed in uniform on Polish administration, maintenance of their own camps, and other War Department and civilian work. Of those enrolled in the Resettlement Corps, some 42,000 have been registered for employment by the Ministry of Labour and about 2,100 so far placed in civilian employment. In addition, there are in the country some thousands of dependants and others who have been attached to the Polish Forces in various ways.

My Department has had discussions with a number of industries and has reached agreement for the employment of Poles. The most important industries concerned are agriculture, coalmining, building and civil engineering, the gas industry, retail bespoke tailoring, and parts of the iron and steel industry, though in one or two cases, final details are now being worked out. There is also a sub-committee of the N.J.A.C. which keeps the representatives of industry in touch with the steps being taken for the resettlement of the Poles. I emphasise to the House the very serious effect of accommodation difficulties on the rapid settlement of this problem. All possible means of using camp and hostel accommodation are being taken, but the lack of accommodation, particularly in the localities of labour shortage, must nevertheless be expected to remain the chief difficulty.

I have every hope that the arrangements which have been made will prove adequate for handling the difficult problems involved, particularly if we have the goodwill of both sides of industry, and of public opinion. The task is, however, bound to take a very considerable time. In view of the interest of Members in this matter, I propose to keep the House informed from time to time of the progress made.

While thanking the Minister for that information, may I ask him if he is aware that he has not answered my Question? Does he not consider that, in view of the serious economic position of the country, particularly in regard to coal, the House is entitled to the information asked for?

The numbers are spread over so many industries in small groups that it is difficult to get the figures. What I hoped to convey about coal last week —and I am sorry if I slipped up—was that men have been allocated to the coalmines, but that all have to go through their training. I am not sure how many, but a few may have been placed outside the scheme. The coalmining industry has agreed to accept them, and arrangements for their training are being made. So far as the heavy industries are concerned, work is beginning now. I am most anxious to give the House full information. May I quote one example which I have in mind? I know of one firm which wants to take 1,000. All the men in the firm are anxious to take these men and would welcome them, but when we start sending the men in, there is nowhere within a reasonable distance to accommodate them, and we have to send them back to the camp.

In view of the fact that it was only on the understanding that these Poles were rapidly absorbed into work of national importance that approval was given to their retention in this country by many hon. Members on this side of the House, will the Minister speed up the machinery for fixing up these men in useful work?

Yes, Sir. The steps we are taking are intended to speed up this machinery. I am happy to say that negotiations which I have had with industries concerned, which were previously reluctant, have been successful, and, as a result, we hope the process will be speeded up. That is why I suggested that I should keep the House informed, and I would suggest a monthly statement.

Will the Minister say why there has been a year's delay in coming to a decision of an obviously necessary and satisfactory character?

There has been great difficulty in getting the men here and in sorting them out, and there has been a good deal of misunderstanding among the men themselves. There has been the problem of getting the scheme of resettlement into operation and a number of other problems, but every effort is being made and I hope we shall be successful.

May I ask the Minister what action has been taken by his Department, or is contemplated, in those areas where local employment committees have passed resolutions against the employment of Poles in their localities?

We hope to use some persuasion. May I put this to the House? I took advantage of an opportunity a few days ago to pay a visit to one of these camps and seeing the Poles being enrolled, and I am sure that if anybody with human feelings went there and saw these people and realised what fine types of men they are, and the unsatisfactory conditions in which they live, all sorts of opposition would fade away.

Is there any industry in which the principle of employing these men has not been agreed to?

I think partially, and that is in the iron foundry industry, because at the moment they have agreed to take, I think, 2,300 Italians, and they are anxious to see what the effect will be on their own set-up. There has been no actual objection up to now.

Is the Minister aware that, in the opinion of many people, his Department is handling this matter with great tact and success and they are anxious for them to get on with the job?

Cannot we have a straightforward and sensible answer to the Question? Will not the Minister say how many of these men are employed?

On a point of Order. Owing to the inadequacy of the Minister's replies, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour why three days' maintenance allowance was deducted during the Christmas period from the maintenance grant payable under his Department's arrangements to men working away from their homes; and whether he will take steps to restore the deduction, in view of the fact that, in nearly all cases, a full week's rent still had to be paid.

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Lodging allowance is, in the ordinary course, not payable if the transferred worker is absent for more than four nights from the area of employment. As a special concession, however, for the Christmas holiday, allowances were made payable for three days, even though the worker was away for five or six nights.

asked the Minister of Labour how many days' work were lost owing to strikes from 1st August, 1945, to the most recent date for which figures are available; and how many days were lost in the comparable period from 1st January, 1919.

The number of days lost 'through stoppages of work arising out of industrial disputes between 1st August, 1945, and 31st December, 1946, was 3,75o,ooo. In the corresponding period beginning 1st January, 1919, the number of days lost was about 40 million.

While these figures are truly gratifying, and while the right hon. Gentleman is entitled to be pleased with them, is it not a fact that the numerous shortages in production in 1919 were very much less than they are now?

asked the Minister of Labour why the annual report of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories for 1945 was only presented to Parliament in December, 1946; and whether subsequent reports will be made available nearer the time to which they refer.

Owing to heavy pressure of work in the Factory Department, the last annual report was not completed until exceptionally late. I hope it will be found possible to submit future annual reports considerably earlier than during the war years.

asked the Minister of Labour how many meetings of the National Joint Advisory Council have been held to the latest available date; on how many occasions the Lord President of the Council, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, the President of the Board of Trade and he, himself, have attended; and what was the average attendance of the 34 representatives of the B.E.F. and of the T.U.C., respectively.

The National Joint Advisory Council was reconstituted at a special meeting on 15th July last, and has since held four meetings, all under my chairmanship. The Lord President of the Council has attended two meetings, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade were each present on one occasion. These meetings were fully representative of the two sides of the council, and I do not feel called upon to give information as to the numbers present.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that we can only get increased production at more competitive prices by the good will of all concerned, and would he ask the Joint Advisory Council to conduct an educational campaign among all workers in order to combat Communist interest?

It is true that we can only recover our economic position by the good will of all concerned. This council is very helpful, and is undertaking a campaign to make the position clear. I think that their good will will be retained if not so many bricks arethrown at them.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women, including ex-Service personnel on release leave, not employed on 31st December, 1946.

A count of the unemployed was not taken on 31st December, and I regret, therefore, that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of bricklayers who completed their training at the training centres in Scotland during 1946; the number it is expected will complete their training during 1947; and whether he is satisfied that the present plans will be adequate to meet the needs of the building programme.

Up to 13th January, 1947, 565 men had been trained as bricklayers in Scotland. It is estimated that the facilities now being provided will enable 2,000 additional men to be trained as bricklayers during 1947, and I am satisfied that this will be adequate to meet the need of the building programme as now planned.

Is the Minister aware that in Scotland, there are many bricklayers engaged in other trades, and will he devise means of attracting them into the housing drive?

Wherever the Ministry of Labour have had knowledge of a bricklayer working in another industry, efforts have been made to get him back, but we have no power to force him.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the number of bricklayers required in Scotland is much greater than he expects will be trained in the whole of 1947? Can anything be done to expedite the matter?

The figures which I have quoted were reported to us as being sufficient to meet the requirements.

asked the Minister of Labour the average period of waiting between the acceptance of candidates for training in the building trade and their entry into training centres.

The period varies according to the trade and district. In most areas, applicants accepted for training as bricklayers should be allocated within a few weeks. In some other building trades, such as carpentry and plumbing, however, applicants may have to wait considerably longer.

In view of the urgency for obtaining the maximum number of building operatives, may we expect the Minister to take steps to improve the present position? Some men are losing heart and are giving up their chances of entering the trade.

Yes, Sir. During the last few months, we have opened several more training centres and others are in process of being completed. We are hopeful that, by the middle of this year, at any rate, the whole of the training facilities planned for will be available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many building trade operatives have been trained up to date at the Government training centres; and the number of accepted candidates who are awaiting training.

At 13th January, 1947, 17,473 men had been trained for the building industry, and 16,185 men had been accepted and were awaiting allocation.

Does not the Minister think that, in view of the prospective supply of building materials, the building trade is being over-manned?

No, Sir, I can assure the House that the whole scheme has been planned so that we shall not train men and then find them waiting about because materials are not available. In that connection, we are making arrangements with the Ministry of Supply.

Is it not the policy of the Minister of Labour to provide building materials and also the labour to use those materials, and does not the figure of 16,000 indicate that there is a great deal of work to be done in providing training?

So far as the 16,000 are concerned who have been accepted and who are awaiting allocation, they are included. In addition to those who have been waiting to be trained, there are 23,026 in actual training. So far as the building material position is concerned, every attention has been given to that. The position has been successfully overcome in bricklaying, and the other branches are receiving attention.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the responsibility of placing upon him the training facilities for 140,000 Poles will not prevent him from training our ex-Servicemen?

No, Sir, it will not. Reverting again to the Poles, we are satisfied that we shall find a great number of those men who will not require training. Many are skilled in agriculture, and many are going into industries which do not require much training, but, where training is required, these men, especially those who are disabled, will have the facilities of our training centres. The others will be trained by the employers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government will invite suitable displaced persons in Europe to work in those British industries which are short of manpower.

In addition to the existing arrangements for bringing women displaced persons to this country for domestic work in hospitals, I am considering, with other Departments concerned, the possibilities of meeting current manpower,shortages by the recruitment of displaced persons.

But is it not a bit late for the Minister to consider this matter now? Ought not this to have been considered at least 12 months ago?

What we are considering is an extension of the arrangements which have already been made. No publicity has been given to them, although, as the hon. Member has put down a Question, I can refer to it. We have already brought in for purely domestic work in private households over 7,000 people, but the question of getting the men over for these other schemes must be taken into consideration with other factors.

Has the Minister already taken steps to see that the displaced persons are classified according to their different skills and eligibility for the work which is required to be done?

Yes, Sir. I would not like to be too specific about all the camps, but we have had officers of the Ministry of Labour in many of the camps classifying these people and finding out their capabilities, especially the women workers. Well over 1,000 women displaced persons who have come here to work in institutions and hospitals have given the greatest satisfaction, and are an excellent type of person.

Is not the number required something like 600,000 at present?

Can the Minister say how long these discussions are likely to take and when he hopes to be able to make a statement as to the outcome?

No, Sir. I could not give any definite time, but it is quite obvious that we are governed by another factor, the most worrying factor of the lot, and that is accommodation. It is fairly easy to find a person who is willing to come here and another person is willing to supply that person with accommodation, but, while we have such trouble in finding accommodation for our own people and for the Poles, it would be unwise to bring in other great crowds of people.

Would the Minister take steps to see that the men are classified as fully and carefully as-the women?

Yes, Sir, I will see that that is done.

I beg to give notice that owing to the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the different grades of workers employed by the Forestry Commission for Scotland; the minimum and maximum rates of wages in each grade; and with what trade union, or unions, the Commission negotiates wage rates and general conditions of service.

Forest workers employed by the Forestry Commission in Scotland are divided into three grades. The first grade receives 5s. per week above the minimum agricultural wage; the second, 2s. 6d. per week above the minimum agricultural wage; and the third, the minimum agricultural wage which is at present 80s. per week. Gangers are paid 11s. per week above minimum agricultural wage. The basic wage of forest workers in Scotland is fixed by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, and any variations, as well as conditions of service, are negotiated by the Forestry Commission Industrial and Trade Council, the trade union side of which is made up of representatives from the Transport and General Workers' Union, the National Union of General and Municipal Workers, and the National Union of Agricultural Workers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the inconvenience and hardship caused to hill farmers in Scotland by reason of the inadequate notice of the final date of application for forms establishing a claim to the hill cattle subsidy; what representations he has received on this subject; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that hill farmers likely to qualify for the subsidy are properly and individually informed of the final date for application.

Apart from the representations I have received from the very small percentage of people who were too late in asking for forms or submitting applications, I have received no complaint that the method of notice, through the agricultural executive committees, the Scottish National Farmers' Union, and Press and the wireless, has been inadequate in past hill cattle subsidy schemes. As regards further schemes, I shall keep in view the hon. Member's suggestion about individual notification, although there would clearly be disadvantages in substituting such an arrangement for the present practice.

Is it not a fact that the only intimation is by means of a broadcast or a notice in the Press, and would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is unfortunate if, because an applicant does not read the paper on the particular day on which the notice appears or does not hear the broadcast, he does not qualify? Will the right hon. Gentleman send out a form to all people who have previously qualified?

Even if I sent out a form to all those who had previously qualified, they might not be in a position to qualify under the new scheme. I have already pointed out that I am ready to consider the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman, but I have pointed out some of the difficulties that stand in the way of giving effect to his suggestion.

Would the right hon. Gentleman also consider a system of sending automatically to those who have qualified, a form on which to claim payment? There is a great delay in supplying this other form. If the second form could be sent to those who become eligible it would save a lot of misunderstanding.

I shall certainly keep in view the point raised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is intended to publish the proceedings, of the East Kilbride New Town Inquiry; and when publication may be expected.

Objectors and other persons interested will be able to obtain a copy of the transcript of the shorthand writers' notes of the proceedings on payment of the appropriate fees. For the convenience of Members, I shall arrange for a copy of the transcript to be placed in the Library. I do not propose any wider publication of the proceedings.

In view of the fact that. there is very widespread feeling about this question of new towns so far as East Kilbride is concerned, would it not be fair to the general public to issue a report of the proceedings?

There has been a policy of presenting in the national Press very extensive reports of these proceedings. I have already indicated that those interested in securing copies of the report will be able to get them on payment of the appropriate fee. [HON. MEMBERS: "What is the fee?"] I could not say offhand. As I have said, in the interests of Members, I am arranging to put a copy of the proceedings in the Library.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this answer will cause great surprise and indignation in Scotland? Why should not the Scottish people, who are already to be charged millions of pounds under this scheme, be able to have the whole of the facts which came out at the inquiry? Why should they have to pay money to find out what ought to be a free public advertisement of the whole facts of the inquiry? There is no excuse for the secrecy.

I am not aware of any grave dissatisfaction with regard to the provision of new towns in Scotland.

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know what the fee is, how can he be sure that it is appropriate?

Surely, it is obvious that as compared with a one-day inquiry, there is every chance that an inquiry which took seven or eight days would cost seven or eight times more.

asked the Secretary 01 State for Scotland what consultations have taken place with local authorities on the question of regional water supplies; and if he will state the names of authorities consulted.

I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement on the various consultations which have taken place with the local authorities.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the biggest water authority in Scotland has no knowledge of such consultations taking place, and that it is proposed to take the water supply from a part of my constituency situated next to the Glasgow water works, and switch it to a new regional board?

I am not aware of that fact, but after my hon. Friend has seen the full statement that I have promised I will be willing to discuss that matter with him if it arises.

Is it not a fact that the Glasgow Corporation have not been a party to any of the consultations?

It is more than possible that they have not, because I have yet to learn that the Glasgow Corporation is a rural authority under the Act.

I desire to give notice that I will, raise this matter on the Adjournment. That is too slippery for me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that while in 1945 Cumber land had a total of 106,269 acres under cereals and potatoes, and the purchase value of the machinery held by its A.E.C. was £84,000, the neighbouring county of Dumfries had 57,354 acres under cereals and potatoes, but the purchase value of machinery held by its A.E.C. was only 24,000; and if he will authorise the supply to the Dumfriesshire A.E.C. of potato planters, potato sorters and grain driers.

Machinery in committees' areas is intended only as a supplement to that held by the farmers and agricultural contractors themselves, and my information is that on this basis the equipment provided in Dumfriesshire has hitherto been adequate.

If I could show the Minister that is not so would he be prepared to examine it?

Certainly, Sir. I am willing to do everything to help in the development of agriculture in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional labour he intends to make available to farmers in Scotland for harvesting and potato-lifting in 1947.

The supplementary force of about 90,000 workers which will be required at the peak period will, under present proposals, be made up of 28,000 workers recruited locally by farmers, 40,000 members of the Polish Resettle-ment Corps, and German prisoners of war. Schoolchildren will, I hope, make up the balance of 22,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent so far he has obtained the consent of the local education authorities to the use of school-children?

The Joint Under-Secretary has just completed a series of conferences in Scotland, at which he has been putting the full facts before the education authorities who were represented there. At the moment, it looks as if we will get co-operation from the education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the representation made to the Department of Health regarding nurses' salaries; and if he will make a statement.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the representation recently made by the Standing Conference of Women's Organisations (Edinburgh) regarding the differences in the scales of pay for male and female nurses. A similar representation has been made to the Wheatley Committee, the body responsible for making recommendations on salaries payable to nurses in Scotland, and I am awaiting that committee's views.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in connection with the basic rate of pensions granted to ex-Servicemen in the war of 1914–18, or the war of 1939–45, he will now consider in creasing the present level of 45s. a week for the 100 per cent. disability, since the present rate bears no relation whatever to the rise in the effective cost of living, or to the increase in pay of nearly all other wage-earners throughout the country.

The present basic rate of disable- ment pension for men of both world wars was fixed by the Government only about 12 months ago. Since then there has been no general change in circumstances to justify any further revision. I would remind the hon. Member that pension is paid without regard to earnings, and the great majority of pensioners are able to earn. Moreover, the pensioner may be eligible for one or more of a number of additions to his basic pension. He may qualify for allowances of 10s. a week for his wife and 7s. 6d. a week for each of their children, in addition to any allowances payable under the Family Allowances Act. If, through his pensioned disablement he is likely to remain unemployable he may receive an additional allowance up to 20s. a week, and the allowance for his wife may be increased to 16s. a week. If he needs constant attendance he may receive an allowance up to a maximum of 40s. a week if he is very severely disabled.

Does the Minister appreciate that this 45s. a week pension for 100 per cent. disability is not in any way related to the rise in the effective cost of living; does he further realise that pledges, both actual and moral, were given that never again would these disabled ex-Servicemen be neglected or be in want; and how can this House tolerate these 100 per cent. disabled ex-Servicemen being given this paltry sum, which is absolutely inadequate for their bare requirements of life? It is an absolute scandal.

We are carrying out our pledges. These men will not go through the same experience again. Most of these men had earnings, and so far as those earnings have gone they will partake of extra benefits. The hardship that arose out of the 1914–18 war was in relation to men who could not earn, for whom we have nearly doubled what they were getting previously.

In view of the statement my right hon. Friend has made, will he make sure that every man who is unable to work and is on 100 per cent. disability pension knows of the extra allowances that he can pick up?

In view of the fact that these are broken pledges, I give notice that I shall raise this matter again with the full force at my command. These dis-abled men have been let down by the Government.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that many ex-Service pensioners are being reassessed and, although their disability remains the same, their pensions are either being reduced or cancelled; and what steps he is taking to ensure that these men receive fair treatment.

Where disablement is liable to fluctuation the rate of pension is necessarily subject to periodic reassessment up or down according to any change in the average degree of disablement found on medical examination. Reassessment is not made without such examination, and no pension is reduced or cancelled where the disablement resulting from war service remains the same. On re-survey medical boards are required to consider equally the question whether there has been worsening due to war service or improvement in the accepted condition.

Whilst I am very glad to have that assurance, may I ask how many ex-Service pensioners have been reexamined during the last few months, or any other period, and how many of them have had their pensions increased?

Obviously I could not state that without notice. If the hon. Member will put down a Question I will do my best to answer it.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will arrange for Scottish War Pensions (Special Review) cases to be prepared and forwarded to the tribunal in such numbers as will justify sittings of the tribunal being held in Scotland, thus enabling these cases to be heard there.

I am transmitting cases to the Tribunal Office as rapidly as circumstances permit, but each application involves a considerable amount of work, and at any rate for some time the flow of cases generally cannot be on a large scale.

Are there not sufficient Scottish cases to be submitted at once instead of going singly to the tribunal, so that they could be heard in Scotland, because there is some disquiet amongst Scottish ex-Servicemen?

We are trying to arrange that. There is an instance where two cases are being brought up. We did that so that they would not have to wait a long time. If they wait till we get sufficient in Scotland we will do what is suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in most cases there is a delay of several months in paying ration allowances to officers granted local leave in Palestine; and whether he will take steps to ensure more prompt payment in the future.

Officers granted local leave in Palestine are paid their ration allowance at the end of the month in which the Paymaster receives notification of the grant of leave, or the next month if the notification is received too late. In large commands abroad there is bound to be some delay in the transmission of documents, especially from isolated units; but to avoid hardship, officers in the Middle East on leave may draw advances of pay ahead of the normal dates of entitlement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this system is not working, because many officers who went on leave six months ago have not yet received their ration allowances?

I should be surprised if there were any large number. If there are any individual cases in which the hon. Member is interested perhaps he would be good enough to let me know.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I left the Middle East in December, 1944, and received my leave allowance cheque about 10 days ago?

That may not be my fault, but I am glad to hear the hon. Member has received it.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that officers of Sea Cadets, J.T.C. and A.T.C. receive the pay of their rank for a maximum period of 15 days a year while on courses of instruction, and that officers of the A.C.F. do nor; and what action he proposes to take with regard thereto;

(2) whether he is aware that, whereas officers of the Sea Cadets, J.T.C. and A.T.C. are entitled to first-class travel warrants, officers of the A.C.F. are only granted third-class warrants; and whether he proposes to bring the conditions of service of officers of the A.C.F. into line with those of officer, of the Sea Cadets, J.T.C. and A.T.C.

I cannot at present add anything to the reply given on 22nd October, 1946, by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, to the hon. Member for Woodbridge (Mr. Hare), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication how long it will be before these anomalies are eliminated?

I hope it will not be too long. The matter is, if I may say so, under active consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us who are members of Territorial Army associations, or otherwise interested in the cadet movement, are feeling growing disquiet at the length of time which has elapsed before a decision is reached in this case, which is most harmful to the Army Cadet Force?

Yes, Sir, we are doing our best. We appreciate that, and we want to do the most we can to encourage these volunteers. I hope some definite decision will be arrived at shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to institute a long service decoration for officers of pre-Service units.

This matter is under consideration.

Active consideration?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action, and with what result, has been taken by the War Crimes Commission in the following cases of German atrocities against officers and men of the 2nd S.A.S. Regiment: execution at Gaggenau on about 25th November, 1944; torture and maltreatment at Rotenfels, Schirmeck and Eaales, November, 1944; the cases of Lieutenant Silly, Sergeant Fitzpatrick, Privates Brown and Lewis, captured in France in November, 1944; and the case of Captain Dudgeon, S.A.S. Regiment, executed in the Passe della Cisa, on 3rd October, 1943, by order of General von Zielberg.

So far as this country is concerned, the investigation of war crimes and the bringing of war criminals to trial is the responsibility of the Military Deputy of the Judge Advocate-General of the Forces and not that of the United Nations War Crimes Commission which merely registers war crimes. As the answer is long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War what monthly intake of recruits on regular, short-term, and compulsory engagements is necessary to keep the Army up to strength.

I am not at present in a position to give the figures asked for. Hon. Members, however, will receive more information when Army Estimates are Introduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum per head of the working population between the ages of 21 and 65 years was expended in connection with His Majesty's Stationery Office in the first nine months of 1938, 1945 and 1946. respectively.

2s. 4d., 12s. 1d. and 7s. 6d. respectively, gross, and 1s. 10d., 11s. 1d. and 6s. 6d. net.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, as from 8th June next, this country is under an obligation to pay for all current transactions with countries in the sterling area in dollars, at the request of the country concerned;

(2) which countries within the sterling area have been requested by this country to pay for their purchases from us in dollars as from 8th June next; and which of them have agreed to do so;

(3) whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to insist that the Governments of British colonies, protectorates or mandated territories shall pay for their purchases from this country in dollars at our request.

No, Sir. Payments within the sterling area will continue to be made in sterling. Our obligation is that sterling proceeds of current transactions should, from 15th July, be available for current purposes anywhere.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to treat as secret the prices paid by His Majesty's Government, and their agents, for foodstuffs and raw materials purchased abroad.

Yes,, Sir, save in exceptional cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the £520,000,000 new money in the form of small savings, which the Budget estimates for the current year anticipated, have so far been realised.

£429 million up to 25th January.

Does that make any allowance for withdrawals, in view of the fact that only the net figure can help in regard to the Budget estimates? If it does not include the net withdrawals, can the Chancellor of the Exchequer give the amount, and consequently the net amount of savings from the small savers?

The information has been repeatedly given to the House, and as a rule to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the £520,000,000 target for the year of small savings is net or gross; and if he will state the net result for the current financial year to the latest available date.

Following the practice adopted under my predecessors, this target, as has repeatedly been explained, consists of gross purchases of Savings Certificates and Defence Bonds, plus the net increase in the balances of depositors in the Post Office and Trustee Savings Bank. The second part of the Question was answered in my reply to the hon. Member last Tuesday.

Does not the Chancellor of the Exchequer realise that I cannot get out of him what, is the net cash result to the Treasury up to date of this year's small savings? Is the position of the country so bad and is the response to the appeal so bad that he dare not publish the figures?

The figures have been repeatedly published. If the hon. Member has not yet read the figures, the answer is—and there is nothing to conceal; this has been repeatedly stated before, and it was stated last Tuesday— £208 million for the first nine months of the year.

Is that net?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Co-operative Wholesale Society's Bank is offering local authorities an interest rate of 1 per cent. on current accounts, as opposed to no interest from the joint stock banks, and 2 per cent. on deposit accounts provided seven days' notice of withdrawal is given, as opposed to one-half of one per cent. offered by the joint stock banks with 14 days' notice of withdrawal; and how he proposes to meet this threat to his cheap money policy.

I am aware of these facts, and am in touch with the Co-operative Wholesale Society on this subject.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer say what inducements there are to lenders to take out Treasury Bills or long-term Government loans at 2½ per cent., when they can do seven days' business with the Co-operative at 2 per cent.? Does he not think it right that the Co-operative Bank should be put under the same Treasury policy and have to pay the same as the joint stock banks?

As I have said, I am in touch with the Co-operative Wholesale Society on the subject. I have been in touch with them from time to time on a great number of matters, of which this is only one, and they have given great support to the Government in many respects, not least by holding £200 million Government securities, which is more than most private enterprises hold. As I have said, I am in touch with them on this matter, and they are well aware that I Should welcome a reduction in interest rate—they know that, and I have told them. They did, in fact, at my request make a reduction at the beginning of last year, and I am in touch with them again.

Is it not a tact that instructions have been given by the Treasury to the joint stock banks that they are not to give more than half per cent. on deposit accounts, and if such instructions have been given, why not give similar instructions to the Co-operative Society?

I do not know whether this House wants me to use my powers of direction under Section 4 of the Bank of England Act, but if that is the request of the Opposition, I will take it into account.

Is it the desire of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that local authorities should bank with the Co-operative Society?

I would not venture to intervene in what is a matter of choice for the local authorities.

What we want is that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should operate his powers fairly and equally.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his inquiries into whether remission of Entertainments Duty is being fully applied to the cheaper stands at football club matches have been completed; and if he will now make a statement.

Not yet.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that his concession in the last Budget is not being fully passed over to the public?

I am in touch, through my officials, with some of the football clubs who have not done what I had reason to expect all the football clubs would do, and which most of them have done. I must not anticipate my Budget Statement, but it may in part depend on what happens between now and then.

While I am sure that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will not expect me to anticipate the speech I hope to make on that occasion, and while I appreciate his desire that this concession should be passed over to the public, may I ask, if football clubs are not able to build up their funds, whether he can give any advice on how Plymouth Argyle are to get hold of a really good inside-left?

Why should not the seekers of amusement contribute their fair share of the burdens of the country?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the U.S. loan so far expended has been used for the purchase of foodstuffs; and the separate values of the main categories.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of the U.S. loan spent to 31st December, 1946; and the amount so far spent on tobacco, films, food, feeding-stuffs, coal, oil and manufactured goods, distinguishing those manufactured goods required for the re-equipment of British industry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the proceeds of the U.S. loan has been used to purchase plant and equipment for British industry; and what percentage on consumer goods.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing our payments from all our dollar resources, including the American credit, for supplies from U.S.A. in the second half of 1946. The total drawings on the credit to 31st December was 600 million dollars.

Will the Chancellor give a reply to my Question and say what proportion of the loan has been used for the purchase of foodstuffs?

I have more than once tried to explain that the question, as now put, does not admit of an answer, because the proceeds of the credit from the United States Government cannot be separated from dollars earned by us in the course of trade. I have tried, therefore, to meet the House and give the information the hon. Member wishes, which is not how the expenditure of the dollar loan, taken separately, is composed, but how the total expenditure, including dollars earned by British traders, is made up.

Does it show the amount spent on American films, and how it compares with the amount spent on food?

Yes, Sir, it is all there.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer see, in view of the difficult position in regard to dollar exchange, that we shall spend as much as we reasonably can in re-equipping our industry, and as little as possible on consumer goods?

I have given the figures, but they may of course give rise to comment and debate.