asked the Minister of Labour how many industries are without joint industrial councils or conciliation machinery; and what steps he proposes to take to introduce such machinery so as to reduce the risk of unofficial strikes.

I assume that what the hon. Member has in mind is either joint voluntary negotiating machinery established by agreement between the two sides, or statutory wage regulating machinery. On this basis, according to the records of my Department, some 15½ million workers are covered out of approximately 17½ million workers engaged in industry and services. I cannot, however, say as regards the remaining two million that no machinery of any sort exists. It has been the practice of my Department over many years to encourage and assist any industry with adequate organisation on both sides to establish joint negotiating machinery. That policy will be continued. Also, where necessary and appropriate, I shall continue the policy of setting up Wages Councils.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for domestic workers registered with employment exchanges in the United Kingdom at the last convenient date, which it was found not possible to satisfy.

There are roughly 25,000 outstanding domestic vacancies on the registers of the employment exchanges, of which about 8,500 are in the hospital field and 10,000 in private households suffering hardship owing to lack of domestic help. The balance of these vacancies covers hostels, canteens, educational institutions, etc.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of permits granted for the entry of foreign nationals to work in the United Kingdom, as domestic workers in hospitals and private service, respectively, at the last convenient date.

From 1st April, 1946, when the permit procedure was reintroduced, up to 31st December, 1946, 7,622 permits for domestic workers were issued in respect of applications from private householders and 162 in respect of applications from hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now prepared to grant permits to former Italian prisoners of war to work as agricultural labourers in this country, in cases where a job and a home has been offered them.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard) on Tuesday, 21st January.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that it is obligatory in law for all dog-owners to ensure that their dogs wear collars, he will give early consideration to a reduction of the present 100 per cent. purchase tax which is levied upon them and which imposes a heavy burden upon the poorer classes of the community.

Dog collars are now free of Purchase Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, on the occasion of the recent disappearance of some newly-minted coinage, the Brigade of Guards had not, as on all previous occasions, been requested to supply a guard for the despatch of such coinage; and whether he will give instructions that, in future, such a guard will be asked for by the authorities in charge of the movement of coinage.

Neither the Royal Mint nor the Bank of England have, within living memory, had military protection for coin in transit to civilian destinations. To assign troops to travel with large numbers of consignments of coin to all parts of the country would be a wild extravagance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Purchase Tax is paid on new motor cars exported to Eire; if the purchaser of a new motor car in Eire is obliged to sign the undertaking not to sell within six months; if he is aware that new motor cars exported from Britain are taken over the border into Northern Ireland, customs duty is paid and then the motor cars are sold at large profits; and does this customs duty include Purchase Tax.

The answer to the first and second parts of the Question is "No, Sir," and to the third and fourth parts, "Yes, Sir." I am examining the matter further

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the high quality of British films and their popularity in this country and also, where exhibited, in the U.S.A., he will progressively reduce the amount of dollars expended upon U.S. films to an amount equal to the dollar earnings of films produced in this country.

The more good British films are made, the nearer shall we come to the target proposed by the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why it is that the Customs and Excise Department regard carriage charges as part of the value of an article and, therefore, liable to Purchase Tax at the appropriate rate.

Because it is so prescribed in the second Provision of the Eighth Schedule to the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1940.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why goods seized by the Customs which, owing to the operation of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Acts, 1939 and 1941, cannot be offered to the highest bidders and thus cannot be sold by public auction and only by tender, are only sold in the locality in which the seizure was effected.

It is usually more advantageous to sell locally, but the goods are sent for sale in London if it seems likely that this will be more profitable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give further consideration to the case of Miss Mackelden, Norton, Worcester, who is nearly 86 years of age and partially blind, for a non-contributory pension under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1936.

I have no power to supersede the law in Miss Mackelden's favour.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the cost of production per 100 of the illustrated brochure 'H.M.S. 'Vanguard'," the price per 100 received by His Majesty's Stationery Office; and the lowest price at which this publication could have been sold to the public on a non-profit-making basis.

Two pounds and ten-pence; two pounds seven shillings and threepence; and ninepence, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loans have been granted to the Czechoslovak Government or to important industrial or commercial Czechoslovak concerns by business firms, banks or credit institutions in this country; what are the sums involved; and what are the rates of interest and terms of repayment.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and. gallant Member for New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre) on 4th November last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now say by what date it is estimated that the loan from the U.S.A. to this country will have been exhausted.

No, Sir. Any such estimate would depend on many unknown factors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement with regard to the capital requirements of the B.O.A.C.

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation and I have approved a proposal by the Corporation for a further issue of stock to repay temporary bank advances, to acquire additional aircraft and other assets, and to provide further working capital. Accordingly, on 24th January, the Corporation issued to the National Debt Commissioners, under Treasury guarantee, £10 million of 2½ per cent. Airways Stock, 1977–1982, at a price of 101½. The effect of this issue is to increase the outstanding capital of the Corporation to £20 million, the previous issues of Airways Stock having been made on the following terms:

• March, 1940, £4¼ million of 3 per cent. Airways Stock 1960–1970, at a price of 95.
• June, 1946, £5¾ million of 2½ per cent. Airways Stock 1971–1976, at a price of 99.

All the issues of the Corporation have been guaranteed by the Treasury and are held by the National Debt Commissioners. The terms of these successive issues illustrate the steady improvement in the national credit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why he waived copyright to the publication entitled "The Digest of Hansard."

Copyright in the OFFICIAL REPORT of Debates is never waived, but it is established practice that permission is never refused for the use of material in the OFFICIAL REPORT for any bona fide purpose. In this case application was properly made by the publishers of the new periodical to the Controller of the Stationery Office, and no objection was offered to the use of the OFFICIAL REPORT as a basis of compilation, provided that the unofficial, incomplete, and unauthoritative character of the digest was made clear to the public by a notice in every issue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he has considered the request from representatives of civil servants at Llandudno to receive a deputation to discuss the question of the return of civil servants from Llandudno to London; has he agreed to receive such a deputation; has the telegramme despatched on behalf of such civil servants in November last requesting an assurance of a quick return to their homes in London been considered by him; and what reply was sent;(2) whether, in view of the statement recently made by a Treasury official, which has received wide publicity, complete return of Civil Service staffs from Llandudno to London, with consequent release of requisitioned hotel properties at Llandudno, is to be completed before 1948.

I am anxious to move the staff at Llandudno as soon as possible, but no statement such as the hon. Member mentions has been authorised by the Treasury, and I received no telegram on this subject last November. I have undertaken, as requested, to see a departmental deputation. But I am first seeing a deputation next week from the staff side of the National Whitley Council.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why full-time civil defence service for the whole war does not count towards the establishment of temporary civil servants; and whether he will give further consideration to this matter.

I take it the hon. Member has in mind the arrangements described in the White Paper on Recruitment to Established Posts in the Civil Service during the Reconstruction Period (Cmd. 6567) applicable to temporary civil servants over the age of 30. These were endorsed by Parliament and are in line with those in certain other fields, including the Disabled Persons Act, 1944, and the Superannuation Act, 1946.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how the number of typists, expressed in percentage, employed in the Civil Service in 1938 compares with similar figures for 1946.

3·9 per cent. at April, 1938, compared with 4·5 per cent. at 1st October, 1946.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the price of the Report of the Royal Commission in Canada to investigate the facts relating to the communication of secret information to a foreign Power has been fixed at 7s.

Because it is estimated that this is the lowest price at which it can be sold without risk of loss.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will place in the Library a copy of the Report of the Special Technical Committee appointed by U.N.O. General Assembly resolution of 11th December, 1946, to study the minimum import requirements of the basic essentials of life of countries which might be in need of external assistance.

Yes, Sir, if and when a Report is published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present shortage of paints, he is satisfied that the best possible use is being made of existing Government stocks.

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the approximate total stock of paints and distempers belonging to the Government at the cessation of hostilities; what steps have been taken to dispose of these stocks; and how much remains at the present time.

No information is available as to the stocks of paints and distempers held by Government Departments at home and abroad at the end of hostilities. Since that date 3,909,000 gallons have been declared surplus to requirements and I understand from my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, that 3,656,000 gallons have been disposed of, leaving 253,000 gallons to be dealt with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the present allocation of linseed oil to the paint industry is sufficient to meet all requirements of building, transport, general industry and export; or what special provisions he is making to ensure that the existing shortage is improved in time to prevent the curtailment of home industries, housing work and the export trade.

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 30th October last. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food is fully alive to the importance of increasing our imports of linseed oil, but, unfortunately, there is a world shortage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement with regard to the export of locomotives, in view of the grave shortage of locomotives in this country and the serious effect of this on our transport system.

The locomotive industry is making every effort to meet the requirements of the home railways, and arrangements are being made for the industry to provide many more locomotives for the home railways in 1947 than in 1946. Additionally, it is making an important contribution to the export trade, thereby not only meeting overseas demands essential to the maintenance of our imports of food and raw materials, but also maintaining a firm basis for export trade in the future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many giant tyres were manufactured in Great Britain during November, 1938, and November, 1946; and how many were exported, respectively, during these two months.

The output of giant tyres in November, 1946, was 203,202 which, although no complete figures are available, estimated to be three times the average monthly output in 1938. Details of exports in the two months are not available but exports of loose tyres over the last quarter of 1946 were limited to 100,000 which is estimated to be a smaller proportion of output than in 1938.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount in value of the export of British manufactured goods to Spain during 1938 and 1946 respectively.

Exports to Spain of articles classified as wholly or mainly manufactured were valued at £1,741,000 in 1938 and about £5,350,000 in 1946.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will report progress in the renewal of the Anglo-Argentine Trade Treaty with modifications as indicated in the White Paper (Cmd. 6953).

The Argentine Government have still to notify us of their detailed proposals for the modification of this agreement, and the negotiations have not yet begun. To allow further time, we have been assured that the existing treaty is again being renewed from January 1st, 1947.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the incorporation in the U.S.A. of a trading company, with New Orleans as its first centre of distribution, to promote the expansion of markets for British exports on a zonal basis; and if the project will receive the cooperation and support of his Department.

Yes, Sir. Such support is already being given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate quantity and value of sponges imported into this country from Greece during 1946.

The quantity of sponges imported into the United Kingdom from Greece during 1946 was 33,081 lbs., valued at £103,470.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will stop the practice of sending clothing coupons to Members of this House for distribution to constituents who, on investigation, have been found entitled to a special issue.

The practice to which the hon. Member refers has been in operation for some time, but, on reflection, we feel that it would be preferable to send the clothing coupons direct to hon. Members' constituents. We will, therefore, do this in future and inform hon. Members accordingly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the report on the needs and resources of North Wales, submitted to him by the North Wales Development Council; and if he will make a statement on the representations made by the North Wales Development Council urging that special attention be given to the industrial problems of the Nantlle Valley.

My right hon. and learned Friend has examined the memoranda submitted to him by the North Wales Development Council and has considered the report thereon prepared by officials of the Departments concerned. He has asked that some further inquiries should be made before replying to the Development Council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that much invention in this country today is hindered because inventors are unable to obtain material for models or quotations for production; and whether he will consider establishing some machinery through which inventors can freely obtain such facilities in all reasonable cases.

I am not aware that invention is being hindered in this way, but if the hon. Member will let me have the details of any particular cases of difficulty, I shall be pleased to look into them. I do not think it is necessary to establish any special machinery to deal with such cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, when making appeals for increased production, he will add the words, "at world competitive prices."

We can only get the exports we need if we can sell at competitive prices. We have frequently emphasised this and will continue to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many canes were imported into the United Kingdom in 1936, 1937 and 1938; and what was the total cost.

The value of canes, excluding split cane but including rattans and unmounted sticks, imported into the United Kingdom amounted to £125,000 in 1936, £140,000 in 1937 and £106,000 in 1938. Quantities are not recorded.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the supply of willows for fishing gear is required by the fishermen of Cornwall this month in order to prepare for the season; and, if he will now make a statement with regard to the controlled prices for willow rods and sticks in order to make these supplies immediately available.

The controlled prices of willow rods and sticks have been under review, and an amending Order will be published within the next few days. I hope that this will facilitate the early supply of willows to Cornish fishermen as well as to other users.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the shortage of widows for basket-making is threatening the employment of blind basket makers; and if he will explore the possibilities of increasing the supplies of home-grown willows or increase the quantity imported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of willows, employment of blind basket makers In Leicester and other places is threatened; and if he will make the necessary steps to increase the amount of willows available for blind people, either by increasing the quantity of home-grown willows or by obtaining the necessary authority for an increase in the quantity of willows imported from abroad.

An amending price Order will be issued in the next few days which should, I hope improve the flow of home grown willows to basket makers and other users. We are already giving every facility for the importation of willows from abroad, but they are by no means in free supply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the great shortage of woollen undergarments available for young children; and what action he is taking to remedy this state of affairs as their health is being affected.

I am aware that supplies of children's underwear of all types are not yet satisfactory though production was higher last year than in 1945 Exports are being very severely restricted to conserve supplies for home needs and manufacturers are being encouraged to increase their production wherever possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what will be the effect of the proposed allocation of 5,000,000 garments for troops overseas on the supply of clothing available to the civil population in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what allocation of civilian clothing has been made to provide for British troops serving overseas and what effect this will have on supplies at home.

I am glad to have this opportunity of correcting certain misapprehensions on this subject. As my right hon. and learned Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Mr. J. Freeman) on 29th July last, other ranks and rating of the three Services who had at least one year or more still to serve on 1st October, 1946, are being given a book containing 21 clothing coupons. The Service Departments have pointed out that most of the men serving overseas will be unable to obtain clothing against these coupons unless some supplies are made available from this country, and the Board of Trade have, therefore, begun discussions with manufacturers and wholesalers on the possibility of providing suitable clothing for supply to the Services abroad through N.A.A.F.I. As the discussions are still in progress, I cannot ye: state what quantities will eventually be required for the purpose, but I can say at once that they will be much below the quantities suggested in the report mentioned above. The total quantity needed is unlikely to be more than between 1 per cent. and 2 per cent. of current supplies of men's wear, and this amount should be much more than offset by the general increase in supplies over recent levels.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the looms, rigging and plaiting machines, and rigging, rolling, cuttling and measuring machines produced in this country in 1946, were exported.

The precise information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks is not available, but in the first nine months of 1946 half the total output of textile machinery was produced for export.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst building trade workers regarding the arrangements for the allocation of protective clothing and rubber boots; and what steps are being taken to ease the position.

I am not sure what point my hon. Friend has in mind since arrangements exist whereby building trade workers can secure both protective clothing and rubber boots, but I should be glad to look into any information he sends me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the note from the U.S. Government requesting the abolition of preferences on import duties by the countries of the British Empire.

In accordance with the procedure agreed at the meeting of the Preparatory Committee in London last autumn, the various countries concerned are addressing requests for tariff adjustments to each other as a preliminary to the tariff negotiations which are to be held concurrently with, and as part of the work of, the second session of the Preparatory Committee later this year. It would be improper to make public the contents of such requests. As regards the general question of Imperial Preference, however, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the statement about the Anglo-American Financial Agreement made by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on 6th December, 1945.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes taking to make available increased allocations of shirting material for the manufacture and sale of men's shirts in this country; and whether he will encourage manufacturers to make better provision for the larger man who is rapidly becoming shirtless.

Arrangements have already been made for an increased production of shirtings which will, I hope, ensure a substantial improvement in supplies during the coming year. The answer to the second part of thee Question is, "Yes, Sir."

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to ensure that men discharged from the Merchant Navy are given coupons to obtain the necessary supply of civilian clothing.

Arrangements for this purpose are already in force and details are available at Local Mercantile Marine Offices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of herring drift-nets and the statements of manufacturers to the effect that delivery of new nets cannot be promised earlier than April, 1948; also of the steep rise in prices of nets which now cost £12; and what action he is taking to prevent a further rise in prices and to expedite delivery of nets so that the herring-fishing fleet may be equipped for the present year's activities.

I am aware of the shortage of herring drift nets. Manufacturers are producing to their maximum capacity against the very large demands for these nets. Delivery will necessarily be delayed in many cases. I have no reason to believe that the increased prices of nets are out of line with the increased costs of materials and manufacture.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the fact that a large proportion of our Forces in Palestine are still in semi-permanent tented camps involving avoidable hardship, he will arrange to improve their conditions by the provision of amenities such as electric light in the tents, iron bedsteads and china or enamel plates.

With regard to electric light I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 19th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple (Brigadier Peto) of which I am sending him a copy. I have called for a report on the provision of bedsteads and plates and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the trial by court martial of nine N.C.Os. in connection with the sailing of the "Empress of Scotland."

Nine N.C.Os. were tried by general court martial on 8th and 9th January on a charge of mutiny. The findings of the court have not yet been confirmed and the matter is therefore still sub judice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the improvement of amenities provided for British troops in Japan.

Much has been and is being done to improve living and recreational conditions in the area we occupy but there are very considerable difficulties, arising partly from the world-wide shortage of materials necessary for raising the standard of accommodation, partly from the very small proportion of western type buildings in the area and the fact that it is almost entirely agricultural and contains no urban amenities. New wireless receivers and a considerable quantity of books have arrived recently and more books are on the way. Additional staff of the Army Kinema Service have also reached Japan. Generally while much remains to be done and while conditions can never be ideal, the plans for improvements are now beginning to bear fruit.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many tons of mail for His Majesty's forces were aboard m.v. "Priam," when she anchored in Singapore roads in the early morning of 28th December, 1946; at what date and time unloading of mail began; at what date and time unloading of mail was completed; and whether he is aware that the first bags of mail loaded into the lighter were still aboard the lighter two days later.

Seventy shipping tons of Forces mail were aboard the "Priam" when she arrived at Singapore. I am aware that delay occurred in the clearance of mails from this vessel at Singapore which I understand was mainly attributable to inclement weather, labour difficulties and shortage of transport. I have called for a report and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the regulations limiting meals to three courses apply to military messes in Germany and elsewhere; and if he is satisfied that they are being observed.

The regulations limiting meals which I presume are those referred to apply only to catering establishments in this country. The consumption of food in military messes at home and abroad, as in civilian households in the United Kingdom, is controlled by rationing of the foodstuffs.

asked the Secretary of State for War what speakers, in addition to those under the auspices of A.B.C.A., are allowed to address members of His Majesty's Forces in Army premises; and under what conditions are such lectures allowed.

I assume the hon. and gallant Member refers to non-military lecturers. In connection with the Army Education Scheme civilian lecturers may be provided from panels maintained by the Regional Committees of the Central Advisory Council for Adult Education in His Majesty's Forces; approved lecturers are provided with a certificate of employment. Headquarters may engage other civilians for lectures or a Commanding Officer may engage a local civilian for a single lecture, provided that steps are taken to ensure that the lecturer is a suitable person to lecture to troops. In addition, lectures are given as part of the curriculum of certain courses and as part of winter study for officers in Commands and Districts. Any speaker may be invited to lecture by the commandant of a school or by the commander-in-chief or district commander. Those lectures which are given as part of the curriculum of certain courses are compulsory and lectures given as part of the winter study in commands or districts may be compulsory or voluntary. In neither case are these lectures open to the public. The lectures generally have a military bias, but other subjects of general interest to the citizen are also included. The officer who arranges the lectures selects his lecturers.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the occupation of 14116201 Private P. Pritchard 38, P.T.C., Seighford Camp, Stafford; on what date he was arrested; the date he was tried; the sentence given and the crime; the number who made up the court and their ranks; who stated the man's case; and were his special circumstances considered.

According to Army records Private Pritchard was a haulage hand in a colliery before his enlistment. He was arrested by the civil power on loth December, 1946, and handed to the military authorities on 12th December, 1946. He was tried by District Court Martial on 4th January, 1947, on one charge of desertion from 17th October, 1946, until his apprehension on 10th December, 1946, and one charge of losing by neglect his clothing and necessaries to the value of £12 12s. 11d. He was sentenced to six months' detention and stoppages of pay. The court consisted of three officers, with a major as president and a captain and a subaltern as members. Private Pritchard was defended by Lieut. M. J. Apperley, South Staffordshire Regiment, who referred in his address to the special circumstances of the case which, he said, had so distressed the accused that he absented himself. Private Pritchard's sentence has now been suspended to give him an opportunity of dealing with his private affairs and becoming a good soldier.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now state the result of his inquiries into the case of 14574803 Rifleman Pentland, 2nd K.R.R.C., M.E.L.F., application for whose temporary compassionate release in order to help his invalid father in his coal distribution business was made by the hon. Member for Newcastle, Central, on 17th December, 1946, and 15th January, 1947.

My hon. Friend will probably by now have received a letter explaining that a decision could not yet be given.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have been discharged or are to be given notice by the Royal Engineers Garrison Engineer, Trentham Institute, Trentham, North Staffordshire; on what grounds are they to be discharged, and the day when the notice terminates; and to what extent are Polish troops to be employed on the work.

Two general labourers have been discharged by the Garrison Engineer, Trentham. They had been employed from 28th September, 1945, on general maintenance work at various localities in the neighbourhood. They were given notice, which expired on 1st January, 1947, because of the necessity of reducing War Department staff in the area concerned. Among the places at which these men had been employed during their service with the Department was Keele Hall Camp which has now been handed over to Polish occupation and at which the general maintenance duties are now carried out by Polish troops in accordance with the normal policy under which the Poles maintain their own camps. No further discharges are at present envisaged.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the discontent among the officers and men in the camp off the Yio Chu Kang Road, Malaya; that the tents in which the men sleep and have. their food are leaking; that the supply of water is insufficient and the food supplied is almost invariably of the tinned variety; that the men in this camp feel that they are being neglected; that this state of affairs is likely to lead to unrest; and if he will take immediate steps to remove the causes of this unrest.

I have already called for a report on the conditions at this camp and will write to my hon. Friend when it has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for men serving overseas who are unable to take up a course of training because of the lack of facilities to return to this country in sufficient time to enable them to undergo such training before they are due for demobilisation.

As there are no army colleges in South-East Asia, Japan, Malta, Gibraltar, or West Africa arrangements have already been made for selected men from these areas to be returned home in time to attend the one-month residential courses at army colleges in the United Kingdom before the closing date allotted for the release of their age and service group. Vacancies for these in East Africa are provided at the Middle East Army College.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a small tree, pyrus minima, found near Craig-y-Castell and Craig-y-Cilian, above Llangynidr, Breconshire, is in danger of being destroyed as the results of mortar practice; and if he will take steps to save this tree, the only one of its kind in this country and, possibly, the world.

The existence of this tree was only brought to my notice a few days ago. Instructions have been issued that the Craig, in which the tree is situated, is not to be used for mortar firing practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Dartmoor is now clear of live ammunition; and what areas are still dangerous to the public.

No, Sir. The areas in Dartmoor Forest used before the war as ranges by my Department have long been dangerous to the public. The extension to the ranges, used during the war, that is still retained and whose future is being considered by the Government, is still dangerous. Notice boards to this effect are erected around the perimeter of the whole area and the public in their own interest are advised to take heed of them. As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend on 22nd October, 1946, certain other areas it the vicinity for which there is no further military requirement, are held purely on account of the presence of unexploded missiles.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the state of public feeling in Eritrea, it is intended to dispense with the services of Sudanese troops among those occupying the country.

We do not intend at the present time to dispense with the services of the Sudan Defence Force in Eritrea, as they are employed on duties for which no British troops are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the results of the courts martial arising out of the disturbances in Eritrea on 28th August, 1946.

Originally 69 men were brought to trial on eight charges of murder whilst members of an unlawful assembly, and an alternative ninth charge of conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline by creating a disturbance. During the trial, one man was admitted to hospital and later died. At the end of the prosecution's case, it was found that seven men had no case to answer. Of the remaining 61, 10 were found guilty on one or more charges of murder whilst members of an unlawful assembly. Of these 10, two were sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment, two to 12 years' imprisonment, and the remainder to lesser sentences. Thirty-six were convicted of the ninth alternative charge only, and their sentences ranged from 9 to 18 months' imprisonment. The remaining 15 have been acquitted. All the convicted men have also been discharged from the Sudan Defence Force, and their sentences will be served in the Sudan.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men of age and service Group 47 serving in Japan were delayed so that they will not arrive in this country until the end of their release period, when their replacements had already arrived in Japan and a ship was leaving half-empty which could have brought them home for release at the beginning of their release period.

I have no reason to suppose that all these men in Group 47 apart from any who may be compulsorily deferred will not arrive in this country in time to be released in the period allotted to their age and service group. In that case they will not be justified in complaining. Availability of shipping space and arrival of replacements are only two of a number of factors that may have to be taken into account, by the overseas command. Men have no grounds for complaint provided that they are released in this country within the period allotted to their age and service group.

asked the Secretary of State for War the capacity of the troopship "Arundel Castle"; and how many troops and civilians she carried on her last voyage from Japan to this country.

The capacity of the "Arundel Castle" is 254 in cabins, 739 in folding bunks, and 1,142 in hammocks. On her last voyage from Japan the ship embarked 508, including 12 civilians for Hong Kong, Singapore and this country. At Hong Kong 172 were embarked for Singapore and this country. Further passengers came on board at Singapore. 1,194 were disembarked in the United Kingdom, of whom 33 were military families and 162 civilians.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the Government's policy that everything possible is being done to find employment for disabled ex-Servicemen of this war, eight pensioned disabled ex-Servicemen are being dismissed from R.E. Records, Brighton, on 31st January, whilst a family of mother, father and daughter, a bookmaker, a conscientious objector of the 1914–18 war and several women under 3o years of age remain.

The War Office is more than fulfilling its obligation under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944, by employing well over the minimum quota of 3 per cent. registered disabled persons. Apart from this obligation employees who are redundant must be discharged in accordance with the agreement reached by the Civil Service National Whitley Council, that is, in order of shortness of service; credit is given for military service in this war provided that the individuals began their present employment within three months of leaving the forces. I regret the necessity of discharging disabled people froth the Records Office at Brighton but the agreement must be carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War the average time which elapses between the submission by an officer with an emergency commission of his application for a Regular commission and the announcement to that officer of the decision reached on his application; arid whether he intends to reduce this delay.

The time varies with the location of the candidate, his availability to attend a board and the availability of the board. Borderline cases moreover have to be specially reviewed at the War Office. Steps have recently been taken to improve the procedure in the War Office and to increase the staff dealing with applications. As a result, in straightforward cases in this country and in Rhine Army the average time taken is between six and eight weeks. For candidates serving further afield two to four weeks more must be added and borderline cases may take still longer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made for the transport of British troops to the Middle and Far East commands, taking into consideration That it is well over a year since VJ-Day; and if he will assure the House that each man is alloted either a hammock or a bunk to sleep in.

I am satisfied that the arrangements made for the transport of British troops are the best possible in present circumstances. As hon. Members will lately have seen in the Press, improvements are constantly being effected and as soon as pressure of work in the shipyards and our trooping commitments permit the chips which are to form the postwar trooping fleet will be refitted t bring them op to the higher standard considered desirable. On voyages to the Middle East and Far East it is usually possible to allot each man a hammock or a standee, that is a folding bunk to sleep in although it may well be necessary at times to resort to "hard lying" particularly on homeward voyages.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a statement with regard to terms and conditions of service of officers and other ranks who voluntarily engage to serve in the reconstituted T.A.

I hope that the terms and conditions of service will be published in the very near future.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the British military administration in Somaliland continues to inflict collective punishment on the native population under their jurisdiction, with the consequence of making the innocent suffer equally with the guilty and that such punishment spreads terror amongst the civil population; and whether such steps as are necessary will be taken to bring to an end this method of effecting civil obedience.

After tribal disturbances in Somaliland collective punishment has at times been suggested by the Somalis themselves; it is a form of law based on custom and well understood and appreciated by them. Raiding tribes are usually punished by being made to return stock they have stolen and this is regarded as a fair form of collective punishment. Stock seized for ransom has always been returned when the tribes have produced hidden criminals. These methods will be less used as tribal raiding decreases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the high cost of living in India, Burma and Singapore for officers and men stationed there and that this hardship is by no means offset by the overseas allowance; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this.

The existing rates of overseas allowance for officers and men stationed in Burma and Singapore are at present under review. The question of the allowance in India is a matter for my noble Friend the Secretary of State for India and I am in consultation with him.

asked the Secretary of State for War what objections there now are to making L.I.A.P. automatic after a fixed number of months' service overseas.

Two serious objections are the fact that the manpower situation imposes a limit on the number of officers and men who can be absent from a particular command at any one time and the fact that the amount of shipping available would not permit the present monthly quotas to be exceeded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether L.I.A.P. is granted in India on an age and service basis or on the length of time that a man has served overseas.

L.I.A.P. vacancies from India are allotted on a "points" system or by ballot between men with equal points. Points are allotted for each month served abroad, for service in operational areas, for compassionate reasons, for service under adverse climatic conditions and for health reasons. To be eligible for L.I.A.P., personnel in India must be able to serve for a further period of six months on return from leave, before they become due for release or Python. For this reason certain age and service groups are excluded from L.I.A.P. and at present those in age and service groups up to 55 are not eligible.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions officers of the R.A.V.C. may draw qualification pay referred to in Paragraph 25 of Cmd. 6750.

There is no provision for the issue of qualification pay to officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to set up a leave centre in Düsseldorf and how many dwelling units for the civilian population could be provided if the main project was abandoned and the living accommodation only, which it was intended to establish under it, was proceeded with.

Yes, Sir. The main project is to use one existing building—a museum. All living accommodation is being built separately, from German materials. Obviously the leave centre would he useless without the central block of the museum which will contain all the amenities, such as clubs, restaurants and cinema. If the museum were used for housing civilians with communal dining and cooking, about 600 people could be accommodated allowing 60 foot super each, once partitions had been built.

asked the Secretary of State for War at which of his Department's schools and training establishments arrangements have been made for the attendance of military personnel from the self-governing Dominions, either as students or instructors, during 1947.

Arrangements have been made, or are in the process of being made, for the attendance of Dominion Army personnel either as instructors or as students at the following Army schools and training establishments during 1947:

• Royal Armoured Corps School.
• School of Artillery.
• Coast Artillery School.
• School of Anti-Aircraft Artillery.
• School of Military Engineering.
• Transportation Training Centre.
• School of Signals.
• School of Infantry.
• School of Air Support.
• Army Airborne Training and Development Centre.
• Royal Army Service Corps School.
• Royal Army Ordnance Corps Training Centre.
• Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Training Centre.
• Joint Services Staff College.
• Staff College.
• Senior Officers' School.
• School of Electric Lighting.
• Military College of Science.
• Army Mechanical Transport School.
• Army School of Physical Training.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many military personnel from each of the self-governing Dominions are now attending his departments schools and training establishments in this country; and how many such personnel are on the instructing staffs of such schools or establishments.

The numbers are as follow:

Canada	16
One of whom is an instructor at the Staff College.
Australia	9
Two of whom are instructors at the Staff College; one officer is taking over from the other.
South Africa	3
One of whom is an instructor at the School of Infantry
New Zealand	1
An officer instructor at the Staff College

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British Army personnel are now in attendance at any military schools or training establishments in any of the self-governing Dominions, stating whether they are instructors or students and giving the names of the schools or establishments concerned.

The numbers are as follow:

Canada	12
Instructors:
One at Staff College.
One at School of Infantry.
Two at R.M.C., Kingston.
Students:
One at R.M.C., Kingston.
Seven at Staff College.
Australia	1
Instructor at Staff College.
South Africa	1
Instructor at South African Military College.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of acres of Clapham Common which are now held and being used by the services, and whether he will release this ground for the use of the public.

My Department holds 19 acres of Clapham Common comprising an anti-aircraft gun position and hutted camp, which cannot at present be derequisitioned. The camp, with the exception of one hut used by a care and maintenance party in charge of the guns, is occupied by squatters and is tinder the control of the Ministry of Health for temporary civilian housing.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that following a protest strike at the slowness of demobilisation by African soldiers, a number were killed and wounded when they were shot at by troops in Gilgil, Kenya, on 3rd January; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.

On the morning of 2nd January, 1947, about 150 Askaris of the Base Ammunition Depot at Gilgil refused to parade or carry on with their normal work. The Commanding Officer tried to find out the men's grievances and to interview spokesmen, but the men were truculent and excited and as a result they refused to listen to him in spite of repeated attempts by him and the other officers. It is thought that discontentment arose over alleged delay in the release of African Service Group No. 36, which, however, was not due for release for about another two months.Later in the clay various incidents and rioting occurred, and the loyal Askaris of the Base Ammunition Depot were molested and prevented from working, one being injured. In the evening a company of the 5th King's African Rifles from Nanyuki arrived at Gilgil and attempted to round up the rioteers and restore order. About 150 rioteers attacked a platoon of the 5th King's African Rifles with stones. Some of the Askaris of the King's African Rifles were knocked down and when the mob was within 20 yards the Askaris of the King's African Rifles open fire individually to prevent themselves being overwhelmed. This individual firing lasted for less than one minute and ceased immediately an officer gave the order to cease firing. The rioteers then fell in quietly and 14 ringleaders were placed in close arrest. As a result of this incident five Africans were killed and four seriously and seven slightly wounded.The 24 Askaris of the King's African Rifles who opened fire individually are also in close arrest. All the remaining men concerned are now back at work. A court of inquiry was held from 3rd to 10th January, 1947, and its findings are being considered locally. The trial of the rioteers was expected to begin this week.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many stokers are employed on Ludford aerodrome, Lincolnshire; what are their civilian occupations; and why the unemployed Poles are not doing this work for themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many civilians of non-Polish nationality are employed as boiler stokers at the Polish Corps camp near Ludford, Lincolnshire.

Of the nine British civilians employed on stoking duties at Ludford Camp, I understand that two were engaged for a short period in December in lifting sugar beet but that their normal occupation is not that of agricultural worker. Three of the nine are stokers, two general labourers, one a lorry driver, one a boiler riveter, and two are ex-soldiers whose civilian occupations are not recorded. None of the Poles at the camp have any knowledge of the valuable type of boiler and plant in use there and I am not at present prepared to release any of these men.

asked the Secretary of State for War by what authority Polish Forces in this country try Polish soldiers by courts martial and confine them to detention barracks.

Members of the Polish Forces who have enlisted into the Polish Resettlement Corps are subject to the Army Act. Members of the Polish Forces in this country who have not yet enlisted into the Polish Resettlement Corps or been otherwise disposed of are subject to their own code of discipline.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to announce either a speeding-up in the direct repatriation of prisoners of war in North Africa, or a scheme for bringing them to this country with the object of including them in the release arrangements already made for their fellow countrymen.

I hope that from the beginning of July the rate of repatriation will be accelerated to 5,000 a month. Any scheme for moving prisoners to this country for inclusion in the repatriation arrangements here would only result in delaying their repatriation instead of accelerating it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many prisoners of war are now in this country; how many have been repatriated; how many have been transferred from Canada and elsewhere and whether any are still to come; how many of these are between 14 and 18 years of age; what is the incidence of sickness; and, in view of the effect of protracted imprisonment on morale, whether the present rate of repatriation will be substantially speeded-up in the near future.

There were 355,224 prisoners of war in this country at the end of December. 60,668 have been repatriated since the scheme began on 26th September last year. Since' that date 4,221 have been transferred from Canada and none from elsewhere. There are no more to come. Regarding the age of prisoners of war I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 29th October, 1946. The incidence of sickness is one per cent, or under. In the immediate future repatriation will continue in accordance with the programme laid down by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to induce German prisoners of war in Britain to defer their repatriation.

As the hon. Member was informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 19th November, German prisoners of war are normally given the opportunity, when their turn for repatriation comes, to defer their repatriation for six months, but no inducements are offered them to defer.

asked the Secretary of State for War the rate per month at which it has been possible to repatriate German prisoners of war from this country, up to the last convenient date.

Repatriation under the present scheme started on 26th September, 1946. The following numbers have so far been repatriated:

26th–30th September	…	2,418
October	…	14,803
November	…	15,429
December	…	14,236
1st–25th January	…	13,782
		60,668

The monthly average is 15,167.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement about the circumstances in which a German prisoner of war, Obergefreiter Alfred Ruf, of Stuttgart, was found hanged at Grange Farm, Colesdon, Bedfordshire, on 17th January; and whether he is satisfied that men in trouble for family reasons have full opportunity of seeking help and advice from experienced and sympathetic authorities.

Alfred Ruf had been working with another prisoner for some time at Grange Farm. He was a good worker, in good health and normally cheerful. On 17th January he disappeared during a meal break and when a search was made he was found to have hanged himself with the tapes of his cape. The finding at the inquest was that he had hanged himself while unsound of mind. His friends have no idea why he should have committed suicide. His parents and wife are dead and he had no children. I am satisfied that Commanders of Prisoner of War Camps are ready to give sympathetic help and advice to prisoners who have domestic troubles.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider having the barbed wire around prisoner of war camps removed and also the large sized lettering frequently painted or stamped on prisoner of war clothing.

It has already been decided that in working camps the wire should be replaced by a token perimeter fence; this is still necessary to mark the limits of the camp and to discourage the entry of unauthorised persons. I am considering the question of the distinguishing marks on prisoners' clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the commandant responsible for the prisoners of war living at Quedgeley Court Hostel, Gloucester, has made the town out of bounds although it is within a five-mile radius of their quarters and has also forbidden them to go into any church, unless in an organised group, on a Sunday morning.

Gloucester has been put out of bounds to all German prisoners of war in that area as the privilege of walking unescorted in the town has been abused. As a result of this order prisoners of war have only been allowed to attend church services in organised groups.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a statement showing the progress made in trying the Japanese war criminals and giving a list of sentences.

In the South East Asia Land Forces area, which includes Malaya, Burma, Siam, Hong Kong, the Andaman Islands, Java, Sumatra and Borneo, 598 Japanese and Koreans have now been tried by British Military Courts on charges of committing war crimes. Of these 221 were sentenced to death, 305 to various terms of imprisonment and 72 were acquitted. Details of the sentences of imprisonment are as follows: 41 sentences of life imprisonment, nine of 20 years or more, 99 of 10 years or more, 78 of five years or more and 78 of less than five years.In addition 685 accused have, I understand, been tried by Australian Military Courts. One hundred and twenty-four of these have been sentenced to death and 351 to terms of imprisonment. Two hundred and ten have been acquitted. A further 30 accused have been tried by United States Courts in Japan and elsewhere on charges of committing war crimes against British victims. Of these six were sentenced to death and 24 to terms of imprisonment.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Dutch soldiers are being trained at Catterick and elsewhere in this country; how many are training in Malaya; and how many Dutch troops, trained in Britain, have been sent direct from this country to Indonesia during 1946, particularly since November.

130 Dutch troops are being trained at Catterick and 302 elsewhere in this country. None are being trained in Malaya. None were sent direct on completion of their training from this country to Indonesia during 1946.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he has now considered the report on the conservation of wild life, from the National Parks Committee; and when it will be available for publication.

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the Report, but he is informed that it is at an advanced stage. My hon. Friend can rest assured that it will be published as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning the approximate acreage of land which it is proposed to requisition or retain for operational use for battle-training and for accommodation, respectively, by the defence services in each of the counties of Wales.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning the total acreage of land to be requisitioned by the defence services in each of the thirteen counties of Wales, giving the total acreage to be devoted to accommodation, operational activity and battle training, respectively.

The land requirements of the Service Departments are at present under review and my right hon. Friend regrets that the figures asked for by my hon. Friends are not, therefore, available.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is aware that an application referred by the Lichfield Rural District Council to the South East Staffordshire Joint Planning Committee was not brought before the committee by the planning officer within the statutory period of two months and is therefore now considered refused by default; what steps are being taken to protect applicants from such injustice; and what action has been taken against the planning officer concerned.

My right hon. Friend is aware of this case. The Town and Country Planning Act of 1943, however, provides the right of appeal to him by a developer where for any reason it has not been possible to issue a decision within two months from the date of his application. In view of the delay which has occurred locally in the handling of this case, my right hon. Friend would be prepared, if the right of appeal is exercised, to give priority to the hearing of it and to arrange for a decision to be given as early as possible. It will be appreciated that in a case such as the present one the joint planning committee is the body responsible for the handling of it. I should prefer to express no opinion at the present stage on the causes of the delay which has occurred.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the estimated cost of the British zone of Germany during 1947; and what amount of this figure will be dollar expenditure.

The cost will be shown in the Supplementary Estimates for the financial year 1946–47 and the Annual Estimates for the financial year 1947–48 which are now m the course of compilation and will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many Control Commission officials are now waiting in Britain for appointments; and what is the total pay they receive per week.

On 25th January the number was 901, of whom 57 were temporarily employed in the Control Office, London. As these officials are being sent to Germany at the rate of about 350 a week it is difficult to give a figure of the total pay received each week in this country. The total weekly pay of the 844 awaiting appointment to Germany was about £4,450.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been called to the ill-treatment of German prisoners of war on their return to Germany by ex-S.S. personnel in German discharge camps; and what action he has taken.

The only report of such treatment that I have heard is one, which appeared in the German and the British Press early in December. This alleged that a group of 1,600 prisoners of war sent to a camp at Heilbronn in the U.S. zone had been ill-treated by the German staff, who had seized some of their property, and unduly delayed their discharge. This report was immediately investigated by the U.S. authorities, who reported that it was a gross misrepresentation of the facts; that the German staff was closely supervised by the Americans, had no power to punish or delay the release of the prisoners, and had not removed any personal property. The actual process of discharge had taken longer than usual because the prisoners had arrived at Heilbronn without warning, whereas they had been expected at another camp. Suitable arrangements were made as quickly as possible at Heilbronn and all prisoners were released within a week.

asked the Minister of Health the number and names of the local authorities who have transferred their accounts from the joint stock banks to the Co-operative Wholesale Society's Bank; and what are the reasons for this change.

Forty-eight. The names of the authorities are given below. As regards the second part of the Question, local authorities are not required to inform my right hon. Friend of the reason for their choice of bankers.

asked the Minister of Supply what quantities of copper, brass, zinc, lead, tinplate, timber, motor tyres and clothing have been disposed of from military stores in the Middle East; and if he is satisfied with the prices received and methods of disposal.

Full information regarding sales of these materials is being obtained, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as it is received.

asked the Minister of Supply the policy of his Department as regards the notification of foreign buyers of surplus Government stocks; and whether he is satisfied that every precaution is taken to ensure that there is no interference with normal trading.

Representatives of Dominion, Colonial and foreign Governments are informed of surplus Government stocks to assist in quick disposal. Where United Kingdom trades or export organisations are interested in the purchase of our surpluses for export we willingly refer to them inquiries of a commercial nature from overseas buyers, so that sale may be made through normal trade channels.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the bad food and sanitary conditions on board H.M.T. "Eastern Prince" on its last voyage to Singapore; and whether he will ensure that better food, improved sanitary arrangements and more deck space are available for the men who have to travel on this ship.

No complaints have been reported to my right hon. Friend. He has, however, instituted special inquiries, and ill let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the objects of the South Seas Conference, opening at Canberra on 28th January, 1947.

The aim of the Conference, which is due to open in Canberra today, is to consider proposals for the establishment of a South Pacific Regional Commission as an advisory body for the promotion of native welfare and economic development in the island territories lying generally south of the equator and eastwards from and including Dutch New Guinea. The Conference is being convened by the Australian and New Zealand Governments, and will also be attended by representatives of the Governments of the United Kingdom, United States, France and the Netherlands.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, under his regulations, a motorist passing the lights at amber thereby trapping pedestrians on a controlled crossing is bound to stop if called on to do so, more particularly, if he has come in contact with a pedestrian so trapped; and what offences he commits, under his regulations, if he drives on deliberately ignoring all attempts to stop him.

The regulations provide that the amber with red signal denotes an impending change, but whilst it is showing movement beyond the stop line remains prohibited. The amber signal alone prohibits traffic proceeding beyond the stop line except in the case of a vehicle which, when the signal first appears, is so close to the line that it cannot safely be stopped there. In the circumstances described in the hon. Member's Question, a motorist is not bound by law to stop unless damage or injury is caused to a person, vehicle or animal or unless he is called upon to do so by a police constable in uniform.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the steady increase in the price of building materials since last February; and what steps he is taking to stabilise these prices.

I am aware of the increases in a number of building material prices, mainly in consequence of increases in the cost of imported raw materials, and in wages, fuel and transport costs. But the prices of building materials are controlled by the Government and are constantly under review. Reductions in the prices of a number of important materials have recently been effected. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the published statement on price control of building materials and components.