asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal per manshift was produced in November and December, 1938, and in November and December, 1946, respectively.

In November and December, 1938, output per manshift was 1.16 tons in each month; corresponding figures for 1946 were 1.06 tons and 1.04 tons respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the weekly coal production during the first two weeks of January; what was the consumption of coal for all purposes during that period; what is the deficiency of production against consumption; and what is the amount of total distributed reserve stocks at the present moment.

The information is as follows:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will have an immediate investigation made into the coal consumption of the Austin Motor Company, with a view to ascertaining if the maximum fuel efficiency is employed.

This Company's fuel efficiency arrangements were recently investigated and apart from certain minor matters which are receiving attention were found to be satisfactory having regard to the present lay out of the factory. Greater improvements will be possible when supplies of plant and equipment are more readily available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that coal recently delivered from Barnsley Main Colliery, Thorncliffe, to distributors at St. Ives, Hunts, for domestic consumption, contains a considerable amount of slag and is not fit for domestic fuel; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the quality of such coal is to the requisite standard.

The coal in question which consisted of an isolated consignment of five waggons outside the normal allocation appears to have been below average standard. The matter is being followed up with the appropriate area organisation of the National Coal Board to avoid any recurrence.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the railway companies and other coal consumers are unable to obtain the quality of coal suited to their requirements; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

In general, railway companies and other coal consumers are able to obtain suitable qualities of coal, but so long as total requirements are in excess of the available supplies it is inevitable that normal supplies should have to be supplemented with a proportion of inferior or less suitable qualities. The National Coal Board, as part of their future policy, will take all possible steps to increase progressively the availability of the better qualities.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the underground strategic oil pipe in Great Britain ceased to be used; what is to happen to the pipe; and what is the amount of local rates saved annually by its issue.

The bulk of the oil pipeline system ceased to be used at various dates mainly during the latter part of 1945, but parts of the system are still in use. Arrangements are being made to put those parts of the system not at present being used on to a care and maintenance basis. The annual saving in local rates cannot be calculated exactly, but on the basis of the rates paid in the last period for which figures are available the annual saving would be about £30,000.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what arrangements are to he made to ensure a close relationship between his Department and the new organisation set up to conduct research into all aspects of the prevention and extinction of fires.

The Fire Research Board will have an assessor appointed by my Department.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what warning is given to factories before a cut in the electricity supply is made.

Electricity undertakings give warnings, whenever possible, to important industrial consumers, but owing to the time factor they cannot give individual notice except to a few consumers. Broadcast warnings are issued immediately before the 7 a.m. and the 8 a.m. news on the Home Service programme. At other times of the day warnings are given in the Light Programme as occasion demands and these are picked up by factories on their radio sets.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much electricity generating plant is usually out of action for maintenance and repair at the present time as compared with 1938; and what proportion of this results from the use of unsuitable coal.

The loss in capacity of generating plant which is out of action on account of maintenance, repair, etc., at the present time is 14.7 per cent. of the total capacity compared with 5.7 per cent. in 1938. The loss due to unsuitable coal at the present time is calculated at 3 per cent.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of liquid fuel imports comes from dollar countries, and what from sterling areas.

During 1946 the proportion of liquid fuel imports into the United Kingdom from dollar sources was approximately 40 per cent. and from sterling sources approximately 60 per cent

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement showing the rates of pay and emoluments for the Metropolitan Police and county police of all ranks, indicating which are Income Tax free.

Following is the statement for which the hon. Member has asked:(

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what authority Mr. N. Rosenberg is now detained in Brixton prison; how long he has been so detained; and when it is proposed to restore his liberty.

I presume that this Question relates to the alien Wolf Isaac Rosenberg who in May, 1946, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for bigamy. He had previously been deported to France and had contrived to return illegally, but there was some difficulty in obtaining facilities for his removal on this occasion and after the expiration of his sentence he was detained in Brixton Prison under Article 12 (4) of the Aliens Order, 1920, until the necessary arrangements could be made. This has now been done and his deportation has been effected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many aliens are now detained in prisons in this country otherwise than under judicial sentence duly imposed by the courts; what is the average period of such detention so far; and how many of such aliens claim to be Stateless refugees.

Forty-five pending the grant by foreign Governments of facilities for their deportation, and 31 pending removal by shipping companies after refusals of leave to land. The average period of their detention is six weeks. There are also two enemy aliens whose repatriation is being delayed by legal proceedings. Exact figures are not available of the number who have claimed to be Stateless refugees, but it is quite small.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has three times refused a transit visa to Miss Ilona Langdorf, a displaced person, who was rescued to Sweden from a German concentration camp where her mother and brother died, who is on her way from Sweden to South Africa to join her aunt, who is in possession of all other necessary permits and visas as well as passenger tickets, and who desires, en route, to visit her father in England whom she has not seen for many years.

The only application made to my Department for a transit visa was answered by advising that the proper course was for this girl to apply to the nearest passport control officer abroad. Her application made accordingly was granted.

asked the Minister of Labour if Poles who are not skilled miners are being offered employment in British mines.

Yes, Sir. The offer of employment in coalmining after a period of training will be made to all suitable Poles whether or not they have had previous experience in mining.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Poles are available for employment in the mines; how many of these are skilled miners; and how many it is proposed to employ at the coal face.

As registration is not yet completed the total number is not known, but so far 435 Poles with previous underground mining experience have registered. It is not possible at this stage to say how many Polish miners will be employed at the coal face.

asked the Minister of Labour in what districts of the

It is hoped to employ Polish miners in all districts where there are vacancies. As regards accommodation and social amenities, I would refer to my reply to Questions about the Polish Forces on Tuesday last.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the average percentage decrease or increase in labour, over 1939 figures, in manufacturing trades where the retail selling price is controlled: and those where, it is not controlled.

The available statistics of employment do not distinguish separately from the rest all those manufacturing industries where the retail selling price of the product is controlled. It is, therefore, regretted that the information asked for cannot be given.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the details of the distribution of manpower, under Item 4 of the Appendix on page 9, of Cmd. 7018, among national Government service, local government service, N.F.S., police service, professional services, personal services, entertainment services and sport services.

Following are the details:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Mr. J. H. Gadd, Coed-y-Vedw, Machen, Monmouthshire, was summoned to appear at the Caerphilly police court to answer a charge of using a motor lorry in an unfit state on the road; that the summons stated the case was to be heard on Tuesday, 26th November, 1946; that on the 25th he was informed that the case would be adjourned and no other date was fixed; that the case was heard on 31st December, 1946, and fines imposed totalling £8 that neither the defendant nor any representative was present as he had not been informed that it was to be heard and, consequently, no defence was put up; and if he will consider remitting these fines.

I had not previously been aware of this case. I am having inquiries made and will consider the matter further when these inquiries are completed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Purchase Tax has to be paid on railway trains and engines, tramcars, omnibuses, motor lorries and taxicabs.

None, Sir, except on taxicabs which are charged at 33⅓ per cent. of the wholesale value.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, at the lastest available date, was the purchasing power of the £ sterling as compared with 1900, and the purchasing power if the £369,000,000 cost-of-living subsidy is ignored.

On the cost-of-living basis at 1st December, 1946, the purchasing power of the £ sterling was 45 per cent. of its value in 1900. As I have already explained very fully to the hon. Member in correspondence, a comparison which ignored the cost-of-living subsidy would have no real meaning.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the annual amount of the cost-of-living subsidy at the latest available date; and how much of it was for food.

£386 million for the current financial year, of which £364 million is for food.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will invite the chairmen of all the big five banks to form an ad hoc committee to advise him on the continuance of his cheap money policy; and publish their findings.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health why two fetters sent by Mr. C. Earley, formerly of 10, Trinity Road, Barkingside, Ilford on 8th November and 2nd December, 1946, to the District Commissioner in Cambridge remained unanswered on 17th December; and if he will now take steps to derequisition the property at 10, Trinity Road, Barkingside, belonging to Mr. Earley, which was requisitioned by the Ilford Borough Council on 19th September, 1940.

I regret that no acknowledgment was sent while this case was under discussion with the local authority. The house cannot yet be released from requisition as the local authority have not been able to find alternative accommodation for the persons at present occupying it. The local authority are keeping the application for release under close review.

asked the Minister of Health when his plans will provide builders with the many accessories needed in kitchens and bathrooms for houses under construction to be completed without further hold-up.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 12, 13 and 14 of the White Paper on the Housing Programme which was available to the House on Tuesday.

asked the Minister of Health if he will investigate the circumstances in which The Hall, Barrow-on-Trent, Derbyshire, has been empty and, in particular, why no steps have been taken by the local authority to requisition the property for housing purposes.

I am informed that this property is in a remote village where there is little or no demand for accommodation. Further, the property lacks essential amenities and heavy expenditure would be required to supply these. For these reasons the local authority have not so far proposed to requisition the property.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the disproportionate number of cases needing housing accommodation in neighbouring local government areas, he will consider recom-

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Hornsey Borough Council is blaming his Department for an expenditure of over £5,000 on architects' fees for a housing scheme subsequently disapproved and whether he accepts liability in this matter.

As I have explained to my hon. Friend by letter, I cannot accept responsibility for this item of cost.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, by the end of 1946, not one permanent house had been completed in Syston parish,

I do not consider that it would be practicable to separate the responsibility for allocating tenancies from the other responsibilities relating to the provision and management of local authorities' houses.

asked the Minister of Health how many new houses were built in England and Wales in the 18 months after 1st January, 1919; how many new factories; and how many war-damaged buildings were repaired.

The exact figure of new houses cannot be given but I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures which are available. I have no information on the other parts of the Question.

Yes, Sir; but progress is being made. Eighty-three permanent houses are in course of construction, of which 17 are approaching completion. I do not think that any special action on my part is needed, but my Department will give the local authority any necessary assistance.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will initiate legislation to enable a local authority, if so requested by the owner, to rescind a demolition order upon habitable property.

No, Sir. The suggestion was fully considered by the Central Housing Advisory Committee, who felt unable to recommend it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has given his approval to new specifications for Airey houses which would substitute plaster partitions in place of breeze-block walls.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce a scheme whereby financial encouragement could be given to building trade workers to build their own houses, such encouragement to include land at a reasonable price or allocation of land from the local authority.

Local authorities already have powers to advance money to persons to build their own houses and with my consent to sell or lease land at a reasonable price or rent.

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the tuberculosis cases in the naval ward, Dartford County Council Hospital, are getting sufficient food, milk and eggs, respectively; if visits by a naval officer are allowed; and if he is satisfied that the naval personnel are getting proper treatment.

I understand that these patients are receiving the full food allowance for tuberculosis cases, but I will make further inquiries into this and write to the hon. Member. The answer on the other points is, "Yes. Sir."

asked the Minister of Health what is the average total cost per week for each child maintained in a day nursery.

The average total cost per place is approximately 27s. per week in London and 23s in the Provinces.

asked the Minister of Health what procedure is in use for the inspection of day nurseries as to their suitability for training of nursery assistants; and whether nurseries found unsuitable for such training are closed as being unsuitable for the education and care of the children themselves.

Nurseries are inspected jointly by officers of my Department and of the Ministry of Education. If a nursery is considered unsuitable for training students, the responsible Authority is urged to bring it up to standard.

asked the Minister of Health how many children under two years of age are cared for in day nurseries in England and Wales; and how many nurseries cater only for children of this age.

The latest figures are 14,847 and 45 respectively.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are now being, taken to increase the supply of analgesic apparatus, in particular for use in the confinement of working class women; and approximately how many of these devices are now in use or available in this country.

I regret that I cannot say how many are in use, but production has increased, and it is not shortage of apparatus which now hampers progress, so much as the shortage of midwives trained in the use of it.

asked the Minister of Health if he will cause an inquiry to be made, on the lines of the Curtis Committee, into the conditions in public and private mental hospitals and institutions.

No, Sir. All such hospitals and institutions are under constant review, being visited by commissioners or inspectors of the Board of Control at least once a year.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of district auditors in Wales; how many were Welsh born; and how many have sufficient fluency in the Welsh language to conduct their duties in the Welsh language, it necessary.

Including Monmouthshire, the staff number 6o, 26 and six respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the bad conditions of housing disclosed at cases heard before the rent courts show that the sanitary inspectors of municipal authorities for many years past have been neglecting their statutory duties; and if he will issue a circular to the municipal authorities in London and elsewhere on this subject.

I do not attribute the admittedly bad condition of many houses at the present time to the reason suggested by my hon. Friend. Priority has been given to the examination of urgent works of repair and action will be taken to secure further improvements as soon as the supply position permits.

asked the Minister of Education whether she is now in a position to make a statement as to the progress made by the Sub-Committee of the Burnham Committee which is investigating applications for inclusion of certain districts in the London area for purposes of salary scale.

This subcommittee met on 13th September last and then decided to obtain and consider evidence relevant to their investigation. I understand that steps have been taken to that end.

asked the Minister of Education if she will fix the educational qualifications required for receiving financial assistance towards university scholarships on the same basis throughout the country, instead of such qualifications varying according to the locality in which the applicant for such financial assistance resides.

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the major scholarships awarded by local education authorities. In 1945, authorities were advised to judge suitability for university scholarships on performance in the higher school certificate examination or another of equivalent standard, but not to exclude awards made on special grounds as, for example, distinction or high promise in some direction not normally tested by such an examination. In the revised schemes which have been submitted for my approval, these standards have been generally adopted.

asked the Minister of Education what training facilities are available to uncertified teachers and in what way these differ from those available to new entrants into the teaching profession.

The arrangements under which uncertificated teachers with not less than five years' service may be admitted to a special one-year course of training are set out in Circular 114, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. It is hoped to make a start with these courses in the autumn of this year. Uncertificated teachers may also apply for admission to the normal two-year course of training, and for those with less than five years' teaching service this course is still considered appropriate.

asked the Minister of Education the reasons for the recent resignation of five members of her Central Advisory Council for England.

These resignations occurred at different times during 1946. Of the five members in question, three found themselves reluctantly obliged to resign owing to the pressure of private commitments or other official duties; one resigned on appointment to an Episcopal See in the provinces and one on selection for a post as H.M.. inspector.

asked the Minister of Education the present average size of classes in elementary schools; and what increase is anticipated when the school-leaving age is raised.

The average size of classes in primary and secondary (modern) schools, to which it is assumed that the Question relates, was 34.5 in January, 1946, the latest date for which figures are available. With regard to the second part of the Question, my plans for increasing the number of teachers provide for more than sufficient teachers for the extra age group.

asked the Minister of Education whether she will give an assurance that favourable consideration will be given to the Essex local education authority for a new secondary school at Saffron Walden.

Yes, Sir. The local education authority have been informed that, subject to certain points of detail, their proposals for a new secondary school at Saffron Walden have been accepted and that they can proceed this year with a first instalment of the school.

asked the Minister of Education the number of nursery schools for children below school age open and operating in May, 1945, and January. 1947, respectively.

Statistics for these months are not available, but in January, 1946, there were 75 nursery schools maintained by local education authorities and 17 under voluntary management. By the summer of 1946 these numbers had risen to 286 and 20 respectively, the increase in the first figure being due to the transfer of wartime nurseries to local education authorities.

asked the Minister of Education to what extent fluorescent lighting is to be installed in schools under her administration; whether the opinion of oculists and other leading experts has been taken and with what results; and what is the estimated cost.

I am unable to answer the first part of the Question, as this will depend primarily on the intentions of local education authorities, governing bodies and school managers, and on the supply position, but I am not proposing to take exception to the installation of this type of lighting in schools. As regards the second part of the Question, the matter is kept under constant review by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, to whom suitable expert advice, including that of oculists, is available. I am advised that no evidence has so far been produced showing that properly installed and operated systems of fluorescent lighting have any harmful effects, either upon children or adults. The answer to the last part of the Question is that the initial cost of installing fluorescent lighting, compared with filament lamps, is about three times as much, but that the running costs are about half.

asked the Minister of Education what is now, in view of recent developments the policy of the Government as to the raising of the school leaving age.

The policy of the Government on this point is what it always has been. The compulsory school age will be raised to 15 on 1st April next.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that during January and early February traders in the drapery business are engaged upon their annual stocktaking; and whether he will therefore defer the date, namely, 1st February, 1947, on which the reduced profit margins on ladies' and children's outerwear and underwear are to become operative.

I cannot agree that the stocktaking period is a particularly inconvenient time for re-marking for the majority of retailers, and I regret that I am not prepared to defer the date of operation of the new retail margins. The date is 31st January and not 1st February as stated in the Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a shortage of protective clothing and rubber boots for use by workers in the building industry; and what steps are being taken to improve production.

I have no information that supplies of protective clothing and industrial rubber boots for workers in the building industry are inadequate, but I will look into any specific difficulty if my hon. Friend will let me have details.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why, in this period of shortage of steel for the country's reconstruction programme, he has imposed a 25 per cent. cut in fuel allocations to the steel makers of Sheffield:(2) what further steps he proposes to take to increase the allocation of coal, coke and gas to be supplied to steel makers of Sheffield over the next two months.

The 25 per cent. reduction in the allocation to steel makers is due to the serious shortage of coal and difficulties in transport which have enforced a reduction of about 50 per cent. for industry generally, including, of course, many users of steel. Unless there is a marked increase in the output of coal, neither steel makers nor others can count on any significant increase during the next few weeks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which class of firms in Lancashire, apart from gas and electricity undertakings and steelworks, will be considered as being on work of national importance so as to qualify, on application, for an increased allocation of coal over and above the 50 per cent. allocation of their requirements for maximum production at present granted.

Subject to broad guidance from the Government, the Regional Fuel Allocation Committee must have wide discretion in deciding how to allocate additional allowances of coal to individual firms. It is not therefore possible to give a list of the industries which qualify far supplementation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what total loss of production will result in Lancashire cotton mills arising from the limitation to mills of an allocation of 65 per cent. of their normal winter consumption; whether it will be open to mills to apply for an increased allocation from the pool available to the North-West region; to whom such applications should be made; and what details should be supplied.

The allocation of 65 per cent. made to the Cotton Mills by the North-West Fuel Allocation Committee represents a supplement of 15 per cent. over and above the new basic allocation which applies for industry generally. Shortage of coal is not the only factor that may cause loss of production, and its effects cannot be isolated from other factors, such as the recent shortening of hours which has been agreed upon within the industry. Undoubtedly, however, the fuel shortage will result in some loss of production during the next few weeks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement regarding the fuel shortage to Lancashire cotton mills at the end of 1946 and commencement of this year and, in particular, as to the reasons for such shortage, previous representations received from the industry and steps subsequently taken to try to avoid stoppage of mills.

Before Christmas deliveries to the cotton mills were running at about 70 per cent. of allocations, owing to the heavy and increasing demands that were being made on the available supplies of coal. The whole position was recently discussed by the Regional Controller with representatives of the industry, and arrangements have been made to carry on on the basis of the 65 per cent. allocation announced last week by the North West Fuel Allocation Committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Messrs. Clelands, Limited, shipbuilders, of Wallsend, have had their coal supply reduced as follows: Unscreened from 6 tons to 4 tons per week, peas from 8 tons to 4 tons per week and duff from 1¾ tons to 1 ton per week, which equals a reduction of 60 per cent.; that this firm employs 450 men; that the working week will be reduced from 5½ days to 4 days per week unless the supply is increased; and if he will have this case investigated specially to prevent short-time work and, perhaps, reduction of staff.

Under the new distribution scheme, which came into force on the 20th January, 1947, Messrs. Clelands Ltd. were given a small allocation of coal initially because of the stocks they held. The matter was reconsidered by the Regional Fuel Allocation Committee on 21st January, when it was decided that Messrs. Clelands, Ltd., should receive in all 13 tons of coal a week. The firm have expressed their satisfaction with this allocation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the Government's long-term policy to establish a single unit of textile production.

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the Government's decision to insist on concrete floors for new houses, he will now provide additional dockets for the purchase of linoleum or other floor coverings by occupants of new houses in Scotland, where climatic conditions have long been officially recognised, for example, in the higher allowance of domestic coal, as more rigorous than in the south.

Supplies of linoleum and felt base floor covering are unfortunately still severely limited by the shortage of linseed oil, and I regret that I am unable at present to increase the amount allowed to those who qualify for dockets.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the money now being spent by this country on behalf of Austria, whether arrangements will be made to import Austrian soft-woods, large quantities of which are said to be available.

A small quantity of Austrian timber has been purchased and is now on its way to this country. Negotiations for further supplies are in progress.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the present shortage of willows in Newport, which is likely to cause unemployment among the blind; and what steps are being taken to augment the supply by increasing the quantity of home-grown willows and permitting a larger quantity to be imported from abroad.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the shortage of willows experienced by such institutions as the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind, so making it difficult to keep many men and women employed; and if he will inquire into the situation with a view to causing an ample increase in the supply of willows through either home production or importations, or both.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given on Tuesday last to similar Questions asked by my hon. Friends the Members for South Leicester (Mr. Bowden) and West Leicester (Mr. Janner).

asked the President of the Board of Trade the state of stocks and current and prospective production of shirts, ties, sports jackets, flannel trousers and pyjamas; and to what extent there has been exceptional diversion of these goods from home to overseas.

No comprehensive statistics of stocks and production of separate garments are available, but the Wholesale Textile Association collect sample figures of their members' sales and stocks of men's and boys' wear as a whole. The latest figures, which were published in the "Board of Trade Journal" for 11th January, 1947, showed that sales, by value, since the new coupons were released in August, up to the end of November, were over 50 per cent. above sales in the same period of 1945, while stocks also were slightly above those of the previous year. The low level of stocks is due mainly to the large increase in the clothing ration in August and the extensive issue of coupons to the men demobilised from the Forces, and not to any falling off of supplies. Production of all made-up garments depends on the rate of cloth supply, and the December issue of the Monthly Digest of Statistics "shows the continuing expansion of deliveries of wool and non-wool cloth to the home trade during 1946.The answer to the second part of the Question is, "None, Sir," but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Members for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) and Ludlow (Lieut.-Colonel Corbett) on Tuesday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the dearth of skilled cotton workers and the fear that some of the older operatives will leave the industry with the introduction of the two-shift system, he will consider abandoning the urge for its adoption.

No, Sir. I am aware that shortage of operatives would preclude the working of two shifts in all the existing mills, were they all to be re-equipped, and this is one reason why the Government attach importance to the formation of groups of mills so that where necessary workers may be transferred so as to concentrate their activities into fewer mills working two shifts. The timing of the change-over in any group of mills should, of course, take account of possible loss of labour due to the change. I hope that the Government's policy will have the full cooperation of the operatives, as well as of the employers, and that any loss due to the introduction of two-shift working will be kept to a minimum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage and cost of the reinforcing carbon black suitable for tyre manufacture, imported from the U.S.A. or from other dollar areas during the year ended 31st December, 1946; and the tonnage and value of the same commodity purchased from other sources in the same period.

29,500 tons of carbon black for the rubber industry were imported from the U.S.A. and Canada during 1946 at an approximate f.a.s. cost of 5¼ million U.S. dollars. During the same period 250 tons were imported from Germany at an estimated cost of £11,500.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the industry of cooperage and vat builders in the city of Aberdeen is imperilled by lack of staves and other cooperage materials; if he will reconsider his earlier decision to refuse import licences for such staves and material in order to preserve that industry; and if he will grant such licences accordingly.

Applications for import licences for staves and other cooperage materials are normally granted. If my hon. and learned Friend has any particular case of refusal in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that women's R.A.F. waterproof coats have now been released for sale to the public free of coupons and that priority has been given to towns manufacturing for export; and whether he will give the names of the towns which have received an allocation of such coats.

Government surplus clothing marked as such is coupon-free, and no doubt the women's R.A.F. waterproof coats in question fall under this category. No priority of the kind suggested has been given and the last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it is difficult to buy a correspondence envelope; and whether he is taking any action to improve the position in this respect, in order to enable business people to have something in which to enclose their letters.

I have received representations regarding the shortage of envelopes but unfortunately in the present paper position it is not possible to increase the amount allocated for this purpose. A more extensive re-use of old envelopes would help the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent he has examined the question of obtaining timber for house building, etc., from Yugoslavia; what offer of timber has been made by Yugoslavia; and what steps are being taken to speed up the implementation of trade relations between the two countries.

For well over a year efforts have been made through all available channels to obtain timber from Yugoslavia. Tentative offers have recently been made and discussions are proceeding. As regards the last part of the Question, every opportunity is taken of developing a healthy trade between the two countries, but progress has necessarily been slow owing to the small availability of goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to make a statement with regard to the prospective site of the 1951 exhibition; and whether the Crystal Palace site will be used for this purpose.

No, Sir. The possibility of the use of the Crystal Palace for exhibition purposes is still under examination.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if His Majesty's Government will cease exporting tractors and adopt a policy of securing the maximum quantity of feeding-stuffs and tractors for British farmers to increase home-grown food.

It is the Government's policy to produce the maximum quantity of home-grown food and feeding-stuffs consistent with practical considerations, and also to obtain all the supplies we can from overseas. Tractors are consequently needed at home and abroad to aid the production of food and feeding-stuffs for our use. I cannot, therefore, agree to the cessation of tractor exports, and production must continue to be divided between home and overseas demands in proportions agreed in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an estimate of the increase in costs of pro- duction due to a 44-hour in place of a 48-hour week, with particular figures for the coal, building, iron and steel and railway industries.

No, Sir. There is not sufficient information available on which to base any reliable estimate.

asked the Attorney-General whether the necessary Bill to modify the law concerning proceedings against the Crown has now been drafted, when it will be ready; and when it is proposed to introduce it.

The preparation of the Crown Proceedings Bill is nearing completion and, as stated in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Nelson and Come (Mr. S. Silverman) on 27th January, it is hoped to introduce the Bill as soon as Parliamentary time is available. As stated more than once both in this House and in another place the Government are alive to the desirability of introducing legislation on this subject as soon as practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is his intention to invite a conference on world government to be held in this country of a similar kind to those held in the U.S.A. and other countries during recent months.

His Majesty's Government are not aware that the Government of the United States of America or of any other country has convened such a conference, and they do not themselves contemplate any such action.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of bulldozers and other equipment, usable in the preparation of building sites, held surplus by his Department in airfield construction units in this country; and whether he will release such equipment, on sale or loan, for building purposes.

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are holding no surpluses of bulldozers or similar equipment suitable for building. In the last 18 months we have handed over to the Ministry of Supply over 1,000 items of equipment of this sort; I understand that a small proportion of these are awaiting collection or sale. A further 60 items are at present on loan to other Departments for essential work. The equipment we still hold is less than enough for our own needs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fresh evidence submitted to him regarding the case of Mr. Charles Peach of Newport Pagnell, dispossessed of his property by his Department, he will now reconsider his decision.

I am having further inquiries made into this case and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Supply how many motor cars the Government have bought since they came into office; and if he will specify the cost for each of the principal Departments of State.

I am having the information prepared and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether Montreal has now been chosen as the permanent venue for international conferences upon civil aviation.

No, Sir, Montreal has not been chosen as the permanent venue for all International Civil Aviation Conferences, but it is the seat of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organisation established under the Interim Agreement on International Civil Aviation to which the United Kingdom is a party, and meetings of the Interim Council of this organisation and of its committees and divisions are normally held there. Montreal may also, under Article 45 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed at Chicago on 7th December, 1944, become the permanent seat of the International Civil Aviation Organisation to be established under that Convention when it enters into force.

asked the Minister of Defence how many cases of mutiny have occurred in each of the three Fighting Services since the outbreak of the last war and the number of persons involved.

One case in which a charge of mutiny was preferred and proved has occurred in the R.A.F. and five in the Royal Navy since September, 1939. One airman and 37 ratings were involved. To obtain similar information for the Army would involve a search through the register of some quarter of a million courts martial. I do not feel that to impose this task on the small staff available would be justifiable under present conditions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether steps will be taken, while the Severn Bridge is under construction, to maintain the existing ferry service between Aust and Beachley.

Yes, Sir. The necessary arrangements are being made to enable the ferry to remain in operation while the bridge is under construction.