asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to state what steps will be taken to safeguard the interests of the Gurkha community resident in India.

No, Sir. The position remains as stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member's question on 22nd July last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to say what safeguards are to be provided for, and what prospects of employment are to be offered to, British officers, Gurkha officers and Gurkha other ranks of the Gurkha Brigade under the new proposals for the Indianisation of the Indian Army.

Pending discussions which it is hoped will shortly take place between His Majesty's Government and the Government of India I regret I am not in a position to add to the reply I gave the hon. and gallant Member on 24th June, 1946.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many British officers will be leaving the Indian Army between 1st January, 1947, and 30th April, 1947.

Approximately 1,500 British Emergency Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army will probably be released during the period in question as a result of the acceleration in release which I announced in my reply on 27th January to the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Chester (Mr. Nield). In addition approximately 150 regular officers of the Indian Army are likely to retire during the same period.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the plans for the future employment of British Regular officers of the Indian Army; and whether His Majesty's Government accept full responsibility for pensions, retired pay and all other rights at present enjoyed by these officers.

Arrangements have been made with the War Office for the transfer of as many officers of the Indian Army as the British Service is in a position to absorb. It is anticipated that a proportion of the remaining officers will be invited by the Government of India to serve with the Indian Army of the future and that they will be willing so to serve.Responsibility for the payment of pensions and the other matters referred to in the Question rests with the Government of India. Provision for the due discharge of that responsibility will be within the scope of the proposed treaty negotiations covering matters which arise in connection with the transfer of power from British to Indian hands.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the fact that British officers serving in the Indian Army are to be transferred to the British Army means that the Indian Army is being disbanded, either partly or wholly; and what decision has been reached as to the future relationship of the Indian Army to the Crown.

No, Sir. Partial disbandment of the Indian Army is, it is true, taking place as the result of the transition from war to peace conditions but the transfer to which the hon. Member refers is connected with the impending constitutional changes as they may affect the individual officer. As regards the second part of the Question no decision has been taken. The future relationship of the Indian Army to the Crown must depend upon the future constitution of India, and cannot be decided as a separate issue.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador at Athens will urge the Greek Government to use as sparingly as possible its powers under the new Greek Press laws and will draw the attention of that Government to the prejudicial effect that any suppression of the freedom of the Greek Press would have on British and Allied opinion in view of the presence of British troops in that country and the danger that they might become involved in disorders arising from such suppression.

His Majesty's Ambassador has already made such representations. According to my latest information the Press law has not been invoked since its introduction.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why His Majesty's Government have not yet ratified the Constitution of the International Refugee Association; and when they propose to do so.

Instructions have now been sent to the permanent United Kingdom representative to the United Nations authorising him to sign the constitution of the International Refugee Organisation in respect of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the official statements made in the U.S.S.R. to the effect that the Treaty of 1920 demilitarising Spitzbergen is no longer binding because, inter alia, the U.S.S.R. did not adhere to that treaty till 1925; and what action he proposes to take to uphold this treaty.

I am not aware of any official statement on the part of the Soviet Government regarding the Treaty of 1920. My attention has, however, been drawn to a broadcast from Moscow on 14th January in which the view of authoritative Soviet circles is stated to be that this Treaty was signed without knowledge of the Soviet Union and without its participation, and that since, among the Powers which signed it, there were States which fought against the Allied Powers, it could not remain valid. In the view of His Majesty's Government the fact that ex-enemy States were among the signatories does not affect the validity of the Treaty, to which the Soviet Union formally acceded in 1935.As regards the second part of the Question, the Soviet Government have not approached His Majesty's Government regarding their desire for a revision of the Treaty. Such a revision would require the consent of the signatories, with the exception of Japan.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered a proposal that a delegation of Members of Parliament should visit the British zones of Germany and Austria, to report on the problem of displaced persons in these zones in its international aspect; and whether arrangements will now be made for this visit to take place.

Yes, Sir. At the request of His Majesty's Government the hon. Members for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick), for North Wembley (Mr. Hobson), and for Lewes (Major Beamish) are making such a visit, and arrangements have been made for them to leave on 4th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British troops were held in custody by the Yugoslav authorities at the end of the year; how long these men have been in custody; and when are they to be released.

Six British soldiers were held in custody by the Yugoslav authorities at the end of 1946. All had been detained since entering Yugoslavia on various dates between 14th August and 11th September, 1946. Five of them were released on 10th January. The sixth, Private Parker, 8th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, is still detained. Representations are being made to the Yugoslav Government for his release.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members of our Warsaw Embassy had any communication with the underground movements hostile to the postwar Polish Government.

His Majesty's Embassy have on my right hon. Friend's instructions made it widely known in Poland that His Majesty's Government give no countenance or support whatever to underground movements hostile to the Polish Provisional Government. I am sure that neither the Ambassador nor his staff, with his knowledge, have done anything contrary to these instructions.

asked the Minister of Food the calorie value of the meat ration issued to civilians, prisoners of war and the Armed Forces, respectively, in this country; and how it compares with this time last year.

The approximate daily calorie value of the meat ration is 160 for civilians, 150 for prisoners of war and 340 for the Armed Forces at the present time. In January, 1946, the figures were about 150, 150 and 380 respectively.

asked the Minister of Food why butchers who gave extra meat on emergency cards at Christmas have not been able to recoup the extra meat for the following week from the Food Office; if he is aware that one small country butcher lost 80 rations; and that this practice will stop emergency card holders getting extra rations next time a similar concession is made.

Extra supplies of meat were allocated to butchers before Christmas to enable them to supply the increased ration to holders of temporary ration cards as well as to registered customers. These allocations have been generally adequate, but if any butcher is unable to meet the legitimate demands of his customers because of the Christmas arrangements, he should get in touch with the local deputy meat agent, who can make further supplies available where really justified.

asked the Minister of Food the total amount of meat received from the Argentine in the last six months which has been condemned as unfit for consumption before retailing in the United Kingdom; what percentage of the amount purchased this represents; who is responsible for its condition; and who will pay the loss.

Just under 87½ tons of Argentine carcase meat, or 0.065 per cent. of purchases, was so condemned in the six months ended 30th November, 1946. Separate figures are not available for Argentine canned meat, but the proportion condemned is probably not far from the average: 0.34 per cent. The responsibility for these losses has not yet been worked out, and may rest with the sellers, shipping companies, underwriters, or inland transport or storage undertakings, according to the circumstances of each case. Normally, my Department bears only a small proportion of the total losses.

asked the Minister of Food the export duties on tea proposed by the Governments of India and Ceylon; and the approximate increase in price per lb. which these taxes would cause to British tea drinkers.

I understand that the duties on Indian tea will be 2 annas per lb. from 16th January, and on supplies from Ceylon 38 rupees 15 annas per 100 lb.—an increase of 35 rupees—from 28th January. These represent increases of 2¼d. and 6.89d. per lb. respectively in the cost at source, but it is not yet possible to estimate what increase in the price in this country will result from these duties and from the discontinuance of the bulk purchase arrangements which were in force until the end of last year.

asked the Minister of Food what progress has been made with regard to obtaining oil from herring in order to increase the fat ration.

During the 1946 season, 1894 tons of herrings were sent to reduction factories for processing into oil and feeding meal. It is hoped to make extended arrangements on similar lines for the main herring fishings in 1947. The quantity of oil produced will not, of course, be sufficient in itself to permit an increase in the fat ration. Meanwhile, in conjunction with my right hon. Friends the Fisheries Ministers, I have set up a committee to study various long-term schemes for the reduction of herrings.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity and value of pre-packed cereal breakfast foods, imported and home-produced, respectively, were consumed in Great Britain during the last 12 months or other convenient period; and if he will take steps to encourage an increase in the production, sale and consumption of the latter, as against the former, in view of the great potentialities of the mills of the north of Scotland.

53,700 tons of home-produced ready-to-eat cereal breakfast foods, worth about £5,799,000 at retail prices, were distributed in 1946; none of this type have been imported since 1942. 229 tons of imported pre-packed oatflakes worth about £9,600, and 29,892 tons of home produced pre-packed oatflakes worth about £1,307,800 were distributed during the year. Every encouragement is given to home manufacturers to meet this country's requirements

asked the Minister of Food what reply he has given to the representations made to him by the Scottish Retail Fruit Trade Federation concerning recent allocations of imported fruit to Scotland.

I have sent my hon. Friend a copy of my letter to the Federation, which explains that Scotland did not get any Almerian grapes—about 10 per cent. of the total supply—because the contract was not fulfilled, but points out that Scotland has received a much larger share of the other fruits we import than the Midlands or the South.

asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the fact that the price of linseed oil is being raised to £200 a ton, castor oil firsts to £180 and seconds to £176, sperm oil to £125, rape oil to £190, all showing recent and large increases, he will state the stocks held in Britain and their purchase price, and explain these sharp rises.

For the reasons I have given on a number of previous occasions, I cannot disclose the stock position. The new prices just announced are based on the estimated weighted cost of the various oils under our current import programme.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider discontinuing the imports of luxury fruits and thus reduce expenditure of sterling abroad and relieve transport for more useful purposes.

I can assure my hon. Friend that the importation of fruits such as tangerines to which I take it he refers is only permitted where they do not adversely affect our balance of payments position nor draw off any shipping required for other more vital purposes. I must say I think these fruits have been very welcome.

asked the Minister of Food if he will now take oatmeal off points.

I am happy to say that I have been able to halve the points value of oatmeal, so that the position should now improve.

asked the Minister of Food why a manual worker's bread ration is made available to works and factory cleaners engaged on production processes and in cleaning accumulated waste and not to other cleaners who have to work at night and have no means of getting meals during working hours.

The issue of the special bread ration is based on the type of work done, not on hours of work. Those cleaners who receive additional coupons perform especially heavy work which is essential to the maintenance of production in the industries concerned.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that mothers with very young children are finding the present soap allowance inadequate for the purpose of maintaining a reasonable standard of cleanliness; and if he will devise some plan for supplementing the allowance in such cases.

I realise that it may be difficult for mothers with small children to manage on the present rations of soap and have done all I can to ease the position by granting special allowances. Unhappily, until the fat supplies increase I am unable to increase the present ration scales of soap any further.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, in the last week in January, out of 62 shops in the borough of Hornsey selling soap, 24 were unable to honour soap coupons presented to them; and if he will take steps to eliminate the inconvenience to housewives who are compelled to go from shop to shop to try and buy soap.

As I explained to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Captain Crowder) on 22nd January, I have recently authorised manufacturers to increase the distribution of soap by 5 per cent. and that should ease the position.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the present inquiry into the marketing of agricultural products, he will consider creating a central abattoir system under veterinary control which would assist in eradicating disease from farm livestock.

The veterinary aspects of an abattoir system are undoubtedly important and, though they may be of secondary importance to the economic aspects, they will not be overlooked when decisions on future slaughterhouse policy are taken by the Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of home-grown fruit, he will take steps to encourage allotment holders and local authorities to plant fruit trees wherever practicable.

I am anxious to see an expansion of the fruit tree acreage, but owing to the shortage of young trees it would not generally be to the national advantage to divert part of the limited supply to allotments and other land in the hands of local authorities. In my view such land should primarily he used for vegetables.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the hon. Member for The High Peak will receive a reply to his letter of 24th October, 1946, complaining that two land girls had been employed in a private pleasure garden.

I much regret the delay in this matter, about which I have written to the hon Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when it is intended to pay the subsidy to farmers for the 1946 potato and wheat crops.

Over 93 per cent of acreage payments in respect of the 1946 crops have already been made, but if the hon. and gallant Member has any cases of delay in mind I shall be glad to investigate them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantity of Danish cocksfoot grass seed imported in 1946 and its cost; the amount of such grass seed produced in Great Britain in 1946; whether, as a result of the quantity imported, there is now a surplus over the estimated 1947 requirements; and whether having regard to the effect on seed production in Great Britain, he proposes to permit the importation of a further 700 tons from Denmark

I am advised that the total quantity of cocksfoot grass seed obtained by the Seeds Import Board from Denmark in 1946 was 1,589 tons, the landed cost of which was approximately £250,000, This seed was required to meet the demand for sowing during the 1945–46 season. No figures are available of the production of Danish strains of cocksfoot seed in Great Britain, but I understand that the quantity of this class of seed carried in stock was substantially less than the quantity estimated to be needed for the 1946–47 sowing season. The Seeds Import Board have recently imported 730 tons of cocksfoot seed from Denmark to make up the deficiency, but have no intention at present of importing more.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will take steps to ensure that veterinary tests carried out on pedigree livestock in the United Kingdom and Canada conform to the same standards.

There are practical difficulties in this proposal, but it is hoped to discuss the matter with the Canadian authorities in the near future.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to see that either the existing beet sugar factories are enlarged sufficiently to deal with the 1947 stock or erect new factories and avoid the long-distance traffic at present incurred by many growers.

The question of additional beet sugar factory capacity is at present under consideration in the light of representations from the National Farmers' Union. In any event, it would not he possible to provide additional capacity in time for the 1947 campaign, having regard to other claims on labour and materials required for building and machinery manufacture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he intends taking to ensure that electricity cuts do not render infertile eggs hatching in electric incubators.

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power that electricity undertakings have been asked to have particular regard to consumers using electricity for continuous processes such as incubation of eggs. Owners or managers of hatcheries dependent on electricity are advised to approach their electricity supply undertakings with a view to making mutually satisfactory arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of persons employed by A.E.Cs.; the total number of vehicles in use by them; and the total expenditure by these committees.

The total number of persons employed by county war agricultural executive committees is approximately 48,500. The number of vehicles in use is 11,500. Expenditure for 1945–1946 will be published early this year. For expenditure incurred in previous years I would refer the hon. Member to the Civil Appropriation Accounts, Unclassified Votes, for 1940 and 1941, and Class X for 1942–1944.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present position in regard to the W.L.A.; how many members are there in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively; the nett cost to the taxpayer; and how much of this is represented in overhead expenses.

The present strength of the Women's Land Army in England, Scotland and Wales is 25,800, 1,800 and 1,900 respectively. The net cost of the Women's Land Army in the last financial year was £898,000. Of this, £284,000 is in respect of overhead expenses. These figures do not include the cost of postage, accommodation, etc., borne on the Votes of other Departments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now consider disbanding the W.L.A. and taking immediate steps, under local arrangements made by the county A.E.Cs., to encourage suitable women to come forward for training, especially in dairy work, shepherding and horticulture and to arrange for their subsequent employment within the county.

As I explained in my reply on 14th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Allighan) my desire is that the Women's Land Army shall continue in being for a further period and I cannot, therefore, contemplate the measures recommended by the hon. Member. I hope that experience in the Land Army will lead numbers of women to take up permanent agricultural employment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will declare his policy for the future disposal and slaughtering of fat livestock.

No announcement can yet be made regarding the Government's future policy for the disposal and slaughtering of fat livestock.

asked the Minister of Transport on what date he was notified by the Minister of Civil Aviation of the altered plan for the London Airport which necessitated the resiting of the New Bath Road in the rural district of Yiewsley and West Drayton; and on what date he communicated this information to the Minister of Health.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23rd January to a Question by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin).

asked the Minister of Transport when he requested the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee to examine the means for relieving congestion in the streets of London; and whether any recommendations have yet been received from this committee.

I met the members of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee on 7th November last and asked them to give special attention to the traffic problems in central London. Since that date a number of recommendations of a minor character have been received from the committee, to which effect is being given. It must, I am afraid, be some little time before the committee will be in a position to advise me of their major recommendations.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the numerous complaints in the Bangor area of Caernarvonshire on the part of workers against the withdrawal of the privilege previously extended to them of having priority in omnibus queues at certain hours of the day; and if he will issue instructions for a restoration of that privilege so that workers may not suffer their present inconvenience and hardship of unduly late arrival at their homes after work.

I am advised that there is some congestion in the Bangor area at present owing to seasonal shortening of the working hours at the quarries. The Crosville Motor Services are, unfortunately, not in a position to run additional relief vehicles. I do not think that conditions in the Bangor district warrant the re-introduction of a priority system which has now been largely withdrawn throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a railway ban was imposed on goods travelling from Chester to the east of England on 1st January, 1947; how long this ban will be in force; and when normal goods traffic between the west of England and Lincolnshire will be in full operation.

Rail traffic from Chester and the adjacent area to Lincolnshire has been affected by the restrictions on acceptance of traffic imposed by the railway companies because of shortage of locomotive power and the need to ensure the movement of coal. These restrictions will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the complaints from the Fife fishing ports regarding the delays in delivering fish consigned from Fife to London, Glasgow and other centres; and what action he is taking in the matter.

No complaints have been made to my Department about delays to this traffic. I am informed that delay has occurred because the fish has not been handed to the railway company till late in the evening. Arrangements have now been made with the company for the fish to be loaded sufficiently early to be forwarded the same night.

asked the Minister of Transport how many oil-burning locomotives are now running in this country, and how many are now being equipped with oil firing.

Eighteen locomotives have, so far, been equipped for oil burning. It is proposed eventually to equip 1,217.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continuous delay in the transport of coal from the colliery districts of South Wales; that large numbers of loaded coal wagons are held up for weeks in railway and dock sidings; and what action he proposes to Lake in the matter.

I am not aware of any continuous delay in the transit of coal from the colliery districts of South Wales, although the recent bad weather has made railway operations difficult. Owing to uncertainty of shipping, also due to bad weather, wagons with coal for shipment must, from time to time, be held under load.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increased costs and waste, he will forthwith cease the direction of shipping tonnage.

No, Sir, and I do not accept the implication in the Question. I have already been able to free shipment of a number of commodities from direction, but conditions affecting availability of other important hulk commodities are not yet such as to permit me to dispense for the time being with direction of shipping for their transport.

asked the Minister of Transport for how much longer it is proposed to charge passengers first-class fares for troopship accommodation; and when it is proposed to hand back to the shipping companies responsibility for arrangements on board their own ships.

First-class fares are not charged on troopships. The fares charged for cabin and similar accommodation are generally below commercial first-class fares on routes where commercial ships are operating. The use of requisitioned transports for civilian passengers is necessary while the release and reconversion of passenger ships for trading is proceeding if passengers are to be moved meanwhile. The rate of progress in release and reconversion is governed not only by the remaining trooping requirements but also by the capacity of the yards to accept the work of reconversion. Twenty-five passenger ships are being refitted for commercial service at the present time, and by the end of the year practically all passenger liners suitable for trading will have been released and will be then either sailing or undergoing reconversion. Requisitioned transports are managed on my behalf by the shipping companies.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has for the future of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The future of this canal will be decided by the British Transport Commission, in whom it will vest under the Transport Bill.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that manufacturers of engines for fishing vessels cannot offer delivery under two years; that this is causing hindrance to the development of the fishing fleets and much hardship to ex-Servicemen now trying to resume activities in the fishing industry; and what action he is taking to expedite delivery of these engines.

Several manufacturers are quoting delivery periods averaging nine months and only one is quoting two years. At my request they are making special efforts to meet the needs of fishermen.

asked the Minister of Supply the total tonnage of baling wire available to agriculture in 1945 and the estimated total for 1946; and what action he has taken to ensure adequate supplies of this material to farmers.

About 9,500 tons of cut and looped baling wire were made available to agriculture in 1945 and about 10,000 tons in 1946. In addition a certain amount of wire in coil was supplied in 1946, but no information is available as to the quantity. Production is now running at more than three times the prewar level, but supplies are still much below demand. I am afraid that, owing to the serious shortage of wire rods, there can be no substantial increase in home supplies at present, but negotiations have been completed for the importation of 2,000 tons from Belgium.

asked the Minister of Supply what stocks of carpenters' tools are held by his Department; and what steps he intends to take to release these, in view of the shortage of supply of these tools to the trade.

No carpenters' tools are held by my Department except when there are surpluses in course of disposal.

asked the Minister of Supply whether anything is being done to implement the proposals of the Brassert Report, the White Paper on iron and steel, and the plans of the Clyde Valley Regional Planning Commission, with special reference to the need for an integrated steel plant, at or near Inchinnan, Renfrewshire.

The various proposals for the modernisation and development of the industry in Scotland and elsewhere are being carefully examined by the Iron and Steel Board. The establishment of a fully integrated plant involves difficult technical and social considerations, and, whilst the Board are doing everything possible to speed up the discussions, it will be some time before final decisions can be made.

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent arrangements have been completed for experiment and research in the design, construction and operations of new types of air liners and other civil aircraft.

So far as research and development are concerned, an increasingly greater proportion of the existing resources, both of the industry and the Government, has been devoted to civil types during the past year, and a Civil Aircraft Research Committee of the Aeronautical Research Council has recently been formed. Experiment and research in the operation of civil aircraft are conducted by the corporations, who have organisations for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Works what schedule exists in his Department of essential paint ingredients to meet the needs of the whole or any specific part of the coming year.

No schedule exists but the paint and distemper requirements of the building programme, including an assessment of the linseed oil content thereof, have been estimated by my Department up to the end of 1947.

asked the Minister of Works what special arrangements he is making to ensure that the increasing demand for paint will be satisfactorily met; and whether he is satisfied that the W.B.A. priority scheme is meeting all the needs of the housing programme.

My right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Food are making every effort to obtain increased supplies of the ingredients necessary to paint production. In reply to the second part of the Question, the W.B.A. priority scheme is in the main achieving its object, but I have the arrangements for distribution under constant review.

asked the Minister of Works in view of the fact that the production of hollow clay blocks for housing is only about half the prewar capacity, what steps are being taken to augment the supply.

At the present moment I am not in a position to make a statement on this subject, but I hope to be able to give information about the steps I am taking in the near future.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that 50 aluminium temporary houses were supplied to the urban district council of Newton, Lancashire, and that, with these houses, details were given how heating by means of ducts should be controlled; that these houses are now occupied but no ducts have been fitted in them, with the result that complaints alleging extreme coldness have been made by the tenants; and why a year will probably elapse before heating ducts are supplied to this type of house which are stated to have been constructed by Messrs. Vickers Armstrongs, Chester.

I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply that the first aluminium temporary houses were not fitted with heating ducts before leaving the factories. Arrangements have been made to supply all these houses with ducts as soon as possible, and work on the houses at Newton is due to start almost immediately.

asked the Minister of Works if he will issue an up-to-date statement applicable to the Parliamentary Division of North Blackpool, showing how many buildings by type, whether private or public hotel or private house, and the floorspace, are now under requisition to his Department and other Government Departments, specifying each Department separately; and whether he will indicate the Government's plans for derequisitioning these buildings.

My Department holds 27 hotels and boarding houses in the Parliamentary Division of North Blackpool, with a total floor space of 497,000 square ft. and one private house with a floor space of 1,200 square ft. No other Government Department holds hotels or houses in the area, but the local authority holds premises on requisition for housing purposes. I anticipate that the majority of the hotels held by my Department will be released during the, course of the year on transfer elsewhere of the Government staff in occupation, leaving only two or three large hotels and four small hotels under requisition in 1948. The house is occupied as a residence by a divisional officer of the National Fire Service and all attempts to secure other accommodation for him have so far failed.

asked the Minister of Works why his regional office has refused a permit for a bath to be installed in a house occupied by four farmworkers at East Garston, Berkshire.

I assume the Question refers to an application made by Country Life Ltd. in respect of bathroom accommodation at two agricultural cottages at East Garston. The work involved was fairly substantial and after consultation with the local authority, the application was refused in accordance with the general policy that where materials are in short supply they must not be diverted from the construction of new houses however desirable the improvement of existing accommodation may be. Local authorities now deal with all applications for housing work and if the application is renewed to the local authority it will no doubt be considered.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the refusal to release 1852732 Corporal Crabbe, R.A.F., under Class B, is holding up the completion of the Yorkley Slade Housing Scheme, Forest of Dean, through inability of the contractor to find skilled electricians; and whether he will give the matter further urgent consideration.

Corporal Crabbe is not eligible for Class B release within the arrangements announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 13th December last. I suggest that any difficulties in connection with the local labour position should be discussed with the manager of the local employment exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement regarding the employment in civil occupations of the large number of Polish men and women who are at present being kept in idleness, which is causing much resentment in the areas where they are stationed.

I have nothing to add to the replies given in the House on 28th January.

asked the Minister of Works when he proposes to publish the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Welsh Slate Industry; and what form such publication will take.

I hope to see the Report published by the Stationery Office this month as a non-Parliamentary publication.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the recent curtailment in the quota of glass for horticultural purposes has resulted in, cuts to the extent of 75 per cent. of supplies in the case of one of the largest Scottish firms and 66 per cent. in the case of an equally large English firm; that, in consequence, horticulturists in most parts of the country are now in difficulty many of them having obtained licences for repair and alteration of structures and actually begun pulling down the old structures; and if he will make inquiries into the situation and take steps to improve the supplies of such glass.

The recent reductions in deliveries of horticultural glass have been due in the main to the temporary closure of a unit for repairs, to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 16th December. This unit is now in production again. The output of horticultural glass will be maintained at the highest level possible with the available supplies of fuel, and I have agreed to the import of such glass in meeting the demand.

asked the Minister of Works if he will take steps to have expert attention given to the picture in Committee Room No. 14, "The House of Commons, 1628–9," which is rapidly deteriorating.

Yes, Sir. I will arrange for this and other pictures to receive attention in due course.

asked the. Minister of Works whether he will make such local arrangements as will enable Members who own motor cars to park them under cover in severe weather conditions while in attendance on this House.

I regret that I am unable to make such arrangements. So far as I can see, the only feasible way of doing so would be to erect a shelter in New Palace Yard and I do not think that such a proposal would commend itself to hon. Members generally.

asked the Minister of Works when the Report of the Brick Amenities Committee will be published; and what action he proposes to take to implement its recommendations.

I welcome this Report which has been published today and commend it to those responsible for carrying on the industry. The improvements it recommends will make the industry more attractive to recruits and will give encouragement to those already employed in it. The suggestions with regard to technical improvements are already under consideration in connection with a report on technical problems of production recently made by a Committee of the National Brick Advisory Council and the industry can count on any assistance that it is in the power of my Department to give. The Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Fuel and Power are reviewing the statutory welfare requirements for brickworks and clay pits respectively in the light of the recommendations of the committee, and I understand that the Ministry of Labour contemplate the early publication of Draft Regulations to strengthen the existing Clay Works Welfare Order under the Factories Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will quote the text of the Treasury's guarantee of the five per cent. Debenture Stock, 1931–57, of the North Metropolitan Power Station Company, Limited; and if he will give an assurance that the Government do not propose to impair this guarantee by legislation.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT: 30th January, Vol. 432, Cols. 1115/6], supplied the following statement:

My Lords read the Trade Facilities Act 1921 (11 and 12 Geo. 5, c. 65) which Act as amended and extended by subsequent legislation empowers the Treasury to guarantee the payment of the interest and principal, or of either interest or principal, of any Loan proposed to be raised whether within or without the United Kingdom by any Government any public authority or any corporation or other body of persons when after consultation with the Advisory committee established under the said Act, they are satisfied that the proceeds are to be applied towards or in connection with the carrying out of any capital undertaking or in connection with the purchase of articles (other than munitions of war) manufactured or produced in the United Kingdom required for the purposes of any such undertaking and that the application of the loan in the manner proposed is calculated to promote employment in the United Kingdom.

My Lords have before them a recommendation hum the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee that a guarantee be given to the North Metropolitan Power Station Company Limited in respect of an issue of Guaranteed Debenture Stock for a sum not exceeding £850,000, the proceeds of which are to be expended in the carrying out of the works specified in the Agreement next mentioned.

The terms of the said Loan and the conditions of the said guarantee as arranged with the North Metropolitan Power Station Company Limited are contained in an Agreement, dated 6th October, 1926, and made between the North Metropolitan Power Station Company Limited and My Lords.

My Lords are satisfied that the conditions laid down in the said Act are fufilled in the case of this proposed Loan and They accordingly give Their guarantee for the payment of interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum on the said sum of not exceeding £850,000 Guaranteed Debenture Stock and for the repayment of the said sum of not exceeding,£850,000 Guaranteed Debenture Stock on the due dates.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will consider the need for amending the Superannuation Act, 1834, whereby a Civil Service pensioner appointed to fill any office in the Civil Service must not receive any pension which, when added to pay and emoluments, would exceed his pay and emoluments on retirement.

No, Sir. I assume the hon. Member is referring to Section 20 of the Superannuation Act, 1834, under which the pension payable during any period of re-employment is restricted to the amount, if any, by which pre-retirement pay exceeded pay on reemployment. I cannot agree that this is an unreasonable provision.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the number of persons in all Government Departments, respectively, employed as public relations officers and Press officers; the total number in each respective Department; and the total annual cost.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 21st January, 1947; Volume 432, Col. 3–4], supplied the following information:The following table gives for all Departments, other than the Central Office of Information, the particulars to which I referred in my reply on 21st January. The figures cover all staff in the information sections of the Departments concerned, other than subordinate clerical and typing staff.

asked the Minister of Health what plans have been inaugurated to improve the supply of drinking water to the Hertismere district of Suffolk.

A comprehensive scheme is being prepared for those parts of the district at present without a piped supply of water. Schemes are under consideration for extensions of mains which will eventually be merged with the compre- hensive scheme but which can in the meantime be served by existing sources. Two such extensions have already been carried out, seven others have been approved and further extensions estimated to cost £100,000 are in preparation.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions existing at St. Peter's Hospital, Covent Garden, where several maids and assistant cooks have given notice to leave owing to the bad living accommodation, scarcity of food and unsatisfactory off-duty hours; and if he will cause an inquiry to be held in the hospital, with a view to effecting improvements.

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend when they are completed.

asked the Minister of Health what priorities exist at the present time for the allocation of new houses to agricultural workers in Suffolk.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 25 of the White Paper on the Housing Programme for 1947.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a trooper, whose name has been communicated, was refund permission to delay his demobilisation on the grounds that he wished to marry a German girl; and whether it is the Government's policy to refuse to retain in the Forces men who desire to marry Germans

This soldier applied to defer his release for six months but his application was refused because he could not be regarded as fulfilling the necessary condition of being suitable in all respects for employment in his existing or in a higher rank in his own arm of the Service or in extra regimental employment. The refusal of his application was not based on his desire to marry a German.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to change of conditions of service, officers who joined the R.A.M.C. in January, 1946, are due for demobilisation earlier than officers who enlisted during the latter part of 1945; that this is causing dissatisfaction among the latter officers, as an example submitted shows; and whether he will take steps to rectify the position.

To increase the intake of specialists to the three Services, and thereby make possible the more rapid release of those already serving, a number of specialists over 30 years of age were called up under special conditions in the early part of 1946 and granted short service emergency commissions for 18 months. Unfortunately, it became evident that the numbers recruited under these conditions would be insufficient to permit of the acceleration in the release of those serving to the desired extent, and that the anomaly mentioned in the Question would also result. These special conditions of entry were, therefore, discontinued in November last. Everything possible is being done to accelerate the release of specialists called up before the scheme was introduced, but I regret there is no way of avoiding the anomaly in some cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the result of the discussions which have taken place between the British and French authorities on the French National Solidarity Tax.

While the French authorities have stated that they do not consider that Article 11 of the Anglo-French Commercial Convention of 1882 entitles British interests even to partial exemption from the National Solidarity tax, they have nevertheless agreed to make certain substantial concessions in the application of the tax to British interests. The extent of these concessions has been described in an announcement published by the Board of Trade in the Press on 31st October and in the communiqué issued on 5th November at the end of the meeting of British and French economic experts in London. Some further points of detail are still under discussion. I should like to take this opportunity of explaining the reasons which led His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to decide not to press any claim in defence of British interests based on the provisions contained in Article it of the Convention of 1882, a claim which on a purely legal reading of the Convention would appear to have some foundation.

asked the Secretary at State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Jamaica Public Service Company is converting the electricity supply in many parts of the island from 60 cycles to 40 cycles; and what action he proposes to take in view of the fact that this means that radio sets, electric motors, or any other equipment imported from Great Britain the U.S.A. or Canada cannot be used without costly re-wiring.

According to my information, by far the greater part of the electrical systems in Jamaica provided by the company named, at present operates on 40 cycles. In view of the present difficulty in obtaining supplies, particularly of rotational equipment, representations have been made as to the desirability of converting the entire electrical frequency of Jamaica, wherever necessary, from 40 cycles to a standard frequency of 50 or 60 cycles and I have been asked to obtain for the Government of Jamaica an impartial report by consulting engineers in the U.K. on this question. A report of this nature has now been received by me and is being forwarded to the Government of Jamaica who will, I have no doubt, see that full opportunity is given to all interested to consider the question further.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many regional boards there are in Scotland; and how many applications were made for help of advice to each of them in 1946.

Presumably the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Regional Boards for Industry, of which one is in Scotland. The Scottish Board is served by six district committees, consisting of representatives from both sides of industry. These committees advise the Regional Board upon industrial conditions in their districts. Information as to how many applications were made for help and advice in 1946 is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many building projects for new factories and extensions to existing buildings were approved in the year 1946; how many workers will be employed as a result of these developments; and of this total, how many were in the development areas, and how many were in Scotland.

Two thousand and sixty-six new factories and extensions to existing factories were approved in Great Britain during 1946. These building projects, when completed and in full production, should provide employment for approximately 246,000 workers. Of the total number of projects, 774, with an employment value amounting to approximately 141,000 workers, were in the development areas and 342, with an employment value of approximately 49,600, in Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the revised schedule of prices for home-grown timber.

If the hon. Member is referring to standing timber, the revised prices are given in the Control of Growing Trees and Home-Grown Round Timber in the Log (No. 3) Order, 1946 (S.R. & O. 1946 No. 2209). The revised prices for home-grown converted timber are given in the Control of Timber (No. 44) (Home Grown Timber Prices) Order, 1947 (S.R. & O. 1947, No. 94), and for home-grown mining timber in the Control of Timber (No. 45) (Mining Timber Prices) Order, 1947 (S.R. & O. 1947, No. 95).

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the allocation of coal to the cotton industry is granted on the basis of a percentage of the industry's normal winter requirements and allocations made to other industries on the basis of a percentage of maximum production requirements.

The revised allocation for cotton is calculated on the same basis as for other industry, i.e. as a percentage of its previous allocaiton.