asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds the import is refused of such articles as shoes and gameskin bags manufactured in the Colonies.

Imports from the Colonies have in general been limited to essentials in order to protect our balance of payments position. Licences have, therefore, been refused for gameskin bags, but I would be quite prepared to consider on their merits any applications for licences to import suitable footwear.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of new and second-hand private motor cars, respectively, imported into the United Kingdom from Northern Ireland during the year 1946.

As my hon. Friend is aware, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and the question of imports does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of new and secondhand private motor cars, respectively, imported into the United Kingdom from Eire during the year 1946.

During 1946, one new and 47 used motor cars were imported into the United Kingdom from Eire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the report of the recently returned Trade Mission to the Far East will be published.

I understand that Sir Leslie Boyce and the members of the Goodwill Mission to China are preparing their report as rapidly as possible but I am not yet in a position to say when it will be published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total exports to, and imports from, Belgium during 1946.

Total exports to Belgium in 1946 amounted to £30,579,000, including 3,654,00o in respect of re-exports, and imports from Belgium to £14,702,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total exports to, and imports from, the Belgian Congo during 1946.

Total exports to the Belgian Congo in 1946 amounted to £2,962,0oo, including £2,000 in respect of re-exports, and imports from the Belgian Congo to £10,500,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of imports into Japan from North European ports have been carried in the year 1946 by United States and British ships, respectively.

The returns available of imports into Japan from Northern Europe do not show in what ships they are carried.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of considerable stocks of raw rubber in this country and production at a higher scale than anticipated of raw rubber in Malaya, he will now release more adequate supplies of tyres for the home market.

The production of tyres has not been restricted by the supplies of raw rubber but by other factors, such as skilled labour and production capacity.

asked the Prime Minister whether the forthcoming White Paper on the economic prospects of the nation will include statistics enabling a comparison to be made of productivity per man hour in the chief industries in 1939 and 1946.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the White Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the case of undertakings which are reducing their hours of work from 48 to 44 per week, he will consider maintaining the hours at 48 until the output lost by the recent fuel cuts has been made good.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) yesterday.

asked the Minister of Labour when his Department interviewed Poles for work in the mines; how many were found to be willing and suitable for the work; and how many such men have started work or training.

Poles claiming mining experience were interviewed in Scotland last June by officers of the Ministry of Fuel and Power and 200 of these were willing to consider employment in the mines and were classified as suitable, a number of whom subsequently decided to return to Poland or to emigrate. At that time, however, the industry had not agreed to accept Poles for work in the mines. Agreement in principle was only recently secured subject to further consultation and agreement on detail. This has now been achieved and the selection of men in consultation with industrial representatives will begin this week but it will be some little time before the maximum flow into the training centres is achieved.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. W. Rendall, 19, Sprowston Road, E.7, a disabled man through war injuries, has been unable to obtain employment although he has been attending the Stratford Employment Exchange continuously since June, 1946; and what action he proposes to take to assist this man in obtaining suitable employment.

The applicant referred to, who is registered as a disabled person, has been placed twice since June, 1946; he left the first employment of his own accord, and from the second he was discharged on redundancy. Continued efforts will be made by the Stratford Employment Exchange to find him employment suited to his disability.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that women employed in the engineering and allied trades have increased by 354,000 since June, 1939, whereas those employed in wool, cotton, silk, hosiery and other textile trades have decreased by 159,000 in the same period; and, in view of the clothes shortages, what further steps are being taken to attract labour, particularly female labour, from metals to clothes industries.

Yes, Sir. Every step has been and will be taken to meet the demands of the textile industry.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons of military age were not called up for military service during the last war on occupational grounds.

It is estimated that up to the end of hostilities about 3,200,000 men, now aged 20–46, registered under the National Service Acts were retained in their civil employments on occupational grounds. This figure includes a large number of men (estimated at about 800,000) who were medically unfit for service in the Armed Forces.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of persons charged with the duties of enforcement officer in each Ministry or duties similar thereto, distinguishing between whole and part time and men and women officers, respectively.

The numbers of officers charged with duties of enforcement are given by Departments in the table below:

Department.	Men.		Women.
	Whole Time.	Part Time.	Whole Time.	Part Time.
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.	49	—	1	—
Customs & Excise	38	—	—	—
Ministry. of Food	662	137	22	—
Ministry of Fuel and Power	98	—	—	—
Ministry of Health	8	2	—	—
Inland Revenue	30	—	24	—
Ministry of National Insurance	417	—	280	—
Ministry of supply	3	—	—	—
Board of Trade	150	—	43	—
Ministry of Transport	216	—	—	—
Ministry of Works	52	—	—	—
Scotland:
Dept. of Agriculture	5	—	1	—
Fisheries Dept.	59	—	—	—
Total All Depts.	1,789	139	371	—

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the cost of school exercise books and other paper used for purely educational purposes is now two-and-a-half times what it was in 1939, he will consider favourably the removal of the tax in his next Budget on this class of educational material.

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the cost, respectively, of buying and adapting Sherwood Lodge; and how many workers will be accommodated there.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) the number of bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, joiners and painters who have been, or are being, employed at the National Coal Board's area headquarters at Sherwood Lodge, Nottinghamshire;(2) how much linoleum has been ordered for covering the floors at Sherwood Lodge, Nottinghamshire, the new area headquarters of the National Coal Board;(3) the cost of altering and decorating the interior of Sherwood Lodge, Nottinghamshire, recently acquired for the accommodation of the National Coal Board officials.

I have no information as to the purchase price of Sherwood Lodge for use by the East Midland Division of the National Coal Board, nor of the number of workpeople employed on the alterations, nor of the quantities of materials used, nor of bow many staff it will accommodate. It is not part of the functions of my Department to provide office accommodation for the National Coal Board, my Department's responsibility being confined to the authorisation of repairs and alterations to adapt accommodation for the use of the office staff engaged upon the administration of mining operations in the East Midlands coalfield. The cost of the adaptations amounted to £3,820. Neither the purchase price nor the cost of the adaptations is borne by the taxpayer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in what circumstances, and for what reasons, the National Coal Board has bought the largest nursing home in Doncaster; whether it is to be continued as a nursing home; whether he is satisfied that the town and district are well supplied with hospital and nursing home accommodation; and whether the medical profession, and others in the district, had every normal opportunity of bidding for this nursing home.

I have no information about the alleged purchase of a nursing home by the National Coal Board in Doncaster, nor have I received any representations about it from other sources.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the peak number in any one week and the weekly average of men and women employed recently at the Sherwood Lodge divisional headquarters of the National Coal Board; and give details of the numbers of specialists employed as bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, joiners and painters.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given today to the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) if, in order to allay public criticism, he will give an assurance that the contractors and others recently employed at Sherwood Lodge, near Nottingham, the regional offices of the National Coal Board, complied in every respect with the conditions attached to building licences, Note E and Note F, C.L. 1138 (s) (^*5943);(2) why, in view of Ministry of Health circular 54512, Repairs on Homes, of December, 1946, priority was given for repairs to Sherwood Lodge, the headquarters of the National Coal Board, near Nottingham.

This work was authorised by my Department and was not therefore governed by the circulars referred to.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of coalmines in operation in this country at the end of the first world war; how many have closed down since; how many new pits have been sunk since that date; the estimated cost at present of sinking a new shaft; and how long it takes from cutting the first sod to the time when coal is raised from that shaft.

Of the 2,630 coalmines and drifts of all sizes which were at work in 1918, 1,650 are no longer producing coal, but 750 mines and drifts which were not at work in 1918 are at work today. The cost of sinking new shafts, and the time taken between the cutting of the first sod and the raising of the first coal depends so much upon the size and depth of the shaft and upon geological and other technical considerations that no generalisation can usefully be made.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that coal merchants cannot quote prices for securing new contracts as supplies are refused by the collieries except to the present holder of a contract; and if he will consider amending this arrangement which results in the holder being the only offerer.

Contractual arrangements between collieries and merchants are now matters for negotiation between the National Coal Board and the merchants concerned.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of opencast mining sites that have been closed for production due to the heavy falls of snow, and the loss of production, expressed in terms of tons, in consequence of the bad weather.

Fifty-five opencast sites were closed for varying periods because of the site conditions or the blockage of the public highways serving the sites. The resulting loss in coal production is estimated to have been about 113,000 tons during the four weeks ending 15th February.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of opencast mining sites which are now held up from the production of coal due to the lack of the necessary machines to produce coal; and what steps he is taking to procure the machines.

There are eight opencast sites which could be worked in the near future if plant were available. Additional machines are being obtained from British production, from Service surplus and from America.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of men employed in opencast mining, contractors, sub-contractors, and other classes of workmen employed; what is the output per man shift worked, and the cost per ton.

The total number of men employed in opencast coal production including contractors' and directly employed labour averaged about 10,100 during 1946. Figures for output per man shift are not available, but the output per man week for all wage earners averaged 16.3 tons during 1946. As regards the cost of production I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the right hon. Member for the City of London (Mr. Assheton) on 14th February.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many additional men, less wastage, he expects to recruit for the mines in 1947; and how many foreign workers, in addition, it is proposed to recruit and train for mining during the same period.

This is under consideration and I am not yet in a position to give estimates.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal-cutting and mine haulage machinery was installed in British mines in the last 20 years of private ownership.

In 1925 there were 6,650 coal cutters in use in coal mines in Great Britain. The number had increased to 8,300 in 1945 and there was, of course, a considerable change in the capacity of the machines installed. The percentage of coal cut by these machines was 20 per cent. of total output in 1925 and 72 per cent. in 1945. Corresponding details of haulage machinery are not available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that many cottagers in the rural districts of East Fife have no coal and, being without other means of heat such as gas and electricity, are suffering acutely at the present time; and what action he is taking to ensure that these people receive equal treatment with other sections of the community.

I am aware that in one district in East Fife there was a difficulty about coal supplies by a single merchant. Deliveries have, however, now been made to all his consumers and the position will be closely watched to prevent the recurrence of similar difficulties.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the West Bridgford Urban District Council, Nottinghamshire, can expect to receive the decision of the Coal Board on their proposals for reinstating the sewer, laying a storm water system, making up the road and other precautions, in order to prevent further flooding of the houses in Roland Avenue, West Bridgford, due to subsidence from the working of Clifton Colliery, Nottinghamshire, for which he was, prior to 1st January, responsible; and, in view of the urgency of this problem, if he will expedite the decision.

I have forwarded my hon. Friend's inquiry to the National Coal Board who are now responsible for this matter.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Committee of Inquiry on Mining Subsidence has yet met; what are the terms of reference; and what bodies or persons will be invited to give evidence.

The committee held its first meeting on 13th February. Their terms of reference are:

"To examine the law of support and the problem of damage caused by mining subsidence in the light of the nationalisation of coal and the coalmining industry, and to make recommendations."

With regard to the third part of the Question, this is a matter for the committee itself, which I have no doubt is receiving their careful consideration. My hon. Friend may like to communicate direct with their Secretary, Mr. Featherstone-Whitty, at the Ministry of Fuel and Power.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the highest and lowest stocks of coal, respectively, in the years 1940,

Year.				Highest Total of Distributed Stocks.		Lowest Total of Distributed Stocks.
				'000 tons	Month	'000 tons	Month
1940	…	…	…	18,210	end-October	Full details not available.
1941	…	…	…	19,305	end-November	12,246	end-April
1942	…	…	…	18,859	end-November	12,750	end-April
1943	…	…	…	20,328	end-October	17,184	end-April
1944	…	…	…	18,457	end-October	12,699	end-April
1945	…	…	…	13,778	end-October	10,079	end-May
1946	…	…	…	10,878	end-October	6,849	end-April
NOTE.—Details of the stocks included in total distributed stocks are given in Table 45 0f the 1945 Statistical Digest (Cmd. 6920).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the National Coal Board is carrying out the arrangements for the supply of free or cheap coal to miners, entered into between the miners' union and the former coalowners; the amount of such coal which should have been delivered in January, 1947, and the amount actually delivered.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." I have no information as to the quantity of free or cheap coal which should have been delivered to miners in January, 1947, but 431,000 tons of such coal was actually delivered in the four weeks ended 25th January.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fuel crisis, he will say to whom belong the two dumps of coal in Wilton Road, Victoria, and in Baker Street; and how much coal there is. approximately, in each dump.

The coal in the two dumps to which the hon. Member refers, belongs to my Department. That at Longmoor Street, Wilton Road, Victoria, contains about 1,250 tons of house coal and the Baker Street dump contains about 2,000 tons of house coal. These stocks are part of some 11,250 tons of house coal which

The total distributed coal stocks in Great Britain were as follow:were put into Government dumps in London last summer with a view to providing a winter reserve additional to the stocks in merchants' depots.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total value of the mining machinery and equipment bought from the U.S.A. or from any other source during 1946.

The total value of mining machinery and equipment bought by the Mining Industry of the United Kingdom in 1946 amounted to £11,175,000, of which £10,995,000 was expended in this country, £170,000 in the U.S.A. and 50,00o in Belgium.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the kilowatt capacity of new, or extensions of, generating stations, excluding Scottish hydro-electric stations, approved by the Electricity Commissioners at the termination of the war; how much of that capacity is, respectively, erected or in course of erection; and at what date or dates will the latter be completed.

During the war consents were given to the establishment of new or the extension of existing generating station of a total capacity of approximately 3,400,000 Kilowatts. Of this total, 1,380,000 kilowatts had been erected by the end of the war in Europe, 450,000 kilowatts have been erected since the end of that war, and 1,570,000 kilowatts remain to be erected. Of the remainder, it is estimated that 590,000 830,000, and 150,000 kilowatts should be completed by the winters of 1947, 1948, and 1949, respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what new power stations or extensions to existing ones are planned, have been begun and will be completed, before the winter of 1947–48; and what is the estimated thermal efficiency of such new plant.

New power stations and extensions to existing stations, totalling 2,100,000 kilowatts installed capacity, were planned for installation by the winter of 1947–48. Work on all of this has commenced. 220,000 kilowatts came into commission in 1946 and a further 630,000 kilowatts, representing 600,000 kilowatts output capacity, is expected to come into commission in 1947. The average thermal efficiency of this plant, based on units sent out, is 25 per cent.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the normal working electrical load of Battersea Power Station at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.. respectively, during the winter months.

The normal winter loads on Battersea Power Station at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. are 260,000 kw. and 240,000 kw. respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in how many cases and in what respects, recently, the electricity companies have failed to fulfil their statutory duties.

It is for the courts to decide whether an electricity undertaking has failed to carry out its statutory duties. I know of no recent case of such a decision.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the quantities of oil now being burned in industry and transport; if the production of oil-burning equipment is adequate to consume available oil supplies; and whether permanent conversion to oil burning will be encouraged by the Government.

The amount of oil burnt by industry and transport, including gas works and railways, but excluding oil consumed by mobile internal combustion engines amounted to 217,400 tons in December last, the latest month for which figures are available. The pace of the oil/coal conversion programme is set not by the rate at which oil-burning equipment can be provided but by that at which the large amount of additional storage and distribution facilities can be supplied. As regards the last part of the Question, it is the policy of the Government to encourage conversion to oil-burning to the full extent which may be found practicable.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will issue extra petrol coupons for canvassing for or against Sunday cinemas in boroughs where a poll on this subject is being held.

This is not a purpose which in my view justifies the grant of supplementary petrol rations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider the early release of the March quota of paraffin.

Substantial increases in the supply of paraffin are being made to dealers during the present month, in addition to the normal February quota. In these circumstances, it will not be necessary to anticipate deliveries against the March quota.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power who are the experts being sent by, or on behalf of, his Department to the U.S.A. on the ss. "Queen Elizabeth" to study the subject of district heating; the approximate cost involved; and whether, in view of the fact that this problem is one which vitally affects living conditions in dwelling-houses, any women are to be included in the party.

The composition of the party is as follows:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the Government's proposals for harnessing power in tidal estuaries; and whether he will make a statement.

The only proposal of this character is the Severn Barrage Scheme which was dealt with in my reply to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Sir S. Reed) on 18th November, 1946. Since I gave that reply arrangements have been made for the construction of a tidal model as soon as facilities are available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that many bakers in Norwich are helping to secure the greatest possible fuel economy by undertaking a limited amount of baking for householders in their vicinity; and if he will take steps to encourage this practice.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to this. I will certainly do all I can to encourage a practice so obviously in the interests of fuel economy.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a number of R.A.F. stations are in possession of oil-burning emergency lighting sets; and whether arrangements have been made for such sets to be used wherever possible, with a view to saving coal.

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air had already agreed to stand by generating sets at R.A.F. stations being used to the fullest extent during peak load periods to relieve the public supply. During the present emergency these standby sets have been used wherever possible to save coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will remove the fuel economy restriction from the printing of dividend warrants.

Departments have been authorised to give permission for urgent printing to be carried out in connection with essential industries and services for which they are responsible. I understand that the Board of Trade is giving consent to the printing of dividend warrants.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he has taken to restrict the use of electricity in pin table and other forms of amusement arcades.

The use of electricity for lighting in pin table saloons and amusement arcades is subject to the maximum consumption rate of one watt per square foot of the area illuminated. This wattage includes the incidental lights on and in the machines. There have been a number of prosecutions and convictions for contraventions of the law in such premises. During the present emergency no electricity may be used during the hours of 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that a number of West End stores and other shops are contravening his orders and using electric light during the forbidden hours and if he will take immediate measures to stop it; and if he will take steps to prevent electricity being used for display purposes while there is a shortage of fuel even when the present emergency is over.

All practicable steps are being taken to secure observance of the restrictions applying to such premises, and in general there has been willing cooperation. I am aware that it is not complete yet, and if necessary I shall use my statutory powers. With regard to the second part of the Question, it is already illegal to use fuel for advertisement display purposes.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give detailed information of all cases during the war where shortage of fuel supplies led to the stoppage of factories and the cutting of electricity at power stations during specified hours; and to what extent these breakdowns were attributable to weather conditions.

Information about the stoppages of factories owing to shortage of fuel during the war years is available only for the period January to July, 1944, when 104 individual stoppages occurred. It is not possible to say to what extent these breakdowns were attributable to weather conditions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in cases where permanent damage to plant of a serious nature must result from the complete cessation of supply of either generating or electrical current, he will give favourable consideration to the supply of minimum quantities.

Yes, Sir. Electricity undertakings were notified to this effect on 8th February.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much his Department spent last year, apart from the cost of staff, on posters, printing, cinematograph publicity and similar activities of its public relations section.

The amount spent by the Ministry of Fuel and Power during the calendar year 1946, apart from the cost of staff, on posters, printing, cinematographs, publicity and similar activities of its public relations section was as follows:

	£
Posters	2,767
Printing	3,016
Cinema	3,972
Exhibitions	9,463
Other	2,370
Total	£21,588

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what arrangements are being made in the police service for selecting men possessing the qualifications of potential leadership for special training as soon as such qualifications have been exhibited;(2) why, in the Government's plan for the future Police College, it is the intention to depart from the principles set out in the White Paper which was laid before the House in 1931;(3) whether, in future, entrants to the police service will be offered opportunities of rising, at an early age, to positions of responsibility similar to those offered to men joining the Armed Forces of the Crown.

I will answer these Questions together, since they all relate to the arrangements to be made for the higher training of police officers in England and Wales. An expert committee has submitted recommendations in this matter, on which I have been consulting representatives of police authorities and the various ranks of the police service. I am not yet in a position to make any statement, but I hope to he able to do so shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the possibility of allowing selected German prisoners to volunteer to remain for work in this country, as alien civilians, after their normal repatriation dates.

I am considering this possibility in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that it rescinds the assurance of His Majesty's Government in March, 1939, that after suitable training they would emigrate, the decision to offer 1,300 to 1,400 refugees from Nazi persecution immediate British citizenship was not announced to this House before being released for publication in the Press on 3rd January this year.

When these children were brought here in the early days of 1939 the intention was that many of them would, after being trained here, emigrate to other countries, but the position was entirely altered by the war. Many of the older boys and girls at the age when they would have been emigrating joined His Majesty's Forces and the younger ones have grown up in our schools and often have become, in effect, adopted children of their British hosts. Information about a scheme for the naturalisation of those who have no parents was given after Christmas in response to Press inquiries, Parliament being in recess at that time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the Poles in this country and in the Middle East have so far been screened; with what results; and how many yet remain to be screened.

I am not in a position to give information about the Poles in the Middle East. As regards those in this country, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 6th February to a similar Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Renfrew, East (Major Lloyd).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the necessity of reducing the consumption of electricity and gas, when he proposes to introduce summer time; and whether he will consider the introduction of double summer time.

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary indicated on 17th February in reply to the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr. Haire), this question is under consideration but I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider appointing a committee, or taking some other appropriate action, to inquire into the working of the various Burial Acts, and to report on the entire burial system.

I understand that my hon. Friend is mainly interested in burial charges. My responsibilities in that matter are very limited, but if he will let me know what points he has in mind I shall be happy to consider them in consultation with such of my colleagues as may be concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many voluntary teachers are giving courses in the women's prisons; whether the travelling expenses of teachers are paid; and whether the teachers are informed that they can claim these expenses.

Fifteen at present. Travelling expenses are paid only if the teacher is unable to undertake the work without such assistance, and for this reason it is not the practice to invite claims for travelling expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the lack of suitable women for employment in women's penal establishments under the direction of his Department, he will consult with the Ministers concerned with a view to recruiting from the various branches of the women's Services attached to the Armed Forces suitable women who have had experience in social services or in detention camps in the Forces, for employment in women's penal establishments when they are about to leave the Forces.

Yes, Sir, I have for some time been in touch with the Ministers concerned who have given me their willing co-operation. I will consider with them whether any further steps can usefully be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long each of the Prison Commissioners has served; and at what age they are obliged to retire.

The Chairman of the Prison Commission has served in his present capacity since 13th April, 1942, and the other commissioner has been a commissioner since 1st June, 1938. Both are established civil servants and are subject to the current rules governing the retirement of established civil servants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the names, ages and qualifications of the Prison Commissioners.

There are at present two Prison Commissioners, the Chairman, Mr. L. W. Fox, M.G., aged 51, and Dr. J. C. W. Methven, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., aged 61. Mr. Fox has had long administrative experience in the Home Office and elsewhere, and was Secretary of the Prison Commission from 1925 to 1934. Dr. Methven has many years experience both as medical officer and Governor of prisons and borstal institutions, and as Assistant Commissioner and Inspector of Prisons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that anti-Semitic literature, printed in English but published in Sweden, is being introduced into this country where it is being distributed, both through the post and by hand; and what steps does he intend to take to put a stop to these imports and attempts to propagate racial hatred of the worst type.

Yes, Sir. The matter is receiving my close attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Depaitinent whether he will issue an instruction or regulation under Clause 82 of the Children and Young Persons Act so that in cases where children or young persons commit an offence by escaping from approved schools they will not be sent to Borstal and thereby branded for the rest of their lives as being guilty of a criminal offence.

On the general question of this provision I would refer to the reply I gave on 23rd January to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Portsmouth, North (Major Bruce), but I have no power to instruct the courts not to make use of a power conferred on them by Act of Parliament.

asked the. Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the circumstances relating to the escape of 10 boys from Standon Farm Home, an approved school near Stoke-on-Trent.

In view of the close connection between the circumstances of this absconding and the criminal charge which has been preferred against the boys concerned, I think it would be better for me to refrain from making any statement while the case is sub judice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many remand homes and approved schools are firearms kept; why are they so kept; and what precautions are taken to prevent their falling into the hands of the juvenile offenders detained in these homes and schools.

So far as I am aware, there are no remand homes in which firearms are kept. In some 21 approved schools a unit of the Army Cadet Force has been formed, and rifles and other firearms are provided for the training of the boys who belong to the unit. I understand that, when not in use, all arms are locked up in the school armoury.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been directed to pages 31 and the following in the recent Report of the Royal. Commission in Canada which revealed, amongst other things, attempts by a foreign power to obtain military secrets in Britain; what steps have been, and are being, taken to combat these activities in Britain; and if he will make a statement as to their extent in this country.

It would not be in the public interest to disclose either the extent of our information about espionage in this country or the nature of the steps taken to combat it. The hon. Member will no doubt recall that Dr. Alan Nunn May, who is mentioned in the section of the Report to which he refers, was prosecuted last year and convicted of an offence against the Official Secrets Acts

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the decision in the recent case of Lowenthal versus Vanhoute, he proposes to amend the Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act, 1946, so as to protect tenants in cases where, arising out of a dispute as to the amount of rent payable or any other matter under the contract of tenancy, the landlord serves a notice to quit before the tenant has referred his case to a rent tribunal under the Act; and whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to enable the tenant to go to the tribunal after, as well as before, a notice to quit with equal rights and protection in both cases.

I can hold out no hope of legislation on the lines suggested.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will cause the terms of the letter of his London regional officer to the town clerk of Brent-ford and Chiswick, dated 28th January, to be reconsidered, so that the borough council may proceed to requisition two houses at 35A and 35B Wellesley Road, Chiswick, which are needed to accommodate local families, and in order to prevent these residential premises being used for business purposes.

These premises will be used residentially and, after consideration, I do not feel justified in agreeing to their requisition.

asked the Minister of Health why licences to private builders continue to be refused in the borough of Gosport by his Department, in view of the fact that the ratio of four to one by local authorities, as opposed to private builders has already been exceeded.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 26 of the White Paper on the 1947 Housing Programme. The over-riding consideration is the shortage of labour and materials but my Department has already written to the council suggesting arrangements for the issue of a limited number of further licences.

asked the Minister of Health the average period of time which elapses before mental patients are discharged after they have been recommended for release by the visiting magistrates of mental institutions.

I have no general statistics but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases in which there seems to have been delay I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons are now de- tained in mental institutions who have not yet been certified; and what steps are being taken to release them in order to make room for those people who are awaiting admission.

In institutions under the Lunacy and Mental Treatment Acts, the only patients not certified are voluntary patients and these, in fact, are not detained. There are in some mental deficiency institutions a few elderly patients who have not been certified and a certain number of children sent there under Section 15 of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, as "places of safety" pending the presentation of petitions for orders authorising their detention. I regret that information is not available as to the numbers involved.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that a larger number of doctors than is at present available is necessary to implement his new National Medical Service next year and in view of the fact that the Central Medical War Committee has passed a resolution on this subject, he is now in a position to state his policy on the admission of refugee doctors with foreign qualifications to practice in this country.

The views of the Central Medical War Committee on this matter

Year			GLAMORGAN (including the associated County Boroughs of Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea).			MONMOUTH (including the associated County Borough of Newport).
			Population.	Births.	Deaths.	Population.	Births.	Deaths.
1932	…	…	1,221,190	19,782	14,800	433,590	7,406	4,906
1933	…	…	1,215,340	19,223	15,758	430,050	6,984	5,095
1934	…	…	1,206,950	19,572	14,424	426,550	7,082	5,041
1935	…	…	1,197,200	18,927	14,542	421,900	6,883	4,933
1936	…	…	1,182,590	18,129	14,679	417,140	6,719	5,107
1937	…	…	1,159,400	17,688	14,986	408,510	6,435	5,174
1938	…	…	1,154,960	17,867	14,525	402,380	6,516	4,895
1939	…	…	1,157,640	17,889	15,144	399,640	6,318	5,158
1940	…	…	1,160,900	17,889	15,862	412,650	6,858	5,726
1941	…	…	1,159,340	18,696	16,369	423,790	6,880	5,238
1942	…	…	1,126,500	20,140	14,015	411,150	7,506	4,861
1943	…	…	1,102,840	20,080	14,191	403,000	7,604	4,683
1944	…	…	1,118,750	22,164	13,973	404,410	8,264	4,671
1945	…	…	1,114,760	19,669	14,472	400,030	7,272	4,911
1946	…	…	1,154,920	23,407	14,396	410,290	8,171	4,673
Populations and deaths for the years 1939–1946 relate to civilians only. The figures for 1946 are provisional.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is up to 18 months' delay in the delivery of sterilisers to hospitals and six months in their delivery to doctors; and whether he will arrange for the immediate release of these articles acquired from surplus service stores.

Yes, Sir, and hospitals in urgent need of such surplus equipment should write to the Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister Health whether he will publish a list showing the population of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire, separately, for each of the last 15 years, together with the corresponding figures of births and deaths for the same periods.

The figures are as follow:

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the shortage of medicinal commodities, particularly cotton wool and liquid paraffin, in West Sussex; and what steps he is taking to improve supplies there.

No, Sir. I was not aware of a shortage in West Sussex, but if the hon. Member will let me have fuller particulars, I will do my best to help

asked the Minister of Supply, how many complaints have been brought to his notice of inefficient or unsafe electrical appliances manufactured by firms to which raw materials have been allotted by his Department; and how the prices of such appliances have been fixed.

The Ministry of Supply has no control over the design and quality of these appliances nor over their prices, which are, however, subject to the provision of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Acts, 1939–43, administered by the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the unsatisfactory condition of many of the roads in the thickly-populated parish of Thorpe-Next-Norwich; and whether he has received any application from the Norfolk County Council for permission to proceed under Defence Regulation 56A.

I am aware that the parish council are anxious that a number of private streets in this area should be made up. The answer to the second part of the Question is: "No, Sir."

asked the Minister of Transport how many disabled persons are now requiring motorcars to enable them to get to and carry out their business; and what steps is he taking to expedite the delivery of motorcars to these people.

I have no information which would enable me to answer the first part of the Question. My right hon. Friend is responsible for the allocation of reconditioned Government surplus cars to seriously disabled ex-Servicemen, of whom there are at present 1,55o on the waiting list, which has now been closed. It will take at least 12 months to clear this list.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory and dangerous state of the trunk road Stafford—Stone—Newcastleunder-Lyme; what are his plans for its improvement; and when work will be commenced.

Schemes for widening and improving various sections of this trunk road between Stafford and Newcastle-under-Lyme are in preparation. The commencement of constructional works must depend on the availability of the necessary money, labour and materials.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken by his Department to recruit new workers for agriculture in the county of Stafford.

In addition to the normal arrangements for placing workers in agriculture through the machinery of the employment exchanges, the Ministry of Labour and my Department are cooperating in a special scheme to recruit unemployed persons in the development areas and other areas of appreciable unemployment for agricultural work. Useful progress has been made in the Potteries area of Staffordshire, and I hope that it will be possible to extend the scheme to the south of the county.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent the import of chocolate and sugar confectionery is now permitted from the U.S.A.

No import of chocolate confectionery is at present permitted. Twenty per cent. by value of average prewar annual imports of sugar confectionery are permitted under the Token Import Scheme.

asked the Minister of Food on what basis hotel and restaurant managers are allowed rationed food for their employees; what is the quantity and amounts allowed per person; and whether the staff have to surrender ration coupons or whether this is given free of ration coupons in the same way as workers who receive rationed foods in industrial canteens.

The allowances of rationed foods for meals served by caterers to their employees are the same as for meals served in the ordinary course of the caterer's business. The licensee of an establishment is required to cancel the coupons of all employees who, though not living in, the establishment, take all, or substantially all, their meals there.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war are still detained in British camps in Germany; and whether he will state the main reasons for their continued detention in their own country.

817 senior officers are detained as prisoners of war in Germany. They are all in categories detained under the demilitarisation and deNazification Laws, and are held pending recategorisation. This is now proceeding and should be completed by this summer.

asked the Minister of National Insurance when he expects to receive the report of the Committee on the Recruitment of Administrative Staffs for his new insurance scheme; and whether the recommendations of that committee will be available for Members of this House.

I assume my hon. Friend refers to the committee which was appointed to advise my right hon. Friend on the terms of transfer to my Department of approved society staffs and of compensation for those not transferred. My right hon. Friend expects to receive from that committee within a week or so, an interim report which will deal with terms of transfer; compensation terms will be the subject of a later report. The reports will be made available to Members in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what authority or agreement controls in Northern Rhodesia the issue of licences for prospecting for precious stones; how many applications have been made in the years 1944, 1945 and 1946, respectively: and how many granted.

The British South Africa Company which owns the mineral rights, controls the issue of licences to prospect for all precious stones. Exclusive prospecting rights in certain areas for diamonds were granted by the company in 1892 to the De Beers Corporation, and the validity of the agreement under which the grant was made was upheld by the Privy Council in December, 1911. One application was made to the company in 1946 for permission to prospect for diamonds, but it was refused in view of the agreement with De Beers. No other applications were received in 1944, 1945 and 1946.