asked the Minister of Transport how many train men abandoned their trains during the course of a journey, in the months of November and December, 1946, and if he will give a comparable figure for the year 1945.

Three hundred and nineteen train men left their trains during the course of journeys in November and December, 1946. In the same two months of 1945, the number was 251.

Is the Minister able to tell us what he is going to do about this increasing practice? Surely, it is something to which he should give his immediate attention?

The gravity of this matter is, of course, appreciated, but, in most cases, the men had already done a full shift, and that is part of the problem of keeping the flow of men going under present conditions.

Is the Minister aware that many of these men had worked very excessive hours of duty and that, had they not left their trains, they would have been unable to perform their next turn of duty; and, further, that, in many cases, this action is taken with the knowledge of the control office concerned?

Yes, Sir, I have had a few taken off. In one case, the men had worked a continuous duty of 17 hours.

Is the Minister aware that the word "abandoned" is used in the Question, whereas the right hon. Gentleman himself in his answer used the word "left"? Is not the usual procedure to leave trains in sidings, properly controlled, and that if a train crew abandoned their train, it would have very serious consequences as far as the railway system is concerned? In the cases referred to, were the trains abandoned, or merely left in the sidings in the normal way?

I cannot, of course, control the language in which a Question is put down, and the whole problem is really too complex and involved to answer by way of supplementary questions.

Is it not a fact that these men do abandon the trains and that they are brought before the superintendent of the area and receive three days' suspension which, in view of P.A.Y.E., they are pleased to receive?

asked the Minister of Transport how many train men failed to report for duty in the months of November and December, 1946, and how these compare with the prewar average.

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) how many railway train men were unable to be relieved at the conclusion of their normal eight hours' turn of duty during the months of November and December, 1946; and what was the longest period of duty of any train man on any one day and one week in the same period;

The railway companies advise me that a vast amount of research work would be involved in the preparation of materials to answer this Question and No. 5. In present circumstances, I do not feel justified in asking them to undertake the work.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the very long hours at present being worked by train men and others concerned in railway operations, particularly during the present fuel crisis?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that, and it is because of those difficulties that I do not think I can direct railway companies to put staff on to a rather big job of this description.

asked the Minister of Transport how many snow ploughs the British railways now possess; and whether he is satisfied that this number is adequate.

The number of snow plough equipments available for British railways is 427, which has hitherto met requirements.

Is my right hon. Friend now considering increasing this number in case we have this present kind of weather next year?

I have stated what, at the moment, are available, but I hope we shall never get any more weather like this.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give the most up-to-date figures of the number and grades, separately, of the permanently-appointed conciliation staffs of the four main line railway companies who have resigned their employment since the Essential Work Order was withdrawn from the industry.

I regret that it has not been possible to complete inquiries in the time available, but I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT later this week.

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent the railway companies exempt themselves from the liability for compensation for accidents to passengers purchasing monthly return or cheap daily return tickets.

The point raised by my hon. Friend is being examined and I will circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to announce his decision in regard to the recommendations made in the Report of the Charges Consultative Committee concerning the adjustment of charges by the controlled railway companies, and when he will publish the Report.

Yes, Sir. The Report is being published today and copies have been placed in the Library. The Committee recommended certain increases in charges, but in view of the uncertainty of the level of railway traffics in the current year, the Government have decided to wait until the end of March and then to review the position in the light of further experience of the trends of receipts and expenditure. I must make it clear that, if these trends are then unfavourable, charges will have to be increased without further delay. Certain adjustments will be made at an early date in the charges at railway-owned docks, and in the rail rates for juvenile season tickets. I have asked the companies concerned to consider how best to correct certain anomalies in the fares from stations on the London, Tilbury and Southend section of the L.M.S. Railway. Particulars will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Committee's further report on questions affecting coastwise shipping is still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport if it is now intended to provide a footpath between Ringford village and Tarff bridge, Kirkcudbrightshire, on the main trunk road from Dumfries to Stranraer, which footpath is necessary in the interests of public safety.

Plans are being prepared for the provision of a footpath between Ringford village and Ringford School during the coming year, if possible. The extension of the footpath to Tarff Bridge will also be considered.

asked the Minister of Transport what regulations are now in force concerning the arrangement, design, size and colour of studs, and distance between studs, on pedestrian crossings; and in what particulars do these regulations differ.

As the answer contains a good deal of detail, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that recent prosecutions under the Road Traffic Acts have failed because pedestrian crossings have not conformed with regulations; and what action he proposes to take to secure observance by highway authorities of these regulations.

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has already asked highway authorities to reinstate pedestrian crossings to the prewar standard as soon as possible, but is aware that some delay is taking place due to shortage of materials.

Would not the highway authorities find it much easier to observe these regulations if they were less complex and confusing?

asked the Minister of Transport if he will increase the number of permits issued to county councils to enable county roadmen to obtain Thermos flasks, having regard to the hardship caused to roadmen who have no flasks and are unable to obtain a hot drink all day.

I regret that, owing to the temporary reduction in the output of vacuum flasks, which was described by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade in his reply on 25th November to my hon. Friend the Member for South Battersea (Mrs. Ganley), the issue of permits to roadmen, among other priority users, has been restricted. If the hon. Member brings to my notice any case of special hardship, I shall be glad to examine it.

Is the Minister aware that many roadmen have been without Thermos flasks for a considerable time and, as farm workers can usually obtain them, would the Minister reconsider the matter?

I have studied the general difficulty. Therefore, I must come down to individual cases if the hon. Member will submit them to me.

Will the Minister bear in mind the possibility of using mobile canteens which were so very useful in wartime and which are now being used by building operatives on remote sites? Might not this suggestion be a solution to the problem?

I will look into it.

How many roadmen are involved?

I cannot say.

If the right hon. Gentleman says he cannot say, what is the meaning of his answer?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that many urban district councils and borough councils have rural areas where conditions are much the same as in rural district and county council areas?

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement with regard to his negotiations for the purchase of Selby toll bridge.

I regret I am not in a position to say when negotiations with the bridge owners will be completed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the very long delay in the negotiations with the bridge owners?

I recognise the delay. The chief valuer is negotiating at present, and I cannot say anything further.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement regarding his efforts to ease the congestion at Barton swing bridge, Manchester, during the peak hours.

Discussions have taken place between my Divisional Road Engineer and the Manchester Ship Canal Company. They are now examining the practicability of arranging for a further period of some 20 minutes at the evening peak during which the opening of the bridge would be restricted, and I am awaiting a further report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that no accurate information is available in this country of the cost of delays to road traffic caused by the congestion on the streets of London and other large cities; and whether, as such information is essential in order to estimate the priority of the remedial work which should be undertaken and the amount which may be justifiably spent upon it, he will arrange for such investigation to be carried out at an early date.

There is nothing I can add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 6th December last.

asked the Minister of Transport what amount of revenue it is estimated will be lost by the London Passenger Transport Board in the next full financial year by reason of the limitations placed on the number of standing passengers in omnibuses.

I am informed that it is not possible to estimate the effect, if any, of the limitation. The Board considers that the reduction in the number of standing passengers at peak hours and the prohibition at other times has resulted in improved fare collection.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recent increase in fares, he will advise the L.P.T.B. to increase their advertisement charges; and whether, by so increasing the income of the Board, it would be possible to revert to the level of fares existing before the war.

The London Passenger Transport Board's advertisement rates have been increased in recent months, and the Board is of the opinion that a further increase would not add substantially, if at all, to its revenue.

Is it not a fact that the income of the London Passenger Trans. port Board from advertisements is about £1 million a year? Further, would not firms be willing nowadays to pay increased advertisement charges, and would not such an increase relieve the harassed Londoners from paying increased fares?

I am not prepared to advise any administration to increase its prices to its customers if it considers this is unnecessary.

Is it not a fact that one of the reasons for the increased running costs of the London Passenger Transport Board is the "closed shop"?

Is it riot a fact that the advertisement rates are already very high and have driven off London theatre advertisements?

No, Sir, that is a different point. That was an adjustment in the prevailing rates.

asked the Minister of Supply how many motor vehicles and motor cycles, surplus to requirements in the British zone in Germany, have now been disposed of; and how many remain in dumps in that area.

Out of about 92,000 surplus vehicles, including some 16,000 motor cycles, 45,000 have been handed over to the Control Commission, who, acting as our agents, have so far disposed of about 17,000 vehicles, including 3,200 motor cycles. A large proportion of the remaining 47,000 still in Army dumps are fit only for scrap.

Is it not a fact that they are now useful only as scrap because they have remained there for so long and have deteriorated?

How many of these vehicles are serviceable and could be of use?

I cannot say without having them examined, and they have not all been examined.

asked the Minister of Supply why a private contractor has been authorised to remove stores from his Department's factory at Dalbeattie, Scotland, without supervision, checking of stores, or in the presence of a representative of his Department, more especially in view of the fact that his Department has not yet taken an inventory of the stores concerned.

My Department has a resident representative at this factory and holds a full inventory of the stores. A contractor is employed, under supervision, to demolish contaminated buildings and to remove the stores which are checked as they are moved.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his information is largely incorrect and, as this matter is causing grave concern locally, will he give it close attention and consideration?

I certainly have given it close attention and consideration, and I am afraid the hon. Member has been misinformed.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the United States Foreign Liquidation Commissioner, 9, Rue de Presbourg, Paris, is offering for sale in Germany large numbers of surplus United States Army locomotives, electrical generating plants, etc.; and if he will investigate the possibility of acquiring some of this machinery for use in Britain during the present emergency.

Yes, Sir. The question whether the locomotives are needed for the home railways is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, with whom I am in consultation, and a representative of my Department is now in Paris inquiring about other surplus United States equipment, including electrical generating plant.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of civil servants employed by his Department in London and the provinces on 1st January, 1946, and 1947.

The number of non-industrial civil servants employed in the Ministry of Supply on 1st January, 1946, was 59,933, of whom approximately 38,500 were located in the provinces. The corresponding figures for 1st January, 1947, were 42,056 and 26,000.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement as to the use of jet engines to clear snow from railways.

The suggestion that snow drifts on railways tracks might be cleared by mounting two gas turbines on a railway truck and bringing their jets to play on the drifts was put forward by our National Gas Turbine Establishment. Trials have been carried out in collaboration with the railway companies with promising results. Seventy-five yards of track covered by snow, varying in depth from 4 feet 6 inches to 18 inches, was cleared in five minutes. We are considering urgently with the railway companies whether this method should be brought into operation on a large scale. The apparatus so far used was hastily improvised for the present emergency. For the future, arrangements are being made to adapt railway wagons for this purpose, and to incorporate means for varying the direction of the jet.

Is the Minister aware that the initiative which has been shown by his Department in this matter, in contradistinction to many undertakings under private enterprise, will be regarded widely by the public as a great encouragement to public enterprise?

asked the Minister of Supply how much penicillin in mega units is now produced in this country and/or imported per month.

Current production averages 252,000 mega units a month. Five mega units were imported in January for experimental purposes.

Is the amount being produced in this country steadily increasing or not?

It is steadily increasing, and the amount now produced is sufficient to meet all prescriptions, with a small surplus for export.

asked the Minister of Supply the estimated value of the stores left in this country by the U.S. Forces at the conclusion of hostilities; and how these stores are to be disposed of.

Payment for these stores was made as part of a wider settlement covering lend lease, reciprocal aid and other claims published on 6th December, 1945, Cmd. 6708, and no separate estimate of their value is available. The stores are disposed of in the same way as our own surpluses, namely, to meet Government and other priority needs, by sale through the trade, by tender, or by public auction.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are taken to inform the public of forthcoming auctions of Government surplus stores.

Forthcoming auctions are advertised weekly in the "Board of Trade Journal," in London, provincial and local newspapers, and in appropriate trade journals. In addition, Press notices are issued, and posters exhibited, giving the name and address of the auctioneer from whom detailed catalogues may be obtained. Local chambers of commerce are also notified of sales in their areas.

Having regard to the fact that many of these items of surplus Government stores are in very short sup- ply just now, will the Minister assure the House that he is doing everything he can to arrange for these sales to be held as quickly and as often as possible?

Every possible step is being taken.

Is the Minister aware that there is much criticism of his Department that the sale of these stores is, in fact, much too slow; and is he aware that if he were able to dispose of them more quickly two results would follow: first, he would be able to get rid of a number of civil servants more quickly than he does; and, secondly, the public would be able to benefit from the supply thus made available?

The sale of these surpluses has been speeded up very greatly during the last year. I think that if the noble Lord were to look at the number of auctions taking place every week he would see that very good sales are taking place.

asked the Minister of Supply, in view of the fact that it will be some time before final decisions can be made regarding the integrated steel plant at Inchinnan, what are the plans for the future of the Scottish steel industry; and to what level it is contemplated production would be raised.

The broad intention of the plans now under consideration for the steel industry in Scotland is to provide capacity to produce about 2,250,000 ingot tons a year.

Is not the Minister aware of what happened in Scotland between the wars, when all the steel industry was taken South; and can we take it for granted from his answer that everything will be done to build up the steel industry in Scotland?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will give an assurance that, in rebuilding the destroyed and damaged parts of the Palace of Westminster, arrangements will be made to instal the most up-to-date system of fluorescent lighting.

Experiments are being carried out to determine the most suitable type of artificial lighting for the purpose, and fluorescent lighting is being considered, together with other types.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the present system of lighting in this Chamber, for instance, when it is alight, is wasteful and harmful to the eyes; and will he, as soon as possible, introduce up-to-date and scientific methods of lighting, of which fluorescent is one, in all public buildings?

I am thinking of setting up an advisory committee of Members with regard to the new parts of the House, and will ask them to consider the matter in that connection.

Is it not a fact that the lighting of the new Chamber was arranged by the Select Committee which arranged the new Chamber, and that full details will be found in their Report?

I am not at all certain whether they gave consideration to fluorescent lighting or not, but I shall ask for the advice of hon. Members of this House in connection with it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House is very interested in the desire of the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) to get hon. Members suitably lit up?

asked the Minister of Works what steps he has taken during the last 12 months to install an up-to-date system of fluorescent lighting in official buildings; and what plans he has to continue such improvements during 1947.

Fluorescent lighting has been installed experimentally in certain Government buildings, particularly in drawing offices and typing rooms. My Ministry is keeping in touch with developments in this type of lighting, but the shortage of fittings, and particularly tubes, prevents any large scale programme of installation at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make the programme as large as possible, because the country today is getting very tired of living by candlelight?

Will the right hon. Gentleman please consider giving fluorescent lighting to factories long before he gives it to official buildings?

My concern is with official buildings, and not with factories.

Passing the buck as usual.

asked the Minister of Works why his Department, on 3rd December last, informed the owners of 23, Buckingham Gate, that the minimum temperature standard had been raised from 60 to 65 degrees in all buildings where central heating is maintained on behalf of his Department.

I regret that this information was given in error by one of my district officers to a number of lessors of premises in Government occupation. I have arranged for all concerned to be informed that the minimum temperature standard remains at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me why his predecessor in office told me on 27th January:

"The minimum standard temperature for central heating in all Government buildings is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This minimum standard has not been raised in recent months, but has obtained for many years."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 27th January, 1947: Vol. 432, c. 583.]

As I have said, there was a mistake in the directions that were given here, and that mistake has been corrected.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the Dorset Farmers' Union, who purchased Savernake House, Dorchester, last autumn, were promised possession of part of the premises at an early date, but that his Department have refused to give up any of the rooms except two attics and an outbuilding in spite of the fact that only a very small staff occupies the rest of the house; and if he will reconsider the request of the union.

I am assured that no promise was made to the Dorset Farmers Union that possession would be given of part of these premises, which are used as a local food office. I regret it is not possible for me to release this accommodation at present.

Is the Minister aware that the Dorset Farmers Union have no alternative accommodation; that in fact there are comparatively few people occupying Savernake House for the Ministry of Food; and that the needs of food production are just as important as the needs of food distribution?

The staff at present housed there on the part of the Ministry of Food is 18, and since, also, this is a place to which the public have to have access, and where a public room has to be provided, I do not think the accommodation is in excess of the need.

asked the Minister of Works whether the contractors recently employed at Sherwood Lodge, regional headquarters of the National Coal Board, received and complied with Circular L.R. 204/1, issued by the Material Priority Section, 51, Gracechurch Street; and, in view of the fact that many of the articles in the list of materials covered by priority certificate on the back of the form may be purchased openly in the shops, whether that list is still valid and correct.

The circular referred to by the hon. Member is used only in the London Region for work licensed by me, and not for work authorised by another Minister, in this instance my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power. The list of materials on the back of the torm is still valid.

In view of the acute housing shortage, why were priorities given to Sherwood Lodge to make bureaucrats comfortable while honest citizens cannot get houses?

I am not aware that such priorities were given.

But that is the Question I asked.

asked the Minister of Works whether he proposes shortly to send a mission to the U.S.A to investigate the possibility of purchasing civil engineering and excavating machinery; who will be the members of this mission; and if they will be empowered to place orders for machinery.

Yes, Sir. At my request, arm in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of fuel and Power, two representatives of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, and one representative of the Contractors' Plant Association, accompanied by officers from my Department and from the Ministry of Fuel and Power, are shortly proceeding to the United States to investigate the possibility of purchasing heavy civil engineering plant, mainly excavators, and to advise on the arrangements that should be made for purchasing any such plant as it becomes available The main functions of the representatives will he advisory, but, in view of the urgent need for heavy plant for opencast coal, for hydro-electric schemes and for building materials industries, they will he empowered to purchase or to place orders for any suitable heavy civil engineering plant which is available for early delivery.

Is the Minister aware that there are British firms that are acting as agents for American manufacturers that already have all necessary information in their possession? Why are they not being allowed to make these purchases in the ordinary way, without going to the expense of sending a mission?

The urgency in this matter is to get delivery of the goods immediately, and for that reason a delegation is being sent.

Is the Minister sure that those representatives he is sending are acquainted with these machines or are they going to have to wander all round America to get information from the people who want to sell something?

The representatives have been selected because of their knowledge of the matters under consideration, and the possibility of their dealing with them.

Are those individuals definitely informed on this subject, or are they going over to investigate, and to spend more time in doing so?

My information is that they are definitely informed, and are being sent because they are capable of carrying out the job

Is the Minister aware that there is an American firm now in my constituency making these very machines? Will he consult them first?

It is in order to supplement whatever is possible that we are sending the mission.

asked the Prime Minister if Viscount Wavell is to be permitted to make a public statement on his dismissal from the Viceroyalty of India.

subject to the normal limitations applicable to all persons holding high office in the State, Viscount Wavell is, of course, at liberty to make any public statement he may wish as to the termination of his tenure as Viceroy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the limitations are?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that at 6 a.m. on r4th January an officer of Military Intelligence, who had travelled specially from Calcutta and returned there the same day, searched the kit of Captain M. B. Jones, R.A., Muttra, India Command, against whom no offence is alleged, read all his personal letters, perused his books and removed private property including II letters, a photograph, a used cheque book and a ballet programme; and what purpose was served by this expenditure of public money.

I am informed by the Government of India that this officer was interviewed in connection with the investigation of leakages of secret military information which formed the basis of articles in the Communist Press. The Adjutant of the Unit was present throughout the interview and the officer, on being invited to show papers in his possession, agreed to do so. Any expenditure incurred will fall on the revenues of the Government of India.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the suspicions of the officer conducting this search were particularly aroused by the ballet programme, because it contained the name of a Russian dancer, and by one of Dostoievsky's novels, and is it asking too much to ask that officers employed in Intelligence should show some?

All I can say is that this officer is under the control of the Government of India and not of my noble Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will take steps to find out the approximate number of persons now living on each of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, together with the racial constitution of each island.

I will ask the Government of India whether they can furnish the information desired by my hon. Friend, and I will communicate with him when their reply is received.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend take steps to represent to the Government of India the importance of finding out who does live on these islands?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the exact status of the Indian ambassadors, consuls and trade representatives recently appointed; and by whom are they appointed.

Indian consular officers and trade commissioners have been stationed in certain foreign countries for many years past. The status of the Indian ambassadors recently appointed is that of diplomatic representatives of His Majesty separately accredited in respect of India to the Heads of the respective States in which they are appointed to reside. All these officers report direct to the Government of India on matters concerning Indian interests in the countries to which they are posted. The answer to the second part of the Question is that Indian ambassadors are appointed by His Majesty following a recommendation of the Government of India, and Indian consular officers and trade commissioners are appointed by the Government of India.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied that there are sufficient agricultural workers to maintain this country's food production at its highest level.

I have good hopes that the supply of labour will be adequate for the fulfilment of this year's production programme. As regards the longer term future, the Government are doing their best, by measures designed to establish the industry on a sound basis and to bring about an improvement in living conditions in the countryside, to attract a regular labour force sufficient to maintain agricultural production at the level required in the national interest.

When my right hon. Friend is doing that, will he consult with the Minister of Labour and ask him why American ex-soldiers of good character and some capital are being excluded from settling on the land?

I am not aware of that.

Is it not a fact that it is impossible to get British labour on to the land unless there are houses in which to put the workers; and what is the right hon. Gentleman doing to persuade his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to supply houses for rural workers?

It is no great discovery for me to find that there are fewer houses in the countryside than are necessary.

Would the right hon. Gentleman look further into the cases of Italian ex-prisoners of war who are anxious to come back to this country, whose former employers want them, but are now excluded by reason of the Home Office ban?

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. I do not think he will find that there is a ban on these men.

Will the Minister use his influence with the Minister of Labour to ensure that those German prisoners of war who are anxious to remain here in agriculture as free workmen are enabled to do so?

Is the Minister aware that the agricultural industry wants regular labour and houses in the countryside for the labourers; and will he impress on the Minister of Health the necessity for providing those houses?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what plans he has formulated to help to catch up the arrears of cultivation on the farms throughout the country caused by the exceptionally severe weather during the last four weeks, with special regard to the provision of additional labour to be made available on the termination of the existing severe weather period.

I have every hope that the supply of labour will be generally adequate for the spring cultivations. County war agricultural executive committees will, of course, be prepared to help as far as they can with prisoner and other labour.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman yet fully aware of the unparalleled difficulties facing the whole farming community because of the last few weeks' weather? Will the Government treat this matter with some sense of urgency, instead of just hoping for more men and more machinery when the weather breaks—and more houses, above all else?

And the Government are making unparelleled efforts to supply all the needs of the farmers.

Where is the note of urgency?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that more sugar beet was grown in 1946 than the present sugar-beet factories could process; and, as it is uneconomical to give cropping instructions for the 1947 crop in excess of what can be processed by the end of December, if he will instruct his A.E.Cs. accordingly.

The acreage of sugar beet grown in England and Wales in 1946 exceeded the total target acreage for the country, and a record yield per acre was obtained. Despite this, and the bad harvesting weather, by far the greater part of the record sugar beet crop will have been processed before the campaign is concluded. I see no reason to vary the existing instructions to county war agricultural executive committees to do their best to ensure that the 1947 target acreage of 394,000 acres is attained. This is over 9,000 acres less than the target for 1946, and over 15,000 acres less than the area actually grown in 1946.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for purchase of reaper-binders were received through A.E.Cs. during 1946 in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively; how many were imported and how many manufactured in this country in 1946; and what was the, value of spare parts for reaper-binders imported in 1946.

Applications for imported binders for the 1946 harvest were 1,938 in England, 344 in Scotland and 61 in Wales. Similar information for home produced machines is not available, as approval to purchase these has not been necessary since May, 1946. One thousand and forty binders were imported, in addition to 460 machines carried forward from the previous year. About the same number was available from home production. Separate figures for the value of imported spares for binders are not available, but provision was made for currency to cover importers' estimated requirements in full.

Is the Minister satisfied that the imports of spare parts for binders are related to the type of binders at present in use?

All I can say is that sufficient dollars were made available to buyers to provide all the spares we required for binders or any other imported machinery.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the method of lime distribution by lorry, practised in many farming districts, is, in general, expensive and unsatisfactory in results; and whether, having regard to the importance of a proper spread and the desirability of not wasting the Government subsidy, he will consider encouraging A.E.Cs. to acquire up-to-date lime dis- tributing vehicles fitted with hoppers which could be made available to farmers on hire terms.

I am aware of the disadvantages attaching to the distribution of lime from lorries. A substantial proportion of the lime now used is spread mechanically, often by contractors, and the proportion is increasing. I will, however, bear in mind the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these vehicles are produced in this country a year? Is the supply adequate to meet the demand?

I could not give the figure without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in the Dolwyddelan district of Caernarvonshire over the method of engaging staff at the neighbouring Gwydyr Forest; and if he will take steps to ensure that local ex-Servicemen are fairly considered for all vacancies that arise.

I am aware of dissatisfaction over the engagement of a few workers in that part of the Gwydyr Forest nearest to Dolwyddelan; fuller inquiries ate being made, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."

Would it be in Order to congratulate the Minister on his pronunciation of those Welsh names?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what stage has been reached regarding reparation agreements between Japan and Burma.

I would refer my non Friend to the statement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 12th February, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the machinery by which policy is discussed and directives issued to Mr. McMahon Ball, the British Commonwealth representative on the Allied Council for Japan.

Instructions are issued to Mr. Ball on behalf of the Governments which he represents by the Australian Minister for External Affairs, who is responsible for co-ordinating their views. Mr. Ball also maintains consultation with persons designated by the Governments which he represents to act as his advisers in Tokyo. A member of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission acts as the United Kingdom adviser to Mr. Ball, and through this channel the latter is kept aware of His Majesty's Government's general policy on questions of the kind which come before the Council.

Is the Minister satisfied that the machinery now working is satisfactory to British interests?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the order given by General MacArthur to the Japanese trade union leaders on 31st January last, to abandon their intended general strike, was discussed by the Allied Council for Japan; and whether there was unanimous agreement that it should be given.

No, Sir. Under the terms of a directive issued to the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers on the basis of a policy decision by the Far Eastern Commission, the occupation authorities in Japan are authorised to prohibit strikes when they consider that they would directly prejudice the objectives or needs of the occupation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a group of trade union leaders concerned in the proposed general strike have now asked for an investigation into the labour conditions which led to the threat of a general strike, and will His Majesty's Government further that investigation?

I think that is a different matter.

Is General MacArthur influenced in any respect by representations of any kind made by His Majesty's Government's representatives?

asked the Minister of Food whether the projected increase in the quantity of animal feedingstuffs to be imported into this country in 1947 will represent an increase as compared with 1945, or only as compared with 1946.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 27th January to the hon. Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser), of which I am sending him a copy.

Can we take it that everything possible will be done to import the maximum quantity that circumstances permit?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food the total number of, persons at present employed in the Liverpool food office; and what proportion of the posts filled are held by ex-Servicemen and married women, respectively.

The number of persons employed at the Liverpool Food Office, including part time staff, cleaners, etc., is 416, of these about 15 per cent. are ex-Servicemen and 40 per cent. married women, including widows.

Does not the hon. Lady agree that it would be more satisfactory if those figures could be turned the other way about?

I would remind the hon. Member that it is the Government's policy not to discourage married women from taking jobs, and furthermore these women in the Liverpool Food Office have been there for many years, and have detailed knowledge of the work of the Department.

What number of the ex-Servicemen are disabled?

I could not say that without notice.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the high pointing of Tunis dates has seriously affected the sale; and if he will consider either depointing or lowering the point values, so that the public may be given the benefit of accumulated stocks.

My information is that the high price of these dates, and not the points value, is affecting sales. I am, however, considering my hon. Friend's proposal.

Can my hon. Friend suggest any method whereby the price of these dates could be reduced?

I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that that is a matter for the merchants themselves. They have it in their own hands.

Is it not reasonable to say that free enterprise has forced the price of these dates to such a figure that housewives cannot afford to buy them, and is not the only way to tackle it for the Minister to buy on Ministry of Food account and keep the price low?

The Ministry is buying another type of dates and retailing them at about 5¾d. per lb., but these particular dates are of a special quality and are highly perishable, and that is why we allow private importers to bring them into the country.

asked the Minister of Food, on what terms as to quantity and price he has entered into a bulk contract for the purchase of Ceylon copra for future supplies; and if this contract was made before the Ceylon export duty on copra of £15 a ton was imposed.