asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now considered the recommendations of the sub-committee set up by the British Furniture Manufacturers' Federated Associations to study the problem of woodworm in utility furniture; and if the results of such recommendations have yet been made available to the trade.

Discussions have taken place between my Department and the British Furniture Manufacturers' Federated Associations on this question, but no recommendations have been made to me by the sub-committee to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman speed up things, as people do not want to have this utility furniture continually forced on them full of woodworm?

I entirely appreciate that, but this is a very complicated scientific problem. I understand that it is being looked into by the manufacturers very carefully.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many factories have been built under the guidance arid direction of his Department, within the North-East Development Area, since May, 1945; the number of men and women employed in these factories; how many factories are planned to be completed; and how many men and women planned to be employed within them by January, 1948.

Up to 31st January, 1947, plans have been approved for the construction of 389 new factories or extensions in the North-Eastern Development Area. It is estimated that these, when in full production, will provide work for approximately 37,000 men and 39,000 women. In addition, the construction of 43 factories in advance of specific demand from industrialists has been approved. These, when in full production, may be expected ultimately to employ a further 6,500 persons. At the same date 53 new factories and extensions had been completed and were employing 1,200 men and 1,600 women approximately. It is impracticable in present circumstances to state when all these new factories and extensions will be completed and in full production. I hope, however, that most of these factories will be completed and available for production by the end of 1948.

It the right hon. and learned Gentleman should have difficulty with this programme owing to the shortage of raw materials, will he consult with the Minister of Labour with the object of giving priority to those factories in which disabled men can be employed?

We shall give priority, I think, to those factories which can find the most useful employment.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied with the cooperation between his Department, the Ministry of Works and the North-Eastern Trading Estate on this matter?

Very.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of notice to importers No. 218, dated 14th November, 1946, permission was refused to import dress material from France containing over 87 per cent. wool, particulars of which have been sent him.

The refusal in this case was due to a misunderstanding. The application has now been reconsidered, and an import licence has already been issued.

Are not these mistakes inevitable under State control? Why should not this material be classed as a raw issue, as it contained 87 per cent. of wool?

The difficulty arose over the question of embroidery, as the hon. Member knows.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the plastic handbags now being purchased from the U.S.A. for sale in this country are paid for with money from the U.S Loan.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply about dollar resources given on 28th January by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to the hon. Members for Newbury (Mr. Hurd), Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) and the Forest of Dean (Mr. Philips Price). The goods now referred to are being paid for out of our dollar resources, including the proceeds of the credit from the United States Government.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that ordinary leather handbags made in this country, which are in considerable demand in the United States, are being held up because we cannot get the sewing machines in order to put them together? Would it not be more advisable to purchase sewing machines in the United States with this money, make our own bags. and sell them to, America?

I understand that these bags were required for the Christmas market. No others are being imported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will extend to new publications of a trade or technical nature the same concession respecting the printing of extra copies for export circulation only that has been granted to all journals published before 6th August, 1940.

I regret that the supply position does not enable us to make additional paper available for export copies of all new periodicals. In the few cases in which we have specially licensed new periodicals, the quantity of paper they are authorised to use is calculated to cover export requirements.

If the amount of paper available is so limited as to prevent the President of the Board of Trade giving this concession to these journals, how does he account for the grant of paper made to the "Royal Ordnance Factory News "—a new fortnightly paper sponsored by the Government—which is far in excess of the allocation granted to these technical journals?

The paper to which my hon. Friend refers is in another category. It is a house journal for industry.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether, during the printing strike in Paris, some French papers were printed here and flown to Paris?

Not to my knowledge.

Will the President of the Board of Trade give further consideration to the point where journalists can show that they have a strong case in connection with the export trade?

This Question relates only to new publications. I have dealt with it, and we cannot deal with it further.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in recent months, there has been any importation from the U.S.A. of women's dresses; in what quantity; and of what total monetary value.

Women's and girls dresses and skirts imported from the United States during the last quarter of 1946 numbered 27,505, valued at £57,495. Imports in January numbered 14,275, having a value of £30,873.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the cotton allocations for export for the first period of 1947.

The total quantity of cotton yarn allocated for the production of export goods in the first period of 1947 is 15,000 tons, a reduction of about 40 per cent. on the allocation for the previous period. Owing to the heavy load of orders already in the industry, which has been intensified by the present disturbances of production, the issue of this allocation must be delayed, for the time being. As has already been announced, the system under which the export allocation is administered is being altered to take account of the general production position in the cotton industry and of the country's need for exports to hard currency markets. Details of the new system will, I hope, be announced shortly.

Can the Minister say whether manufacturers and retailers have previously had all this information? Do they know the position?

I think they do, but I cannot answer that Question without notice.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that this is one of the very serious aspects of production, both for home and export trade?

indicated assent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the number of diesel generators put at his disposal on loan to help industry by each of the three fighting Services, respectively;

(2) how many applications he has received from industry for backing for the purchase of diesel generators held by his Department or for the loan of Service generators; and if he is satisfied that adequate publicity has been given to the fact that these generators are available.

About 1,250 diesel and petrol generating sets of suitable types and sizes have been made available by the Service Departments for loan to industry; approximately 650 by the War Office, 350 by the Air Ministry, and 250 by the Admiralty. Applications for these sets are dealt with regionally, and have been entertained only from firms in the areas affected by the industrial power cuts. There have been a large number of such applications, but information as to the exact number is not available. My Department does not hold any diesel generator sets for sale. Applications to purchase sets from Government surpluses are dealt with by the Ministry of Supply. I consider that there has been adequate publicity.

Can the President of the Board of Trade say whether any steps are being taken to have these machines built during the next three or four months?

That is another question.

Is the Minister satisfied that this is the full number available, because my information is to the contrary?

These are the numbers we have so far been able to make immediately available, but inquiries are continuing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there is a monopoly in the manufacture and supply of chlorine in this country; and how the selling price compares with the price in the U.S.A. of £9 15s. per ton.

The greater proportion of United Kingdom production is by one firm, but there are two other known manufacturers. Factors such as methods of packing and delivery materially affect prices both in this country and in U.S.A., and it is accordingly not possible to make a comparison with the particular price quoted by my hon. Friend.

Can the Minister say whether the monopoly element which he has disclosed is in any way responsible for the fact that chlorine is very much dearer in this country than in the United States? In view of the fact that this is an essential bi-product for so many important commodities manufactured in this country for domestic use, will he immediately look into this question, in view of the fact that the price of American chlorine is enabling American manufacturers to compete in the export markets much better than ourselves?

I have no evidence of the premise which my hon. Friend puts in his question, that chlorine is more expensive here than in America.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a firm of printers who work for exporters and to whom, over seven months ago, the Barking Corporation, with the approval of the Ministry of Health, offered a site for a new factory in an area planned for industrial development, have ever since been unable to get a decision from the Control of Factory Premises Branch of his Department; and whether, in the interests of his production drive, he will now approve the application.

My regional controller is in touch with the firm about their proposal, which involves a substantial expansion over their prewar factory space. In view of the claims of blitzed firms in the printing industry, this proposal is not acceptable. A project to replace the amount of factory space which they will have to vacate will be sympathetically considered. I am writing to the hon. Member in greater detail about the case.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why it has taken a Question on the Order Paper to bring this long-drawn-out affair to a head?

I am afraid that is quite incorrect. It has not come to a head, because the firm have not yet decided what they want to do.

Will the Minister invite this firm to come to the West of Scotland?

Perhaps I shall invite them to go somewhere else if it goes on any longer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he has issued instructions to the British Master Printers' Federation that during the fuel emergency dividend warrants shall not be printed with the exception of those for co-operative societies.

No, Sir. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, in reply to a similar question on 20th February by the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton), the use of electricity supplies for the printing of dividend warrants has been authorised.

Does that mean that the instructions have since been withdrawn?

No, Sir. What it means is that a circular was sent round by the Federation of Master Printers which was doubtful in meaning, and it was confirmed that they could be printed.

Does not this show a disturbing tendency on the part of the administration that the Co-operative Society can receive better treatment unless there is some vigilant Member to put down a question?

It is not only the Federation of Master Printers who may have made a mistake. The circular stated that among those things that regional controllers have discretion to allow to be printed were dividend warrants arid Co-operative Society dividend cheques. These are the two items.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the 1939 £20,000,000 loan to Turkey, repayable in tobacco for British consumption, in 20 annual instalments, he will state if regular deliveries of the full amount have been received to date; if it is all being used by the industry or is being held up; and what percentage of our total imports this represents as compared with U.S. tobacco.

Regular deliveries of the full amount of Turkish tobacco repayable under the 1939 Loan have been received. Some part of this tobacco has not so far been used. Turkish tobacco represents less than 1 per cent. of our total imports, and U.S. tobacco represents approximately 84 per cent.

Can the Minister say why the tobacco is not being used? Is he aware that the price is double what it was at the beginning of the war, and, therefore, we are getting half the quantity?

I understand that the reason why some of it has not been used is because some people do not like to smoke Turkish tobacco.

But less than one per cent. does not make that difference.

Will the Minister consider making representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a tax remission on Turkish tobacco?

I am willing to consider anything.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that plain white cups and saucers are practically unobtainable in Aberdeenshire; and what steps he is taking to increase supplies in this area.

There is a general shortage of crockery all over the country, but, in so far as the urgent need to maintain our export trade allows, I am encouraging manufacturers to place a larger volume of supplies on the home market.

Is the Minister aware that British firms have recently placed contracts for German pottery, and some of that pottery is coming to Britain?

I understand that is so, but if it can help to make up the deficiency, I am sure the consumers will be very pleased.

Is not the difficulty, referred to in the Question, one of transport from the production areas to the North-East of Scotland? Will the President of the Board of Trade consult the Minister of Transport to obviate the bottleneck?

I am not aware that there is any bottleneck in transport.

Is the Minister aware that if the potteries receive sufficient labour and raw material, they can not only supply our own needs, but will be able to increase our exports all over the world?

That is so, but unfortunately, the labour is not at present available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what orders have recently been given for turbo-sets for home use; what orders have been given for 45,000 and 50,000 kilowatts; if they are being given super priority in manufacture and materials required; what are the delivery dates given and when it is expected they will be producing power.

Since 1St January, 1946, 40 turbo-sets have been ordered for home use and these include one 45,000 kilowatt set and 16 50,000 kilowatt sets. High priority in manufacturing labour and materials is being given. The expected rate of commissioning of these sets is as follows: 1947, one set; 1948, one set; 1949. 27 sets; 1950, 10 sets; 1951, one set.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that with our present manufacturing rate of progress the gap between supply and capacity will not be bridged until 1950? If so, will he consult the Prime Minister with a view to getting complete authority for super priority for the plant that is so urgently required?

We are fully conscious of the need for stepping up the production of these sets and the matter is under consideration.

That does not answer the question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that super priority has not yet been given, and will he consult the responsible Minister with a view to seeing that manufacturing factories are put on two shifts as soon as possible, in order to get this urgent work done?

I will take note of my hon. Friend's point.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the boilers, switch-gear, transformers and all other products that require to be manufactured have been ordered for the turbines already ordered; if they are being given super priority; what is the position with regard to the power stations; and if they will be ready for the plant.

Orders have been placed for boilers, switchgear, transformers, and other equipment required for use with the turbines already on order. High priority in labour and materials is being given. Work on the power station buildings is in hand, and it is expected that they will be ready for the plant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why high priority was withdrawn a short time ago?

High priority is affected by other considerations.

Then the right hon. Gentleman admits that high priority was withdrawn?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any orders have been placed in the United States for equipment of this type?

I am not aware of any

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the amount of coal approximately above ground at the pitheads, at the latest available date.

Colliery stocks, on ground and in wagons, at 25th January, 1947, were 1,376,464 tons.

Does the Minister realise that he can get gas from coal, but not coal from gas or hot air?

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to advise the railway companies of the quantity of coal likely to be transported on Sundays, so that they can make the necessary arrangements with their staff and thereby prevent a large number of men being booked on for Sunday duty when they are not actually required for the job?

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if his attention has been drawn to the accumulation of washery slurry, amounting to over 10,000 tons and covering over three acres of agricultural land at Sandwell Park colliery, West Bromwich; and whether, in view of its 50 per cent. content of combustible matter, this slurry has been offered to power stations and brickworks.

The washery slurry accumulated at Sandwell Park Colliery, West Bromwich, has been offered regularly to consumers in general. Unfortunately, owing to the very poor quality of this slurry, which has a combined moisture and ash content of over 50 per cent., markets have been found for only a small tonnage.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that last July his Department regarded this slurry as being sufficiently combustible to attract a levy of 15s. per ton under the Coal Charges Order which was then in force? If the position now is as he has just stated, his Department took the wrong view last July.

We have used a great deal of this slurry to make briquettes, but some of it is of inferior quality and transport costs are so excessive that it is hardly worth troubling about.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the output of deep-mined coal for the East Midland region for the month of January, 1947; and if he will give the figure for the corresponding month of 1946.

The output of deep-mined saleable coal in the East Midland Division of the National Coal Board for the four weeks ended 25th January, 1947, was 2,656,000 tons. The comparable figure for the corresponding period in 1946 was 2,458,100 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many additional workers are required in the mines to ensure that adequate stocks of coal are available, without rationing industrial consumption, for the winter of 1947–48 at the end of the summer months.

The calculation asked lot would involve making assumptions in regard to a large number of factors besides that of manpower. These further assumptions I do not feel that I am in a position to make at the present time.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the estimated increase in output from the mines that will be achieved by the installation of up-to-date equipment wherever it is needed.

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the installation of up-to-date equipment is part of the general re-organisation problem which is engaging the close attention of the National Coal Board. I cannot, therefore, furnish an estimate of the amount of equipment required or the increased output that will be obtained.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be helpful to the people of the country if they had some idea of the target in manpower and equipment at which we are aiming?

Yes, Sir, and the National Coal Board, having taken over the collieries, are now engaged in a complete survey.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that many householders are without coal; and what steps he is taking to maintain and improve the present ration.

I am aware that owing to increased consumption caused by the cold weather there are consumers who have exhausted their supplies. It is not possible, however, to allot a larger tonnage of coal for domestic consumption.

Is the Minister aware that most people in this country are prepared to put up with some inconvenience caused by industrial dislocation, but they are most anxious to have their own little bit of fuel in their homes; and can we have an assurance that in any future arrangements the supply of raw fuel on which many people are totally dependent will be ensured?

I did everything possible last year to ensure a larger supply of household coal. In fact, we did secure a larger supply, although, undoubtedly, it was not sufficient for the purpose, and there has been some inconvenience and hardship. So far as the future is concerned, we have no intention, whatever scheme is formulated, of not including domestic coal supplies.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that h many rural areas the exhaustion of coal supplies is due to the fact that the allocations promised have not been delivered?

I am afraid that the hon. and learned Gentleman is not altogether accurate. The weather has had some effect on transport facilities, and we have been unable to make the necessary allocations in some cases, but, generally speaking, we have overcome the difficulty.

Is the Minister aware that, in many areas, consumers have exhausted their supplies, because, although supplies are available in the yards, the dealers will not deliver the coal, and prefer to sell it at their yards, irrespective of allocations?

If we are informed of the details of that matter, we shall deal with it at once.

Is it not a fact that, as far as the rural areas are concerned, this problem goes back to before the present severe weather?

I agree that all along there has been a scarcity of household supplies. As I pointed out last night, in the course of the Debate, what is wanted is more coal, and we are doing all we possibly can to get it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many of these cases the coal is available and has been available, and that the fault lies in transport, as a result of the weather?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many shifts were lost during 1946 because of the lack or failure of transport to convey miners between their homes and the collieries.

Losses specifically recorded as attributable to failure of transport facilities to convey miners to the collieries during 1946 amounted to only 34,000 manshifts, but this number is likely to exclude cases where only a few men were affected at any one time.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of shifts lost by miners, excluding those off work through accident or sickness, for the months of January, 1946, and January, 1947.

The only figures I can give my hon. Friend are those for the lost shifts which have been classified by colliery managers as voluntary absenteeism. The total in January, 1946, (four weeks) was 1,502,000 and the corresponding figure for January, 1947, was 1,481,000.

Is the Minister aware that those figures should give great comfort to the hon. Member for the Hallam Division of Sheffield (Mr. Jennings) in view of his speech yesterday?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal was exported from this country during December, 1946, and January, 1947, respectively, and to which countries did it go.

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

The question asked only for two figures, and the names of the countries to which the coal is going.

The coal, of course, is going to a great many countries. I am circulating the names of those countries in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what he is telling the House now is quite different from what the President of the Board of Trade said in the coal Debate yesterday? He said then that no coal was going out of this country at the present moment except bunker coal, and coal for Eire.

My right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade said nothing of the sort. As I have pointed out frequently in the House, in reply to Questions and in the course of Debate, there are from 6,000,000 to 7,000,000 tons of coal used for bunkers and for export—about 3,000,000 tons for export—but it is inferior quality coal.

What about the European Coal Organisation? Is not that the cause of the whole trouble?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of vacant places at the coalface; whether such places are ready for immediate production; and whether any development is taking place to provide further pit room.

No specific information is available in regard to the points raised by my hon. Friend Ian I am informed by the National Coal Board that they are carrying out an urgent survey with a view to creating the maximum additional face room that is practicable.

Is the Minister aware that this is a very important matter and that it is no use obtaining 50,000 men unless we have 50,000 places for them in which to work on immediate production?

That point is being borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he was consulted before the issue, by the North Eastern Divisional Coal Board, of instructions to agents and managers employed by it that they must resign from membership of local authorities within three months; and what action he is taking in the matter.

No, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Ecclesall (Major Roberts) on 6th February, 1947.

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister's reply refers to a questionnaire, whereas the Question on the Order Paper today concerns a document that contains an express instruction that all council work shall stop within three months, and will the right hon. Gentleman take action to stop this intolerable interference with the liberties of these people?

I am not aware that there was an express instruction of the kind the hon. Gentleman has indicated. The questionnaire was undoubtedly sent out, but it does not indicate interference with the political rights of the employees as a whole.

Is the Minister aware that I have here a copy of the letter in question, dated r6th February, and that it says that all council work must cease within three months from that date; and will he see that this is withdrawn in view of what he has said?

I understand that the questionnaire has been withdrawn.

It is a letter

It is the document to which the hon. Member has referred. So far as the Government are concerned, we do not intend at any time to interfere with the political rights of members of the Coal Board or their employees.

But will the Minister see that this letter or questionnaire—it does not matter which it is called—is withdrawn?

May I press the right hon. Gentleman on that point; there is a clear understanding on the part of the House that these individuals are to be free, but as there appears to be a document which gives them an instruction which removes that freedom, will not the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, issue instructions that that document shall be cancelled?

There is no need to issue instructions. If the employees are aggrieved at any action taken by the Coal Board, there is conciliation machinery to deal with those grievances, but so far as I am aware the employees have not complained of any action taken by the Board.

Is not the Minister aware that at this very moment there is a by-election going on in the West Riding of Yorkshire caused by this letter that has gone out?

If the hon. and gallant Member is aware that any employee of the Coal Board is precluded from participating in the by-election he might be good enough to inform me.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal has been exported from this country since the conclusion of hostilities.

Coal exports from the United Kingdom since the conclusion of hostilities to the latest date available (i.e. September, 1945, to January, 1947, inclusive) were 6,475,000 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and. Power if he will make a statement on the desirability, or otherwise, of miners working at the coalface on Sundays.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why miners were prevented by decision of the West Midland Coal Board from working on a Sunday at Cannock Chase.

I am sure the House would wish to join with me in expressing appreciation of the magnificent gesture made by the miners in various parts of the country in volunteering to work on Sundays. There can be no doubt that at a time of crisis Sunday working is advantageous from the national point of view whenever this is practicable provided, of course, that there is no reduction in attendance on week days. As a long-term arrangement, however, it might lead to a diminution of output. In many districts of the country it has not been possible to organise Sunday working during the present emergency because transport facilities to carry away the coal could not be improvised under the prevailing weather conditions. Moreover, normally, maintenance work must be carried out on a Sunday. The decision, whether or not Sunday working is practicable is one for the National Coal Board. In the case of Cannock Chase, I am advised that the Board did not decide against Sunday working, but arranged to find employment in connection with maintenance work for any who volunteered to work underground. Though some mineworkers had expressed themselves in favour of Sunday working, the Board had received no request on behalf of the local branch of the National Union of Mineworkers.

Is the Minister satisfied that the reason why there should be coal-getting in Wales on Sunday but no encouragement in the Cannock area was purely a matter of transport facilities? May I further ask him if he will send a copy of his reply to the members of the West Midland Regional Board to teach them proper standards of courtesy in dealing with miners?

The officials of the Coal Board will no doubt have this statement made available to them As regards the difference between the position in the Cannock Chase area and South Wales, it is all a matter of transport, and over and above that, these matters must be left to the people on the spot to decide. I must say that however fine and magnificent this gesture to work on Sunday was, it was not a practical proposition unless we could be assured that the men will work regularly throughout the week.

As there is a certain amount of anxiety in my own constituency that the fact that the miners worked on Sunday might give the Government the impression that they could always do it, will the Minister give an assurance that the miners are not, in so doing, jeopardising the five-day week?

It must be clearly understood that mine workers do work on Sunday all the year round on maintenance and necessary repairing, or otherwise the shifts could not start on Monday. That is known to all concerned in the mining industry Therefore. Sunday work is not desirable for the purpose of winding coal. We must content ourselves with winding Coal on six days of the week. As to the effect on the five-day week, this is now under negotiation.

Are we to take it that the whole policy of Sunday working is a question for the Coal Board?

All these questions are matters for the National Coal Board, who are now entrusted with the care of the mining industry.

Is it not fairly true to say that the conditions which might make working on Sunday practicable or possible vary from pit to pit and district to district and that there can be no general policy?

The final word I have to say in this matter is that these questions must be negotiated, if they are to be discussed at all, as between the National Coal Board, on the one hand, and the National Union of Mineworkers, on the other.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will remove the absolute ban upon the use of greyhound racing tracks by some form of relaxation, seeing that football pool establishments and cinemas are allowed to continue as usual and these consume more electricity than the greyhound racing tracks.

This matter is under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are places which do not use electric light, as they generally operate in the afternoon.

We have that matter under review.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large percentage of our people like to have a little gamble, and that it is inadvisable to take steps to prevent that without proper discussion in this House? Would he consider the advisability of relaxing the restriction?

We have that matter in mind now.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his decision in this matter has given general satisfaction, and will he take steps to see that the restriction is continued, not only during the winter, but during the summer as well, in view of the fact that most people concerned with greyhound racing are social parasites?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he proposes to take to adjust the loss the consumers arising out of the electricity cuts and reduction in voltage, in view of the fact that it is estimated that this practice tends to cause electricity meters to read fast and adds to the expenses of householders throughout the country.

I am advised that, in general, meters only register the amount of energy consumed, and that such registration is not affected by a reduction of voltage.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I like to get ahead with things, and that it has been demonstrated by informed authorities that meters tend to read fast when there is a low volume of supply? Will he make further inquiries into this matter?

I understand that direct current meters show a small drop, but it is negligible.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider closing all restaurants, public restaurants and dining rooms of hotels, night clubs, etc., at 10 p.m., and thus prevent the luxury eating establishments remaining open until midnight and one a.m., with the consequent waste of fuel and power.

I doubt whether discriminatory action against any particular class of establishment would be feasible, or would result in appreciable fuel saving. There arc other ways in dealing with unjustifiable use of fuel, and the whole problem is now being considered.

Is the Minister aware that it is not only on greyhound tracks that we have socia1 parasites, and that there are many bottle clubs and night clubs which are wasting fuel and which could be closed down; and that if this method were adopted it would give satisfaction to many people in this country?

That may be, but I am only concerned with avoiding unjustifiable waste.

Is the Minister aware that these bottle clubs and night clubs usually commence about nine o'clock at night, go on until three or four o'clock in the morning, and waste quite an amount of fuel?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that what my hon. Friend has described as bottle clubs are not technically clubs at all, but private premises; and can he say what powers he has, or what powers he proposes to take, to deal with them?

The power to deal with bottle clubs has not yet been conferred on me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider arranging for day shifts at night clubs?

If the right hon. Gentleman will put his suggestion to the proper quarters, perhaps he will himself be able to participate.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that every advantage has been taken of using oil instead of coal during the present coal shortage.

Every possible use is being made of existing oil-burning equipment to save coal consumption, and further efforts are being made to increase the amount of such equipment as quickly as possible.

Is not the B.B.C. burning coal when it might be burning oil?

I should like to see that question on the Order Paper.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if it is left to the concern itself, if it has the equipment, whether it uses oil or coal?

We have no power to compel fuel consumers to differentiate, but we encourage the use of fuel oil, provided we can secure the necessary plant and equipment.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power for what reasons his Department forbade the publication of the unfortunate weekly newspaper at Oxford, the "Isis," although the paper was being entirely produced by hand and without any consumption of electricity.

The agreement with the periodical proprietors to suspend periodicals for at least two weeks applied irrespective of whether electricity was used in production or not. This was to ensure that no periodicals were placed at an advantage over others.

Does not the Minister admit that he did this entirely without authority, and will he give an assurance that he will confine his interventions in future to matters which affect his Department?

I told the hon. Gentleman last night that this was done without statutory provision, but it was done with authority.

Is the Minister aware that this publication is not produced entirely by hand but in its production workers by hand and brain unite?

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what other publications could possibly be put into a worse position by publishing the "Isis" for undergraduates at Oxford University?

I am afraid that I cannot.

Is not the Minister aware that this publication had already been suspended by the Proctors?.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what action he is taking to modify the charges imposed on domestic electricity consumers under the two-part tariff scheme during the present curtailment of electricity supply.

The present curtailment of supplies cannot result in any substantial reduction of the fixed charges borne by the electricity supply undertakings. Any reduction in expenditure, due to the saving of coal, will be offset by the reduction in revenue from the sales of reduced quantities of electricity. I cannot agree, therefore, that the undertakings should, in present conditions, reduce their charges under the two-part tariff.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, by his Order, he has interfered with the contracting rights of consumers, and is he prepared to relieve them of the burden of a payment which is made in return for those rights?

We have to balance that against the position of the undertakings.