asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a comparative statement as to how the labour force employed in manufacture for export in 1946 compares with 1938; and how the volume of exports in 1946 compares with that of 1938.

The estimated number of insured persons employed in manufacture for export at mid-1946 was 1,286,500. No information about numbers employed on export work was collected before the war, and it is therefore impossible to make an accurate comparison. The figure of 930,000 for mid-1939, which has been published, is only very broadly comparable, as it was compiled by quite a different method; it may be taken as very roughly applicable to 1938. The volume of total exports in 1946 was 99, taking that for 1938 as l00; the corresponding figure for exports of manufactured goods was 111.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement, expressing in numbers and percentage, as to how many answers to questionnaires were received by his Department in, respectively, 1936 and 1946.

No complete record exists for 1936, but it is known that about 160,000 forms were sent out in that year. The corresponding figure for 1946 is about 825,000. In each year the replies received represented 97 per cent. of the forms despatched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why it is not possible to obtain priority dockets to enable a person whose linen has been stolen, even if underwriters have paid for the loss, to replace the loss; and what steps he proposes to take to remove this hardship.

Priority dockets are issued if the number of sheets remaining after a theft is below the standard of three sheets for each bed necessarily in use. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the case he has in mind I will have it looked into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why a single person setting up home for the first time is not entitled to obtain priority dockets for utility linen, furniture, etc.; and if he will take steps to remedy this hardship in appropriate cases.

I regret that the supplies available would not meet the substantial expansion of demand which my hon. Friend's proposal would involve. I realise that many single people have good reasons for wanting to set up home, but their needs are normally not so urgent as those of the present priority classes for whom current supplies only just suffice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to ensure that tobacconists in holiday resorts receive an adequate supply of cigarettes and tobacco during the coming holiday season to enable them to cater fully for both residents and visitors.

Seasonal increases in supplies are made to holiday resorts as far as is practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to clear the slag heaps at Cleator Moor, which is situated in the development area of West Cumberland, seeing there are several hundred men unemployed who have not worked for some considerable time; by whom the application was made; and whether any sanction has been given for the work to proceed.

No application has been made to the Board of Trade in respect of the clearance of slag heaps at Cleator Moor. I am, however, acquiring and propose to clear the site of an old iron works of about 37 acres in this locality for the purposes of industrial development and to improve the amenities of the neighbourhood.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the forms sent out in connection with the partial census of production of the mechanical engineering trade were wrongly bound so that many of the 45 pages appeared in the wrong order, some of them upside down; and what steps he proposes to take in future to ensure that manufacturing firms, coping with their many present difficulties, are not subject to similar inconvenience.

It is regretted that about twenty schedules for the mechanical engineering trade have, subsequent to issue, been found to be defective. This possibility could only be eliminated completely by the detailed examination of each schedule before issue, which would involve inordinate expense. The printers will be asked to see that such defective binding does not occur in future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any calculation has been made as to the approximate number of clerical manhours which will be required to enable industrialists in this country to complete the census of production forms which have recently been distributed to them; and whether, in view of the economic emergency, this census can be postponed.

The answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that all the contracts for the 1,000 mile pipeline to be laid from Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean have been placed with U.S. companies; and what efforts were made to obtain some of these contracts for Great Britain.

No, Sir; but I understand that the pipeline to which the hon. Member refers is one which a United States oil concessionaire in Saudi Arabia is known to have under consideration. There would, of course, be no obligation on the American company to afford an opportunity for British participation in its construction, but if it did so I am informed that United Kingdom manufacturers are not even in a position to supply all the needs of British oil companies for pipeline equipment, and therefore there would be no point in their attempting to secure part of any contracts with an American oil company at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of men and women within the North-East development area who will be employed in new factories so far approved and sponsored by his Department; and whether any approximate date can be given by which time this number will be actually so employed.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have given to him today on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour if employers in industry in which agreement has been reached with the trade unions concerned, and who have accommodation, can now be supplied with Polish labour.

Certainly, if no suitable and willing British labour is available. I hope that all employers who have employment and accommodation available will notify such vacancies at once to the employment exchange. Our local officers have already been instructed to this effect.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the decision given by his Department on the application, dated 25th October, 1946, of the Seaward Engineering Company for a permit for the employment of Mr. B. S. Heller, a toolmaker of Czech nationality, in view of the fact that this man has recently been demobilised in Palestine after three years in the British forces and that he wishes to join his parents in this country.

I am making further inquiries in this case and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as these have been completed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many boys and girls, as orphans or other children unprovided for by their parents, are under the control of local authorities and how many under the control of voluntary charitable institutions; and of these, how many are in grouped cottage homes.

Some 33,000 children are maintained by public assistance authorities, exclusive of rate-aided patients in mental hospitals and children receiving out-relief in their own homes, and about 8,000 are committed to the care of local authorities as "Fit Persons." Of this total of 41,000 children under the control of local authorities approximately 5,000 are in voluntary homes, which accommodate in all about 33,500 children. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 children in local authority and voluntary children's homes are in grouped cottage homes.

asked the Minister of Labour if, at the end of the coal crisis, he intends industry to restart on a regular four-day week or to work three full weeks and close down entirely the fourth week, or stagger shifts from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. so as to even out the electricity peak loads; and if he will make as early an announcement as possible of the course to he followed.

In consultation with the National Joint Advisory Council, it has been decided that arrangements for restarting in areas affected by the fuel cuts shall be co-ordinated by the regional board for industry concerned in collaboration with the two sides of each main industry in the region. The exact arrangements will be determined in the light of the circumstances of each industry and locality.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the order under which publication of weekly periodicals is prohibited.

The suspension of publication of weekly newspapers is not the subject of any statutory order. It was secured by an instruction issued after consultation with bodies representing major interests in the newspaper and periodical Press.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reason and authority for his decision to forbid both the publication of periodicals in the production of which no electricity is used and the issue of those printed before the electricity cuts were made; and if he will withdraw this ban immediately.

The instruction in question, which was not a statutory prohibition, was drawn up after consultation with certain representative bodies in the trade. It included periodicals in which no electricity is used so that there might be no discrimination between competing periodicals of the same class but using different kinds of power. For the same reason it extended to the issue al periodicals printed or partly printed before: 15th February, when the instruction took effect. The instruction was withdrawn on the 21st February so as to permit resumption of publication next week.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power upon what authority and in what form, he secured the suspension of publication of all weekly papers for 14 days.

A general instruction, but no statutory prohibition, was issued after consultation with certain representative trade organisations. This instruction was strictly observed by a very great majority of those concerned in a commendable spirit of co-operation. The suspension did not apply to all weekly papers. Those concerned with the publication of current general news in particular localities were continued without interruption.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power approximately how many tons of coal will have been saved by the suspension for two weeks of weekly periodicals.

It is not possible to give a figure.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why greyhound racing alone of all forms of entertainment has been banned as a meaure of fuel saving.

This temporary ban was imposed not only as a direct fuel-saving measure, but also because of the undesirability, during the acute electricity crisis, of having such large scale outdoor gatherings after dark, with the brilliant lighting involved.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will include firms manufacturing artificial limbs for disabled Servicemen on the essential list for power.

After discussion with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, I have arranged that some power supply should be available for this purpose. It is hoped that production and repair work will be resumed tomorrow, Friday.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women, respectively, from the county of Caernarvon now serving in the Armed Forces.

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not readily available and could only be obtained by detaching staff from more urgent matters.

asked the Minister of Labour if his Department has now completed its discussions with representatives of the universities as to the arrangements for the next academic year in regard to students released, or to be released, from the Forces; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. It has been agreed that the, arrangements for entry into universities in the autumn of this year should in general be the same as those for 1946. A memorandum of guidance will be issued to all concerned within the next two or three weeks and I am having copies placed in the Library.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when a decision will be given on the claim for revised scales of pay for the stampers and other grades employed in the Inland Revenue stamping department, in view of the fact that this matter has been under consideration by the Board of Inland Revenue for almost a year.

On 6th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has yet been reached about the future of Cable and Wireless Limited.

Yes, Sir. Cable and Wireless Limited will remain in being as a Government owned company and will continue to own the assets and to operate the telecommunication services outside the United Kingdom, apart from those to be owned and operated by the respective National Bodies in the Dominions, India and S. Rhodesia as decided at the recent Commonwealth Telecommunications Conference. Staff of the U.K. system working overseas will be employees of the Company. All the assets in the United Kingdom will be transferred to the Post Office and the services integrated with those of the Post Office.The Company, as thus reconstructed, will work in close association with the Post Office. The Post Office will become the United Kingdom National Body, for the purpose of the arrangements agreed with the Partner Governments at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Conference in 1945. Further legislation will be necessary to put the new arrangements into effect, and it is not expected that they will be in force before 1949. In the meantime, the Company will continue to operate as at present, under the Board of Directors recently appointed by the Government.The Commonwealth Communications Council, which consists of representatives of the Partner Governments, is meeting in London at the beginning of March, when arrangements will be discussed for the exercise by the Council of as many as possible of the functions of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Board, pending the establishment of the Board on the lines indicated in the White Paper (Cmd. 6805). My noble friend the Postmaster-General has taken over Ministerial responsibility for Cable and Wireless Limited.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will take action to speed up replies by Ministers to inquires received from hon. members.

I cannot add to previous answers on the subject. I do not think any general directive is necessary, but I am sure that all Ministers will continue to impress on their Departments the need for answering letters from Members as speedily as the size of their staff and the volume of their correspondence permit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many tons of oil per month are now being burnt in place of coal as the result of his coal to oil conversion campaign.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has any figures showing what has been the weekly increase in the consumption of fuel oil in this country following his advice to industry to turn to oil fuel wherever possible.

The amount of oil burnt by industry and transport, including gas works and railways, but excluding mobile internal combustion engines, amounted to 257,200 tons in January last, as compared with 163,000 tons in January, 1946.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why, in the first week of February, he refused to allow manufacturers to convert boilers from coke to oil fuel.

Oil is primarily required to assist those grades of solid fuel in shortest supply. Where coke is available to meet consumers' requirements, conversion is not permitted except in special cases of difficulty or for technical reasons. No difficulty was envisaged—meeting the coke requirements of those manufacturers whose applications were turned down during the period named.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many gallons of gas oil for use by gas undertakings to make water gas were imported from the U.S.A in 1946; and whether he expects to in crease this during 1947.

The total consumption of gas oil by gas undertakings in the United Kingdom in 1946 for the manufacture of carburated water gas was 134,000,000 gallons. Total imports of gas oil from all sources were 492,000,000 gallons of which 349,000,000 gallons were imported from the U.S.A., or roughly 70 per cent. As gas oil is used for a variety of purposes in addition to the manufacture of water gas, it is not possible to say exactly what proportion of the American import was used at gasworks.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he has taken to ensure that sufficient tractor fuel is available in rural districts when the present weather breaks.

Stocks of vaporising oil for use as tractor fuel are adequate to meet requirements. I do not anticipate that farmers will have any difficulty in getting supplies when they are needed.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the Alderley and Wilmslow Electricity Board are unable to connect the electricity supply to the house of Mr. Cropper, a dentist practising at Woodbank, Alderley Edge; and whether, in view of the importance to public health of allowing doctors and dentists to practise, he will cause special steps to be taken to provide for their electricity supply henceforth.

I understand that Mr. Cropper's house is served by an electricity main, but that as is the case with many other residential circuits the supply is disconnected during the restricted hours. Clearly, no special exception can be made in this case.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make any concession from the ban on the use of electric power for five hours daily to persons living in flats where there is no central heating, no fireplaces and no gas, and who are entirely dependent on electricity.

As stated by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade yesterday, the Government are considering the question of a domestic fuel rationing scheme to take the place of the present restrictions. In the meantime I must ask that domestic consumers of the class referred to will do their best to conform to the restrictions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statement regarding the supply of electricity to domestic consumers; and if he is able to announce any reduction in the present hours of restriction.

I am not at present able to add anything to the statement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that the Government are considering a domestic fuel rationing scheme to take the place of the present restrictions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why diesel generators in the possession of the Southend-on-Sea Corporation were only being used at peak periods until 21st February; upon what date instructions were issued for their full-time use; what information was tendered by the corporation prior to 21st February concerning the generators; and why par- tial resumption of work cannot take place at certain factories in South-East Essex, in view of the full-time use now being made of these generators.

No instructions regarding the operation of this diesel plant were issued by the Central Electricity Board, and it was within the discretion of the Southend Corporation to use it as they thought fit. The plant in question is over 30 years old, and in view of its age and liability to breakdown there are severe limits on its continuous use. Information on this plant has been available to the Electricity Commission and the Central Electricity Board for a number of years. Normally it is operated only at peak times. It was brought into fuller operation on the date given by my hon. Friend, and the Central Electricity Board offered to refund the extra cost falling on the corporation through its more extended use. The question of a partial resumption of supplies is a general one which cannot be determined by any change in the use of this particular plant.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much electricity is consumed annually by greyhound racing tracks, cinemas and dance halls, respectively.

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in considering the erection of new generating plants, he will consider placing these in the proximity of coalfields.

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend will be aware, however, that in deciding on the site of a power station there are many other factors besides accessibility to coal supplies which have to be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent there was consultation between his Department and others over the power required for the increase in the use of electric fires, immersion heaters, bedwarmers, hotel heating, etc.; and what was the result.

Consultations have been held from time to time, which have shown that restrictions on electricity supplies for the various appliances referred to by my hon. Friend could not be applied except as part of a general scheme for restricting the supply of electricity.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will take steps to control the price and distribution of wood fuel.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 5th June to the hon. Member for Leominster (Mr. Baldwin), of which I am sending him a copy. Any increased measure of control is difficult except at a quite disproportionate cost.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power for what reasons the public were prohibited from digging for outcrop coal on Bentley Common during the present emergency.

I am informed that part of Bentley Common is leased to a company for working outcrop clay and coal and that as a part of the area was in process of restoration, the public were warned by the owner that it was dangerous to trespass there owing to the operations of three tractors levelling the site. The report states that, in spite of the warning, coal pickers disturbed parts of the site that had already been levelled and also entered that part leased to the company. It is also alleged that the coal pickers did damage there and took coal from stocks accumulated by the company for sale to their customers whereupon the company erected a notice saying that persons entering the site without permission would be prosecuted.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the weekly average number of miners employed in the mining industry in January, 1946; the weekly average production covering the same period; and the weekly average number of miners employed and their production in January, 1947.

The weekly average number of wage-earners on colliery books in January, 1946 and January, 1947, was 695,600 and 693,800, respectively; the weekly average production of saleable coal during the same periods was 3,287,700 tons and 3,579,700 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether any extra supplies of household coal are given to merchants to enable them to meet special licences granted by local fuel overseers.

In allocating supplies to merchants regard is paid to the extra supplies licensed by local fuel overseers to meet cases of special need. Recently the available supplies have been insufficient to provide in full the permitted quantities for all households in addition to the licensed extra supplies. In consequence the general deliveries have had to be reduced in order to meet the requirements of premises having special needs.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has given consideration to the letter from the hon. Member for South Derbyshire complaining of the distribution of coal by the Mapperley Coal Company, which appears to be incapable of supplying its customers on time, so that many are as much as 13 cwt. in arrears with their supplies; if he is taking emergency measures to supply these people both with their current rations and the arrears; and if he will make other arrangements for their future supplies.

My hon. Friend will already have received a reply to his letter which indicates the steps which have been taken to rectify the position. It is not possible to make good deficiencies in deliveries in past periods but I will endeavour to ensure full supplies to these consumers for the February to April restriction period.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the climatic conditions in East Anglia are as severe as in any part of the country; and if he will reconsider the differential allocations of domestic fuel on the basis of this fact.

I regret that I am unable to accept my lion. Friend's contention regarding the climatic conditions in East Anglia. I cannot, therefore, see my way to increase the fuel allowances in that area.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the value of mechanised mining equipment imported into this country in 1945 and 1946, respectively, and the amount under order for delivery in 1947.

The value of mechanised coal mining equipment, including conveyor belting, imported into this country in 1945 and 1946 was £926,000 and £707,000, respectively. The value of the orders placed by my Department for delivery in 1947 is £464,000. Particulars are not available of the orders placed by private purchasers.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the minimum annual individual allocation of miners' house coal now authorised by the National Coal Board in Yorkshire.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that the quantity of house coal supplied to miners depends upon the terms of their contracts and it is not possible to state what is the minimum annual allocation without a detailed examination of the individual contracts.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proportion of gas manufactured by gas undertakings in this country is water gas; how this compares with the 1939 figure, and, as a result of this, how many tons of coke that would normally be available are not now available.

In 1939, the proportion of water gas in the total volume of gas made by gas undertakings was 8.6 per cent. In 1946, the proportion was 19.1 per cent. Because of increased demands for gas in 1946, more coal was carbonised and, in consequence, half a million tons more gas coke was available for the market; but it the 1939 proportion of water gas had remained in 1946 a further two million tons of gas coke would have been available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in view of the fact that the survey taken in the North Somerset and Bristol area proved that a large amount of virgin coal awaits development in that locality, what steps the National Coal Board propose to take to secure it for the use of the community.

The National Coal Board are reviewing, in the light of the regional survey reports, the possibilities of early development in various areas, including North Somerset and Bristol.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what special instructions have been issued by the National Coal Board which may cause increased tonnage to be achieved as the result of less discrimination in screening.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that they have not issued any particular instructions with regard to screening which would have the effect suggested. The present screening policy is designed to achieve the maximum quantity of saleable coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the flags bearing the initials N.C.B. which were hoisted on 1st January at every coalmine, are made of silk or cotton; how much timber was used for the flag poles; whether they are a standard size; and who paid for the poles and the flags.

The expenditure was borne by the National Coal Board; not out of public funds. I have no information on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps he is taking to make the police service as attractive as other Government services to ambitious young men;(2) to what extent the existing means of recruitment for the police service are attracting recruits from those who have previously had university training.

Taking into account the increases in pay and improvements in conditions of service announced in recent months, and the fact that higher posts are filled by promotion from within the service, it is my view that the police service offers a worth-while career which compares favourably with other forms of public employment open to the same field of candidates. I have no information on the question whether recruits with university training are being accepted over the country as a whole. No such recruits have joined the Metropolitan police force since recruiting was resumed, but it would be misleading to draw any general conclusion from this fact during the present abnormal conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young persons detained in approved schools have, in the past five years, been committed to Borstal under Clause 82 of the Children and Young Persons Act; how many of these were committed for criminal offences and because of criminal tendencies; and how many for escaping from school or similar non-criminal acts.

Six hundred and fifty-nine boys and 374 girls. The power of the courts to commit young persons of 16 or over to Borstal under Section 82 of the Children and Young Persons Act is limited to cases of absconding and refusal to return to the school, but I understand 3ro boys and 62 girls out of the number were charged at the same time with criminal offences.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have come to this country from Germany under the Distressed Relations Scheme since the simplified procedure was announced on 17th October; and whether he is satisfied that there is no undue delay in facilitating passages.

The figures do not show from what countries persons arriving here under the Distressed Relatives Scheme have come, but the great majority of them come from Germany. Between r8th November, which is the date for which I previously gave a figure to the House, and i6th February about 700 persons have arrived under this Scheme. I have no reason to think that there is avoidable delay in the grant of visas, but the provision of passages depends on the available transport, which is not my responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now grant residence permits to the son and daughter of Senor Santiago Aznar, whose applications were made to his Department in December.

If by "residence permits" my hon. Friend means visa facilities with a view to settlement here, the answer is in the negative, but I have no objection to these individuals paying a visit to this country during their parent's visit and they should renew their applications to the British Passport Control Officer in Paris.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is still an offence against his regulations to remove out of doors a Morrison shelter; and whether he will authorise local authorities to collect these shelters when requested.

Householders to whom Morrison shelters were issued free of cost are still under obligation to take reasonable care of them pending collection, and if the shelters can no longer be accommodated indoors they should be placed where they are not likely to be taken away by unauthorised persons. Steps are being taken to speed up the general collection of these shelters, but in the meantime local authorities are at liberty to remove individual shelters where cases of special difficulty are brought to their notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will so amend the regulations that taxicab drivers can have an enclosed driving seat.

I assume that the Question refers to the Metropolitan. Police District. There is nothing in the regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Police as to the construction of taxicabs to prevent the enclosure of the driver's compartment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arc the restrictions regarding the employment of children behind the bar in public houses.

The employment of children is regulated by provisions in the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and bye-laws made thereunder. A byelaw prohibiting absolutely the employment of children of compulsory school age in, or in connection with, the sale of intoxicating liquors, except in places where such liquors are sold exclusively in sealed vessels, has been very widely adopted. In addition, Section 6 of the Act of 1933 prohibits the licensee, except in certain specified circumstances, from allowing a child under 14 years of age to be at any time in the bar of the licensed premises during the permitted hours.

asked the Minister of Health what instructions have been given since the conclusion of hostilities to discourage the use of contraceptives in clinics under his control where birth control advice is normally given.

No instructions about the giving of advice on birth control have been issued to local authorities by the Ministry of Health since Circular 1408 of 31st May, 1934, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend

asked the Minister of Health how many rural water supply schemes have been completed since July, 1945; how many have been sanctioned; how many commenced; and if he is satisfied with the progress so far.

Since July, 1945, I have issued loan sanctions, totalling £3,058,000, for 574 schemes. All of these schemes will have started or are about to start, but I have no full records of the number completed. I shall not be satisfied until all past deficiencies have been overcome but progress depends on the manpower available and urgent demands of other services.

asked the Minister of Health what reason has been given for the resignation of the whole committee of the Home of Rest war nursery, Pateley Bridge.

The local committee considered that this war nursery should be closed. It will, in fact, be closed as soon as practicable.

asked the Minister of Health the up-to-date position of housing in the Cleator Moor and Egremont districts of the Ennerdale Rural District Council; how many permanent houses have been completed, stating location; how many temporary houses have been completed; and what steps have been taken to accelerate the building programme covering this area arising out of the representations that have been made from the regional officer.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the figures on pages 2 and 3 of Appendix B of the Housing Return for 31st December last. The possibility of increasing the labour force is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that 16 new council houses at Braunton, North Devon, cannot be finally completed for lack of Eagle ranges, manhole covers, soil and vent pipes and rainwater goods which have been on order since May, 1946, and prior to that date; and what are the prospects of delivery of these goods during the present year.

I am informed that the necessary manhole covers and rainwater goods have already been supplied, and that delivery promises for the grates have been received from the manufacturers. The local authority have been offered an alternative type of soil pipe, of which supplies are available.

asked the Minister of Health what are the arrangements for using local stone in his house-building programme; and to what extent is it being employed.

The initiative lies with local authorities. I encourage the use of stone to harmonise with surroundings provided the cost is not excessive. Plans for 1,313 houses with stone walls have been approved.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing instructions to local authorities, especially rural councils, to deal, where possible, with housing applicants on an area basis and not on a parish basis to ensure that the worst cases in a local government area receive priority.

The letting of houses is by statute vested in the local authorities who are by their local knowledge in the best position to weigh the various factors relevant in particular cases.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement as to the Report of the Committee on Rural Housing and as to the action which the Government intend to take.

Yes, Sir. The report is being published today and I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Chairman, Sir Arthur Hobhouse and his colleagues for the comprehensive survey which they have made. The recommendations in the report will involve legislation and as the House is aware there will be no Parliamentary time for legislation this Session. However, the Government hope to be in a position to announce their intentions before the end of the Session. Meanwhile, during this year the Government are concentrating all the labour and materials that can be made available on the building of new houses for those without homes of their own.

asked the Minister of Health what is holding up the granting to Wednesfield Urban District Council of a compulsory purchase order for land for housing at Coleman Avenue.

The Council have not yet submitted the order to me.

asked the Minister of Health in what proportion of the housing schemes now being carried out by local authorities is special accommodation for the aged included.

Seven per cent. of housing schemes include one-bedroom dwellings and of these a considerable proportion are designed for aged persons.

asked the Minister of Health what are the reasons for the suspension for an indefinite period of the granting of licences for electrical work in connection with repair, additions to buildings, or in the construction of new dwellings; and when he estimates that it will be possible for such licences to be granted.

I am not aware of such suspensions, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Health how many new houses were completed in the borough of Maldon, the urban districts of Braintree and Bocking, Witham, Burnham-on-Crouch and the rural districts of Maldon and Braintree, respectively, in the 18 months following the end of the war of 1914–1918.

The only information available is for local authority houses, none of which was completed here in that period.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take such steps as are necessary to permit tribunals sat up under the Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act, 1946, where they feel such protection is desirable, to extend the tenure to at least 12 months with a view to providing some security for the tenants.

This would require amendment of the existing law and I can hold out no hope of early legislation.

asked the Minister of Health what proportion of the sum paid in rates to the local authorities is used to defray the interest charges on loans of all kinds; and what is the total sum so used.

The interest payments of local authorities arc a charge on all their revenues, of which rates are only a part. A substantial item in these revenues consists of housing and other rents, fees, etc., while grants from the Exchequer provide a major contribution. The returns made to the Department for the year 1942–43 (the latest year for which complete information is yet available) show the interest charges of local authorities in England and Wales on rate fund services to be £42 million, while the income on revenue account from rents, etc., rates and grants amounted to £79 million, £200 million and £247 million respectively, a total of £526 million. Interest charges were thus 8 per cent. of all the revenues.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that more than 200 students from South Wales and Monmouthshire recently took up training under the Ministry of Education Training Scheme; that many have made great sacrifices to train themselves to enable them to continue their special work in Wales; that their course of training is completed at the end of February; that they are now being informed that there are no positions for them in Wales; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy this position.

I am aware that students from some areas in Wales cannot all find posts in their home areas. I have encouraged the local education authorities in Wales to engage teachers in anticipation of increased requirements due to the raising of the school leaving age, and I hope that this will improve the situation

asked the Minister of Education what steps he proposes to take with regard to the treatment of deaf children under the age of five years; and whether he is prepared to encourage the setting up by local education authorities of special day nursery centres under the direction of an otologist and staffed by qualified speech therapists.

I am fully alive to the importance of deaf children starting their education at an early age, and in a series of conferences with local education authorities throughout the country during the past year my officers have emphasised the need of providing more special schools for deaf children from the age of two. I should not be prepared to agree to educational centres with the staff suggested by my hon. Friend, but many authorities have established clinics under otologists for the treatment of defective hearing.

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the need for additional recruits to industry and of the existing shortage of school accommodation, he will defer the raising of the school-leaving age, proposed for 1st April, until the conditions become more favourable.

No. Sir.

asked the Minister of Education whether he has agreed to the employment of schoolchildren on the land again this year; and if he will state the terms and conditions governing such employment.

I hope to make a statement shortly.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in view of the immobilisation of many motor cars by recent weather, he will extend the period during which current petrol coupons may be used.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 13th February to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in view of weather conditions, he will extend for one month the availability of supplementary S. or E. petrol coupons, which normally would expire on 28th February.

There is no need to extend the availability of supplementary petrol coupons which are due to expire on 28th February. These coupons are issued for four monthly periods and the return of unused coupons at the end of a period does not prejudice the grant of an allowance for the next or succeeding period.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is satisfied that the stoppage of work at the M. and B. factory, due to failure to receive coal, will not cause a shortage of this drug.

Yes, Sir. Essential production is continuing at the factory, and alternative sources of supply are available.

asked the Minister of Supply what is the present monthly output of electric stoves or other civilian products from Radway Green royal ordnance factory; what percentage this is of the optimum output; and when full production will be achieved.

Before the present stoppage, this factory was rolling brass strip for trade use, assembling a small number of electric cookers, and making some gas and electric cooker components. Unless fuel difficulties prevent it, production of cookers in quantity is expected in April, reaching maximum output at the end of the year.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the committee of inquiry into the metalliferous resources of this country has yet reported on the reopening of the Wanlockhead lead mines; what was the gist of their report; and what decision he has reached upon their recommendations.

No, Sir. The inquiry by the Mineral Development Committee, which covers a wide field in the United Kingdom, is still in progress, and I am not yet in a position to say when their final report is likely to be expected.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the shortage of sticks of shaving soap; that this has been accentuated by purchases of this commodity by housewives who are using it in lieu of unobtainable domestic soap; and whether he will institute a form of rationing to ensure that men can obtain at least one stick a month.

I know that shaving sticks are difficult to obtain, despite the satisfactory level of production. To include them in the general soap ration would not ensure supplies to men, and to create a separate ration scheme for men only for this one article would not be justified. I am sure that the majority of housewives are not purchasing shaving soap for other purposes. If any have been tempted to do so I appeal to them to remember men's special needs.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the delay in removing from colliery and other sidings large quantities of coal, where it had been standing for weeks and in some cases months before the present rigorous wintry weather set in.

The information available does not accord with the statement made in the Question but if my hon. Friend will furnish particulars of any cases he has in mind my right hon. Friend will be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Transport what appeal exists from decisions by the Merchant Navy reserve pool; and if he is aware that a number of corn-plaints are being made about the attitude of those responsible for working the arrangements.

As the Essential Work Order for the Merchant Navy ceased to operate on the 31st December last, there is now no statutory right of appeal, but seamen who are dissatisfied with decisions by reserve pool officials can have their case reviewed by the local reserve pool committee, which is formed of representatives of the shipowners' organisations and the officers' and men's societies. I am not aware that many complaints are being made, but I shall be glad to look into any specific case if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Polish men in this country are not yet in the Resettlement Corps; and how many in the Resettlement Corps are classified as agricultural workers.

There are 55,000 Poles in this country who are not in the Resettlement Corps. Of those in the Corps, I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, about 9,000 are classified as agricultural workers.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in obtaining advice from the London Traffic Advisory Committee on the solution of the London traffic problem; and whether the recommendations of that committee can be made available to the public.

The London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee are actively engaged on the London Traffic problem and I hope to receive their recommendations in the course of a few weeks. The Committee makes an annual report to me, which I lay before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the steps recently taken by U.S. censors to prevent the ventilation in the Japanese Press of views designed to establish improved relations between Britain and Japan; whether this action was taken after consultation with the Advisory Council; and whether he will make a statement.

My hon. Friend has doubtless in mind a report which appeared in "The Times" of 22nd February, that the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers' Censorship Authorities in Japan had banned the publication in one of the leading Japanese newspapers of a letter to "The Times" by one of our former Ambassadors to Japan. Investigation shows that it was not censored because of its contents, but because, as subequently reported in "The Times" of 25th February, "The Times," as such, had no formal licence to distribute news in Japan. This has been adjusted and the letter has been published.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations regarding the new regulations of the Italian Government whereby four photographs are required for the granting of a passport visa.

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government are not in a position to object to foreign visas regulations which do not constitute an obstacle to travel or put the ordinary traveller to excessive inconvenience.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the total number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank.

The number of active accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank at 31st December, 1946, was approximately 24,400,000. This figure includes accounts remaining open in respect of Release Benefits due to members of the Armed Forces and Civil Defence Services.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state the estimated annual cost of maintenance, including depreciation, of the aircraft to be purchased for Ministerial use.

I assume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the two Tudor III aircraft mentioned in the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 6th February. The annual cost of an aircraft which has not yet been operated in service is largely conjectural and, moreover, will depend on the extent of utilisation. So far as can be estimated at present it is anticipated that the annual cost of operating and maintaining these aircraft would be less than the expenditure involved by chartering special aircraft.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that, for a week of 48 hours, runway controllers are paid no more than unskilled labourers at Northolt; and whether there is a proposal to raise the wages of runway controllers.

The whole question of rates of pay for runway controllers is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what special precautions have been taken to avoid serious damage from flooding in the event of a quick thaw.

Beyond the normal precautions which experience has shown to be necessary, such as the employment by catchment boards of special patrols equipped to take emergency action, no special measures are practicable.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the Reverend Bernhard Stasiewski, 44, Turmstrasse, Berlin, N.W.21, was kidnapped in the British zone, Berlin, on 19th July, 1946, by the Soviet Secret Police; and what steps have been taken to obtain his release.

The Rev. Bernhard Stasiewski disappeared after leaving his home in the British sector of Berlin on 19th July last in company with two civilians. The matter was vigorously pursued by the British authorities but no evidence could be found to show what had become of him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent to the petition of F.X.M. Bussier, of Mauritius, No. 1163/34–111, dated 23rd October, 1945.

I assume that this Question refers to a petition dated 26th September, 1945, from Mr. Francois Bussier, a Grade II Sanitary Inspector in Mauritius, representing that he had been unfairly passed over for promotion to Grade I. My predecessor asked the Governor ten months ago to inform Mr. Bussier that his petition had been considered but that the Secretary of State was not prepared to intervene on his behalf.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total number of persons now detained in civil internees camps in the British zone of Austria; and how many of these have been detained for six months or more without a serious interview or interrogation and have not been informed of the charges to be preferred against them.

The total number was about 5,400 on 4th February. None has been detained for six months or more without a serious interview or interrogation and all are free to apply for a further inter- view at any time. Four thousand of the internees are detained as members of the organisations declared criminal at Nuremburg and about too are awaiting trial as individual war criminals. The remaining 1,300 are held on security grounds and have had no charges prepared against them; these cases are, however, in process of review and the number held is being steadily reduced.