asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in the United Kingdom registered as disabled and fit for light work only, as at 31st January, 1947; how many have been unemployed for a period greater than six months; and how this total compares with that at 3rst January, 1946.

On 20th January, 1947, the Register of Disabled Persons included 16,470 men and women so severely disabled as to require "sheltered employment," of whom 12,189 were at the time unemployed. This compares with a total of 7,760 severely disabled persons registered as unemployed on 21st January, 1946. No regular statistics covering length of unemployment are kept, but on 21st October, 1946, when a special count was made, the number of severely disabled persons unemployed totalled 12,550, including 11,878 males, and of the latter figure the number who had been unemployed for more than six months amounted to 8,557.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has considered the effects of restricting persons to the mining industry all their lives upon parents when deciding whether their lads shall enter the industry or not; and if he is satisfied with the results of this policy.

There has never been any intention to restrict persons to the mining industry all their lives.

asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the total annual increase in wages for an increase of one point in the cost-of-living index in respect of wages covered by agreements in which wage increases occur automatically whenever the cost of living rises; and how much of this increase would he recover by way of direct taxation.

A considerable amount of information regarding collective agreements providing for sliding scales based on movements in the cost-of-living index was published in the June, 1944, issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette." There have been some changes since that date and I will consider the publication of up-to-date information on similar lines. The numbers of points of movement in the cost-of-living index figure that entail a movement in wages vary widely in different agreements, and it is not possible to say the total change caused by a variation of one point in the index. The effect of these changes on the yield of taxation would depend on a number of factors, including the personal circumstances of the individuals concerned, and I understand from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that in these circumstances it is not possible to give the information the hon. Member requires.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet completed his inquiries into the case of B. S. Heller, a toolmaker of Czech nationality, who has recently been demobilized Palestine after three years' service in the British Forces, and who wishes to join his parents in this country where he has an offer of employment; and if he will now make a statement.

I have written to my hon. Friend today about the particular case referred to. He can be assured that no obstacles are placed in the way of aliens who have served in the British Forces obtaining employment in this country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the last course in bricklaying at Marchwiel Ministry of Labour Training Establishment, Wrexham, contained a five-weeks period when bricklaying trainees were engaged in knocking out windows from explosive storage huts; and whether he will arrange for trainees to be given practical instruction on local housing schemes in place of such work.

No, Sir. The trainees were employed on a suitable training exercise of trimming window openings, putting in sills and lintels, and bricking in window frames after holes had been knocked in the walls by labourers. As regards the second part of the Question, arrangements have already been made for building trades trainees to be given training on outside building sites during the last two months of their courses in Government training centres and much useful work on housing schemes is being done in this way. There have been difficulties in making such arrangements for the trainees at Wrexham, who have reached the appropriate stage of training because of the effect of the weather on the progress of building work generally.

asked the Minister of Labour the extent of unemployment of electricians in the London area; and the proportion of the total which is due to lack of materials.

On 9th December, 1946, the latest date for which an occupational analysis is available, there were 217 wholly unemployed men registered at employment exchanges in the London area for employment as electricians, wiremen, etc., and 88 as electrical fitters. I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what amendments will have to be made in the provisions of the Factories Act to enable the suggested two-shift system in industry to be put in operation.

Schemes for obtaining a greater spread-over of working hours which are being considered in industry vary considerably, and it is not possible to forecast what adjustments of the various provisions of the Factories Act will be needed.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps his Department has taken to ascertain to what extent farmers in this country are anxious and willing to employ displaced persons with agricultural experience, now in camps in the British and U.S. zones of Germany and Austria, to replace German prisoners of war on repatriation.

The general question of the employment of displaced persons in agriculture will be the subject of consultations with the representatives of employers and workers in the industry. Meanwhile there are several thousands of Poles, with agricultural experience already in this country and available for employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the arrangements for ascertaining how many of the displaced persons, especially those formerly resident in the Baltic States, who are now in the British or U.S. zones, are skilled agriculturalists and are anxious to obtain suitable work in the United Kingdom; and what steps prospective employers in the United Kingdom should take to acquaint the Control Commission of their requirements.

As announced by the Prime Minister on 18th February, my right hon. Friend is setting up, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, an organisation in the British zones of Germany and Austria for the classification and selection of displaced persons against opportunities of employment in this country. A farmer in need of an agricultural worker should not apply to the Control Commission for a displaced person but should notify his vacancy to the appropriate local office of the Ministry of Labour, which may be able to meet the need, if a British worker is not available, by submitting a Pole already in this country, in which case the question of importing a displaced person would not arise.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider arrangements for the deferment of apprentices, learners or pupils in essential food distributive trades to enable them to complete their training before call up.

Apprentices, learners, and others in a position similar to apprentices in these trades are eligible for deferment of call up provided they can show that a genuine and satisfactory apprenticeship exists, which was begun at the age customary for the occupation, and that a period of deferment is necessary to complete their training.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent apprentices are at present permitted to choose whether they will do their term of compulsory service in the Forces before or after the completion of their apprenticeship.

Any apprentice born in 1929 or later who satisfies the district manpower board that a genuine and satisfactory apprenticeship exists, which was begun at the age customary for his occupation, and that a period of deferment is necessary to complete his training, is at liberty to choose whether he will be called up on reaching the age of 18 or on completion of his apprenticeship.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Mr. Andrew Barclay has received notice to remove from the premises at present occupied by him at 148, Carnoustie Street, Glasgow, upon 28th May; and as, in that event, Mr. Barclay will be rendered homeless, what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I understand that the premises referred to consist of a shop which is partly occupied as a dwelling-house. The question whether the partial occupation of the premises as a dwelling-house might afford the tenant any protection under the Rent Restriction Acts could be decided only by a court of law.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended that the Central Hotel, Annan, Dumfriesshire, derequisitioned some months ago, shall be reopened by the Carlisle and Gretna State Management.

It is not possible meantime to give an exact date for the reopening of this hotel, but it will be reopened as soon as arrangements can be made to carry out the necessary repairs and renovation. Considerable difficulties have been caused by shortages of materials and the available contractors being fully occupied by local housing work.

asked the Chancellor at the Exchequer if he is aware that during 1946 £52,000,000 was spent on importing 16,500,000 cwt. of fruit against £37,000,000 on 42,000,000 cwt. of fruit in 1938; and if he will inquire into the possibility of using this money instead on animal feedingstuffs.

My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Food, buys all the feedingstuffs he can. The fruit supplies in 1946 were, m my view, well worth having.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what date the salaries of His Majesty's judges were first fixed at the present sum; and, in view of the increase in the cost of living since then, whether arrangements will now be made for the first 40 per cent. to be paid free of tax.

In 1832. 1 do not propose to make the change suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to estimate the financial loss suffered by this country as a consequence of the shut-down of industry through shortage of fuel and electricity.

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total number of officials in all Ministries who have power to authorise inspection and investigation, involving entry into private houses and premises, without a search warrant.

Two hundred and sixty-eight have the power, by virtue of their official rank, but the number who exercise it in practice is 65.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will reconsider his decision to import 520,000 dollars worth of shoes and instead use the money for the importation from the U.S.A. of knives, patterns, sewing machines, needles and other items of equipment, and sc enable the British manufacturer to compete on more equal terms with U.S. industries.

No, Sir. So far as I am aware, no application to import shoe making machinery or equipment from the U.S.A. has been refused on exchange grounds.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the present shortage of Australian merino wools has been caused by the auction sale in London, held some months ago, whereby the greater portion of the wool was allowed to be purchased by the merchants on the Continent.

Since the resumption of wool auctions last September as part of the arrangements agreed between the United Kingdom and Dominion Governments, sales have been held regularly in London, Liverpool and Bradford, in addition to the selling centres in the Dominions. Merino wool has been sold at open auction in large quantities and I am not aware of any real shortage of supplies available for consumption. The indications are that at least one half of the total offerings in this country have been retained for the United Kingdom industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to see that the herring fleet will have an adequate supply of nets later this year, in view of the delay of over 12 months experienced by purchasers before they can obtain supplies.

The netting industry has been working to the fullest capacity which its labour force allows, and output for the home market is about equal to that of prewar. The demand for herring nets has, however, greatly increased and some delay in deliveries is unavoidable. It is most desirable that used herring nets should be reconditioned and mended to the greatest possible extent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the decision of the Powell Duffryn Company, Limited, to establish a factory at Hayes, Middlesex, for the manufacture of coal by-products; and why this project is not being located in the South Wales development area.

I am informed that the acquisition of this factory for the use of Delanium Ltd. a subsidiary of Powell Duffryn Co. Ltd., will enable their existing premises to be used for research and development work. No production will be transferred from South Wales. I have no power to intervene in the acquisition of existing factories by private treaty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage in Sheffield of 34-inch by 7-inch heavy-duty tyres and that many lorries, including those used for the delivery of coal, cannot at present be moved owing to defective tyres; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the shortage.

The supply of 34 x 7 tyres for replacements has been overtaking demand slowly. Steps have been taken to ensure that no lorry is immobilised for lack of tyres, and, if there is serious risk of this happening, the owner should bring the facts to the notice of the tyre manufacturer through his supplier.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the depreciation that has taken place and is taking place in the engineering industry in Barrow, with its consequential effects by way of redundant labour, he will now consider the inclusion of Barrow-in-Furness in a development area to absorb such redundant labour.

No, Sir. The redundancy, which is, I understand, due in part to shortage of raw materials, has mainly affected fitters who have either come into Barrow from other areas and are returning to their home districts or are being reabsorbed in the shipbuilding yards which are assured of a high level of activity for some time to come. The main need in the Furness area is employment for women and I am already paying special attention to this aspect of the problem. A Government factory in the Furness area has been allocated for production and, additionally, three new building projects and an extension there have been approved, which should provide employment for some 1,500 persons, including 800 women.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much power-station machinery has been shipped to the U.S.S.R. during the year ended 28th February, 1947, and how much is still on order or in the process of being shipped; and, in view of the shortage of power plant in Britain, if he will cancel all further shipments.

Detailed information for the year ended 28th February, 1947, is not available, but from the middle of 1945 until the 1st December, 1946, the heavy electrical plant industry in this country delivered 261,000 Kilowatts of plant for the U.S.S.R. This represented the balance of wartime orders. Orders on hand for the U.S.S.R. at the 1st December, 1946, amounted to 74,000 Kilowatts. I cannot agree to cancel further shipments as suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for the issue of the 70 supplementary clothing coupons for expectant mothers who are in B.A.O.R. to a friend or relative in this country on production of medical certificate and authority, so that the necessary shopping may be done in the simplest way.

Arrangements are being made for the Services to issue coupons locally, as from 1st May, to Services expectant mothers. In the meantime, Service wives can obtain their requirements under the Board of Trade's personal ex- port scheme, details of which are given in instructions which have been issued through the Services, but I am ready, in urgent cases where special difficulty is being experienced, to arrange for the issue of coupons exceptionally to relatives in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of complaints from B.A.O.R. that women's and children's clothing and haberdashery are unprocurable in N.A.A.F.I. shops; and if he will make a statement.

Clothing for the wives and children of British troops in Germany is bought by N.A.A.F.I. in the normal course of business, but I understand that owing to the shortage of supplies at home, they are having difficulty in meeting their requirement. Discussions, therefore, are proceeding between the Board of Trade and the clothing trade with a view to ensuring that the essential clothing requirements of British wives and families in Germany are satisfied.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what industries have lost, as compared with 1939, more than six per cent. of labour recorded for the coalmining industry; which of these industries have exceeded the decline of 20 per cent. in output per head recorded by the same industry; which of them have shown a smaller decline; and what these declines amount to per cent. in each case.

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the list of industries for which he asks. As regards the remainder of the Question, I would refer him to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Accrington (Mr. Scott-Elliot) on 13th February, and to my right hon. and learned Friend's statement in the House yesterday.

asked the. President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the shortage of cups and mugs in London; and whether he is prepared to issue increased supplies to meet the urgent public demand.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Aberdeen and Kincardine Western (Mr. Thornton-Kemsley), on 27th February last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps have been taken to promote and stimulate suitable industry in the Audley and Halmerend area of North Staffordshire, in view of the growth of unemployment there.

The Board of Trade is continuing to make every effort to provide a more diversified industrial structure in the Potteries district of North Staffordshire, of which Audley and Halmerend form part. The three Government owned factories in the Potteries district which have been allocated for civilian production will, when in full production, provide work for nearly 4,000 workers. In addition, 16 firms covering a wide range of production have been introduced into the area and will eventually provide employment for a further 2,500 workers. A considerable number of extensions to existing factories have also been approved. All these developments should provide employment for many persons in the Audley and Halmerend district who normally travel into the Potteries district to work. Although no new factory building schemes have been approved for Audley itself, a site has now been found for industrial development which should be capable of providing employment for 500–600 persons. Negotiations with industrialists with a view to erecting factories on this site are proceeding.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what allocations of cotton piece goods for export are being made for the first quarter of this year, with particular reference to the allocation for South Africa.

Except in the case of Burma and certain Colonial territories, no allocations of cotton will be made for exports to individual countries but approximately half of the total export allocation of 15,000 tons will be available for export as woven goods to Commonwealth territories and hard currency markets. I have no doubt that exporters to South Africa will be able to obtain a share in this production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade approximately, the monthly average of paper used for football pools; and the amount of power used in printing them.

The average monthly consumption of paper by the principal football pool promoters amounts approximately to 95 tons a month. I have no information as to the amount of power used in printing these pool forms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if lie will issue a White Paper setting out the present situation of the tourist and holidays trade in the United Kingdom and the functions in detail of the British Tourist and Holidays Board, or if he will make a statement.

No, Sir. I do not consider that a White Paper would serve any useful purpose at this stage of the existence of the newly formed British Tourist and Holidays Board, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Hendon North (Mrs. Ayrton Gould) on 21st January. The Board's functions are to foster and develop the tourist, catering and holiday services, and His Majesty's Government prefer to allow the Board itself to formulate plans for its activities within that broad definition.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the proposed new serge jackets for the Army are to be in all cases blue; whether there is any saving of expense to the public in this arrangement; and whether he will now arrange for these jackets to be red in the case of regiments whose uniform has always been red, blue in the case of regiments whose uniform has always been blue, and green in the case of rifle regiments.

Under the approved arrangements for the new general duties dress, although the majority of regiments will wear blue, Highland Regiments will wear piper green, and Rifle and Light Infantry Regiments, rifle green. Careful consideration was given to the possibility of adopting scarlet as the basic colour, but this proposal was rejected both on the grounds of expense arid because it was thought doubtful whether scarlet would be popular for a walking out dress.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Mile End can expect a reply in the case of alleged discrimination with regard to ex-Sergeant Siegermister, following his correspondence beginning on 25th November, 1946; if he is aware that, in reply to a further letter of 6th January, an acknowledgment was received dated 8th January stating that the matter would be investigated at once; that a further reminder was sent on nth February, and again on 12th February the hon. Member for Mile End received an acknowledgment stating that the matter would be investigated at once; and if he will now state the result of these investigations.

The hon. Member will by now have received a letter dealing fully with this case. I am sorry that it was not possible to let him have an earlier reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Hon. Member for Mile End can expect a reply to his letters and enclosure of 3oth December, 1946, and of 7th February, 1947, relating to the alleged maltreatment of Corporal Summerlin while under arrest; and if he is aware that there has been no acknowledgment to the last letter.

The hon. Member will by now have received a letter dealing fully with the complaints made by this soldier. There is no trace of a letter dealing with this case dated 7th February having been received from the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 13809999 Private Otto Jacobsen, A/S Group 28, due for release in March, 1946, who applied for repatriation and was directed in August, 1946, to be released and repatriated to Kiel, is still awaiting his release and repatriation and has been waiting at 50 R.H.U., B.A.O.R., Bielfeld, since 24th January together with other anti-Fascist Germans who served in the British Army; and whether he will give insrtuctions that this man and others similarly placed shall be released and enabled to take up useful work in their native country.

The release of Private Jacobsen and others who were repatriated from C.M.F. to Germany has been delayed pending completion with the responsible authorities in Germany of the necessary arrangements for their return to civil life there. I hope that it will be possible to release these men shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider his refusal given by letter on 28th February. to grant compassionate release or home posting to 19114754 Private R. D. Wallace, R.A.M.C., D Company, Boyce Barracks, Crookham, Hampshire, whose home is at 266 Stanton Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, bearing in mind that Wallace's two small children have been deserted by their mother and that his own mother is in ill health and has two children, one with suspected tuberculosis, to look after.

I have again considered this case, but for the reasons given in a letter dated 8th March, which I have sem my hon. Friend, I regret that I am not prepared to reverse the previous decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has completed the inquiries into the position of a soldier 14944324 Private S.; and whether he has satisfied himself that this man's ability and experience are going to be more adequately used in the future than they have been during the past two years of his service.

I have completed my inquiries. After his posting to B.A.O.R. in December, 1945, this soldier was for three months employed as a clerk. Since April, 1946, he has been employed as a unit education instructor. I find that he has no engineering qualifications or experience which would justify his employment with a technical corps of the Army. I propose therefore that he should continue to carry out his present duties and I am satisfied that his experience will thus be adequately utilized.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what Vote £38,000,000 due to losses in Dutch, German and Austrian currency were written off in the Army Estimates, 1946.

The £38 million is charged to Balances Irrecoverable and Claims Abandoned in the Army Account for 1945/46 which will be published shortly. There was no provision for this in the original Estimates for 1945/46 or 1946–47.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the recent revelations of maltreatment of soldiers detained in the former prisoner-of-war camp at Tahag, Egypt, as proved at the recent court martial and what steps he is taking to deal with the persons responsible and so prevent a repetition of such maltreatment.

I have ordered a court of inquiry to examine the allegations, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received and examined the findings of the court.

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount paid by Pioneers Film, Limited, for surplus E.N.S.A. cinematograph stock between September and December, 1946; if the tender sub- mitted by this firm was the highest received; and the figure of the tenders submitted by G. de R. Studios, Limited, and British Films, Limited.

The disposal of surplus E.N.S.A. cinema equipment is handled by N.A.A.F.I. not by my Department. I am, however, informed by N.A.A.F.I. that the successful tender for this equipment was at the time of its acceptance the highest received. The disposals organisation set up by N.A.A.F.I. was described in a reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster (Mr. Walkden) on 14th May, 1946, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Secretary of State or War if he is aware that Groups 55 to 60, serving with M.E.L.F., have been excluded from L.I.A.P.; and if he will now announce provisional release dates for these groups.

Overseas commands have to estimate the dates of release of the later age and service groups in order to decide which groups shall be excluded from monthly L.I.A.P. drafts. It may well be that the Commander-in-Chief, M.E.L.F., has excluded a number of groups above 53 from L.I.A.P. in the expectation that they will be released by the autumn. I regret, however, that I am not yet in a position to announce a detailed release programme beyond Group 53, although I hope to do so shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many warrant officers are stationed at the R.A. Depot, Woolwich, awaiting posting; how long they have been there; and how long they must expect to remain inactive.

Two hundred and twenty-six warrant officers have been stationed at this depot for varying periods. Sixty-four of these are under orders for posting overseas, 123 will be posted to the recently re-formed Territorial Army within the next few weeks, and 24 are awaiting selection for future employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Polish soldiers under British orders are stationed in the Middle East; what duties they are performing; and how soon they are to be disbanded as military units.

About 6,000, Sir. They are employed on guard and other duties under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief. As soon as practicable they will be moved to the United Kingdom to join the Polish Resettlement Corps and the Polish units to which they belong will be disbanded.

asked the Secretary of State for War what responsibility he exercises over, Army personnel serving sentences in Outram Road civil prison, Singapore; how many English Army personnel ate there; whether he is satisfied that the men receive proper legal aid when charged with offences; and if he will have a full inquiry made into the conditions which the men refer to as Belsen.

I am obtaining a report on this matter by cable and will communicate with my hon. Friend when it has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Regular officers will be allowed to retire from the Army; and whether special consideration will be given now to officers over 35 years of age.

As I indicated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Central Aberdeen and Kincardine (Mr. Spence) on l0th December, the ban on retirement is being progressively lifted. Regular substantive lieutenant-colonels and majors are already allowed to retire or resign on reaching the prewar age limit of their corps. Further instructions will shortly be issued reducing these age limits.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will describe the methods used to ensure that the special aptitudes, experience and educational qualifications of Army recruits are known to the Army authorities; and to ensure that the best possible use is made of all men during their period of service.

When men are called up they are posted to primary training centres. During primary training, which is normally of six weeks duration, each man undergoes selection procedure with the object of classifying him for training in certain broad types of duties for which he is most suited. This classification is made as a result of a series of tests to ascertain his aptitudes, a study of his civilian qualifications and educational attainments, and an interview by a personnel selection officer. The classification takes the form of training recommendations which cover broadly every type of Army employment, and on completion of primary training a man is transferred to an arm where he can be most suitably employed in accordance with his final training recommendation and the requirements of the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War in view of the inability of the Ministry of Health to provide essential services to the camps occupied by squatters at Chadwell St. Mary and Abbots Hall, because of the refusal of his Department to make these camps available for housing, when the suggested coversion of the camps to married quarters for personnel of A.A. Command will commence; and whether he will arrange for the provision of the essential services pending such commencement.

The conversion to married quarters of the huts at Chadwell St. Mary and Abbots Hall will begin as soon as the squatters have vacated. I regret I cannot agree to the provision of services other than water.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the early release of men who were compulsorily transferred from the R.N. to the Army and whose original age and service group in the R.N. has already been released.

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on 10th December to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). Since that reply was given I have again considered the matter but I still feel unable to depart from the existing policy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant special permission to two parents, whose particulars have been supplied to him, to visit their son's grave in Germany.

Visits to occupied countries by private individuals must, owing to the present extreme difficulties regarding food, accommodation and travel, be kept to an absolute minimum, and I regret that it is not yet possible to permit visits to war graves. This matter is, however, under consideration by the Departments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider evacuating the prisoners of war now occupying the prisoners of war camp near Bridgend, Glamorgan, there by releasing commodious premises which would materially ease the housing situation in this area.

I regret that it is not possible to release this camp at present, as no suitable alternative accommodation is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will have a notice posted in all prisoner of war camps making clear the regulations regarding the receipt and despatch of letters, particularly that prisoners of war are now at liberty to write and receive letters from persons in this country.

I have no reason to suppose that commandants of prisoner of war camps have failed to inform the prisoners of the regulations regarding correspondence. Amended regulations regarding the freedom which may be allowed to prisoners of war are, however, being drawn up, and they will include reference to postal facilities. When these regulations are approved they will be issued to all camps with instructions that they are to be brought to the notice of all prisoners of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to make a statement concerning the murder of a representative of the Yugoslav Government by Chetniks and Ustashy in a displaced persons camp under British military authority near Naples.

I have now considered the findings of the court of inquiry which has been investigating this affair.On 25th November, 1945, the Yugoslav representative on the Advisory Council for Italy applied through the Allied Commission for permission for two representatives of the Yugoslav Government to visit the Yugoslav refugee camp at Naples with the object of persuading its inmates to elect for repatriation to Yugoslavia. Previous requests of this nature had been refused because of the known hostility of the Chetniks to representatives of the Federated People's Republic and because the Allied authorities wished to avoid disturbances similar to that which had already occurred during a visit by Yugoslav officials to a camp in Germany. Nevertheless in view of the insistence of the Yugoslav Government it was decided that on this occasion the application should be accepted on condition that two British officers were present throughout all visits and that the British authorities should not be held responsible for the bodily safety of Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel or for any incidents which might occur during their visit. When the Yugoslav representatives called on the military authorities at Caserta on 23rd January these conditions were explained to them and they were clearly and unequivocally warned of the hostile reception which would probably be given to them by the Chetniks in the camp. On receiving an assurance that the Chetniks were not armed, the Yugoslav representatives accepted these conditions and announced their intention to proceed with the visit.On 23rd January at 5.30 p.m. Mr. Engel alone arrived at the camp in the artillery barracks at Naples. He stated to the sentry that he was an American and was escorted to the main office building of the barracks where, in the absence of the commanding officer, he was received by a junior officer. Mr. Engel requested permission to interview Chetniks in the camp and the officer accordingly made provisional arrangements for two parties, each of twenty-six Chetniks to be brought up for interview on the following day.On the following morning, 24th January, Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel were received at the artillery barracks by the commanding officer who informed them that their mission would be likely to create serious disturbances and that the proposed interview with the Chetniks must be postponed until he had consulted higher military authorities. He warned Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel clearly not to return to the artillery barracks until he had discussed the matter with the authorities at Caserta and until he had communicated with the Yugoslav representatives on the telephone.In view of the dangers which he foresaw the commanding officer informed the British military authorities at Caserta that in his view the Yugoslav representatives should interview the Chetniks in small bodies outside the camp and should not again return to the artillery barracks. The commanding officer then attempted several times to telephone to Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel in order to inform them of this decision but he was unable to get in touch with either on 24th January and accordingly proposed to communicate with them further on the following morning.In spite of the warning which they had received not to return until notified, Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel arrived at the artillery barracks at 9.30 a.m. on the morning of 25th January. They carried revolvers, which were afterwards found upon them at the hospital. They were unexpected and the commanding officer was not in his office when they arrived, nor was there any opportunity of taking precautions to ensure their safety. The commanding officer reached his office shortly afterwards and at once pointed out to the Yugoslav representatives the foolhardiness of their action and impressed upon them that they stood in grave bodily danger. Meanwhile, the news of their arrival had become known to the inmates of the camp, since they had arrived in a black saloon car clearly marked "Yugoslav Delegation" which was parked within sight of the camp. While the commanding officer was remonstrating with the Yugoslav officials, a crowd of Chetniks with sticks and iron bars, but not of course with fire arms, surrounded the building and broke into the office. The commanding officer, assisted by the Chetnik officers, who did their utmost to control their men and to prevent their entry into the office, were forced aside by weight of numbers and it was some minutes before it was possible to bring up British soldiers to control the mob. Immediately this had been done Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel were placed in a lorry, guarded by British troops, and were taken to hospital.Thus it will be seen that by arriving in the artillery barracks on 25th January, without awaiting further information from the British military authorities as arranged at the interview on 24th January, Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel made it impossible for the British staff of the camp to arrange in advance for their personal safety. Consequently, while nothing can justify the brutal behaviour of the Chetnik mob, I do not consider that any blame attaches to the British military authorities.I am satisfied that the British officers concerned, as well as the senior Chetnik officer and the Chetnik interpreter, did all in their power to protect the two Yugoslav representatives and to rescue them from their assailants and that no blame can be attached to any of these persons.Despite the careful investigations which have taken place, it has not been possible to identify any of the assailants of Mr. Gluncic and Mr. Engel. Mr. Engel himself has been questioned on this matter but he has stated that he is unable to identify any of the men concerned. It will be appreciated that the attack was a sudden one and that in their efforts to restore order and obtain assistance none of those present had time to identify the attackers.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the reason for the Railway Clerks' Association's demand for a 35-hour week is that head office staffs only work 38 hours a week against 48 hours worked by other grades; and if he will consider removing this grievance by raising head office time to 48 hours a week.

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

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to the residents of Hornsey because of the delay in repairing the footbridge at Hornsey station, and when he expects that this work will be completed.

All immediately available supplies of steel are required for more urgent purposes and I regret that I can give no date for completion of repairs to this footbridge. The possibility of erecting a temporary bridge is being examined.

asked the Minister of Health to what use it is proposed to put the Copthorne Military Hospital, Shrewsbury.

This is to be used as a general hospital for the area after certain adaptations have been made, the plans for which are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health when he hopes to introduce legislation to cover permanently-disabled persons not covered by the National Insurance schemes, particularly those persons who have never been able to follow any kind of employment and who have had to depend upon their parents and friends for support.

The forthcoming National Assistance Bill will deal with these persons, and will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits.

asked the Minister of Education whether the Crown has acquired the copyright in Mr. Ogden's books on the subject of Basic English; what other rights the Crown has acquired; and why it was necessary to make a payment of £23,000.

The copyright which the Crown is acquiring is in the Basic Standardised Word List and System. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 3rd March to the hon. Member the Junior Burgess for Cambridge University (Mr. Wilson Harris), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Education whether the decision announced in Cmd. 6511 that primary responsibiity for questions affecting Basic English rests with the Foreign Office still stands; how often the inter-departmental committee on the subject has met; and who is its chairman.

As I informed the hon. Member on 3rd March, a grant-in-aid to the Basic English Foundation will, subject to the provision of the necessary funds by Parliament, be carried on the Vote of my Department for the financial year beginning 1st April next. This grant-in-aid will be used solely to assist the activities of the Foundation in this country, e.g., in maintaining the standards of the Basic system and increasing the supply of books in Basic for purchase and use abroad. From 1st April next the responsibility for questions relating to the activities of the Foundation in this country but not for questions relating to the use of Basic in countries overseas, will rest with my Department. The arrangements which I informed the hon. Member were being made for cooperation between, my Department and other Departments will supersede the Inter-Departmental Committee set up by the Foreign Office, which, I understand, has held six formal meetings under the Chairmanship of Professor Ifor Evans.

asked the Minister of Defence the number of men who have passed out of the R.N.. Army and R.A.F. educational vocational training centres, respectively; and how many of them are now in insured employment.

Training for a particular trade or occupation is carried out after release from the Services, and is the responsibility, not of the Service Departments, but of the Ministry of Labour. Units of all three Services do, however, provide courses which aim to prepare a man for post-release training. All R.A.F. training is carried out on this basis. It would be difficult to estimate the number who have availed themselves of these facilities, but it is considerable. In addition some 110,000 Naval and Army personnel have taken short courses at the E.V.T. centres and colleges organised by these Services. I regret that it is not possible to say how many of these are now in insured employment.

asked the Minister of Works what are the building requirements entailed in the programmes of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of National Insurance, Treasury grants to the universities and the development areas during the forthcoming year; and on what basis are priorities established.

The estimated requirements, as stated by the responsible Departments, in terms of building trade labour at the end of the financial year 1947–1948 are as follow:

Ministry of Education	69,000
Ministry of National Insurance	4,000
Universities	3,300
Development area factories (Estimated)	38,500

The building programme as a whole is, however, now being reviewed in the light of these estimated requirements and the building labour and materials likely to be available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will issue a White Paper, detailing the proposals for international measures to secure full employment, which the Minister of State has recently put before the Economic and Social Council.

I give below the text of the resolution on full employment put before the Economic and Social Council by the United Kingdom Delegation. I am also considering whether it would be for the convenience of the House on the conclusion of the Council's present session to issue a Government publication giving an account of the Council's proceedings and including the texts of the important resolutions adopted.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has considered proposals recently made to the L.P.T.B. by the Joint Trades Works Committee of the Board's Chiswick works for effecting an estimated saving of 30tons of solid fuel per week; and what action he has taken, or is taking.

The proposals recently made to the L.P.T.B. by the Joint Trades Works Committee of the Board's Chiswick works for effecting an estimated saving of 30tons of solid fuel per week have not been referred to my Department officially. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is in communication with the hon. and gallant Member about the proposals.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether when a planning authority directs that electricity mains must be laid underground and not overhead in order to preserve the amenities of a country district, he will take powers to relieve consumers concerned of the additional cost by spreading this over a wider area.

Though planning authorities may make representations, they are not empowered to direct that electricity mains must be laid underground. Under the Electricity Supply Acts the responsibility for giving consent to the erection of overhead electric lines devolves on my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power. The incidence of the cost of supplying electricity to consumers falls to be settled by the electricity supply undertaker in negotiation with the consumers, subject to the provisions of the Electricity Supply Acts I see no reason for special provisions in cases where the method of giving the supplies is influenced by planning considerations.

asked the Minister of Pensions what travelling facilities he grants to relatives who wish to visit disabled ex-Servicemen who are detained in his Department's hospitals for any length of time.

When a patient is unable to avail himself of the privilege leave granted at Easter, Whitsun, August Bank Holiday and Christmas, the part-free railway warrant for which he is eligible may be transferred to a relative. If the warrant is not used at one privilege holiday an entirely free warrant is given at the next privilege holiday. When a patient is placed on the dangerously ill list, free travelling warrants are given to two persons, one of whom must be a relative. The Ministry provides concession vouchers which, on presentation at a railway booking office, secure the benefit of reduced fare facilities granted by the railway companies to wives and near relatives for the purpose of visiting pensioners in hospital through war disablement.

asked the Minister of Pensions what travelling subsistence, loss of work and other allowances are paid to ex- Servicemen attending boards, appeal tribunals, or for treatment.

Ex-Servicemen attending medical boards or for treatment are paid necessary travelling expenses. In addition, where attendance at medical boards or for out-patient treatment involves absence from home for more than five hours, subsistence allowance is payable at rates varying from 2s. for an absence of five hours to 9s. 6d. where overnight absence is necessary.Compensation for loss of earnings in consequence of attendance at medical boards or for limb fitting is paid at a rate not exceeding 21s. for any one day. Where, exceptionally, attendance is necessary on more than one day in the same week the total compensation is subject to a maximum of 30s. Similar rates are paid in treatment cases subject to the limitation that the amount payable, together with pension in issue, does not exceed the appropriate weekly treatment allowance. Allowances for men attending at appeal tribunals are paid by the pensions appeal office.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will amend the regulations governing the award of pensions to the widows of men who were in receipt of disability pensions so as to allow widows whose husbands died before 3rd September, 1939, to become eligible for a pension.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton (Mr. Amory) on 18th February last.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of men and women, respectively, in receipt of 100 per cent. disability pensions, distinguishing between those who receive pensions in respect of 1914–18 and 1939–45 service; and how many of these pensioners receive unemployability supplement.

Approximately 22,000 men and 120 women are in receipt of 100 per cent. pensions for disablement due to service in the 1914–18 war. Of these about 4,700 men and 10 women are receiving the unemployability supplement The comparable figures in respect of service in the 1939–45 War, including service in the Civil Defence Forces and the Mercantile Marine are 27,000 men and 2,050 women in receipt of roc, per cent. pension. Of these 820 and five respectively are receiving the unemployability supplement.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many 100 per cent. disabled pensioners are in receipt of the full basic pension of £2 5s. a week, together with unemployment supplement of £1, special allowance to totally dependent wife of 16s., and a maximum special attendance allowance of £2.

The maximum special attendance allowance of £2a week has so far been awarded in about 400 cases. In all of these cases the pensioner is in receipt of a pension of at least 45s. od. a week. About two-thirds of the pensioners in question are receiving an additional 20s. od. a week, either as unemployability supplement or as unemployability supplement plus social service benefit. Of the married men in receipt of unemployability supplement, 90 per cent. are receiving wife's allowance at the higher rate of 16s. od. a week. A number of the pensioners not in receipt of an unemployability supplement are in employment or have special rates of pension more beneficial than the standard rates or have retirement pensions.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many disabled pensioners and their families were receiving on 1st January last, including all additional allowances and supplementary payments other than family allowances, £1 a week or less, more than £1 a week and up to £2, more than £2 a week and up to £3, more than £3 a week and up to £4 and more than £4 a week.

I regret that the information asked for could be obtained only by scrutinising individually the 755,000 disablement awards in payment. The expenditure of time and labour involved would not in my view be justified.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number and annual cost of all disablement awards and additional allowances on 31st December, 1920, 31st December, 1938, and 31st December, 1946, together with the estimated number and cost of the additional awards and allowances which came into operation on 1st January last.

The approximate numbers and annual cost at the dates stated were as follow:

—	Disablement Awards.	Additional Allowances.	Cost.
1920	1,175,000	1,270,000	£59,850,000
1938	430,000	126,000	£21,700,000
1946	755,000	925,000	£51,000,000

The numbers of constant attendance allowances in payment in 1920 and 1938 are not available. As a result of the changes which came into operation on 1st January last, it is estimated that allowances will be payable for a further 22,000 wives and 25,000 children. The changes as regards constant attendance allowance will affect some 1,200 cases. The annual cost of these improvements will be about £500,000 increasing to £750,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why there is such a long period of delay between the recruit training of Radar wireless mechanics and their posting for technical training; and if he will look into the position at Hixon.

The delay in posting recruits for training as Radar/Wireless Mechanics has been mainly due to an acute shortage of qualified instructors. We are doing our best to increase the number of instructors, and as we succeed, the delay will be reduced. In the meantime, recruits are posted to units, of which Hixon is one, where they can be given some preliminary training in their future trade. They are held in these units on a roster, and are posted in their proper turn to the technical training schools.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of British civilians now serving with the Central Government in New Delhi and with the Provincial Governments, respectively; and how many have expressed their willingness to transfer their services to the Indian Civil Service or Indian police when their present engagements are terminated.

The total number of European officers in the Superior Civil Services in India is approximately 1,600, of whom about 500 are in the I.C.S. and 350 in the Indian Police. It is not possible without undue expenditure of labour to state how they arc distributed between the Central and Provincial Governments. So far as I am aware no invitation has yet been issued to the officers concerned to state whether they are willing to continue to serve under government in India after their present appointments are terminated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the position of British civilians now serving with the Government of India; and how far compensation for loss of office and pension rights have been safeguarded, in accordance with the terms of engagement into which they entered with the British Government of India.

I am not yet in a position to add anything to my replies to the questions on this subject which I answered orally on 3rd March.

asked the Minister of Supply how many 10,000-kilowatt generators are being manufactured by British firms for export to the U.S.S.R.; and when he expects these generators to be ready for delivery.

None; but there are four generators, ordered and commenced in 1942, two of 12,000 kilowatts and two of 25,000 kilowatts approaching completion and they should be ready for shipment during the next few months.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of employees of the Forestry Commission in the grades of Head Forester, Grade I, Grade II and Foreman as at 3oth June, 1939, 31st December. 1945, and 31st December.

Grade.	30th June, 1939.			31st December, 1945.			31st December, 1946
	F.C.	Seconded.	Total.	F.C.	Seconded.	Total.	F.C.	Seconded	Total.
Head Forester.	9	—	9	9	14	23	30	2	32
Forester Grade I.	48	—	48	74	23	97	101	17	118
Forester Grade II.	182	1	183	214	5	219	255	11	266
Foremen	150	—	150	157	—	157	202	—	202
Notes:
(1) The Forester figures show which grades the men were in at the dates given, i.e., the figure: are on the basis of acting rank whether in F.C. or borrowing department.
(2) Foremen were industrial at the beginning of the war and were not therefore treated a, seconded.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state, for the past five years, the number of young persons of 16 years or over, detained in Borstal and the number in approved schools, giving the figures for each year for both girls and boys.

The figures are as follow:Number of boys and girls aged 16 years or over admitted to approved schools:

Year.		Boys.	Girls.	Total.
1942	…	780	302	1,082
1943	…	626	264	890
1944	…	608	338	946
1945	…	837	375	1,212
1946	…	740	356	1,096

Receptions for Borstal detention of young persons of 16 years or over:

—	1941	1942	1943	1944	1945	1946*
Males	1,521	1,475	1,324	1,386	2,166	2,067
Females	218	198	240	274	276	158
Total	1,739	1,673	1,564	1, 660	2,442	2,225
* Figures subject to correction.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that

The following table gives the information:Mr. George Martin, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, who retired from the L.N.E.R Grimsby Docks after 52 years' service, has made five applications to his Department for his pension book, as indicated by the correspondence sent to him; that many requests have been sent by him during the last five months and still no book has been issued; and if he will look into the matter forthwith.

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that a new pension book at the increased rate wag handed to Mr. Martin on 8th March.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why Mr. E. H. Partridge, pension No. 40516901, and Mrs. Partridge, pension No. 20509075, both of 8, Tidy Street, Brighton, have not yet received the old age pension books applied for last October.

Inquiries into this case are in hand and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of British drivers and clerks who have replaced German drivers and clerks in the British zone of Germany between September,. 1946, and the present date.

No British drivers replaced German drivers in this period except possibly in isolated instances. In a very few cases, British clerks now perform duties, which, pending their arrival, had, temporarily been undertaken by Germans.