asked the Minister of Labour why he has withdrawn the restrictions, based on the type of household and number of staff employed, in respect of the issue of permits to foreign domestic workers.

The Government recently decided, in view of labour shortages in general, to admit aliens more freely for employment in this country. It was found that the restriction of permits resulted in many cases in the type of household urgently needing domestic workers being unable to obtain them.

While not objecting to any one needing domestic servants getting them, may I ask if it is not a fact that this arrangement will mean that those households which now have sufficient domestic servants will be able to get more without any restriction whatever?

No, Sir; it does not necessarily follow. Most of these people will not be competing in the home market.

May I ask whether it is not a fact that this House, sometimes in the second generation, has benefited from arrangements of this kind?

On a point of Order. Is it in Order, when a Question has been put and answered by the Minister, for an hon. Member of this House to make such an offensive reference?

I did not think there was anything offensive about it.

Is it not right to leave the number of domestic servants necessary in any particular case to the employer, who cannot possibly afford to engage more than are necessary, and is not a Government Department in the worst possible position to decide how many servants are necessary in a particular household?

I should have thought that, in the very difficult circumstances over the last 12 months, the Government ought to exercise some control in this matter. However, in order to ease the position generally, I think the new method is one that will meet with approval.

asked the Minister of Labour, taking into consideration the fact that a number of displaced persons are now entering this country and taking up work in various occupations, if he will consider the setting up of a properly authorised body specially to watch the interests of these workers and be prepared to advise them during the initial period of their residence in this country.

The general welfare of these workers has been made the responsibility of my Department's welfare organisation and the National Hostels Corporation who will give all the help and advice they can. The assistance offered by a number of voluntary bodies has also been welcomed.

Does not the Minister think that the responsibility varies, and that it might, in the main, be better if it was concentrated in one responsible authority?

As the authority is now concentrated in the Ministry of Labour, I think that meets my hon. Friend's point.

Is there any limit to the occupations to which these people may go?

I am afraid that is another question.

asked the Minister of Labour by what date he estimates that his forecast of 4,000 displaced persons per week will be arriving in this country; and what is the total number of displaced persons that he plans to bring to this country in 1947 and 1948, respectively.

The aim is to work up, if possible, to this rate during the course of next month, but its achievement will depend upon such factors as the numbers of suitable persons volunteering who can be accommodated and absorbed into employment here. Similar factors will determine the total numbers to be brought here over a longer period.

Surely, the Minister can say how many will come in during 1947? Why is it that this Government of superplanners has no plan for the employment of foreign labour this year?

I should have thought that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would have read the White Paper on the Economic Survey.

Of course, I have.

asked the Minister of Labour if any substantial degree of unemployment is being caused to members of the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers in the Falmouth area on account of the shortage of timber; and what steps he is taking to remedy the situation.

I understand that 40 joiners were discharged by a Falmouth shipbuilding firm last week on account of shortage of timber. Efforts are being made to place these men in outstanding vacancies in the building trade in the area or in other suitable work.

Is the Minister aware that the number is likely to increase under present arrangements, and will he consider using his influence, as was done once before, in having a ship sent to that dockyard with the co-operation of the Admiralty?

That is entirely another question, and, if my hon. Friend will put it down, I will see what can be done by my Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement as to the anticipated effect upon production of the fixing of a date during the year for the purposes of the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act, 1942.

When I stated on 20th December that I had decided, by agreement with the Joint Consultative Committee of the National Joint Advisory Council, to fix a day some time in December, 1947, as the end of the war period for the purposes of the Restoration of PreWar Trade Practices Act, I made it clear that it was essential that the two sides of any industry affected should consider the matter in the meantime with a view to reaching joint agreement on the problems involved. I have no doubt that this will be done, and I am confident that the need for maximum production will be fully borne in mind in the course of any joint negotiations.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many exServicemen, particularly ex-officers, aged 45 years and over, have been unable to find employment, although demobilised more than 12 months ago; and what special steps he proposes to take to obtain employment for them.

Yes, Sir. But employment can only be found for these men if employers will refrain from imposing unduly low age limits on the vacancies which they notify. To this end, advertisements have been inserted in weekly and daily newspapers calling attention to the value of the experience possessed by older men, and the advice of my Appointments Department Advisory Council has been sought.

While wishing to pay a very considerable tribute to the work of the right hon. Gentleman's Department in this matter, may I ask whether consideration has been given to the possibility of directing the attention of Government Departments to the use of these men, many of whom have high ability and considerable administrative experience?

I have no information that any Government Department has imposed such a limit, and if my hon. Friend has any information of that kind, I will be glad to take the matter up.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many ex-Servicemen are unemployed at the present time?

Not without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Secretary of State for War to the undesirability of the limit which he is imposing, and ask if he cannot make it possible for many of these men who wish to do so to continue their careers in the Army?

I have no doubt that the fact of the hon. Member putting that question will have its effect.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a number of men who have qualified at his Department's training courses held at Ipswich and Luton are unable to find employment, are losing the skill they acquired as trainees and, in some cases, are seeking to return to the Armed Forces; and if he will take all measures possible to provide some assurance that training will be followed by employment.

I am aware that a small proportion of the men leaving the Ipswich and Luton centres have not yet been able to secure employment. The difficulties in placing have been due to the shortage of timber or the fact that the trainees have been unable to leave home for employment. I can assure the hon. Member that, in consultation with the industry, I am continuing to do everything possible to see that the numbers trained are related to future employment prospects.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of discussing the matter with the respective trade unions, because many ex-trainees, when they get jobs, find that they are boycotted by others who are members of trade unions, and who make it impossible for these men to continue at work when they get a job?

My experience is very much to the contrary, and I should be most grateful if—in fact, I would insist that—the hon. and gallant Gentleman would give me particulars of these cases. Up to now, I have found that the trade unions have been most co-operative in taking these men.

Is the Minister aware that the reply which he has given is the same as he gave to me the other day? Is he aware that, within the last few minutes, I have been talking to a large employer of building labour in London and the provinces, who tells me he cannot employ these trainees because other building workers on the site will not work with them, and will the Minister include in his consultations the Building Trades Advisory Council?

Of course, I am not aware of the conversation which the hon. Gentleman had a few minutes ago, and I should be glad if he would give me the name of that employer so that these allegations can be traced down. As to the Advisory Council, they have been most co-operative in this matter, and are an outstanding example of willingness to help in taking these trainees.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the difficulty in these matters does not arise from a breach of faith by the trade unions, but because of irresponsible elements among the men concerned, who are not prepared to recognise the agreements?

Equally with the other allegations, I have no such information, and no instance of that kind has been brought to my attention.

As the Minister has said that he is prepared to trace down these allegations, whatever that may-mean, will he give an assurance that he will cause an immediate investigation to be made and take immediate action in the matter?

No, Sir. Those who make the accusations ought to be called upon to justify them, instead of sending the Ministry of Labour chasing all over the country to find out if there is any truth in them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the arrangements made for the instruction and subsequent employment of trainees under the Government's Resettlement Scheme were discussed and agreed upon with the trade unions and employers concerned in the trades provided for.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what arrangements exist between the training centres and the employment exchanges and employers to ensure that trainees who have completed their course of instruction under the Resettlement Scheme are absorbed into industry without avoidable delay;

(2) whether he is aware that some trainees who have completed their instruction under the Government's Resettlement Scheme are finding difficulty in obtaining employment and what steps are being taken to overcome the difficulty.

The majority of trainees have been satisfactorily placed in employment on completion of their training. Training facilities in each trade are kept under regular review in consultation with the representatives of the industry concerned, and are expanded or curtailed as necessary, so that they are related as closely as possible to future employment prospects. Recent adverse weather conditions and shortages of material have caused difficulties in some cases. Action to place trainees is commenced at the training centres, at least one month before completion of training. Where the trainee has not been placed before leaving the centre, full particulars are sent to the regional office of my Department who, in cooperation with representatives of the industry, and with the assistance of the local employment exchange, continue action to ensure that the trainee is placed as soon as possible.

Can the Minister say whether he has received a letter from the Union of Building Trade Workers asking him to close down these training establishments?

That question does not arise out of the one on the Order Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour which trade unions have agreed to the employment of foreign labour and with what conditions; which trade unions have refused to accept foreign labour of any nationality other than ex-enemy nationality; and with which trade unions negotiations are still in progress.

No trade union has finally refused to accept foreign labour of any nationality. The terms of the numerous agreements on the subject vary widely, and could not be explained in a reply to a Question. Negotiations are in progress in a number of industries with a view either to the making of an agreement or the extension of an existing one.

The Minister has said that no trade union has finally refused. Can he say whether any trade union has temporarily refused?

Some negotiations have been delayed on account of the fuel position.

Will the Minister lay before Parliament the terms of the agreements, which vitally affects the liberty of the subject?

The terms of some agreements, particularly that with the Miners' Federation, have already been announced in the House in answer to a Question. Whether or not it is desirable to place on the Table all the agreements, I do not know, but I think there would be no objection to supplying them. I will send a copy to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an estimate of the increase or decrease in nonindustrially employed persons who will be employed by the Coal Board and the Ministry of Fuel and Power in 1948 as compared with those similarly employed in 1938 by His Majesty's Government and private enterprise.

I regret that I have no information on which to base such an estimate.

Why on earth does not this miserable Government smarten itself up and take the trouble to obtain the requisite information concerning the deployment of our manpower? Could not the Government for a change write a proper appreciation and a long-range plan?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider amending the Confirmation of Executors (War Service) (Scotland) Act, 1940, to enable confirmations to be granted on a certificate by the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the hardship being experienced by the widows and families of men who served in the Colonial forces and who subsequently died in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, on account of their inability to complete title as executors owing to the fact that under the existing law the Colonial Office is not designated as a competent authority; and whether he will introduce amending legislation at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to amend the Confirmation of Executors (Scotland) Act, 1940, so as to enable the widows, children and other relatives of Scotsmen who served in the colonial forces and who are presumed to have died while prisoners of war to secure such confirmation.

The Confirmation of Executors (War Service) (Scotland) Act, 1940, provides facilities for confirmation of executors of persons missing during the "war period," which ended on the 24th February, 1946,. on the expiration of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939. I appreciate that there are cases where difficulty has arisen in the operation of the Act, but, in present circumstances, I could not undertake to introduce amending legislation.

Would not a single-Clause Bill meet the case, and clear up these outstanding cases of hardship?

There are other difficulties, besides merely bringing in a single-Clause Bill, in a number of cases required to be dealt with by the Colonial Office. If one started to deal with those cases, others might ask for similar concessions, and that is where the difficulty would arise.

Is the Minister aware that the present system causes inconvenience, delay and expense to next of kin, and will he devise some other means of making representations?

We will see whether anything can be done from the administrative point of view.

Cannot a Bill be introduced in another place to deal with this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the draft Prison (Scotland) Rules, 1947, dated 2nd April, 1947, are not in accord with modern ideas of prison reform, particularly relating to education, training, books and employment; and if he will reconsider them before they come into force with a view to modernising them.

No, Sir. The rules require education, training, books and employment to be provided, but do not attempt to prescribe in detail the provision to be made. Prison methods are continually advancing, and I am sure my hon. and learned Friend will agree that it would be unwise to stabilise these methods, and so arrest advance, by defining them in detail in statutory rules.

When considering these rules, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the aim of the prison system should be reform, as well as punishment and prevention?

That is exactly what I have kept in mind, and that is the reason I have given the answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the rules will be laid before the House before they are confirmed?

Not without notice.

Will my right hon. Friend look particularly at the rules relating to untried prisoners?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to say what use is to be made of Stacathro aerodrome in the future.

Stacathro aerodrome is at present being farmed under arrangements made by the local agricultural executive committee. The airfield is no longer required by the Air Ministry, and it is proposed to transfer it to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland so that arrangements can be made for its long-term agricultural use.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this tranfer will be made to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and has he not in the past said that it would be transferred, although the transfer has not taken place?

Yes, Sir, but it is impossible for us to carry through the transfer at the moment. These problems will be dealt with in the Agriculture (Scotland) Bill, which I hope to introduce later this Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what principle he allocates permits for vacuum flasks to local secretaries of the National Farmers' Union.

The allocation of "Thermos" flask permits for distribution by the National Farmers' Union of Scotland is made to the headquarters of the union, with whom rests the responsibility for distribution to local secretaries.

Does the Minister know whether the union is kept aware of the number of flasks available in the various localities, because there seems to be little correlation of supplies?

We have arranged what we think is the best method of distribution to both union and non-union members. We also have an arrangement whereby the National Farmers' Union can deal with applications made to them by their own members.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that while there is difficulty in some parts in getting these flasks, one has only to go to one of the big shops and pay 72s. 6d. to get two flasks in a wicker container?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is now able to say whether men called up under the National Service Bill who sustain injuries whilst undergoing whole-time or part-time service will be eligible for disability pensions under the existing war pensions instruments; and if there will be a right of appeal to an independent tribunal in the case of disputed claims.

Certain aspects of the conditions of service of men to be called up under the National Service Bill are still under consideration, and it is, therefore, not yet possible to make any announcement as regards the matters referred to by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many exServicemen and women classified as 100 per cent. disabled are now only in receipt of the minimum pension of 45s. per week; how many are in receipt of supplementary allowances as well as the minimum pension; and whether he is aware that there is a growing feeling that the minimum pension is ungenerous.

The numbers are about 15,000 and 34,000, respectively. The basic rate of 45s. was fixed in the light of comparable payments to be made under the various social service provisions, and taken in conjunction with the very wide range of additional allowances payable, and to the fact that the basic pension is paid irrespective of other earnings, the provisions now in force are widely recognised as representing a considerable advance on any previous arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware that Baragwanath British Military Hospital Johannesburg, has been taken over for other purposes; that, as a result, tuberculous British military patients there have been ordered immediately to return to England at risk to their lives; and if he will provide alternative hospital accommodation for them in South Africa, the climate of which is favourable to their recovery;

(2) if he is aware that 4276108 Gunner W. Plews, of Aberdeen, details of whose case have been sent to him, who contracted tuberculosis while serving with the Gordon Highlanders during the war, is, against his will and at danger to his life, under orders to travel immediately from Johannesburg to England although he is physically unfit to travel; and if he will countermand this order immediately so that Gunner Plews may be allowed to remain and given the opportunity of recovery in South Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider his decision to close Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa, in August, 1947, and to bring back the patients to this country, having regard to the possibility of another severe winter and the continued restrictions in heating and food which may have an adverse effect on the health of these patients, many of whom are suffering from tuberculosis; and if he will arrange for this hospital to remain open for at least another year.

These hospital buildings are shortly due to be handed back to the South African Government by whom they are urgently required as a hospital for South African tuberculosis patients. A number of the British military patients at present in the hospital have elected to take their discharge in South Africa. Of the remainder, those who are fit to make the journey will be brought to this country in a hospital ship specially equipped and staffed for this purpose. On arrival, those who still require treatment will be admitted to sanatoria near their homes. Patients who are not considered fit to travel will be transferred to other hospitals in South Africa. There is no question of a risk to their lives. I am satisfied that, apart from those who wish to take their discharge in South Africa, the vast majority of the patients are anxious to return to this country and to be re-united with their families. In these circumstances, I am not prepared to trespass further than is necessary on the hospitality of the South African Government.

Gunner Plews has applied for discharge in South Africa but he is not eligible for this under South African Government health rules. Provided he is well enough to travel, he will be brought to the United Kingdom where he will either be discharged or admitted to a sanatorium, according to his condition. It is not the case that he is under orders at danger to his life to travel immediately to England, and I am advised that he is expected to be well enough to travel home by hospital ship. If this journey were to represent a danger to life, or if he were found to be in any way unfit for the journey, he would be kept in South Africa.

What about those patients who are unwilling to be sent home? Are they not to be allowed to stay and take the benefit of the South African air, which is so beneficial to cases of tuberculosis? Will provision be made for them?

As I have said, most of these patients do not want to stay in South Africa. I have said that the few who do want to stay will be permitted to take their discharge in South Africa, and those who do not want to take their discharge in South Africa will be taken to other hospitals. We really cannot deprive the South African Government of this hospital for their own tuberculosis patients.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that henceforth there will be no overseas hospital facilities for the treatment of this disease in a suitable climate?

Medical opinion is not certain that the South African climate is so much better than the climate in parts of this country. What happened was that owing to the fact that these patients could not go through the Mediterranean they were sent to South Africa during the war, and the South African Government very kindly placed this hospital accommodation at our disposal. These men will be very well looked after by the Army.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many years ago trade union leaders from South Africa suffering from phthisis and tuberculosis came to this country to help them to get cured? Where does the evidence come from that it is better for our people to go to South Africa to be cured?

Bearing in mind the great shortage of accommodation in civil sanatoria for tuberculosis cases, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that none of these men will be transported back to this country until accommodation has been assured for them at this end?

Yes, Sir, we are making arrangements to look after these men when they come back here. The Army are going to look after them, although really it is a liability, I think, of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

In the case of the men who may want to come out of hospital but are not quite fit to come back into civil life in this country, will provision be made for them to enter civil life in South Africa, the same as if they were coming home?

It is not a matter entirely for me. We should do, and, in fact, we have done all we can to get the help of the South African Government. They have been very generous, and I do not think the House need be in any fear that any of these men who stay there or who come home will suffer.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the bodies of soldiers who die abroad on service are not brought back to this country when the relatives are prepared to meet the cost.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 23rd October, 1945, in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore), of which I am sending him a copy.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that since the war men have died overseas, and in many cases their relatives are anxious to pay to bring their bodies back? Will he not look into this matter again, because it is causing great discontent?

No, Sir, I can hold out no hope that this matter will be reexamined. This policy has been followed not only by His Majesty's Government but by all the Governments in the Dominions since the first world war.

asked the Secretary of State for War where the families evacuated from Palestine are now accommodated; what type of accommodation this is; and what steps are being taken to provide permanent accommodation.

The military families evacuated from Palestine were given the option of returning to the United Kingdom. Of those who returned, 16 Regular other ranks' families who had no home to go to in the United Kingdom have been allotted married soldiers' quarters at Aldershot. Those who did not wish to return to this country are at present accommodated in camps in the Canal Area. The living accommodation consists of tents with hutted ancillary buildings. As the families will not be staying permanently in the Canal Area, it is not necessary to provide permanent accommodation. Plans are, however, in hand to accommodate them in huts before the hot weather.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether all those who were temporarily accommodated in Folkestone have now left?

No, Sir, I cannot give that information in replying to this Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those who were accommodated at Folkestone were gravely dissatisfied with the future prospects of getting accommodation in this country, and that, in particular, they were worried about the education of their children?

Yes, Sir, I know there are considerable difficulties, but in our Department we have done everything possible to help these people.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of surveyors of works, R.E., have been deferred from release as being operationally vital, in the past 12 months; how many of these were or are in Palestine; how many will be under the same restriction in the next 12 months; how many surveyors of works, R.E., are Regular officers and holders of short-service commissions in both the United Kingdom and Palestine; and how long is compulsory deferment of release to continue.

Twelve per cent. of surveyors of works, R.E., have been deferred from release as being operationally vital in the past 12 months. All of these were in the Middle East, which includes Palestine; separate figures for Palestine are not available. I hope that compulsory deferment will not be applied after the next three months. Twentyseven Regular surveyors of works, R.E., and i holding a short service Regular commission, are serving at home; corresponding figures for the Middle East are 2 and I respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether time spent in absence, in close arrest, or in detention, can be restored for release purposes if the offender has a record of 12 months' good behaviour subsequent to his release from detention.

Such periods are not reckoned as service for release purposes if they exceed 28 days.

Would my right hon. Friend consider looking at this matter again to see whether it is possible to introduce some such system, particularly in order to encourage those who are absent to return?

We have offered very considerable inducements to those who are absent to return, and it has not been very successful. I have a suspicion that most of them do not want to return.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Mile End can expect a reply to his letters of 18th and 26th February with regard to the treatment of Private A Curran, who, when suffering from pneumonia and, after being discharged from hospital at Horley on 21st February, was given no rations for a journey from Horley to Edinburgh and who had to be treated by a civilian doctor who sent him to the King's College Hospital.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 24th April. As explained in that letter, Private Curran was admitted to the hospital at Holley while on leave. Before his discharge he did not mention to the medical officer in charge of the ward that his unit was stationed in Edinburgh, nor did he ask for rations for the journey, though these were available. The medical officer was under the impression that, like the majority of soldiers admitted to the hospital, he belonged to a local unit. In any case, however, he did not attempt to return to his unit on 21st February, the date of his discharge, but went back to his home in London and consulted a private practitioner. The investigations carried out at King's College Hospital revealed no abnormality.

Is the Minister aware that the statement he has just made does not tally with the facts which I have received from the soldier himself, and cannot he and I go further into the matter together?

I can well believe the hon. Gentleman, but what the soldier says is not always evidence.

asked the Prime Minister if he is prepared to move for a Select Committee of Members of the House of Commons to examine alternative sources of revenue to those in the 1947 Budget.

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman—whom I should like to be the first to welcome back to this House— aware that during his absence we have had a very unsatisfactory Budget, and that the public and this House are deeply concerned in finding alternative ways of raising revenue; and in view of those facts, is he aware that his reply will be very unsatisfactory, in my opinion?

I am very sorry to hear this sad news, but the hon. Member's suggestion is really quite unconstitutional, and comes very badly from the other side of the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present position of the Exchange Equalisation Fund; where are the assets; what is their value: and what use is being made of them.

As regards the first three parts of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 10th December last. As regards the last part, I would refer him to Section 63 of the Finance Act, 1946.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that none of the assets of the Exchange Equalisation Fund are being used to finance the disastrous policy of Socialism? Could I have an answer?

I have answered the Question on the Order Paper.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question.

If the hon. Member thinks that the question he has now put deserves a considered answer, I hope he will put it on the Order Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to resume negotiations with the Union of South Africa for the abolition of the nonresident shareholders' tax, which presses heavily on British persons resident in the United Kingdom who have contributed a large portion of the capital required for the development of the South African goldmining industry.

I cannot yet give a date, but we are keeping the point in mind.

Will the Minister take full steps to protect British interests?

Yes, of course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the method by which payment was made for the Odeon group of cinema theatres in Canada, for which it is understood 4,000,000 dollars was paid;

(2) what is the figure for the dollars earned and brought back to this country by the Rank Film Organisation from the U.S.A. since its attempt to enter the U.S. market, up to the latest convenient date.

It is contrary both to precedent and to the public interest to disclose the details asked for by my hon Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of making savings up to £5,000 in Government stocks for each British citizen, free of Income Tax; and if he will consider this proposal in the interests of the National Savings Movement.

No such estimate is possible, but in any case I cannot entertain this proposal.

Are we to understand from that reply, especially the latter part of it, that the Minister has not under consideration any new methods of encouraging the National Savings Movement?

My right hon. Friend is always ready to consider new methods, and if the hon. Member has any to suggest I hope he will put them forward.

This, I venture to say, is one.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what powers he is able to control the activities of the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation; and whether these powers extend to an alteration of its memorandum and articles of association.

My right hon. Friend has not claimed control. No alteration of its memorandum and articles of association comes into question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 1st April, that even if it were so he reserved the right to change any arrangements that may have been made; and does the Financial Secretary find it possible to reconcile that with the answer he has just given, or is it perhaps that since that answer was given by the Chancellor on 1st April the position has changed?

I think there is a difference between the right to change any arrangement and that to take control.

I wonder if the Financial Secretary could explain that difference, and whether he could answer my question, which is whether the Chancellor's power extends to an alteration of the memorandum and articles of association?

I have said that my right hon. Friend did not claim that he could take control, or had control.

Will the Financial Secretary say whether the Treasury do or do not consider they are bound by the statement of the last Chancellor, that it is not intended that this Corporation shall compete with ordinary market facilities?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of an increase of 2s. per week to male old-age pensioners; and whether he will consider such an increase to enable them to meet the new tobacco tax.

The cost would be £8½ million a year. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend cannot at present add to the statement which he made in the Debate on 22nd April.

When the Chancellor is considering this matter, will he bear in mind that any such concession which ex eluded women old age pensioners would be strongly resented, both in this House and in the country?

In view of the great interest that is felt everywhere in this matter, cat my right hon. Friend say now whether an) progress is being made by the Chancellor in finding some means by which old age pensioners can be relieved of this tax?

All I can say is that my right hon. Friend is considering this and he will be making an announcement in due course, when his consideration have reached a further stage.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider extending the privilege of duty-free tobacco now given to deep-sea fishermen, to home water fishermen whose duties take them to sea for 15 days at a time.

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that great dissatisfaction is caused by the fact that while deep sea fishermen who are away for 21 days are able to obtain this concession, home water fishermen who are away for 15 days cannot obtain it?

We make this concession to fishermen going some distance from the shore and not to those who fish in waters adjacent to the coast for the simple reason that it would be very easy for the latter to obtain this duty-free tobacco and then to get in touch with people ashore who would use it for their own purposes.

Is the Minister aware that these fishermen, who go to sea in quite small craft, are often 80 miles or more from our shores and necessarily endure great discomfort?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Soane Museum is inaccessible to the public owing to the inadequacy of the original endowment; and whether he will make a grant to the trustees in order that the public may be able to study and enjoy the works of art contained in it.

Yes, Sir. It is proposed to present a Supplementary Estimate inviting the House to vote a grant in aid of £2,250 towards the expenses of the museum, in order to enable the museum to be opened to the public on 240 days in the year.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the House and the country at large will be very gratified to hear this; nevertheless, would he consider making some representations to the trustees that, in view of the number of excellent Hogarths in this collection, they should in future be hung in such a way that they can be seen properly?

The Rake's Progress.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate of tax per gallon is now payable for diesel oil for agricultural tractors; and what rate per gallon is payable for vaporising oil for agricultural tractors.

Nothing in the first case, and a penny in the second, provided the tractors satisfy the conditions of Subsection (7) (d) of Section 2 of the Finance Act, 1935, as amended.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to effect an increase in the salaries of His Majesty's High Court Judges, or afford them tax relief, in view of the fact that the salaries now being paid were fixed in relation to the cost of living in 1832.

No, Sir.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know of any other instances in which salaries fixed in relation to the cost of living in 1832 have not been increased?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these salaries are much less than those paid to high business executives and are disproportionate in view of the great service rendered by His Majesty's judges?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion, respec- tively, of the £53,392,000 provisional receipts and £52,000,000 estimated receipts. for 1947–48 mentioned in the Financial Statement, 1947–48, in respect of Entertainments Duty, is attributable to Duty on living entertainment, exclusive of sports.

About 10 per cent. in each case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the dollar cost of the tobacco utilised in the manufacture of cigarettes exported from the United Kingdom during 1946 and the first quarter of 1947, respectively, and the amounts exported to soft- and hard-currency areas. respectively.

The dollar content of commercial tobacco exports was 15 million dollars in 1946 and 4¼million in the first quarter of 1947. In the two periods, 70 per cent, and 85 per cent., respectively, went to British Empire markets.

Does my right hon. Friend feel that we are justified in spending the dollars, which we are so hard put to obtain, in exporting tobacco to soft currency countries?

Most of these reexports go to the Colonies, and for every dollar we spend on imports of tobacco we obtain 2.4 dollars in return, which from our point of view is good business.

In view of that, has the Minister taken steps to prohibit the direct importation of dollar cigarettes into the Commonwealth?

That, of course, is a matter for the Colonies, but if we did not export them to the Colonies obviously the Colonies would go direct to a dollar country.

Does not the Minister think that he has done quite enough harm to cigarette and tobacco smokers without doing anything further?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the illicit trading and currency dealings by British Forces, written off in the Army Appropriation Account, amounting to £58,000,000 for 1945 and 1946, and the currency manipulation as recently disclosed in the courts, involve this country in making exports to redeem this loss of money without receiving in exchange any tangible imports of advantage to this country.

The recent currency manipulations by placing sterling at the disposal of non-residents certainly had this effect. As to the £58 million, perhaps my hon. Friend will await the findings of the Public Accounts Committee.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be willing to give the utmost publicity to the fact that these irregular transactions have to be redeemed by the sweat and toil of the workers of this country, so as to discourage any similar transactions in future?