asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to provide under the National Health Service Act, non-electrical aural aids for such deaf persons as can derive more benefit from these than from electrical instruments.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health how many elected representatives of Birmingham will serve as members of the Birmingham Regional Hospital Area Board; and what are the professions or occupations of the remaining members of the Board.

One member of the city council is on the Board. The rest consist of the vice-chancellor and three members of the teaching staff of the university nine members of other local authorities, seven chairmen of voluntary hospitals, six doctors, one hospital matron, and one mental nurse.

asked the Minister of Health the number of children suffering from malnutrition diseases in 1939, 1943 and 1946, respectively.

No precise statistics are available of the total number of children suffering from diseases due to malnutrition. The proportion of school children examined whose nutritional state was classified as bad was 0.5 per cent. in 1939 and 0.3 per cent. in both 1943 and 1945. The figures for 1946 are not available.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities exercise their powers under the Blind Persons Act to make special provision for the domiciliary visitation of deaf-blind persons and for the organisation of social activities on their behalf.

I regret that precise information is not available, but all blind welfare authorities provide for the visitation and instruction of deaf-blind persons by home teachers, and a number organise social activities for them.

Is the Minister aware that deaf-blind people are probably the loneliest people in the world, and that it is essential that the home teaching service should be strongly supplemented in order that they can have special visitations and special functions? Will he pay a great deal of attention to this very urgent matter?

After the new Act comes into operation, I hope to be able to give very much additional assistance

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that for many years voluntary bodies have organised fêtes, bazaars and sales of work, etc., for the benefit of voluntary hospitals; and, in view of the passing of these hospitals to State responsibility next year, whether he will state his policy with regard to the continuance of such voluntary effort for the particular benefit of local hospitals.

When the new hospital service comes into being, the various new governing bodies will have full power to receive and hold voluntary funds from any source, independently. It must be understood, however, that no charge may be made on patients for any part of the service, except for those specifically mentioned in the Act or regulations.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "power to hold" these funds?

Each of the hospitals can raise funds for additional purposes, such as welfare, and things of that sort, but the main body of revenue will come from the State. It must be quite clear that no charge can be made to a patient, because the service is free.

Is my right hon. Friend now telling the House that under the new arrangement next year, hospital committees may themselves organise voluntary efforts, thus enabling particular hospitals to supplement their funds?

I made that quite clear on the Committee and Report stages of the Bill.

Would the Minister say whether the same kind of policy will be adopted in connection with district nursing associations, particularly those which will continue under the new arrangement?

Any county borough will, where they think fit, have the power to make arrangements with nursing associations for which, of course, they will pay. I have sent instructions to that effect.

Who will administer these funds obtained from voluntary sources?

The hospital management committees.

If a voluntary hospital were to organise a fete and raise a sum of, say, £500, would the money be used for the purpose of providing additional benefits for that hospital?

We are not dealing with the intermediate period between now and the coming into operation of the Act. We are dealing with the situation after the Act has been brought into operation, and, in order that the service may be as free and independent as possible, management committees of hospitals will be able to arrange funds for the welfare of the hospital as a whole, and administer them, but they will in no way diminish the revenues provided by the State.

Will the Minister agree that the best voluntary effort is personal service?

As the whole of the health service is intended to be administered by voluntary workers, I entirely agree with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health what precautions are taken to secure that the cause of death certified upon a death certificate is correct; and, in view of the evidence at the recent coroner's trial at Southport, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that death shall not be certified from wrong or false causes.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the law now permits medical practitioners to issue death certificates in respect of near relatives; and if he proposes to introduce legislation to amend this practice.

The position under the Births and Deaths Registration Acts and Regulations is that a registered medical practitioner, who is otherwise competent in the circumstances of the particular case to give a certificate of the cause of death, is not precluded from doing so by reason of relationship to the deceased, and it is not open to the registrar of births and deaths to reject a certificate on that ground. The duties of the registrar include the duty to report to the coroner before registration deaths in certain specified categories including any which he has reason to believe to be unnatural, or accidental, or attended by suspicious circumstances, or the cause of which appears to be unknown. I do not at present contemplate amending legislation on any of these matters.

Is the Minister aware that the person concerned in the case at South-port, was poisoned by morphine, and that two doctors apparently certified that death was caused by a totally different complaint? In view of all the evidence, a grave suspicion is created that this was not an isolated case, and will my right hon. Friend look into the matter with a view to tightening up the regulations for certifying death?

I have no comment to make on the circumstances of that case, and I think that in the circumstances it would be improper to do so. In any case, I would not derive a general conclusion from this particular instance.

Even if the law permits the state of affairs to which I have referred in my Question, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is very undesirable?

It is not for a Minister to rebuke the House of Commons for the laws which it has passed.

Will my right hon. Friend consider introducing a provision whereby death certificates shall be countersigned by an independent medical practitioner?

I do not contemplate any amendment of the law at present.

While appreciating that this is an exceptional case, and that, as a rule, doctors give certificates with the best intentions, may I ask if my right hon. Friend will consider assisting the medical profession by asking coroners' officers, or intimating to them, that they should make as extensive inquiries as they can in such cases?

I can impose no duty except by legislation.

asked the Minister of Health if he will cause a thorough investigation to be made into the case of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Gooding, Wolsey, Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel, Essex, who was described by the doctor in charge of the clinic attended by Mrs. Gooding as a perfect baby but who, after being vaccinated three times within seven weeks, on the third occasion with a double injection, became blind and is not expected to recover her health; what precautions he is taking against the occurrence of similar tragedies; and if the parents of this child are entitled to compensation.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend. In the meantime, I should like to express my deep sympathy with the parents

While not presuming to generalise from this tragic case, on a matter on which I have no medical knowledge, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is satisfied that similar results will not follow similar treatment in other cases, and will he make the result of his inquiry fully available to the House and the public?

With regard to the latter part of the supplementary question, if my hon. Friend will put down a Question after inquiries have been made, I will certainly give all the information at my disposal. With regard to the first part of the question, until we have had an inquiry I would not like to make any comment.

asked the Minister of Health if he is yet in a position to announce the intentions of the Government in regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the Hobhouse Committee on Rural Housing.

No, Sir. But I shall make an announcement before the end of the Session.

Could the Minister say, in view of the urgency of this matter, whether he will make an announcement before the Summer Recess?

I said, before the end of then Session, but I hope it will be before the Summer Recess.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the minority report of this Committee would probably receive far greater support?

I am aware of that.

asked the Minister of Health what directions are given to district valuers to guide them in their valuation of properties and lands which local authorities wish to acquire!

District valuers apply their local knowledge under the guidance of the Chief Valuer, Inland Revenue Department. Their valuations, however, are governed by the statutory provisions relating to the compulsory acquisition of land, the interpretation of which is finally a matter for the courts.

Is the Minister aware that at least some of the valuations presented to the local authorities are far below the current prices of the lands and properties, and that they have not the ghost of a chance of getting anywhere near the desirable properties?

I am not aware of any special instance, but these are valued in accordance with the Statutes, and I have no authority to intervene.

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that no milk has been supplied to the schoolchildren attending the Hawkesbury Mixed School, No. 159, since Easter; and if he will take steps to ensure that arrangements are made for a regular supply of milk to the school without further delay.

Yes. Sir, I am informed that a new supply has been arranged, beginning on 1st July.

asked the Minister of Education (1) how many independent schools have offered local education authorities places for pupils in the schools under their control; what is the number of these places; and how many have been taken up;

(2) how many local education authorities have taken up places in independent schools for pupils in schools under their control; and how many have taken no action in this matter.

Of the 358 places offered by 103 recognised efficient secondary boarding schools to the Committee on Boarding Education for use in September next by local education authorities generally, 65 have so far been allocated in response to requests received by the Committee from 10 authorities. In addition, some local education authorities are taking up places under arrangements made directly with the schools.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the independent schools are co-operating very well in this matter, and can he explain why so small a proportion of the places offered have been taken up? Is it due to the tact that many local authorities cannot afford the expense, and, if so, will he go to their assistance?

I do not think that is the case. It is due, in the main, to the fact that the notices were not received by the local authorities in time to enable them to make the necessary arrangements.

Can it also be that some of the local authorities are not prepared to see their best pupils "creamed off" from the grammar schools, thereby lowering the system of public secondary education?

Neither is it our desire, in the operation of this scheme, that the best students should be "creamed off"

In view of the advantage to public schools by the addition of pupils from primary schools, will the right hon. Gentleman use all his influence with the local education authorities to see that these vacant places are taken up, so far as is possible?

Yes, sir

asked the Minister of Education on what date the Further Education Training Scheme is due for termination; whether all persons serving or liable to serve before 1st January, 1949, will be eligible for grants; or on what grounds is a differentiation to be made between those called up in 1947 and those called up in 1948

As regards the first and second parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 12th June. Having regard to the objects of the scheme, and the other forms of assistance which have recently been extended, it was not considered justifiable to continue the scheme under the present conditions of call-up. The 30th September was fixed in order to give reasonable notice and to suit, so far as possible, the convenience of students.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that those men who are called up after September this year have some sort of priority when they return; and, further, is he aware that two-thirds of the students in this country are utterly dependent on their parents' income, even with the welcome advantages which have already been provided for entries to universities?

I could not go so far as to give a complete assurance to the hon. Gentleman's request in the first part of his supplementary question, but I would point out that at present, and for some time to come, 90 per cent. of the students who are accepted in the universities are ex-Service men, and I think that those ex-Service men in 1949 can rest assured that they will get a square deal.

Is my right hon. Friend, considering, on the termination of the present scheme, some other scheme which will give similar advantages to students of this type?

Some little time ago I introduced a scheme to supplement the places which were being provided by means of State scholarships.

asked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to remedy the admitted shortage of science masters in secondary schools.

As the hon. Member is aware, the science faculties at the universities are being expanded and I am confident that this will go far to meet the demand for teachers which has increased substantially in the last few years.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the moment the Oxford University Appointments Board has 250 vacancies for science teachers unfilled, and that the secretary reports that some headmasters are just going to give up science teaching? This goes to the very root of the training of scientists for the future of this country. Will he, therefore, give fresh consideration either to getting science teachers released from the Services—which is the only method, I believe—or increasing their salaries which are so different from those paid in industry?

The hon. Member knows from his previous experience that the salaries question is one which is at present before the Burnham Committee, and that the Minister cannot interfere. With regard to release from the Services, I should hesitate to take that action. I believe that the action that has been taken will lead to improvement in the numbers.

asked the Minister of Education whether he has yet given any terms of reference to the Advisory Council and what they are.

In October, 1946, I agreed with the Central Advisory Council for England that they should investigate and report to me upon "The Educational needs of the Young Worker." At my request the Council are just about to undertake an inquiry covered by the following terms of reference:

"To consider and report on the natural interests and pursuits of school children out of school hours; the provision made for these outside their homes; the value of such provision and the desirability of further or different provision; and the extent to which school work and activities can and should be related to and develop these interests."

asked the Attorney-General when he anticipates it will be possible to make a definite announcement with regard to the official date for the end of the war; and whether, in view of the number of agreements which cannot be determined until this date is known, the decision will be expedited.

Whether this country is at war with any other country or not is, in each case, a question of mixed fact and law. If arbitrary dates for the end of the war are to be prescribed with the object of determining the intentions of parties to agreements legislation will be required. It appears from careful inquiries which have been made that there is no widespread demand for such legislation. The reason seems to be that agreements vary so considerably in their subject matter and circumstances that any attempt to prescribe an arbitrary date would in many cases obscure the real intentions of the parties, and obstruct the interpreta- tion of the agreement. In some cases parties may, for instance, have contemplated the cessation of actual hostilities. In others, the conclusion of a treaty of peace. I would remind my hon. Friend that for the purposes of certain tenancy agreements dates have already been prescribed under the Validation of War-Time Leases Act, 1944, but tenancy agreements are a limited class of contracts to which special considerations apply.

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for his reply, may I ask if he does not agree, with the large number of agreements which do exist in respect of which there is a conflict of opinion as to what the phrase "termination of the war" really means, that some definite date should be fixed, if need be, by legislation, so as to allow people to get on with such agreements as they have made in a practical form?

The view at which we arrived after careful consultation with a number of bodies concerned in matters of this kind was, that to fix an arbitrary date by legislation would probably cause more difficulty than may exist at present.

Is it not a fact that the Government of the United States of America did declare a definite date for the end of the war, and that that has worked all right over there?

I am afraid that that is a question of which I should require notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans are being made in this country, or are contemplated, for producing furnace blacks of equal quality to channel blacks by the Statex K method.

I am not aware of any plans for making carbon black in this country by the Statex K method, or that it has yet been proved whether this method produces blacks of equal quality to channel blacks. Trial parcels are now being imported so that its qualities may be tested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he is making to the Government of the U.S.A. for the removal of the partial restrictions imposed on the use of natural rubber in that country with a view to securing more employment and better wage conditions in our Colonies and more dollar exchange for the Empire.

This matter is being raised at the current session of the Rubber Study Group in Paris.

Is it not a fact that this synthetic rubber industry is quite uneconomic? Is not one of its objects to try to keep down the price of natural rubber, often below the cost of production in the Colonies?

I think that that is a question which ought to be addressed to the Government of the United States of America, and not to this one.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that schoolboys in England co-operatively correspond in the name of their schools, with schoolboys in New-Zealand; that the boys of a New Zealand school have sent to an English school a case of toilet soap; that the soap arrived at a London dock, but cannot be delivered because of import restrictions; and whether he will consummate this gesture of friendship from New Zealand by making the soap available to these boys, or to what alternative use he proposes putting it.

The only case of which I am aware concerns the Senior Boys' School, Newton-le-Willows, and the necessary licence was sent to the school six weeks ago.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman mean by his answer that an absolutely free gift requires an importation licence? Is he aware that the application form sent to the school contains questions that boys cannot answer, namely, who will pay the overseas supplier, the trade description of the goods, the value of the goods, the cost of the insurance and freight, and other questions of that kind? Should not these free gifts be given to these boys just in the same way as free gifts are given to other people?

They were not incapable of answering the questions because they sent the application in good form to the Department, and the licence was issued thereon.

Since when has soap been an acceptable gift in boys' schools?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of the levy per standard, added to the market price of timber by his Department; why this levy is made; and whether he will consider taking early steps to reduce the amount of the levy in order to reduce the cost of house building.

The amount of the levy varies for different descriptions of softwood, but for most it is £19 15s. per standard. The recent increase in timber selling prices, which was made necessary by the increased cost of imported timber, would have resulted in a windfall profit to merchants on the resale of timber they had in stock at the time of the increase. The levy, which is charged only on timber which merchants had bought from the Timber Control at the lower prices previously prevailing, is intended to withdraw this windfall profit; it is not added to the present price of timber, nor would any reduction in it reduce the cost of building.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to issue clothing coupons of the current issue in exchange for any of the 1945–46 issue which are not used by 1st November.

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that his course will probably lead to some extravagance in the use of coupons, if they are to become invalid? Would it not lead in the end to greater economy if the coupons were given a new lease of life?

I should have thought that that would lead to less economy, because they would be likely to be used over a longer period.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of grey flannel or other lightweight long trousers is causing serious concern; what is the cause of this shortage; and if he will give an assurance that no summer weight long trousers will be exported until adequate supplies are available for the home market.

This shortage is due to the increased demand brought about by demobilisation, while cloth production, especially of worsted flannel is still considerably below the prewar level, though it is gradually increasing. Export licences are not normally issued for utility garments, which represent about 80 per cent. of the total production; but the urgent need to increase textile exports makes it necessary to allow non-utility garments to be freely exported.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that what people want is trousers and not just his promises? Does he remember that old schoolboy rhyme about the highwayman who pointed his pistol and demanded,

"Your money or your life,

Your trousers or your wife"?

Is it not a fact that under this Government the British people are suffering a crushing burden of taxation, and that the Government are taking not only their money but their trousers as well?

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this worsted material is far too heavy, and does not really replace flannel, and that if this shortage goes on, we shall have to wear shorts?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department has refused to sponsor the release under Class B of 14929601 Private G. Bullock, whose services in the manufacture of surgical footwear are urgently required.

Private Bullock was little more than an apprentice when he joined the Forces, at the age of 18 years, in February, 1945. He cannot be regarded as having acquired the high degree of skill and experience which alone would justify me in asking for his release.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Board of Trade Footwear Controllers at Leicester and Kettering have both recommended the release of this young man, that this young man is in medical category B 7, that he has been in the Army 28 months, that he was employed on very essential work in the manufacture of surgical boots, and that unless he is released now all the people employed in that small concern producing urgently required materials will become unemployed?

Nonsense.

No, I cannot confirm all those details, but I am quite aware of the circumstances, and, in exercising my judgment on the case, I have decided that it is not such as would entitle me to put it forward.

In view of the recommendations put forward by the Footwear Controllers, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman look at the matter again, to see whether he can relax some of the red tape?

When the right hon. and learned Gentleman says that this young man is too young to have acquired skill, has he any reason to think he has not acquired skill, or does he necessarily assume that nobody young can have skill?

A certain period of time -requires to elapse before the necessary skill can be acquired in a trade such as this.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what dollar expenditure has been incurred on token imports of manufactured goods since their admission began last year; and what dollar expenditure on such goods is proposed during the current year.

Import licences were issued in respect of 1946 under the token import scheme for goods from Canada valued at £392,000 and from the U.S.A. at £178,000. I do not expect that dollar expenditure on token imports in the current year will greatly exceed these figures.

It is not intended to reduce them owing to the shortage of dollars?

Probably not to any material extent, because they amount to a very small sum anyway.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that in the recent publications of the British Travel Association, particularly "The British Isles" and "Come to Britain" pamphlet No. 4, South-West England, there is no reference to the county of Dorset; and if he will ensure that this omission is rectified.

I am bringing the hon. Member's suggestion to the attention of the British Tourist and Holidays Board.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman do that urgently, so that the attention of tourists coming to England this summer can be drawn to the attractions and beauty of this county, which has been missed out?

I will draw attention to it.

Arising out of the original answer, why in the world was Dorset ever put in the South-West of England?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now permit some decoration on domestic pottery.

No, Sir. The output of decorated pottery is limited by the size of the decorating labour force, and I am afraid that in present circumstances we cannot afford the loss of exports which would result from allowing its manufacture for sale on the home market.

If it is impossible to allow any decoration, will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of producing some utility brands at least, in different colours, because the failure to have either decoration or colour does force up to fantastic heights the price of second-hand china?

I will certainly consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he anticipates that the director of the British Institute of Management will be appointed.

The appointment of a director is a matter for the Council of the Institute, and I am sure that they are alive to the importance of filling the post as soon as possible.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that after many months of delay during the presentation of the report and the appointment of the Council, there has now been something like six months' delay during which the Council has done nothing at all; and are we really proposing to do something for British manufacturers, or is this merely the putting up of a facade?

I do not agree with the hon. Member that the Council has done nothing at all. It has done a great deal of preliminary work, of which there is much to be done

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of textile goods, cotton, wool, rayon and linen, respectively, for which orders have been placed with foreign countries; the names of such countries with respective quantities and prices; the amounts which have already been delivered; when the balance of deliveries may be expected; what quantity of such goods will be made available for home consumption and what further orders are contemplated.

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of ladies' walking shoes; and whether any increase in supplies is contemplated.

The shortage of certain types of light soled shoes is due to the world scarcity of particular types of leather. There are plentiful supplies of heavier types of walking shoes, though I appreciate that these may not always be as acceptable to ladies.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it was upon his instructions that the East Midlands Divisional Coal Board have refused to give information to the Press as to coal production figures for the previous week.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 12th June in reply to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison).

In view of the fact that the refusal of information referred to in my Question did not take effect until 13th June, can the right hon. Gentleman say how he answered it on 12th June?

Answer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the hon. and learned Member for Daventry may expect a reply to his letter of 12th May with regard to complaints as to coal deliveries by inhabitants of Eydon.

I much regret the delay in replying to the hon. and learned Member's letters of 12th and 27th May about coal distribution in the village of Eydon. A reply was, however, sent on 1st July. The delay was primarily due to the fact that conflicting statements were made by the merchant and certain of his customers, and it was, therefore, necessary to have a thorough local investigation made, which inevitably took some time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, thanks to the Post Office, the reply was delivered to this House this morning; that the reply is extremely unsatisfactory; and will he not allow the villagers living in the pleasant village of Eydon to transfer their custom to another merchant, as a great number of them dispute receiving the coal shown in the merchant's record?

As regards the change of registration, that is another matter, and I will have to look into that if representations are made. I was not aware that the hon. and learned Member had received the letter only this morning, but I do not deny that there has been some delay in this matter. I have looked into it, and it rather seems as if there has been voluminous correspondence which may have led to delay. There have been other causes, but I have done my best in the matter

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree to these customers changing their registration? Then there would be less correspondence.

I could not agree to an overall change of registration, but I would, of course, consider specific cases.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many copies of "Fuel Crisis and You" have been printed; and what is the basis of distribution.

Fourteen million two hundred and fifty thousand copies of this leaflet have been printed; distribution is on a household basis, delivery being made by the Post Office during the fortnight ending 5th July.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some houses, where there is only one inhabitant, no less than 15 or 20 of these pamphlets have been put through the letterbox?

No, I am not aware of that.

Does the Minister realise that the layout and general appearance of this particular pamphlet is about as unattractive and repulsive as it could possibly be?

No, I do not agree. If the hon. Member has views about what the layout should be, perhaps he would let me have them.

Is the Minister aware that this unattractive pamphlet is appropriate to an unattractive situation?

I should not imagine the noble Lord is a judge of anything that is attractive.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will bring to the attention of the International Labour Organisation the anti-trade union legislation which has been passed by the United States Legislature, which is in conflict with the principles of the international body.

No, Sir.

Does not the Minister think this is a suitable matter to raise with this organisation, in view of the fact that it has in it trade union organisations of one of the greatest Powers in the world?

I think it would be most unsuitable, and would be regarded by the great trade union movement of the country to which the hon. Member referred as "one of the greatest Powers in the world," as a usurpation of their functions.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the establishment of joint production committees; and in which industries they are most strongly established.

The National Joint Advisory Council have approved the principle of the setting up of joint consultative machinery, where it does not at present already exist, provided that such machinery is voluntary and advisory in character; that it does not deal with questions relating to terms and conditions of employment which are normally dealt with through the ordinary machinery of joint negotiation, and that it is left to each industry to adjust the form of machinery to its own particular circumstances. The British Employers' Confederation and the General Council of the Trades Union Congress have agreed to bring this recommendation to the notice of employers' organisations and trade unions respectively. I am consulting with the National Joint Advisory Council as to the means by which my Department can best assist in this important development. I regret I have at present insufficient information which would enable me to reply to the second part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Labour what non-official persons or bodies are permitted the use of his Department's employment exchanges and other premises; and on what terms and conditions.

With one exception there are no general rules, and any application would be considered on its merits. The exception relates to the holding of meetings on employment exchange premises. That is governed by rules made by local employment committees, under regulations dating from 1917, which preclude their use for political purposes or in connection with a strike or for the recruitment of trade union members.

asked the Minister of Labour in respect of what industries consultations have been held under the aegis of his Department regarding staggering hours in industry to ease peak loads on edectricity generation plants next winter; what decisions have been arrived at; and in respect of what other industries such consultations are proposed.

The consultations have been with the National Joint Advisory Council and its committees, which are collectively representative of all industries. The engineering industry has this week reached an agreement as to the terms and conditions on which revised working hours should operate for the purpose of spreading the load. Consultation covering all industries concerned is proceeding through the machinery of the National Joint Advisory Council.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the present figures of the number of unemployed in the Manchester area and the reasons for such unemployment; and whether there is any scheme to absorb them into industry.

At 16th June the number was 5,387, representing less than 1.5 per cent. It is made up largely of workers changing their jobs and unskilled workers not fit for heavy work. Every step is taken to place them as quickly as possible after they become unemployed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the numbers and particulars of all persons summoned by the Treasury for currency offences; and the amounts of fines and punishment in each case.

Thirty-six people have been prosecuted this year for illegal foreign currency deals or similar offences. They were all convicted, and fines totalling £85,304 were imposed. In one case three months imprisonment was also imposed. Other cases are pending.

Could the Chancellor tell the House how many of those charged were miners, engineers or bricklayers?

Not without rather complicated research, but my hon. Friend may make as good a guess as anybody else.

Could the Chancellor give any hope of a lightening of these restrictions so that bona fide travel can be undertaken?

For bona fide travellers, and for all bona fide Britishers who are not out to cheat their country, there are proper facilities now. I take the most severe view of all these law-breakers running away with our scarce foreign exchange resources at a time of great difficulty.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this number of 36 represents only an infinitesimal fraction of the number of people who have been abroad?

This represents prosecutions which have succeeded.

Yes, I know.

Other cases are pending, as I have already said. I am sorry to say that this habit of cheating on foreign exchange abroad is pretty prevalent.

Can the Chancellor say that every case which is prosecutable has been undertaken; and if, not, on what basis are the cases selected?

On the evidence we have as to whether the prosecution will succeed. So far, we have not got around to catching the lot.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the increased importance of modern developments in the natural history sciences in their bearing upon public health, agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and general culture, he will take steps to ensure that the emoluments of the Director of the Natural History Museum, the chief national centre of such sciences, shall be not less than those of the Director of the National Physical Laboratory.

The salary of this post was increased to £2,000, as from 1st January, 1946, in agreement with the Trustees. This figure seems reasonable in relation to the salaries of comparable posts, including that of the Director of the National Physical Laboratory.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the disquiet among British naturalists regarding the directorship of the Natural History Museum, he will suggest to the Trustees of the British Museum the desirability of their consulting with the Councils of the Zoological, Linnean and Royal Entomological Societies, as being the three most important natural history societies, regarding any contemplated appointment to this post.

I will certainly pass on the hon. Member's suggestion to the Trustees.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he has any figures to show the approximate total amount in aggregate which was lent by Barclays, National Provincial, Midland, Westminster and Martins Banks to agriculturists at 31st December, 1946, and 1st June, 1947.

(2) whether he will make the necessary arrangements for publishing, in the aggregate, at the end of each month the amount outstanding by way of indebtedness from agricultural producers to the clearing banks; and whether, at the same time, he will state the approximate number of agricultural borrowers to which the sum in the aggregate is related.

I would refer the hon. Member to the figures given in the Analysis of Bank Advances in the Monthly Digest of Statistics.

Is the Chancellor aware that there is a very substantial overdraft in advance of £50 million, and that the small farmers are totally devoid of working capital? Why are the banks charging 5 per cent. on these overdrafts? Will the right hon. Gentleman give a reply, because this is hindering the production of food at a time when we are short of food?

Far from hindering, we are very anxious to promote in every way the production of food. The hon. Member has asked for certain figures. He will find some interesting figures and information—I will not read it, because it has been pub lished—in the Monthly Digest.

I am fully conversant with them. I want the House to know them.

Hon. Members can read them too.

Will the Chancellor give an assurance that he will continue the existing policy of credit expansion in the agricultural industry, and not repeat the disastrous policy of the Tory Government in the early '30's.

Imputations of that sort are really quite unnecessary in supplementary questions. Both sides are too fond of them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what countries have notified their intention of leaving the sterling area.

I would ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to await the statement which I shall be making after Questions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if, in view of the fact that the farthing has now no monetary value, he has considered its abolition in commercial transactions and ceasing to mint it.

The farthing has monetary value, and should, therefore, continue to be minted.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether farthings are still being minted, and if so, what happens to them?

They are still being minted at the rate of 13½ million a year. As that is the demand made by the banks on the Mint, we can only assume that they are needed. I would remind the hon. Member that farthings are still needed in the purchase of a number of commodities, such as milk and bread

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much paper the Bureau of Current Affairs received from Government sources on or after its transfer from official control.

One hundred and twenty thousand sheets, some partly printed with background maps, were handed over at the time of transfer on the understanding that these would be replaced.

Have they been replaced?

I am making inquiries about that, and I will let the hon. Member know as soon as I have the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will resist these mealy-mouthed attempts to attack the Bureau and curtail free speech?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why temporary civil servants are being dismissed by the Ministries of Transport, Pensions and Supply, while the Ministry of National Insurance is engaged in recruiting new staff from outside the Civil Service; and whether, with a view to making the best use of available man power both in industry and the Civil Service, he will revise the present procedure so as to allow temporary civil servants who become redundant in one department to transfer to another, without loss of status or emoluments, before any new entrants are taken on.

The procedure followed is that Departments discharging staff inform the Ministry of Labour local offices, and should advise the redundant staff of the opportunity to register for further Government employment. Those selected within three months for reemployment reckon their previous service as continuous for the purpose of pay and conditions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will consider the desirability of establishing an inter-departmental committee to consider and recommend a just and equitable scheme, which will provide for the orderly transfer of temporary civil servants who have become redundant in their own de- partments, but whose services may be of value in other Departments which are, at present, understaffed.

A Ministry of Labour and National Service machinery already exists for this purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when these temporary civil servants, many of Whom have done six to ten years' satisfactory service in their Department, go to the Ministry of Labour to make use of this machinery, they have to start at the bottom? Would it not be much better if some arrangement were made for orderly transfers from Departments?

If my hon. Friend will let me have any cases which have come to his notice, I shall be glad to look into them. The situation is that if they are re-employed within three months, they carry on in the Service, and the ten years' service he mentioned would be continuous.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolitan area to safeguard the lives of children at busy roads and crossings when numbers of police were withdrawn from such duties during the days of the Ascot races.

No police were withdrawn from duties in connection with the safety of school children for the purpose of the Ascot races.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it was the police in Acton informed the local schools that they would have to make their own provisions at crossings, because the police were to be taken off their normal duties?

The police officer who made such a statement was singularly devoid of the gift of prophecy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in the future, as in the past, every citizen will receive the protection of the police without distinction of class or age?

As far as the number of the police will allow.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police, and from which divisions of the Metropolitan area, were withdrawn from their normal duties during the days of the Ascot races.

A small number of detective officers were sent to Ascot, and two inspectors, two sergeants and 16 constables of T. Division were engaged inside their own division in dealing with the Ascot traffic.

May I ask whether there has been any increase in Communist activities during their absence?

Had these officers the gift of prophecy at Ascot?

Only detectives were sent to Ascot, and their job was to ascertain those who were prophesying a quick run for the bookmakers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the police evidence in the recent case at the Old Bailey, resulting in the conviction of a Maltese, called Messina, for unlawful wounding, to the effect that Messina was closely associated with prostitutes in the West End of London, and that the case had arisen out of a dispute between rival gangs engaged in the white slave trade, he will appoint a commission to make inquiries into the existence of organized vice in London with a view to its suppression.

I do not think that the appointment of a commission of inquiry would be of assistance in this matter. It is a criminal offence knowingly to live on the earnings of prostitution, and the police exercise all possible vigilance with a view to the suppression of activities of this kind. An inquiry would not help the police because their difficulties arise from the fact that though they may have good reason to suspect such activities, they are sometimes unable to obtain evidence upon which criminal proceedings could be based.

Is it not possible to appoint a commission which could call for bank accounts and other evidence to prove the existence of organised vice? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Messina brothers are supposed to have made about £500,000 out of this vice, that they own a firm of West End estate agents and shares in an important restaurant, and have no less than 20 girls working for them? Is he further aware that one of the girls averaged £3,000 a year during the war?