asked the Minister of Supply if he is satisfied with the prices that his Department has obtained for approximately 15,000 areoplane engines, which have been disposed of for breaking up; and what steps were taken to offer these engines for industrial or other use in this country or to overseas buyers.

All surplus engines for which there is any market are offered for sale by competitive tender. Those for which there is no market are sold for scrap, also by competitive tender.

Could my right hon. Friend confirm or deny that his Department has been getting only between 30s. and 60s. for these aircraft engines, whereas their value, in scrap materials and accessories, is in the neighbourhood of £20? Can he also confirm that his Department are selling complete aircraft for £15, and if these figures are correct does he not think that he would get a better bargain for the public if he advertised these surplus supplies more widely?

My hon. Friend's figures are inaccurate. The sales are advertised, and we get the best price by competitive tender.

Has the right hon. Gentleman a competent technical committee to advise on these surplus supplies before they are sold by competitive tender?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply how many motor tyres are still stored at Newbury Racecourse; and if he proposes to offer these for sale before more of them have seriously deteriorated in condition.

None, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply what is the total number of persons employed in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, on the latest ascertainable date; how many of these were skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled and clerical workers respectively; and how do these numbers compare with those on the same date in 1938.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Supply (1) who are the directors of Iron and Steel Disposals, Limited; what is the capital of the concern; what was its turnover in the last financial year; and how many persons are employed and what is the cost of their salaries;

(2) how much iron and steel scrap has been disposed of by Iron and Steel Disposals, Limited, in the last 12 months; how much remains to be disposed of; and how much has been imported by the trade as a whole.

As the answer is rather long, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Supply, with regard to the establishment of an atomic energy plant at Sellafield, Cumberland, whether the farmers in this area will be assured that no ill-effects will accrue to cattle, sheep, pigs, etc., and to grassland that is situated within easy reach of Sellafield.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the gradual withdrawal of British troops in Greece, the Greek Government is to be permitted to acquire surpluses of British military equipment.

I have been asked to reply. On 26th March, the British Stores and Disposals Mission in Greece concluded an agreement with the Greek Government covering the disposal of such stores and equipment belonging to the British Army and the Royal Air Force as were declared surplus to their requirements prior to and when the British Forces were withdrawn from Greece, as a free gift to the Greek Government. The Greek Government were not in a position to buy them in bulk. Certain categories of stores were not included in this agreement. The most important exclusion was that of 2,000 motor vehicles of British origin. The Greek Government undertook to provide facilities both for the sale of these for export by His Majesty's Government, and for their safe custody until final sale arrangements could be made.

When these supplies are exhausted is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to send further supplies of war equipment and stores to the Greek Government.

No, Sir; but that is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement indicating all forms of aid given to Greece since the liberation in 1944, showing the value of money given and loaned, goods given and sold on long-credit terms, arms and military equipment given and sold; and indicating the value of the help since 31st March, 1947.

During the Mutual Aid period ending on 31st December, 1945, His Majesty's Government extended to Greece assistance to the total value of £88,000,000. In respect of the period from 1st January, 1946, until 22nd May, 1947, on which date United States assistance became effective, further assistance to the value of £44,000,000 has been given or promised. This includes a sum of £2,000,000 beyond' that voted in March last in respect of equipment de livered to the Greeks after 31st March, 1947, for the re-organisation of their armed forces, and a further sum to meet certain sterling costs incurred by the Greeks prior to this date. Supplementary estimates will be presented in due course. It includes also a sum estimated at £1,500,000 in respect of surplus stores in Greece, which have been put at the disposal of the Greek Government under an agreement of 26th March, 1947.

Has the Minister any information to give the House as to how this money has been spent—whether on the reconstruction of Greece or the purchasing of armaments to build up an army?

Mainly on military expenditure, but, of course, we have made great contributions to U.N.R.R.A. as well.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this country has incurred any dollar expenditure in respect of the allowance given to Greece?

No, Sir.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the amount of assistance of a similar character which may have been given indirectly to the Greek insurgents by the Russian Government?

No, Sir.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether his last answer but one was intended to convey to the House that this £130 million spent in Greece was spent in sterling and involved no dollars?

Perhaps I might have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Works whether it is proposed to replace the railings around the Royal Parks, or whether he has any permanent alternative in mind.

There is no present intention of replacing the former high iron railings around the Royal Parks. In place of these it is proposed to plant hedges, protected where necessary by low steel mesh fencing. In places where hedges cannot be planted, it may be necessary to resort to some other kind of fencing.

While I welcome the decision to discard railings, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will consider the use of yews or golden privet, as these seem to be particularly suitable?

Most of these have, I think, been tried out in various parks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the appropriate authorities, to have a similar decision is taken in respect of all the London squares?

I do not think it has anything to do with the Minister of Works what people do with private property in the squares of London.

asked the Minister of Works how many hotels, large houses and flats, respectively, in the United Kingdom are at present requisitioned by the Government for any other use than dwelling accommodation; and how many of each category have been released for use as dwelling accommodation since 7th February, 1946.

The number of hotels held by all Departments at 30th June last, for use other than as family dwellings, was 278, and the number of large houses and flats held by Departments, other than the Health Departments, on the same basis, was 2,257, and 1,546 respectively. One thousand, four hundred and seventy-five hotels, 3,967 large houses and 2,612 flats have been released since 1st February, 1946, including 93 flats and 193 large houses, and a limited number of hotels which have been transferred to the Ministry of Health for dwelling purposes.

Is the Minister aware that there are some evacuees—I mean from the last war—in the hotels who want to get home again, and will he do something about that?

We are doing our best to meet such cases, but we have other very urgent demands upon us.

asked the Minister of Works how many hotels, large houses, small houses and flats, respectively, in the London civil defence region, are at present, requisitioned by the Government for other use than dwelling accommodation; and how many of each category have been released for use as dwelling accommodation since 21st April, 1947.

Government Departments held on requisition in the London Civil Defence Region at the 30th June last, 829 large houses, 367 small houses, and 1,431 flats for purposes other than family dwellings. The number of each category released since 1st April, 1947, was six hotels, 21 large houses, 10 small houses and 64 flats. In addition, requisitioning Departments have transferred to the Ministry of Health five hotels, 17 large houses, and 13 small houses for housing purposes. The Ministry of Health have released 588 small houses and 159 flats to their owners.

asked the Minister of Works if he will introduce a system of priorities in the distribution of zinc sheets, in view of the fact that supplies are limited and are not, under present arrangements, always used for the most urgent purposes or distributed fairly.

The shortage of zinc sheets is not so acute that I should feel justified in imposing restrictions at this juncture, but if my hon. Friend can give me any instances of urgent work being held up I will have them investigated.

Is the Minister aware that the only persons who seem to be able to get supplies of zinc sheets are those on terms of good personal relationship with the manufacturers, and who purchased from them before the war; and that other people are finding great difficulty in getting the necessary supplies?

No, Sir, I am not aware of it.

asked the Minister of Works what is the order of priorities for the available supplies of cement; and whether he is satisfied that the claims of housing have their proper place in the list.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 16th June last. Due consideration is given to housing.

Can the Minister indicate what he means by "due consideration is given to housing"? What is this working out at in terms of percentage or ratio of the supplies? One local authority is, I understand, getting only one-fifth of its previous supplies.

The difficulty has been, up to the present, that we have had to make up for the great shortage of cement that occurred as a result of the fuel shortage in the early part of the year. I am given to understand that claims are now being met in increasing ratio.

Is the Minister aware that some local authorities can only build houses on bad land, subject to mining subsidence; and is he aware that, in such cases, a great deal of cement is needed for special rafts; and will he give proper consideration to those local authorities?

Yes, Sir. In those cases, if applications are made to my regional officers of the district, they will see that they receive urgent attention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is still an unnecessary shortage all over the country of this most important material?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "unnecessary." There is a shortage of this material all over the country; that we know.

asked the Minister of Works what parts of the Tower of London which were accessible to visitors in 1939 are still closed; and when he expects that they will again be open to the public.

Only the Wakefield Tower is still closed. Preparations for re-opening it for the display of the Crown Jewels are in hand and will be completed as soon as possible.

Would my right hon. Friend say, with more precision, what is meant by "as soon as possible "; and will he bear in mind that the Tower of London is of the greatest importance to our tourist trade and of great interest to visitors from the provinces; and will he urge his Department to "pull up its socks"?

Work is at present proceeding upon it, and it will be open as quickly as we can do so. We have to take account of the fact that there are shortages of labour and materials, which are also required for other purposes.

Although I am not quite certain whether the Tower of London is now open on Sundays—it was not up to about three years ago—can my right hon. Friend say whether he will open it on Sundays?

I will give consideration to that matter.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent he has explored the possibility of using lime as an alternative to cement; what examination has been made of this matter; and whether any report has been issued.

Lime is not a general substitute for cement' but it can be usefully employed in mortar for brick work and for certain types of rendering, and is in fact commonly used for these purposes. A number of reports on the use of lime have been published by the Building Research Station, and I am sending the hon. Member a note of them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some people deliberately closed down lime kilns and that that is the reason we may be short of lime now? Will he look into the matter to see whether it is not possible to produce more lime?

Yes, Sir, questions on the use of lime and its future supply are under special consideration at the present time.

asked the Minister of Works the amount spent by the Government Hospitality Fund during the first six months of this year; the number of parties in respect of which expenditure from the fund was involved; and the figures for the corresponding periods of 1945 and 1946.

The amount spent by the Government Hospitality Fund during the first six months of this year was £32,266 4s. 11d.; the number of functions was 155; figures for the corresponding periods of 1945 and 1946 are, respectively, £10,345 12S. 7d. for 87 functions, and £23,029 19s. for 160 functions

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the justification in these days for this steady and progressive increase in public entertaining at the public expense?

Yes, Sir. One of the great things which we have to do is to get the necessary contacts with countries and people abroad, so that we may have a due appreciation of each other's problems. It is, I think, a very important thing in international contacts that this entertaining should go on. I might add that the chief items in the 1947 expenses have been the Parliamentary delegations invited to London by the Lord Chancellor and Mr. Speaker.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether we are to understand that the only way in which the Government can get contact with foreigners is by giving them food and drink?

Arrangements for due hospitality have to be made, and for their living accommodation and entertainment while in this country. We cannot expect them to come here and to live on the streets in poverty.

Can my right hon. Friend say what were the prewar figures?

I have given the comparison for which I was asked. I was asked only for the 1945 and 1946 amounts, probably for obvious reasons.

Will the Government, in view of the food crisis, stop entertaining their friends at the taxpayers' expense; and are these banquets subject to the regulations of the Ministry of Food?

I think I can say quite definitely that the people who are entertained here are not the friends, in the sense which the hon. Gentleman uses the words, of Members of His Majesty's Government. They are the guests of the Government of this country, and, as such, should be adequately and properly entertained.

Will the Minister tell the House how these figures compare with the money spent in this country entertaining Ribbentrop and his guests, who were here before the war?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question whether these banquets are in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Food?

So far as my information goes, "Yes. Sir."

asked the Minister of Works the quantity of steel tubing and corrugated iron which is being required now, and for the next two years, in connection with the repairs to Westminster Hall.

There are 40,000 feet of tubular scaffolding and about 330 sheets of corrugated iron in use in connection with repairs to the roof of Westminster Hall. This amount will be sufficient to complete the repairs.

Following up the right hon. Gentleman's reply of last week with regard to the labour employed on this job, may I ask if it would not be more economical to employ more men now and so release the men and material sooner for other purposes?

No, Sir. After due consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects this work in Westminster Hall to be finished, and does he know anybody who, during the last 30 years, has seen Westminster Hall without scaffolding?

In my answer last week I said that there are other things in Westminster Hall because of which it will be impossible to remove some of the scaffolding until the new House of Commons has been completed, and for that reason, therefore, Westminster Hall would not be set free merely by taking down the scaffolding.

asked the Minister of Works whether he has any suggestions to make for improving the ventilation of this Chamber.

The present system is fairly satisfactory, although the filter screens are in need of repair. This work will be carried out during the coming recess.

Is the Minister aware that the hot air in this Chamber—[Interruption.]

Poison gas!

is not a party issue? Is the Minister aware that the hot air tends to become stagnant, and could he not arrange to give it better circulation by installing a few more windows on hinges or by arranging air conditioning plant or electric fans?

The question of the best means of overcoming the difficulties which have arisen is under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to copy the good example of another place, which has already got fans installed for the purpose of improving ventilation?

I will look into that question.

asked the Minister of Works whether he has considered representations made against the order prohibiting the manufacture of mortised and tenoned doors; if he is aware of the effect this order will have on the people engaged in, this industry in Scotland; and if he will take immediate steps to have the order withdrawn.

There is no general prohibition on the manufacture of mortised and tenoned doors. The only restriction is that such doors, which use more timber than dowelled doors, may not be manufactured from a special grade of imported timber known as door stock, which is in particularly short supply. This decision was taken after full discussion with the Industry, but representations have since been made and are under consideration.

Is it not a fact that this decision was arrived at without any consultation with Scottish interests, and can he give the House an assurance before this prohibition becomes effective that Scottish interests will be consulted?

I believe it is true that in the discussions which took place the Scottish representatives were not there when the matter was dealt with, although they were affiliated to the English Joinery Manufacturers' Association. In the latest discussions that are taking place, representations from the Scottish Association are being taken into consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether High Court judges appointed from the Indian Civil Service, who are compelled to retire, will receive a proportion of the additional pension to which they would normally have been entitled on completion of 11½ years' service as judges or attainment of 60 years of age or retirement on medical grounds before 60 years of age; and whether they will receive any compensation.

There is no question at present of any High Court Judges being compelled to retire. Their position is differentiated from that of members of the Civil Services by the fact that under the existing constitution they are independent of control by the Executive. The representatives of the future Dominion Governments of both India and Pakistan have agreed that the maintenance of the principle of an independent judiciary is of paramount importance and, at their request, there has been included in Section 10 (2, b) of the Indian Independence Act a guarantee of the conditions of service of the judges now in office, including their rights as respects their tenure of office. They have also agreed that these judges would be entitled to rank for the grant of proportionate pension if their constitutional position were to be altered so radically as to affect their independence. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government have decided that so long as the judiciary remain constitutionally independent of the executive High Court judges are ineligible for the grant of either proportionate pension or compensation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the strength of the Indian Army at present stationed in the territory of Hyderabad; of this number how many are British personnel; and when these Indian Army troops will be withdrawn.

The strength of the Indian Army stationed in Hyderabad territory is 13,600 of which 350 are British personnel. Withdrawal is taking place in accordance with a programme which is being arranged by the Government of India in consultation with the Hyderabad Government. It will probably be completed by about the end of the year. Combatant units are being moved first, and technical personnel last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is intended that any or all of the present Gurkha regiments will join the Army of India or of Pakistan on 15th August, or whether they will be directly under the Supreme Commander until arrangements for their future have been agreed; and if he will give an assurance that none of these regiments will lose their present character of being officered by British officers without this House being first informed.

The future of the Gurkha regiments is still the subject of negotiations between the Governments of Nepal, India and the United Kingdom, and urgent steps are being taken to hasten their conclusion. Meanwhile all the Gurkha units, as part of the Indian Army, will remain under the administrative control of the Supreme Commander. The House will be informed of the outcome of such negotiations at the earliest possible moment.

When the right hon. and learned Gentleman says that they will remain under the administrative control of me Supreme Commander, does he mean that they will not pass to either the Dominion of India or the Dominion of Pakistan on 15th August?

After 15th August Gurkhas stationed in India will be under the operational control of General Lockhart, the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and those in Pakistan under General Messervy, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give a categorical assurance on behalf of His Majesty's Government that the existing units of the Gurkha Brigade will not be transferred as such to either Pakistan or the Dominion of India?

I am not in a position to give that assurance because it will depend on the outcome of these negotiations.

With great respect, is this not purely a matter for the British Government and no one else can give a decision on it?

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman suggest that His Majesty's Government have no responsibility in the matter of the Gurkhas?

I am not suggesting that we have no responsibility. What I am suggesting is that, in view of the new situation that is arising in India, the future of the present Gurkha regiments is to be determined by agreement between the three Governments I have mentioned.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say which Minister of His Majesty's Government will be responsible for the Gurkhas after 15th August so that we can continue pressing for this assurance?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question down.

Have the authorities in Nepal expressed any opinion as to the future of the Gurkhas?

The authorities in Nepal have had ample opportunity of expressing their views in the discussions which have already taken place.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that a special responsibility in this matter rests between the British Government and the Government of Nepal, because the latter is an independent Government with whom we have relations through the Foreign Office? I should like to be assured that before any decision is taken full weight will be given to that aspect of the question.

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Government of Nepal have already expressed their views and will no doubt have a great deal to say in the discussions that are shortly to take place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what provisions are being made for the British subordinate officers of the Calcutta police who do not wish to serve either India or Pakistan.

As stated by the Prime Minister on the Second Reading of the Indian Independence Act the leaders of the Indian parties have guaranteed the continuance of the existing terms and conditions of service to all persons who are in Government service, whether Central or Provincial, and the guarantee, therefore, covers these officers. The provision to be made for any officer who does not desire to continue his service with the Calcutta police is a matter for the Provincial Government concerned to decide in accordance with the terms of his employment.

In the event of the two Indian Governments not carrying out this guarantee in future, are His Majesty's Government willing to make sure that these men receive their full rights and pensions?

I am not prepared to make any statement beyond expressing the view that there is no reason to assume that either of these Governments will not carry out their obligations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps are contemplated for meeting pension rights and compensation for termination of careers of members of the Armed Forces H.Q. (India) British ex-Services Ministerial Association.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) on 21st July.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the compensation arrangements for the European members of the staff of the Indian ordnance factories and allied establishments.

Those European members of the staff of the Indian ordnance factories who were appointed by the Government of India are not covered by the compensation arrangements set out in Command Paper 7116. The entitlement of those appointed by the Secretary of State is under active consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member about them as soon as possible.

Is the Minister aware that these men are particularly worried about their provident funds and their leave, and will he give an assurance that these matters will be very carefully gone into?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the service rendered and to be rendered by those British officers who have served with the Indian Army since 1st July, 1946, and are continuing to serve with the Army of India or Pakistan, he will at once cause to be cancelled the ruling that officers promoted to higher substantive rank after 1st July, 1946, may not count towards pension entitlement paid acting or temporary service in that higher rank; and on what grounds such a ruling was published in July, 1947, with retroactive operation to July, 1946.

As the hon. and gallant Member knows the pensions of the Indian Service are based upon the British codes. The rule which he refers to has been a feature of the British code since April, 1946. It has only recently come to notice that the rule was not applied to the Indian Service until last month. My noble Friend is in communication with the Viceroy on the point.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that it is entirely unfair to apply this rule to these officers who are prevented, not by then-own action but by Governmental action of one kind or another, from serving two years or more, and if the rule is enforced how does he think that he will obtain the required number of volunteers to stay in the India or Pakistan forces?

That is the reason why my noble Friend is communicating with the Viceroy—because of the effect of this order not having been put into operation until a month ago. On the other hand, I would remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that I have answered a number of Questions in past months in which hon. Members have sought to bring the British pension code into operation throughout the Indian services. In this case it operates against the officers concerned, and it is a little difficult to say that the Indian Army officers should take the smooth but not the rough.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that the father of the late Captain Edward B. Clibborn, 3/16 Punjab Regiment, Indian Army, who died as a prisoner of war in Changi Camp, Singapore, was notified in May, 1946, that his son's will had been sent to the India Office, London, but that, despite repeated applications by his solicitors, the will has not been forwarded to him; whether this will has been lost; and what steps he proposes to take in that event to enable those concerned to obtain without further cost probate of the will, of which a copy is available.

I am aware of the facts of this case. Investigations regarding the whereabouts of the will in question have been proceeding since October, 1946, when application for it was first made. I regret that the authorities in India have been unable to trace its disposal and that it must now be considered to have been lost in transit in India. A certificate to this effect is being supplied to the solicitors to enable them to prove the certified copy of the will which is available. I am consulting the Government of India as regards what I take to be a suggestion that they should bear increased costs that may be incurred in taking out probate as a result of the loss of the original will, and will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of their reply.

Whether, ultimately, the Government of India or my right hon. and learned Friend's Department bears the costs incurred, may I take it from his very forthcoming answer that he agrees that it would be quite inequitable that such costs should fall upon this officer's family?

I am not here to express opinions, and I think I had better stick to the terms of my reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if former officers of the Secretary of State's services in India who desire to retire must retire on or before 15th August next, or if they can remain in the services while being free to retire at any time after 15th August next.

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 9 of the announcement in regard to compensation made by the Prime Minister on 30th April last, and paragraph 10 of the Viceroy's statement made on the same date.

May I ask my right hon. and learned Friend if, according to that statement, officers can stay on after 15th August and need not declare their intentions on or before that date?

Of course, the Viceroy, in terms, invited officers to remain, but there is no compulsion.

If such officers remain, will they do so on terms as good as those which they enjoyed before?

indicated assent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many officers of the Secretary of State's services in India were in these services when the recent Indian Independence Act was passed; and how many have elected to retire.

The Government of India have been asked to furnish the information, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as it is received.

Will the Minister publish the figures in HANSARD so that all hon. Members can see them?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Chamber of Princes was consulted collectively or the Rulers of the Indian States individually, before it was decided to set up the Dominions of India and Pakistan, respectively; and what were the general views they expressed.

Neither the Chamber of Princes nor the Rulers of Indian States individually were consulted regarding His Majesty's Government's announcement of 3rd June. In paragraph 18 of that statement it was explained that it related only to British India and that His Majesty's Government's policy towards the Indian States set out in the Cabinet Mission's Memorandum of 12th May, 1946, remained unchanged.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman indicate what is to be the future of those Indian States who are opposed to inclusion in the new Dominions?

That is an entirely different matter, and is not dealt with in my reply because it was not contained in the Question.

Since this is probably the last time upon which the title of Under-Secretary of State for India will appear on the Order Paper, may we know who will answer Questions in this House in future on the very important matters which are as yet by no means decided?

I think that question had better be addressed to other quarters.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will introduce legislation to curtail the reckless cutting down of young trees for firewood.

No, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade already exercises control of fellings under emergency powers, and I am not convinced that further control by me is necessary.

Are there no steps which can be taken to stop this vandalism in our beech woods, especially in Bedfordshire, where racketeers cut down growing timber for firewood?

I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend must grant a licence before felling can take place, except up to a maximum quantity of 250 cubic feet a month without licence.

Is the Minister aware that complaints are coming from all over England and that growing timber is being cut in nearly every county without licence, and is he further aware that it is common knowledge that the control administered by his right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade is an utter farce?

Perhaps the hon. Member will bring those facts to the notice of my right hon. and learned Friend?

I have.

Will the Minister do nothing to interfere with the rotation cutting of underwood crops in Kent and Sussex, which is a very valuable trade there, and the refuse of which is used for firewood; and is he aware that many people who do not know the country from Piccadilly when they see underwood being cut, are under the impression that the tree is being felled?

Is the Minister aware that the necessity of cutting down these trees is entirely the responsibility of the Minister of Fuel and Power.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of work-people who are engaged upon the construction of the road at Ennerdale for afforestation; how the men are conveyed to and from work; and if suitable canteen and latrine accommodation has been provided.

At present there are 182 workers (subject to slight daily fluctutations) employed on road construction work at Ennerdale, who are transported to and from work by lorries; there are no canteen facilities, but arrangements exist for the men to make tea as required. Suitable latrine accommodation has been provided.

Is not my right Hon. Friend aware that the men concerned are being conveyed in open trucks, even when it is very bad weather, and for long distances? What is going to be done to provide proper facilities for them?

As my hon. Friend is aware, it is a very difficult district in which to house a large number of workers. So far as we can make social arrangements they are being made to encourage the men to do their best.

Why have not canteen facilities been provided? The men are complaining very strongly about it.

I do not think it is possible physically to provide canteens in the area, where we have only commenced during the past few months to recruit labour.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has considered the details, which have been sent to him, concerning increased production in the poultry industry; and if he will make a statement of Government policy in this matter.

I have read these proposals with interest. As they have been published they will no doubt be considered by the national poultry organisations. I am ready to consider any representations from those organisations about these proposals or in regard to the general welfare of the poultry industry.

In view of the fact that the promoters of this scheme have put forward concrete proposals, will the Minister undertake to have a conference or a meeting with these people, together with his advisers so as to see what can be done over the whole country?

Immediately the poultry industry requests a meeting I shall be quite ready to consider the matter.

Are the buff and white Orpingtons affected by what the hon. Member opposite has said?

In asking the Minister to ignore that question, may I urge him to take the lead and to give serious consideration to the proposals put forward?

I have already explained to the hon. Member that the moment the poultry organisations have had time to examine the proposals, which are very comprehensive and could not fail to require a major Parliamentary Measure, I shall be very happy indeed to meet them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to give some estimate of the production figures on the farms throughout the country for the year 1947; and how this estimate compares with the peak period production for 1943–44 and the production figures for 1939.

No, Sir, I am not prepared to make such an estimate until the agricultural census for June, 1947, is complete and the current harvest further advanced.

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman knows one elementary fact, which is that these production figures are substantially down from the peak period of 1943, and that there is no sign at all of a drive for agricultural production? Further, is it not a fact that the Government have neglected their responsibilities in this matter?

One thing I am sure about is that my predecessor in office, perhaps on the inspiration of the hon. Gentleman entered into the realm of prophecy in 1943 and 1944, and that immediately he made his prophecies, that year's production suffered from a spell of bad weather and all his prognostications went wrong.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amounts of feedingstuff rations to be issued from the autumn onwards; and the increases in the home production of eggs, bacon and other livestock products he expects will be attained in 1948.

The winter ration scales were announced on 1st August. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the announcement. No reliable estimate can be made of the increased output of livestock products that will result in 1948.

Does the Minister recognise that the rations which he announced on Saturday are miserably inadequate as a basis for the extension of egg production and that unless he can do considerably better he is condemning the housewives of this country to practically no rations of eggs and bacon next year?

Surely, the hon. Gentleman is aware that I am not condemning the housewives to anything, and that what we have done is to intimate that from 1st October we shall distribute all the foodstuffs that are available to us.

Does the Minister realise that by his own announcement only one-fifth of the number of pigs and poultry in June, 1939, and December, 1940, are affected? Does he think that that is an adequate way of dealing with the problem at this moment and to enable this section of the agricultural industry to make its contribution?

I readily understand and appreciate that the rations available are miserably inadequate for the purpose but I am equally aware that we cannot distribute what we do not possess

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he anticipates that the Lucas Committee will submit its Report.

In the autumn, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend indicate when it will be available to Members of this House?

Not until the Report is actually received.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total expenditure of his Department on the Rural Economy Service from its inception to its relinquishment by his Department.

Expenditure by local education authorities on instruction in the utilisation of home-produced food, including the appointment of rural domestic economy instructresses, was grant-aided by my Department up to 31st March, 1947, when responsibility passed to the Ministry of Education. Instruction was provided by authorities as part of their general provision for agricultural education ranking for grant from my Department and no separate figures of the expenditure involved are available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of women have so far been recruited in each grade of the National Agriculture Advisory Service, from the highest to the lowest grade.

Since the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, if he has now considered the recommendations for increased food production made by the conference convened by the Royal Agricultural Society of England; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. I have also had the advantage of a discussion with representatives of the society. Some of their recommendations have already been covered by subsequent action on the part of the Government, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the main issues of policy involved.