asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now take steps to move the expulsion of Greece from U.N.O. following on the execution of 460 Greek citizens, most of whom were resistance fighters against Fascism.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the discussions with the U.S. Government concerning the continued presence of British armed services in Greece.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the seizure by the Russian authorities of British oil-drilling equipment in the Zistersdorf oil fields in Austria; what protest has been made in connection with this seizure; and whether the machinery in question has since been returned.

I can confirm that the Russian authorities have removed a certain amount of British-owned oil drilling equipment from the Zistersdorf oil fields. Numerous protests have been addressed to the Soviet authorities regarding their treatment of British interests in these oil fields, but without any satisfactory result. So far as I can ascertain, none of this equipment has been returned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many questions are contained in EE206 Arrival Card and EE207 Departure Card to be filled in by all travellers entering and leaving the British zone of Germany; how many of these questions are not included in the form which the traveller has to fill up in duplicate to obtain a visa; what value is obtained from these cards in view of the fact that travellers entering or leaving the zone by way of other zones of Germany do not have to fill them in; and how many officials, British and German, are employed in issuing, checking and collating these cards.

Inquiries are being made in Germany; I will communicate with my hon. Friend later.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the 3,892 persons employed in the censorship of civilian correspondence in the British zone of Germany are British; and when will the censorship be abolished.

The number of persons so employed is now 2,908, of whom 58 are British. The abolition of censorship is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered a letter from the Clerk of the Monmouthshire County Council asking for representation on the Welsh Advisory Panel of the British Council; if he is aware that Monmouthshire is the second largest county in Wales and consequently should be represented on this Council; and what are his intentions in this matter.

The letter has been received, and the matter has already been carefully considered; but as my right hon. Friend explained in his reply to a similar Question on 6th August, the members of the Welsh Advisory Panel were not selected on a territorial basis and I see no reason for asking the British Council to make any further appointments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British Military Missions are maintained with the various Arab states; and what are the functions of these missions.

Missions are maintained in Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia to advise the respective Governments on the organisation and training of the Egyptian, Iraqi and Saudi Arabian Armed Forces.

asked the Minister of Food whether in view of the dissatisfaction expressed at the present method of distribution of goods in short supply on the datum line which tends to discriminate unfairly against the Co-operative Movement, he will institute a system of distribution on a basis of registrations.

This is a very real problem. We are having discussions with all the interests concerned and I will let my hon. Friend know the outcome.

asked the Minister of Food what steps are being taken to ensure that recruitment of labour for the proposed military establishment in Kenya will not adversely affect recruitment of labour for the East African Groundnut Project; and whether it is proposed to recruit workers from Nigeria for either project and under what conditions.

There is no immediate prospect of areas in Kenya being developed under the East African Groundnut Scheme, and I do not, therefore, expect recruitment of labour for the Scheme to be adversely affected by developments in Kenya. No staff has been recruited in Nigeria for the Groundnut Scheme, but 18 African book-keepers, clerks and agricultural overseers have been recruited under two-year contracts in the Gold Coast.

asked the Minister of Food what progress has been made to date in the establishment of health and education services for the workers on the East African Groundnut Scheme; when it is expected that the first villages will be built; and whether he is satisfied that existing plans for houses and services are adequate and are being operated as rapidly as possible.

The establishment of the health and education services of the scheme is well advanced. Thirty-four appointments have been made in the medical department, and in addition a number of African medical auxiliaries and nursing staff are being trained. Temporary hospital accommodation is available. The full development of the educational work of the scheme must await the establishment of settled village communities, but in the meantime the Adviser on Educational Development is preparing educational material and recruiting suitable Africans for training as teachers. Plans of the first village have been prepared, and constructional work is expected to begin by the end of this year.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent His Majesty's Government undertook to buy the 1947 crop of tomatoes in Guernsey; how much tonnage of this was shipped to this country; what price was paid; what ton-age was destroyed owing to its unsaleability on a glutted market; and what arrangements have been made with regard to the purchase of all or a part of the 1948 crop.

His Majesty's Government did not buy the Guernsey or any other tomato crop in 1947. About 35,000 tons have already been shipped to this country this year by the Guernsey Tomato Shipping Board on terms of sale agreed between the Board and the various tomato distribution associations to which consignments have been sent. I know of no quantity of Guernsey tomatoes being destroyed in this country as unsaleable, but shipments of sub-standard tomatoes were suspended by the Guernsey Board for a week in September because the markets here became temporarily over-supplied. Government purchase of the 1948 crop is not contemplated.

asked the Minister of Food whether the miners of Grimethorpe Colliery received the extra miners' rations while engaged in their recent unofficial strike.

asked the Minister of Food if miners, when on strike, continue to receive the extra ration allowance, which is allowed to employees in the coalmining industry.

The answer to both Questions is, Yes; since it would not be practicable to withdraw for short' periods ration documents which are either held by housewives or deposited with retailers and the relevant coupons of which may already have been used. Moreover, I cannot consider applying food sanctions in dealing with industrial disputes.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that milk could be sent by air from the Island of Islay, Argyll, to towns in Britain where milk is in short supply, just as easily as from Northern Ireland, and that the milk supply is available in this island; and whether he will make arrangements accordingly.

This could be done, but, owing to the relatively small quantities available, the cost would be prohibitive. Starting next month surplus milk in Islay will, as usual, be brought across by sea.

asked the Minister of Food whether, now that dried milk foods may not be obtained except by holders of a green ration book, priority milk allowances will be withdrawn or reduced in proportion to the amounts of dried milk foods purchased.

My hon. Friend's suggestion is being considered in consultation with other Government departments.

asked the Minister of Food the level of the food stocks in this country on 1st October; and by how much consumption exceeds or is less than intake.

Stocks of food and feeding stuffs in the United Kingdom, including those owned and controlled by my Ministry and those held by certain food processors, manufacturers and wholesalers, amounted to 4,974,000 tons on 1st October, 1947. Supplies taken into stock during September exceeded disposals by some 200,000 tons.

asked the Minister of Food how the consumption of flour in Great Britain for the seven months February to August, 1947, compares with the consumption for the seven months immediately preceding the institution of the bread rationing coupon system; what proportion of the saving he attributes to the use of bread rationing coupons; and what proportion to the restrictions imposed on catering establishments.

Deliveries of flour from mills during the 30 weeks ended 30th August, 1947, were 4,000 tons a week less than in the 30 weeks immediately before bread rationing, a fall of about 4 per cent. Of this 4,000 tons per week saving we estimate that only a small part of not more than 200 tons a week was attributable to restrictions imposed on catering establishments.

asked the Minister of Food on what basis allocations of flour are made to bakers in the Reading food division; what proportion of the bread rationing coupons submitted by them are checked each month; and how much time and labour are spent each month at the local food offices in counting the bread rationing coupons.

Bakers may buy as much flour as they need to meet their customers' rations; there are no allocations. A varying proportion of the coupons are checked each month.

asked the Minister of Food what variation there is from month to month in the allocations of flour to bakers; and whether he is satisfied that, with the experience now obtained, the consumption of flour could not be as efficiently restricted by rationing the bakers without imposing upon them and consumers the burden of bread rationing coupons.

Flour is not allocated to bakers; the rationing scheme leaves them free to buy what, they consider necessary to meet the ration requirements of their customers, and their usage shows considerable variation from month to month. Experience of bread rationing does not suggest that restrictions on bakers' purchases would be a satisfactory alternative.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider granting extra bread units to pre-payment meter collectors in rural areas who will have to carry packed meals.

I am sorry, but I cannot see my way to do this.

asked the Minister of Food what reduction has been made up to the most recent date of the civil staff of his Department, which, on 1st July, 1947, showed an increase of 10,528 over the figure given on 1st April, 1947.

On 1st April, 1947, the non-industrial staff of the Ministry numbered 43,030. On 1st July it had been temporarily increased to 53,558 while the new ration books were being distributed. On 1st October the total was 41,171, this reduction not only wiping out the temporary increase but making a further reduction of 1,859.

asked the Minister of Food what instructions have been issued to food executive officers, which prohibits them from advising Members of Parliament of existing catering facilities in their constituencies which represent the grounds for the refusal of a catering licence to a new applicant.

Food executive officers are instructed to send forward for Ministerial consideration any inquiry from a Member of Parliament about a licensing application so that the reply given can be as authoritative as possible.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will institute an inquiry on the margin of profit made by the fruit trade retailers.

Provision has already been made for such an inquiry in the terms of reference of the Fruit and Vegetable (Marketing and Distribution) Organisation set up recently by the Government. That body has already begun work on this and other problems.

asked the Minister of Food what is the cost of the Government subsidy for each 4 lb. loaf of bread.

The weight of the quartern loaf was reduced from 4 lb. to 3½ lb. in May, 1946. The subsidy on this loaf is approximately 5d. of which ¼d. represents the wheat acreage subsidy paid by the Ministry of Agriculture.

asked the Minister of Food if he will now consider allowing housewives to change their milk registration in those cases where they are not able to obtain the grade of milk they require.

So far as possible this has already been done. Details of the arrangements were given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for The Hartlepools (Mr. D. Jones) on 7th May.

asked the Minister of Food when he proposes to terminate the Soft Drinks Industry Pool.

The Concentration Scheme and payments into the Pool Fund will end on 31st January next.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that no ewes or ewe lambs capable of breeding up depleted hill flocks are now passing through the markets for slaughter.

While I received many reports in September of cases of the sale for slaughter of ewes suitable for breeding, the latest information before me shows that the proportion of ewes to total sheep being purchased by the Ministry of Food during the past few weeks is less than it was last year. At the same time I take this opportunity of again emphasising to farmers the extreme importance of keeping for breeding all sheep suitable for that purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what degree of priority in the allocation of raw materials is accorded to manufacturers of agricultural implements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether agricultural machinery manufacturers have been granted priority in obtaining supplies of materials.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied that adequate steel supplies are being provided for the makers of agricultural machinery for distribution in this country; and how are the priorities arranged.

Manufacturers of agricultural machinery and implements are being allocated substantially larger shares of steel and other materials of which there is a shortage. The whole question of priorities in delivery is now under urgent re-examination in consequence of the increased food production programme and the export drive, and the importance of agricultural machinery requirements is being taken fully into account.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to see that the allocation of steel to agricultural implement builders will bring about an increase of supplies of components.

Allocations of materials to agricultural machinery manufacturers cover their requirements for parts, and all possible assistance is given to them and to their suppliers in obtaining materials, labour, fuel and other requirements. Manufacturers have been asked to ensure adequate supplies of spare parts and have given assurances that they are doing so to the utmost of their ability

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the great shortage of nuts and of their preeminence in dietetic value, what steps are being taken to augment the present supply in this country by the Government, by local authorities and by encouraging private individuals to produce increased quantities.

The scope for expansion of nut production in this country is limited, but research on improved varieties is being undertaken, and growers in areas suitable for new plantings can obtain advice and assistance from the National Agricultural Advisory Service.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that farmers applying to local authorities for licences to erect essential farm buildings have been informed that no timber can be allocated for the purpose; and what steps are being taken to overcome this difficulty in view of the priority now accorded to agriculturists' requirements and his announcement of 21st August.

One case of this kind has been brought to my notice, and it was disposed of satisfactorily. The Ministry of Health's instruction to local authorities on the use of timber was not intended to apply to essential agricultural work, and my right hon. Friend is taking the earliest opportunity to inform local authorities accordingly. Regional officers of the Ministry of Health are being instructed immediately.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cattle have been exported from this country in 1946.

1,514 cattle were exported from the United Kingdom during 1946.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to announce the constitution of the Advisory Council he proposes to set up in connection with the administration of Part 4 of the Agriculture Act relating to Small Holdings.

Yes, I have set up a Smallholdings Advisory Council with the following terms of reference: "To advise on the various matters arising in connection with the administration of Part IV of the Agriculture Act, 1947, relating to smallholdings and generally on questions connected with the provision, equipment and management of smallholdings in England and Wales." My hon. Friend the Member for Belper (Mr. G. Brown) Will act as chairman and the remaining members of the Council are: Mr. R. H. Angell, Alderman W. A. J. Case, M.B.E., J.P., Miss A. K. Daniel, Mr. J. L. Davies, C.B.E., M.Sc, Alderman Sidney Dye, M.P., J.P., Alderman J. W. Foster, O.B.E., J.P., Alderman E. G. Gooch, C.B.E., M.P., Mr. N. T. Hedley, F.R.I.C.S., F.L.A.S., Sir Arthur L. Hob-house, M.A., Mr. J. N. McClean, Mr. E. L. Mitchell, C.B., C.B.E., Mr. W. T. Parsons, The Earl of Portsmouth, Mr. A. C. Richmond, C.B.E., Mr. H. G. Spencer, Mr. R. W. Trumper, F.R.I.C.S., F.L.A.S., Sir E. Wynne Comlyn Jones.The members of the Council represent a very wide range of agricultural interests and knowledge which will prove of great value to me in administering this important part of the Agriculture Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, whereas an officer of the Newport Pagnell War Agriculture Executive Committee was allowed to grow and sell birdseed on requisitioned land, the crop of buckwheat of Mr. Dennis, of Poslinford Hall, was ploughed in by the Committee's order at the expense of Mr. Dennis; and whether he will ensure that his agents are subject to the same regulations as others.

The circumstances of these two cases were entirely different, as will be apparent from the replies that I gave to the hon. Member on 17th December, 1946, 21st and 30th January, 1947, and 24th October, 1947. I have nothing to add to these-replies.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he is taking to prevent the recurrence of floods in the non-tidal portion of the Thames.

The responsible body for the non-tidal portion of the Thames, is the Thames Conservancy Catchment Board, an autonomous local authority set up under the Land Drainage Act, 1930. Flooding in the Thames Valley is caused by direct overflow and is due to the normal river channel being inadequate to accommodate the volume of a flood. There is, however, a natural flood plain on either side of the river which provides a passage for the flood waters. Most of the damage and inconvenience which arises in urban areas during times of flood is a result of uncontrolled development on the flood plain. The Catchment Board is in touch with the local planning authorities and will advise them on future building development in their areas in relation to land drainage, including the areas which should not be built up because of their liability to be flooded.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to set up a Railways Research Department under the Transport Act, 1947, to inquire into problems relating to the operation and construction of the British railway system and to make recommendations.

My right hon. Friend is informed by the British Transport Commission that they are already giving consideration to the organisation of Transport Research, including those aspects referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport what percentage of sleeping berths were reserved on Government priority as a routine during 1938.

None.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a decision has now been made granting half-fare transport concessions to children of compulsory school age.

My right hon. Friend sees no reason to vary the decision he gave in his reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Harrow (Mr. Skinnard) on 4th August last, saying that he would not be justified in asking the transport authorities to extend this concession.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken to provide more facilities for travel by road and rail owing to the increased requirements due to the abolition of basic petrol.

Sufficient experience of the effect of the abolition of the basic petrol ration has not yet been gained. If difficulties occur in a particular district we shall do our best to see that they are met.

asked the Minister of Transport what additional public transport he is providing in the Cheltenham area to meet the increased demand made necessary by the abolition of the basic petrol ration.

It is too early yet to say that the abolition of the basic ration will require additional public transport. If any special difficulty arises the 'bus operators will do their best to meet it.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the traffic diversion at the bottom of Hay Hill, by which traffic wishing to enter Berkeley Street from Berkeley Square is diverted up Hay Hill and into Albemarle Street or Bond Street, serves no useful purpose but only increases the volume of traffic in the two latter streets; and if he will have it removed.

This diversion has been part of a big experiment to help the flow of traffic along Piccadilly. My right hon. Friend proposes to seek the advice of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee before reaching a final conclusion. Meantime, I have taken note of the hon. Gentleman's views.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in connection with driving tests to qualify for a driving licence where the candidate fails, a written statement will be furnished to unsuccessful candidates indicating the reasons for their failure, so as to enable them specially, to concentrate by means of further tuition.

Renewed consideration is being given to the best method of telling candidates the reason for their failure in a driving test. The list of tests is printed on the back of the application form, and the present practice is for the examiner to mark the items on the list which need more attention, and hand a copy to the candidate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the importance of the Severn Bridge to the future of South Wales as a Development Area, he will give an assurance that there will be no unreasonable delay in its erection and that it will be started next spring as previously announced.

The Severn Bridge is one of the projects that has been postponed for the time being, but the work of preparing contract plans and documents, and the acquisition of such land as may be necessary will go ahead. This scheme will have top priority when work can be started because of the contribution it will make to the continuing prosperity of South Wales.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has considered the complaint of workers travelling from Cardenden to Rosyth regarding the lack of omnibus service; and if he will take steps to secure an adequate service for these workers.

My right hon. Friend wrote to the hon. Member on 25th September explaining that shortage of buses made it impossible to improve the service. But there is a parallel train service which admittedly does take rather longer.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the policy of the Government with regard to the final report of the Committee on Road Safety; and what action it is proposed to take in regard to the road improvements recommended in that report as contributing to greater road safety.

The report was received by my right hon. Friend earlier this month. It contains 58 principal recommendations, and the Government's policy in relation to them will be announced as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements for more buses to be run on the 134 bus route, particularly during the rush hours.

All the available buses of the London Passenger Transport Board are in service at the rush hours, and they tell me that, much as they would like to do so, they are unable to increase the service on this route at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the long waiting list of passengers for East African colonies; and whether steps can now be taken to make additional ships available on this route.

The shipping companies are not yet in a position to carry all intending passengers to East Africa. To relieve the congestion my right hon. Friend will provide 250 berths in a troopship outward bound in November, and he hopes to give similar assistance in December.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that ships have been waiting for days in the river Humber because the Victoria Dock, Hull, was too crowded, while at the same time there have been empty berths at Immingham and Grimsby; and why such shipping is not diverted to these two ports.

My right hon. Friend's information does not confirm this, but I shall be glad to look into any particular cases the hon. Member has in mind, if he will send me details.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the outstanding payments due to the late European Central Inland Transport Organisation; and what action is being taken by the British Government to secure payment and to discharge the organisation's indebtedness to the staff.

The attention of the Governments concerned has been repeatedly drawn to their obligations. The Organisation is now in process of liquidation and I cannot say to what extent the sums due to the staff will be discharged. The liquidator will continue to press the Governments who are in arrear for payment.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of its national importance he will ensure that the scientific instrument industry obtains au allocation of steel adequate for its requirements.

Yes; but owing to the pressure of demands for certain types of steel it is not possible to satisfy all the needs of the industry.

asked the Minister of Supply (1) the total tonnage of cement that has been used already in the construction of the hangar for the Brabazon I aircraft at Bristol Airport, and the further tonnage that will be required to complete the work;(2) the cost of the hangar which is being constructed at Bristol Airport to house the Brabazon I and the number of men employed upon its construction;(3) the tonnage of steel that is being used to construct the hangar at Bristol Airport to house the Brabazon I.

8,750 tons of steel are being used in the construction of the assembly hall, which, it is estimated, will cost about £2,300,000. The average number of workers employed is 590. Nine thousand one hundred and twenty tons of cement have already been used and it is estimated that a further 2,650 tons will be needed.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of employees, male and female, respectively, employed by Government transport pools for the year 1946 and first six months of 1947; how many of these are drivers and how many on other work such as care and maintenance, etc.

I am having the information collected and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Supply what sum has been realised through the sale of motor cars presented to His Majesty's Government during the recent hostilities.

I regret that no separate records of such sales are available.

asked the Minister of Supply (1) whether he is aware that the Colonial tin mining industry is being seriously held up in its development by the delay in supplying machinery and in particular electrical machinery and motors; that the best delivery date for motors is over 80 weeks and that the period of delivery of large Diesel engines is three years; and what steps it is proposed to take to improve the position in this respect, having regard to the important dollar earning capacity of this Colonial industry;(2) whether he can make a statement indicating how much of the mining equipment required for the rehabilitation of the tin mining industry of Malaya had been shipped from this country up to the end of September; and what proportion of the required equipment still remains to be despatched.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that orders for naming equipment required by the tin mining industry in Malaya to the value of some £1½ million are still unfulfilled and that, in consequence, this industry is gravely handicapped in restoring its output to pre-war level and in increasing its dollar earning performance; and whether effective action will now be taken to accelerate the fulfilment of these orders.

Yes. I am aware that there are delays in the delivery of this machinery and equipment, but we are doing all we can to expedite deliveries. Up to the end of September about 50 per cent. of the machinery ordered had been shipped.

asked the Minister of Supply whether in view of the continuing difficulty which doctors are experiencing in obtaining new motor cars he will consider allowing the import of motor cars from overseas in cases where the absence of a reliable motor car can be shown to be having an adverse effect on the work of a doctor.

Since it is essential to avoid the expenditure of foreign exchange wherever possible, licences to import motor cars can only be granted when the cars are genuine gifts.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the considerable anxiety which exists amongst the employees of Messrs. Platt Brothers, Limited, of Oldham, at the reported intention of the company to transfer to the Barton factory; and whether he will cause immediate inquiry to be made.

I am informed by the company that the report that they intend to transfer their production from Oldham to Barton is incorrect and has already been denied by them at a meeting with representatives of the trade unions concerned.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to secure that the Atomic Exhibition promoted by his Department should visit the City of Aberdeen during its forthcoming Scottish tour to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leith and Dundee.

This Exhibition is being promoted by the Atomic Scientists Association and not by my Department, and the arrangement of the itinerary is a matter for settlement between the association and the railways.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the large accumulation of building materials at Kimbolton aerodrome, Huntingdonshire; and whether he will take steps to have these materials released forthwith for local building needs.

Yes. I am aware that there is a quantity of building material and salvaged fittings at Kimbolton Aerodrome. Most of it is required for Government building purposes; the remainder will be disposed of as soon as possible by the normal procedure which gives priority to the building requirements of Local Authorities.

asked the Minister of Works when the Committee appointed by him on 5th June, 1947, to keep under review the prices of building materials will be making their recommendations.

This Committee has a continuing task, and will make recommendations from time to time on matters which I refer to them.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is satisfied that the retention of the depot for fire appliances at Uffculme is necessary and that the work being carried out there fully occupies the present staff.

Yes. I am satisfied that this depot is necessary for the present and that the staff of six are fully employed.

asked the Minister of Works what was the number of baths imported from France for the 12 months to 30th June, 1947; what was the average weight in lbs. of each bath, and what was the cost in sterling per bath.

2,379 cast iron baths were imported from France for the temporary housing programme during the year ending 30th June, 1947. Their average weight was about 250 lbs. each. They cost £14 each.

asked the Minister of Works what action he is taking to provide Uni-seco and Tarran Houses with refrigerators.

Refrigerators are being provided in Uni-Seco and Tarran temporary houses as quickly as the rate of production allows. There is, however, a shortage of electric refrigerators at present.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the hardship and inconvenience caused to large numbers of road users, if he will restore the basic petrol ration.

No.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many tankers are required to transport the 12 month basic petrol allowance for motorists to this country.

According to the source of supply from 7–10 of the large fast American type of tanker in continuous service.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the current controlled price for fuel oil delivered into ships' bunkers; and the price for fuel oil for land installations.

The present price of fuel oil delivered into ships bunkers at main installations is 84s. 6d. a ton for the heaviest marine fuel oil grades and 90s. a ton for the grade known as heavy fuel oil which is also used extensively inland. The price of heavy fuel oil delivered to consumers' premises for inland use varies from about 158s. a ton to about 168s. a ton, according to the location of the point of delivery, and is subject to rebates varying from about 5s. to 15s. a ton, according to the- annual quantities purchased.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what cuts have been made in the petrol allocation of Government Departments since 1st May and 1st August, respectively.

No cuts were made in the petrol allocations of Government Departments until the 1st October, when the cut of 10 per cent. applied to essential users of private cars and motor cycles, and commercial vehicles, was also applied to Government Departments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement regarding the repayment of sums owed by the Russian Government to Britain.

A full statement about these debts was made by my right hon. and learned Friend, the Minister for Economic Affairs, on 28th July after the breakdown of the Moscow Trade talks. I have nothing to add to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many dollars have been expended on purchasing coffee; how much of this commodity has been re-exported; and in which currencies has it been paid for.

6.8 million dollars in the twelve months ended July, 1947 6.6 million dollars of this was resold—mainly to Belgium, Italy, and Norway.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, when it is intended to issue the Order in Council to bring the Statutory Instruments Act, 1046, into operation.

As I informed the House on 1st August last, it is proposed that this Act should come into operation on 1st January, 1948. The Order in Council appointing this date will be made shortly beforehand.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will have the Income Tax Codification Bill, published in 1936, brought up to date and introduced into Parliament.

I am afraid that at the present time pressure of other work makes it impossible to undertake this long and complicated task.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate has been formed of the loss in revenue falling on the Treasury by the abolition of the basic petrol allowance.

The loss of Oil Duty will be about £9 million in a full year. The loss of Motor Vehicle Duty will depend on the number of cars laid up, but might be about £10 million in a full year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make an appeal to the public asking every individual who can to make gifts of old gold, trinkets or broken jewellery to His Majesty's Treasury for the purpose of purchasing dollars to assist the country in the present crisis.

I am always glad to receive gifts for the Exchequer, and gold is particularly welcome.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, in view of the numerous purchases of real property at auctions in London by syndicates of aliens, paid for in pound notes, he will issue regulations to provide that evidence can be called for by tax inspectors who deal with the Schedule A Tax, to show the source of the capital used and particulars of previous tax returns on such capital and, in the case of quick resales. give similar powers to the office to which particulars of all instruments have to be delivered; and effect a general prohibition of sub-sales without disclosure of a previous transfer, and compel all auctioneers to deliver particulars of properties sold, price and the name and address of purchasers.

I note the hon. Member's suggestion but I do not think I would be justified in imposing on auctioneers and others the duty of making such returns for the purpose of checking Income Tax assessments. I may remind him that the Revenue authorities have power under the existing law to call upon any person with whose return of business profits they are not satisfied to produce for their inspection any relevant books, accounts or other documents.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the lack of confidence members of the public, who have subscribed for Defence Bonds, feel at having to deposit them with banks nominated by the Treasury; that the management of clients' personal affairs is thereby directed from the family solicitor to the banks, who are not in the same confidential relationship as the individual legal advisers; and whether he will waive this rule.

Since Defence Bonds do not exist in bearer form, they are not subject to deposit under the Exchange Control Act. I take the opportunity of pointing out to the hon. Member that there is no need for the owner of bearer bonds, etc., to withdraw them from his solicitor, provided the latter lodges the bonds with his bank, which he can do in his own name. There need, therefore, be no interference with the relationship between solicitor and client.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet in a position to state the effect of the proposed limitation of capital expenditure upon the Government's general housing policy, and the New Towns in particular.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Economic Affairs in the course of the Debate on the Address on 23rd October.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many bottles of wine and spirits of each variety were imported into the country during 1946; what were their respective costs and country of origin; and whether the import was from a hard- or soft-currency source in each case.

I am having the particulars extracted and will send them to my hon. Friend as soon as they are available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the reason for the reduction in the age for exemption from jury service from 65 to 60 years of age for both men and women; and if he will reconsider it, in view of the shortage of manpower.

The raising of the age for jury service from 60 to 65 was one of the temporary provisions included in the Administration of Justice (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, which was brought to an end by an Order in Council of 10th March, 1947. The primary reason for terminating this Act was to permit the restoration of juries in civil actions and there was no power to terminate parts of the Act and retain other parts, but provision was made in the Order in Council by which the age for jury service should not revert to 60 until the 1st January, 1948. To continue the emergency provision beyond that date new legislation would be required, and as my right hon. Friend has previously stated, he can hold out no hope of early legislation on the subject of jury service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the liability to jury service operates unevenly among different sections of the community; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to compensate those who serve on juries for loss of time.

As my right on. Friend has said in reply to previous Questions, he regrets that he cannot hold out any hope that time can be found for legislation on this subject in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to state the result of his discussions with Dominion representatives in regard to the retention of their nationality by British women married to non-British nationals.

The hon. and gallant Member will have learned from the Gracious Speech that the Government intend to introduce a Bill this session to amend the existing law governing the national status of British women who marry aliens.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Poles who have served in the Armed Forces have now been given British Nationality.

Poles serving in His Majesty's Forces on regular engagement may, after a year's satisfactory service, apply for naturalisation. The scheme has been in existence for less than a year so that no applications have yet been received. As regards Poles who enlisted in the Polish Resettlement Corps, the position is still as indicated in my reply of 31st July, 1947, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Education what is the number of graduate teachers, two-year trainees, from the permanent colleges, one-year trainees from the emergency colleges, temporary teachers, and other unqualified teachers, respectively, at present teaching in the national schools; what is the number now in training of graduates in their fourth year, students at other permanent colleges following two-year courses, and students following one-year courses in the emergency colleges, respectively; and what is the proportion at the present time in the national schools of graduate teachers to all other categories.

Until certain returns have been received and analysed, I regret that it is not possible to give the hon. Member the particulars for which he asks under the various headings specified in his Question.

asked the Minister of Education if he will inquire into the position of certain teachers exemplified in the case of a member of the teaching staff of the Grammar School, Steyning, Sussex, details of which have been submitted to him, in which increments in his salary have been unjustifiably withheld; and if he will take measures to rectify this position.

I have looked into the circumstances of the particular case to which the hon. Member refers and find that the teacher's salary is at the rate prescribed by the Burnham Report. I am not aware that increments are being unjustifiably withheld from this teacher, or on what grounds it is suggested that other teachers are not being paid the salaries to which they are entitled under the prescribed salary scales.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that he asked for written evidence of witnesses to corroborate the story of Mr. Arthur Wild who has lost his speech and hearing, following a gun-shot wound in Gallipoli; and whether this evidence has been forthcoming; and why this evidence has been ignored.

A written statement by a comrade who served in Gallipoli with Mr. Wild was furnished by the hon. Member, but the statement makes no mention of a gunshot wound. As the hon. Member was informed in the letter addressed to him on 7th June, the case was reviewed in the light of that statement and other statements forwarded by the hon. Member but there were no grounds for modifying the decision that Mr. Wild's present disability is not related to his service.