asked the Minister of Food why no meat allocation has been made to the wholesale grocery trade for period 5 from 7th November to 5th December.

We are now releasing canned meat and canned fish at eight-week instead of four-week intervals. This is a consequence of the smaller supplies of points foods imported from dollar sources.

asked the Minister of Food why no household dried milk for consumer public nor canned evaporated milk to catering establishments or institutions has been issued this year; what are his stocks as compared with last year; and if he will make a statement.

The United States is our main source of supply for both household dried milk and canned evaporated milk. Household dried milk is not being distributed to the general public this winter but canned evaporated milk, which is the more nourishing and convenient product, will be distributed. Considerable supplies of evaporated milk are available on points, but we cannot afford to make a point-free allocation to caterers this year. I am not prepared to give stock figures.

asked the Minister of Food whether in view of the shortage of dried milk and the probable misuse of same he will limit the allocation to babies up to the age of 12 months except in cases where an extension is advised by a medical practitioner; and will he consider giving directions that the allocation of same be made solely from child welfare centres.

I have recently issued an Order (S.R. & O. 1947, No. 2151), which requires the production and marking of the ration book of a child under two years old when any purchase of proprietary baby food is made. So long as supplies are sufficient for children under two, I do not propose to limit the allocation to children under 12 months. I think that to confine distribution to child welfare centres might make it difficult for some mothers to get dried milk.

asked the Minister of Food the quantity, value and countries of origin of the imports of pomegranates in the first nine months of this year.

Pomegranates are not shown as a separate item in the official import statistics. The best information I can get indicates that 215 tons were imported between 1st January and 30th September, 1947, of which 104 tons, worth £6,666, came from Spain, 96 tons, worth £10,007, from Italy and 15 tons, worth £786, from France and French Morocco. We have had, unfortunately, to end the free importation of fruit from Europe.

asked the Minister of Food what is the reason for refusing the extra cheese ration to a working farmer and any of his sons and daughters working on the farm when it is given to his agricultural workers.

The reason why the special cheese ration is not allowed to working farmers, or to relatives who may be working for them, is that they are usually able to return home for a midday meal if they so wish. Moreover, the working farmer's household is, quite legitimately and inevitably far better placed than other households for obtaining additional foodstuffs under the various self-suppliers' scheme.

asked the Minister of Food what are the original and final arrangements made between his Ministry and Canadian salmon packers for the purchase of tinned salmon from this year's pack for the British market.

The original arrangement was that my Ministry would purchase minimum percentages of each species of salmon which would have amounted to about 45 per cent. of the whole pack. The final arrangement which we had to make owing to the shortage of dollars was to purchase such quantities as the Canadian canners could not sell elsewhere up to a maximum of 20 per cent. of each species.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider the desirability of putting on points butter, eggs and bacon which can be obtained from Denmark or from any other country with which we have a favourable balance of trade, but which are obtainable only at prices above those which are paid for similar commodities forming part of the ration.

It would cause confusion both to consumers and to traders to allow any substantial quantities of the same types of food to be sold both against points and as part of a basic ration, nor is the points scheme normally suitable for the distribution of perishable foods. Many of our supplies of rationed food can only be obtained at prices much higher than the prices at which they are resold to the consumers in this country.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Dorking U.D.C. regarding serious and repeated instances of wastage of meat arising from the present centralised slaughtering arrangements at Croydon; if he will state the amount of meat so far wasted and what action he is taking to prevent further wastage.

Sixteen-and-a-half cwt. of meat were condemned by the Dorking local authority's inspector, for reasons other than disease, in the six months April to September, 1947. Steps had already been taken before the resolution was received to correct the structural defects in the Croydon slaughterhouse which were responsible for a part of these condemnations.

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on the revised conditions for the issue of retail and catering licences, so far as priority and preferred classes are concerned.

The system of priority and preferred classes was introduced to help traders to re-open business which they had to close as a result of the war, and in order to provide opportunities for suitable disabled people to enter the food trade. Over 21,000 ex-traders have been granted licences under this scheme, but most of those likely to have priority claims have now been released from the Services. I am grateful for this opportunity of reminding possible applicants that the priority arrangements will close at 29th February, 1948. The preference arrangement for men and women disabled during the war will, however, be continued.

asked the Minister of Food how much honey has been allocated to the factory at Gulval in Cornwall for the manufacture of mead and what percentage of the mead so obtained is to be exported.

Six tons of imported honey have been allocated to this factory on condition that all the mead obtained from it will be exported. I understand that the factory is also using some home produced honey, over whose distribution no control is exercised.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the recent cuts in priority milk leave many diabetic cases with insufficient; and, in view of the fact that his medical advisers previously advocated seven pints a week for such cases, on what medical grounds the present allowance of five pints is justified.

Owing to the shortage of milk it became necessary to reduce the allowances to several priority classes. The medical advisers to my Ministry were of course consulted on the matter and preferred these reductions to the alternatives.

asked the Attorney-General whether the Porter Committee set up to consider amendments to the law of libel and slander has now finished its work; whether it has presented its report to the Government; whether and when the Government proposes to publish it; and if he will make a statement generally on the matter.

The Porter Committee has not yet presented its report, but it is now in the process of being drafted.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the present high prices which farmers have to pay for dried-grass meal; whether he will give an indication of the food value of this meal; and what steps are being taken to encourage a greater output of it and to ensure that it will be available at a more reasonable price.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." Dried young grass contains at least as much starch equivalent as oats, is at least half as rich again in digestible protein, and is rich in carotene and essential minerals. The output of dried grass meal depends largely on the plant available and, as my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained in reply to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 3rd November, it is expected that the number of grass driers in use for the 1948 season will be about 30 per cent. greater than in 1947. A full statement will be made as soon as possible on the Government's plans for encouraging grass conservation, but any proposal to control the price of dried grass meal would require very careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department has acquired any experience in the use of radio active fertilisers; and whether such results as are available justify their more wide-spread use.

My Department has no experience of the use of radio-active fertilisers; and no reports by overseas research stations of experiments in recent times have been traced.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of his announcement of 1st April, 1946, that it was intended as soon as practicable to introduce legislation to deal with the control of unqualified veterinary practitioners, he can now state what are his intentions with regard to this matter and when legislation will be introduced.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to Questions by the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. G. Jeger) and the hon. Member for Tonbridge (Mr. G. Williams).

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now consider the payment of quality premiums for milk on a basis of butter-fat content, having regard to the superiority in actual food value of richer milk and the great benefits derived from the payment of premiums for T.T. milk.

I am fully aware of the encouragement given to the production of T.T. milk by the payment of premiums, and also of the desirability of improving the compositional standard of the milk supply. The question of paying producers differential prices for milk according to its butter-fat or total solids content will be examined when manpower and other circumstances are more favourable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the fact that there is no record of those who have gone out of the pig and poultry business since 1939, what steps he is taking to ensure that at least as many persons as in 1939 who have the facilities are being given rations to comply with his request to produce as much pig and poultry produce as possible.

Coupons are issued in each rationing period for all the rationed feedingstuffs available for distribution, and I do not think that steps such as the hon. Member suggests would be practicable as present or would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture by what date he estimates that the Ennerdale Forest Road will be completed; what progress has so far been made; what is the present approximate weekly expenditure on labour transport, and materials; and whether he anticipates that this will be maintained.

The Ennerdale Forest Road should be finished in about three months' time. So far, about 4½ miles have been made usable to traffic, although work is not complete. Work is proceeding on another half-mile and will be started shortly on the remaining mile. The present approximate weekly expenditure is £950 (wages: £670; transport and materials: £280). The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes."

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the scheme of dedication of private woodlands administered by the Forestry Commission, plantations of poplar, specially suitable for match splint purposes, will ordinarily qualify under the Commission's scheme; whether a grant for such planting will be approved to include revised sums to meet increasing costs of labour and material for fencing purposes; and whether he is aware that the present uncertainty has prevented many landowners from going forward this season with the Forestry Dedication Scheme to which it is understood the Ministry attach considerable importance.

Poplar plantations, if properly made and stocked with trees, will qualify for grants under the Forestry Commission's Dedication Scheme. Dedication under Basis I provides for a refund to the owner of 25 per cent. of the approved net annual expenditure incurred in forestry operations on the dedicated woods. Under Basis II the planting grant of £10 per acre and the maintenance grants of 3s. 4d. per acre will be reviewed in five years from 1st October, 1946. A booklet explaining the Dedication Scheme in full is with the printers and will be available soon.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will issue an order making it compulsory for all side roads to carry a halt or other warning sign where they emerge on to a main trunk road.

No. Each case should be considered in the light of local conditions.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to implement the recommendations contained in the report of the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs, 1944, in order to provide a better and more standardised system of signposts and numbering of all trunk and classified roads and to make signposts more visible at night.

The report has been circulated by my right hon. Friend to highway authorities, who have been asked to give effect to its recommendations so far as they concern the signposting of roads.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the present approximate capacity of motor car parking places in the central London area and what progress is being made in extending the provision of parking places in this area.

Appointed parking places and bombed sites in the central London area can hold about 2,500 cars. Not many other streets in this area are suitable as parking places, but we would like to make greater use of bombed sites.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the results of the recently introduced regulations designed to ensure a better flow of traffic in the central London area and whether any further action is contemplated in this connection.

My right hon. Friend is expecting a report on this matter from the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee after their next meeting.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will arrange for suitable transport for miners living at Maybole, Ayrshire, to travel to their work at Dailly.

Yes. Arrangements are being made for an omnibus from Maybole to arrive at Dailly by 8 a.m.

asked the Minister of Transport for what reasons permission was given for the removal of a coaching station from King's Cross to a site in Judd Street, W.C.I, which appeared to be suitable for housing.

The lease of the King's Cross station expired in September. The site at Judd Street has been leased for two years only, during which it is not scheduled for building.

asked the Minister of Transport why the Grimsby fish train must be loaded by 3.30 p.m. since it does not leave the sidings until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.; and how many thousands of tons of fish have been wasted during the past four months owing to inadequate transport facilities.

Fish for London is normally accepted up to 4 p.m.; when landings are heavy, the hour is extended to 4.45 p.m. Time has to be allowed after acceptance to complete loading. As far as I know, there has been no substantial loss from transport causes, but I should be glad to receive any information on the subject which the hon. Member may have in his possession.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what response has been made to his appeal for a quicker turn-round of wagons; and what further action is proposed to secure improvement;(2) whether any increase of demurrage charges has been or is being imposed to enforce the more rapid discharge of railway wagons.

Action taken by Government Departments, the National Production Advisory Council for Industry, the Regional Boards, the National Joint Advisory Council, the National Coal Board and by the railways themselves has led to an improvement, but too many wagons are still held under load too long. Demurrage charges are at present under examination.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of wagons on the four main line railways standing under inwards and outwards load for more than 48 hours on any average day at the nearest convenient date.

The number of wagons standing under inward load more than 48 hours at close of work on Friday, 24th October, was 20,206, but this does not include wagons covered by standage schemes. Figures for wagons under outward load are not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will investigate the position in which passengers travelling from Brighton to Victoria have been faced with a demand for a supplementary fare on trains which have been advertised to provide Pullman facilities but to which ordinary carriages were supposedly attached; and whether, if this continues, he will issue instructions to have the position made clear in all timetables in respect of the trains concerned.

Ordinary carriages form part of all trains except the Brighton Belle, which is marked "1st and 3rd class Pullman Cars only" in the company's timetables.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the hold-up in the movement of steel from Tees-side; and whether he will take immediate steps to expedite delivery and present dislocation in the steel industry.

Yes. The railways have moved more steel during past weeks, but even so have not quite kept pace with the increase in production. They are giving special attention to clearing off stocks at Tees-side, and meantime I repeat my appeal to all those holding wagons, especially steel carrying wagons, to release them so that the rising tide of production is not hindered.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the complaints which have been made concerning the conditions under which dogs and other animals are being shipped to this country from India; whether he is aware that unduly high prices are charged for their transport and that some animals have died en route; and whether he will take steps to draw the attention of the shipping companies to this matter with a view to remedial action being taken.

I shall be sorry to learn that this is so and my inquiries do not confirm it. If the hon. Member will send me details I will have them investigated.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the accounts of the Royal Ordnance Factories are made public; and where.

Publication of these accounts was suspended during the war, but will now be resumed. The accounts for the year 1946–47 will be published early in 1948.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to expedite the supply of equipment for storage installation in connection with the conversion of railway steam locomotives to oil burning; and what degree of priority is allocated in supply.

The highest priority is given to the programme for coal-oil conversion of the railways. It is estimated that supply of the necessary storage installation equipment will be completed by the end of February, 1948.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made in the coal to oil conversion programme of the steel industry; and how much coal has so far been saved by the substitution of oil.

The approved programme is about half completed. It is estimated that approximately 400,000 tons of coal have so far been saved.

asked the Minister of Supply what has been the cost to date of the S.R.45, the D.H.106, and the Bristol Brabazon aircraft, including in each case the cost of extensions to workshops, hangars and runways; what is the estimated cost of completion of the work in each case; and whether a definite decision has been taken to complete this work.

The approximate costs to date, including workshops, hangars and runways, are as follows:

	£
Saunders Roe civil flying boat	650,000
De Havilland 106	800,000
Brabazon I	5,750,000

The cost of completion cannot at present be estimated, as it depends on the number of production aircraft ordered. With regard to the last part of the Question, projects of this kind are necessarily under continual review in the light of the technical progress achieved.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in regard to the supply of scrap iron from Germany, he is satisfied that the needs of the iron and steel industry can be adequately met; and if he will make a statement.

I would prefer to postpone any statement pending the outcome of negotiations which are proceeding in Germany for the purchase of further quantities of scrap.

asked the Minister of Supply by what date he anticipates the remaining 50 per cent. of the requirements of the Malayan tin producers for new machinery will be supplied to them; and what classes of machinery at present have priority superior to that required by the tin-producing industry.

asked the Minister of Supply (1) what is the principal cause of delay which has resulted in 50 per cent. of the machinery required by the Malayan tin-mining industry not having yet been shipped; how far this is due to inadequate supplies of raw materials or to inadequate priority being given, and what specific steps have now been taken by his Department to expedite deliveries in this case;(2) whether he has now received details as to the orders for tin mining equipment which have been placed by Malayan tin producing companies with firms in this country; what steps have been taken in each case to take the matter up with the companies concerned and with what result; and whether he will publish an up-to-date list of the present position of these orders.

Orders for tin mining equipment are placed by the companies direct with the manufacturers and details are sent to my Department. Delays in delivery, which are caused mainly by the increased demand for steel and congestion in the production of castings and components, are reported to us by the mining companies and we take immediate action to discover the cause and to overcome, wherever possible, the individual difficulties. It is not practicable within the scope of Question and Answer to detail the help we have given on many hundreds of items over the past two years. Contracts for this equipment are placed by private firms and it would be inappropriate for me to publish the present position on each outstanding order, but I would point out that of the 50 per cent. still undelivered, by far the larger part is not yet due for delivery under the contracts. Except for items contributing to the expansion of the fuel and power resources of the United Kingdom, no specific priority is given to the production of this or any other class of machinery.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the shortage of five-prong forks; and if he will take steps to expedite their supply.

The manufacture of these forks was prohibited during the war as an economy measure. They are now being manufactured on a small scale, but as the demand is limited and both labour and materials are short, it is not desirable to attempt to increase the supply.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that Curtis and Company (J. C. Gosling), a firm engaged in servicing agricultural equipment, is seriously impeded in their work owing to the non-delivery of vehicles to replace others which are worn out; whether he is aware that this case is typical of many others throughout the country, and if he will explain the steps he has taken to ensure that farmers and firms engaged in the drive for increased food production are not hampered by lack of essential transport.

Yes; I fully realise that many firms are experiencing difficulty in obtaining delivery of commercial vehicles. The motor industry is giving preference as far as possible to the requirements of industries of national importance.

asked the Minister of Supply what priority is given to the veterinary profession in the purchase of new motor cars.

The motor car industry has agreed to give special consideration to urgent cases sponsored by the National Veterinary Medical Association.

asked the Minister of Supply how many new motor cars intended for export are at present held in this country awaiting shipping space; and how many are held awaiting purchasers in overseas markets.

The answer to the first part of the Question is approximately 2,750. I regret that I have no information to enable me to answer the second part.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will consider the possibility of using the factory at Girvan for the manufacture of fertilisers or other productive purposes.

Yes.

asked the Minister of Supply the total amount of subsidy paid upon imported iron ore from hard currency countries and soft currency countries, respectively, during the two years ended 30th September, 1947.

The subsidy is related to abnormal ore freight charges and not to the cost of the ore itself. For the period from 1st April, 1946 (when the present arrangements began) until 30th September 1947, the figures are approximately:—

—	Tons.	Subsidy	Average Per ton.
Hard currency areas—		£	s.	d.
Newfoundland	1,175,000	1,700,000	29	0
Sweden	3,000,000	2,500,000	17	0
Soft currency areas	5,750,000	5,500,000	19	0

Newfoundland freight rates have been reduced during recent months and the current subsidy now averages 24s. a ton, making the average current rate of subsidy over all imports 19s. a ton.It should be noted that 80 per cent. of the Newfoundland ore and 20 per cent. of the Swedish ore is carried in British ships with freights payable in sterling.

asked the Minister of Works how much expenditure he has authorised on Cwrt-yr-Aber, Aberedw, Radnorshire, for repairs, new houses and buildings, respectively; and whether he will give the acreage and tillage area of the farm.

Work involving a total expenditure of £6,505 has been licensed in respect of Cwrt-yr-Aber, most of it for repairs and extensions to the farm buildings and the remainder for repairs and alterations to the farmhouse. No new house-building is involved. I am informed that the total area served by the farm buildings is 122 acres, including 20 acres of tillage.

asked the Minister of Works how much money was spent, how much cement was used and how many men were employed and for what period, in repairing White Hall, Aberedw, Radnorshire; what protest was received from the Colwyn Rural District Council; and what explanation was given.

£1,567 has been spent on repairs to White Hall under licences granted by my Ministry in 1945 and by the Colwyn Rural District Council in 1946. About nine tons of cement were used. I have no record of the number of men who were employed. I am not aware of any protest by the Colwyn Rural District Council in respect of work at these premises.

asked the Minister of Works what future use is to be made of the hutted camp at Sibson, near Peterborough, Hunts.; and whether he will consider making it available for civilian occupation to ease the local housing situation.

I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion made in the second part of the Question, as Sibson camp must continue, in the absence of alternative accommodation, to be used to house supplementary labour employed in the neighbouring brickworks.

asked the Minister of Works how many of the first division association football grounds damaged by air raids have been re-built; and the amount spent on each, respectively.

Licences have been given for the repair of war damage at 10 out of the 22 grounds of the First Division Association Football League. Following is a statement showing the amount in each case.

Club.			Amount Licensed.
			£
Arsenal	…	…	1,700
Charlton Athletic	…	…	3,771
Derby County	…	…	3,000
Everton	…	…	5,000
Grimsby Town	…	…	875
Liverpool	…	…	3,728
Manchester United	…	…	17,478
Portsmouth	…	…	466
Sheffield United	…	…	4,485
Sunderland	…	…	1,743

asked the Minister of Works if a licence has been applied for to repair the damage caused to the Manchester United Football Ground by air raids; and if he will state the amount involved.

Yes. Licences have been granted to a total amount of £17,478.

asked the Minister of Works what progress has been made in the negotiations for the reopening of the Cwmdu Brickworks, Skewen, Glam; and if he is now in a position to state when production may be resumed in this undertaking.

The owners of the brickworks are now considering a summary of evidence sent to them by the War Damage Commission in connection with their claim for war damage, and as soon as the summary is returned the matter in dispute will be submitted for arbitration as agreed with the owners. I cannot meanwhile add anything further to my reply of 4th August.

asked the Minister of Works on what grounds he sanctioned the re-building of the Manchester Stock Exchange; what will be the total cost and the number employed and for how long.

The only licence which has been issued for the Manchester Stock Exchange was one of £200 for general repairs.

asked the Minister of Works the reason for the reprimanding and downgrading of Mr. L. Dixon, chairman of the works committee for the industrial staff of the Ministry of Works at Manchester, after he had presented to him a resolution by the shop stewards representing the industrial staff protesting against his failure to meet representatives of the industrial staff during his recent visit to Manchester.

I have called for a report on the reasons for the action taken in this individual case. With regard to the incident referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, I saw Mr. Dixon under the impression that he was authorised to make representations on behalf of the organised industrial staff. It was subsequently found that he was not so authorised. He had ceased to be a shop steward before my visit and he was not entitled to speak on behalf of the works committee, membership of which is confined to shop stewards of certain trades unions. The committee have since expressed their regret for the breach of the constitution which took place. It appears that I was unwittingly a party to a breach of the industrial agreement and I am arranging for a special inquiry into this aspect of the matter.

asked the Minister of Works when it is proposed to clear away the timber from the Royal Gallery and the entrance to the House of Lords at the top of the Royal Staircase.

This timber has now been cleared away.

asked the Minister of Works if he will give favourable consideration to applications for licence for the improvement of existing village halls, in view of the importance of such halls to community life in rural areas.

I realise the importance of village halls in rural areas, but I cannot hold out any prospect at present of greater facilities for improvements in view of the pressure of other important work upon building resources in rural areas and of the restriction that has been announced upon new construction generally.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will issue a licence forthwith to Messrs. Bray and Gilbert to extend their repair shops at Mullion, Cornwall, in view of the fact that the shops are used for repairing agricultural machinery, fishing-boat engines and tradesmen's cars and that agricultural machinery is going to rust in the open awaiting repair.

My regional director is in consultation with representatives of the Ministry of Transport and the Town Planning Committee with a view to an immediate decision and I will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why a committee preparing for the foundation of a Socialist Unity Party in Hanover, Stadthagen and Luneberg was ordered to stop their work by the British Military Government; and what reason was given for this action.

In replying to this Question, I must point out that three committees were involved and not one as suggested by the hon. Member, two of them being in Hanover, one in Luneberg and none in Stadthagen. Bans were imposed on these committees by British Military Government in accordance with our general policy towards the formation of the Socialist Unity Party in the British zone. Our policy is that so long as there is no evidence that the Social Democratic Party as a whole wishes to amalgamate with the German Communist Party on a zonal basis, no official committees preparing for the foundation of the Socialist Unity Party will be allowed in the British zone.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed that any more German families be evicted from their homes this winter in order to make room for the wives and families of troops in B.A.O.R.

Yes; some further requisitioning will be necessary. This will mainly be required owing to the redeployment of the Services and Control Commission for Germany which will also result in some derequisitioning.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that thousands of German motorists within the British zone are joyriding on petrol sacrificed by British motorists to save dollars; that hundreds of German vehicles congregate for boxing tournaments, picnics, and parties; that their owners register the cars as taxis thus escaping the regulations in respect of petrol; and if he will take immediate steps to put an end to this state of affairs.

I am not aware that the motor vehicle regulations are being violated on the scale alleged by my hon. Friend. A new and stringent law has just been passed further restricting the use of motor vehicles and we are constantly seeking to enforce the strictest economy in the use of petrol by all concerned, British and German.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have come to a decision about selling to the Siamese Government the railway known as "The Railroad of Death," which runs between Siam and Burma and was built by the Japanese during the war mainly by the labour of British prisoners of war; and, what price is being paid for it.

Yes. An agreement was reached with the Siamese Government, on 4th October, 1946, for the sale to them of that portion of the Burma—Siam railway which lies in Siamese territory, for £1,250,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any British observers will be present at the pending trial of Polish Socialist leaders.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the group of whom the principal member is M. Puzak. I have not heard that the trial of these Socialists is imminent, nor do I know whether it will be public when it is held. But my hon. Friend may be sure that its progress will be followed with close interest by His Majesty's Embassy in Warsaw.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the decision to abolish visas between Great Britain and Italy, and to negotiate a convention to provide for increased cultural exchanges, he can make an early statement indicating to what degree travel restrictions between the two countries will be reduced in this connection.

Negotiations have begun for the conclusion of an agreement for the reciprocal abolition of visas for British subjects travelling to Italy and Italian citizens travelling to the United Kingdom, and negotiations have also begun for the conclusion of a cultural convention with Italy. With regard to provision of foreign exchange for pleasure travel outside the sterling area, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Members for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) and South Blackpool (Wing-Commander Robinson) on 28th October and 4th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will assure a greatly increased supply of mantles for Tilley lamps in the North-East of Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for West Aberdeen (Mr. Thornton-Kemsley) on 28th October. The available supplies of soft mantles for Tilley lamps are being distributed mainly to regions like North-East Scotland that are particularly dependent on this form of lighting.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many sheets have been asked for by hotels and have been allocated to hotels since the original statement in the Government priority scheme made in this House on 15th March, 1946, in answer to a Question by the Member for Great Yarmouth.

The total number of sheets issued to hotels, boarding houses, holiday camps, etc. since 15th March, 1946, is 625,000. I regret that a record has not been compiled of the total number applied for.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what basis is the price fixed for gas oil supplied to gas works for enriching town gas; what are the current prices; and how does consumption of gas oil compare today with one and two years ago.

The price of gas oil supplied to gas works is based on the cost of importation and delivery. The subsidy previously paid to gas undertakings ended on the 31st October, 1947. Current prices, except in certain outlying areas, range from 9¼d. a gallon to 9¾d. a gallon for deliveries of 500 gallons or more by road tank wagon, subject to rebates to substantial consumers varying from ¼d. to ¾d. a gallon. The consumption of gas oil for the manufacture of carburetted water gas at gas works during the twelve months ending 31st October, 1947, was 620,000 tons; in the previous 12 months it was 468,000 tons and in the 12 months before that, 400,000 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the present annual consumption of light hydro-carbon oils in industry, for non-road use, and for civil aviation.

Statistics available do not distinguish in all cases between road and non-road use of light hydro-carbon oils. It is estimated, however, that, the annual consumption of these oils, including coal tar products for non-road use in industry, agriculture and civil aviation is about 200 million gallons.

asked the Minister of Health if he will circularise local authorities with a view to ensuring that land not to be used for building purposes, during 1948, should be made available for the growing of food by allotment holders.

I am sending my hon. Friend copies of two circulars issued to housing authorities.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses were requisitioned in Kendal to accommodate workers for the Standard Motor Company's wartime factory; how many are still held; and, of the latter, how many are still occupied by persons formerly but now no longer employed by the Standard Motor Company; also, what plans he has for the early release of these properties to their owners.

Twenty-one houses were requisitioned, of which five are still held and occupied by persons formerly employed by the Standard Motor Company or members of their families. I regret that it is not possible to release these houses until the local authority are able to find alternative accommodation for the present occupants.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons on waiting lists for council houses in the Borough of Reigate, the Dorking Urban District and the Dorking and Horley Rural District, respectively; and the number of houses likely to be completed in each of these areas in the next six months.

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. On the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the monthly Housing Return Appendix B, which indicates the progress to date.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the handicap to agricultural production resulting from the lack of a main water supply in the Plaistow-Shillinglee area of West Sussex; and what action he is taking to remedy this.

My right hon. Friend has approved in principle a general scheme for the extension of water supply in the Petworth rural district, including the area in question. The extensions will be carried out in turn as labour and materials can be allocated.

asked the Minister of Health whether inquiries will be made as to the number of people in Egypt who developed cholera in spite of being inoculated with anti-cholera vaccine sent from this country.

I have no knowledge what inquiries will be made in Egypt into the effect of vaccines on the cholera epidemic; but I doubt whether it would be practicable to make any comparison between the efficiency of the vaccines supplied from different sources.

asked the Minister of Health how many infants contracted smallpox or died of that disease in England and Wales during the twenty years 1927 to 1946.

The numbers of deaths of children under one year of age attributed to smallpox in the years in question are set out below. The other figures asked for are not available.

ENGLAND AND WALES.
Deaths attributed to Smallpox.
Year.				Infants 0–1
1927	…	…	…	17
1928	…	…	…	5
1929	…	…	…	8
1930	…	…	…	7
1931	…	…	…	4
1932	…	…	…	1
1933	…	…	…	—
1934	…	…	…	—
1935	…	…	…	—
1936	…	…	…	—
1937	…	…	…	—
1938	…	…	…	—
1939	…	…	…	—
1940	…	…	…	—
1941	…	…	…	—
1942	…	…	…	—
1943	…	…	…	—
1944	…	…	…	—
1945	…	…	…	—
1946	…	…	…	—

asked the Minister of Health if he will now give an estimate of the number of general practitioners' and specialists, respectively, which will be required to warrant putting into operation the National Health Service Act, 1946, now proposed to take place in July, 1948; and what measures have been taken to provide additional hospital accommodation, health centres, and other buildings required to carry out the provisions of the Act.

The National Health Service will be brought into operation with the resources available at the appointed day. These resources will be extended as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Percival (Malaya) Report is to be published.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Members for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) and Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 28th October last.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many nursing sisters of the Q.A.I.M.N.S.R. are now serving in India; how many will still be serving in India after 1st January, 1948; and as these sisters serve longer in the Army than men of the same age and service group, if he will expedite their release so that they can take up further training and qualify for their L.I.A.P.

One hundred and nineteen officers of the Q.A.I.M.N.S.(R.) are now serving in India; 35 will still be serving in India after 1st January, 1948. I regret that they cannot be released at a faster rate than that already announced, because the Army is already approximately 30 per cent. short of its requirements of nursing officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the assessment made by the medical board of the disability attributable to service in the Army of Mr. John J. May, of 27 Dewsbury Crescent, Chiswick, W.4, and to what pension or gratuity he is now entitled.

The assessment of disability is 5 per cent., and a gratuity of £30 has been awarded;

asked the Secretary of State for War when Mr. A. G. Palmer, of 31 Golden Noble Hill, Colchester, formerly employed by D.C.R.E., Colchester, may expect to receive his gratuity in respect of his service of which particulars were submitted to the War Office in; August.

Mr. Palmer received his gratuity on 6th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by men serving in the Royal Signals, R.E.M.E., and R.A.S.C, at their slow rate of release when compared with infantry and non-technical corps troops; and why clerks, M.T. personnel, drivers and infantry signalmen, etc., cannot be transferred to the technical, units in order to help increase the release rate' in Royal Signals, R.E.M.E. and R.A.S.C.

The rate of release to 1st April, 1948, will be much faster than the t troops had reason to expect, before the programme was announced, and so far as I am aware there is no general dissatisfaction with it. The greatest possible adjustments between Corps have been carried out, but the reduction of commitments makes it possible to spare an increased number of men in certain Arms, notably infantry, and for this reason they will be released slightly in advance of the rest of the Army. Any general transfers from infantry to other Arms would necessitate a retraining programme which would be most uneconomic in view of the relatively short remaining term for which the men concerned will now serve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the officers of the Army Cadet Force have not yet received the pay due to them for the period of their service at the annual camps and during full-time attendance at approved courses in 1947; and when these sums will be paid.

Detailed conditions to govern the issue of this pay have only recently been settled. Instructions which will indicate how the officers concerned should claim pay will be issued as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War in how many centres in the United Kingdom War Department quarters for the accommodation of the families of other ranks are available; how many families are at present accommodated; and what is the aggregate waiting list for such quarters at the most convenient date.

There are 320 centres in the United Kingdom at which quarters are available for the accommodation of the families of Regular other ranks. Territorial Army quarters are not congregated in centres, but are located wherever Permanent Staff Instructors are required. Approximately 10,000 soldiers' families are accommodated in quarters. The immediate aggregate waiting list for quarters is approximately 3,500. It is, however, estimated that eventually there will be some 30,000 families who will require quarters.

—	Officers and men released and discharged since 18th June, 1945.		Civilian employees discharged since 1st July, 1945.
	1.	2.	3.	4.
	Approximate number.	Percentage of strength at 18th June, 1945.	Approximate number.	Percentage of actual strength at 1st July, 1945.
1st July, 1946	2,016,000	68 per cent.	26,000	19 per cent.
1st July, 1947	2,598,000	88 per cent.	39,000	27 per cent.
Estimate of position at 1st January, 1948.	2,803,000	95 per cent.	*	*
* It is not possible at present to give an accurate estimate. The approximate number of civilian employees discharged since 1st July, 1945, at 1st October, 1947, was 41,000, which represents 29 per cent. of the strength at 1st July, 1945. It should be noted that this figure and those in Column 3 represent actual and not authorised strengths. The actual strengths in each case were below the authorised strength. All the figures in the table represent gross numbers released and discharged, they do not take into account the fresh intake into the Army or any recruitment of civilian workers since June, 1945.

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the public disquiet, he will appoint a Commission of Inquiry to determine the extent to which milk in schools is wasted.

I have received a few letters alleging in general terms that school milk is being wasted, but I have been unable to elicit more than one or two actual instances which I could investigate since special measures were taken on the introduction of free milk to

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the numbers and percentage comparisons of officers and men demobilised from the Army in the middle of 1946 and 1947, and of civilian workers discharged from all War Department establishments by the same dates, with an estimate of the position in both categories at 1st January next.

The information asked for is shown as far as is possible in the following table. I would, however, emphasise that there is not, and cannot be, any direct or simple correspondence between the number of officers and men in the Army and the number of civilian workers employed by the War Department. Civilians have had in many cases to carry out work previously performed by soldiers.emphasise the vital importance of avoiding any form of waste. I am satisfied that there is no adequate case for appointing a special Commission of Inquiry, but, as I have always done, I shall immediately investigate any case reported by His Majesty's inspectors or members of the public.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the concern of the people of Wymondley near Hitchin, Herts, at his decision that the erection of a new county primary school in that parish shall not be proceeded with in 1948; and whether he will reconsider his decision.

I am aware of the concern of the people of Wymondley about this matter and I have received a petition from the local Parent-Teacher Association. I realise the unsatisfactory condition of the existing school premises, but in present circumstances I cannot see my way to include the erection of new premises in the School Building Programme for 1948.

asked the Minister for Economic Affairs whether first and special priority is still being given to programmes directly contributing to the expansion of fuel and power resources; whether he will give a list indicating what priorities are being given at the present time to all programmes involving deliveries of machinery; and what is the position relative to the delivery of machinery required by colonial producing industries, such as tin, which have large dollar producing capacity.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes," but the existing priority system is under review. Priority is given, at present, to machinery for the development of fuel and power resources and atomic energy. No specific priority is given to machinery required for colonial development but every endeavour is made to see that these requirements are met.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the hardship caused to the wives of merchant seamen long separated from their husbands by reason of the fact that they are now not allowed to take any money out of the United Kingdom and are therefore no longer able as formerly to visit their husbands when their ships are due to arrive in West European ports; and whether he will allow a merchant seaman's wife to take out of the United Kingdom a sum which will enable her to maintain herself so that she may visit the husband in port.

Arrangements are now being worked out to meet such cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions when his Department intends to inform Mr. A. Ashley, of 3, Old Court Hall, Godmanchester, Hunts, of the result of his medical board which was held at Cambridge in August.

After a period in hospital and at a convalescent home Mr. Ashley was examined in August to determine whether any further special treatment was necessary. He was told at the examination that any necessary treatment could be given by his panel doctor. A subsequent letter showed that Mr. Ashley thought he had been medically boarded, and as he desires this the necessary arrangements are being made.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the approximate number of widows under the age of 60 now drawing a weekly pension of ten shillings.

It is estimated that at the 30th June, 1947, the number of widows under the age of 60 receiving a widow's pension of 10s. a week under the Contributory Pensions Acts was 450,000. About 140,000 of these also drew an additional allowance for a child.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware of the great anxiety felt amongst old age pensioners regarding the conditions constituting retirement; whether he will make it clear that, providing that not more than £1 per week is earned, retirement will be deemed to have taken place irrespective of the number of hours which are worked to earn the £1.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for Spen Valley (Mr. Sharp) on 17th June, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is intended to reduce the 30,954 civilians at present employed at the 128 R.A.F. storage and. repair depots in the United Kingdom; how many of these depots are to be shut down altogether; and whether it is contemplated that the new authorised establishment of the Royal Air Force will permit the retention of not more than 75 depots as the normal peace-time establishment compared with the 61 which served the R.A.F. before the war.

Yes. The number of civilians employed at R.A.F. storage and repair depots in the United Kingdom is under constant review by my Department and there has, in fact, been a reduction of 2,400 in the civilian strength of these units since the figures contained in my predecessor's reply of 24th June, 1947. As for the second and third parts of the hon. Member's Question, I am afraid that it is not yet possible to state how many of these depots are eventually to be shut down, or to continue in permanent use; their ultimate establishment will depend on consideration, which has not yet been completed, of the long-term size and disposition of the peacetime Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many R.A.F. personnel and civilians are now engaged in the collection of R.A.F. material as a preliminary to the sale of such material; and what arrangements have been made to speed up these disposals and thus release considerable numbers of persons for productive work.

About 6,800 members of the R.A.F. and 4,400 civilians of my Department are employed in the United Kingdom on the collection and sorting of R.A.F. war surplus stores. It is not possible to estimate how, many are employed on similar duties overseas, where the disposal of surplus stores is part of the general task of dealing with wartime stocks. During recent months a number of changes of procedure have been agreed with the disposal departments to speed up the clearing of stocks no longer needed by the R.A.F. For example, both the declaration of surpluses and their acceptance by the disposal departments has been largely decentralised; only a very small proportion of surpluses is now reported to the headquarters of the disposal departments. Arrangements have also been made to sell the great bulk of surplus stocks by auction at the storage sites. I would add that I attach great importance to the completion of this work, since many of the stores are a useful addition to the goods available to industry and the general public. It does not, of course, necessarily follow that all the men employed on these duties will be discharged when the work comes to an end.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the claim for compensation for Ballybuttle Dam, Millisle, will be paid, as this dam was blown up by his Department in 1943; and in view of the many letters written and promises made during the past four years, why no compensation has been paid yet.

Annual compensation was agreed in 1945 for the Ballybuttle Dam and has since been paid with effect from 21st November, 1943. A final settlement is dependent on a land reclamation scheme now being considered by the Northern Ireland Government, under which the dam wall would not be restored. We shall continue to pay annual compensation until the future of the dam is settled.

asked the Secretary of State for Air as representing the Secretary of State for Burma, what is the position of British subjects who lost all their possessions in Burma in 1941; how many claims have been heard by the Far Eastern Claims Commission, Board of Trade; and when compensation will be paid to Major Joseph McCartney of Bangor, C. Down, and at what rate.

Claims for compensation in respect of war damage in Burma have been registered by the Burma War Damage Commission in Rangoon, which has now submitted a preliminary report. The Office of the Far Eastern Claims Commission at the Board of Trade performs only liaison services for the Burma War Damage Commission. In this capacity it has issued more than 1,200 claims forms, of which approximately 220 have been completed and passed to the Burma War Damage Commission by the Board of Trade. Additional claims have, no doubt, been sent direct to the Burma Commission in Rangoon. It did not prove possible to reach agreement as to the action to be taken on the claims submitted during the recent visit to this country of representatives of the Government of Burma, and it was agreed that the matter should be further examined between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Burma. I regret, therefore, that I am not in a position in these circumstances to give the information desired in the particular case of Major McCartney.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, as representing the Secretary of State for Burma, whether, in framing legislation for self-government in Burma, he will make provision for the compensation of British Government financial and industrial personnel who will be displaced; and if he will make arrangements for their evacuation.

As regards compensation for members of the Secretary of State's Services in Burma, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the White

District.	Local Authorities and Scottish Special Housing Association.			Private Enterprise.
	Tenders approved between 8th August, 1945 and 31st October, 1947.	Number of houses under construction at 31st October, 1947.	Number of houses not begun at 31st October, 1947.	Houses covered by licences issued since 1st August, 1945.	Houses completed since 30th June, 1945.	Houses under construction at 30th September, 1947.
Scotland	66,967	40,491	19,274	4,412	1,534	2,622
Edinburgh	2,095	1,357	554	505	178	270
Glasgow	11,534	4,407	5,375	67	61	43
Fife County	2,739	1,741	829	117	30	80
Dunfermline	494	380	62	18	1	10
Kirkcaldy	715	468	96	21	3	13
Leven	180	158	—	—	—	—
St. Andrews	102	98	4	22	3	12

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state in regard to Scotland as a whole, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife county and the burghs of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Leven and St. Andrews, respectively, the number of new permanent houses licensed or approved by his Department since August, 1945; and what has been the effect in the case of each of these areas of the Government's subsequent curtailment of housing operations.

The following table gives the information asked for in the first part of the Question. As regards the latter part, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular which I recently issued to all local authorities in Scotland, the broad effect of which is that available effort and materials should be concentrated in a balanced way upon completing a larger number of houses for occupation rather than dissipated by commencing the building of more houses than there are materials to complete.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction among East of Scotland farmers with the prices fixed for sugar beet; that the effect of the low price is to curtail the growing of beet in Scotland and so to threaten the continued existence of the Cupar Beet Factory; and what steps he is taking to meet the danger, and ensure a larger production of this crop.

I am aware that in the East of Scotland some dissatisfaction has been expressed with the prices fixed for sugar beet. The prices for 1947, 1948 and 1949 have been fixed after consultation with the National Farmers' Unions and must be considered as part of the whole price structure for guaranteed price products required under the agricultural expansion programme. The prices represent very substantial increases over those previously fixed for 1947 and 1948, and should be sufficient, in my view, to secure the 10,000 acres which are required in 1948.