asked the. Minister of Transport what prospect there is of action being taken this winter to deal with the problem of dazzling headlights.

The Road Research Board have made an interim report on this problem, and my Department is consulting the motor industry on the best way of putting its recommendations into effect.

Are we to assume from that answer that something at last is being done about this problem? Can the hon. Gentleman say when these recommendations will, in fact, see the light of day—or night?

If that is a request for publication I will convey it to the Director of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. A number of these adjustments must, of course, depend on the supply position.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the present Leader of the Opposition was once described by Mr. Lloyd George as being "habitually dazzled by the brilliance of his own headlights"? What steps is my hon. Friend going to take to protect the country from this grave risk?

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds the allocation of petrol to hearses has been, reduced by 25 per cent.

There has been a general cut of 10 per cent., not 25 per cent. Supplementary allowances are granted by the Regional Transport Commissioner if the operator can prove need.

Has a complementary regulation been issued prohibiting death; and, if so, what penalty arises for those who break it?

I am not sure, but the only operator of hearses I can find in Beverley has not made any application for fuel since last December owing to lack of business.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the percentage of suicides has risen steeply since the present Government assumed office?

asked the Minister of Transport the average number of road lorries supplied to the road haulage organisations in this country in prewar years; the number supplied in the war years; the number being supplied this year; and the number it is proposed to supply next year.

As the answer involves a number of figures I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but the House will be glad to know that the number of vehicles first registered in 1947 is about 70 per cent. higher than in prewar year.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will prevent the waste of petrol and manpower caused by the regulation under which a transport contractor is allowed to serve one customer only, and is obliged to make the return journey with his vehicle empty, by amending the terms of the licence.

Contractors operating under "A" licences are free of conditions, except in the case of "A" contract licences, where limitation to one customer is a statutory requirement.

Does that mean there is some misunderstanding, and that trucks are allowed to bring back goods on the return journey?

Except in the case of the rather small number of "A" contract licences. If I may quote the figures, there are 81,000 "A" licences and 9,600 "A" contract licences. I will be glad to discuss it further with the hon. Member.

If it holds good for 81,000, why is it not equally good for the 9,000, in order to save petrol and avoid waste?

Unfortunately, we have to administer the Road and Rail Traffic Act, and this is a statutory requirement under that Act.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will allow the delivery of farm produce, including firelogs, to be carried out by tractors holding a 5s. licence.

The purposes for which agricultural tractors licensed at the 5s, rate may be used are governed by the Finance Acts, and my right hon. Friend has no power to extend them.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary get into touch with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that at the moment concern is felt as the public wants firewood for fires, the farmers have the wood, and, though they are allowed to take their tractors on the roads, they cannot drop a bag of wood at the cottage of somebody who wants it?

I will gladly look into it again, but there were very good reasons for imposing these restrictions originally.

There are very good reasons for changing them now.

asked the Minister of Transport when does he propose to commence implementing the Trunk Roads Act, 1946, particularly with respect to such areas as Merthyr Tydfil where there are still some thousands of unemployed persons.

Since the Act came into operation my Department have prepared many improvement schemes, particularly for roads in the development areas. Owing to the cut in capital investment, a large number of these schemes must be postponed for the time being and individual schemes are being reviewed.

Has Merthyr Tydfil been specially selected in order that this heavy' capital expenditure might be saved; and will not regard be had to the number of unemployed there?

The factors which my hon. Friend mentions are very much in my right hon. Friend's mind, and it is being reviewed at present.

Could not the Parliamentary Secretary give a more satisfactory answer? It is not enough for these unemployed men, of whom there are many hundreds, to be told that something is moving in the Minister's mind. Will he please consult with the Minister of Labour to see whether this scheme should not be operated?

Gladly.

Will this cause any further delay in providing Selby with a toll free bridge?

As far as Selby is concerned, negotiations are going ahead.

asked the Minister of Transport what action is being taken as a result of the Road Safety Committee's report on road safety.

I am not in a position to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) on 27th October.

asked the Minister of Transport how many first-class sleeping berths were reserved on an average every week between the Munich crisis and the outbreak of war; and why it is necessary to reserve an increased number at the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport why 910 first-class sleeping berths every week are reserved for business and professional men travelling on behalf of the Government; and whether he will now take steps to abolish these priorities.

No priority berths were reserved before the war, and the system was introduced in December, 1941, when the demand outran the supply. A check for the month ending 8th November, shows that 89.5 per cent. of all sleeping berths are used by the public, the balance being taken up by business and professional men, Members of both Houses of Parliament, civil servants and the Service Departments. My right hon. Friend intends to review the present arrangements with the British Transport Commission.

Is it not time that we reverted to the normal practice of allowing everybody to have free access to sleeping berths?

Not as long as demand exceeds supply. I think there is a case for some control.

Does my hon. Friend mean that these priorities are going to be abolished? Is he aware that the whole of the sleeping car system is very unsatisfactory at the present time? There are mysterious second lists which nobody understands, and there is a considerable black market in the whole business. Will he look into it?

As I said, we are going to review these arrangements with the British Transport Commission. I am not wholly satisfied with them. On the other hand, there has been a great deal too much blackguarding of people using these reservations by those with interests to serve.

Oh.

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is impossible for ordinary persons to get sleeping reservations even three months ahead now, and that in some cases 80 per cent. of the berths are reserved for those potentates whom nobody can describe, not even my hon. Friend?

I do not think my hon. Friend could have heard my answer. In terms of figures, 6,687 berths were available each week for members of the public during the four weeks ended 8th November.

That does not alter the fact that there are 910 available for other people.

My hon. Friend is not right. There are 910 allocated, but not the same number taken up.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that on 1st January, 1948, when the railways will come under his control, the special Atomic Scientific Exhibition Train will be in or near Dundee, after having exhibited there and in Edinburgh and Leith; that the present railway authorities have refused to allow this Exhibition Train to visit Aberdeen; and will he reverse this refusal and direct the train to, visit the City of Aberdeen where the scientists and other people are anxious to see it.

I am told that the railways agreed to send the train to Aberdeen as soon as they were asked to do so.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the efficient and expeditious way in which he has dealt with this matter will be much appreciated by the people of Aberdeen?

Will there be a charge to the people of Aberdeen to see this train, or will the view be free?

asked the Minister of Transport the average number of railway wagons produced in this country in prewar years; the average number produced in the war years; the number being produced this year; and the number it is proposed to produce next year.

The number of wagons produced for use on home railways during the years 1929–38 averaged 25,000 per year, and in the war years 1940–45 about 15,500 per year. Estimated production for this year is 31,000, and the target for 1948 is 48,000.

asked the Minister of Transport what number of new coal wagons which have been assembled in Royal Ordnance Factories have been stopped for defective and hot axle boxes and for other defects, such as broken door fastenings, etc.; and how many similar wagons as sent out by private builders have been stopped in the same period and for the same reasons.

I regret that this information is not available.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean to tell us that a great number of wagons to the value of between £350 and £400 each are being bought and delivered from the Royal Arsenal factories, and that no check is kept on them to see whether they are running well or whether the Government are getting what they paid for, because rumour has it that they are-not?

That is not what the Question asked. The Question asked for statistics. Of course a check is kept on every wagon and its availability for service.

If a check is kept, and if records are kept, why cannot they be given to the House?

Because the railway staffs have the task of running the railway system, and unless the House presses me I do not feel it is worth while imposing upon them the task of collecting detailed statistics which they have not got. If the hon. and gallant Member has any specific evidence I will gladly look into it.

asked the Minister of Transport how many locomotives will be converted to oil burning between now and the end of the year, and in the next six months, respectively

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to speed up the conversion of locomotives on the four main line railways from coal burning to oil, in view of the fact that the necessary storage installation equipment will be completed by the end of February, 1948.

Ninety locomotives have so far been converted, and three more will be dealt with by the end of the year. The actual rate of conversion must depend on supplies of fuel oil.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that this conversion is still being proceeded with?

Yes, Sir. The railways have done a lot of the work on the ground, but we do not want the conversions to outrun the supplies of oil.

As the Minister of Fuel and Power has said there will be sufficient fuel oil available for all the conversions, why is there all this delay?

Well, I am not the Minister of Fuel and Power.

The hon. Member soon will be.

asked the Minister of Transport the gross receipts from railway working on the four main line railways in 1947 to the nearest convenient date, and the comparable periods in 1946 and 1945, disregarding for this purpose any increases in rates and charges made since 1945.

The gross receipts from traffic originating on the four main line railways, including joint lines, for the 44 weeks ended 2nd November, 1947, expressed at 1945 levels of rates and charges, and the comparative figures for a similar period in 1946 and in 1945, are estimated to be £221 million, £255 million and £292 million, respectively.

To what cause does my hon. Friend attribute this reduction in revenue?

To two factors, I should think: the decline in passenger traffic, and the decline in freight traffic on Government account.

asked the Minister of Transport the freight traffic tonnage originating on the four main line railways, including free hauled, for 1947 to the nearest convenient date, and for the comparable periods in 1937 and 1938, indicating what factors are responsible for any reductions, and by what percentages the figures for 1947 compare with 1937 and 1938.

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

Will the figures confirm the answer given last Monday, that there was an increase of 20 per cent. in railway freight traffic this year compared with 1938?

It depends on what is meant by "freight traffic" In the answer given last week it was defined in terms of ton-miles. This is given in terms of the actual traffic originating, so the basis will be different.

asked the Minister of Transport when the report of fog problems on the railways will be published.

I presume the hon. Member refers to the report mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member for East Norfolk (Mr. Medlicott) on 4th November. This report has not been prepared with a view to publication but I will consider this point further when I receive it.

Can the hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of his using the butt end of his new broom to obtain the report as rapidly as we had hoped?

I think the report will be with us very quickly.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has sanctioned the importations from America of bearings for agricultural tractors; and what is the total cost involved.

Yes, Sir. Between 1st January and 30th September, 1947, the Board of Trade have on the recommendation of my Department sanctioned the importation from America of about £150,000 worth of bearings for agricultural tractors. In addition, bulk imports of bearings for tractors and other motor vehicles to the value of £175,000 have been sanctioned, but it is not possible to say what proportion is for agricultural tractors.

Is it not ten times as expensive to import these finished bearings than to import the steel from which they can be made in this country?

Maybe, but the capacity of bearing manufacturers in this country is not sufficient to make all the bearings we require.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give an assurance that the steel required for the manufacture of agricultural tractors will be made available to the manufacturers.

I cannot guarantee that all difficulties will disappear, especially in certain types of steel. But every effort is being made to ensure that deliveries match the allocations given to the industry.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that the capacity is not sufficient, is it not the case that the allocation of steel has been cut by one-tenth, or some such figure, and that if his Department will support the applications for increasing the size of the factories, the capacity could be rapidly increased?

No, Sir, the allocation of steel for agricultural implements has increased substantially quarter by quarter.

asked the Minister of Supply the total number of men employed on aircraft production in 1946, with an estimate of the total wage bill, and the total value of aircraft produced.

It is estimated that the labour force employed in all branches of the aircraft industry was about 224,000 in 1946, but it is not possible to estimate the total wages paid. The value of aircraft produced was about £36 million, excluding the value of spares which cannot be readily assessed.

Does the odd £30 million worth of aircraft exclude former war aircraft which have been reconditioned?

That is the value of the aircraft produced—the total value.

Does that exclude military aircraft built for the war?

That is the military and civil aircraft and the value of the new aircraft produced.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has any statement to make on the future of the Brabazon I.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Blackpool (Wing-Commander Robinson) on 10th November.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the decreased number of motor cars available for the home market, he proposes to allocate these to persons in the greatest need, or if he intends to leave the distribution in the hands of the manufacturers.

There is no intention to reintroduce an official allocation scheme for motor cars.

Will the right hon. Gentleman leave the matter entirely in the hands of the motor manufacturers, in an endeavour to prevent the National Coal Board securing the favourable treatment they are receiving at the present time?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Manchester area doctors and midwives are finding it impossible to get new cars? Could not something be done to help them, because they are doing essential work?

The manufacturers have agreed to give priority to doctors, mid-wives, veterinary surgeons and other priority classes.

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked the distributors of motor cars to adopt an official scheme, because many people are receiving a questionnaire which seems to have the authority of the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry behind it? Is that so?

Not as far as I am aware.

asked the Minister of Supply how many civil servants and other personnel are employed in his Department in performing duties on behalf of the War Office and Air Ministry, respectively.

On 1st October, 1947, 524 Army officers and 1,706 other ranks were employed mainly on work for the War Office, and 493 R.A.F. officers and 3,558 other ranks on work for the Air Ministry. It is not possible to say precisely what proportion of the work of the remainder of my staff is for the War Office and Air Ministry.

Could not these duties now be carried out more quickly, efficiently and economically by the Department concerned?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that many people would be glad to be rid of their purchased air-raid shelters now lying useless in their back gardens; whether these are of any productive value during the present shortage of metals; and, if so, will he arrange with local authorities, or some other organisation, to collect them from those ready to part with them after giving notice of date and time of collection in specified districts of each area.

Only a small proportion of the shelters available for recovery are privately owned. Local authorities have already notified all householders owning shelters that they will collect any which may be voluntarily given up. Alternatively, they can sell them to scrap merchants. Most of the material in the shelters is re-used in its existing form, though the sheets from the Anderson shelters have first to be straightened.

When and how will the local authorities advise these people, because I have never heard of this before?

The owners were advised about a year ago that the local authorities would willingly take the shelters if they would give them up.

Is it not obvious that Anderson and Morrison shelters all over the country are rusting and corroding? Why have they not been used for scrap?

A great many have been-collected. Many dumps have been sorted out, and the steel is being used for various purposes. One of the difficulties is shortage of labour, but the steel from these shelters is not much use as scrap.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say that the shelters were not owned by the people in whose gardens they were? Therefore, why does he have to ask the owners for them? Surely the councils can take them over without asking?

I said that only a small proportion of the shelters were owned by those in whose gardens they were, and it was about these shelters that the Question was asked.

asked the Minister of Supply why cast-iron bottom door fastener brackets are being used for the 16-ton steel coal wagons now being assembled in Royal Ordnance Factories; and whether he will now use the simple, cheap forged steel bracket, which is unbreakable and which has been brought to the attention of his Department, or the forged drop stamp type, which are both unbreakable and so avoid the wastages caused by frequent breakages of the cast-iron type.

The Railway Technical Committee are responsible for drawing up these wagon specifications, which at present require cast-iron brackets. The question of the use of alternative types of brackets has been referred to that Committee.

Can the Minister say whether he has examined the product which has been brought to the attention of his Department, and whether he prefers the superior article to the inferior article?

It is not exactly my function to express a preference one way or the other If the technical committee recommend it, we shall no doubt adopt it.

asked the Minister of Supply how many surplus pipe-screwing machines are lying in Ministry of Supply pools; how many requests for these machines are at present unsatisfied; and how many have been or are being sent to Hungary as a free gift from this country.

There are two surplus pipe-screwing machines, for which there is no demand. None have been or will be sent to Hungary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman examine the strong evidence in my possession to the effect that some have been sent to Hungary?

If the hon. Member sends the evidence to me, I will certainly examine it.

asked the Minister of Supply what types of machine tools are being exported from this country as a free gift to Hungary.

As the list of types is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can we have an assurance that no machines required in this country will be exported to Hungary?

Yes, Sir; the machines exported were not wanted in this country.

Why are we sending these goods to Hungary, and why did we send 11,000 tons of bridging to Poland? Why are these goods being sent free?

That is a question the hon. Member must address to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

asked the Minister of Supply when he will publish a list of new and secondhand excavators purchased in America since 1st January this year, showing sizes and types; and when delivery of the 367 machines ordered will be completed.

Purchases on Government account have been made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works. As the list contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The 367 machines are scheduled for delivery by the end of 1948.

Is my right hon. Friend able to tell us how many have yet arrived, and whether he has any report from users as to whether they are satisfied?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the decline of the willow-growing industry and the consequent dependence of basket makers on imports; and whether he will encourage the industry by classifying willows as an agricultural commodity which shall benefit from minimum prices and an assured market.

Yes, Sir; I know there has been a progressive decline in willow growing in this country, although a substantial proportion of basket makers' needs is still met from home sources. There is little doubt that for some considerable time the demand for homegrown willows will exceed the available supplies; but I cannot see my way to add willows to the list of staple commodities in the First Schedule of the Agriculture Act, 1947, for which prices and markets are guaranteed by the Government. As already announced, willow prices will shortly be increased, partly to offset increased costs of production and partly to provide a greater incentive for willow growing.

Is the Minister convinced that this increase in price will counteract the bad effect of the great number of people who are going out of this industry, which is of very great importance?

That is the intention of the new increased prices, namely, to provide an added incentive to give the fillip the industry requires.

Is the Minister aware that basketry is one of the staple and traditional employments for blind people, and that in view of the great shortage of willow supplies many basket departments have had to close down? Is he aware that the price of the article imported is about 20 per cent. above the home-grown price offered to growers in this country?

There has been quite a considerable import—some 4,000 tons of willows—but unfortunately there has been a steady decline, for one reason or another. Prices have been increased in the hope that the tide may turn the other way.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to restore the potato acreage; and if he has now received assurances from county agricultural executive committees that the full acreage required in 1948 will be grown.

It is not my present intention to issue directions for the planting of potatoes in 1948. I hope that the targets called for by the agricultural expansion programme, including the potato acreage, will be attained by the voluntary efforts of farmers, stimulated by the substantially increased prices already announced. Complete forecasts of farmers' intentions have not yet been received from agricultural executive committees, but the latest available information indicates that their present intentions fall short of the target of 1,015,000 acres in England and Wales. Committees are undertaking, on my instructions and with the full co-operation of the National Farmers' Union, an intensive campaign to secure the additional acreage.

When does the right hon. Gentleman hope to give the House and the country definite information? Has he asked for assurances by 1st December, or 1st January?

I am hoping to have the information late in December.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the decision to ration potatoes and the likelihood of a run on other root vegetables the prices of which are not at present controlled, he is satisfied that adequate preparations are being made to safeguard next year's potato crop which might otherwise be sacrificed in favour of the higher priced alternative root vegetables.

For the measures which are being taken to safeguard the 1948 potato crop generally I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given today to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd). The only root vegetables which might be grown on farms as an alternative to potatoes are carrots, the price of which is controlled, and swedes, which are at present plentiful. I do not think, therefore, that any serious diversion of acreage from potatoes to these crops in 1948 need be feared.

Will my right hon. Friend take all necessary steps to prevent seed potatoes being used for food?

Something like 1¼ million tons of potatoes are needed for seed, and steps are being taken to that end.

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent his Department has encouraged the use of D.D.T. or similar preparations for spraying livestock both with the object of pre serving their hides and their health, as well as saving them from the unnecessary cruelty inflicted on them by flies and other insects in hot weather.

I am advised that D.D.T. and similar preparations when used as sprays on livestock have a very limited value as protectives against flies and other insects, although as dips for sheep they are proving very successful. The Ministry's veterinary officers generally recommend the use of these products for suitable purposes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to provide shelter for sheep and cattle in order to prevent a recurrence of the losses which took place last winter.

I have not complete information about the action that farmers are taking to provide better shelter for livestock on their holdings. The planting of shelter belts is included in a number of proposals for improvement schemes under the Hill Farming Act.

As the severe weather has already arrived, is it not necessary that action should be taken? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the use of unused Army huts which may be made available in certain parts of the country?

The hon. Member will appreciate that hill sheep are scattered over a very wide area, and that they will never walk into an Army hut, or any other type of hut, unless driven.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that serious damage is being done to newly sown corn crops by pheasants, and will he instruct the county agricultural executive committees to treat pheasants as pests, and insist on their numbers being kept down.

I am aware that there have been isolated instances of damage by pheasants, and where necessary county agricultural executive committees have been given powers by Order, under Defence Regulation (63), to require pheasants to be destroyed. I see no grounds for treating pheasants generally as pests.

Would my right hon. Friend see that the county agricultural executive committees are kept fully informed of their powers, and are urged to make speedy use of them?

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if he desires any assistance in reducing the number of pheasants Members on this side of the House will be very glad to help him?

I am sure that the hon. and gallant Member is fully aware of his capacity as a shot.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what quantities of maize and other imported feedingstuffs will be required to implement his livestock programme for the next twelve months; and what quantities, and from which countries, are already promised by contract or trade treaty.

I am not at present in a position to make a statement about future feedingstuffs requirements and supplies, but I propose to do so at the earliest possible moment.

Will my right hon. Friend lose no opportunity of impressing on his colleagues the implications of the present situation?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I am always emphasising to my colleagues the necessity of more feedingstuffs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why he has authorised the ban on the ancient right of public access to the Rewel Woods near Binstead in West Sussex and if he will restore to the people this liberty of which he has deprived them.

The Forestry Commission have no evidence of any ancient right of public access to the woods. During periods of special danger from fire it is necessary to deny access to the public, but at other times access is permitted along the rides.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look further into this question, because very often there is no danger from fire, and in certain cases which have come to my notice it has appeared that the Forestry Commission have exercised their authority rather arbitrarily?

The Commission have to take particular care when conditions are suitable for forest fires. I am convinced, from my investigations, that they make access available when there is no danger from fire.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the hardship to hill farmers with little or no arable land, resulting from the regulation by which the entitlement to poultry rations is greatly reduced or even extinguished by a calculation known as an acreage reduction; and whether he will amend the regulation so that it operates less unfairly.

The acreage deduction is not made in respect of rough grazings, and it has in any case been considerably reduced this winter. I am afraid supplies of feedingstuffs are not yet sufficient to allow of any further alterations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the shortage of power-lifts and linkages in the West Riding of Yorkshire; and whether he will take immediate steps to speed up their production and distribution to this area.

I am aware that there is a shortage of power-lift units for certain tractors in the West Riding of Yorkshire and in other counties. The demand for the power-lift has greatly exceeded the manufacturers' expectations, but output is steadily improving. I understand that the manufacturers hope to reach a substantial level of production early in 1948, although it will be some time before all outstanding orders can be met. In the meantime, available supplies are being distributed as fairly as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he is going to issue wrought iron or steel ploughshares instead of the present cast-iron ones; and, in the interval, what arrangements he has made for the cast-iron ones to be sharpened.

I do not issue ploughshares. They are produced and distributed by the manufacturers. The majority of the shares for general purpose ploughs are made of cast iron, but most of those for heavy ploughs are made of steel and are much more costly than cast-iron shares. I would, however, be interested in any development in the manufacture of steel shares. Welding and other methods of renewing or prolonging the life of cast-iron shares are in use, and my Department and the Rural Industries Bureau will continue to encourage such work.

Would the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to see that there is a proper allocation of steel, because it is impossible to sharpen cast-iron ploughshares?

I do not think it is a question of allocation of steel at the moment. We have been trying successfully to increase the number of ploughshares during the last few months.

But owing to the dry season we have had this year, ploughshares are breaking off like carrots the moment they are put into the ground.

I am aware of the very dry season.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the promised improvement in the production of ploughshares will allow for an adequate supply in the Eastern Counties.

Fairly soon, I hope, as production has already increased considerably.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the winter is now nearly here, and that it will be quite impossible to get the land ploughed and sown unless he does something about shoes and shares at once?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that active steps have been taken to increase the number of ploughshares. Production of the most important type, the Ransom type, has increased, between September and now, from 45 tons a week to 75 tons a week. At another place, a similar ploughshare is being produced, and the rate of production has risen from three or four tons a week to nine tons a week.

Does "active consideration" mean what is happening in my area, where farmers have to queue for these implements? It is like getting hot cross buns.

I do not produce ploughshares; they are produced by the manufacturers.

Is the capacity of the industry sufficient to meet present requirements and, if not, what measures does my right hon. Friend propose to take to increase it?

I think that existing factory capacity is capable of meeting normal requirements. This year, requirements have been abnormal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken or is pro posing to take towards establishing a farm institute to meet the needs of the county of Norfolk.

I share the desire of the local education authority that an agricultural institute should be established in Norfolk as soon as possible, and am urgently considering a proposal for the acquisition of a site for this purpose which was recently submitted by the Authority.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken to bring all suitable land under cultivation for crop ping in 1948 in the district between Swaffham and Brandon outside the Stanford battle training area.

Part of the land in this former tank training area is being cultivated by local farmers. The remaining area is woodland and heath which is very deficient in lime and exceedingly low in phosphates. My Department is considering whether any of the land referred to justifies immediate attention bearing in mind the heavy demand on the resources of the war agricultural executive committee for bringing back into production considerable areas of better land that have been in use for defence works.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the land formerly used as a bombing practice range between Bradenham and Soham has been handed back for full agricultural use.

This land is in full agricultural use, but possession is still retained by the Air Ministry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many vacancies in the Land Service have been filled since 1st January, 1947; and of those candidates who have been selected whether all are qualified members of some professional society; and how many have had less than two years' professional experience since passing their final examinations.

Only one appointment has been made, but 81 candidates have just been declared successful in an open competition held by the Civil Service Commission, and are being offered appointments. I am getting the information asked for in the second and third parts of the Question and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that when agricultural workers apply for Thermos flask permits to the Somerset county organiser of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, they are informed that owing to the short age of these permits they can only be supplied to members of the Union; and whether he will take steps to ensure that these permits are fairly distributed to all qualified agricultural workers whether or not they belong to this union.

The understanding which my Department has with the three organisations representing farmers and farm workers is that, within the limits of their allocations, they will supply permits to purchase 1-pint Thermos brand flasks to members and non-members alike. I have made inquiries about the area mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member, and have received from the National Union of Agricultural Workers an assurance that the undertaking is being observed so far as the supply of permits allows.

Does not the Minister think that the allocation of these flasks should be taken out of the hands of the National Farmers' Union or the agricultural workers' union and put into the hands of the county executive committees?

No, Sir.