asked the Minister of Supply the number of vehicles, lorries and private cars separately, ordered in 1946 by all the Departments of State, and, separately, in the first six months of 1947.

In 1946 orders were placed on behalf of Government Departments for 2,870 cars and 1,990 commercial vehicles. For the first six months of 1947 the orders were 872 and 5,642, respectively.

Will the Minister investigate the use to which these private cars were put, in view of the fact that the use by officials of cars in such large numbers offends the public, following the cutting-off of the basic petrol ration?

As far as I am aware, these cars are used efficiently and economically. If the hon. Gentleman has any evidence to the contrary, I shall be grateful if he will let me know.

asked the Minister of Works what inquiries he has made as to the relative office accommodation afforded to civil servants and those employed in private offices; and whether he is satisfied that the utmost use is being made of Government office accommodation.

My technical officers are in constant touch with business concerns and they find that standards vary widely, as they do for Government staffs, depending on the type of work done. In present circumstances Government office accommodation will have to be used more economically and arrangements are in hand which should result in a saving of space.

As there has been a waste of space for some time, can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage reduction in Government accommodation is proposed under this rearrangement?

I do not think it has been proved that there has been a waste of space for a long time. There have been alterations and decreases in Government staffs, which have meant rearrangements, and a lower standard of accommodation will probably be arranged to meet the need.

Is it not the case that much of the accommodation provided by Government Departments is grossly inadequate and out of date, in comparison with that afforded by good types of outside businesses?

In a number of cases I have inspected recently the accommodation for Government servants has been very inferior to that provided for those in some private businesses.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many Government Departments have voluntarily accepted less space to meet the present situation?

Yes, Sir, and I am thankful for their co-operation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that large areas of residential accommodation in Regent's Park should be occupied by Government offices?

I am satisfied that that type of accommodation should be used in preference to other types of accommodation which might be obtained. There is difficulty in finding the necessary accommodation for Government staffs in the London area.

asked the Minister of Works if he will give an assurance that no Government Department has allowed windows or other spaces to be hired to view the Royal Wedding Procession.

To the best of my knowledge no windows or other space in buildings occupied by Government Departments were hired to view the Royal Wedding Procession. I understand, however, that in the case of one building let by a Government Department to a charitable organisation, payments have been made to the charity for facilities for broadcasting and photography.

Is the Minister aware that an article appeared on 16th November in the "People" in which it was stated that £500 was paid to a Government Department for such a purpose? I would like to know whether the Minister will make inquiries, because his answer does not cover that point?

I have made inquiries and, as I say, no such payment was made to a Government Department. In the case of a building loaned by a Government Department to a charitable organisation, the organisation benefited by the funds which were paid to it for the purpose which I have stated.

asked the Minister of Supply is he aware that although jute mills are being pressed to increase production for both the home market and export, the allocation of steel indispensable for the manufacture of card pins is being reduced; and when the amount of steel which is essential to enable the Government requests to be carried out will be available.

The difficulty in supplies of card pins does not arise from a reduced allocation of steel, but from the greatly increased demands for wire of all kinds. Further supplies are being made available by diverting more steel to wire production and by imports, and particular attention is being given to meeting the specialised needs of the card pin producers.

Does not the Minister think it utterly ridiculous to push people for greater production for export and not give them the material with which to do it?

We hope that they will get the material with which to carry out their export programme.

We cannot do this work on hopes. We need the material.

There is an all-round shortage of steel, and, particularly, the steel required for this work.

Cannot the Minister get more steel from Belgium for wire-making, as this is believed to be very suitable?

No, Sir, I am afraid not.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that a piecework system for about 12 mechanics has been introduced into his Department's establishment, C.I.E.M.E., Fox-berry, Perry Street, Chislehurst; that to operate this system a ratefixer has been appointed at £9 10s. a week plus overtime, with a clerical staff of five; what is the total weekly wages bill for this extra staff plus the cost of stationery and office; why it is proposed to appoint an assistant ratefixer; and, in view of the economic crisis, how he justifies these added overhead charges.

A planned piecework scheme is being introduced into that section of the Chislehurst workshop engaged on the production of various tools and gauges. A technical foreman, whose wages are £9 16s. a week has been appointed in connection with the scheme, which at present covers 21 mechanics—not 12 as stated in the Question. In addition there is one clerk at £6 10s. 6d. a week. The foreman is engaged on planning and progressing duties as well as ratefixing. We do not intend to appoint an assistant ratefixer at present. No special office accommodation has been provided. Stationery and office equipment costs about 10s. a week. Production has already been speeded up since the introduction of the scheme, and substantial economies have resulted.

The Minister has not answered my Question as to the total cost Is he aware that there is a great waste of public money, owing to this arrangement, because inspection is costing more than production, and will he give an assurance that all these details will be brought before the Public Accounts Committee?

The Public Accounts Committee can ask for such details as they require.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the lower-power atomic pile at Harwell is now in operation.

Yes, Sir. This pile came into operation in August last.

Can the Minister say when the high-power one is expected?

We hope about the middle of next year.

asked the Minister of Works why the Control of Building Materials (No. 1) Order, makes it necessary to obtain a W.B.A. priority licence not only for house-building and other building work inside the U.K., but also for fitting of ships and export.

There is no obligation to obtain W.B.A. priority certificates, but the Control of Building Materials (No. 1) Order requires manufacturers and merchants to supply all orders which carry W.B.A. priority before non - priority orders. Shipbuilding and exports have, therefore, been included among the uses of building materials eligible for W.B.A. priority, in order that they shall not be subordinated to every priority requirement of the home market.

Is the Minister satisfied that in substance this procedure will mean that shipbuilding and exports are not held up from getting these materials?

Yes, Sir, and that is the reason why it was done.

Can the Minister give a reply to indicate that he understands the answer which he has given?

Certainly, and if I can help the hon. and gallant Gentleman, I will try to do so. Shipbuilding and exports get an equal priority with housing in this matter.

asked the Minister of Works why no provision is made in Control of Building Materials (No. 1) Order, 1947, such as existed in its predecessor, for emergency supplies of small quantities of controlled materials for essential work such as the repair of broken windows or lavatory pans.

Article 4 of the Order makes provision for emergency supplies, and the procedure under the Order has recently been simplified so that small quantities of certain goods can now be obtained for emergency use without any formality whatever.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that the procedure is something other than what is in the Order, that it has developed out of it?

It has been developed out of the Order to meet emergency needs in small quantities.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the continuing decrease in the production of corrugated asbestos sheeting during 1947; and if, in view of the urgent requirements of the agricultural industry for this roofing material he will take steps to increase production.

No, Sir. There has been no decrease in the production of corrugated asbestos cement sheeting during 1947. Agricultural requirements are given special attention and particulars of any urgent shortages can be given to my regional officers.

Is it not a fact that in 1946 20,000 tons a week were produced, whereas for the quarter July to September, 1947, only 18,000 tons were produced?

No, Sir, in 1946 the average tonnage was 20,170 a week and up to the end of October last was 20,670 a week.

asked the Minister of Works how many contracts for which his Department is responsible have been stopped or delayed by the shortage of skilled masons.

No contracts have been stopped, but the general shortage of these craftsmen has delayed the rate of progress in some cases.

Was the right hon. Gentleman consulted before import licences for nearly half a million pounds worth of marble and stone slabs were granted?

Yes, Sir. This was done deliberately so that apprenticeship schemes could be carried out.

asked the Minister of Works what is the quantity and value of Belgian bricks imported during 1946; what is the quantity and value of these imported into this country during 1947 up to the nearest convenient date; and what is the policy with regard to future purchases.

During 1946 approximately 50 million English size bricks and 8 million Belgian size bricks were imported from Belgium. During the first eight months of 1947 a further 40 million English size and 4½ million Belgian size were imported. The prices of these bricks were 50s. per 1,000 for Belgian sizes, and from 68s. to 70s. 3d. per 1,000 for English sizes, f.o.b. Antwerp. The contracts under which these imports were made were completed in August last, and no further Government contracts are in contemplation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any English bricks were exported to Belgium during this period?

Not without notice.

Will private builders' merchants be permitted to place contracts for the import of Belgian bricks to this country?

So far as I am aware there is no restriction on a private merchant importing bricks from Belgium.

asked the Minister of Works when a licence was issued to convert No. 227 Cross Lane, Salford, from a dental surgery to a milk bar and ice cream business, what was the cost of the conversion, and who applied for the licence.

The only licences in this case were issued by the Salford City Council, at dates when the premises were in use as a milk bar. They were not for purposes of conversion.

In view of the unsatisfactory state of cottage property in Salford, where a protest meeting was held by members of the council, and estate agents and landlords cannot get the necessary materials to make such property fit for habitation, will my right hon. Friend give priority in this matter over milk bars and ice cream merchants?

These licences, which were for amounts below £100, were issued by the Salford City Council, and they are the responsible housing authority for the district.

If a recommendation is made by another Government Department does it automatically follow that the Ministry of Works will grant a licence?

No, Sir, but in this case no such recommendation was made.

How is it that priority can be obtained for a milk bar, but not for plumbing for an agricultural cottage?

There was no conversion to a milk bar in this case at all; the milk bar was there before the licence was granted.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that church authorities are unable to obtain renewals of worn out parts of the heating systems of churches; and if he will authorise a grant of priority therefor as a matter of urgency.

I am aware that supplies of certain types of heating equipment are at present inadequate to enable demands to be met promptly. Orders are dealt with in rotation, and I think that is the fairest way of dealing with them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inability of churches to renew their heating systems is creating great hardship and affecting attendances? Will he do something to enable manufacturers who have heating systems available to supply them for this purpose, instead of exporting them all?

So far as they are available we shall do all we can to deal with them in rotation.

asked the Minister of Works whether he proposes to set up a committee of Members to advise him on matters arising during the rebuilding and furnishing of the new House of Commons.

Yes, Sir, I have decided to set up a committee for this purpose. The right hon. and gallant Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crookshank) and the hon. Members for Rothwell (Mr. T. J. Brooks), Mitcham (Mr. Braddock), the Forest of Dean (Mr. Philips Price), West Willesden (Mr. Viant), East Toxteth (Mr. Buchan-Hepburn) and North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) have consented to serve on it under my chairmanship. The Committee will be informal, and its terms of reference will be to advise me on the interpretation of the recommendations of the Joint Select Committee on Rebuilding on questions of detail connected with the new Chamber, as they arise.

Are questions of taste to be confined entirely to English Members?

I think I may say that this committee was arranged through the usual channels. I am not therefore responsible for the selection of those with the necessary taste for the job.

Will my right hon. Friend see that locker accommodation is improved in the new House of Commons, as the present locker accommodation is hopelessly inadequate?

Does the right hon.. Gentleman notice that, this Committee having been arranged through the usual channels which are not open to Independent Members, there are no 'Independent Members upon the Committee? Are we to draw from that the assumption that there will be no accommodation for Independent Members?

No, Sir. I think the conclusion to be drawn is that Independent Members make their wishes known quite satisfactorily under present arrangements.

asked the Minister of Works (1) the average number of men housed in the Ministry of Works Hostel at Bifrons Park, near Bridge, and the average monthly delivery of coal to this hostel;

(2) if he is aware that motor coaches are being hired to take residents at the Ministry of Works Hostel at Bifrons Park, near Bridge, on visits to the Kent seaside resorts; that on the night of 1st November, 1947, motor coaches toured the public houses in Bridge to collect residents to transport them back to the hostel, a distance of ¾ mile; and what expenditure of public funds and petrol is involved per month;

(3) the value per week of the meat ration given to residents at the Ministry of Works Hostel at Bifrons Park, near Bridge, and the number of shell eggs per week allocated to each resident.

These Questions presumably relate to the hostel at which members of my Department's mobile labour force are accommodated. The average number of men accommodated in the hostel since it opened in July is 42; the number now there is 60, and is expected to reach about 200. Sixty-four tons of coal have been delivered to the hostel since 21st July. Members of the mobile labour force accommodated in country districts where no social amenities are available are allowed free transport not more than twice a week to a town within a radius of 20 miles from the camp or hostel. These journeys are made in the Department's vehicles which are used in transporting men daily to sites. On 1st November, only three men asked for the normal amenity run to Ramsgate and the driver in the circumstances took a number of men only so far as Bridge. The total cost of a return journey for the maximum distance is about 34s. including cost of petrol. The meat ration is on the basis of 4 5/7 d. per head per day as fixed by the Ministry of food for industrial "A" hostels, and there is the normal issue of one shell egg per head per allocation.

While thanking the Minister for that very full answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that deliveries of coal to the hostel over recent months have been greater than the amount of coal allowed for a village of 280 households? Further, is he aware that these men have been given not one, but three shell eggs per week and that the agricultural workers in the district feel great indignation at the free transport being provided and at the men being taken on tours all over East Kent?

"Tours all over East Kent" is not a true record, as I have indicated. I am not aware that three shell eggs have been given. As I say, the allocation that has been given is one shell egg per period, and as for the coal, it has been necessary to build up the required amount of coal, in view of the greatly increased number of people intended to be accommodated in the hostel in future.

In view of the fact that the coal allocation for the hostel is very much greater than that allowed to the hostels of the Women's Land Army, will the Minister look into the matter again to see why it is that this type of worker is given such preferential treatment over the agricultural worker?

I am not aware that the facts are as stated. [HON. MEMBERS: "They are."] It does not fall to me to know what is allocated to the Women's Land Army. All I can say is that there has been an anticipation of the user of this hostel for essential mobile workers for reconstruction in the area concerned.

asked the Minister of Works why he granted licences for a total of £12,584 to Daniel Neal's, Robinson and Cleavers, and the Barbeque Restaurant at Bournemouth having regard to the abundance of existing shop and restaurant accommodation there.

The work was sponsored in the first two cases by the Board of Trade, and in the latter case by the Ministry of Food. Most of the expenditure on these three premises was in respect of specialist work not involving general building labour.

The Minister has divided the work into two classes, one' being specialist work not involving ordinary labour. Is that not another way of saying "luxury work"? Is not the Minister, by granting these licences, keeping the luxury labour force unduly inflated? What answer has the Minister to make about the completely unjustifiable use of essential materials, such as plumbing material and metal, for shops in places like Bournemouth, and the supply of that material?

The answer says that the work is of a character not involving general building labour. Therefore, the work was such as did not involve the use of ordinary materials of the character that has been indicated. As to whether the licences should have been granted for particular establishments, I think it is only wise in such matters that I should take the advice of the appropriate Departments—the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Food—and their opinion is given great consideration when we come to the issuing of licences.

Is the Minister aware that in the neighbouring constituency of North Dorset these decisions have caused consternation, because there we are told we cannot have the materials to get on with houses required for the accommodation of workers on the land?

I would like instances of where that is the case. I would also point out that in the general allocating of labour for building purposes we are working on the basis of 60 per cent. of the available labour being used for housing purposes. Allocations for purposes other than housing have to be met out of the remaining 40 per cent.

asked the Minister of Works the purposes for which the premises at Royal Exchange, Manchester, in respect of which a licence for £171,300 has been granted are to be used, how much of the sum is in respect of the restoration of shop facilities in the building and which department of the Manchester Corporation, and in what terms, recommended the granting of this licence; and whether he will consider ordering that the undertaking of this work be postponed.

The licence in question represents the first stage in the complete reconstruction of the northern half of the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and such accommodation as is made immediately available will be used for shops and storage purposes. Most of the sum involved at this stage is for the general structural work and I could not, without detailed inquiry, estimate how much should reasonably be attributed to shop facilities. There was no formal recommendation by the Manchester Corporation but the application was supported by the Town Clerk. The future of this undertaking is being considered in the light of the change of circumstances since the licence was granted.

Is the Minister aware that, far from supporting this application, the Manchester Corporation and, indeed, the overwhelming majority of the citizens of Manchester are outraged that a licence of this kind has been given for the purpose of providing shops and storage accommodation; and that is only the beginning of the whole operation of restoration?

The necessary medium of communication between my Department and the Manchester Corporation is through their Town Clerk. When their Town Clerk supports an application I take it as a necessary consequence that it has been supported by the Corporation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a similar case at Bolton where the local authority objected through its Town Clerk, the Ministry of Works still did not withhold the granting of the licence?

That is an entirely different question and an entirely different attitude. I cannot in all cases accept that the local authority are the determining factor in the carrying out of any particular building operation. I must reserve to the central Department the power of looking at things from a national and not a local point of view.

asked the Minister of Works what were the terms of the recommendation by the Ministry of Food upon which he granted the licence for £4,500 to Messrs. Kenaldo Limited in respect of 96, Piccadilly, W.I, the terms of the recommendation of the Ministry of Fuel and Power upon which a licence of £4,200 was granted in respect of the same premises; what information he had as to the use to which it was intended to put the premises before these licences were granted; how many persons can be accommodated in the premises when used as a restaurant; and what steps were taken to ensure that the expenditure upon the work undertaken was not excessive in relation to the accommodation to be made available.

The Ministry of Food supported the issue of the licence for £4,500 on the grounds that there was very considerable public need in the area for additional restaurant facilities. The Ministry of Fuel and Power supported the licence for £4,200 on the grounds of fuel efficiency; the work related to the building as a whole and was not confined to the restaurant. When the £4,500 licence was granted last January my information was that the premises would be used as a popular restaurant to seat 450 persons. The work was considered as the minimum necessary to meet requirements.

Does the Minister really need the assistance of the Ministry of Food to tell him that there is ample restaurant accommodation available in the Piccadilly area? Is he aware that the present difficulty is for existing restaurants to get food for their customers?

The Minister requires and needs, as every Minister does, the co-operation of his colleagues in carrying out his functions, and I think it is essential that I should consult the Ministries concerned before making a final decision. Therefore, I did that, and having received their strong recommendation I thought I was only doing the right thing in allowing the licence to go forward.

asked the Minister of Works on the basis of houses completed, how the present output of house building compares with the prewar formula of one house per man per year.

In view of the scarcity of prewar data and changes in the size and types of houses, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison between the two periods.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the present rate of output is only 30 per cent. of prewar? Is it not time the Government did something about it?

I would not agree with that at all. The average size of the house built by local authorities has increased from 650 square feet to 950 square feet, which is approximately a 50 per cent. increase. Instead of being 12 months per man per house it is now 14 months. Improvement and efficiency have been greatly increased.

If the right hon. Gentleman has all this information why did he not give the comparisons for which I asked him in the Question?

Because I was asked about a period, and it is difficult to get the necessary statistics for a period.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the report of the committee on the cost of house building and output is published?

I do not know whether that falls to me or not, but I hope they are aware of the things I have said.

They were appointed by the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Works on what grounds a W.B.A. priority was refused for the plumbing work on four cottages on the farm known as Charlesfield, Annan, which are being reconditioned at the proprietor's expense for the use of farm workers, and are completed except for the plumbing work.

This was not one of the classes of cases in which the local authority was authorised to grant priority. An application has since been made through the Department of Agriculture and priority has been granted.

asked the Minister of Works what is the value of the licence granted to build the block of flats in Knightsbridge known as Alexander Keep; the number of flats concerned; and why, in view of his policy, this licence was granted.

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that no licence has been granted.

Is the Minister aware that, on the outside space formerly occupied by these flats is a large notice inviting prospective tenants, no doubt at very substantial rents, to apply for accommodation and stating that the flats will be up in the next year?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that. All I was asked was whether a licence had been granted. As I have said, no such licence has been granted.

Are not such blocks of flats intended to provide homes for human beings just as much as are prefabricated houses?

Yes, Sir, and application would be made to the local authority for a licence. The local authority would deal with the application.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that accurate replies are given to question 118 in the normal questionnaire, Fragebogen, in use in Germany where, among other information sought from each individual, is a list of all public addresses made giving subject, date, circulation and audience over the last 24 years.

I appreciate that all replies to question 118 cannot have been accurate but, in general, they have helped the authorities to decide whether a person was an active Nazi or merely a nominal member of the Party.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that this reduces our administration to nonsense? Could he, for instance, remember how many speeches he has made over the last 24 months, quite apart from the last 24 years?

In reply to the last part of the question, I dread to think how many speeches I have made. In reply to the first part of the Question, it is no longer the responsibility of our administration, but is now a matter for the German authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements are being made to transport the contents of German factories allotted as-reparations.

No detailed programme for the movement of this traffic is yet available.

Will the Minister bear in mind the great strain under which German transport is suffering, due to inland water transport being impeded by the drought, and will he see that the factories are not moved if it means holding up the production of coal and holding up any measures that might get the German economy going again?

Yes, we admit there is a big problem here, but we are planning to make a detailed and careful programme so as to avoid interference with priority traffic.

Has not the hon. Gentleman noticed in Germany the enormous number of goods trains standing idle in sidings loaded with machinery destined for one knows not where?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has taken any steps to aid the Nuffield organisation to start the manufacture of agricultural tractors.

Initial allocations of steel have been made and my Department is being kept informed of the progress of this project. Apart from this and the general support of the Department, I am not aware that any special help is needed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the increased number of tractors now being produced for the home market he will give an assurance that supplies of trailer implements such as ploughs, cultivators and disc harrows will be proportionately increased.

I understand that production difficulties have been affecting implements rather more seriously than tractors; but manufacturers of both types of machinery are working closely together, with my help and encouragement, with a view to achieving and maintaining an appropriate balance in supplies.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he believes that he is kept closely informed of the very grave shortage of implements such as these in, for instance, the West Riding of Yorkshire?

Yes, I believe we have been fully informed, and that is why special steps were taken to try to secure the right balance between tractors and implements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that manufacturers of agricultural machinery are concerned about the supply of malleable castings, ball bearings and chains; and whether, in view of his plan to increase production of agricultural machinery for the home market, he will take steps to ensure that these materials, as well as steel, are supplied in greater quantities for machinery to be used in this country.

At my request, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, has been, and is, doing all he can to overcome the difficulties that agricultural machinery manufacturers are meeting in getting supplies of malleable castings, ball bearings, and precision chain, for all of which the demand exceeds the supply.

Is the Minister satisfied that his right hon. Friend is succeeding in his efforts, and can he give an assurance that the supply position is likely to improve in the near future?

I said my right hon. Friend is doing his best to achieve what we desire.

Is the Minister satisfield that his right hon. Friend is succeeding in his efforts?

I believe so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why the National Agricultural Advisory Service was absent from the London Dairy Show; and at which shows this year the N.A.A.S. has had a stand.

Owing to considerable commitments at earlier shows and the heavy calls made on the time of a limited staff, I regret that it was not practicable for the N.A.A.S. to participate in this year's Dairy Show. In addition to the Royal, the Royal Welsh, and the Bath and West Shows, the National Agricultural Advisory Service has had stands at nearly 40 county and district shows in England and Wales this year.

Does not the Minister consider that the London Dairy Show is of more importance than the 40 county shows at which the National Agricultural Advisory Service was represented?

I should have thought that a general show was of far greater importance than a show dealing with a particular phase of agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements are being made to ensure that land will be avail able to suitable applicants under the pro visions in the Agricultural Act, relating to smallholdings.

The Smallholdings Advisory Council, which was recently constituted to advise me on smallholdings matters, is meeting this week to consider what arrangements should be made to bring into operation the provisions of the Agriculture Act relating to smallholdings.

When my right hon. Friend receives the report of that Committee, will he take steps to implement its findings as quickly as possible, in view of the considerable anxiety there is on this subject?

I think perhaps we had better await the report before reaching any conclusions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present position with regard to the manufacture and delivery of supplies of horticultural glass; and if he is satisfied that available supplies are distributed in a manner best calculated to increase food production.

Manufacture of horticultural glass has suffered several serious interruptions during the past year, but, if present production targets are achieved, the position should be reasonably satisfactory. The distribution of this glass is not controlled, but I am satisfied that manufacturers are doing their utmost to distribute it fairly and with due regard to the needs of food production.

Can my right hon. Friend say if any priority is given to repairs and replacements, or can all this glass go into new production?

As I have already stated, this kind of glass is not controlled. Therefore, I should imagine that a person requiring glass, either for new construction or maintenance, would have an equal opportunity of obtaining it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much the Odium v. Stratton dispossessed farmer's case has now cost the taxpayer.

The total cost of this case amounted to £6,034 17s. 8d.

Might I ask the Minister, in order to save further expenditure, and in view of the fact that there are still hundreds, if not thousands of British farmers who were dispossessed and suffering under a burning sense of injustice, if he would, even at this stage, set up an independent committee under an English judge?

This Question only asked how much this case cost, nothing more than that, and the answer has been given.

With great respect, Sir, in order to avoid further cases of this kind, I am asking that a committee should be set up so that all these cases can come before an independent tribunal.

The case referred to by the hon. Member was in reference to a libel case, and I do not know of any similar cases.

asked the Minister of Agriculture in what category Mr. Odium's farm was classified immediately before the Odium v. Stratton trial commenced.

It is not my practice to disclose the grading of any particular farm except, on occasion, to the occupier himself.

But is not the Minister aware that the essence of the Odium v. Stratton case was the classification of Mr. Odium's farm immediately before? May I ask him further, were all the relevant papers asked for submitted at the trial by the Ministry?

The fact that this was the one case where libel ensued is a warning not to repeat the offence later.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that questions dealing with these matters should have been addressed to his predecessor in Office?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the recent announcement that there are now 2,000,000 less sheep in this country than at this time last year, how long he estimates it will take to build up the number to last year's level.

Owing to the many different factors that influence the rate of growth of the sheep population, it is not possible to make a reliable forecast of the time it will take to replace last winter's losses. I hope, however, that the measures taken to assist sheep farmers who suffered losses, and the recent substantial increase in prices for fat sheep, will encourage farmers to make determined attempts to rebuild the country's flocks as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the danger that farmers will dispose of their flocks, owing to the diversion to human consumption, of foodstuffs which would otherwise be fed to sheep, and that, unless he looks into this, there will be very few sheep left in the country?

The hon. Member must be aware that I have appealed to the farming community on more than one occasion not to sell potential breeding ewes for the purpose of obtaining a ready penny. I understand that during the last few weeks at the grading centres actually fewer sheep were offered for sale than in the similar weeks of 1946.

Is not the Minister aware that swedes, and other feeding-stuffs, are being diverted for human consumption?

Is the Minister aware that he cannot feed sheep on appeals?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much acreage was used for growing potatoes in 1946, 1947, and what is the estimated acreage for 1948.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the acreage of potatoes to be grown in 1948.

The total acreage of potatoes in the United Kingdom in 1946 was 1,423,000, and in 1947 1,330,000. The target for 1948 is about double the average prewar acreage.

Is the Minister satisfied that if we do get a bad winter again the acreage is sufficient? Will he consult the Ministers of the Service Departments, to see that we get the maximum acreage tilled by troops in Service camps?

I am quite sure that those associated with Service camps are making the best use for agricultural purposes, of land available to them. In regard to the first part of the supplementary question, if we get our target of 1,423,000 acres and secure the normal yield of 7.13 tons an acre that means about 10 million tons of potatoes, or 2 million more than we had in 1947.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient seed potatoes will be forthcoming for this additional planting?

When allocating acreages and pressing farmers to plant potatoes,' I hope he will not press counties like Westmorland, where potato growing is difficult, but rather choose areas like the Don Valley, where it is easy?

We can only choose areas where we know the contribution will be good, and where it ought to be made for the national supply.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he expects to be able to revise the 1939 basis of rationing feedingstuffs to commercial pig and poultry farmers, so as to provide additional feedingstuffs for those who undertake to put the whole of their output of fat pigs and eggs under contracts recognised by the Ministry of Food.

While I appreciate the point of the hon. Member's Question, present supplies of feedingstuffs are still not enough to provide commercial rations for more than one-fifth of the number of pigs and poultry registered as having been kept on individual holdings in 1939 or 1940, less a small deduction proportionate to the acreage of the holding. As soon as there is a substantial increase in the supply of feedingstuffs, I shall be ready to reexamine the basis of the rationing scheme.

Can the Minister give an assurance that the present rations will be maintained this winter, and that by next spring, when the rearing season comes, he will be able to give an increase?

I am not at all sure about any increases, but I am hopeful that we shall carry through the winter rationing period.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Food to import more feedingstuffs?

Is the difficulty availability, or finance?

It is availability.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied that the tar gets set the various counties for potatoes and wheat next year will be realised; and will he indicate the acreages of both already secured through the war agricultural executive committees.

While preliminary inquiries suggest that in some counties the targets for both wheat and potatoes have not so far been secured, I am hopeful that the renewed drive now being undertaken by the county committees, with the fullest co-operation of the National Farmers' Union, will enable us to attain the desired objectives. In the case of wheat, the prolonged drought has, in some areas, unavoidably prevented autumn sowings to the full extent that farmers intended, but they are being encouraged in every way to sow the maximum practicable acreage of spring wheat.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a growing feeling in the countryside that he will not get his targets without direction?

I am satisfied that that is not the general view of county executive committees. But if we felt that any county was letting the country down, we should not hesitate to use the power we have, although I am satisfied from my contacts with county executive committees that there will be no necessity at all for direction.