asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will receive an deputation from the Merton and Morden Urban District Council to discuss his refusal to allow the use of the site known as Bell's Yard, Morden, for housing purposes.

The decision in this case was given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and I understand that he has already explained it to my hon. Friend.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is rather unreasonable of his right hon. Friend to refuse to receive this deputation?

I am not sure to which of my right hon. Friends the hon. Member is referring, but this is the responsibility of the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is able to announce the appointed day under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.

My right hon. Friend will be making an announcement shortly.

Will the Minister bear in mind the desirability of fixing the date as soon as possible and thereby relieving of uncertainty local authorities, landowners, and, indeed, these who are called upon to advise them?

Yes, certainly, and I will go further and say that that announcement will come within two or three weeks.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning for what reason he has delayed for six months an announcement of his decision on the appeal of John Barker & Co., Ltd., against the refusal of the London County Council to permit them to drive a roadway through an eighteenth-century house in Kensington Square; whether his decision has yet been taken, and when it will be announced; and whether he is aware that pending the conclusion of these protracted proceedings seven dwelling houses in this square and the adjacent Young Street, which might be used as such, are being kept empty or used by Barkers for casual storage.

Delay in reaching a decision was due in the first instance to the complexities of the issues raised and many interests involved. Messrs. Barkers have now asked my right hon. Friend to defer his decision because they wish to examine with the authorities concerned the possibilities of a different scheme to ease the traffic difficulties. My right hon. Friend is in communication with the London County Council and subject to what they have to say he proposes to accede to Messrs. Barkers' request. I am not aware that the use or otherwise of any houses has been affected by the absence of a decision on the appeal.

Is the Minister aware that this very long delay of six months is holding up planning and, even if it is not holding up housing, as I think it is, it is holding up other proceedings which are pending against Barkers? When Barkers asked for a decision to be delayed, were the other parties immediately asked if they would agree, or was this only done after the Question had been put down?

Messrs. Barkers have asked for a delay, and we are now in communication with the London County Council. If agreement is possible, I would have thought that was the better solution.

That is not an answer.

Is the Minister aware that this is a question of considerable interest to the National Trust, and is he further aware that when Messrs. Barkers bought this house, they knew perfectly well there was a restrictive covenant upon it, which they are now seeking to evade?

My Department is fully aware of the architectural interests involved, and they are doing their utmost to safeguard them. Messrs. Barkers may now put forward different proposals, which I should have thought was a good solution.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if, when making regulations under the provisions of the National Insurance Act, he will give consideration to reducing the weekly contribution required from those who fall into the unemployed class because of injuries received in the service of the country and, in particular, pensioners of the 1914–18 war.

A reduction in contributions would carry with it a corresponding reduction in benefits, and I doubt whether action on the lines suggested would be in the best interests of the insured persons concerned. I should add that regulations will provide that persons normally in the employed class, including the disabled, will be entitled to credits of contributions for weeks of proved unemployment.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that present scales of supplementary pensions and allowances are inadequate, in view of increasing prices of coal and other things; and what action he now proposes to remedy a situation which is causing growing hardship to many old people.

Any increase in the scales of supplementary pensions and unemployment assistance is a matter in the first instance for the Assistance Board. The Board will be under duty to prepare and submit to me fresh draft regulations when the National Assistance Bill becomes law. These will, of course, be subject to Affirmative Resolution by both Houses. I should add that, under the current regulations, the Board have wider powers, which they regularly exercise, to deal exceptionally with cases of special need.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that wages have risen 73 per cent. since before the war, and still seem to be rising, and that these supplementary pensions and allowances seem miles out of line with today's prices? Will he look into the matter to see if something can be done quickly?

As I have indicated, the Board will have an opportunity of considering new regulations in the very near future, for incorporation in the Act, which comes into operation on 5th July. In the meantime, the Board are making a special investigation into the needs of aged people, and in the last few months lump sum grants have been made in 124,000 cases, amounting to £300,000, to help aged people over the winter months.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever heard of a thing called the vicious spiral?

Can my right hon. Friend say what action the Board have taken during the last few months to give additional allowances to meet the increased cost of fuel?

These are special grants made to pensioners for special needs, including fuel.

asked the Minister of National Insurance for what reason Mr. Rideout, of 5, Sunny Hill Lane, Oare, near Marlborough, when applying for an increased unemployment benefit in respect of his child, was required to state his parents' income.

As I explained in my letter of 31st December to the hon. Member, the child was living with Mr. Rideout's parents, and the information referred to was, therefore, necessary in order to determine whether the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, were satisfied. Mr. Rideout has been informed that he has a right of appeal to the Court of Referees, but he has not exercised that right.

Has not the general impression been spread abroad that the Socialist party are opposed to means tests, and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to correct that false impression?

The new Act does not come into operation until next July; this is under the old Act.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he has considered the stoppage of unemployment benefit to Miss Joyce Jones, of Ferndale, Rhondda; and what is the justification for it.

The hon. Member has no doubt now received a letter dated 8th January, 1948, from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service about this case. Miss Jones has appealed to the Court of Referees against the disallowance of benefit, and I will send a copy of the court's decision to the hon. Member when it is received.

Does it not really amount to this, that because this girl wants a place of work a little nearer than five miles from her home, since her mother is a widow and her grandmother an invalid, she is now being stopped unemployment benefit in order to gratify the callousness of the Ministry of Labour?

Since this case is the subject of an appeal awaiting decision by the Court of Referees, I think we better await the result.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for East Rhondda (Mr. Mainwaring) took up this case weeks ago, and therefore it is quite unnecessary for the hon. Member for Oxford (Mr. Hogg) to amble into Wales?

I think the Rhondda Valley will be interested in this new interest taken in it.

asked the, Minister of National Insurance what pro- cedure was followed in selecting personnel from among the employees of the Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company at Treborth Hall, Bangor, Caernarvonshire, for appointments under his Ministry.

The procedure followed was that recommended by the Approved Society Staffing Advisory Committee, which I set up to advise me on the terms of absorption of approved society staffs generally. This Committee recommended that the Civil Service Commission should interview and grade the societies' permanent staff, who should receive priority for employment in this Department, and that employees not on the permanent staff should be interviewed by my Department, and should be considered for such vacancies as might be available for them on the temporary staff of the Ministry. This procedure has been followed. I have called for a full report in regard to the temporary staff, and when it is available I shall be glad to discuss the position with my hon. Friend and with the hon. Member for Caernarvon Boroughs (Mr. Price-White), who has written me on the same matter.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in addition to the interview by the Civil Service Commissioners, they are also furnished with reports from the approved societies concerned on the merits and qualifications of the applicants?

Yes, Sir, such reports are produced, and each Civil Service selection committee has representatives of the approved societies and trade unions on it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the resolution of the City of Oxford Conservative and Unionist Association Executive Council viewing with alarm the notices of termination of employment from local works and requesting the appropriate authorities to take all the steps in their power to explore the possibility of attracting other light industries to Oxford, in view of the possibility of widespread unemployment in the city and its immediate neighbourhood; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

Yes, Sir. A number of workers were discharged by local firms last autumn, but many of these have since been reinstated or re-absorbed into other employment. As the demands for workers in the area greatly exceed the numbers registered as unemployed, there does not appear to be any special need to attract light industries to the city in order to provide additional employment, and I should not feel justified in suggesting that any steps should be taken to this end.

While understanding the reasons behind the right hon. Gentleman's reply, can we not be assured that some rather longer-term planning is taking place in regard to a city which is slightly unbalanced — [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear"]—in regard to its industrial development?

Yes, Sir, the difficulty is, of course, that Oxford has in recent years rapidly developed as an industrial area, but at the moment we have no doubt at all about the possibility of absorbing the unemployed there. At the moment there are 363 registered as unemployed for 1,465 vacancies.

Will my right hon. Friend explain that this is one of the benefits of private enterprise?

asked the Minister of Labour why Mr. John Selfridge, of 65, Clydesdale Street, Hamilton, was directed to the mines on the 10th December, 1947, despite a doctor's certificate.

Mr. Selfridge went into coalmining as an alternative to service in His Majesty's Forces. He subsequently left without notice, and, as he refused to go back voluntarily, he was issued with a direction after being pronounced fit for coalmining employment by an independent medical referee. He appealed against the direction, and the local appeal board dismissed his appeal. As, however, a further medical certificate had been submitted by Mr. Selfridge from his own doctor, he was again examined by an independent medical referee, who on this occasion pronounced him unfit for coal-mining employment. The direction was thereupon withdrawn.

Does not this entirely illustrate the folly of directing people against their will?

It may also indicate the folly of relying always on a doctor's opinion.

On three doctors' opinions

asked the Minister of Labour, what plans his Department has for providing hostel accommodation for European Volunteer Workers in the Heywood district; and when he expects that these plans will be put into effect.

Despite careful search of the district, no suitable premises have yet been found. The premises I had in mind are required for training purposes, but the search is continuing.

If my right hon. Friend is unable to find existing premises, will he discuss with other Departments the possibility of making hutments available for this purpose?

That possibility has not been overlooked.

asked the Minister of Labour how many foreign girls, including those from Eire, have come to this country in 1947 as domestic servants or hospital staff, whose fares have been paid, and who have now been placed in Government or local authority employment.

During 1947, 3,805 women were brought to this country and placed in "priority" domestic employment at the cost of the Exchequer under schemes for the recruitment of displaced persons from the Continent. Of these 2,439 went to hospitals, but my records do not distinguish between the types of hospitals—Government, local authority or voluntary—employing them. Women from Eire do not, of course, fall under schemes relating to foreign workers. The number of women recruited in 1947 through my Dublin Liaison Office for hospital domestic work in this country was 260 and for hostels 190. Employers are responsible for payment of fares of women from Eire taking up other types of domestic employment.

Cannot the Minister realise that private individuals who engage foreign persons to help them in their homes are entitled to some consideration and that the Minister of Labour or the Government should not take those people, for whom employers have paid to come into the country, into Government service?

I have no information to justify that statement. If the hon. Gentleman will let me have particulars, I will look into them.

How many have already returned to their homes?

In regard to the displaced persons, I should say none. With regard to the people from Eire, I should require notice of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in Scotland in the establishment of joint production committees industry.

I am glad to observe a steady growth of interest in this subject among employers and workers generally, and I am in communication with the two sides of a number of industries on it. I am afraid, however, there is t present no exact information as to the rate of development in Scotland elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now considered the letter addressed to his Department on 16th December, 1947, by the Association of Health and Pleasure Resorts calling attention to the difficulties which may be caused in the resorts by catering workers being directed under the Control of Engagement Order, 1947, to other industries during the off-season; and what reply he proposes to give to the request that catering establishments at health and pleasure resorts be included in the schedule of essential undertakings.

The matter is at present under consideration, and I hope to announce in the course of the next week or so the circumstances in which hotels, etc., will be able to recruit workers for the holiday seasons.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that his higher appointments bureaux continue to fulfil a useful function; and if he will give relevant figures for the past year.

Yes, Sir. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the relevant figures for the past year in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that perhaps these bureaux are now overstaffed in view of the appointments offered by them, or, alternatively, would he not encourage employers to make more use of them?

I do not agree that they are overstaffed. As for the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I would be glad if we could get more employers to make more use of them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include the relevant figures so far as persons from India and Burma are concerned? How many of them have been placed?

If the hon. Member will give me notice, I will see what I can do to answer his question, but they are not in the figures which I have prepared for the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the continued evidence that the obligation to employ a percentage of disabled men is not fully appreciated by all employers, he will require the percentage of disabled men to be stated in the employment returns.

No, Sir; the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act gives me no power to call for such returns but only requires employers to keep appropriate records. The statistical returns of numbers in employment are required for other purposes and could not properly be used to ascertain whether employers are complying with their obligations under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act.

What is the Minister doing to notify employers of their liability, because obviously a considerable number of employers are employing more than the normal percentage while others are not even aware of their obligations in this respect?

A great deal of work is being done in notifying employers. In every case now in which we are not satisfied from the information we have that employers are complying, a visit is paid to them, and their books are inspected. The problem is that many employers would be willing to take a disabled person but have no vacancy, and they are not expected to dismiss an able-bodied man to make room for a disabled one; but they have given a promise that as soon as a vacancy occurs they will comply with our request.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several Government Departments, including the War Office, are at the present moment declaring redundant, men wearing the King's Badge—that is, disabled men? Will he look into that side of it, and not merely confine himself to private employers?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me particulars, I will look into them, but the answer I have given relates to the 3 per cent. quota.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings have been held of the Council of Former Secretaries of State for Scotland; and what was the date of the most recent meeting of this body.

The Council of ex-Secretaries of State held 16 meetings, the last of which took place on 16th February, 1945, during the Coalition Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give an undertaking that the Scottish Hydro-Electric Project will not be affected in 1948 by any revision arising from the White Paper on Capital Investment in 1948.

I regret I cannot add to the statement of the Government's intentions as set out in the White Paper and in the Debate thereon on 18th December.

In view of the great hopes of this undertaking which were encouraged by the former Secretary of State, will the present Secretary of State see that nothing is allowed to happen which will in any way hold up the work that is going on in connection with the hydro-electric project?

The work is going on steadily and the difficulties in completing the work on this scheme are more likely to be physical than administrative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to increase the output of agricultural machinery in Scotland.

The production programmes of Scottish manufacturers of agricultural machinery provide for a substantial overall increase in output in 1948. The Government have increased substantially the allocations of steel to these manufacturers and will continue to do everything possible to assist them in implementing their plans.

Is the Secretary of State aware that one of the oldest agricultural implement factories in Scotland is suffering from the handicap of a lack of skilled labour and a lack of material? Is he also aware that a new American factory is also contemplated, and will he see that there is co-ordination of these activities in order to help the agricultural industry?

I will look into any point about the supply of material to the factory which my hon. Friend has in mind, and if it is at all possible we will do what we can to put that right.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to press forward the provision of spare parts for agricultural machinery, the absence of which is immobilising much machinery in the industry?

Yes, but it is always a difficult problem to settle the proportion of spare parts and new machines.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House, in regard to the new machinery manufactured in Scotland, that what will be required for use by farmers in Scotland will be provided, and not exported?

That would be a dangerous procedure, because England might refuse to give us our share of machines from the South—[Interruption.]

On a point of Order, Is it in Order for a Member to say audibly in this House "To hell with the English"?

It is not in Order but it I did not hear it that makes a great difference.

If I did say anything rather foolish, I naturally withdraw it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the administration of Scottish affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the steps he proposes to take to secure a greater measure of Scottish control over Scottish affairs.

I hope to make a statement on this subject in the near future.

Will my right hon. Friend say when "the near future" is, as this has been the subject of deliberation for 18 months now?

About 10 days.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his administration in Scotland is as bad as the Government's administration in this country, which is most deplorable?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind consultations with the former Secretaries of State?

That raises constitutional difficulties in a non-Coalition Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to introduce legislation to implement the suggestions contained in the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Tenure of Shop Premises in Scotland.

The Committee of Inquiry into the tenure of shop premises in Scotland did not recommend any immediate legislative action and I am not aware of any change in circumstances since the Committee reported. The matter is, however, being kept under review.

Has the Secretary of State considered the suggestion that there might be legislation of a temporary character?

If the hon. and gallant Member will read the Report, he will see that there is really no justification for legislation at the moment, and that unless something does arise, it could not justifiably be brought before the House of Commons.

In view of the agitation that went on regarding these shops, and the Report which has now been presented, is there any likelihood of a Debate, as some of us have strong opinions on the matter?

If anyone can produce facts which would justify any action, we would consider action, but the Committee was very broad and well-informed, and it could not find justification for action.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that just now threats are being made in Scotland, particularly in industrial centres like Glasgow, to put out people who have built up businesses, because the premises in which those businesses are situated have been bought, and those people are being asked to pay a high figure for the purchase of their shops?

I am aware of reports of that kind, but the Committee which was set up to inquire into this matter took all the evidence, and the proposals were not such as to justify a general conclusion being drawn.

Did not that Committee recommend, where tenants were being asked to buy, that if the price was extortionate the tenant should have recourse to the sheriff, who would fix a reasonable rent? Did not they also recommend that in the event of the sale of business premises, the tenant should have preference in buying—

The hon. Lady cannot discuss the whole Report on a Question which only asked about whether legislation is to be introduced.

I am sorry. Did not those recommendations indicate that the Committee recommended legislation?

As I replied before to my hon. Friend, the Committee did not recommend legislation. That was the Committee's conclusion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the Government's proposal to reduce labour for road maintenance, what steps he intends to take for the proper upkeep of roads in Perthshire for which he is responsible.

The decision to which the hon. Member refers will not, so far as I am aware, affect any estate roads for the maintenance of which I am responsible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that local people are very disturbed about what they consider to be a considerable reduction in the upkeep of roads, and could he give them something a little more comforting, so that they may know what the situation really is?

I am afraid that I am not responsible for the roads referred to. The Minister of Transport is responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he has made to distribute linseed seeds to farmers.

Pedigreed linseed seed is being imported from Canada in sufficient quantity to meet estimated requirements for sowing in Great Britain in 1948. This seed will be distributed through the usual trade channels who do not anticipate any difficulty in meeting the Scottish demand.

Arising from that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman indicate exactly what arrangements are being made to distribute the seed?

Through the ordinary merchants, a source well known to all people interested.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many persons in Scotland were declared bankrupt in 1947; and what was the average number yearly between 1919 and 1939;

(2) how many farmers in Scotland were declared bankrupt in 1947; and what was the average number yearly between 1919 and 1939.

The number of persons declared bankrupt by the Court in Scotland in 1947 was 25, including four farmers. The corresponding average annual numbers between 1919 and 1939 were 229 and 17 respectively.

Will the Minister explain the relative prosperity of Scotland?

Is not bankruptcy now a State monopoly?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will make a statement as to what is the position of a war disability pensioner who, having become a widower, marries for the second time.

If he is in receipt of pension at the standard rate an allowance is payable in respect of his second wife.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the rise in the cost of living, he is now prepared to consider a commensurate increase in the war widows' pension.

Substantial increases in the pensions of war widows have been made since the outbreak of the recent war. At that time the pension of the 1939 war widow of a private soldier was 22S. 6d. a week if she was over 40 years of age, or had children or was incapable of self-support, and otherwise 15s. 6d. a week. The comparable rates today are 35s. and 20S. Similarly the allowance for each child of a widow was then 5s. a week and is now us. a week. A rent allowance up to a maximum of 15s. a week is also now payable to the widow with children where her rent and rates exceed 8s. a week. Thus, the 1939 war widow of a private soldier with two children and a rent of 16s. a week would in 1939 have received 32s. 6d. a week, whereas today she receives 65s. a week apart from any allowance under the Family Allowances Act. The rates of widows' pension will, of course, be considered in connection with any general review of the war pensions provisions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the hardship in 1948 of endeavouring to live on 35s. a week, and in view of the debt which this country owes to these women, would he give urgent consideration to this matter?

In 1939, when the hon. Gentleman's friends were in power, they measured it at a very low rate, and on comparative figures the rates are now well above any other advance. I think that, whoever else has a grumble, it is certainly not hon. Gentlemen on the other side.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the increase; since 1939 have kept pace with the increase in the cost of living?

In this particular case, they are far in excess of it. I am not saying the rate is too much, but so far as the percentage is concerned, it is far in excess.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many married quarters at the latest convenient date were appropriated for purposes other than family accommodation; what these purposes were; and what steps are contemplated to make them available for their intended purpose; and

(2) how many married quarters at the latest convenient date were damaged and requiring repairs to make them habitable; what steps are being taken to deal with their repair; and by what date it is expected that they will be rendered habitable.

In the United Kingdom at 1st January, 757 married quarters were used for purposes other than family accommodation. The purposes for which these quarters have been misappropriated vary considerably, but the majority are to house A.T.S. for whom no other suitable accommodation exists. The quarters will be put to their proper use as alternative accommodation for the present occupants is found and as the married quarters are reconditioned to their original use. One thousand two hundred and fifty quarters required repairing. This has been given priority, but progress depends largely on the availability of labour and materials. It is not possible to give an accurate forecast of the date when this work will be completed, but it is hoped that nearly all repairs will be carried out during the next twelve months.

Do I understand from the reply that the right hon. Gentleman gives the equivalent of a pledge that nobody will be evacuated from married quarters until alternative accommodation has been found for them?

I could not give any such pledge, but we do take every possible precaution.

asked the Secretary of State for War at what date the sum of £10 was fixed for the annuity associated with the Meritorious Service Medal; and what steps are proposed to bring the sum into relation with the changes in the cost of living since then.

The maximum of £10 was fixed by Royal Warrant in November 1920. Subject to certain conditions the annuities may be increased under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Warrants, 1944 and 1947.

Can the Secretary of State for War say what increase there can be in the standard rate of £10?

Subject to means, we can add another £4, but it must be understood that this is not regarded as maintenance; it is merely a grant to deserving old soldiers. Maintenance is provided out of social insurance legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that it is proposed to establish a permanent small arms range on Burley Moor which is part of the famous Ilkley Moor, that such a range will affect 500 acres of moorland, and close two popular footpaths, as well as adversely affecting the water rights, grazing rights and sporting rights; and will he take steps to keep this moor open at all times for the use of the people who live in the nearby towns and cities.

I am aware of the proposal, which will be considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements who are awaiting the regional report on the case. The Committee will take into account the effect on local interests and amenities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Committee that when the Territorials wish to use the range at weekends, it is just the time when it is required by the general public of the cities of Leeds and Bradford; and also that Ilkley Moor is hardly available at all, because of unexploded bombs?

This site consists of a series of small-arms ranges, which have been in use, I understand, since 1914.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the tonnage of Army stores and equipment now in Palestine and Egypt; and how much is to be evacuated prior to August, 1948.

The total tonnage of Army stores and equipment now in Palestine and Egypt is 1,550,000 tons. It is proposed to retain 623,000 tons, of which 50,000 tons of material in short supply will be returned to the United Kingdom and the remainder will be used to meet the needs of the Forces in the Middle East. The other 927,000 tons are being offered to the Ministry of Supply for disposal. It is hoped that the stores in Palestine which we wish to retain will be moved by August, 1948.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not a planned evacuation of these stores from Palestine is being maintained?

The right hon. Gentleman knows the circumstances. I should say, "Yes."

asked the Secretary of State for War when he intends to relinquish Donington Park.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham (Mr. Hale) on 3rd November last, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the provision of facilities for visits by relatives to war graves in Germany.

As I said in reply to the hon. Member on 4th November, difficulties of transport and accommodation preclude any arrangements being made at present. I am, however, keeping the matter under review.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not say something more definite? Is he aware that two and a half years have elapsed since the end of the war in Europe, and surely it has been possible to make some arrangements for these very necessary facilities in that time?

Apart from the difficulties of transport, accommodation and currency, I am bound to say, from my experience and observation recently in Germany, that much of the work in the cemeteries is not yet completed. I should prefer to see rather a better state of completion before coming to any definite decision.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there are many cemeteries in France which are completed, and as it would be impossible to arrange for all the families to go at the same time, could not a start be made now in a small way?

I should like to assist in this direction. I would not place any obstacle in the way, but there are physical difficulties which, at the moment, cannot be surmounted.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the vehicles parked on the Hamburg-Bremen Autobahn have been deprived of one or all their wheels; and how many, wheeled vehicles there are altogether in that park with or without wheels.

No records are available of the number of vehicles on this autobahn with or without wheels, respectively. The total number of vehicles at present held in the park is 9,650.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I visited the park recently and found that about 50 per cent, of the vehicles are without wheels? What does he propose to do about it?

If my hon. Friend, during his visit to the autobahn, detected how many wheels were absent, he has got the information.

Yes, but is my right hon. Friend aware that I have raised this matter before, and that literally millions of pounds worth of stuff is going to waste there because nothing is done? When does he propose to do anything about it?

I have made very careful inquiries into these allegations about waste, and I think they are grossly, exaggerated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been no change in the situation for two years now, to my certain knowledge?

All I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that his knowledge is not certain.

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

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether his attention has been called to the recent disaster which occurred at Saxelby, Leicestershire, when an explosion of mine fuses which were being tested before removal resulted in the death of three members of the Pioneer Corps (two of whom were under 20 years of age) and the serious injury of some 20 more; whether he is satisfied that all the personnel employed on this dangerous work were adequately trained; whether he will give instructions that in future no soldier under 20 years of age shall be employed in this type of work.

A court of inquiry has been convened and I will write to the hon. Member when I have received its report. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my deep regret to the relatives of the men who lost their lives as a result of this accident.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the boys killed in this disaster was a raw recruit with only seven weeks' service, and that when, at the inquest, the question was asked whether all were adequately trained for the job, the answer was given that all were warned of the danger; and is he further aware that the answer he has given is no answer whatsoever, and that if a young man of 18 is warned that a job is dangerous, it is tantamount to asking him to do it?

A matter of that sort would be the subject of consideration by the court of inquiry. We have considerable difficulty in these matters. First of all, these boys are operating under skilled specialists who are trained in matters of this sort, in addition to which, as 70 to 80 per cent. of the men consist of National Service intake, it is quite impossible to be stringent from the standpoint of age.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the exact number of German prisoners of war in Egypt at the moment.

At 3rst December, 50,158.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate any date when these prisoners will be repatriated?

We are hoping to complete the task some time at the back end of the year.

Will these prisoners be given the same opportunity voluntarily to remain in Allied hands as alien civilian workers, as are the prisoners in this country?

The point is interesting, but it was not contained in the Question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether there is any scheme of repatriation, and is it being kept up to date?

What we are doing is based on a scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no issue of civilian clothing, or clothing coupons, is made to prisoners of war released in this country for work as civilians in agriculture.

Prisoners released for work as civilians keep the clothing they had as prisoners. Under recent arrangements they also are given 21 clothing coupons when the contract to work is signed and thereafter an issue on the scale allowed for non-resident civilians. An additional issue of 10 coupons annually allowed to industrial workers may be made through the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Secretary of State for War why prisoners of war released in this country as civilians for work in agriculture are not allowed to change their savings of camp money into sterling.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge) on 16th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many prisoners of war were repatriated from Great Britain and the Middle East, respectively, during December; and how many are expected to return from the Middle East during January.

Twenty thousand seven hundred and two and 1,916 German prisoners of war were repatriated from Great Britain and the Middle East respectively during December, 1947, and it is hoped to repatriate 2,365 from the Middle East during January, 1948. I should like to take this opportunity of announcing that during the first quarter of 1948 it is proposed to repatriate 74,000 prisoners of war from Great Britain and it is hoped to complete their repatriation during July. The Middle East presents a more difficult problem but it is intended to repatriate 15,000 in each of the first two quarters of 1948 and I hope to complete repatriation at an earlier date than was originally visualised.

May I say to the right hon. Gentleman that I am as pleased with that reply as I was displeased with the one before?

In that event, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will withdraw his notice to raise the other matter on the Adjournment.

While welcoming very warmly the new announcement by my right hon. Friend—[Interruption]—andthe return to this House of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill)—may I ask him whether the rate of repatriation from the Middle East also will be speeded up if more transport becomes available?

I also am glad to see that the right hon. Gentleman has been repatriated. In reply to my hon. Friend, we are pushing on with that as fast as we can.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement that it is hoped to complete repatriation at a date earlier than has previously been envisaged, can he tell us that date?

I said "at an earlier date."

asked the Prime Minister whether, in an effort to prevent any further deterioration in the international situation, he will take steps to bring about an early conference between himself and the heads of the other major Allied States.

While I am naturally anxious to take any steps which could lead to an improvement of the international situation, I do not feel that a conference of the kind suggested would be likely to advance matters at the present time.

Would the Prime Minister make it clear that, contrary to the suggestion in the Question, the Prime Minister in this country, and indeed in France and Russia, is not the head of the State?

indicated assent.

asked the Prime Minister to state the names of individuals who have been appointed to more than one national or regional board of a nationalised undertaking or State corporation of a commercial character; and the nature of such duplicate appointments, together with details of individual salaries and allowances paid.

Five gentlemen are at present members of the boards of more than one undertaking of the kind described. I am circulating particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is there a shortage of "boys for the jobs"?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that instructions have been issued by the Ministry of Food that communications received by local Food Executive Officers from Members of Parliament are to be referred to headquarters for reply, while the Ministry of Fuel and Power have sent a circular to Members of Parliament inviting them to communicate with regional officers; and what steps he is taking to ensure uniformity in this matter amongst the various Ministries.

The duties of Departments differ greatly, and their organisation cannot be uniform. Channels of communication cannot be fixed by a general rule.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage of unestablished civil servants.

58.75 per cent. of non-industrial civil servants as at 1st October, 1947, were unestablished.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the shortage of silver in the North Staffordshire area; that large firms are finding it difficult to make up wages; why this is so; and if he will rectify it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the shortage of silver coinage in Suffolk and that inconvenience is caused thereby; what are the reasons for the shortage; and what steps he is taking to remedy the condition.

While I am aware that seasonal demands have continued longer than is usual over the turn of the year, I have no reason to believe that the position is worse in the areas mentioned by my hon. Friends than in other populous areas. Every endeavour is, however, being made to meet genuine demand for coin, and generally there are indications of a slight improvement.

Has this position anything to do with the hoarding of silver by black marketeers; secondly, is the Minister aware that large firms are experiencing a real difficulty in North Staffordshire in paying out wages at the weekend?

As regards the first supplementary question, I should hardly think that anybody who wants to hoard large sums of money would hoard silver, or the substitute for it.

They are doing that.

There is no evidence of that. If the hon. Member will let me have the names and addresses of the people, I will see to it. Secondly, the position is probably difficult in North Staffordshire at present, but it is getting better.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that there are nothing but seasonal influences at work? Certainly, the shortage would seem to be far more acute than it has been in previous years.

It is more acute. We cannot find any other except seasonal reasons. We are watching the position very carefully, and if there is anything further we can do we will do it.

Is the Chancellor aware that in some cases the only way to pay wages in large establishments is by the purchase of postal orders, and some firms have been purchasing them by the thousand pounds' worth recently? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to see that they are made legal tender, as they were during the war? Great inconvenience is caused when they are not accepted as currency.