asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women have been directed to employment by his Department, and under what circumstances, since the Order came into force.

I assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Control of Engagement Order, 1947, which came into force on 6th October, 1947. Between that date and 31st December, 1947, directions under Defence Regulation 58A (1) were issued to 12 men and three women to take essential work. These figures exclude directions issued to workers normally employed in agriculture and coalmining, requiring them to remain within their industry.

If the Minister has found his powers of direction so unnecessary, why did he seek them in the first instance?

Powers have been necessary to fill this number of jobs. As I have previously pointed out to the House, I was quite satisfied that the vast number of workers in this country would respond to the guidance offered to them and not wait for direction.

Does not the Minister realise that dictatorship will not work in England?

asked the Minister of Labour what is the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to co-partnership and profit-sharing schemes in industry.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for South Edinburgh (Sir W. Darling) on 9th December last.

Is there any significance in the fact that the Labour Party's most recent publication upon industrial democracy makes no mention whatever, in its 8,000 words, about the importance of co-partnership in industry, which surely is the essence of industrial democracy?

I am not responsible for what the party has issued.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that schemes of this kind help to identify the interests of employers and employees?

That is a matter of opinion.

That is a matter of personal opinion which I am not called upon to express.

asked the Minister of Labour why the employment exchanges throughout the country were kept open on Saturday afternoon of 24th January for the purpose of registering persons not gainfully employed, when these people had five and a half days in which to register.

The local offices of my Department were open on the Saturday afternoon to enable persons to register who were prevented for any reason from attending on their allotted days earlier in the week.

If they were not gainfully employed, it seems incredible that they should not be in a position to register earlier in the week.

The local offices were opened on the Saturday afternoon to give them every opportunity of registering, and to avoid the excuse that they were prevented from attending on other days.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many actually registered on that Saturday afternoon?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons on the disabled persons register who had enrolled for training courses but were awaiting vacancies at training centres, on 1st July, 1947, and 1st January, 1948, respectively.

Yes, Sir. 3,540 and 2,384 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the recent action of the Coventry Corporation in paying non-union labourers 2s. 2½d. per hour as compared with 2s. 6d. per hour paid to trades unionists in the light of the recent wage negotiations in which he took part; whether this deliberate policy of wage rate discrimination inducing workers to join a union is part of the policy of His Majesty's Government; and if he will make a full statement.

This is not a matter on which I have any authority to intervene.

Does the Minister agree that the intention of the recent wage negotiations was that increases in wages should be related entirely to increases in output; and does he agree that it is not just or equitable that ratepayers' or taxpayers' money should be used to induce workers to subscribe to trade union funds?

That is not a matter upon which I have any authority to intervene, and, therefore, it would be unwise of me to express an opinion.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is wrapped up with the whole policy of wages in the country?

Will not the Minister agree that the Coventry Corporation is an example to bad employers of what good employers should be.

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled ex-Service men there are in Newport; when the new factory providing work for them and authorised in 1946 will be started; and if no provision is to be made this year whether he will take steps to make temporary provision in existing premises which are available in Newport.

The number of disabled ex-Service men recorded as unemployed in Newport on 15th December was 197, of whom 32 were classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. The acquisition of a site for the factory proposed by the Disabled Persons Employment Corporation has proved exceptionally difficult. There is one under consideration but its availability for this purpose is not yet confirmed and it is not possible, therefore, to say when constructional work will commence. Efforts have been made to secure temporary premises, but none of those suggested has proved suitable. If my hon. Friend is aware of any premises which may be suitable I should be glad if he would let me know of them.

Is there any chance of these men getting any other work, and if I submit the names of other places, will the Minister make further investigations?

I should be grateful if the hon. Member would do that, because we are most anxious to get this work going.

asked the Minister of Labour how many registered disabled men are signing on at the Ilford employment exchange and what steps are being taken to provide them with suitable employment.

The number of registered disabled men recorded as unemployed at the Ilford employment exchange on 15th December, 1947, was 157, of whom 40 were classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. Every effort is made through the Ilford exchange both under the quota scheme and otherwise to find suitable employment for these men.

Could not the Chadwell Heath training centre be used for the purpose of finding work for those disabled men? This training centre has been stopped owing to the cut in capital expenditure, but part of it is quite capable of employing many people. Could it not be used to find work for these men?

I could not answer definitely off-hand, but I will promise to have the matter looked into at once.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the resolution, a copy of which has been sent him, passed by the National Council of Women, that it is in the best interests of the nation that the rewards of labour should be related to the work done, and not to the sex of the worker; whether he is aware of the demand amongst feminine organisations in favour of the rate for the job; and at what date he will make an announcement of the Government's policy on this subject.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the House on 11th June, 1947, by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a trade dispute is still in being at an Islington firm of engineers, Messrs. Nuckey, Scotts; that labour is being supplied to them by the exchanges of his Department; that the A.E.U. have recognised the dispute, which has been in operation for fourteen weeks, on the ground that the firm have never fully implemented the terms of the fair wages resolutions; and if he is prepared to institute an inquiry into the conditions obtaining in this firm, which is on the Government list of contractors.

I am aware of the existence of this dispute and officers in my Department have, from the outset, maintained close contact with the parties. I am assured that workers submitted to the firm through the employment exchange service have, in all cases, in accordance with current instructions, been informed of the existence of the dispute. As regards the third and fourth parts of the Question, I have received no complaint on behalf of the union that the terms of the fair wages resolution ate not being observed by the firm in any particular respect.

Are the exchange officials informed as to whether the fair wages resolution is in operation in firms to which labour is being sent.

The exchange officials would not have before them information which would entitle them to decide whether the fair wages resolution was or was not carried out. That is a matter which, under the Act, must be decided by arbitration, but in this case we are in contact with the union and we have been endeavouring to get the union and the firm to meet. We are drawing their attention to the regulation relating to the fair wages clause and the steps to be taken to decide questions under it.

Is it not a fact that the men engaged in this factory were very happy in their employment, that the six men responsible for the strike were Communists who came in only three months ago, and is not this an example of how the Communist Party are trying to disrupt the nation?

Would the Minister seriously consider having this firm and firms like it specified when they refuse to recognise the trade union?

Would the Minister give an assurance that before any applicants at the exchanges are sent to this firm, they are told that an official strike is in progress.

I am very anxious categorically to deny statements that are being circulated about the present case, but when an application is made to the exchange by a worker who asks for a job, he is informed that there is a strike in progress. We cannot do any more.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of farm workers registered as unemployed at the most recent convenient date; and what steps he is taking to get those who are unemployed back on the farms.

The number of men unemployed and registered for employment as farm workers in Great Britain at 8th December was 2,173. This is less than half of one per cent. The extent to which local offices of my Department are able to assist, the return of these men to farm work is necessarily limited by the extent to which farmers notify their vacancies. In conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, I am taking all possible steps to encourage farmers to let us know their requirements, but it must be remembered that farmers are free to engage labour and workers are free to accept agricultural employment other than through a local office of my Department. Agricultural executive committees are taking every opportunity in co-operation with my Department to provide work for unemployed agricultural workers but, at this period of the year, those opportunities are naturally limited.

Does the Minister realise that many farmworkers who are out of work do not register at the exchanges; does he not agree that the existence of rural unemployment at the present time, on the eve of what we hope will be a great food production campaign, is rather disturbing; and will he tell those farmers who show a preference for foreign workers that unemployed British farm workers are to be used on British farms?

I am not quite sure if I followed the hon. Gentleman's three points, but this industry has not yet used the employment exchanges to the same extent as other industries. However, the use is growing and steps have been taken to encourage farmers and farm workers to go to the exchanges. As far as foreign labour is concerned, farmers are told quite definitely that they will not be allowed to employ any when British workers are available to take the jobs.

In connection with the Minister's consultation with the Minister of Agriculture, will he consider the housing problem, which is one of the chief reasons in certain places why there is not more labour?

That is so, and that matter has been under consideration. Some steps are being taken towards its alleviation.

Is not the fact that less than half of one per cent of the farm workers are unemployed good evidence that farmers are doing their duty by the farm workers?

That, again, is a matter of opinion. I do not think we could say that the farm workers are any less reasonable in this matter than any other class of workers. I may add that this is the time of the year when there is not the greatest amount of work available on the farms.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the position of E.V.W.'s who have completed their year's contract in the cotton industry.

It is a condition of the recruitment of European Volunteer Workers that they undertake employment approved by the Ministry of Labour and this condition is not limited as to period. There is no employment contract for one year only and the position does not therefore change when this period expires.

Is it not a fact that the European voluntary workers in the cotton industry generally have given great satisfaction?

I could say "Yes," but I should like to go a little further and say that not only have they given great satisfaction and excellent results in that industry, but in every industry where they have been employed.

Is it true that a European Volunteer Worker cannot leave an industry after 12 months?

No. European volunteer workers can leave an industry, but they can only take such other employment as is approved by the Ministry of Labour. In other words, they cannot run away from an undermanned industry and compete in an industry which is overmanned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the application of the Printing Trades Alliance to be represented on the Joint Industrial Council for the industry has been granted; or why it has been refused.

The Printing Trades Alliance is not represented on the Joint Industrial Council. I have no information about any recent application for representation, but this is entirely a matter for the Council.

Is it not a fact that the Printing Trades Alliance has applied for representation on the Joint Industrial Council and has been refused, and is not the right hon. Gentleman responsible in this connection, seeing that he was one of the men who tried to stamp this organisation out of existence before he became a Minister?

That is a most unreasonable allegation to make and there is absolutely no foundation for it. If the hon. Gentleman has information which indicates that the Alliance have made a recent application, he should say so categorically. As Minister of Labour and as an ex-member of that industry, I do not know that this Alliance has made an application for a very considerable time for representation on the Council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept my assurance that they have made that application and that he, before he became Minister, tried to drive this organisation out of existence?

The hon. Gentleman must remember that imputations and insinuations are out of Order on a supplementary question and would not be allowed on the Notice Paper.

If the hon. Gentleman inquires of that Alliance, he will find that before I became Minister I was the one person in the industry who endeavoured to overcome the immense difficulties in the way of bringing about a better relationship.

asked the Minister of Labour how many strikes have taken place at the Smithfield Meat Market in the years 1946 and 1947.

According to the records of my Department, there were five stoppages of work in 1946, and nine in 1947, involving workers at Smithfield Market.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent mill owners have responded to the introduction in the textile industry of Training Within Industry Schemes.

The scheme of Training Within Industry for Supervisors has been widely adopted throughout the textile industries and has been introduced into about 160 firms. Approximately 10,000 persons in those industries have received training under the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the building of school premises in Scotland will be delayed as a result of the restrictions on capital expenditure imposed by the Government.

The restrictions of the Educational Building Programme outlined in the White Paper on Capital Investment in 1948 apply mainly to major proposals for nursery schools, community centres, adult education centres and youth clubs. They will not, however, delay the building of school premises of the kind most urgently required, such as those to provide accommodation made necessary by the raising of the school-leaving age, the increased birth rate and new housing developments. In fact, the scale of expenditure envisaged permits more rapid progress.

In view of the deplorable housing situation in Scotland today, why did the Minister agree to any reduction in capital expenditure, which is so essential?

That is quite another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him from the British Medical Association regarding the supply of cars to doctors in Scotland; and what steps he is taking to ensure that doctors in general practice are not prevented from carrying out their work through lack of transport.

My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from doctors direct but none from the British Medical Association. Hon. Members are aware, however, that the distribution of new private cars in the home market is left to the motor industry, who have given an assurance that preference would be given to the delivery of cars ordered by doctors.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very grave delay in the delivery of cars to doctors, extending over two years in some cases, and will he make certain, by approaching his right hon. Friend, that deliveries to doctors are given preference over exports?

As hon. Members will be aware, this was a case where a control was taken off and where a particular understanding was come to with the motor industry. I should like to know if the hon. Member is suggesting that this control should be applied again.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the danger to public health caused by the pollution of the River Esk in Midlothian; and if he will take steps to remedy this evil.

I have no evidence that the condition of the River Esk constitutes a danger to public health, although I am aware that the river is unsightly and, at times, malodorous. This unsatisfactory position arises largely through the difficulty of purifying paper-mill effluent at reasonable expense. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Minister of Health have asked the paper industry to co-operate with the Government in research into the possibility of devising reasonably practicable methods of treatment. In addition, the Scottish Water Advisory Committee are considering whether any amendment of the law dealing with pollution is necessary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the paper industry is not the only source of pollution in this way?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations were made to him asking him to introduce legislation proposing an increase in the grant to the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

None, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made certain representations about austerity? Have they reached the Scottish Office? If there have been no representations for an increase in the salary, why is it suggested?

The Scottish Office and the Scottish people are fully aware of the representations which have been made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I have to remind the House that representations, while not recent, were made on this point as far back as 1930, when legislation was suggested.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the great majority of the people in Scotland are in full sympathy with the principle that the Lord High Commissioner should not pay dues out of his own pocket, have the greatest respect for the office, and hope that the Government will see this through?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what education grants, per capita and global, are paid to schools in Scotland, the administration of which is outwith the control of education committees, along with a list of such schools.

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what cost has been incurred in providing education in Scotland for Poles under Section 11 (4) of the Polish Resettlement Act, 1947; and how this compares with the cost of similar services for the Poles in England.

A sum of £206,000 has been provided in the Scottish estimate for public education, 1947–48, for the education of Poles, as compared with a sum of £900,000 provided in the vote of the Ministry of Education for the corresponding service in England and Wales. Up to date £154,820 has been paid from the Scottish Vote in respect of education of Poles in Scotland. This sum represents 2/9ths of the corresponding expenditure in England and Wales.

In view of those figures, is the Joint Under-Secretary satisfied that the departure from the old 11/80ths proportion does not mean that we are giving a more expensive education in Scotland, or are we bearing a disproportionate burden to the detriment of Scottish children?

I do not think we are bearing a disproportionate burden. The position is that during the war, as the House well knows, we had a disproportionate number of Poles in Scotland. and as the Government undertook the responsibility of providing education for the members of the Polish Forces and their families, it followed that there would be a greater expenditure in Scotland than in England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will authorise the deferment, in such cases and for such period as may be recommended by local authorities, of the demolition of any house being replaced under Part 11 of the Housing (Agricultural Population) (Scotland) Act, 1938, in order that no houses suitable for occupation may be destroyed during the present housing shortage.

Local authorities already have this power in certain circumstances under Defence Regulation 68B. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular issued by my Department on the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the reasons for the slow rate of completion of the Lindsay, the Orlit, the Stuart, the Whitson-Fairhurst and the Wimpey permanent non-traditional houses in Scotland; and what steps he is taking to speed up this rate.

After the initial stages of the development of prefab. types, progress was necessarily slow, and in addition these programmes, in common with others, were checked last year by bad weather and serious shortages of materials. I have good hopes, however, that a substantial number of houses of each of the type mentioned will be finished during 1948.

Is my hon. Friend aware that 1,300 of these houses were commenced over a year ago and that only 400 have been completed, and can he now give an assurance that he will take steps to speed up the completion of the remainder?

Steps have already been taken to ensure that there will be a more regular supply of raw materials for the completion of these houses.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what effect the increase in the interest rate will have on the building of these and other houses?

That is another question.

It is a very serious question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many temporary houses are at present stored in Scotland; and why they are not being erected.

Hulls and components of 2,241 temporary houses are at present awaiting completion of foundations and services on the sites to which they are to be delivered. This number is being steadily reduced.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the fact that these houses are stored, and the recent announcement that the Scottish temporary programme will not be finished until six months after the English programme is completed, cause a great deal of concern, and will he do something to speed up the programme?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that, since July, 1945, the pension of war widows with children has only increased by 2s. 6d. a week, he will now consider a revision in the light of the advance in the cost of living since that date.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on 20th January, to which I would add that there has been no change in circumstances justifying a special review of the rates of widows' pensions in advance of any general review of the war pensions provisions.

Will the Minister direct his attention rather to the present than to the past?

I am always at the present, as my decisions show.

Is it not correct that since 1945 family allowances have been introduced and that war widows, unlike other widows, receive the two allowances for their children?

That is perfectly true.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered and. is now ready to give a decision in the case of Mrs. Sybil Morrick of 28 Springhill Gardens, Glasgow, S.1, widow of No. 14210936, Private Henry Morrick, who died on war service on 21st February, 1944, leaving her with little or no means of support.

Mrs. Morrick's appeal was disallowed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal in 1945 and she has sinces asked for her case to be referred to the Special Review Tribunal set up to consider cases settled by the Tribunals before certain High Court decisions had been made. The case is one of considerable difficulty in which there is some doubt, but after giving the claim the closest consideration I have decided to grant the pension.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, and also for the personal consideration he has given to a matter of considerable difficulty?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance. that as soon as alternative accommodation is found for the A.T.S. at present occupying the Imperial Service College in Windsor, these premises will be derequisitioned and handed back to the Windsor Borough Council.

I am giving careful attention to this matter. I hope that it may be possible to reach agreement with the Windsor Borough Council.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is important for his Department to put forward as a basis for discussion proposals which stand some chance of acceptance by the Windsor Borough Council?

We are very reasonable in this matter.

Is the Secretary of State aware that part of his own flock, namely, the Household Cavalry, are in urgent need of these premises also?

Yes, and I am fully conscious of my responsibilities in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many persons the former United States Army camp at Milton Road, Cambridge, was built to accommodate; and how many persons are accommodated there now.

This camp was built to accommodate 850 troops at war scales. On current peace scales it can accommodate 700. The units at present occupying it total some 400. The surplus accommodation is earmarked for occupation by another unit this month.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many motor vehicles are parked at Eglinton Castle, Kilwinniag, Ayrshire; what is going to be done with them; and what number of guards are employed in connection with them.

There are at present some 5,000 vehicles at this depot. They will be repaired and issued to Army units. Twelve civilian watchmen are employed at the depôt.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the reason for not derequisitioning portions of the antiaircraft gun site at New Brighton by 31st December, 1947, as expected; and what is the revised date for derequisitioning.

I regret that owing to shortage of labour it was not possible to finish the erection of the necessary fencing by 31st December. This must be done before the agreed portions of the site can be derequisitioned. The work is now in progress and I hope it will be possible to derequisition those portions not later than 31st March. In the meantime the local authority may have access for planning or surveying purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are being made for compulsory boxing in the Army.

Boxing is an excellent form of training for the recruit and is encouraged in the Army. All recruits are taught to box if they wish. Most young men are anxious to represent their units if selected in the many competitions which are organised to encourage both novices and experienced boxers.

Did the Minister make a statement in Berlin indicating that this was a new reform in military training, and will he say exactly how this is suitable for modern warfare?

It is desirable that the boys should be encouraged to undergo various physical exercises and, personally, I regard boxing as a healthy sport and recreation which I am anxious to encourage. All that I said was, quite facetiously —in the context it was naturally facetious —that I should like to make boxing compulsory in the Army, but I am afraid that I cannot get my own way.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the relevance of boxing to military training is that it teaches one to love one's enemies?

It is quite possible, I believe, to love one's enemies and yet give an occasional straight left.

Can my right hon. Friend say if this is meant as a substitute for the atom bomb and other recognised methods of conducting warfare?

asked the Secretary of State for War why Poles are still allowed ambulances and trucks to convey them several times a week to Lakenheath, Suffolk, for social visits.

Transport for Polish units in Suffolk is under the control of British military authorities. Its use is governed by the same rules as apply to transport used by British troops. Under the present rules no officer or other rank is allowed more than one journey a fortnight or one a week in Winter for recreational purposes. All the work tickets of the vehicles concerned have been examined and all journeys have been found to be correctly authorised.

Cannot something more be done, because the people in the area are very disturbed when they find they get no basic petrol, that these lorries should come into the town almost every evening?

In so far as these lorries are being used, they are being used for legitimate purposes. If occasionally a Pole occupies a seat in a lorry, I do not think that is to our disadvantage.

asked the Secretary of State for War what allowances of clothing coupons are issued to Poles quartered in camps in Eastern England, who' are still issued with military clothing.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I hope that it will state how it is possible for the Poles to go into the shops now and buy what they like.

That is not a question: it is a wish.

asked the Sectary of State for War how many British officers have been killed, wounded, mur- dered and missing in India and Pakistan since 15th August, 1947; and whether any of these British officers were non-volunteers to serve after 15,th August, 1947.

Seven British Service officers have been killed, of whom two were murdered, in India and Pakistan since 15th August; none have been wounded or are missing. The two who were murdered were volunteers for service in India. Of the other five killed, one, who was killed in a flying accident, was not a volunteer for service under the Dominion of India; information as to whether the remaining four were volunteers is not available in the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what authority British officers, non-volunteers, were bound to serve with Indian troops after 15th August, 1947.

It was not possible to withdraw simultaneously on 15th August all British Service officers serving with Indian troops, nor was there enough time to ascertain the wishes of every officer by that date. In consequence, some officers who were not volunteers were employed with Indian troops after 15th August for a short period until passages could be provided for them. No special authority was necessary for such employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will announce the details of the scheme for repatriation of German prisoners of war from Egypt.

I am not yet able to acid to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 20th January, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

But is the Minister aware that on that date he answered me, and mentioned this scheme? I am asking him whether he can declare the details of that scheme at this moment.

As I indicated in previous replies, this is a very difficult problem. We have to consider it in the context of shipping and other difficulties but we are hoping to complete the re- patriation at an earlier date than was anticipated originally, probably some time this year.

Does not the Minister agree that on the date to which he has referred, he said that the prisoners of war were being brought back in accordance with a scheme, and is he not able, if there is a scheme, to tell the House what it is?

That is what I have done already on several occasions.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what basis the German prisoners of war who are to be allowed to remain in this country as civilian workers are being selected from those who have volunteered to stay.

Those prisoners of war are selected who appear to be most suitable from the point of view of their character, physique and record of previous work.

Does the "record of previous work" refer only to their work since they have been prisoners, or to their previous service record?

I would not care to say, but the procedure for determining whether they possess the proper qualities is, in my view, quite a good one.

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that there is no political discrimination in deciding which prisoners shall be allowed to remain here, and which shall be forced to go back against their will?

In order to remove any possibility of misunderstanding in this regard, I can tell my hon. Friend and the House that the procedure is that a committee deals with the applications. It consists of the commandant of the camp, the representative of the county agricultural committee, and an official of the German Section of the Foreign Office, but the medical officer and the camp leader, a prisoner of war, are also available to give evidence to the committee.

Will these men who volunteered to stay on be allowed to go home to Germany for a period of leave, if they wish to do so?

I would say offhand, without definite commitment, that I hardly think it possible to grant them leave, but if they wish to go home I do not believe there is any obstacle in the way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the fact that they are married or not is taken into account, and will he exercise all his influence on the Home Secretary to ensure that wives are allowed to come over to rejoin their husbands?

That is a very wide question. I would like to see it on the Order Paper.

What proportion of those who volunteer are selected?

I am afraid I should require notice of that question.

Does the War Office take any interest in the fate of those who are repatriated to the other side of the iron curtain?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the responsibilities which have been undertaken by the Government, under the Education Act, the Health Act, the Children's Bill and the Criminal Justice Bill, now under discussion, what steps the Ministries of Health and Education and the Home Office are taking to secure the training at Universities and other teaching centres for adequate personnel to work the Acts.

The considerable expansion in the capacity of Universities, which has already taken place and will continue in the future, is designed to secure an adequate supply of graduates in various fields of employment, including the public services. Measures have also been taken for increasing training facilities, for example, through the emergency training scheme for teachers and the Ministry of Health's Scheme for post-graduate medical, including specialist, education and courses for training nurses, sanitary inspectors, physiotherapy teachers and remedial gymnasts. Special courses at Universities and other centres are available for child care workers and probation officers, and it is intended to arrange other courses later.

Could the right hon. Gentleman pass on to the Lord President of the Council the importance of encouraging the social sciences, as well as the physical sciences, because a number of Clauses in Bills which are now being considered will be inoperative unless we have an even larger number of these trained people?

I am sure my right hon. Friend was listening intently.

What is a remedial gymnast; does he differ in any way from any other gymnast?

I think he is very different indeed.

Would the Prime Minister also bear in mind the necessity for much further financial assistance for those who are going into the medical profession, in order that this shall not be a closed shop so far as children of working people are concerned?

That is another question, which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Lord President of the Council what steps he has taken to improve the Medresco hearing aid by further research and development work.

Until there has been practical experience of the model now in production, the question of improving the design does not arise, but the scientific committee concerned is already considering, proposals for new types of receiver and the possibility of other instruments for forms of deafness requiring special treatment.

As the Government model is already out-of-date, as a result of research and development work by private firms on their instruments, cannot the right hon. Gentleman devise a better research policy in regard to this instrument?

I will do my very best to do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will agree to payments being made by the War Damage Commission in respect of late applications, where notification had been previously made to the war damage department of the local authority and accepted by the authority as a bona fide notification.

This is a matter which, by virtue of the proviso to Subsection (2) of Section 31 of the War Damage Act, Parliament has entrusted to the discretion of the War Damage Commission itself, who have exercised it with commendable care.

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend realise that the reluctance on the part of the War Damage Committee to pay grants already accepted by local authorities bears very hardly on persons of moderate means? Cannot he intervene in that matter?

No, I am afraid Parliament has left it to their discretion, and. I cannot intervene.

Does "con-mendable care" mean that they have made no payments at all?

No, certainly not. They have made a good many payments.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that quite a number of people have notified war damage claims to local authorities, and not to the War Damage Commission, and are now finding that they are not entitled to compensation because their notification has gone to the wrong address?

I am quite aware that that has happened in some cases, but the position remains as I have stated.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give particular attention to cases where the original occupants have died, and there have been considerable difficulties in establishing the claims?

I am sure the War Damage Commission will do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will repeal the tax on light hydrocarbon oils used for industrial purposes, in view of its adverse effect on trade and industry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give further consideration to the case for the repeal of the duty on light hydrocarbon oils used for industrial purposes as presented to him by a number of trade organisations in October last.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for South Salford (Mr. Hardy) on 27th January.

When considering this matter, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the incidence of this duty on the export trade of a number of industries?

I will certainly bear everything in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will remit Purchase Tax for organs used in recognised places of worship, in cases where the organ has been installed and dedicated as a war memorial.

Legislation would be required, and I cannot now anticipate my next Budget statement.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that if it is right as a general principle to free war memorials from Purchase Tax, it is wrong to charge it on organs which are inscribed and installed as war memorials?

I will certainly bear that in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that most of the requisites for use in Sunday schools, such as Bible pictures, text-cards, Scripture greeting cards, are subject to tax at the rate of 125 per cent.; and whether he will make some concession in this respect.

Pictures are the only Sunday school requisites which are charged with tax at this rate, and I am afraid it is not possible to make exceptions according to the use to which chargeable articles are put.

Is it not a fact that the discrimination might act in the case of some articles such as pews and church furniture? Is it not a fact that 125 per cent. is imposed on these things, whereas only 10 per cent. is imposed on betting?

The difference is according to the article taxed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much, and which, local government 2½ per cent. issues and 2½ per cent. Treasury Bonds which the National Debt Commissioners took up last year as underwriters, have been sold in the last three months; and how much profit or loss has resulted.

Like my predecessors, I do not propose to add further to the information regularly published regarding the securities held by Government Departments.

Does the Chancellor's refusal to give the answer mean that he is trying to apply the folly and failure of his predecessor's cheap money policy?

It means nothing of the sort, but that I am following the example of e very other Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will support American efforts to get the service of Japanese bonds resumed; and what information he has about Japanese plans for resuming the service.

I am not acquainted with the efforts to which the hon. Member refers, but the rights of the bondholders will be borne in mind in the discussions leading up to the Peace Treaty. As regards the second part of the Question, Press reports suggest that the Japanese Government is properly anxious to resume the service of its external debt; but the balance of payments position of Japan is such that it is not likely to be possible in the near future.

May I thank the Chancellor for this modification of the unhelpful attitude of his predecessor to British holders of these bonds, who, I hope he will agree, are just as patriotic and just as deserving of his support as any other British creditors of a foreign government?

The hon. Member can thank me, but not in those terms.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to various articles by Sir Graham Cunningham, a member of the Economic Planning Board, in the "City Observer"; and whether members of the Economic Planning Board are permitted to write for the Press.

Yes, Sir.

Is the Chancellor satisfied that it is useful to have members of the Economic Planning Board who are consistently and diametrically opposed to every important principle and application of the Government's economic plan?

I am not responsible for their private opinions, neither would I wish to censor them.

Are the permitted to accept payment for their articles?

They do not accept payment for anything else I know of as regards the Planning Board.

In view of the fact that the Opposition have no official policy—

That has nothing to do with the Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement regarding the commercial negotiations now taking place between the United Kingdom and Argentina.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday, 27th January, to a question by the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon).