asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether in view of the difficulties for the public in general and for the tourist trade in particular, occasioned by the ban on basic petrol, he will consider restoring the basic ration at an early date.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has now any statement to make on the reintroduction of a basic petrol ration this year.

I will answer these Questions by referring the hon. Members to the reply which I gave on 22nd January to the hon. Member for Tiverton (Mr. Amory).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious effect which the ban on basic petrol is having on hotels, and that that effect has been considerably increased by the partial removal of the ban on Foreign travel, as will be seen from the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of many hon. Gentlemen in all quarters of the House. Will he reconsider the matter?

I am probably more aware of public feeling in this matter than most other hon. Members since a large number of citizens take care to inform me of their views, but I am also very conscious of the drain on our dollar and cold reserve.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay in making up his mind on this matter has done almost as much damage as the original disastrous decision?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider more sympathetically applications from working men who use motor cycles to go to work when the distance they have to travel is more than seven miles and no public transport is available?

It is hardly possible to answer in general terms a question of that kind, but if the hon. and gallant Member has any particular cases into which he wants me to look, I shall be happy to do so.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the cost to the taxpayer of administering the ban on the basic petrol ration.

The cost of additional staff and overtime since the abolition of the basic ration is approximately £10,500 per month.

Does not the Minister recognise that this is one of the most unappreciated wastes of public money?

No, Sir, it is not a waste of public money.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an estimate of the saving in sterling that has been effected by the abolition of the basic petrol ration, including the extra allocation to private and public users, based upon the coupon validity of 1½ gallons, and on a coupon validity of ½ gallon.

The saving in sterling from the withdrawal of the basic ration excluding other economies is estimated to have been about £150,000 a week during December. Had there been a basic ration of one third of the rate previously in force, this saving would theoretically have been reduced by about one third.

Is it not obvious that the amount being saved is a miserable one compared with the dislocation to the life of the country through the withdrawal of the basic petrol ration?

asked the Minister of Fuel what progress has been made with the experiments for eliminating sulphur from oil fuel; and whether he can confirm the assurance given by the Government in May last that such elimination is a sine qua non of the scheme for an oil-burning power station at Bankside.

The pilot gas-washing plant which will be used to determine the most efficient type of installation for the Bankside Power Station is expected to be ready for operation by June of this year. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir."

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the work on Bankside appears to be in progress if this sine qua non has not yet been achieved?

I will look into it, but I can give an assurance again that it will not be completed unless we are satisfied that no sulphur fumes will be produced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also give an assurance that in no circumstances will there be an attempt to rebuild or enlarge the Bank-side power station to run it on coal?

Those assurances have been given more than once, and I am happy to repeat them.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the Grampian Electricity Supply Company are unable to proceed with their plans for the provision of a supply of electricity at Muchalls, Kincardineshire, where it is urgently needed for milk production, heating and lighting purposes, owing to their inability to obtain the necessary licences for timber, despite the fact that the construction of the distribution network is scheduled under the Scottish Highlands Electricity Order, 1938; and if he will authorise the issue of the licences required forthwith.

There is an acute shortage of wooden poles for the overhead transmission of electricity, and the issue of licences is accordingly limited to certain priority categories. These categories include food production, but the application in question is almost entirely for general domestic purposes, and the requirement for milk production, to which the hon. Member refers, is negligible. I am very sorry, therefore, that I am unable at the present time to issue a licence in this case.

Can the Minister hold out any hope that this application—it has been outstanding since 1938, the houses are all wired and ready for the supply and it involves only two miles of line—will be carried out soon?

I would not wish to hold out any hope so long as the shortage of poles is so acute. In this case many poles will be required.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what petrol ration is proposed for the use of yachts during the coming season.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether an allowance of petrol coupons will be made available during this year to those who wish to travel by car in this country for their annual holiday.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make an issue of petrol coupons for holiday purposes, such issue to be made before Easter so that families may be encouraged to take their holidays early in accordance with the staggered holidays campaign.

I am unable to say when the economic position of the country will permit the restoration of petrol allowances for holiday motoring, private yachts and other non-essential purposes.

Does the right non. Gentleman classify yachting as a non-essential purpose, having regard to the work of yachtmen during the war?

In the present circumstances it can certainly be regarded as non-essential.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this will impose great hardship on many who earn their living through the tourist industry, apart from those who wish to take their holidays in this way?

May I ask the Minister to read the speech of the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his first Budget, in which he disagreed entirely with the statement which the Minister has just made?

I am always glad to read any pronouncement of my right hon. Friend, but the circumstances of today are not quite the same as they were two years ago.

Is the Minister aware that the statement made recently, that the position would be reviewed again in June, will cause many motorists to hold back their holidays hoping that petrol may come back, and thereby clutter up the holiday resorts?

I appreciate the need for an earlier statement on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the railways will be quite unable to deal with all the extra holiday traffic put upon them?

This Question deals with yachts and petrol only?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the effect that this statement may have upon the staggered holidays campaign? Will he say whether he will review the position in June or in May or in April, or whether he will review the position at all this year?

April 1st.

I said I would review the position before June—I should hope before the end of March.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, having regard to the fact that many farmers and farm workers are unable to use public transport for recreational and social purposes owing to the exigencies of their work, he will grant a small allowance of petrol for this purpose.

I regret that I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Paddington, North (Captain Field) on this subject on 27th November.

Is the Minister aware that that answer does not cover the point which I specifically raise in this Question? Here I am asking if anything can be done for those in the agricultural industry, the exigencies of whose work prevents them from taking advantage of public transport, particularly those who have to look after animals, and who cannot be sure of what their hours of work will be?

The difficulty is chiefly an administrative one. I have looked at it sympathetically because of the special hardship, but it is not possible to make special arrangements.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have another look at it in the interests of those engaged in agriculture?

I am always prepared to do my best.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many appeals against a refusal to grant supplementary petrol and against the quantity granted were outstanding at the latest convenient date.

As I announced on 15th January, the number of appeals outstanding on r3th January was 15,429. I propose to make a further statement in the middle of the month.

Will those statements be made in following months; will they be made monthly?

So long as it appears to be necessary.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if a decision has yet been reached as to whether hire cars are to be restricted to any particular radius; and what radius has been decided upon for urban and rural areas, respectively

Yes, Sir. I have come to the conclusion that such a restriction must now be imposed. Accordingly I propose to make an order limiting the radius of operation of hire cars and taxis to 20 miles from the place in which they are normally kept, except when required for urgent and necessary domestic purposes or in connection with the hirer's profession or business.

Are we to understand that this is to be an even more stringent restriction than that in force during the war? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the special hardship it will impose on people who live in the countryside and are already suffering greatly from the abolition of basic petrol?

No, Sir, this is not such a serious restriction as that imposed during the war. The radius is wider. I must point out that many citizens feel very strongly that long-distance hired car trips are intolerable in the present circumstances

Will this Order apply also to motor coaches for hire?

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on that question.

Will the Minister reconsider this matter, particularly in the case of East Anglia, where the train services are extremely irregular, and where many people, especially soldiers on leave, have to travel enormous distances from the only stations to which they can catch the last train?

I should have thought that a radius of 20 miles was quite sufficient to take care of all normal purposes.

Can my right hon. Friend say what action he proposes taking to see that the regulation is observed?

It will be an offence to use a car beyond a radius of 20 miles, unless the conditions I have mentioned are observed.

What arrangements will the right hon. Gentleman make in the case of an elderly person who wishes to visit an equally elderly relation who is seriously ill 30 or 40 miles away?

It depends on the circumstances. I cannot answer a hypothetical question.

What are the arrangements? Where can they make application?

There is no need for any application as long as it is within the limit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if persons who take advantage of the removal of the ban on travel abroad will be allowed to take their motor cars.

No, Sir. I cannot grant allowances of petrol to motorists taking holidays abroad to enable them to get their cars to the ports.

Is the Minister aware that the value of the removal of the ban on holidays abroad is lessened considerably if people cannot take their cars with them, and as only a small allowance of petrol will be required, will he not have another look at it?

I cannot agree to grant petrol to enable people to motor abroad when it is denied to them to motor at home.

According to the wording of the Minister's answer, a motorist who takes his car to the port by rail, can take it abroad. Is that, in fact, what he means? Will he look at it again?

I can only control the petrol issued to motorists. Any other question connected with travelling abroad must be addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Interdepartmental Committee on domestic heating has yet recommended that the output of improved solid-fuel-burning appliances makes it possible to act on the recommendation of the Fuel and Power Advisory Council that the manufacture and sale of new appliances falling below approved standards should be prohibited as soon as possible; and how soon the prohibition will be issued.

No, Sir. The committee have reported that the output of improved solid-fuel burning appliances is not yet sufficient to justify this step.

Would the Minister agree that there is no more fruitful way of saving coal than to instal these improved domestic grates? Will he say whether he accepts the recommendation of the Advisory Council and will put it into force as soon as possible?

Yes, we have accepted that recommendation and I entirely agree that it is most desirable, but we cannot take such a drastic step as prohibiting the production of these older appliances until we are satisfied that it is practicable.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, having regard to the fact that the British Empire is treated as a whole with regard to petrol supplies, and that all parts of the Empire, with the exception of the United Kingdom enjoy either basic ration or are free of petrol rationing, he will consider with the other Governments concerned the possibility of a reallocation of supplies in such a manner as to permit of the re-introduction of a small basic ration in the United Kingdom.

As I have explained to the hon. Member, this matter has already been discussed with the Commonwealth Governments, who fully appreciate the necessity of reducing petrol consumption and all forms of dollar expenditure. The extent to which, and the way in which, this is being achieved, must depend largely on local circumstances.

Is the Minister aware that a few years ago his predecessor, when asked for relaxations in this country, said that that could not be entertained because one had to bear in mind the Commonwealth position? Why is it that it does not work the other way round, as many parts of the Commonwealth still have a basic ration, whereas it has been taken away altogether over here?

I am sure the hon. Member would not wish to suggest that any of the Commonwealth Governments are not doing their duty in this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is not the point, and that is not my suggestion? My suggestion is—and I ask him to consider this—that the Government here are ready to refuse increases in petrol because they say conditions in the Commonwealth must be taken into account, but will not this consideration apply the other way round?

The Commonwealth Governments have made substantial reductions, but their circumstances are not the same as the circumstances here.

Why is it that Ceylon can abolish rationing altogether, while this country cannot even have a small basic ration?

I have observed that report in the Press, and I am making inquiries. I do not think the hon. Member should reach any conclusions until we know what exactly are the facts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the reductions actually made by those other countries?

I will consider that suggestion.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the number of prosecutions and convictions for the wrongful use of petrol in the Nottingham area; and whether he is satisfied that the police check-up in this area is efficient.

I understand that three prosecutions, each resulting in conviction, have been instituted by the police in Nottingham during December and January for the wrongful use of petrol. With regard to the second part of the Question, although my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not within my province to comment, I have no doubt that the police are doing their best, with the means at their disposal, to enforce the law.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a widespread belief in this area that there is much illegal use of petrol? Can he explain the increase in advertisements in the Press advertising long-distance motor coach journeys, which is causing a great deal of resentment among small petrol users?

Questions regarding the police and their ability to enforce the law, should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. Questions regarding the use of motor coaches should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that while responsible citizens recognise the need for saving petrol the facts are, as pointed out by Miss Rose Macaulay in "The Times" this morning, that there is considerable resentment against people getting away with the wrong use of petrol? Will he consult with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to make sure that the police are adequately checking up on the misuse of petrol allowed?

Is it not more important that the police should try to stop thieving and more serious offences?

Why does my right hon. Friend refer this question of motor coaches to the Minister of Transport, when it must be through him that the petrol is obtained for these coaches?

Because my right hon. Friend is responsible for the issue of petrol to motor coaches.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Minister of Transport does not answer Questions in this House?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the unsatisfactory quality of the oil now issued to poultry farmers for use in brooders and incubators; and if he will arrange for a higher grade of oil to be made available so that the hatching of eggs and rearing of chicks can be carried on without undue risk of loss.

Yes, Sir, I am aware that the quality of the oil at present being supplied to poultry farmers is not entirely satisfactory. This is due to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient quantities of the special grade of oil required. The Petroleum Board have issued a circular to the poultry Press, and a number of agricultural organisations, making certain recommendations about the care and maintenance of oil burning incubator equipment which, if carefully observed, should result in satisfactory operation.

Will the Minister consult with the oil companies to see if it is not possible to get a sufficient quantity of this high-grade oil for this particular purpose?

I have already been in touch with them on the matter.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what quantity of motor spirit was authorised for use by hire cars and taxis in the Metropolitan area during the last quarter of 1946 and 1947, respectively.

During the four months ending 31st December, 1946, 17,534 tons; during the same months in 1947, 16,334 tons.

In view of the shortage of transport in the Metropolitan area, could the Minister see his way to giving a larger allocation to taxicabs?

I do not think that is really called for, but I am going to see a deputation from the taxicab association.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the quantities of petroleum products supplied by British-controlled companies during 1947 to each country; and if he will state orally whether, before permitting supplies to a country in the sterling area, he inquires whether consumers in that country are either not rationed or enjoy a basic ration.

No, Sir. I cannot publish information about trading operations or British-controlled companies which is supplied to my Department confidentially. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have just given to the hon. Member for Westbury (Mr. Grimston).

Does the Minister think it right that sterling countries, in which everybody can get petrol, should be given a priority over this country where so many people cannot get any at all?

It clearly depends on the circumstances. If the countries happen to be supplying a large quantity of gold to the Commonwealth that may well be a good argument.

Is not the necessary corollary of the Minister's answer that the British petroleum companies can sell their petroleum products in any other countries they like, whereas that is not so?

I did not say that but I said I could not publish information which had been supplied to me confidentially by these companies.

Will the Minister give an assurance to the House that he will not exercise any influence on the oil companies to discourage them from giving this information?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proportion of our imports of tractor vapourising oil during 1947 was paid for in dollars; and what proportion in sterling.

Approximately 48 per cent. was purchased for dollars and 52 per cent. for sterling.

How does this compare with petrol?

It is not very different.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why bonâ fide commercial travellers are only issued with S petrol coupons; and whether he will change them over to E coupons to enable the commercial travellers to purchase new tyres for their vehicles as many of them are unable to continue their businesses owing to worn-out tyres.

I cannot issue E coupons to any class of car owner merely to provide a claim for replacement of tyres. The conditions governing the supply of tyres for motor vehicles are of course a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Is the Minister aware that his administration is bearing harshly on commercial travellers, and will he take up this matter with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to getting an alteration?

I am sure my right hon. Friend is naturally anxious to do anything he can to help the commercial community.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what protests he has received from the shipping industry against the further increase of 25s. per ton in the bunker price of coal for foreign-going ships; and whether, in view of the increased foreign competition he will make a statement on the position.

I have received a resolution of protest from the Leith Shipowners Society. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. D. Marshall) on 18th December

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this increase may make it very difficult for us to achieve our targets on the export side, and will he look into this matter again?

I cannot agree with that. There is no evidence whatever that that is the case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answers he gave to me were with regard to the 25s. increase in the case of fishing trawlers, which has since been removed, and did not relate to general shipping?

If the hon. Gentleman will turn up my answer, he will see that it related not only to trawlers, but to bunkers generally.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the new price of British coal c.i.f. to Western European ports is from 20s. to 25s. higher than Polish coal; if he is satisfied that export markets will still be found; and will give assurance that no hidden export subsidy will be granted on exports of British coal.

No, Sir. I am advised that the suggestion in the first part of the Question is incorrect. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative, and the third part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if his denial—[Interruption.]—his statement is reliable? The figures were taken from the "Economist," which is usually reliable. In the future when supplies become more available in Europe, shall we be able to sell our coal abroad?

I advise the hon. Member not to take at face value all the statements which appear in the Press on matters of this kind. Sometimes they are designed, not necessarily wittingly, to influence these bargains.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the true figures are?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it was with his authority that a statement was issued by his Ministry recently to the effect that land restored after opencast coal mining produced better corn crops than before requisitioning; where such improvement has been noticed; what were the yields concerned acre for acre; and whether the Ministry of Agriculture was consulted before the statement was issued.

I assume that the Question refers to a report of a statement made at a Press conference by one of my regional officers which appeared in the "Western Mail" on 17th December, 1947. The statement said that over the areas on which opencast operations have been carried out, farmland is on the average improved. I agree that this statement goes too far and that in the absence of properly supervised measurements over a lengthy period, there can be no reliable evidence on this point.

Would the Minister bear in mind the fact that while the example he quoted was the one to which I was referring, it is by no means unique, and representatives of his Ministry have made similar statements elsewhere? Will he make it quite clear to them in future that if anybody is to express an opinion on this, it should be the Minister of Agriculture?

I hope my answer will have done something to clarify the position.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what incentives are now offered to miners to break coal output records.

Payment by results which applies in the case of nearly all coal-face workers, is no doubt a financial inducement. But I am sure it is no less their appreciation of the nation's urgent need for increased production which inspires those who have performed these magnificent record-breaking feats.

Is the Minister aware that Slogger Williams whose daily output was the record one of 50 tons a shift, is living in two rooms with his wife and two children, and that the conditions under which the Scots miners are living are worse? Will he consider impressing upon Ministers the importance of housing in regard to miners' output?

As my hon. Friend probably knows, miners' housing already has the highest possible priority.

Could the Minister indicate whether increased food rations are a contributory factor in this?

I should say they might play some part.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the total estimated tonnage of coal burnt for domestic purposes in 1938 and 1947; and the estimated percentage of dirt, stone and slate in the coal supplied for these purposes in the same two years.

Separate figures for deliveries of coal to domestic consumers only are not available, but the tonnage of house coal—excluding miners' "concessionary" coal—delivered to domestic consumers and any premises using less than 100 tons per annum is estimated at 44.2 million tons in 1938. The corresponding figure for 1947 is 28.9 million tons. As to the second part of the Question, no such estimates can be made.

Is the Minister aware that in the Yorkshire area at any rate, coal is being sold with a dirt content of 80 per cent., which is 10 per cent. more than a year ago?

I would not accept any such generalisation.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power by how much, approximately, the total amount of coal used for domestic purposes for the whole country in 1947 would have had to be increased in order that the average household allotment would have equalled the average estimated consumption of coal, both free coal and coal purchased at a reduced price, per miner's household.

Arithmetically, about 70 million tons. But the comparison suggested in the Question is highly misleading.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of any general desire on the part of the public to cut down the customary allowance to miners, which has been allowed for generations? Is he aware that instead of getting more coal we would lose thousands of tons per day?

I entirely agree. No such suggestion has been received from the general public and, as I have indicated in my answer, the circumstances are entirely different.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) whether he will, through the exercise of his general powers of direction, ensure that servants of the National Coal Board are, in respect of publication of any work the subject matter of which is the technical subject of their specialisation, under conditions governing publication no less tavourable than those imposed on Crown servants;

I have no evidence that servants of the National Coal Board are being unfavourably treated, and I do not propose to issue general directions to cover hypothetical contingencies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is considerable uneasiness in this matter of freedom to propagate progressive ideas, and that it is important that technicians in the coal industry should know that they are free to write and publish any progressive ideas which might occur to them? Will he see that that freedom is generally assured to all employees?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to let me have the evidence suggested in the first part of his Question I will look into the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in advance, make it known to them that they are free to do this? This is a question of technical work, and the knowledge that he is free to give the world, or this country, the benefits of his researches, is of fundamental importance to a technician.

No one has suggested that the technicians concerned are not free to do so.

Can the Minister tell us what the regulations now are or, without worrying about hypotheses, can he tell us that he will make sure what the regulations are?

Certainly, I am quite prepared to make an investigation, but as far as I know there are no restrictions.

Will my right hon. Friend make it known that there are no restrictions on the people doing this kind of thing?

There may, of course, be circumstances in which the National Coal Board or, for that matter, any other undertaking, would wish to have some say on exactly what technical information was being published abroad by its employees. But I am prepared to make further inquiries to see exactly what is the position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a large percentage of the people living round about Gosforth are convinced that there would be no adverse effect upon the National Drive for Production if Greyhound Racing at Gosforth Stadium was permitted between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. on Mondays and between the hours of 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on Saturdays; and will he grant permission for this to be done.

I am aware that a number of residents have signed declarations to this effect, but the information before the Government does not support the view that it would be consistent with the urgent need of maximum production to permit mid-week or Saturday morning meetings in the area, and I regret that I am unable to comply with this request.

Is the Minister aware that thousands of letters and cards signed by people in the area have been received by me in recent months; is he further aware that the industries in that area are engaged on a five-day week and that in addition to the industrial workers, insurance managers and other kinds of professional people are signing these cards, because they think there is something unfair about it?

I am aware that cards have been distributed on Saturday afternoons and evenings at these tracks, and that a number of persons have received large quantities in consequence.

Does the Home Secretary know the advice of the Ministry of Labour regional board in that area on this particular subject, and if not, will he inquire?

I know what their advice was and it is very satisfactory from the point of view that I am adopting.

Could the Home Secretary say if trade union representatives in the area were invited to discussions on this matter?

I have received representations from trade union representatives as to the way in which the opening of grey- hound tracks in mid-week and on Saturday mornings would crowd out workers or their return from work.

Is the Home Secretary also aware that the less greyhound racing there is in this country, the better it will be for the national welfare?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the numbers of taxicabs licensed in the Metropolitan area on the 31st December, 1947, and on the 31st December, 1939.

Five thousand, seven hundred and twenty in 1947, and 5,136 in 1939.

Would the Home Secretary consider issuing more licences because we are short of cabs in the Metropolitan area, and can he say how many new cabs have been licensed in this quarter?

I could only answer the second part of the question if it were put on the Paper. As far as I know there is no restriction on the number of licensed cabs. It will depend on the number of people who apply.

Before any more transport is available in the Metropolitan area to use petrol, will the Minister remember that the country districts want more petrol and more transport?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the large number of lapwings offered for sale during the winter months in London stores and at poulterers throughout the country; and whether, owing to the value of these birds to agriculture, he will take action to secure that the provisions of the Wild Birds Protection Acts are respected and this slaughter stopped.

I have no information to support the suggestion in the first part of the Question. Last year I brought to the notice of the police the importance of doing all they can to enforce the provisions of the Wild Birds Protection Acts and Orders, with particular reference to the lapwing; and also brought the matter to the attention of those local authorities in whose areas the bird was not protected all the year round.

In connection with the denial made by the Home Secretary in regard to the first part of my Question, will he pay a visit to Whiteleys, Harrods and other big London stores and he will find that what I have said is correct? Will he also take a leaf out of the book of the Northern Ireland Government—which I do not like recommending—in which the arrangements for the protection of these birds and other wild birds are far better than is the case in this country?

I have a great deal to do in the mornings and I do not contemplate adding to my tasks by going round looking at the shops mentioned by the hon. Member. With regard to the second part of the question, since the Debate we had on the Adjournment at Easter, 1947, a number of local authorities have added these birds to their list of protections and only two counties, Herefordshire and Pembrokeshire, do not now protect the birds.

When dealing with the lapwings would my right hon. Friend also direct the attention of the police to the very serious depletion in the numbers of the song-bird population in this country?

That is pretty generally known.

Would my right hon. Friend consider repeating this year the instructions which he sent out last year?

No, Sir. I know from the correspondence I have had that these instructions are still being carefully observed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the great increases in the costs of fire services in Herne Bay, Whitstable and the Bridge-Blean R.D.C. areas, consequent upon the operation of the Fire Services Act, 1947; whether he is aware of the protests of the local authorities concerned against the additional heavy burden on the rate-payers; and whether he will review the appropriate statutory provisions so that fire services may revert to county district councils as soon as possible.

As the hon. Member will appreciate, I have had to consider the scheme for the County of Kent as a whole. I have now had the final proposals of the County Council, which provide for some reduction of the numbers originally proposed. I am satisfied that the County Council has given careful consideration to the representations of the district councils and, subject to certain further modifications, I have decided to approve the scheme. I am not aware of any grounds on which I should be justified in asking Parliament to amend the Act which received the Royal Assent so recently as 31st July last.

While I thank the Home Secretary for that answer, and not knowing, of course, what reductions will be involved, may I ask if he is aware that, excluding Government grants, the cost of the fire brigade in Herne Bay has risen from £868 before the war to £6,345, and in Whitstable from £500 to £5,220, and does he not think that some further revision should be made?

The scheme will be revised during the coming year, but I am bound to point out that the first figures given by the hon. Gentleman were for a period when the Fire Brigades Act, 1938, which had been passed in this House had not come into operation and any comparisons with prewar figures are largely vitiated by that fact.

Is the Minister aware that in Tunbridge Wells the rate will probably go up by 9d. under the same Bill, and can he explain the reason why the cost has gone up in view of the fact that there is all the auxiliary fire service equipment left over from the war?

So far as the first part of the hon. Member's Question is concerned, what I said in answer to his hon. Friend applies. With regard to the question of equipment, the great cost of running a fire brigade is not the cost of the equipment but the wages and salaries of the personnel, the establishment of a 60-hour week, and the securing of reasonable conditions for the men, which mean an increase in cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the petition presented by many residents in the Chichester district with regard to the inquest held by the deputy coroner, Mr. H. S. Falconer, on 17th September, 1947, concerning the death of Mrs. Grace Elson; and whether he will order a fresh inquest to be held.

I have considered this petition, and have caused inquiries to be made, but I can find no ground for further action on my part, and the petitioners have been so informed. I have no authority to order a fresh inquest to be held.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable local perturbation over the conduct of these proceedings, and if he has no powers—as I appreciate—will he consider issuing a general instruction to coroners that they are not to sit on cases where they may be related, however remotely, to one of the parties concerned?

I am aware that the case has given rise to some comment in the district. I am informed that one of the persons, whose conduct might have been the subject of investigation by the coroner, was, in fact, the second cousin of the man's wife. The coroner assures me that he had not seen or spoken to this man for many years, and that the question of the relationship did not enter into his mind while the inquest was being held. It would be very difficult to lay down a table of consanguinity to be observed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of instituting an inquiry into the whole question of coroners' courts and their jurisdiction?

I am aware that there is a very great need for some consideration of the whole question by an appropriate body. I hope it may be possible to give some attention to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to state when the report of the Commission on the appointment and functions of magistrates is to be published.

I understand that the Royal Commission on Justices of the Peace are making satisfactory progress and that it is hoped that the report may be ready for publication in a few months.

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House why this Report has been so unduly delayed?

I should not have thought this Royal Commission was proceeding with any delay. It has been appointed in the lifetime of this Parliament. It has heard a great deal of evidence, and is investigating a very intricate and delicate subject. I hope it will not be many months before the report is in our hands, and I think the Commission should be commended for the speed with which they have acted.

asked the Prime Minister whether in the interests of improving Anglo-Irish relations, he will explore at an early date the possibility of handing over to the Government of Eire the pictures at present housed in the Tate Gallery, and bequeathed by the late Sir Hugh Lane to the Dublin Municipal Gallery.

The question of the Lane Pictures has been considered by successive Governments on various occasions during the past 20 years. I am not in a position to make any further statement on the matter.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is a real sense of grievance about this matter in Southern Ireland, and that the new Government, which is at present in the ballot box over there, would very greatly appreciate a gesture on our part.

A non-existent Government can have no views on anything.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the wilful destruction in Dublin of the statue of His Sacred Majesty William III; the recent beheading of the statue of General Gough, and the wilful destruction of the beautiful statue of George II, he will, before handing over these great works of art, demand some guarantee for their security?

Is it not the case that, although legally these pictures are our property, Sir Hugh Lane did intend them to go to Ireland, and has not Eire therefore got a real moral claim to them?

I do not intend to make any further statement on this matter.

Is the Prime Minister aware that if we were in a position to hand over some coal to Ireland it would do much more to solidify the relations between the two countries?

Is the Prime Minister aware that a better relationship between Eire and this country could be promoted by inviting De Valera here to a public gathering to explain the need for unity in Ireland?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider inviting General MacArthur to visit this country, as did General Eisenhower, in order to express this nation's gratitude for his personal interest in our Forces during their service under him in Japan.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are very appreciative of all that General MacArthur has done for our forces in Japan, and we should welcome a visit from this illustrious Allied Commander whenever his duties permit.

Does the Prime Minister realise how much pleasure that will give to all those who took part with General MacArthur in his campaign in the Far East, and all who have watched with great interest what he has done in the recent past to develop the present position in Japan?

asked the Prime Minister why there was no representation of the Hong Kong Government at the Canberra talks on a Peace Treaty with Japan; and as the Foreign Office is not equipped to put Hong Kong's point of view, whether this Colony will be more adequately represented at any further peace talks.

The purpose of these talks was an informal exchange of views, on broad lines and without commitment, between Commonwealth Ministers. The interests of Hong Kong, as of the other Far Eastern colonial territories, were represented by the United Kingdom delegation. United Kingdom delegates at meetings of this kind do not represent any single Department of His Majesty's Government, and it is their normal responsibility to represent the interests of the Colonial Empire equally with those of the United Kingdom. In any further conferences concerned with the Japanese peace settlement we shall, naturally, continue to discharge this responsibility, but wherever it is desirable and feasible to do so we shall be glad to invite the Colonial Governments directly concerned to attach advisers to the United Kingdom delegation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that at Canberra it was, in effect, the Foreign Office that was represented, and nothing else, and in view of the fact that the Embassies at Nanking and Tokyo do not necessarily always agree on economic problems with Hong Kong, will he make sure that the Colonial Office is properly represented at the next Conference?

Representation at these conferences is on behalf of His Majesty's Government as a whole. There is no distinction between Departments.

asked the Prime Minister if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the circumstances responsible for the increasing amount of delegated legislation; the degree to which Parliamentary responsibility has been handed over to unelected persons, and the consequent effect of this on the accepted rights and privileges of Members of Parliament, and the people of this country.

No, Sir.

May I, with respect, ask whether the Prime Minister has considered any part of the Question on the Order Paper? Has he considered the first part, or the second part or the third part; or is he determined to treat the consideration of Wales, as implied in this Question, with every possible discourtesy, and to treat with every possible discourtesy every Question that is asked about Wales?

There is no indication in the Question that it relates to Wales. I gathered that it dealt with delegated legislation.

Arising out of that answer, did not the Chancellor of the Exchequer say that Socialism could only be brought about constitutionally, by the wide use of delegated legislation?

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the very real difficulty in which hon. Members are placed in attempting to exercise control by this House over delegated legislation, arising from the fact that this House cannot amend any of the 2,800 Statutory Rules and Orders that go out every year?

This matter has been discussed by a Committee of this House in order that the House might obtain more control over delegated legislation. It is quite a mistake for hon. Members to think that delegated legislation is something which has come up within the last two years. I can recall this question coming up over the last 25 years.