asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now announce his decision in the case of Mr. Arthur Wild, Ref. 3/MW/5578, of Oldham, who was wounded in Gallipoli in 1915 and has recently been re-examined by a specialist.

Yes. I am glad to say that a pension at the 100 per cent. rate has been awarded to Mr. Wild.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many parents of Service men or women who were killed or died in the 1939–45 war, who applied for pensions, were refused on grounds of means, how many by virtue of a subsequent application were granted pensions, and how many have never received a pension.

Approximately 41,000 parents have been refused pension on first application on the ground of absence of need. Of this number just under 6,000 have since been granted pension. The remaining 35,000 have been advised to re-apply should their circumstances change for the worse.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the total sum paid by way of pensions in the years 1943 to 1948, respectively, to parents whose sons or daughters died or were killed in the services, and what are the respective figures for each of the three services.

The approximate total annual sums paid by way of pensions to parents who lost sons or daughters as a result of service with the Forces are as follow:

			£
1943–44	…	…	3,341,000
1944–45	…	…	3,453,000
1945–46	…	…	3,613,000
1946–47	…	…	3,748,000
1947–48	…	…	3,927,000

I regret that the records of my Department do not show the expenditure for the three Services separately.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers were accommodated at Edgerton House, Havelock Road, Shrewsbury, consuming 3,477 units of electricity during the last quarter of 1947; and what were the results of his investigations into the meter and wiring circuits.

The average number of occupants during the last quarter of 1947 was 13. A final report on the investigation into the meter and wiring circuits is not yet available. It has been established, however, that a fuse box was faulty, and since its replacement the consumption has been normal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will assure the House that when informatoin is issued to the Press regarding the strength, make-up, etc., of the Army, it is issued to all papers regardless of their political colour.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many patients the Holton Park Hospital, Wheatley, Oxfordshire, can accommodate, what are the number of patients there at present and the number of staff employed, and what spare accommodation is at present available for staff.

This military hospital can accommodate 525 patients. It now has 300 beds equipped. The number of patients accommodated at the moment is 165. The number of staff employed is not more than 190. The spare accommodation available for staff consists of three plaster-board huts, 72 feet by 18 feet.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the ex-gunner of whom he has been informed was a deserter for seven years and upon his discharge had only one week's service in the Army to his credit; that he was issued upon his discharge after court martial with a civilian outfit and 90 clothing coupons, and given 56 days' leave with pay; and whether this is in conformity with existing regulations.

This soldier was discharged on medical grounds, receiving the terminal benefits to which he was entitled under current regulations. These regulations are under review with the object of avoiding the repetition of an anomaly such as has occurred in this exceptional case.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that soldiers who, as in the case of which particulars have been sent to him, are transferred to Class W Reserve and subsequently discharged under the demobilisation group scheme, are complaining of difficulties when they apply for civilian clothing outfits and clothing coupons; and whether he will cause a review to be made of the regulations and administration governing discharges in this category.

Soldiers called up after 3rst December, 1946, do not receive civilian clothing outfits on release, but they receive a document which on presentation at a Food Office enables them there to obtain the appropriate proportion of the basic civilian clothing ration, together in some cases with a number of supplementary coupons. I do not consider that any review of this procedure is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered a letter on behalf of the civilian staff employed in the Army Pay Office, Glasgow, protesting against the proposed transfer of the Highland Accounts Section to Edinburgh and the resultant redundancy of 93 of the present members of this staff; and whether he will reconsider the matter.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Rollox (Mr. Leonard).

asked the Secretary of State for War how soon it is expected to increase the rate of repatriation of prisoners of war from the Middle East to a minimum of 5,000 a month; and whether he intends to exceed that rate in the near future.

I hope that approximately 8,100 prisoners of war will be repatriated from the Middle East during this month and 7,000 during April. This will give an average of almost 5,000 a month for the period January to April. I do not expect that it will be possible to exceed an average of 5,000 a month until August.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the repatriation of German prisoners of war whose homes are in the French zone is being delayed.

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the postponement of repatriation of certain prisoners of war originally earmarked for repatriation on 22nd March. It was necessary to make certain substitutions at a late date but the total repatriated to the French zone was not affected by the change. Arrangements have already been made to repatriate those who had to be omitted. Their repatriation will not fall behind that of other prisoners of war from other zones in similar captivity groups.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether in view of the admiration and interest excited abroad especially in the United States of America, by the master plan for the new town of Harlow, he will consider the possibility of completing that new town in advance of work on other new towns, so that town and country planning committees and other interested persons from abroad may visit it.

I am very gratified to note the admiration and interest excited abroad by the Harlow plan but I could not on that account agree that Harlow should he completed in advance of the other new towns.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what proportion of the sum of £3,015 expended in 1947 on the Aycliffe Trading Estate was in respect of the salaries of the members of the corporation.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the Aycliffe New Town Development Corporation. Payments in 1947 in respect of remuneration of the members of the corporation amounted to £2,250.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the estimate he has made of the unemployment which will result if Marshall Aid is not forthcoming.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Economic Survey for 1948, which sets out the very serious economic consequences to this country of such an eventuality.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he will furnish a progress report setting out the increases from a given date of returned married women ex-cotton operatives whose children have been accommodated in day nurseries; the additional day nurseries

LIVERPOOL APPOINTMENTS OFFICE.
—	Appointments Register.	Nursing Appointments Register.
Applicants Registered at 15th March, 1948—		Full-time.	Part-time.
In work	1,090	18	—
Unemployed	527	28	8
Applicants Placed in Employment, 12 months ended 15th March, 1948.	601	476	86

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for disabled

I intend to issue periodical progress reports regarding the recruitment of workers for the cotton industry, and I will consider whether the progress made in regard to day nurseries can be included in these reports. As a first step, 50 huts have been made available by Ministry of Works for employers and local authorities in the cotton districts who need them in order to provide day nursery facilities. Officers of our Department are available for consultation by all cotton employers wishing to set up day nurseries who are encountering difficulties, e.g., in getting materials in short supply, and the Ministry of Works are giving all assistance in their power in overcoming difficulties. I cannot forecast when this programme will be completed.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applicants are registered with the Liverpool Appointments Bureau; and how many applicants have been placed in suitable positions during the last 12 months.

Following is the answer:persons situated in the North-East Lancashire area.

No, not at present. It is hoped to open two non-residential industrial rehabilitation centres this year in Lancashire at Manchester (Denton) and Liverpool (Aintree) and the question of extending the service to other parts of the Region will be reviewed in the light of experience. Disabled men in North-East Lancashire in need of a course of industrial rehabilitation can be admitted to the residential industrial rehabilitation centre at Egham, Surrey.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will reduce the Purchase Tax payable on gifts from overseas, on which Customs Duty has also to be paid so that the total sum often exceeds the original price of the article.

No. It would mean unfair discrimination in favour of imports, besides opening the door to abuse.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will abolish the Purchase Tax on medical charts.

There is no Purchase Tax on medical charts as such. Perhaps my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the charts he has in mind, and I will have inquiries made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the popularity of lawn tennis he will place all equipment for this game on the same basis as other sporting materials for Purchase Tax purposes.

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what happens to the money received in receipt of sales of goods obtained under the lines of credit granted by the United States Government.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 29th January last to the hon. and gallant Member for New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now prepared to introduce the necessary alteration in the law that will permit the payment of postwar credits to such cases of serious hardship as have recently been submitted to him by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil.

I cannot anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that no copies of the Economic Survey and only fifteen copies of the short version, were available to booksellers in Taunton, in the first seven days after publication; and if he will ensure the availability of supplies proportionate to the demand.

There was no limit to the number of copies that could have been sent to local booksellers who ordered them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what arrangements have been made for the publication of sub-delegated legislation as the result of the decision of Blackpool Corporation and Locker.

So far as Acts passed before 1st January, 1948, are concerned, the publication of sub-delegated legislation is governed by the provisions of the Statutory Instruments Act, 1946, and the Statutory Instruments Regulations, 1948, made thereunder. Under these Regulations such legislation is not precluded from being a Statutory Instrument or from being published by reason solely of the fact that it is made by virtue of powers conferred not directly by an Act of Parliament but by an instrument which is itself made under, or derives from, an Act. So far as sub-delegated legislation under Acts passed after 1st January, 1948, is concerned, the point falls to be dealt with in the enabling Act itself.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the separate amounts of subsidies for Housing and Civil Aviation Schemes included in the £400 million shown in table XXII page 45 of the Economic Survey for 1948, Cmd. 7344; and what are the separate amounts of subsidies for National Milk and Milk in Schools schemes which have been excluded from the figure of £400 million.

The estimate was arrived at as follows:

	£ms.
Food Subsidies (Autumn Budget figures for 1947–48)	392
Add Housing Subsidies (Central and Local Governments)	43
Add Civil Aviation Subsidies (1948–49 Estimates)	8
Less National Milk Scheme (Calendar Year 1948)	21½
Less Milk in Schools Scheme (Calendar Year 1948)	8½
	413

In view of the uncertain basis of some of these estimates in relation to the calendar year, a round figure of £400 million was used in Table XXII.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will inquire into the procedure adopted by the four universities in Scotland in considering the applications by qualified persons for entry into university study and, if necessary, take steps to see that educational qualifications are the primary test for entry to a university.

No. These are matters which are entirely within the discretion of the universities and should, I think, remain so, but I can assure my hon. Friend that educational qualifications are the primary test.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on what basis of previous experience and salary, personnel from friendly societies are selected for posts in the Ministry of National Insurance.

The Civil Service Commissioners are responsible for selecting and grading candidates for permanent posts. They take account of each candidate's personal qualities and ability and the duties of his approved society post.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that fibre being exported to America consists of dope-dyed staple; and whether he is aware that if this fibre were spun in Lancashire and the yarn exported the dollar yield could be at least doubled.

Dope-dyed viscose rayon staple is not at present being exported to the United States. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is concern in the Lancashire textile industry over the possibility of spinning production greatly exceeding weaving capacity; and what steps he is taking to prevent this position arising.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 2nd March to my hon. Friend the Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Randall).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if in view of the fact that the supply position of gloves has greatly improved, he will now take these goods off coupons.

I regret that the improvement in the supply of gloves has not been such as to justify their removal from the ration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a comparison of the prices of home-grown timber with comparable imported timber at the opening of years 1946 to 1948 and now.

I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT showing the comparative prices of typical specifications

COMPARISON OF PRICES OF HOME-GROWN AND COMPARABLE IMPORTED TIMBER.
The following tables give comparative maximum prices per cubic foot for typical softwood and hardwood specifications:
A. SOFTWOOD (7" battens).
—			Home-grown spruce and other coniferous except larch.		Finnish, other than 1st or 2nd Class. U/S red.		Pacific Coast Canadian Douglas Fir and Eastern Canadian Spruce. Merchantable and U/S.
			s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
1st January, 1946	…	…	4	2½	5	10	5	5
1st January, 1947	…	…
1st January, 1948	…	…	5	1½	8	3	7	9¾
March, 1948	…	…

NOTES:

(1) Home-grown prices in 1946 and 1947 were subject to additions of up to 36 per cent, seasoning allowance; and in 1948 of up to 28½ per cent. The imported prices are for timber in shipping dry condition or better.

(2) The home-grown prices are f.o.r.; and the imported, free on vehicle ex wharfinger's yard.

(3) The home-grown prices are for sawn timber from a certified port city mill. Prices for timber from town and country mills are lower.

B. HARDWOOD.
(i) Oak.				Home-grown prime square edged.		F.A.S. American Southern Plain White.
				s.	d.	s.	d.
1st January, 1946	…	…	…	10	5	10	9
1st January, 1947	…	…	…
1st January, 1948	…	…	…	12	8	16	0
March, 1948	…	…	…
(ii) Ash.				Home-grown prime square edged.		F.A.S. American Tough White.
				s.	d.	s.	d.
1st January, 1946	…	…	…	11	8½	10	3
1st January, 1947	…	…	…
1st January, 1948	…	…	…	14	2½	15	9
March, 1948	…	…	…
(iii) Beech.				Home-grown prime square edged.		F.A.S. American Southern
				s.	d.	s.	d.
1st January, 1946	…	…	…	8	5½	8	6
1st January, 1947	…	…	…
1st January, 1948	…	…	…	10	3½	12	9
March, 1948	…	…	…

NOTES:

(1) Prices are per cubic foot based on 1" thickness throughout.

(2) Home-grown prices in 1946 and 1947 were subject to an addition of up to 45 per cent, seasoning allowance; and in 1948 of up to 15 per cent. The imported prices are for timber in shipping dry condition or better.

(3) The home-grown prices are f.o.r.: the imported free on vehicle ex wharfinger's yard.

(4) The home-grown prices are for sawn timber from a certified port city mill. Prices for timber from town and country mills are lower.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that certain worsted spinners are charging higher prices for yarns which, when processed, are exported, than for similar yarns supplied for home trade purposes; and since this creates a handicap to our export efforts, will he take steps to bring export prices into line with home prices.

Worsted spinners enjoy the same freedom in fixing their export prices as do their customers in the weaving and knitting industries. Although certain spinners may charge more for export than for home trade, I understand that many charge the same for both purposes, and I feel that this is a matter best left to free negotiation between the parties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make a statement on the Anglo-Yugoslav Trade Agreement.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now agree that holders of S coupons who are unable to use their cars because of the condition of the tyres shall be allowed to obtain permits for new ones.

An Order removing the restriction on the acquisition of new tyres has been made which will allow the acquisition of new tyres after tomorrow without a permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage increase that has been permitted in the cost of boot and shoe repairs since 1939; what has been the percentage rise in the cost of leather; in other requirements for repairs; and in wages over the same period.

For repairs with leather, a repairer, other than a factory repairer, may add 8¾d. in the shilling (72.9 per cent.) to the charge he made for a similar repair in 1939; for repairs with other materials, he may add 5½d. in the shilling (45.8 per cent.). The corresponding increases on 1939 charges which may be made by repair factories are 8¼d. and 5d. in the shilling respectively. I have no accurate information in the form in which the hon. Member asks for it in the latter parts of his Question, but an investigation of costs in this industry is now in progress.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the acute shortage of darning wool, particularly in natural colours, in the City of Norwich; and will he take steps to ensure proper supplies.

Darning wool generally is rather scarce, but I am not aware that supplies are worse in Norwich than elsewhere. The shortage is due to lack of labour in worsted spinning, but supplies are now improving and steps are being taken to secure a further substantial increase.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that quantities of household goods and personal clothing marked for export only are stored in warehouses and there is now no overseas market for them; and what he proposes to do about this waste.

I do not agree that there is no overseas market for household goods or clothing, and it is essential that no effort should be spared to export them. The Board of Trade is always prepared to give advice on destinations to manufacturers and merchants seeking openings for their goods and is now discussing with the clothing industry ways of increasing its export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the purchase of rationed clothing and footwear by overseas visitors, increased allowances of petrol for overseas visitors and hire-car facilities for tourists.

Yes. We recognise that purchases in this country by overseas tourists represent an important export, particularly of high quality goods for which this country has such a fine reputation.I am, therefore, introducing for an experimental period a new scheme by which overseas visitors will be able to obtain Tourist Voucher Books through the banks on presentation of a passport issued abroad and the cashing of £25 of overseas currency. These books will contain six vouchers each permitting the holder to make one purchase, free of coupons, of rationed clothing or footwear for delivery in this country. "One purchase" may consist, for instance, of a suit, or a dress length, or a pair of shoes, or six handkerchiefs, etc., and the scheme, which will be easy for tourists and traders to operate will, therefore, be flexible. I am satisfied that oversas visitors will in this way be able to buy reasonable quantities of the goods they want and that it will enable retail traders to make a contribution to the export drive. Only one voucher book may be issued to a tourist in each calendar year, but those tourists who wish to make more than six purchases will of course continue to be able to use the facilities provided by the Personal Export Scheme.Under this scheme, which has existed for some time, it has been possible for tourists to purchase rationed clothing and footwear, provided the goods are not delivered in this ocuntry, but are sent direct to an address abroad or to the ship or plane on which they are leaving the country. These arrangements are to be more widely publicised both among tourists and traders.I am also arranging, on the special occasion of the holding of the Olympic Games in this country, for the issue of 12 clothing coupons, to overseas competitors, officials, Press representatives and their wives and families.On 11th March my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power stated, in reply to Questions by the hon. Member for Tonbridge (Mr. G. Williams) and the hon. and gallant Members for Lewes (Major Beamish) and West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison), that he and I had agreed in principle that tourists bringing their cars to this country or buying them here for subsequent export should get increased allowances of petrol and that tourists should also be able to travel freely in hired cars.

asked the Postmaster-General how many inland telegrams were dealt with in the years 1945 to 1947, respectively; and of such telegrams, how many, respectively, were despatched priority on payment of an extra sixpence.

For the years 1945, 1946 and 1947 the number of inland telegrams dealt with was 65,613,000, 55,237,000, and 48,470,000, respectively. I regret that figures are not available for the number of priority telegrams.

asked the Postmaster-General for what purpose it is obligatory for the sender of an inland telegram to sign his name and address on the reverse.

The practice to which the hon. Member refers was made obligatory during the war and it has been continued because it is of great assistance in the event of inquiries or of non-delivery of a telegram.

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for the installation of telephones are outstanding in the whole country; and, of such number, how many relate to Lancashire.

There are 483,976 applications for telephone service outstanding in the whole country, 41,799 of which relate to Lancashire.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he contemplates enlarged allocations of steel to meet demands of makers of steel products in Sheffield with special regard to the needs of the high-speed tool steel and stainless steel manufacturers to maintain the export drive; and if he is in constant contact with local manufacturers on the problem of expanding requirements of steel.

I have no evidence of any serious shortage of either high-speed steel or stainless steel, except for certain difficulties in the case of stainless steel sheet. High-speed steel has in fact been removed from allocation. The answer to second part of the Question is "Yes."

asked the Minister of Supply if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding future plans for the new harbour at Cairnryan, Wigtownshire.

My right hon. Friend is arranging for this port to be made available to ship breakers for the breaking up of capital ships.

asked the Minister of Supply what has been the result of his discussions with the small agricultural tool trade undertaken with a view to increasing supplies; and whether he is aware that the shortage that still exists is hindering both agricultural production and the individual efforts of the public to contribute to the nation's food supply.

Increased supplies of these tools are now being distributed to the home market.

asked the Minister of Works what steel priorities have been allocated for the building of quick freeze plants in this country.

My Department has made certain allocations of steel for building work in connection with quick freeze plants and I understand that the Ministry of Supply have made allocations of steel for the production of the necessary equipment. The question of a priority for steel has not arisen.

asked the Minister of Works what is the purpose of the camp at Weeting, Norfolk; and how many Polish men, women and children are accommodated in it at the present time.

The camp at Weeting, Norfolk, is used temporarily to house Polish personnel. It is occupied by 109 men, 65 women and 42 children, who will be moved when alternative accommodation can be found.

asked the Minister of Works why an allocation of steel has been made to permit of the erection of a steel-framed building at the rear of 103, Station Road, Sidcup, to provide warehouse and garage accommodation for motor coaches.

No allocation of steel has been made; neither has a building licence been granted for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what restrictions are imposed on British ships and their crews whilst in ports in the Soviet Union; and whether the same restrictions apply to Soviet ships and their crews while in British ports.

British ships and crews visiting Soviet ports are subject to Soviet law. The same applies, conversely, to Soviet ships and crews in British ports.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans have been prepared for the development of technical education in the Highlands.

I have just made Orders under Section 68 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1946, establishing five Regional Advisory Councils for Technical Education, one of which will advise the Highland education authorities on the development of technical education for industry and commerce in the Highlands.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision has been reached in the case of Mr. John Nicolson Scott who has appealed against the refusal of subsidy under the Hill Cattle (Scotland) Scheme.

Intimation was sent to Mr. John Scott, Roeberry Farm, South Ronaldshay on 27th February, 1948, that cattle grazed on his holding were not regarded as eligible for subsidy. In accordance with the usual procedure, Mr. Scott was given the opportunity of submitting representations and did so on 6th March. Arrangements were accordingly made for one of the Department's inspectors to visit the island at the first convenient opportunity. The final decision will be conveyed to Mr. Scott as soon as the inspector's report has been considered.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many old age pensioners had their pensions reduced in 1947 consequent upon their earnings exceeding £1 per week; how many were men and how many women; and what was the total cash saving.

During the year 1947, 160,000 reports of earnings in excess of 20s. a week were made by pensioners whose pensions are subject to the earnings rule. Of these 115,000 related to casual earnings and 45,000 to earnings of a more or less regular character. No record is available of the numbers of individual men and women concerned, or of the aggregate amount by which the pensions were reduced. I would point out, however, that the earnings rule is not designed to effect savings but is a necessary corollary of the retirement condition. It does not apply at all to men over age 70 and women over age 65, who receive the increased pension whether they have retired or not.

asked the Minister of Food what is the estimated amount of subsidy that will be paid this year item by item, and where a commodity is rationed the increase in the cost of the ration that would be occasioned by the removal of the subsidy.

pursuant to his reply (Official Report, 10th March, 1948; Vol. 448, c. 146) supplied the following information:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of persons who have emigrated to the Colonies and to British Mandated Territories, differentiating between men, women and children, since August, 1945.

I regret that the statistics asked for are not available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many applications for supplementary allowances of petrol were granted and refused during February, 1948; how many were on hand at the end of the month; and what savings in petrol were achieved.

During February, 1948, 257,967 applications for supplementary allowances of all kinds were granted, of which 33,590 were first applications; 9,396 were refused and 52,396 remained on hand at the end of the month. The number of appeals outstanding at the same date was 18,052. Deliveries in bulk by the Petroleum Board to garages and large consumers averaged 73,000 tons a week in February compared with 74,000 tons a week in January. It was estimated that but for the withdrawal of the basic ration and other economies, deliveries in Janu- ary would have been about 94,000 tons a week, and deliveries in February should have been at least as great. It appears therefore that the net saving in February was about 21,000 tons a week. The total savings in petrol from 1st October, 1947, to 29th February, 1949, are estimated at about 340,000 tons which would have cost about 14½ million dollars at the prices current during this period.