asked the Minister of Education if he will describe the machinery through which his Department approves the B.B.C.'s educational broadcasts to schools.

These broadcasts are not subject to approval by the Ministry. In providing the broadcasts the B.B.C. are guided by the School Broadcasting Council for the United Kingdom on which the Ministry, and other educational bodies, are represented.

While I am in no sense critical of the general run of these broadcasts, which I believe to be of very high quality, does the reply of the right hon. Gentleman mean that he does not in fact exercise any supervision at all over these broadcasts and that he is not in fact really interested in them?

No, Sir. It means that we are very strongly represented on the Council but we are not responsible for them.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of a broadcast given recently by Mr. G. D. H. Cole to sixth forms to mark the centenary of the Communist Manifesto, which I believe to be of a distinctly partisan nature, will he look into it and give an assurance that such broadcasts will not be allowed in future?

I will look at it, but I cannot promise to give an assurance about anything.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the main content of the Communist Manifesto can be got in the history of the Levellers' Movement during the Civil War?

In view of the recently announced policy of the Government to purge the Civil Service, will the Minister use what power he has to extend that purge to the B.B.C.?

This Question deals only with educational broadcasts.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister of Education has already expressed some measure of responsibility will he use what measures he has to bring about a much needed Communist purge in educational broadcasts?

That is quite another question.

asked the Minister of Education when he expects to be able to make a public decision on the recent application by dentists in the public service for an interim increase in salary.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to dental officers employed in the School Health Service under local education authorities. It is not for me, but for the local authorities in the first instance, to consider the application made on behalf of the dental officers for an interim review of their salaries, and I am not in a position to say when any decision on the matter will be reached.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations by dentists in the public service?

I have had representations but I have not felt it incumbent upon me to meet the representations so far as I was personally concerned in my position as Minister, believing that it is for the local authorities first to meet them.

asked the Minister of Education on what grounds and in what circumstances the Kittyhawk aeroplane bequeathed by the late Mr. Orville Wright to the Science Museum, South Kensington, has been given to America.

The Kittyhawk aeroplane was bequeathed by the late Mr. Orville Wright to the Science Museum, but with the following proviso: "unless before my decease I personally in writing have asked its withdrawal from that Museum." This stipulation was subsequently fulfilled. The question of gift, therefore, does not arise.

Can my right hon. Friend explain how it is that this aeroplane was returned to Washington while we continue to hang on to the Lane pictures here, the two cases being exactly similar and parallel in all the circumstances involved?

If I am asked to answer that question, the answer is that I have nothing to do with the Lane pictures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement concerning the recent increases in raw cotton prices and the effect on the cotton industry.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on Tuesday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement concerning recent representations made by the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners to the Cotton Purchasing Committee relative to the increase in raw cotton prices.

No, Sir. This is a matter between the Federation and the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the total available paper, suitable for printing and publishing, but excluding newsprint, is now being used by or on behalf of the Government services.

The consumption of printing and writing paper for Government purposes represents approximately 10 per cent. of the supplies available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why in Liverpool stores, hand towels are offered at 2s. 11d. each, and one coupon, when better quality hand towels offered at 14s. 11d. each require only one half-coupon to be surrendered.

A towel for which the rate is one coupon is larger than a towel at half a coupon. The coupon rate is based upon size and not upon price, which may vary widely with quality and in the case of a non-utility towel would include Purchase Tax.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware of the basis of this complaint? While there may be a slight difference in the size of the towel, the fact remains that those who have a lot of money, by the surrender of half a coupon, can get more than double what those get who surrender one coupon?

This is entirely a difference of size, and if there is to be a demarcation of size, then there are bound to be difficult points.

Will my right hon. Friend not agree that there is discrimination in this matter? This is what is causing frustration in the country. Will he look at the matter to try to remove it?

No, I think my hon. Friend is confusing this with the question of curtains and certain other things, at which I have promised to look. The same considerations do not apply to towels.

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the one coupon towels are twice as large as the half-coupon towels?

Some are and some are not. The point is that towels over three but not over seven square feet in area need half a coupon, while towels over seven but not over 12 square feet need one. If my hon. Friend chooses the right stage within these figures he can find one which is twice as large.

Why, in the case of towels, is half a coupon needed for a half-size towel whereas, in the case of sheets, mentioned in the next Question, eight coupons are needed for a larger sheet and 12 for a smaller one?

That is another question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a very real grievance exists in the minds of housewives at having to surrender their own personal coupons for household materials of this nature? Will he look into the question of giving some sort of relief to the housewife in enabling her to buy towels, curtains and other materials without having to surrender coupons?

I have often said that there is nothing I would rather do, but if I were to do that within the present range of supplies of textile goods, it would mean a cut in the personal clothing ration. As and when things begin to increase, I shall certainly hope to see what can be done in that respect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in Liverpool stores, pairs of bed sheets, size 80 x 100 in., offered at £1 12s. 3d. and £1 2s. 6d. require 12 coupons, and larger sheets, size 90 x 100 in., price £2 0s. 9d., only require eight coupons to be surrendered.

While the rate for a pair of sheets size 90 x 100 in. is normally 14 coupons, a special exception is made in the case of utility sheets of the Specification numbers 163 and 164 which, although 90 in. or more in width, are made of twill and seamed down the middle and are pointed at eight coupons per pair. The coupon rates have nothing to do with the maximum prices which vary with quality.

Is not the President aware of the factors operating in this case—that if purchasers are prepared to pay more, they need not surrender so many coupons? Will the President consider this factor and relate the articles to the number of coupons surrendered, if he cannot let us have them coupon-free?

I have already said that this is a question of size, with the special exception of this particular quality. The reason for that is that these sheets are made from a special kind of cloth woven on narrow looms, put into production to supplement the supply of sheets already there. They are, therefore, a substitute for normal sheets, they are not as good and, therefore, cannot be expected to compete in coupons with the others.

But is it not a fact with sheets, like other things, that value is the thing, that there is a price upon them and those who are able to pay more, can purchase more? That is the point we are grumbling about.

That is not the case. I admit that the problem arises in the case of curtains, but in this particular case there have been several reasons at work which have nothing to do with the price at all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will relate production in the furniture industry to actual rather than potential buying.

I am not quite certain that I have correctly understood my hon. Friend's Question, but I can assure him that production is already related as nearly as possible to actual buying.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that three-quarters of a million furniture units were not used last year and that, as a result, the furniture shops are stocked up with certain types of utility furniture? Would he not allow these units to be used for some other priority cases?

That is what I thought perhaps my hon. Friend had in mind. I can tell him that we are looking into the question of the validity of additional units at present not available for purchase, and also we are still looking into the question of the volume and scale of furniture production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will include in the priority list for utility furniture those members of His Majesty's Forces now being repatriated from India, Egypt and Palestine, and who have never had a home in this country.

Yes, Sir. Married couples returning from service abroad have always been accorded the same treatment as the newly-wed.

Does that apply to returning soldiers who have never had a domicile in this country and who were married before 1939?

Yes, I think so, but I would like to look into that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what means he is employing to ensure finance for the independent film producer.

As regards action directed specifically to affording improved access to finance to qualified independent producers, I have been going into this matter very carefully, and I hope to be able in the very near future to announce arrangements that are in train.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the statistical basis on which he calculates that our present national product exceeds that of 1938.

There are considerable statistical difficulties in evaluating the net results of divergent changes in many industries over a period of ten years and different methods may give different results. I am, however, informed that the statement that our production exceeds that of 1938, which appeared in the Economic Survey for 1948, was based on the fact that such calculations as can be made from the data in the Monthly Digest of Statistics and other publications, together with the Index of Production for 1946 and 1947, indicate clearly that whatever method is employed, the current level of production exceeds that of 1938.

As this is of considerable interest to the country, will the President of the Board of Trade produce what evidence he has in some form which is available to Members of this House and to members of the public?

I will look into that. The hon. Gentleman is probably aware that quite independent calculations made, for instance, by "The Economist," came to an exactly similar conclusion, in fact, before the statement was made on behalf of the Government.

Would my right hon. Friend consider disclosing in more detail how his own production indexes are now arrived at?

I will consider that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the stocks held by men's outfitters are of large dimensions and are frozen because the markets are closed; and if he will take steps to enable traders to dispose of these goods, particulars of which have been sent him, either at home or abroad.

It is not the case that all overseas markets are closed to goods of this kind and it is most important that traders should take every possible step to live up to the undertakings to export on which they acquired such goods. I am writing to the hon. Member about the particular case of which he has given me some details.

While thanking the Minister for that answer, may I ask him if he will take what steps he can to decrease the coupon value, or to issue more coupons for home consumption and give complete freedom for export? Does he not realise that the accumulation of stocks is entirely due to State control?

No, it is due to nothing of the kind. I have already made considerable easement in the matter of export controls, and I am not aware of any difficulties in the way of exporting these goods so far as the British Government are concerned.

May I ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has taken all steps to see that foreign markets are open for our goods? Is he also aware that, although we have just signed a trade agreement with Denmark, Danish traders have informed suppliers here that no men's clothing is to be imported?

I made a pretty full statement on this subject on Monday last and referred specifically to the case of Denmark.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is, by regions, the stock of soft wood timber in the country; if export industries are receiving their requirements; what is the average monthly release of timber for housing; and what are the limiting factors to prevent the increase of the present allocation for housing by 150,000 standards.

Stocks of hewn and sawn softwood—excluding sleepers and certain stocks in consumers hands—by regions, as at the end of January last, were approximately as follows:

			Standards
North Eastern	…	…	79,846
North Western	…	…	77,565
Midland	…	…	75,129
South Eastern	…	…	184,355
Western	…	…	63,668
Northern Ireland	…	…	11,174
Scotland	…	…	52,321

So far as I am aware the essential timber needs of the export industries are being met. As regards the third part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on Tuesday last. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for East Grinstead (Colonel Clarke) on 6th November last by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware, and will he consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, that if the Government ceased production of non-traditional houses, and concentrated on traditional houses, there would be an enormous saving of steel and timber?

No, Sir, I am not aware of anything of the kind, and I am in close and almost permanent consultation with my right hon. Frend.

Is the amount of timber in this country an increase on this time last year, or a reduction?

A very considerable increase.

Can my right hon. Friend make a comparison between the stocks held prior to the war, and stocks held today.

I should want notice of that. I am not sure how complete the figures were before the war. My impression is that stocks at present are considerably above, about double a year ago, and are somewhat less than they were before the war.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now publish the details of the Film Agreement recently concluded with the American Motion Picture Industry.

The full text of the Agreement will be published as soon as its detailed provisions can be finalised.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that every representative of every American film company in London has a copy of this agreement and that British film companies are at a great disadvantage in not being in possession of it? Will he see that it is given to them?

No, Sir, I am not aware that every American representative has got a copy and I am certain that anything American representatives have in their hands our people have as well.

Is it a fact, which I believe to be true, that this agreement has had full publicity in America already? Will the right hon. Gentleman make certain that the same publicity is given here at once?

Exactly the same publicity has been given in this country as in America and what has been published in America has been published privately in this country and privately in America. The final details in one or two cases are not yet settled and I think it would be wrong to publish something which is not the final and complete agreement, which we hope to publish in the very near future.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman says that it has had private publication, would it not be better that that same publication should now be made available to the House?

Whatever is leaking out privately in America, for which I bear no responsibility whatever, and has also been repeated in one of the trade journals over here, is not, and will not be, the final published agreement between the Government and the Motion Picture Association. I would not like to publish anything to this House, or anywhere else, which does not embody the final terms of the agreement.

How can a British company or firm associated with the film industry know whether it is breaking the terms of the agreement if it accedes to an American suggestion to do something with its studio space if it has not got the agreement and the Americans have?

I have already said that the Americans have not got the final agreement. Secondly, if a company wants to know anything they can come and ask at the Board of Trade—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—Yes, a number of them have done so, and got a very clear answer from me personally. Thirdly, yesterday I sent a letter to all the British producers telling them exactly what is their position in regard to studio space.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give further consideration to the request from the miners of Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, for an increased supply of leather for the repair of miners' boots at the special service set up for the purpose.

No, Sir. I cannot treat the licensed shoe repairer at Michael Colliery more generously than other long established repairers in this area without unfairness to them. As has been explained to the hon. Member, the same treatment has been given to this colliery repairer as to any other person setting up a new repair business.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the largest and most productive pits in the country, and that boots are urgently essential to the miners? Is he aware that this shoemaker is only getting sufficient leather to keep going for one day a week and is only able to repair a very small number of the miners' boots at that pit? Will he not give them a priority of some kind to ensure that more of these boots are mended?

We cannot treat this repairer any more favourably than any older established repairers in the area.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an adequate supply of leather?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the regulations with regard to the collection of household bones by local authorities; and which local authorities in Great Britain are under direction to conserve and collect these bones.

A requirement to collect household bones is included in the general salvage directions under Regulation 54B of the Defence (General) Regulations 1939, which have been given to all urban and rural local authorities for districts with populations exceeding 5,000 and 10,000, respectively. Household bones have a very important raw material value in the production of glues, fats and fertilisers. I appeal, therefore, to local authorities and the public to increase the collections, which have now fallen to a very low level.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that owing to our inadequate methods of collection there are 25,000 tons of bones wasted annually in this country, and that these bones are replaced by imported bones?

The hon. Member appears to be giving information, and not asking for it.

Would the Minister take more positive steps to see that these bones are collected?

Anything I can do with the local authorities—and, of course, we do not collect the bones ourselves—will be done.

Can the President of the Board of Trade assist us by defining the term "household bones." Is it "the skeleton in the cupboard"?

I should want notice of that Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement about the Havana Conference on trade and employment.

I have made available in the House today the documents resulting from this Conference. One of these papers reproduces the text of the Havana Charter of the International Trade Organisation which was authenticated by the Final Act of the Conference. Apart from certain points to which the United Kingdom Delegate made reference in the final plenary sessions of the Conference, the effect of the Charter generally does not materially differ from the Geneva draft, which has already been laid before Parliament as Cmd. 7212, but hon. Members will no doubt wish to have the opportunity to study it. Although His Majesty's Government hope in due course, if circumstances are favourable, to recommend the Charter to Parliament with a view to acceptance, it is not their intention to do this in the immediate future.

The second paper which has been laid contains Protocols making certain consequential amendments to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade which have been formulated as the result of discussions between the contracting parties in accordance with the terms of that Agreement. In view of the wide measure of international agreement which was reached at Havana, arrangements have been made to accept these Protocols.

Is it the intention to give the House an opportunity to discuss the papers, to which the right hon. Gentleman has just referred, before the question of actual approval comes up?

That is a question which should be addressed to the Leader of the House, but I have said that it will be our intention ultimately to recommend the charter to Parliament, which, of course, involves facilities for Debate, and I have also said it is not our intention to do so in the immediate future.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will direct the electricity supply authorities to transform current on the three-phase circuit and abolish the single phase which is involving farmers and others, who wish to use electric power, in heavy expense and delay in the special wiring of electric motors.

No, Sir. This is a technical matter which, I feel, should be left to the electricity boards to decide in carrying out their statutory duties.

Is the Minister prepared to advise the boards to carry on the same system which was used by the private power companies that when a supply is changed machinery is changed without cost to the consumers?

I think that should be left to negotiation between the board concerned and the consumer.

Are not the unfortunate conditions described in the Question proof of how right the Government were to nationalise the industry?

Oh.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that today a great many users in rural areas need more power than they did five years ago and that this is a growing problem?

Yes, Sir, and we are naturally anxious to provide farmers with electricity, but the particular point about the system to be adopted is a highly controversial matter and should be left to the experts.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the number of representations that have been made to His Majesty's Government by British and British owned oil companies in Roumania; and what assistance has been afforded to these companies to ensure that these British assets are not expropriated without proper compensation.

A considerable number of requests for assistance have been received from the British companies with oil interests in Roumania. As many of these representations have been made verbally, the exact number cannot be given. Whenever a request for assistance has justified action on the part of His Majesty's Government appropriate representations have been made to the Roumanian Government and there have been fifteen such cases during the last year, of which eight referred to the protection of British oil assets. We have stated to the Roumanian Government that we reserve our right to demand full compensation.

May I ask the Minister whether, in addition to reserving our full right, the answer he has given can be construed to mean that the Government will ensure that these companies cannot be expropriated as they are being by the Roumanian Government and that we will get adequate and fair compensation for our assets?

I can only answer for what the Government will do. I cannot answer for what the Roumanian Government will do.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now reintroduce the petrol allowance for members of the Forces on foreign service leave.

This matter is under consideration.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will come to a decision?

I should hope by next week.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will provide petrol coupons to amateur cricket clubs for away matches as the cost of public transport, even if available, is beyond the means of many individual players.

I cannot grant supplementary allowances for this purpose, but I trust that the introduction of the standard ration will do something to meet the difficulties which the hon. Member has in mind.

Is the Minister aware that the amount of the standard ration is such that it will be swallowed up by one particular journey, and in view of the difficult situation of cricket will he not have another look at this matter?

I should be only too pleased to help amateur cricket clubs, but it is impossible to draw a line between one form of amateur sport and another. We have had to draw it against the amateur in favour of the professional.

Is the Minister aware that the cricket season starts on 1st May, not on 1st June?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power for how long he proposes to prohibit the use of windmills to produce power for lighting purposes.

No such prohibition exists. It is the use of electricity for business advertising which is at present illegal.

If the Minister enforces this regulation in my constituency for the purpose of preventing the practical use of enterprise, will he give me an assurance that he will not continue enlarging this interference with initiative? In the second place, will he assure me that he will not enforce the same punishment for breaking this regulation as was used for the enforcement of the Edicts of Diocletian?

I consider that if we are to waste electricity there are many better things we can do with it before we go in for advertising. As the hon. Member knows perfectly well, the only purpose of this restriction is to save fuel.

This is not for advertising but for the purpose of cheerfulness and providing brighter streets.

If it is not for the purpose of advertising, it is not prohibited.

Could the Minister explain what is the object in this? Why is he preventing these people from lighting up these windows when they are using no fuel at all?

It is impossible to draw the line between the use of batteries, windmills, diesel generating sets and mains for this Purpose, and if we were to relax the regulation under one of those heads it would be extremely difficult to enforce it under the others.

Does not the Minister's answer mean that it is perfectly legal to manufacture electricity so long as one does not use it? Is not that a fantastic and absurd measure?

The hon. Member should know that electricity cannot be manufactured without being used up.

Will the Minister remember that this year is the fourth centenary of Don Quixote?

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, on a suitable occasion.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether in view of the new regulations coming into force for the sale of petrol on 1st June, he will consider raising the marginal allowance to garage proprietors on the sale of petrol, in view of the extra difficulties of logging and also the storing of the petrol by people who only have one or two pumps now there are to be two colours.

This will be discussed with the Motor Agents' Association.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in view of the recommendations of the Russell Vick Committee, what steps are contemplated for the protection of motorists who use upper cylinder lubricant for the better maintenance of their cars, in view of the fact that this lubricant is coloured red

The offence will depend not on the colour of the petrol but on the presence in the petrol of a prescribed chemical.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the chemical contained in these upper cylinder lubricants will be prescribed or not?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether in view of the considerable increase in stocks, he will now restore to the previous maximum of 56 lb. the quantity of coke which can be obtained off the ration.

No, Sir. We have to develop the export of coke, and in any case I could not agree that what my hon. Friend proposes is the best way of making available to the home market any additional supplies of coke which we can afford for this purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a person who wants a bigger ration of coke can make any number of journeys—usually a small boy does it—and could he not make the sensible concession asked for in the question?

My hon. Friend's proposal would seem to lead to the conclusion that we should abolish the 28 lb. limit altogether.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will take steps to improve the quality of coal supplied to domestic consumers in the Cheltenham area.

No complaint has been received by the Regional Coal Officer for this area, but if the hon. Member will bring any specific complaint to the notice of the West Midlands Division of the National Coal Board it will be investigated.

If the quality is below standard would not the consumer be entitled to apply to the local fuel overseer either for an increased supply or a reduction in price?

The right course in the first instance is to apply to the supplier and try to obtain redress, and if he fails in that he should apply to the regional coal officer for the area.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that widespread anxiety has been aroused by his recent circular to local authorities discouraging any development of health centres at the present time; and, in view of the advantages of the health centre stressed by the Medical Planning Commission in 1942, and the obligation resting on local health authorities under the new National Health Service scheme to provide such centres, whether he will now issue further instructions making it clear that it is not his intention to discourage any initiative in the planning and setting up of new health centres.

There is evidently a misunderstanding. I have never wished to discourage health centres, which will be a key feature of the new health service. But I have had to point out the building stringencies of the moment and say that I do not, therefore, expect any widespread programmes yet.

In view of the extent of the misunderstanding that arose over the first circular relating to this matter, and of the immense support there is, particularly amongst doctors, for the idea of group practice, as indeed there is in the rest of the medical world, would the Minister consider issuing a further circular to clarify the situation that has arisen, and also consider encouraging the provision of some health centres in advance of others, where they are particularly needed?

The misconception arises out of the fact that citizens allow their ideas to be determined by headlines in the Press and not by the circulars themselves. If they had read the circulars they would have seen that I encouraged the local authorities to put up their plans.

If there is not to be a universal distribution of health centres throughout the country in the next year or two, will the Minister recommend that the weekly contribution should be reduced?

That astonishes me. The weekly contribution bears very small relationship to the total expenditure on the National Health Service, which is largely borne by Exchequer funds.

Where a health centre building cannot be established, may I ask whether the Minister would encourage the formation of group practice by medical teams where it is essential in future to have centres?

As my hon. Friend knows, I have all along expressed the opinion that partnerships and grouped general practitioners are desirable features, and they are being encouraged in the new service. I can also assure him that facilities are being given to enable new entrants to act first as assistants.

asked the Minister of Health, when he invited the medical and dental schools to consider the recommendations of the Goodenough and Teviot Committees, if he asked them to make recommendations; and when does he expect to receive their Report.

I will send the hon. Member copies of statements made in this, House by my predecessor and myself on, 18th January, 1945, and 11th October, 1946, respectively. There is no question, of my receiving reports from the medical and dental schools.

Surely the Minister is aware that the Goodenough Committee published their report some years ago; is he doing nothing whatever to take steps to produce more doctors and dentists in the near future?

If the hon. Member will examine the facts, he will see that a very great deal has been done in carrying out the recommendations of the Goodenough Report.

asked the Minister of Health what representations he has received regarding the proposed closing down of the Almeric-Paget Clinic, Thoresby Street, N.1; whether he is aware that this clinic caters for patients living in Islington, Finsbury and Shoreditch: and what action he proposes to take.

Local patients have written to me about this clinic which is being closed by the trustees. I have no power to prevent closure, but the Regional Hospital Board for the area know the position and will take account of the need when they become responsible for hospital services on 5th July.

I understood the Minister to say that the trustees were closing this place on their own initiative, but is the Minister aware that they are issuing to all patients a leaflet which, quite unambiguously, says that the clinic is being closed as a consequence of the taking over by the State of the health services? Will he take steps to discourage the trustees from abusing the Government behind their backs, and in view of the fact that this clinic provides very valuable physiotherapy services for people in Islington, Finsbury and Shoreditch, would he encourage the trustees to keep the place open?

In regard to the latter part of the supplementary question, I will certainly try to ensure that continuity of service is observed. With regard to the first part, people in this country have a right to abuse the Government and I must say that they take advantage of it.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in the conversion of hutted accommodation in Aqualate Park in the rural district of Stafford for emergency housing; how many families will be accommodated in these dwellings; and when they will be ready for occupation.

Plans to convert the first 26 huts at this camp have been approved, and tenders are to be invited. The whole camp should provide accommodation for go families, and the first huts should be ready for occupation within three months of the acceptance of tenders.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the growing lack of work for many small building firms, he will now allow local authorities to issue further licences for private enterprise building.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 18th March.

How far does the Minister want the building industry to disband its resources before he will allow local authorities more discretion in this matter?

Local authorities have already received, in the last few months, a very large number of additional approvals. There is no question of the building industry being dispersed. In fact, there are far too many building firms in existence for economic operation.

Could the Minister say whether or not he would allow great latitude for the reconditioning of houses for rural workers in the country areas?

Circulars have been sent out to authorities generally relaxing the conditions and rules relating to repairs, but it would be undesirable to do that in the rural areas if it were done at the expense of new accommodation.

Referring to the reply of the Minister to the last supplementary question but one, are we to take it that it is the policy to drive the small firms out of business?

No. If the hon. Member would acquaint himself with the facts he would realise that we have made special arrangements for small firms to build houses for sale to the local authorities, where they are too small to be able to place tenders in the ordinary way. It is a fact that the building industry is in many respects grossly inefficient because there are too many firms.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the decay of thatching and other rural crafts; and what steps he is taking both to encourage their revival and in the case of cottages and other thatched buildings needing repairs, to have these effected.

I am aware of the position, and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has arranged under the Government Vocational Training Scheme for training in thatching to be given by selected employers in an effort to maintain the supply of skilled workers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the meantime the roofs of many charming thatched cottages, in such counties as Bedfordshire and Herefordshire, are being repaired with asbestos sheets, and that this arrangement is spoiling the attractiveness of many of the villages in which the cottages are situated?

I agree that it is desirable to have this supply of skilled men replenished. We have had experience in one or two areas where, after having trained men, there has not been sufficient demand for their labour. However, I am extremely keen about this myself and I will re-examine the position.

Will my right hon. Friend look after these houses which have been repaired in such an ugly way? Since many beautiful cottages in Essex have completely disappeared, one agrees that it is better to repair the rest, but will the Minister see that they have their thatches put back as soon as possible?

I have no prejudice against thatching. I lived for many years in a very agreeable thatched cottage. I will certainly look into the matter.

When my right hon. Friend says that sometimes there is no demand for the services of trained men, would he look at the position in Essex particularly, where very often a thatcher has to go 20 or 30 miles and his services cannot be got for months?

I will have the position examined district by district. We might have a lack of supply in one place and a surplus in another.

asked the Minister of Health when No. 9 Cheverton Avenue, Withernsea, property of Mrs. Jessie Empson, will be derequisitioned.

I regret that I am unable to say when this house is likely to be released from requisition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this lady purchased this house in order to provide a home for her married son on his return from the Forces, and that the son is now demobilised but he and his wife are living in a single room in Hull at a rent of 15s. a week? Will he look at the matter again?

I will certainly make inquiries. The note I have is that the lady in question consented to the house being requisitioned on condition that a second house of hers was released for her own use, but I will make further inquiries.

That was in 1941.

asked the Minister of Labour why Mr. J. W. Earle, of Lupton, Holme, Westmorland, has been refused permission by his Department to leave his present employment in order to join the police force, after he has been accepted by the Chief Constable of Burnley.

Mr. Earle is an experienced agricultural worker. Quite exceptional measures are now in operation to build up the labour force of the agricultural industry and these measures must necessarily involve the retention in the industry, as far as possible, of every experienced worker. In the circumstances it was not possible for my Department to permit Mr. Earle to join the Police Force.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is in the interests of the police force, which is much under strength, or of the country generally, that volunteers, such as Mr. Earle, should be refused the opportunity to spend their lives serving in this force, as a result of these dictatorial rules and regulations?

The hon. Gentleman asks me what I think. I think that the need to carry out the Control of Engagement Order and to keep manned up the agricultural industry is paramount.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in order to ascertain whether the need for reinforcements to the police has not become even more acute in the last 24 hours?

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the staff of Miles Aircraft Factory at Woodley have, since September, 1947, been registered as unemployed for more than a fortnight; and how many of those registering have been advised to take posts outside the Reading area.

Of the persons previously employed by Miles Aircraft Ltd. at present registering for employment at the Reading local office, 123 men have been unemployed for two weeks or more; 46 are unwilling to accept work away from home, and 17 of the remainder have been submitted to jobs away from the area. It is not possible to identify registrations at other local offices without a disproportionate amount of work.

Is there a prospect of other light engineering work being found for these men in the Reading area?

I really could not say about the prospects in that area, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that every step will be taken to put these men into touch with jobs without their having to leave home.