asked the Minister of Health how many hospital beds in England and Wales will be available on the appointed day, as compared with the number in 1938.

The total number of beds in England and Wales at the end of 1947, the latest date for which information is available, was 533,000. The corresponding figure for 1938 so far as is known was 466,000.

asked the Minister of Health how many children under 15 years of age were inoculated against diphtheria in each of the years from 1940 to the latest year for which the statistics have been received.

The figures shown by returns from local authorities in England and Wales are as follows:

asked the Minister of Health in view of the increase in the number of casuals and the near arrival of the appointed day of the new Health Service, whether adequate accommodation is being provided in the reception centres; and whether the right of casual relief is being safeguarded until the Government scheme is completed.

Yes. The necessary arrangements are being made in consultation with the Assistance Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date those parts of Dungeness known as Walkers Outland, Hoppen Pits and Dengemarsh were taken over by the War Office; on what dates the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the owners of these areas, requested information as to when these areas would be returned to them; what replies ere sent; and whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement of his intentions regarding these areas.

These areas were requisitioned on 7th July, 1942. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds asked for information as to when the areas would be returned to them in a letter dazed 18th May, 1945. The reply given was that the land formed an extension to he permanent War Department range, and it was thought likely that it might be required in the post-war period. My Department has now decided that it does require Denge Marsh and parts of Walkers Outland and Hoppen Pits for the range in future, and the proposal to acquire additional land including the se areas is being considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements. The remaining portions of Walkers Outland and Hoppen Pits are not required and will be released.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the completion of houses in East Kent is being slowed down through a shortage of cement, light castings, baths, galvanised piping arid hardening material for asphalt floors; and if he will improve supplies to this area.

I am aware that temporary shortages may have occurred on some sites. Assistance will continue to be given to contractors who might be delayed by lack of materials.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the planned division in 1948 between home and export of building materials and fitments suitable for the erection of brick houses giving a list thereof; and whether in view of Marshall aid a substantial reduction in export of building materials and fitments will now be arranged to increase the number of brick houses for which bricks, cement, timber and labour are available.

I have been asked to reply. The following table gives a list of building materials for which precise export targets have been announced, together with an estimate of the percentage of production these targets represent. Other manufacturers of materials and components for whose products there is a profitable export market are encouraged to export any surplus they can produce over essential home requirements. Full regard has been paid to the essential home requirements of building materials and components, and the needs of brick houses for which timber is available form only part of this demand. With regard to the effect of Marshall Aid, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 246 of the Economic Survey for 1948.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact

After consultation with the manufacturers, I am satisfied that the continued and extended use of this gas for the propulsion of motor vehicles will jeopardise supplies for essential purposes. Owners of vehicles which were converted before 8th January, 1948, have had ample time in which to apply for licences, and no further applications will be entertained after the end of next week, i.e., Saturday, 8th May.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will furnish figures showing, as at 31st March, 1948, the numbers of men and women employed in the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard, distinguishing between established and non-established personnel; and whether he will state the intakes and discharges for the period 28th September, 1946, to 31st March, 1948.

The numbers employed on 27th March, 1948, together with the entries and discharges during the 18 months period 5th October, 1946, to 27th March, 1948, are as follows: