asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning why he has reversed the decision of the Norfolk County Council not to approve the removal of the upper floor of Cranmer Hall, an 18th century building the beauty of which will be destroyed for the sake of the lead on the roof, and has thus discouraged every local authority which is seeking to preserve beautiful buildings.

The question was whether the owner of this large uninhabitable and partly derelict mansion should be permitted to remove the top storey and divide the building into three separate dwellings. For reasons which I stated fully in a letter to the district council on 30th April last I reversed the local authority's decision to refuse permission because in my view the merits of the owner's proposals, which provided accommodation for himself and two other families, outweighed the architectural value of the mansion which was not outstanding. I am satisfied that no local authority anxious to preserve beautiful buildings need be in the least discouraged by this decision.

Is the Minister aware that since he gave his approval to this gross commercial vandalism there has been a fire which has done serious damage to the house, which is surely a sign of the wrath of Heaven, and in view of that fire will he consider re-opening the matter?

Until I knew more about the causes of the fire I should not like to attribute it to the wrath of Heaven or anything else. Of course, it is always open to the local authority to deal with the matter again if they wish.

In reinforcing what has just been said by the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling), may I ask the Minister to bear in mind that the scheme of conversion referred to in this Question is most extravagant and costly and that in these circumstances it is not one which ought to be undertaken at present? Will he take that into account?

That is not entirely a matter for me. I was satisfied that this conversion was the right thing.

When my right hon. Friend says that this building is not of outstanding architectural merit, will he bear in mind that 18th century domestic architecture generally is of outstanding architectural merit and that there is none too much of it left?

Is there any reason to think that the local authority had not considered the matters which the right hon. Gentleman mentioned before they came to the decision which he reversed?

Every local authority carefully considers its decision, but there is an appeal to me. I have to endeavour to do the right thing.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning to what extent he has consulted with those authorities concerned with the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads on the maintenance and development of the amenities of the Broads; and if he will make a statement.

My officers consulted with officers of the Norfolk and East Suffolk County Councils in November last, and I sent a letter to both Councils in December. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the letter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the continued deterioration of this great national playground, and does he realise that unless something is done soon most of the amenities will disappear altogether?

I am very well aware of that, and I am doing what is possible.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will set up a Committee to investigate the methods and extent of chalk excavation in Great Britain, and to advise on measures to ensure that future excavation is confined to scheduled areas and is conducted by methods involving the least possible damage to local amenities.

These matters will be examined as part of the process of preparing development plans under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947. I hope to be able to arrange discussions, before long, with the branches of the industry and the local authorities concerned, and I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

Will the Minister take into account the fact, as stated by the Minister of Works yesterday in reply to a Question, that the present areas of excavation in this country are inadequate for future chalk requirements and that, therefore, there is a considerable danger that existing areas of scenic beauty may be disfigured unless there is carefully controlled development?

It is one of the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act to ensure that the most suitable areas are used for excavations.

Does the same regulation apply to the excavation of gravel?

Will the Minister take into account the fact that some exploration might be made as to the possibility of using chalk from the extensive cliffs around our coast, instead of destroying the countryside by getting it there?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that the British Portland Cement Company have not availed themselves of the permission granted in 1944, after a public inquiry, to start a new cement works at Cauldon Low; and whether he will bear in mind this earlier authorisation when considering the application for authority to extend the cement works in the Hope Valley, which was the subject of a public inquiry at Chapel-en-le-Frith on 14th April.

I understand that development of the Cauldon Low site has been held up because the company have not yet been able to complete their arrangements for securing an adequate water supply. As regards the second part of the question, I will consider all relevant factors before reaching a decision.

Is the Minister aware that, at the inquiry three and a half years ago, when permission to develop Cauldon Low was granted, one of the reasons put forward was that there was an adequate water supply, and will he make quite certain that this company is not trying to get permission to develop a new area before it has taken advantage of the permission given three and a half years ago?

I was not aware of those facts, which, of course, relate to before my time, but I will certainly look into the matter raised by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is now in a position to announce the Government's decision on the report of the local public inquiry into the retention by the War Office of the Purbeck training area.

Consideration is now being given to the Report on this public local inquiry, and it is hoped that it will be possible to announce the Government's decision shortly.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is the population for the new town at Aycliffe, Co. Durham; is he aware that the surrounding townships of Shildon, Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, Crook and Willington are disturbed about the uncertainty of this matter; and will he remove this by making a factual statement.

The Development Corporation is preparing for population of the order of 10,000. This is the figure I discussed with the local authorities concerned when the Corporation was set up, and I made it clear that if any change appeared to be necessary I should discuss matters again with the authorities. I cannot at this stage say whether any change will be necessary, but the question will come under review in the near future in connection with the plan which is being prepared for the North Eastern Development Area.

Do I understand from that reply that nothing will be begun until the Minister has taken the local authorities into consultation?

That is exactly what I intended to convey.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he has considered the presentation of case sent to him by the planning committee of the Wiltshire County Council with regard to the proposed Westbury Cement Works; and whether he is prepared to re-open the inquiry.

I have received from the Clerk of the Wiltshire County Council a statement of the views of the Wiltshire Joint Planning Committee, which I am still considering.

The Minister will be aware that it has been suggested that he should visit the site himself. Is it his intention so to do, and, if so, will he give an opportunity to the representatives of the local councils—the Wiltshire County Council, and the Westbury Urban and Rural Councils, to send representatives, if they so wish, to accompany him on any such visit?

I propose to visit the site next Monday, and I will certainly see that the appropriate authorities are invited, but I must also invite the applicants.

In view of the increasing alarm among many people on the subject of this factory, will the Minister see that the people who have views on this matter have an opportunity of airing them?

They have had that opportunity. They have had two public inquiries.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is the number of windmills still in working order throughout the country; whether he will take steps to preserve them; and whether in the case of those many other mills which are features of the landscape he will have them listed and brought to the notice of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

I am not aware of the exact number of working windmills still standing. Most working corn-grinding windmills will be included in the statutory lists of buildings now being prepared; water-pumping windmills and those corn-grinding windmills which are no longer working, but are features of the landscape, will be included in the lists or not, according to their degre of architectural or historic interest as well as their degree of preservation. The position of listed mills in regard to preservation is the same as that of other listed buildings. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings are supplied with a copy of each statutory list when it is made.

Can the Minister assure the House that an adequate number of windmills will be retained against which the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge) may tilt?

Will my right hon. Friend also have a look at a windmill in my constituency, which is, I think, the only surviving specimen in the London area?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a considerable number of local authorities have made it their business to preserve windmills in their localities, and where local authorities are not doing that, will he encourage them to follow that excellent example?

The 1947 Act provides that encouragement in regard to windmills which are buildings of architectural or historic interest.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will make regulations to allow all women under sixty years of age who are not gainfully employed and whose husbands are over 65 and were not previously insured, to enter the National Insurance scheme on 5th July.

My right hon. Friend regrets that it would not be practicable to consider this particular class of non-employed married women in isolation from non-employed married women generally. As regards the latter, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 4th May.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what difference in pension there will be after 5th July for widows already over sixty on that date and those who reach that age subsequently.

10s. widow pensioners aged 60 or over at 5th July, 1948, will have their pensions increased to the 26s. rate at age 65 or on earlier retirement. They will not pay contributions for National Insurance under the new scheme or be able to qualify for increments on the standard rate of pension. Widow pensioners with children, and some others who are under age 60 at 5th July, 1948, will from that date be entitled to have their pensions increased to the rates of the new scheme, and, so long as they are so entitled, they will not be required to pay contributions for National Insurance. The remaining 10s. widow pensioners who are under age 60 at 5th July, 1948, will become insurable in their appropriate class from that day. If they pay their contributions, they also will be able to have their existing pensions replaced by retirement pensions at the 26s. rate at age 60 if then retired, or, if not, at the higher rate due when they retire or reach age 65.

Does my right hon. Friend tell me that what all that means is that a woman under the age of 60 now getting 10s. a week will have to pay the contribution at the new rate out of that 10s.?

Of course, it depends on the circumstances, and if my hon. Friend will pay particular attention to this reply, in which we have tried to outline the whole position, she will, perhaps, find that it clears up that point.

Can the Minister say why the first group of widows whom he mentioned will not get the pension until they are 65?

When I referred to the first group, I was referring to the 26s. pension at age 60, because they are not entitled to 26s. a week between 60 and 65 if they have not retired.

Can my right hon. Friend say why a widow of 58 now drawing 10s. a week will not be able to draw 26s. at 60, though not paying the contribution?

Because the whole conception of widows' pensions has been altered in the new scheme. This was all threshed out and discussed on the Beveridge Report, the Government White Paper, and in all the other discussions. We appreciate the position so far as it concerns the widow who is approaching 60 at the present time, and we are giving the widow who is between 55 and 60 a special concession in this regard by giving her a credit from the age of 55 to the appointed day, at least; whether she pays the contribution or not, she will be entitled to an increased pension.

Will my hon. Friend make clear whether in the regulations provision is being made for the widow whose only income is 10s. a week, so that she may be given some assistance towards paying her contributions?

I think it is perfectly clear that the widow with children will get the widowed mother's allowance, and also, if she is incapacitated, she will be entitled to apply for the 26s. pension. It is only other groups of women with whom we are concerned in these cases

What amount of pension will be received by widows between 55 and 60?

What I said was that the widow between 55 and 60 will get credits from her 55th birthday to the appointed day. These amounts of credits will entitled her to a pension at 60. She already has 10s. The pension varies according to the particular widow's age and the time which elapses between her 55th birthday and the appointed day.

Many pensioners are uncertain to what extent they will benefit, and in view of that, and to clarify the position, will the Minister have a simple leaflet printed, exhibited at Post Offices and also made available to Members of Parliament to send to their constituents?

We are very concious of that fact and we have provided a very large number of leaflets which are available to hon. Members in the Library. They are available in Post Offices and also at the local offices of the Ministry of National Insurance.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many persons are due to register under the new Insurance Act on 5th July; and how many had, in fact, registered at the latest available date.

I assume the hon. Member refers to new entrants to insurance on 5th July next. It is estimated very approximately that these will number rather over three million. Up to last week about 1,400,000 new entrants of all classes had applied for National Insurance cards. Of these just over 500,000 were in the self-employed and non-employed classes. I should like to take this opportunity of urging all self-employed and non-employed persons who have not yet applied for cards to do so as soon as possible in order to assist in the smooth introduction of the new scheme.

Is the Minister aware that on 2nd November, 1944, I warned the Minister that this scheme would break down in administration, and is he also aware that complete chaos will commence on 5th July?

Of course, I am not aware of that, but as the hon. Gentleman is so often wrong that comforts me exceedingly.

Will the Minister make it quite clear that in addition to registering under the National Insurance scheme, the individual will, of course, have to register separately with a doctor?

Yes, it is a matter on which there is some misunderstanding. Those who have not been insured before are asked to register under the Ministry of National Insurance; and, of course, so far as the Health Service is concerned, a separate registration is required.

Is the Minister aware that in rural areas considerable delay is being caused to applicants owing to the fact that the necessary forms are not available at the village post offices?

I have not heard of that, but I will have the matter looked into.

Can my hon. Friend say whether any use is being made of the B.B.C. to notify people of the need for registration?

We started this campaign for registration by the speech of my right hon. Friend, and we have tried to get this across as best we could. It is true that since the distribution of the "Family Guide," which has been completed, there has been an increase in registrations.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that some of these forms are available in the post office of the House of Commons?

They are available.

According to comments behind me, they are.

They were not last week.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what are the arrangements for dealing with claims under the National Insurance Industrial Injuries Act to unemployability supplement and constant attendance allowance by persons entitled to workmen's compensation on the appointed day.

Leaflets and application forms relating to these benefits will be available at local National Insurance offices on Wednesday, 16th June, and persons wishing to claim should get in touch with their local office, the address of which can be ascertained from the local post office. Copies of the leaflet will also be sent to branch secretaries of unions concerned with heavy industries so that they can bring the benefits to the notice of possible claimants. I should add that under the new Act it will in many cases be to the claimant's advantage to receive sickness benefit instead of unemployability supplement, and where this is so, his claim will be dealt with accordingly.

Will the Minister give the maximum publicity to these arrangements so that the people affected may know of their responsibilities as well as their rights under the scheme?

We certainly want to do that, and I hope this Question and answer will receive the widest possible publicity.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the number of persons in receipt of unemployment allowances at the most recent date for which the information is available; and the relative figure for the years 1936–37–38.

The number of persons in Great Britain in receipt of unemployment assistance allowances other than allowances in supplementation of insurance benefit was 18,720, at 19th April, 1948. The comparable figures for the years 1936, 1937 and 1938, at or about the same time of the year, were 655,845, 611,790 and 540,653 respectively.

Can the Minister give the total number of insured persons at the most recent date at which the information is available?

I should need notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers and other ranks were registered with the appointments department at the latest convenient date.

At 10th May, 18,553, of whom 10,998 were in employment. There were also, at 31st March, 269 ex-officers and other ranks on the registers of the nursing appointments offices. Of these 145 were in employment.

How do these figures compare with those of last year? Is the appointments department still meeting with success or is it finding difficulty in placing these men?

Without referring definitely to a period of last year, I can say that the scheme up to date has provided employment for 27,900 persons, of whom 17,500 were ex-officers and 7,500 formerly other ranks.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will, during the period of Marshall Aid to Great Britain, issue monthly or quarterly lists of the activities in which there has been authorised an in crease or a decrease in the union wages or hours of work.

The principal changes in rates of wages and in hours of labour are reported each month in the Ministry of Labour Gazette.

Would it not be desirable for the Minister, speaking on behalf of the Government, to make this statement quite clear, so that the American people would know we are making our own efforts to look after ourselves while receiving Marshall Aid from them?

Would it not be equally desirable to refer to prices and dividends at the same time?

In answer to the hon. Member, I can say that we publish these figures, but we are a little doubtful as to our authority to amplify them overseas.

Could not the Minister make one clear statement so they could know we are doing our full share to look after ourselves?

If the question is asked and repeated in Parliament, that is the best way of getting publicity.

Is it not a fact that Representative Taber is right, after all?

Without criticising an eminent statesman of another country, I would like to say that I do not think he was right on this occasion.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the number of unemployed men and women registered

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in improving the ventilation stands of cotton-weaving factories; and can any figures be given to ascertain the rate of progress.

The Joint Advisory Committee of the Cotton Industry, set up by the Chief Inspector of Factories in 1944, has recommended improved methods of ventilation by mechanical means, and a recent survey of Lancashire weaving sheds showed that approximately 25 per cent. had ventilating systems up to the suggested standards. The remaining sheds are being encouraged to fall into line, though there is considerable difficulty at present in obtaining the necessary plant.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the fact that in only 25 per cent. of the cases have ventilation at Airdrie and Coatbridge employment exchanges at the latest date; and the corresponding figures for the same date last year.

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In the table which he is circulating, will my right hon. Friend divide the figures into those who have been unemployed for six months and those who have been unemployed longer?

Not in the figures I shall publish immediately, but I will bear the hon. Member's question in mind and see whether we could do that in a later report.

Following is the reply:

standards improved shows very slow progress, and will he not do all he can, and bring pressure to bear, to see that further progress is made urgently?

I am afraid I cannot agree with that conclusion. There has been very considerable progress since the end of the war in Lancashire in bringing factories up to the standard recommended and I think I should pay a tribute to the Lancashire employers for the steps they are taking in this direction. There are backward employers who are being dealt with, but our great difficulty is to get ventilation plant.

Is it not a fact that many factories—75 per cent.—cannot get on with the work because the Ministry of Supply will not give them the stuff?

I should not like to put the percentage quite as high as that. It is true that a large number of employers have their plans ready and are awaiting plant, but there is a small minority of firms that have taken no steps at all, and we are applying pressure to them.

asked the Minister of Labour if any inquiry has been made into the problem of noise in cotton-weaving factories; what recommendations have been made; and to what extent they have been acted upon.

The Joint Advisory Committee of the Cotton Industry considered the problem of noise in cotton-weaving factories, and their inquiries showed that further research was necessary. Investigations are now being carried out by the British Cotton Industry Research Association.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some hundreds of West Indians, many of them ex-Service men skilled in various trades, are now on their way to this country in search of work; and if he will instruct his officials to meet the ship in which they are travelling and assist them to find suitable work in undermanned industries, in the interests of production and of the welfare of these British subjects.

They will be met at the ship and told how to register for employment at the appropriate local offices. The arrival of these substantial numbers of men under no organised arrangement is bound to result in considerable difficulty and disappointment. I have no knowledge of their qualifications or capacities and can give no assurance that they can be found suitable work. I hope no encouragement will be given to others to follow their example.

While entirely agreeing with my right hon. Friend's final words, may I ask whether he will reconsider the position in view of what he says about the disappointment that will arise through there being no organised arrangements? Can he not go a little further to provide some organised scheme to enable these British citizens in a strange land to contribute usefully to production?

No, Sir. I consider that those who organised the movement of these people to this country did them a disservice in not letting us here know, and so enabling us to take care of them. My reference to the organisation was in that respect. When they get here we shall do all we can to look after them and to place them. However, it will be a matter of some difficulty—for I understand that there will be 400 of them—to find out where they are to be put, and where they are to sleep when landed at the dock. If they suffer any inconvenience, the blame will be on those who sent them and not on those who receive them.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say who was responsible for this extraordinary action?

I wish I could, but we do not know. All I can say is that we have information that they are in the ship and are coming here. It is a great disappointment. They are British subjects, and we want to place them. However, I have no knowledge of what their trades are. All I know is that we shall do our best for them when they get here.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, perhaps through the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to find out who was responsible for this extraordinary action?

That has already been done.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it was precisely with some knowledge of the difficulties to which he has referred that I put this Question down, hoping that he might be able to do something a bit more definite and positive and on a bigger scale than simply to refer them to the employment exchanges?

That is the proper thing to do. When these men get here they will have to be sent somewhere and given resting places for the night. The best thing to do is to put them in touch with the employment exchanges in the areas where they will have their residence, and to place them in work there. We cannot put a man on the dock at Southampton to guide these people into jobs.

If the Minister wants to discourage them, would he consider sending them to see the housing conditions in Scotland? Then they will want to go back to the West Indies.

Let me say at once that there is no desire to discourage them. The desire is to see the thing properly organised, and to help them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the serious shortage of streptomycin in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply.

Supplies of streptomycin are still very limited, but the supply to the five treatment centres in Scotland has recently been increased by almost 70 per cent. The number of hospital beds in use for this treatment has been increased from 27 to 37, and the number will shortly be substantially increased as supplies become available from manufacture in this country.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether he is aware that up to Friday of last week—I do not know if that is the most recent date—there was a shortage of this essential drug in the City of Glasgow, and that just before that there was a shortage also in Aberdeen and Dumbarton?

One of the treatment centres is in Glasgow. I will consider the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Scottish Tourist Board is taking to develop the tourist industry in the Island of Arran.

The Scottish Tourist Board are an independent body and are not subject to my control. I am, therefore, forwarding the hon. Member's Question to them. The attractions of Arran are widely known, and the Island does a very thriving tourist trade.

Is the Secretary of State aware that, while I agree with what he says about the attractions of Arran, that is not of much help to us so long as the people at Lamlash have no pier? They are very anxious that the pier should be re-opened. Will my right hon. Friend do something about it?

I understand that the state of the pier is said to be due to the usage of war. Perhaps, my hon. Friend could apply to the Admiralty for their assistance.

Is it not the case that the Duke took compensation for damage to the pier, but did not do anything to repair the damage?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what bodies advising him is the Scottish jute industry represented; and whether he is satisfied that this Scottish industry is sufficiently represented in relation to its importance in the national economy.

The Scottish Economic Conference, the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), and the Scottish Board for Industry, which are the principal advisory bodies on industrial matters in Scotland, do not consist of members selected as representatives of individual industries. I am satisfied, however, that these bodies, through their contacts with every branch of Scottish industry, are fully competent to advise on any industrial problems that may arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that three sub-tenants in a house occupied by Mr. Joseph Laverie, at 36, Dalhousie Street, Glasgow, C.3, live in constant threat of having their furniture seized and sold under a sheriff's warrant in order to meet rent arrears incurred by the principal tenant, even though the sub-tenants pay their rent regularly; and if he will take steps to protect them.

The Sheriff granted a decree against Mr. Laverie for arrears of rent amounting to £17 on 30th March. I understand that this amount has since been paid, and that no warrant of ejection has been granted. In answer to the last part of the Question, it is for the court to determine the rights of a landlord over sub-tenants' property in satisfaction of rent due by the tenant, and in such matters I am not in a position o intervene.

Seeing that the law gives so little protection to tenants of furnished rooms, does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is time that we changed the law in their favour?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that two sub-tenants have been evicted from a house occupied by Mrs. Lilian Richards, at 54, St. Vincent Crescent, Glasgow, C.3, on a warrant issued for the ejection of the principal tenant; and if he will take action to prevent such evictions.

I understand that a warrant of ejection against the principal tenant, Mrs. Richards, for arrears of rent was granted in the Sheriff Court on 10th May. The right of the landlord to evict sub-tenants in such circumstances is a legal matter for determination by the court, in which I have no jurisdiction to intervene.

Seeing that these two tenants claim to be tenants of unfurnished rooms, would it not be fairer to have their claim tested by the court rather than to accept the word of the house-factor?

The question as to whether the thing is fair in this case is a matter for the courts of law to determine, and it would be improper for me to make any observation on it.

On a point of Order. May I ask your guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to why these Questions and answers about tenancies of this kind in Scotland appear to be in Order, even though the Secretary of State says he is not responsible in the matter, while Questions on important matters concerning the nationalised industries are ruled out of Order?

To tell the honest truth, I cannot answer that at short notice. I was wondering exactly how far these Questions were infringing our Rules.

May I ask my right hon. Friend—for I know of one or two cases like this—if it is not possible, while not interfering with the decision of the court, to suspend the operation of the decree until some form of alternative accommotion is found?

Really, a Minister of the Crown cannot interfere with the due process of law.

Would the right hon. Gentleman draw that salutary conclusion to the attention of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will make a statement on applications for pension in respect of cancer, in view of Mr. Justice Denning's recent judgment in the case of Lee v. Minister of Pensions.

I have read the judgment in the case of Lee and note that the appeal was allowed primarily on the grounds that an earlier diagnosis of cancer and operative treatment might have prolonged life. I am glad of this opportunity of assuring my hon. Friend that the reasons given by the learned Judge for allowing Mrs. Lee's appeal do not constitute any new approach to pension entitlement in cancer cases. Although, with very rare exceptions, cancer is authoritatively held to be not caused by war service, rejection of applications for pension is not automatic. All cases are examined sympathetically to see whether there was delay in diagnosis or treatment due to war service which may have hastened death. Where there has been such delay my Department do not hesitate to grant pension. Indeed an appreciable number of cases have been admitted on this basis.

Can my right hon. Friend give an indication of the number that have been granted, and the approximate number outstanding at the moment?

No, Sir. I think it would be better if the hon. Member would put down a Question so that I could deal with it more fully.

While I know that in many cases sympathetic consideration has been given by the Minister in considering the applications of men who gave service to the country when it was in urgent need, is it not a fact that now that these men, through cancer, are in the most bitter need, there seems to be no consideration, or very little consideration, for them?

The hon. Member is aware and has admitted—as I wish many of his friends would—that we have given this matter sympathetic consideration. This matter has been raised in the House before and has been discussed. It is a question of the Royal Warrant. If the hon. Member wishes to raise that question again, I shall be pleased to answer him. Meanwhile, we have expanded as never before the law as it stands, so as to give decent treatment to these people.

asked the Prime Minister the Vote under which the higher salary of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be paid.

I have been asked to reply. The salary of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, additional to the remuneration paid from Duchy funds, will, as heretofore, be paid for out of Subhead E of the Vote for Treasury and Subordinate Departments (Class I, Vote 4).

Can the Lord President say how he justifies this increase, in view of the Government's policy that increases shall come about only as the result of greater output; and is it proper for the taxpayer to be called upon to pay Dane-geld to maintain the internal peace of the Labour Party?

This is the customary salary of a Minister who is a Member of the Cabinet. I may say that similar circumstances arose during the time the noble Lord the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton) was holding the office of Chancellor of the Duchy from 1937 to 1939. From March to May, 1938, he was deputy to the Secretary of State for Air, and in June, 1938, he became assistant to the Home Secretary. From March, 1938, to January, 1939, he was in the Cabinet, and his salary consisted of £5,000 a year.

Will the Lord President explain why it is that the duties of the right hon. Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton) were then known, but there is nothing known about what the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is to do for his £5,000?

That is not the Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will publish a list of the working groups under the panels of the Committee on Industrial Productivity, giving the terms of reference of each working group and the names and qualifications of the chairman and members.

The panels of the Committee on Industrial Productivity from time to time entrust particular tasks to specially constituted groups the composition and personnel of which changes according to the stage reached by the investigations. The responsibility for the work and for all advice given rests with the panels whose terms of reference and composition were given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in answer to a Question on 1st June. I am not prepared to publish any further lists in the circumstances.

Can the Minister say whether there are any people employed on the working groups in addition to the list of names published last week, and, if so, can we have their names, as a number of gentlemen are going round masquerading as members of these panels?

If I may so, I feel that the hon. Gentleman has been treated quite well about this matter. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he answered previously, gave a very long list of the people involved. There must come a point when this must cease, otherwise there would be no end to it. I do not think the hon. Gentleman need be concerned on the point that he has mentioned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause the Panel on Imports Substitution to be re-named, since the whole House hopes that the work in which this panel is engaged is far less idiotic than this misleading and illiterate title indicates?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the widespread evasion of Purchase Tax obligations and of the fact that the £500 exemption limit offers particular opportunity for evasion; and what steps he is taking to tighten up the collection of Purchase Tax.

I am aware that Purchase Tax is evaded in various ways, among others by the £500 limit. The question how best to check these evasions is kept constantly under review.

Would the right hon. and Jearned Gentleman consider lowering this limit, since with the increase of Purchase Tax it offers considerable temptation for evasion?

I will certainly consider any successful way of stopping the evasion of any tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of Swiss currency available for tourists is allocated to travel agencies.

The Authorisation Office for Travel to Switzerland, which administers the monthly quotas of Swiss currency for tourist travel, reserves 55 per cent. of each quota for travel agencies.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that these agencies receive considerable commission from hotels in Switzerland, and that those who take tickets through these agencies cannot get any currency unless, at the same time they agree to go to the agency hotels; and that this prevents many people from going to cheaper hotels? Does he not think that this is an undesirable practice?

I think that it is desirable that the travel agencies to whom many people go should have a certain quota, fixed at 55 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any announcement to make regarding the currency of Treasury Deposit Receipts.

Yes, Sir. It is proposed that as from the week beginning Monday, 14th June, Treasury Deposit Receipts shall be issued with a currency of five and seven calendar months in addition to the existing currency of six months. The rate of ⅝ per cent. per annum which now applies to the six months' period will also apply until further notice to the five and seven months' periods. The object of this technical change is to obtain greater flexibility, the need for which will become particularly marked during the current financial year.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer take the second step and make an improvement in the terms of issue of Treasury Bills?

No, Sir, not at present.

asked the Chan cellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of Post-war Credits outstanding at each age year.

No statistics are available for the different age groups.

Is it the intention of my right hon. and learned Friend to release any of the Post-war Credits before the recipients reach the age of 60, and, if so, would he consider lowering the age limit by one year each Budget day, so that those concerned may know when they will be receiving it?

There is no intention at present of making any Post-war Credits available.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider the cases of men over 65 or over 60 who are suffering very greatly through illness or unemployment?

I am always prepared to consider any case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that dollars were made available to the National Coal Board for the purchase of conveyor belting in excess of requirements, he will immediately review the system under which dollars are allotted; what was the estimated loss of dollars involved; and what steps he has taken to punish the persons responsible for this unnecessary depletion of our hard-pressed dollar resources.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury gave to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor) on 3rd June.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer surprised that Marshall Aid is being held back when the National Coal Board play the fool with dollars in this way; and will he sack Lord Hyndley?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of claims made and outstanding for under-payment of Income Tax by the Inland Revenue Department against ex-Service men in respect of their wives' earnings in industry during the war; and the total amount of taxation arrears involved.

I regret that this information is not available. I should, however, say that in such cases the Inland Revenue do not ask for immediate payment of the arrear. They arrange as a rule for its collection by increased P.A.Y.E. deductions spread over a later year or years.

If I put down a Question in a week's time, will the information be available, because it is of great importance?

No, Sir. It would be much too expensive to collect all this information, and it would disrupt the very important and useful work now being done in the collection of taxes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether Postwar Credits are allowed to be set off against these liabilities as in the case of ex-officers?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that Question on the Order Paper.

Are not these claims entirely due to the negligence of Service Departments and of the Inland Revenue, and is it not most unfair to burden these men who have difficulty in meeting their current liabilities?

No, Sir, it is certainly not due to negligence either by the Inland Revenue or the Service Departments.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again on the Adjournment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if, in view of the higher prices now ruling for clothes on the Continent, he will instruct customs officers to waive the Purchase Tax on articles of clothing up to the value of £5 brought in by returning tourists.

No, Sir.

Would the Financial Secretary go down to Dover, or one of the other ports to which tourists return, and see what happens; and would he seek the advice of the Customs officers to see if he cannot find some better way of encouraging tourists to make honest declarations?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consult further with the War Damage Commission about late war damage claims, with a view to the admission of those claims where it can be established beyond doubt that prior knowledge of the damage sustained by the property in question was in the hands of the Commission, having been notified to the Commission by the local authority covering the area in which the property is situated.

The War Damage Commission only decided on their policy for dealing with late notifications of war damage after the fullest consideration. For reasons given to my hon. Friend in my letter of 28th May, the Commission have felt themselves unable to adopt her suggestion.

But is my right hon. Friend aware that I have here a file of correspondence from constituents, concerning cases, that I have interviewed the claimants, and scrutinised the correspondence with great care, and that I would say that in each case—and I think my right hon. Friend would agree with me—there is a strong claim for consideration; and would he not approach the War Damage Commission again with a view to getting this matter reconsidered?

As my hon. Friend knows only too well, this has been discussed many time with the War Damage Commission. I hope she knows the difficulties, which have been pointed out to her. Doubtless we shall be discussing this again, because I notice that this is the subject of the Adjournment Debate on Friday next.

During the height of the war, were not local authorities appointed as agents for the War Damage Commission?

Yes, but the trouble was that the information gathered by local authorities was of the vaguest description, and is now completely unreliable.

In view of the vast number of cases still outstanding, will my right hon. Friend be prepared to receive representations from the local authorities concerned in what are known as the "blitzed areas"?

We have already seen Parliamentary representatives of the authorities concerned, and have discussed the matter fully with them.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider some method of appeal? At present the Commission, rightly or wrongly, rules out a case, refuses to give an interview, and refuses to discuss the matter, and if ever there was a way of enraging the public that is the best one up to now.

The Commission is a statutory body, which acts under the authority of Parliament and the Act laid down for its guidance, and I cannot overrule the Act. I would say, however, that the Commission have, in my experience, been extremely anxious to do the right thing when genuine claims have been presented.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that claims are deposited within the proper period, but are also extremely vague so far as the description of damage is concerned; and is he further aware that the War Damage Commission assessors have found no difficulty in dealing with claims so deposited, vague though they are?

Yes; and that, of course, is what they are there for. But the last bomb did fall some years ago, and it is very difficult now to decide what is war damage and what is simply disrepair owing to the lapse of time.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that this matter needs to be entirely reconsidered; and will he state that he will look into it again?