asked the Minister of Labour the total number of European voluntary workers brought to this country to the last convenient date; the total number who have been placed in employment; and the total permitted to change from the industry into which they originally were placed.

Up to 5th June, 60,856 European volunteer workers had been brought to this country, of which number some 57,000 had been placed in employment. Statistics are not available of the number given permission to leave their first employment, but it is very small.

I wonder whether, in view of the fact that these people were brought over in the first place to man essential industries, it would be possible to keep a sort of check upon their movement—if there is any movement—away from the particular industries?

They cannot take alternative employment without the permission of my Department. I assure my hon. Friend that we are keeping a close eye on the matter.

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how many of these people have been returned to Europe as being unsuitable for employment?

Without notice, I could not give the exact figure, but it would be very small.

asked the Minister of Labour how many European voluntary workers and how many Poles have taken up employment in the coalmining, textile and agricultural industries, respectively, in the first quarter of 1948.

The numbers of European Volunteer Workers placed in coalmining are 5,979, textiles 1,956 and agriculture 6,329 during the first quarter of this year. The corresponding figures for Poles are 581, 993 and 259.

asked the Minister of Labour how many training centres have been established in this country for European voluntary workers; and what have been the total overhead costs to date.

No training centres for European Volunteer Workers have been established; the second part of the Question does not therefore arise. There are six holding camps, where European volunteer workers recruited for employment in coalmining who have insufficent knowledge of English are given a six weeks' course in English.

Can the Minister say whether it is proposed to establish training centres with facilities for the training of these workers?

As these men are recruited for specific industries, the training they receive is in the industries concerned.

How are these people recruited for specific industries, since I understand that on the Continent they are not allocated to particular industries?

They are collected on the Continent for their physical fitness. They are asked to volunteer for one of three or four industries and they are sorted out in this country.

Surely the Minister will agree that many of these workers need training. Is it not proposed to develop some scheme in the future for training them?

No, Sir. In the mining industry, for instance, the training centres are run by the industry itself. There has been no need to establish special training centres.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the numbers of persons employed in local government service and in the clothing trades are still increasing whereas reductions in manpower in these occupations were forecast in the Economic Survey for 1948, and in view of the prospect that the reduction in manpower in the building trade will be smaller than was estimated at the beginning of the year, he proposes to take any new steps or initiate any new consultations with employers and trade union leaders in order to carry out his policy for the redeployment of labour.

There is constant consultation with both sides of industry on the means to achieve such redistribution of lat our as is necessary to man up the undermanned essential industries. As an example, individual employers are being seen in the textile areas for the purpose of transferring suitable workers to cotton production.

Bearing in mind the development during the first four or five months of this year, is the Minister satisfied with the progress made in his policy? Is he satisfied that he will be able to reach the objectives set out in the Economic Survey?

That is rather a different question, and I would like to see it on the Order Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the total number of unemployed at the last convenient date had been unemployed for more than one month, three months and six months, respectively.

These statistics are being collected for 14th June, but are not yet available. As soon as they are, I will send them to my hon. Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend have the statistics circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the reported increase in the first quarter of the year of 5,000 employed in the coalmining industry as against the Economic Survey target of 32,000; of 8,000 actual increase in the agricultural industry, against the target of 55,000; and 14,000 in the textile industry, against a 108,000 target, he is satisfied that the targets will be reached by the end of 1948.

Later figures are now available. In the first four months of this year the net increases were: in coalmining 6,000, in agriculture 20,000, and in textiles 18,000. The immediate effective demand for agricultural labour has in general been satisfied. In the coal-mining and textile industries a considerable increase in the rate of recruitment will be needed if the targets are to be attained. We are taking all possible steps to do so.

Can my right hon. Friend say anything about the steps he has taken? As recruitment for agriculture has now almost satisfied the demand, is my right hon. Friend still proposing to bring further people over from the Continent?

We are bringing them now at the rate of 1,200 a week for mining and textiles.

Does the increase which the right hon. Gentleman has described for agriculture include European Volunteer Workers who have come in?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will suspend the policy of encouraging overseas workers to come to this country now that we have thousands of our own people unemployed, and in view of the danger of increased unemployment.

No, Sir. Additional suitable workers from overseas are still required in a number of industries. I cannot accept the implication that unemployment is increasing. It is lower than at any time since last year.

Is the Minister satisfied that the trade union leaders have no objection to these men being brought over in view of the likelihood of increased unemployment as envisaged by the Minister of Health?

In the industries for which we are recruiting foreign workers, we have the complete agreement and co-operation of the trade unions concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour what action is being taken to hasten the absorption of the 29,800 men still in the Polish Resettlement Corps into productive employment.

We have placed 67,000 in jobs. The remaining members of the Corps are being systematically interviewed and offered suitable employment. If they unreasonably refuse to take it, they are discharged from the Corps. The rate of placing at the moment is 500–600 a week and it is hoped to increase this.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman find it rather difficult to reconcile the existence of nearly 30,000 men without productive employment with the continuing shortage of manpower in the basic industries?

No, Sir, having regard to the fact that in the Polish Resettlement Corps there is a substantial number of rather elderly men and a lot of disabled men. Very many have never had any training for heavy manual employment. On the whole, the scheme is now going well.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the wives of some of these men are to be brought back from East Africa soon in order to enable them to return to Poland.

I understand that we have now almost finished that traffic and practically all have been brought back. I think the last shipload came last week.

Can my right hon. Friend say if there is any duration of time for which these men are allowed to remain in the Polish Resettlement Corps?

Certain pledges were given to the House at the time when we discussed the Bill relating to the matter. I think I may say that it is the Government's intention to wind up this Corps by the end of the year.

Can my right hon. Friend say how much longer these men will be allowed to remain in this country when they refuse to take any employment?

If my hon. Friend reads the answer which I have given, he will see we are dealing with that matter.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the 6,000 additional workers in agriculture, placed in employment during the four weeks ended 12th May, were of British nationality.

The figure of 6,000, to which my hon. Friend refers, is not a figure of placings but represents the estimated net increase in the total labour force in agriculture during the month of April. I regret that it is not possible to say what proportion of entrants into agriculture in any period are of British nationality.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate the desirability of increasing the British labour force on British farms, and, further, the great desirability of enabling many foreign workers to return to their homes?

It is very desirable that we should have as many of our own people in agriculture as possible. I am grateful to the Union of Agricultural Workers for their assistance in this matter.

Bearing in mind that about five Questions back the Parliamentary Secretary said that the increase in agriculture included European Volunteer Workers, will he say whether the increase which has taken place among these workers is regarded as a permanent increase or only a temporary one?

We are hoping that the foreign workers who have been recruited will settle permanently in this land and become a useful part of our rural population.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps by legislation to prevent the heavy increases of rents to occupiers of municipal houses, now being imposed by many local authorities.

The fixing of rents is by statute entrusted to local authorities who, with their local knowledge, are best able to judge what rents are appropriate. I am not aware that local authorities are exercising their powers unreasonably, and I do not propose to interfere with the existing arrangements.

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State for Scotland does not consider that there are increases in rents, will he take note of the fact that local authorities are doing this because they have a very considerable deficit on their housing finance, and that this deficit could be met if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would reduce the interest rates to local authorities? Will he as Secretary of State for Scotland take that up with the Chancellor and get something done?

The country itself has a very serious deficit with other parts of the world, and it does not remove a deficit to pass it round from one person to another.

In view of the pathetic answer of the Secretary of State for Scotland, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to the prospect of consolidating the local government statutes relating to Scotland.

Yes, Sir. After consultation with the local authority associations I have decided to appoint a representative committee to review the whole field of local government law in Scotland and to prepare the necessary measures for its revision and consolidation. The Committee will comprise representatives of the political parties, of the local authority associations, and of the Government Departments concerned. Mr. Matthew G. Fisher, K.C., has agreed to act as Chairman of the Committee, the constitution and terms of reference of which I shall with permission circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great satisfaction that this answer will give to local authorities in Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what effect on the cost of and time of erection of houses has resulted from the enforced use by Scottish builders of the 3-inch brick in place of the traditional 3½-inch brick.

Before the war brick sizes in Scotland varied between 3-inch and 3½-inch and no one size could properly be called traditional. Brick makers are now concentrating on production of a smaller sized brick, but information is not yet available to show the effect of its use.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the adoption of the English 3-inch brick will necessitate 12 additional courses for an ordinary four-apartment house, which will involve extra cost? Can he explain how it is better for a bricklayer to lay 3-inch bricks instead of 3½-inch bricks when he has to lay extra courses?

This has been carried out according to the advice of the union of the building trades. I take it that they believe it will be more effective to use the smaller brick, but experience has not yet been sufficient to test this out.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman considered this increased cost before he allowed the smaller bricks to be used?

This was done during the war period. It was an agreement arrived at during the time of the Coalition Government, and I have no reason to doubt the wisdom of the decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he is making for the documentary film, "The World is Rich," to be shown to children in Scottish schools.

I understand that this film is at present on theatrical distribution but copies will be placed in the Scottish Central Film Library and will be available for schools after October.

May I ask whether this documentary film refers to the years between the wars, about which the children are so uneducated?

The film referred to is "The World is Rich." I take it that it is to tell people what to do with riches if they are properly handled.

Is that not a matter for the courts?

Courtesy is also a matter for the courts, evidently.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the requisitioning of shop premises in Scotland is causing considerable hardship; and whether he will review the administration in this connection.

All the cases submitted to me have been very carefully considered in the light of all the circumstances and of any representations made by the owners, and possession is being taken only where this is necessary to maintain essential supplies and services. These cases will be kept under review.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that certain premises have been requisitioned, that the tenants have gone elsewhere, and that the premises have then been de-requisitioned and sublet to somebody else? Will he, therefore, ensure that requisitioning does not take place without careful consideration in the first place?

I am not aware of that. Of course a notice of intetnion to requisition is given, and the owners must be given certain time to make their repre- sentation before a final decision is taken. I can have no responsibility for what tenants do in the meantime.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of pulmonary tuberculosis cases notified in Scotland in 1938, 1943, 1947 and 1948.

The numbers in 1938, 1943 and 1947 were 4,793 7,215 and 7,943, respectively. The provisional figure for the first quarter of 1948 is 2,089.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Scotland for whom hospital treatment is recommended but accommodation is not available.

There were 2,378 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis on the local authorities' waiting lists for admission to hospital at 31st March, the latest available date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to recruit necessary nursing staff for T.B. hospitals.

The recruitment of nurses is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service; for my part, I have recommended that the conditions of service agreed by the Scottish Nurses Salaries Committee should be adopted for nurses in tuberculosis hospitals. These conditions are more favourable than those generally applicable to hospital nurses and will, I hope, aid recruitment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the cases of the youths aged 20 and 17, respectively, who were sentenced to six months imprisonment at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 7th June for offences against the Explosive Substances Act, 1883, with a view to a possible remission of the sentences.

These cases are at present under appeal.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Rothesay Town Council paid £39,797 to a Company supplying the Burgh Gas Department, for goods which have not been delivered, and have accepted £3,000 in settlement of their claim; and if he will make a statement.

I am considering an interim report on this matter by the Auditor of the Rothesay Town Council accounts and I am therefore not in a position to make any statement at present.

Can my right hon. Friend promise that he will make a statement later on if I put a Question on the Order Paper?

I will consider that.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is now able to make a statement regarding the eligibility for the award of disability pensions of men called up under the National Service Act, 1947, who sustain injuries whilst undergoing either whole-time or part-time training.

This matter is still under consideration. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make an announcement before the Recess?

I think I can promise that we will make one before the end of this Session.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will make a statement as to the action it is proposed to take with regard to disablement pensions, allowances and grants payable to members of His Majesty's Forces, their widows and dependants where damages have been recovered by them in the civil courts.

I will, with permission, answer this at the end of Questions.

I promised to answer Question No. 26 at the end of Questions. As promised in the House on 28th May, I have discussed this matter with my Central Advisory Committee. As a result a new practice has been agreed and will, apply as from 5th July. This is as follows:

(a) In the case of the disablement pensioner the present practice is to abate the pension by an amount representing the annuity value of 75 per cent. of the damages. In future only 25 per cent. of the damages will be taken into account for the abatement of pension.

(b) In the case of the war widow, the present practice of disregarding 10 per cent. or £50 of the damages, whichever is the greater, will be continued, but in taking account of the balance, the pension will not be reduced below 30s. a week where the widow is over go years of age, or is incapable of self-support or has children, or 20s. in any other case. The present minimum is 10s. a week in all cases

(c) In the case of children, £150 of the damages in respect of each child will still be disregarded, but the minimum allowance for the first child will be 7s 6d. a week instead of 5s. as at present.

In all cases, of course, the disabled man or widow retains the damages in full.

These arrangements will, I believe, secure that the war pensioner who obtains damages for the injury for which pension is also being paid will ordinarily receive at least parity of treatment with the industrial injury pensioner.

May I ask the Minister, in view of the tremendous importance of the answer which he has given, to give the widest publicity to it so that those affected can make fresh applications?

No one needs to make a fresh application in this case. The matter is one which will come to us automatically. I am certain everybody who is entitled to receive benefit will receive it.

Is it quite clear that the courts in assessing damages, will not take into account the war pension or any other pension?

The courts will not take into account any income received by way of war pension.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure me that in no case will an ex-Service man be worse off now in the way of pension than the industrial worker?

It is difficult to get an exact arrangement. We have achieved broad parity. On the whole, about 70 per cent. of the ex-Service men stand to gain slightly. There may be a small number who will lose slightly but, taking the position by and large, ex-Service people gain considerably. They will be much better off than they were before.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether patients applying for artificial limbs under the National Health Scheme after 5th July will only be supplied with one type of limb; and whether orders will be placed only with his Department's sole contractors.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, after 5th July, 1948, disabled ex-Service men in the Manchester area will continue to have their artificial limbs repaired by the original makers; or to whom must they apply for major refitting or repairs.

asked the Minister of Pensions why, under the National Health Service, artificial limbs may be supplied by two firms only, to the exclusion of all other makers; and whether he will enable users to choose any make of limb preferred, provided additional expense does not fall upon public funds.

This matter is under consideration. I hope shortly to be able to make a statement.

Is it the present position that a disabled man who wants his artificial limb repaired will have to pay for it himself unless he goes to one of the Government's sole contractors?

The present position is that the scheme is not started, so that at present a person other than an ex-Service man must pay for it unless he comes under a Ministry of Labour scheme. However, this matter is being considered, and I would like to leave it at that at the moment.

Could not the Minister at least give an assurance in the terms of the second part of my Question No. 32? Cannot he give an assurance that users will be permitted to make their own choice provided no additional expense falls on public funds?

I hope people will be reasonable on this matter. I hope I am not an unreasonable Minister, and I hope that the people I am negotiating with in this matter will bear in mind the general interests of the community. If all of us are reasonable, I am sure we can work it out in a reasonable way.

Will my right hon. Friend make a statement at the earliest possible moment? I can assure him that many disabled men are showing real concern at the fact that in all probability in the future they will not be able to go to the makers for repairs and replacements, and they are disturbed as to what their future is likely to be.

In my view they need not be disturbed at all. I do not want any Party conflict on this, but nobody need be disturbed. The limb we make now is made for the persons who served in His Majesty's Forces during the war. That has been done for years without any reasonable complaint. I take it that if those who have this limb are fairly satisfied, it is not a bad limb for other people as well.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether non-pensionable limbless ex-Service men in employment are entitled to receive a duplicate issue of artificial limbs.

All ex-Service men who lost a limb during war service are provided with a duplicate artificial limb. Under the National Health Service duplicate artificial limbs will be provided on the same lines as to the war disabled.

asked the Minister of Pensions why, under the new Health Act, only one firm has been selected to make artificial legs and one other firm to make artificial arms; why the remaining 25 limb-making firms are excluded; and to what extent artificial limbs are being made on semi-mass production lines.

The matters referred to in the first part of the Question are under review and I hope to make a statement shortly. As regards the last part of the Question all artificial limbs supplied by the Ministry of Pensions are fitted to the needs of the individual although as in other productions some parts are made in quantity.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, if this policy is pursued, it will put out of business some very highly skilled firms in this country; and will he say what exactly is the meaning of the suggestion that these artificial limbs are to be made on semi-mass production lines? Does that mean that applications must be on semi-mass production lines?

I would like to know who said that. I have not said it. No hon. Member has a right to rise and say I have said something which I have not said. What I have said is that, as regards the last part of the Question, all artificial limbs supplied by the Minister of Pensions are fitted to the needs of the individual. Some parts, however, are made in quantity, but each leg is made to suit the individual.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that his policy is not to establish anything in the way of a monopoly in the making of artificial limbs? Is he aware that, rightly or wrongly, there is an impression amongst these unfortunate men and women that something is happening behind the scenes which will limit their choice of the manufacturer of the artificial limbs?

I have already given a full answer to this Question when it was raised by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Captain Crowder), the hon. and gallant Member for Manchester, Withington (Squadron-Leader Fleming) and the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor). Having talked with the people concerned in this matter I hope to make a reasonable adjustment.

Can the Minister give an assurance that the present delays will be brought to an end, because they are causing great suffering to many unfortunate people who cannot now get their artificial limbs as a result.

Nobody who needs or wishes to have an artificial limb need be without it. The present scheme applies, until 5th July, to ex-Service men and to people who come under contract with the Minister of Labour. We are meeting in full, with a first-class limb, the demands of every one of those people. The issue before us is what will happen after 5th July. We are hoping to come to an amicable agreement.

Will the Minister tell the House when this so-called monopoly was first established?

This so-called monopoly has been going on all the time. For a long time the main contractor has had the monopoly of supplying limbs to those who suffered as a result of the war.

In view of the fact that the Minister is not able to give an assurance that a monopoly will not be set up in artificial limbs—[HON. MEMBERS: "He said so"]—I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the total amount of money in the King's Fund, of which he is the principal trustee; for what purposes it is used; and how much was paid out in benefits during 1947.

The balance remaining in the King's Fund on the 16th June was approximately £81,600. The King's Fund, which is entirely dependent upon voluntary donations and bequests, is used to provide additional help, for objects which are outside the scope of Government grants, to those who have been disabled or bereaved by war service and are in need or distress. Those who may benefit include ex-members of His Majesty's Forces disabled in either World War, disabled ex-members of the Mercantile Marine and the Civil Defence Organisations and the widows and dependants of those who lost their lives. The amount spent in benefits during 1947 was £13,337.

Does not that reply indicate that it is time for the Government to reconsider raising the basic rate so that those who suffer 100 per cent. disability pension are not dependent—

The basic rate does not appear to come under this Question, which only asks for the total amount of money in the King's Fund.

Can the right hon. Gentleman use this Fund for particularly pathetic cases just outside the regulations, such as the one to which I drew his attention, where a disabled ex-Service man has only a few months to live owing to cancer, for which he is not entitled to have a pension?

We use this Fund very liberally. It is not used to supplement pensions but for a variety of purposes in connection with the ordinary difficulties of human life that pensions cannot overcome. We use it in a very generous way and, in the main, the officials who run it are to be complimented.

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to make it widely known that it is both necessary and desirable to increase this Fund, and that contributions from well-meaning people would be welcomed?

Only today I have sent out a letter to somebody who has left us £1,000 in a will. Also I addressed letters the other day to the Scottish Football Association and to the greyhound racing people asking them for help. I shall be truly thankful to anybody who can help us in this way.

The right hon. Gentleman told us how much was spent out of that Fund last year; can he tell us what was the income?

I could not say what is the income without notice.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared to disregard any part of a parent's earnings in assessing income for the purpose of awarding parents' pensions.

Yes, Sir. As from 5th July next the first 20S. of a parent's earnings will be disregarded. Cases where a pension is in payment will be reviewed without application and any increase admissible will be paid. As between 40 and 50 thousand cases are involved this review will naturally take some time. Where pension has been refused on the ground that need does not exist application will be necessary.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, which seems a more substantial contribution than the usual weekly one, may I ask him if it means that earnings will be disregarded only where they do not exceed 20s. a week? Can he also say whether his reply means that there is a considerable increase in the number of parents receiving pensions for the first time?

To deal with the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, it means that in the past only earnings which did not exceed 20S. were disregarded but, in future, whatever the earnings may be, the first 20S. will be disregarded. To deal with his second supplementary point, I hope that this will mean an improvement for a large number of parents and that, in particular, it will benefit many widowed parents who are earning small sums in part-time employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers appointed to permanent Regular commissions from War Emergency Commissions only rank in the Regular Army as from the age of 21 years; that this arrangement is harsh on those who joined up upon leaving school; and whether he will consider adjusting this matter.

The arrangement referred to by the hon. Member is necessary in order to ensure that cadets appointed to permanent Regular commissions from Sandhurst should not be at an unfair disadvantage in comparison with emergency commissioned officers appointed to permanent Regular commissions. I do not consider that it would be desirable to alter it.

That may sound all right, but is the Minister aware that, where those men started fighting at 18 years of age, they are the people who suffer the disadvantage in pension requirements at the end of their permanent service?

It not only sounds all right, it is all right.

The system before the war was that cadets from Sandhurst got one day's seniority from officers entering from the Supplementary Reserve. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is the seniority today?

If the hon. Member will put down that Question I will answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the unanimous resolution sent to him by the joint Synod of the Convocation of York protesting at the proposal to establish an anti-tank artillery range near Bamburgh and Holy Island; and whether he will make a statement.

This proposal was the subject of a public local inquiry on 16th June, the findings of which are not yet available. At the inquiry representations were made regarding Holy Island. In these circumstances I do not think that it would be desirable for me to make any statement now.

asked the Secretary of State for War of what material or materials the equipment and rifle slings used by the Brigade of Guards when in full dress are made.

Buff leather.

May I ask the Secretary of State for War why, when the Trooping of the Colour was so unnecessarily cancelled, the reason given was that it would spoil the webbing equipment?

That is quite another question.

Does not the Secretary of State for War know the difference between buff equipment and webbing equipment?

I am well aware of the difference. I have answered the hon. Member's Question.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered it.

That is all the hon. Member will get now.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether full dress uniform is the personal property of other ranks in the Brigade of Guards; or when this concession was withdrawn.

The full dress uniform now in possession of the Brigade of Guards is public clothing. No question of the withdrawal of any concession arises, as, under the prewar regulations, a soldier has no absolute right of property in his personal clothing. This is still the position.

Is it not a fact that these uniforms were the personal possession of other ranks before the war and that they were personally responsible for them? Is any compensation being afforded to them for the withdrawal of the privilege and will the Minister arrange for these uniforms not to disappear entirely from the public view now that they are under national ownership?

National ownership of these articles still holds the field and there is no intention to abandon it. As regards the advantages derived since the close of the war, as compared with before the war, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that every soldier now leaving the Service is entitled to civilian clothes.

Is it not a fact that the original issue in every case was the property of the State but that the soldier was allowed to purchase thereafter a second or a third suit if he wished, and that the second and third suits would be his own property?

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what has happened to the second tunics which belonged to members of the Brigade of Guards before the war and which were handed in to store during the war? Has compensation been paid for them if they are no longer usable or have deteriorated whilst in store?

I cannot see anything in the Question about a second tunic.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now give an approximate date for the holding of a public inquiry into his Department's land requirements at Braunton, North Devon; whether he is aware that this inquiry has now been awaited for two years; and that the prolonged delay has had prejudicial effects on the many other parties interested in this unique area.

It has been difficult to determine the land requirements of Combined Operations units for which it is proposed to acquire a permanent training area in this district. I hope that an early decision will be taken, but, in the meantime, the date of the public local inquiry cannot be fixed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any alternative site which he can offer to the Essex Education Authority in return for the gun site in Walthamstow, on which it had been intended to erect a junior technical school.

I regret that my Department has no alternative site which it can offer the Essex Education Authority. The proposal to acquire the gun site permanently is still under consideration and the interests of the Education Authority have been and will continue to be represented in the discussions on the matter.

Am I to understand from the reply of my right hon. Friend that there is no finality in the answer given to me by the Under-Secretary that this site would be used as a permanent gun site for the defence of London?

So far there is no finality.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the assurances given by his predecessor in the House of Commons on 21st July, 1947, that all possible disciplinary action was being taken in connection with the £58 million currency losses, investigations made with the object of establishing responsibility for part of these losses have been abandoned; and whether, in the light of that assurance, he will now make a statement.

The hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that investigations were abandoned in any case where it was profitable to pursue them. As undertaken by my right hon. Friend, disciplinary action was taken to bring to trial cases where evidence could be found, and to prevent further infractions of regulations.

Would the right hon. Gentleman do what I asked him to do last week, and which he refused to do—that is, give a statement to the House of the disciplinary action which has been taken—and will he also try to explain to the House why it is that S.I.B. investigations, which began last July, appear now to have stopped?

A great deal of disciplinary action has been taken. About 200 courts-martial have been held and a large number of persons have been adequately sentenced. Beyond that we cannot go. We cannot take disciplinary action where it is not desirable to take it.

Can the Secretary of State for War say how much money has been recovered as a result of these actions?

I have no information as to the amount recovered.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that I asked him last week to say how much of the loss of £58 million was covered by the disciplinary action already taken? If he cannot say now, will he say so later?

It is very difficult to say actually how much was recovered or lost. All we can say is that action was taken in cases where it was possible to take suitable action and that the offences were adequately dealt with by the judicial authorities concerned. Apart from that, the losses were stopped in 1946—or so I understand, for that was before my time—by the introduction of new canteen vouchers. That, of course, was the right action to take to stop unseemly behaviour of this kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman amplify his statement that disciplinary action would only be taken where desirable, because, when public funds are done away with, it is always desirable to take disciplinary action?

It is not desirable to take disciplinary action when it is undesirable.

Now that currency reform has taken place in Germany, is there any prospect of getting some of this money back from the German people who presumably have benefited by it?

That is as relevant as are some of the noble Lord's references to War Savings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the coins recently issued for public use stain and dirty the fingers to an extent hitherto unknown; and whether, accordingly, he will withdraw these from circulation.

The answer to both parts of the Question is, "No, Sir."

Is the Chancellor aware of widespread adverse comments on this coinage and that it is no satisfaction to anyone to have a base coinage which merely reflects a debased Government?

I have no information from any bank or any other institution dealing with this coinage that there has been any complaint.

If the hon. Member does not like it he can hand it over to me.

Is the increase of dirt in this connection due to too much money chasing too few ideas?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much greater national production must be in 1948 than in 1938 in order to maintain the standard of living of 1938 after allowing for the worsening of export and import price levels, the loss of invisible income and the necessity to repay interest and loans overseas as detailed in Sections 12, 32, 33 and 37 of Command Paper No. 7344.

I regret that the complicated issues raised by the hon. Member's Question cannot be dealt with adequately in the reply to a Parliamentary Question.

Is the Chancellor aware that a similar answer was given to me last week and that it was very unsatisfactory? Can he say how the position has changed since he issued this document a few months ago?

I am glad that the hon. Member has marked my consistency.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes in the import programme are contemplated for the second half of the year.

The import programme is now under consideration, in relation to the position under E.R.P. and I cannot yet say what, if any, changes will be required.