asked the Minister of Supply how many jet engines and jet propelled aircraft are to be sold to the Spanish Government.

No sale to the Spanish Government is contemplated.

Is the Minister aware that the Spanish Government have been negotiating with an aircraft company for a small number of jet fighters and jet engines? If we do not do business with them they will be able to buy British fighters manufactured in the Argentine under licence, and would it not be wiser, in those circumstances, to reconsider the decision.

So far as I know there has been no inquiry from the Spanish Government. There has been some inquiry from a private Spanish firm.

asked the Minister of Supply how many Apollo aircraft he has ordered from the Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Company.

Two prototype Apollo aircraft have been ordered by my Department.

In view of the fact that this Company also spent a great deal of its own money making arrangements for building these prototypes, is the Minister aware that if he could see his way to give a token order it might help them very much in their exports, and that there is quite a large prospect of exports there?

We are not contemplating at the moment giving any token or other production order, but we hope there will be a considerable export demand for these engines.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will give details of the arrangements whereby manufacturers of commercial vehicles have undertaken to give preferential delivery to the agriculture industry; and if he will make a statement.

The delivery of commercial vehicles takes place through the normal distributive machinery of the motor industry. The motor industry is, as far as possible, giving preferential attention to the requirements of all essential industries.

Is the Minister aware that this is very difficult to reconcile with his remarks of 7th June, because the trade appears to be completely unaware of any arrangement to give priority to farmers?

The S.M.M.T. have, at our request, circularised a request to all their industry to deliver commercial vehicles to the essential industries, giving them preference, and, of course, agriculture is obviously an essential industry.

Is the Minister aware that he has given us this answer about preference before? As a result of what he has told us in the past I have told a constituent that he should get preference for agricultural cars, but when he has written to a firm, that firm seems to know nothing about any preference which they should give.

I suggest that the individual should write to the Society, because the arrangement quite definitely is that people in all the essential industries should get preference and, so far as I know, that is pretty well being carried out.

In view of the uncertainty which prevails about these arrangements, would the Minister circulate, or have placed in the Library, details of the arrangements entered into with the motorcar manufacturers, so that hon. Members can then judge what the position really is?

I will consider that matter.

Is the Minister aware that the Society themselves, knew of no arrangement when I telephoned them?

In a letter which we sent about a year ago we definitely asked, and they agreed to an arrangement, that preference should be given to the delivery of commercial vehicles to all essential industries.

asked the Minister of Supply how many contractors were sent Form 57,366 W.T.14645–0032 for Tender Numbers 22,635 and 22,964 returnable on or before 15th July, 1948, to the Royal Ordnance Factory, Black burn, for 3½ lbs. and 3 lbs., respectively, of strip steel of value less than 1s. 6d.; and under what conditions they were required to complete it.

Tenders are not normally invited for small quantities, but as it was uncertain where supplies could be obtained, 12 contractors were invited to tender for material costing about 10s. and eight for material costing about 5s. This procedure was not appropriate for the purpose and should not have been used.

Is the Minister aware that on this occasion four forms were enclosed with each of the tenders; that the provisions of the King's Roll had to be observed in each case; that there were 10 conditions and four special conditions which had to be observed; and that the price of steel is controlled?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to this case. I quite agree that the procedure adopted here is inappropriate.

Is any disciplinary action to be taken against the people who initiated this farce? I suppose they will be promoted?

asked the Minister of Supply how many men and women are employed at the Calgarth factory, Winder mere, on what duties, and at what cost.

Fifty-seven men and three women are employed at this depot on duties connected with the storage of machine tools and textiles. The depot costs £350 a week to run.

As I understand that the machine tools have been sold and only a few bales of textiles are now stored there, is not this an extremely wasteful method of storage?

We shall close this depot as soon as we can.

Send out some tenders.

asked the Minister of Supply how many further auction sales of surplus machine tools he contemplates; and at what places.

Two sales will take place in September, at Birmingham and Glasgow, and plans are being made to hold nine other sales during October and November. Further sales will depend on the stock position.

Will the Minister give preferential treatment to the Polish Purchasing Commission to buy machine tools for their war industries at these sales?

The hon. Member has been completely misinformed. Preferential treatment is not given to any purchaser.

Will there be any war potential machine tools available at these sales?

I have not the remotest idea what machine tools will come up for sale at these nine sales.

Are we to understand from that reply that the Minister does not exercise any control over the disposal of machine tools which might be a valuable potential to war production?

That is an entirely different question. These surplus machine tools are now—as they have been for a long time—put up for disposal by auction, when they go to the highest bidder, or they are sold by private treaty, if that seems better.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will publish a list of machine tools supplied to the Poles following a private agreement at the recent Ministry of Supply auction sales.

The agreement made between the Polish and the United States authorities merely removed in their favour the embargo on the export of Lend-Lease machine tools. Sales at Ministry of Supply auctions are not subject to private agreements and the first condition of sale in the catalogues states that the purchaser is in all cases the highest bidder. At the machine tool auctions the Poles have bought 211 tools, and I will send the hon. Member details as soon as these have been compiled.

As I have already got not only the catalogue but also the details of exactly what the Poles bought—amounting to an enormous sum of money, as no doubt the Minister knows—does he still say to the House, as he did last Monday, that no rifling machines were bought by the Poles and that no machine tools, suitable and specially designed for armaments, were bought by the Poles? If he does, I can give him abundant evidence from many people who will swear in a court of law that he is wrong.

Yes, Sir. I maintain completely what I said last week.

In view of that statement, will the Minister publish a list in HANSARD together with the prices paid for these machine tools?

I am only loth to do that because it would mean such a very long list which would take up several pages of HANSARD. There are 211 of these tools, and I really do hot think that the publication of a list would be justified.

Is the Minister aware that I have here a catalogue of the sale and a sworn statement from many responsible people who were present at the sale who swear, and are prepared to swear in a court of law, that rifling machines and armament machines of a machine tool character were sold to these Poles? What has he to say about that accusation?

Before the Minister answers, would he agree that, as any working engineer will say, there is not a machine in engineering which cannot be used for armament work, and that all this is so much poppycock?

I say again that I inquired into this and that no special machine for making war weapons has been sold to the Poles either at this auction or at any previous sale.

Does the Minister specifically deny the allegation about the rifling machines?

Yes, Sir. My information is definitely that, although five were sold, none was sold to a Polish purchaser.

I beg to give notice that not only in view of the grossly unsatisfactory nature of the reply, but in view of the inaccurate statements of the Minister, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Supply what is the Government's policy regarding the continual disposal of surplus aviation war materials.

The Ministry of Supply disposes only of such materials as are handed over to them by the Service Departments as surplus to their requirements.

While that may have been so, does the Minister consider it right that tens of thousands of serviceable aircraft instruments should be sold every week for scrap? Does he think that is prudent at this time?

That Question ought to be addressed to the Service Departments concerned. We only handle those surplus goods which they hand over to us.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know how many aeroplanes—including Austers—his Department sold to the Jewish authorities in Palestine?

That, of course, is an entirely different question.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will increase the allocation of steel for the manufacture of spare parts for motor vehicles, so as to prevent the dislocation and inconvenience which now result from vehicles being immobilised for lengthy periods through lack of spares.

My Department is aware of the difficulties in the supply of spares, but I regret that it is not possible to increase the allocation of steel within the supplies available for the motor industry.

Will the Minister continue to watch the position carefully, because there seems to be a certain fear of possible unemployment in the motor repair trade?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the food offered to the public at the restaurant in Regent's Park is often stale and unappetising; and if he will endeavour to raise the standard of the catering at this and other restaurants controlled by his Department.

I am not aware of any general criticism of the catering in the Royal Parks, but I recognise the difficulties of open air catering at popular prices, arising for instance from uncertainty as to the numbers to be served. The improvement of the standard of catering will continue to be the constant concern of my Department.

While appreciating all the difficulties, may I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind that, especially when large numbers of foreign visitors are in London, it is desirable that people should be able to get something to eat in these parks which, without being sumptuous, is at least freshly prepared and decently prepared?

A greater number of applicants will lead to a greater freshness of supply.

Is the Minister aware that he would be aware of the staleness and unappetising nature of the cakes and other foods supplies in Regent's Park if he cared to visit the park?

He might be able to do that if he had sufficient time.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that builders' merchants in Durham City are unable to obtain an adequate supply of cement, while there is no difficulty in obtaining supplies of cement in the Wisbech Area, Cambridgeshire; and whether he will look into this matter, with a view to improving the supply to the wholesalers in Durham.

Most deliveries in Durham City are being made direct to site, and I am not aware that any essential work is being held up in that area.

Is the Minister aware that wholesale merchants in the Durham City area cannot get cement for small jobbing repairs and they cannot understand why there should be this unusual shortage? Would he do something to equalise the position with that which exists in the Cambridge area where plenty of cement is available?

Yes, Sir. In the third quarter, rather more cement has been allocated to the Northern Region and rather less to Cambridgeshire.

asked the Minister of Works how many of the 243 dwellings on the Calgarth Estate, Windermere, are occupied by workers at the Calgarth factory; and how many by the families of former workers who are now working elsewhere.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Works what has happened to the memorial to the Royal Marines who lost their lives in the South African War and Boxer Rebellion and which used to stand outside the Admiralty.

Work is about to start on the re-erection of this memorial on a site in the Mall opposite the statue of Captain Cook. I hope that the memorial will be in position by the end of October.

Is the Minister aware that this statue is unique in that, at the request of the British Marines concerned, there is a representation of an American Marine on that part of the statue connected with the Boxer Rebellion?

I was not aware of that.

asked the Minister of Works if, in consultation with the Minister of Town and Country Planning, he will apportion and distribute among practising architects such architectural work as is now in hand or contemplated instead of confining it as at present to officials of Ministries, county councils and municipal bodies.

It is not the case that the architectural work of my Department is confined to officials, and it will continue to be my policy to entrust important schemes to independent architects where practicable. I have no control over the arrangements of other Government Departments or local authorities in this matter.

If the Minister has no control, would he at least have the courtesy to consult the Minister of Town and Country Planning, and is he aware that I have received complaints that many architects, members of a most important profession, are being put out of business by this State control by the Minister?

No, Sir; I am not aware of it. I have had an interview with the Architects' Association, and I have agreed with them that I will endeavour to get the local authorities to take in hand as many schemes as possible, in view of the possibilities of building at a greater pace in future, and I have recently communicated with the local authorities on that point.

Can the Minister say whether the advice of the Royal Fine Art Commission is obtained?

The Royal Fine Art Commission are always consulted by the Government Departments in this matter.

asked the Minister of Works why the sword in the Richard Cœur de Lion statue is being straightened.

The sword has been repaired and straightened because it was in danger of breaking.

Is the Minister aware that this statue was hit during the Battle of Britain? Did whoever decided to straighten it consider whether it would not be better to leave it as it was, with any necessary strengthening, as a symbol that Britain, under air attack, though battered and bent, could never be broken?

It certainly would have been wrong not to have dealt with it when it was reported to me to be in danger of breaking. It is thought better to let it remain as a work of art, rather than as a distorted thing.

asked the Minister of Works if he will order the floodlighting of the principal public buildings, Trafalgar Square, the lake in St. James's Park, etc., for at least a brief period from dusk each night during the Olympic Games.

I should not feel justified in diverting the labour and materials necessary to carry out the suggested scheme of floodlighting at the present time.

Have there not been a number of national occasions in the last year or two on which this expenditure was considered justified, and are not the Olympic Games at least an occasion of sufficient importance?

The expenditure and time involved would be too great for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the licence granted to Mr. R. Peck to convert a stable into a bungalow at Barrow Point Lane, Pinner, was rescinded some 18 months ago on the ground that the conditions of the licence had been infringed, although no prosecution was ever instituted; that the building has remained three parts completed since that date; that only £800 now requires to be spent in order to complete it; that the Harrow Council has now refused to consider reissuing the licence unless a priced bill of quantities is supplied, although a full estimate of the cost was furnished to them as recently as 19th April last; and whether in these circumstances and in order that the labour and materials comprised in the unfinished building may no longer be wasted, he will cause the licence to be re-issued forthwith.

The Licensing Officer of the Harrow Council has asked for a priced bill of quantities in order that he may be satisfied that the work can be carried out at the cost stated in the application, and I see no reason to question this action. A decision will be given as soon as the particulars are supplied.

Is the Minister aware that it is practically impossible to get any quantity surveyor at present to prepare a bill of quantities for such small amounts, and that this procedure is likely to lead to endless further delay?

No, Sir; I am not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider circulating widely in Germany, in German translation, copies of "Parliamentary Affairs," the quarterly periodical of the HANSARD SOCIETY.

Copies of the English version of "Parliamentary Affairs" have been sent recently to information centres, libraries and Universities in the British zone. It is too early to assess the probable demand for a German version, but my right hon. Friend will consider the proposal in the light of the information received.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, when I was in Berlin a week or two ago, I found that, at the Information Centre, the very greatest interest was expressed by Germans in "Parliamentary Affairs," and is it not worth while considering translation into German?

We are considering that. Interest shown in the English version will have some bearing on it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the currency reform in Germany, which reduced wages by 90 per cent, from 1st June, operates harshly on the miners whose wages are normally payable on the 25th of each month and who consequently have lost 90 per cent. of wages earned prior to 1st June; and whether he will take immediate steps to rectify this anomaly in view of the effects on coal production.

The currency reform in Western Germany has not reduced wages. The Conversion Law provided that all wages which became due after 20th June were to be paid in full in the new currency, provided that they related to work done after 1st June. Thus miners, who are normally paid in arrear on about the 25th of each month, received four-fifths of their pay in new currency converted at the rate of one Deutschmark for each Reichsmark due, and only one-fifth, earned in May, converted at the rate of one for ten. As regards the second part of the Question, there has been no falling-off in coal production since the introduction of currency reform.

When the Minister says that there has been no reduction in wages as a result of currency reform, is he not aware that to give one new mark for every 10 old marks is, in effect, a reduction of wages when this applies to those wages payable before 1st June, which were not, in fact, paid until 25th June; and that the German authorities are being asked to inquire into the legal aspect of the matter, but as, quite clearly, whatever the legal aspect, it must be the case that these wages have been subject to a reduction, will he make special inquiries in order to put this anomaly right?

On the legal point, I could not answer without notice, but the net effect is that the purchasing power of wage-earners has certainly not lessened.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the misleading and harmful statement made by a former Minister is the sort of statement which we should wish to have included in a German translation of HANSARD?

May I point out that it is not misleading, but that these are the facts, and that they are the subject of inquiry at the present time? Is the Minister aware that, whilst the general effect of currency reform has not been to reduce wages of workers generally, miners are in a very special case because of the incidence of wages about 25th June?

It seems to me that it is a perfectly fair comment, but my hon. Friend is misinformed, and my answer applies to that.

When my hon. Friend says that this does not indicate a 90 per cent. reduction in wages, can he tell us what in his opinion is the amount of reduction in wages?

There is no reduction, and I think that a study of my reply will make that clear.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that concurrently with the currency reform in Germany, which reduces the value of wages by 90 per cent., price controls have been abolished from a large number of essential commodities, resulting in price increases of up to 208 per cent.; and whether he will take immediate steps to restore these price controls or alternatively remove the prohibition on wage increases of more than 15 per cent. over 1938 levels.

As I have already informed my hon. Friend in reply to his previous question, the currency reform in Western Germany has not reduced wages. They remain, in fact, unchanged, except that they are now paid in the new Deutsch-mark instead of the old and far less valuable Reichsmark. Control of prices is a matter for the German Bizonal Economic Council who have retained some price controls, including those on essential foodstuffs, and have abolished others. The general effect of currency reform has been to increase the purchasing power of the wage-earner.

While it is true that price controls are a matter for the German Economic Council, will the Minister explain why it was that, as a result of action by the Allied Military Government, they were authorised at the same time as the currency reform was introduced to raise these prices, while wages are still frozen as the result of our administration?

I think that, if my hon. Friend will study my two replies, he will see the position clearly. The principle effect of abolishing control has been to diminish the black market enormously.

Is the Minister aware that, if the hon. Gentleman opposite had had the wisdom to introduce currency reform two years ago—

These personal remarks are really quite silly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the official Soviet newspaper, "Taegliche Rundschau," has demanded the capitulation of Western Berlin in order to spare the German people suffering; and as this statement is not in accordance with previous Soviet statements that communications have been severed for technical reasons, what action has been taken to make known to the German population of Berlin the true intentions of His Majesty's Government.

I am not aware that such a demand has appeared in the "Taegliche Rundschau," although it contains many propaganda statements of one kind or another. Full publicity in the Press and radio of the Western sectors of Berlin has been given to official statements of His Majesty's Government.

Is my hon. Friend aware that statements of this kind were produced in the American Press, particularly the "New York Herald-Tribune," and, if he can find that such statements have been made, will he contradict them, in order to make it plain to the people of Berlin that we stand behind them in this matter?

I am not aware that this statement was made, and I think it would be a mistake if hon. Members paid more attention to this Communist propaganda than almost all the Berliners do.

Would it not be much better if hon. Members of this House showed more concern for the people of this country, and particularly the people of the Highlands, and less concern for the people of Western Germany?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what conditions non-German nationals can acquire shares or make investments in Ruhr steel undertakings.

It has not been possible, since August, 1946, for anyone, German or non-German, to acquire shares in Ruhr steel undertakings.

May I ask my hon. Friend if he is aware that United States investors are endeavouring to acquire more steel mills, and whether the present arrangements make it impossible for private capitalists, whether German or non-German, to acquire any section of the Ruhr steel undertakings?

The answer to the first part of the question is, "No, Sir,": and to the second part, "Yes, Sir."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Potsdam agreement provided for supplies for Berlin and West Germany from the U.S.S.R., the Soviet zone and other Eastern European countries, he will instruct the military Governor not to refuse Soviet offers of food, coal, electricity and raw materials for Berlin provided their distribution is administered by the appropriate sector authorities.

No offer of supplies for distribution by the authorities in the Western sectors of Berlin has as yet been received. If any such offer is made, its terms will be carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he anticipates that compensation for war damage sustained in the Philippines by British concerns and provided for by Act of Congress will be paid.

The United States Government are not yet prepared to extend to British subjects and legal persons the benefits of the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946, and the matter is still under discussion. In the circumstances, I cannot forecast when compensation will be paid.

Is the Minister aware that a rather similar answer was given to me two years ago, and will he not institute active discussions to try to get some answer from the United States on this matter?

We are doing all we can about that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will list the commitments or agreements entered into by which this country could be involved in war on behalf of any single country other than obligations incurred by membership of the United Nations.

The following treaties and agreements to which His Majesty's Government are a party contain obligations of assistance:

I thank my hon. Friend for that very comprehensive reply. Will he please note that it will be with great satisfaction that many people in this country will now realise that we are under no treaty obligation to go to war with the United States against the Soviet Union, because it was feared that there was some such treaty?

Could the Minister tell us whether the Anglo-Russian Treaty of 20 years' friendship with the U.S.S.R. still exists?

It is still technically operative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, now that the exhibition known as "Germany Under Control" is closed, he will provide alternative means by which developments in Germany can be interpreted to the public of this country

Yes, Sir. There is a German Information Room and Library on the ground floor of Norfolk House in St. James's Square, to which hon. Members, representatives of the Press and other students of German affairs will be welcome. The room contains a good and up-to-date collection of charts and pictorial statistics dealing with a wide variety of aspects of German life. Supplementary information for those who seek it is to be found in the pamphlets and books of the adjoining library.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent reports he has received on the present condition of the Holy Places in Jerusalem; and if he is satisfied that appropriate measures have been adopted by the United Nations organisation to safeguard the future of the Holy Places representative of all religious denominations.

As the answer is long and detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, in point of fact, the Foreign Office is keeping observation—in the absence of the United Nations organisation—in relation to the Holy Places?

Yes, Sir.

Following is the answer:

Apart from occasional firing, the Old City of Jerusalem has suffered substantial damage on two occasions. The first was in May when the Jewish quarter within the walls was largely destroyed in the course of a battle between Arab and Jewish forces. The second was on the night of the 17th-18th July, when at least 500 Jewish shells or mortar bombs are estimated to have fallen in the Old City. Apart from the destruction of Jewish synagogues during the battle I have mentioned, damage has been reported to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and to the Moslem Dome of the Rock. The dome of the former was partially penetrated on 7th June by a Jewish mortar bomb which caused superficial damage. The Dome of the Rock was penetrated on 17th July by a Jewish mortar bomb, which caused damage to the ceiling and to stained glass windows. Other Moslem Holy Places have been slightly damaged. The resolution adopted by the Security Council on 15th July provides for the demilitarisation of the City of Jerusalem without prejudice to its future political status. The Mediator is taking measures to this end.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action, after reference to the Security Council, he is now taking to secure the immediate release of the five Britons who were kidnapped by Irgun Zvai Leumi and are now in the hands of Haganah.

Unfortunately, the Security Council did not meet last week, but the question will be raised there tomorrow. After the meeting of the Security Council, His Majesty's Government will consider whether any further action is necessary.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that it is nearly three weeks since these men were kidnapped and over two weeks since his right hon. Friend told the House that the matter would be referred to the Security Council at once; and are not His Majesty's Government responsible, even in these days of the United Nations, for looking after the affairs of British subjects in a rather more expeditious fashion than this?

It was unfortunate that the Security Council did not meet last week, but I can assure the House that we shall raise it strongly tomorrow.

Can we be told, first, what action by the Security Council is hoped for by His Majesty's Government, and, secondly, what will be the immediate action of His Majesty's Government in default of such hopes?

We expect that the Security Council will insist on the surrender of these persons to the Truce Commission, but, until a decision is taken by the Council, I do not want to make a statement about any further measures which we may have to take.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to help British subjects in Egypt, whose position has become precarious owing to recent developments there, to find employment or emigrate.

My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the difficulties with which British subjects in Egypt are faced, and we are studying a number of proposals for rendering practical assistance in repatriation or finding employment; there are, however, many difficulties to be overcome before they can be put into effect.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this country is under a strong moral obligation to help these people, and that their plight is such that urgent help is required; and will he, therefore, do everything possible to expedite the steps he has mentioned?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Greek children have been reported by the United Kingdom representative on the United Nations Balkan Committee to His Majesty's Government to have been removed; how many of these cases were without the consent of their parents; and how many parents have made application for the return of their children.

The United Kingdom delegate has not reported separately to His Majesty's Government on this subject. The United Nations Special Committee has stated its inability to verify, by the means available to it, the precise number of children removed or the numbers in each of the categories mentioned by the hon. Member. The Committee's report points out that while some parents have consented or at least failed to object to the removal of their children by the guerillas, evidence is available to show that some parents have agreed under duress to the removal of their children, and that other children have in fact been forcibly removed.

In connection with the very last point which the hon. Gentleman made, can he say how many parents have objected because that will be an indication as to the real position in Greece? The facts prove that most parents gave their consent quite willingly.

The Committee did not give the number in the report.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the Government intend to publish the report of the Committee, and, if so, when?

That, of course, would be a matter for the United Nations.

Is there any way of explaining to Communists that parents do not like having their children removed?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has referred the question of disputed sovereignty in the Falkland Islands Dependencies, to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

No, Sir. The legal position as regards reference of the territorial dispute in the Falkland Islands Dependencies to the International Court remains as set out in my right hon. Friend's statement in the House on 25th February last.

Is the Minister aware that the Minister of State told me on 10th May that it was the policy of His Majesty's Government to take the action to which I have referred?

That may be so, but since neither of the other parties to the dispute has signed the optional Clause, it is possible for them to decline to take the matter to the courts.

Is it not a fact that Argentinians and Chileans are trespassing on our territory, and, that being so, what steps have we in mind for bringing this trespass to an end?

We are certainly not content to let things rest where they are, but I am not in a position to make a statement on policy now.

Would it not be possible to send that cruiser back and let it stay there until those brigands are out?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representatives of His Majesty's Government have attended meetings of the Arab League in the capacity of observers during the last six months; and who have been nominated for this purpose.

The Arab League, as its name implies, is a League of Arab States. Consequently its meetings are not attended by representatives of His Majesty's Government in any capacity. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

Is my hon. Friend able to state whether any request has been made by His Majesty's Government or by the Arab League for an official observer to be appointed?

I know of no truth in that at all.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the U.S.A. and Canada have now agreed to join the Permanent Military Committee of Western Union; and under what conditions and arrangements.

No, Sir. United States and Canadian military experts are in London to participate, as non-members, in the work of the Military Committee set up under the Treaty of Brussels.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the very great danger of slipping into a military alliance, and will he also remember that whereas defensive measures between Western nations can be good and right things, a full-blooded military alliance will inevitably only lead to war?

I know that my right hon. Friend is well aware of the implications of this decision.

Can my hon. Friend assure me that these discussions will not lead to the type of thing described by my hon. Friend the Member for West Renfrew (Mr. Scollan), namely, a commitment to fight alongside the United States if the latter is involved in a war with the Soviet Union?

That matter does not arise.

asked the Minister of Food how much Norwegian canned brisling and sild he has arranged to purchase for delivery in 1948; at what prices it has been purchased; and whether there are any special conditions relating to supply without wrappers or keys for the tins.

A minimum of 25,000 cases of brisling and 200,000 cases of sild, each containing 100 quarter tins of 3¾ ounces nett weight. It is not my right hon. Friend's practice to disclose prices. The tins will be supplied with a paper label, but not otherwise wrapped, and without keys.

Is the hon. Lady aware that the supply of these tins without keys involves the saving of only one-fifth of a penny per tin and that their supply without keys will mean an additional burden on the housewives?

It will mean a saving of 1s. 6d. per case. I would remind the hon. and learned Gentleman that sardines are supplied today without keys and that the housewife is accustomed to using an opener for them.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now relax the rules as to the nature of foodstuffs that may be contained in parcels sent to Germany particularly by German civilian workers in this country to their relatives.

I regret that the present food supply position will not allow of the relaxation which the hon. Member suggests.

If these rules were relaxed would it really affect the position of this country materially on the question of food; and, further, now that German workers are being allowed to earn money in this country and to be employed like anybody else, surely they can be allowed to purchase unrationed foodstuffs on which there are no subsidies?

The hon. Member will remember that we allowed rationed and pointed foods to be sent to Germany because these would represent a personal sacifice on the part of the sender. If we were to allow other foods to be sent, it would mean dipping into the common pool, which we think is unfair.

asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the fact that the control of prices of potatoes entails that good and bad are paid for at the same price and leads to evasion of the law he will remove control of price or institute some form of grading for this year's potato crop.

No, Sir. A quality standard is already laid down for new potatoes and higher prices will, as usual, be prescribed for the better varieties and classes of maincrop potatoes.

Is it not evident that there never was any need for potato control at all, and that the panic regulations of the Ministry are a complete farce and involve heavy loss to the taxpayer, as well as a loss of potatoes? May I have an answer to that question?

asked the Minister of Food the cost and the number of copies printed of a book entitled "The Milk Marketing Board," and how much this has added to the cost of milk to the consumer.

I have no information about the cost of the book in question, as my Department was not concerned with its publication.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent T.T. milk not bottled by the farmer is subsequently kept separate by the bottles and sold as T.T.; and what steps he takes to ensure that such milk is not mixed with non-T.T. milk.

In May, 1948, the latest month for which returns are available, approximately 27 per cent. of the T.T. milk sold by producer-wholesalers in England and Wales was retailed as such. Under the Milk (Special Designations) Regulations, T.T. milk sold as such must be kept separate from all other milk and sold to the consumer in sealed containers specially labelled and fitted with overlapping caps. Failure to comply with these conditions may involve dairymen in the revocation or suspension of their licences to sell T.T. milk.

While thanking the Minister for that information, may I ask her whether it is not the case that a certain amount of T.T. milk is not sold as T.T. milk at all and is, therefore, wasted so far as the quality is concerned, since it is mixed with ordinary milk before being sold? The purpose of this Question is to try to get the matter put right. T.T. milk should be sold as such, because there is a wide demand for it.

Unfortunately, the hon. Gentleman is wrong. I wish there was a wide demand for it. Only 27 per cent. is sold as T.T. milk We cannot govern consumer preference.

Does not the hon. Lady agree that the only way to ensure that there is pure milk is to have it boiled in every household?

No.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is now in a position to inform the House as to any new plans for facilitating the distribution of extra food rations to farm workers.

I am informed that in the great majority of cases, agricultural employers apply for and obtain these special seasonal allowances and distribute them to their workers either as meals or in unprepared form; and we are very grateful to them for the time and trouble they give to this task. Where a farmer is unable to undertake the procurement and distribution of the allowances, this task may be undertaken by a responsible person appointed by him, or one chosen by the workers themselves, such as a local officer of their trade union. My Ministry is conducting regional and local conferences with farmers and farm workers for the purpose of making arrangements of this nature where they are needed. The application form for the allowances must be signed by the farmer or his foreman or bailiff and my right hon. Friend has decided to issue an order laying upon him the duty of completing this application form in all cases where he is about to carry out one of the seasonal operations for which special food supplies are authorised, whether or not he himself proposes to undertake their procurement and distribution.

Is the hon. Lady aware that this proposed action should result in every farm worker getting the extra rations to which he is entitled? Does the hon. Lady appreciate that the farm worker would like a little bit more food still, when there is any going?

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that certain agricultural and horticultural workers who paid National Insurance contributions prior to 5th July as agricultural workers and thus were entitled to extra cheese ration, now find that since 5th July they are not allowed the extra cheese; and if he will take steps to restore the extra ration.

I would add, to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 21st July that we have no intention of withdrawing the special cheese ration from any people who have been receiving it up to now, so long as they stay in the same sort of employment.

If we have any case of difficulty in this connection, can we bring it to the notice of the hon. Lady?

Yes; and we are prepared to give the cheese retrospectively.

asked the Minister of Food if he will look into the question of the sugar for sweets practice that is developing; and if he will take steps to prohibit this, in view of the abuses that are possible under this arrangement.

We are keeping a very careful watch on the exchange of domestic sugar for sweets, but I should not feel justified in stopping a scheme which gives some freedom of choice to the housewife unless I was satisfied that there was serious abuse. No evidence of serious abuse has yet been produced.

Is the hon. Lady fully aware of the potential menace to the non-trading parts of the community if this practice should develop?

I do not think it can be regarded as a menace. I think the amount of sugar exchanged for sweets amounts to about 70 tons per week, as against 4,000 tons which we allocate to the ration.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of plums is to be imported this season; what quantity of the plums imported is to be the result of bulk purchase by the Government; and whether the prices for imported plums will in general be lower or higher than the prices for home grown plums.

There is no bulk purchase of plums by the Government. They are imported by traders under licence and the total quantity which will come in will be governed by what we can afford to spend and the state of the market. As plum prices are not controlled I cannot say what they will be. Weather conditions in August will have a considerable influence.