asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered the suggestion made to him by the hon. Member for Cambridge that he should take special measures to call the attention of the war disabled to the various allowances and services now provided by his Department.

Yes, Sir, I propose to send a personal letter to each disablement pensioner enclosing a special leaflet telling him of the various benefits for which he may be eligible and giving other information which may be useful to him. In the letters I am also inviting pensioners to discuss their problems with my welfare officers. By this action, I hope to ensure that every war pensioner receives the full benefits to which he is entitled. The first letters will be sent this week, but bearing in mind the very large number of letters involved and considerations of staff economy, it will be several months before the distribution is completed.

May I put one question to the Minister which arises from his very welcome announcement? If a pensioner now discovers that he has for some time been eligible for one of, these extra allowances, and makes successful application for that allowance, will payment be made to him from the date of his application or from the time he became eligible for the new allowance?

It is the rule that pensions are payable from the date of the application. In very exceptional circumstances sometimes the rule is waived and the pension made somewhat retrospective.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider making a detailed announcement through the national Press and the wireless so that not only may disabled men know of the situation, but the general misunderstanding which has taken place as a result of misrepresentation may be removed?

I hope that this Question and the answer will serve to draw attention to what has been done.

Is the Minister aware that the action which he has announced cannot obscure the fact that the whole question of disability pensions should now be reviewed and a Select Committee appointed?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will make any statement as to how far research into design and performance of artificial limbs and appliances and improvements in the limb-fitting services has progressed; and what improvements can be expected in the near future.

A research unit at Roehampton works under the direction of the Standing Advisory Committee on Artificial Limbs of which Sir Charles Darwin is Chairman. The Second Report of the Committee issued in April this year shows the general lines on which research is developing. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a note on the practical results and the improvements which may be expected in the near future.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this research committee has consulted with expert firms like Desoutter Brothers as regards repairs to limbs already issued?

The Committee is a committee of experts and has all the expertise available for its use.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will review the allowances paid to war widows in respect of children.

These allowances are kept udder continual review and at present compare favourably with similar allowances provided under the other social service schemes.

Will my right hon. Friend particularly consider the case of the woman with two or three children who, whilst she has been helped by the increases in recent years for which all pensioners are most grateful, must sometimes supplement her income by earning money outside—a step which in the case of larger families is rather undesirable?

asked the Minister of Pensions how long a disability pension is payable to a pensioner who has suffered from a tropical disease after medical examination has shown a negative test for the disease.

The disability pension payable to a pensioner who suffers from a tropical disease would not necessarily be affected by the fact that pathological tests became negative, since pension is assessed on loss of functional capacity, which may persist after the negative test.

asked the Minister of Pensions what additional help can be given to a pensioner who is in receipt of a small disability pension only but through illness finds himself in need.

If the illness arises from the war disablement and the pensioner needs treatment which prevents him from working, allowances at the 100 per cent. pension rate are payable. Sickness benefit under the National Insurance Act would also normally be payable in addition. Pensioners who have not acquired entitlement to sick benefit normally receive an allowance of 20s. per week while undergoing treatment. The normal social service provisions are, of course, available where the illness does not arise out of the war disablement. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular case of hardship and will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to arrange for the pensioner to be interviewed by one of my welfare officers.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state the number of final awards reviewed and increased up to 1945 and for each year since.

Up to March, 1945, the number of final awards reviewed and increased because of material worsening of the war disablement was 21,199. The numbers in the financial years 1945–46, 1946–47, 1947–48 were 260,377 and 716 respectively. During the seven months of the present financial year 827 final awards have been increased, bringing the total to 23,379. In addition some 5,500 final awards have been reopened automatically during the past few years because of changes in the scheduled assessment of certain disabilities, notably following the Hancock Committee's report on the Assessment of Specified Injuries.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this is one of the rights of a disabled man which will be stressed in the letter that is to be sent out?

Yes, Sir. In the leaflet special attention is drawn to the possibility of the review of a final award in case of material worsening. A special leaflet for 1914–18 war pensioners will be part of the issue to which I referred earlier.

Will the Minister pay tribute to the excellent work of the British Legion in supporting the cases of men which are taken up with the Ministries?

I do not understand why that question should be necessary. I have said many times that we much appreciate the work which the British Legion does.

asked the Minister of Pensions why he has refused to consider the case of A. B. Coward, 54/2nd Avenue, Limeside, Hollins, Oldham, on the ground that he has no power to review any cases where a tribunal's final decision has been given; and whether this represents any change in the recent practice of his Department.

As I explained in my letter of 10th September, to the hon. Member, the arrangements for special review which were announced in the House on 25th July, 1946, apply only to cases in which decisions were given by the tribunals before August, 1946, by which time certain legal principles had been clarified by the High Court. The Tribunal's decision on Mr. Coward's appeal was given on 30th January, 1947; no fresh evidence has been furnished and I have no power to review the Tribunal's decision. My letter to the hon. Member does not represent any change in the recent practice of my predecessors.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in recent months a series of decisions by Mr. Justice Denning sitting as pensions judge has shifted the onus of proof and altered the law; does he appreciate that there are many cases which now present a prima facie case of miscarriage of justice because those principles were not applied, and will he not take power to himself to review any case in which he thinks it is proper to do so?

My answer takes fully into account this change in the law which has been handed down by Mr. Justice Denning. If the hon. Member reads my answer tomorrow, I think he will see that that is so. Of course, we are always prepared to look very closely at any case in which fresh evidence can be adduced even if the decision was given after Mr. Justice Denning's ruling.

Would not the Minister agree that this Question and others on the Order Paper addressed to him today emphasise the need for a Select Committee on Service pensions as suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) supported by a large number of Members on both sides of the House.

On the contrary. I should have thought that any fair-minded person would have concluded from my answers that the position is thoroughly under control.

Would the Minister say whether he is prepared to look carefully at a case of this kind, because he has power to review?

Yes, Sir. I will look at the case, certainly.

Where a constituent approaches an hon. Member who considers that there ought to be some reconsideration of a case, would the Minister undertake to see that that case is reviewed?

I always look very carefully at these cases. Whatever I am able to do within the law, I will always try to do. I cannot exceed the functions which have been given to me by this House.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is satisfied that the operative date of 1st July, 1945, fixed in respect of special hardship allowances to partially disabled pensioners of the 1914–18 War has not resulted in undue hardship; and whether he will now consider amending this date to an earlier one.

The date in question was chosen as being the most favourable to 1914 War pensioners, generally, employment at that time being at its highest. This provision has been in operation for only a short time and our experience is not yet sufficient to enable definite conclusions to be drawn. I am however watching the position closely.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that National Service men serving at home or in Europe who volunteer to join the Regular Army are in many cases immediately posted away from the unit in which they hoped to serve as Regulars; and if, in view of the effects which this practice must have in discouraging Regular recruiting, he will cause it to cease.

It is unfortunately not always possible to ensure that National Service men who volunteer as Regulars shall remain in the unit of their choice. This is due to the necessity of making the best use of our limited Regular manpower and particularly to the need for maintaining Regular strengths in those theatres to which it is uneconomical to post National Service men. With these qualifications, every effort is made to meet the wishes of the National Service man on first becoming a Regular.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the limiting factor in the Army's growing efficiency is the number of Regular soldiers who have volunteered, and would it not be wise to change the rule so that men who volunteer should be allowed to stay in the units in which they decide to volunteer?

Subject to what I have already said—the qualification to which I have referred—the need for recruits in certain theatres is so great that we simply cannot afford to change the rule at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the lack of heating and of clothes drying facilities at a section of the Army Barracks at Shorncliffe Camp used for the reception of young conscripts; and whether he will communicate with the camp authorities with a view to removing the causes of complaint.

The facilities for heating and clothes drying in the Army Barracks at Shorncliffe Camp are regarded as adequate. The extent to which they can be used is naturally governed by the allotments of fuel to the Barracks. Allotments are not rigid and the local military authorities have wide discretion to vary them to meet special requirements. There is therefore no reason why arrangements at Shorncliffe should be inadequate. I am, however, investigating the matter.

Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that some of the young entry soldiers at this camp are in low medical grades and that clothes drying facilities, especially for men who have previously suffered from lung diseases, are of great importance?

I propose to investigate the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a retired officer has been given the appointment of Chief of the Imperial General Staff; and whether no serving officer could be found with adequate experience and qualifications.

The distinguished officer who has been appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff was selected as the officer most suited to the post

While entirely agreeing with the right hon. Gentleman and desiring to pay the highest tribute to General Slim, both as an officer and as a man, may I ask him whether I can have an answer to the second part of my Question, and whether it does not rather reflect on those serving that a serving officer cannot be found for this post?

All that the appointment of General Slim has met with widespread satisfaction.

Is not the true implication of this Question that officers of such outstanding ability should not be allowed to retire?

There is something to be said for that, but we have always to consider that some who are younger want to go up.

Why has the right hon. Gentleman sunk his scruples against putting himself in the hands of the experts?

I always take note of experts. Nevertheless, I exercise a wise discrimination in their selection.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the world profit made by N.A.A.F.I. in the last full year's trading; what was the profit at home, in Germany, Austria, the Mediterranean and the Far East, respectively; and whether the N.A.A.F.I.'s decision to increase the prices in different theatres to cover the average cost of freight and insurance incurred on goods to that theatre was approved by him.

The N.A.A.F.I. Accounts for 14 months ended 1st November, 1947, are being placed before the N.A.A.F.I. Council this month, and a copy will be placed in the Library. Details of trading results in different theatres are not published. No such new decision as is suggested has been made, as N.A.A.F.I., being an ordinary trading organisation, has always had to cover the cost of freight and insurance in its prices.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in certain theatres, particularly in Germany, N.A.A.F.I. prices seem to those stationed there much higher than they should be, and would not the best way to reassure them be to have the N.A.A.F.I. accounts published to the world, so that people can see whether undue profits are being made or not?

As the hon. Gentleman is probably aware, I conducted a personal investigation into the alleged high prices in B.A.O.R., but we have to take account of certain charges imposed on N.A.A.F.I., which lead to higher prices.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers' commissions granted during 1947 to ex-university students and those who have public school education qualifications; and the number granted to those who have not passed through either a public school or university, respectively.

During 1947, approximately 10,000 commissions were granted. To obtain the information asked for, it would be necessary to compile a special return after inspection of the records of each of these officers. I do not consider that the work involved would be justified.

In my right hon. Friend's opinion has any discrimination been used in this matter?

Certainly not. I have personally attended the War Office Commission Selection Board, and I am very well satisfied with the procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cadets at Sandhurst have bought themselves out of the Army in recent months.

Nine cadets at the Royal Military Academy have purchased their discharge since the concession was reintroduced in March, 1948.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have bought themselves out of the Army since this right was reinstated after the war.

Up to the end of September, 1,911 men had been discharged under the scheme for discharge by purchase, since this privilege was reintroduced. This includes a number of free discharges after completion of 16 years' service, or on extreme compassionate grounds. Of the total of 1,911, 1,567 actually purchased their discharge; the remaining 344 were granted a free discharge.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Regular officers who have asked and have been given permission to resign their commissions since 1945; and how many belonging to each rank.

Since August, 1945, 2,088, made up as follows: Major-Generals and above, 4; Brigadiers and Colonels, 79; Lieutenant-Colonels, 346; Majors, 1,082; Captains, 424; and Subalterns, 153.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the very large number of people who have decided to leave the Army at this critical stage?

No doubt they have very good reasons for doing so, and we do our best to make up the leeway.

Is it not a fact that these officers who are resigning their commissions represent the number of officers who but for the war years might have done so in ordinary circumstances?

I have no doubt that that may be so, but, when someone goes, we always find that someone else can take his place.

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked his Department for the reason why these officers are resigning, and is it not because they are underpaid and lack proper married quarters?

There are, of course, obvious difficulties in regard to married quarters, and sometimes there are complaints about pay, but, on the whole, the officers are quite contented with their conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, with respect to the Peronne Lines County Modern School, Catterick Camp, transferred from the War Department to the North Riding local education authority on 1st April, 1948, the War Department offered to provide accommodation for the headmaster-elect, but have decided to provide a warrant officer's quarter and have declined to give an assurance to the authority that an officer's quarter will be provided for him as soon as circumstances permit; and if he will review this position.

The local education authority was offered the only quarter available—namely, the warrant officer's quarter previously occupied by the outgoing Army head-teacher. The head- master of this school is not a War Department employee and the Department is under no obligation to provide quarters for him. The offer of the only accommodation available was made with the sole aim of helping the local education authority, and purely as an interim measure until they could provide the necessary quarters for the master who is employed by them.

Has the Secretary of State consulted the Minister of Education on this point; is he aware that, late in May, the Director of Army Education intimated to the local education authority that, had the officers' quarters been available at that time, no doubt, the headmaster would have accepted such quarters; and that the headmaster had accepted the warrant officers' quarters on the assumption that that was an interim measure?

Obviously, it is an interim measure until proper quarters can be provided, but there are great difficulties in providing the desired accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an officer's quarter is provided for a civilian headmaster who is seconded from the staff of a local education authority for service in Army Children's Schools abroad.

Teachers seconded from local education authorities in this country for service in Army Children's Schools overseas, will be War Department employees and their salary, allowances and quartering will be a War Department responsibility. They will be treated as of officer status and will be eligible for appropriate privileges. It must be realised, however, that except for single male teachers, who will probably be accommodated in an officers' mess, the allotment of quarters will depend upon local conditions, and the standard of quarters varies.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the questionnaire on the subject of Territorial Army recruiting which he sent to all Members of Parliament under cover of his letter, dated 27th July, 1948, together with a table showing the number of Members who replied in the negative to questions 1 (i) and 2.

I see no necessity for doing this.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that, while he can rely on the wholehearted support of hon. Members of the Opposition, some 150 hon. Members on his own side of the House are not prepared to support this campaign?

I note that I can rely on the unqualified support of hon. Members of the Opposition.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give the figures of the cost of these recruiting meetings, and state how many recruits have been gained for that expenditure?

If my hon. Friend will put down a Question, I will try to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many firms are refusing leave with pay to soldiers in the Territorial Army for their annual training; and what action he is taking in such cases.

No statistics are available. Every effort has been made to encourage employers to grant extra leave, preferably with pay, to volunteer members of the Territorial Army employed by them. The majority of employers are, I am glad to say, willing to give extra leave for the purpose of attending Territorial Army camps. I do not consider that it would be desirable to attempt to exercise any form of compulsion.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a good many firms are not giving leave with pay for this purpose, and can he bring some form of Ministerial pressure to bear in such cases?

I am aware that some firms are disinclined to make the concession—probably for very good reasons—but I would hesitate to bring pressure to bear on them.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say if his answer applies equally to the nationalised services and industries?

That matter is under consideration.

Can my right hon. Friend say why, if we all agree that these men are entitled to their pay during periods of voluntary training, the State should not pay?

Of course, the State does pay the Army pay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in his broadcast, he gave the impression that all local authorities were both paying their men, and giving them leave? Will he confirm or deny that?

I am not aware of any local authority which has refused to grant the concession.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiries? Does he know it for a fact?

Of course, we do make inquiries.

As the Minister mentioned that there might be a good reason for some firms refusing such leave, will he say what he considers to be a good reason?

It may be that a small employer cannot afford it.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning why his Department in Ashford, Kent, is advising farmers who are erecting cowsheds to paint them pink.

No such advice has been given at Ashford by any officer of my Department.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three such cases have occurred in my immediate vicinity; and, furthermore, will he bear in mind that cows are very conservative animals? Will he ensure that this is not an insidious attempt to socialise their minds?

I have a complete alibi. I have not been anywhere near Ashford, and if any such advice was given, it was not given by any member of my Department. I am very interested to hear of the politics of the cows.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what changes are intended in the Abercrombie Plan relating to High Wycombe; and when it is intended to proceed with the plans indicated for the borough in that Report.

The Memorandum on London Regional Planning published by my Department in May, 1947, made it clear that my acceptance of an expansion of High Wycombe was subject to my being satisfied, from outline plans based on adequate surveys, that the town could be expanded as proposed. The work involved has not yet been completed.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when he expects to be able to announce his decision concerning the future of Fylingdale Moor.

There are some aspects of this matter requiring further consideration, but I hope to be able to announce a decision before long.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as long ago as July, 1946, the then Secretary of State for War promised, almost in those words, that a decision could be expected soon; and, in view of the great feeling locally, will he do everything to expedite a very quick decision?

I certainly will, but, of course, since 1946, the machinery of public inquiry has been instituted, and that does take some time.

Will the Minister publish a report of the public inquiry when the decision is made?

That is not usual.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will arrange for the payment of retirement pensions at the rate of 16s. per week to married women who have reached the age of 65 in cases where their husbands have also reached this age, but are continuing in employment.

No, Sir. The provision of such a pension to married women not them selves insured would be contrary to the principle of the National Insurance Act that a married couple should be treated as a team. Any pension payable to a wife in right of her husband's insurance must depend directly on her husband's pension position.

In view of the shortage of labour, would the Minister agree that every encouragement should be given to these old age pensioners to continue at work rather than penalise them when they stop work?

That is, of course, the basis of the new principle adopted in the pensions scheme.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will arrange for regulations, pamphlets, leaflets, explanatory memoranda, etc., about the National Insurance schemes to be printed on paper of one size only, for the convenience of all who have to handle them and need to file them for reference.

Explanatory leaflets are at present printed on standard sizes of paper. The most economical standard size available is used. I appreciate the convenience of having leaflets of the same size and uniform with that of regulations, and the point will be borne in mind when new or reprinted material is to be issued.

asked the Minister of National Insurance when he received the Report of the Departmental Committee on Industrial Diseases; and what action he proposes to take on it.

The Report which is dated 19th October, 1948, has now been published, and copies are available in the Vote Office. I am now giving consideration to the terms of the Report, and as a first step I have asked the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council, the statutory body set up to advise me on matters relating to the Industrial Injuries Scheme, for their advice on certain questions arising on it.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will state, to the nearest convenient date, the total number in receipt of old age pensions; the total amounts received; and the same figures for the Boroughs of West Ham and Edmonton, respectively.

At 5th July, 1948, there were in payment about 4,150,000 contributory old age pensions and 450,000 non-contributory old age pensions, at an estimated weekly cost of approximately £5 million. I regret that separate figures for the boroughs of Edmonton and West Ham are not available.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will state, for the most. convenient week, the total number of family allowances that were paid and cash received by recipients; and the same figures for the Boroughs of West Ham and Edmonton.

At 25th October, 1948, approximately 2,850,000 families were receiving family allowances in respect of 4,530,000 children in Great Britain. This represents a weekly payment of rather over £1,100,000. I regret that separate figures for the Boroughs of West Ham and Edmonton are not available.

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) why disability pension drawn in respect of an unemployed man's dependants is deducted from unemployment benefit;

(2) why Mr. Broadbent, 5, Palace Hill, Scarborough, an unemployed registered disabled man, is only drawing 46s. a week whereas a non-disabled man would draw 49s. 6d. a week.

Any dependency allowance which is payable under the National Insurance Act to a disability pensioner is, under the National Insurance (Overlapping Benefits) Provisional Regulations, 1948, adjusted by the amount of any similar dependency allowance which is payable with his disability pension. This is based on the principle that double payment should not be made for the same dependant. These regulations are at present being considered by the National Insurance Advisory Committee.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is an anomaly that disabled Service men should receive less than non-disabled Service men?

This principle was laid down in the Beveridge Report, and has been accepted as the principle upon which the scheme works. I am sure the hon. Gentleman will realise that these overlapping regulations work both ways. On the one hand, they make possible a duplication of benefits, and, on the other, they lay down that, for dependency, only one benefit shall be paid.

Cannot the Minister see to it that, without going outside the principles of no duplication, the larger of the two possible benefits is, in fact, always the one paid?

That is, in fact, provided for.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that prior to 5th July, 1948, an ex-Service man receiving a disablement pension with an allowance for his wife, received full National Insurance sickness benefit without any deduction and that now under the new Insurance Act his benefits are reduced by the amount of his wife's allowance in connection with his disability pension; and if he is prepared to consider amending the present Act so that such deductions from full sickness benefits will be abolished.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply just given to the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Spearman). The matter will come up for review when I receive the Report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee. I would, however, point out that as no dependency allowances were payable with sickness benefit before 5th July, no disability pensioner can be adversely affected by this adjustment.

Is not the Minister aware that, while that is so, civilians, nevertheless, do get an increase of 16s. 0d., and that, arising out of this, many of these disabled men are, on occasions losing practically £2 or £3 a week in wages due to their disability? Does he not think that, taking those things into consideration, there should be some arrangement whereby those paying the same contribution draw the same benefit?

I have already indicated that these regulations are being considered by the National Insurance Advisory Committee, but the whole basis of the Act is that dependency shall only be met once out of these funds.

Will my right hon. Friend also consult the Minister of Pensions in these matters?

Can my right hon. Friend say how often the National Insurance Advisory Committee report to him on these and other matters?

Very often. All the regulations are placed before them. When they make their report, I have to publish it—I will publish a report on this—and, at the same time, I have to indicate whether I accept it or not. They meet very often, and give an excellent service to ourselves and the people concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in addition to the F.B.I. and the T.U.C., he will consider appointing the Institution of Production Engineers to act in an advisory capacity in connection with the Anglo-American Productivity Council, in view of the valuable assistance the Institution can offer.

The Anglo-American Council on Productivity is an autonomous body, set up by industry, and it is for the Council itself to decide what it wishes to do.

Has not the Chancellor any authority to advise the body concerned to obtain the services of an institution which has a membership of over 7,000 who would be helpful?

Absolutely none.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made by the Anglo-American Council on Productivity; and when their report will be published.

His Majesty's Government have no responsibility for the Anglo-American Council on Productivity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of British firms and property that have been expropriated, or scheduled for expropriation by the Burmese Government.

The British interests concerned are now negotiating with the Government of Burma, and there is nothing that I can usefully say.

Does that answer mean that the Government are not interested in these very valuable properties? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance at least that should the owners of these properties approach the Government they will receive its full support?

I did not say anything of the sort. What I said was that they were now negotiating with the Government of Burma, and there is nothing that I can usefully say at the moment.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that he will at least see that the four principles which he laid down as the principles of compensation within the meaning of the Thakin U correspondence will be adhered to and insisted upon by His Majesty's Government?

If any representations are made to us subsequently we shall, of course, take them into account.

Does the Chancellor mean that the British Embassy have received no communication from these firms?

As far as I am aware, there has been no request for us to give any assistance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason His Majesty's Government have made a grant of £2,000,000 of hard currencies to the Burmese Government.

No such grant has been made. I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the recent Agreement under which the Government of Burma may purchase up to £2 million of hard currencies from the central reserves between July and December of this year, to meet her essential needs. Burma is a member of the sterling area.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say with what form of currency Burma pays for this hard currency?

Burma will presumably pay in sterling.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made to the Italian Government urging them to fulfil the terms of the Anglo-Italian Financial Agreement.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) in answer to a similar Question on this subject on Tuesday, 2nd November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that whereas residents in the Birmingham area can make deposits of £2,000 at 2¾ per cent. in the Birmingham Municipal Bank, £2,500 at 2½ per cent. in a Trustee Savings Bank outside Birmingham, and £2,000 at 2½ per cent. in the Post Office Savings Bank, a total of £6,500, a person living outside that area is restricted to the two last-named deposits, totalling £4,500; and whether, for the sake of impartiality and in the interests of National Savings, to which the Birmingham Bank has contributed over £50,000,000, he will direct the Bank of England to recommend the Birmingham Bank to accept deposits from all residents in Great Britain.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes"; but Birmingham is not the only locality with facilities for savings additional to the Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks. The answer to the second part is, "No, Sir."

Is the Chancellor aware that except possibly for the savings banks to which he refers, no other bank and no building society will give as much as 2½ per cent. on deposits? What have Birmingham people and the people of these other localities which he has mentioned done to deserve so much better treatment than the remaining inhabitants of this island?

That is a matter for the municipal bank, I think.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that when other towns tried to start a municipal bank like the Birmingham bank, the Tory administration of the day refused them permission to do so?

Will the Minister encourage other towns to set up municipal banks?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to continue the voluntary limitation on advertising expenditure after the expiration of the period originally fixed.

I am considering the future of this scheme in consultation with the Federation of British Industries.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that advertising schedules are usually prepared many months in advance, and will he come to an early decision in this matter?

I hope to do so.

Has this limitation had any really beneficial results?

Certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give particulars of loans made by this country to other countries since the outbreak of war in 1939 up to the present date with particulars of interest received.

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table of the loans referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in the case of Mr. G. G. W. Farquharson, of 196, Great Portland Street, W.1, particulars of whose case he has been given, the magistrate trying the case was not informed of the intention of the Customs and Excise Department to seize Mr. Farquharson's motorcar in addition to the fine imposed; to what extent this action is customary; and if he will give instructions in the future for the magistrate to be told of the intentions of the Customs and Excise Department, thereby avoiding the possibility of excessive punishment.

The section of the Spirits Act, 1880, under which Mr. Farquharson was prosecuted for unlawfully removing spirits, provides for the forfeiture of the vehicle used for removing them, and there is nothing unusual about its enforcement. There was no need for the prosecution to call the magistrate's attention to the forfeiture provisions, and the solicitor who defended Mr. Farquharson and may be presumed to have been familiar with the situation evidently took the same view. In the circumstances, I see no need to interfere with the discretion of the Department.

Is it not wrong that the Customs and Excise should have the power of perhaps doubling or trebling the fine imposed by a magistrate? Ought not the magistrate to have the sole power of deciding what punishment a man should or should not have?

No, Sir. Parliament decided in 1880 in the contrary direction.

Would it not be more equitable if the magistrate, when he inflicted the penalty, had the knowledge whether or not the Department had decided to enforce that particular provision?

No. No doubt, he makes his decisions in the light of the Act of Parliament which gives that power.

In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of this matter, I wish to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the poster issued by the Central Office of Information displayed at the "Raising the Standard Exhibition" staged at Charing Cross Underground Station which advertised the goods of the Co-operative Society; and whether the use of public funds to adver- tise a product of any particular concern is in accordance with Government policy.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which was given to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 21st September.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to give an equivalent and compensating advertisement to competing concerns as he has given to the Co-operative Society?

I think if the hon. and gallant Member will read the answer to which I have referred, he will see that his supplementary question does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state to the last convenient date the approximate total amount of post-war Income Tax credits due to taxpayers; what total amounts would be paid; and the number entitled to payment if the Treasury agreed to repayment on the following basis; persons entitled to post-war credits from £1—£50;£50—£100; and those over £100.

The total amount of Income Tax post-war credit now outstanding is £675 million. I am afraid that the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available.

Is the Chancellor giving this somewhat intricate and difficult problem consideration with a view to some amelioration in his next Budget?

I am not aware of any intricate problem here, nor am I going to say anything about the next Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to say what permission is required for the transmission of funds by a British trade union to persons overseas; whether he is aware that the Executive of the Scottish branch of the National Union of Mineworkers has announced its intention to send £1,000 to French miners on strike; and whether any permission to do so has yet been granted.

The permission of the Treasury is required under Section 6 of the Exchange Control Act for the making of gifts to non-residents. Permission is granted in appropriate cases for the transmission of moneys collected for charitable purposes. The present application is described as being for the purpose of purchasing food and clothing for the miners and their dependents, and, on the understanding that the gift is for bona fide charitable purposes, I have decided to allow it. On balance of payments grounds there is no serious objection to the transfer.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it has been widely stated that the purpose of this gift is in order to enable the strike to be continued in France?

I am not aware that what is widely stated is always accurate.

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman borne in mind the speech which he himself made to this House only last week and is he not assisting the furtherance of that cold war to which he referred?

I have borne that in mind and I have also borne in mind the question of how far the existing regulations may be used for purposes of this kind.