asked the Minister of National Insurance if his attention has been drawn to the numerous complaints made against his officers at Stockwell Street, Glasgow, due to delay in granting claims which compels constituents of Shettleston to travel three and four miles by tram, costing 5d. for each double journey; the lack of knowledge possessed by the officers; the unsympathetic and impertinent attitude adopted to applicants for benefits; and if he will take steps to deal with these complaints.

There have been special difficulties at this office owing to the gravely inadequate accommodation which is all that it has hitherto been possible to obtain. I have reason to expect that a suitable site for a new office will soon be acquired, and meanwhile additional premises at Tollcross Parish Church Hall will be opened at the beginning of December.

As regards the specific matters of complaint mentioned, my hon. Friend has forwarded a letter to me containing a number of allegations but without the particulars which are necessary to enable me to investigate them. As regards in particular the attitude alleged to be adopted by the staff, I can recollect no previous complaint from any quarter though I should certainly wish to investigate such a complaint if prima facie evidence is furnished.

While welcoming the provision of temporary accommodation to alleviate the conditions in the city, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that I have made this statement because a large number of people have both come to my house and approached me in the street and complained about the impertinent and rude way in which they are treated at this office? Will he take special care to send an investigator to interrogate, if necessary, people who are in this place to the extent of 100 at a time?

It is my desire—indeed, I have impressed it upon the staff to bear in mind that the people who come to them are in trouble and ought to be given every possible consideration. There is universal testimony that the members of our staff are responding to that, but if there is any specific charge I will certainly investigate and deal with it at once.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware of the delay which contributors to the National Health Scheme are experiencing in obtaining payment of sickness benefits; and whether he will take steps to ensure that applications for benefits are dealt with more speedily by his Department.

I am not aware of any general delay in the payment of claims to sickness benefit. I am writing to the hon. and gallant Member about one case which he has raised with me.

asked the Minister of National Insurance under what authority 11,000 Poles are receiving free maintenance in camps and hostels of the National Assistance Board; how many others are receiving assistance allowances from the Board; what are the qualifications for receiving this assistance; and what is the total cost.

These hostels are provided under Section 3 of the Polish Resettlement Act, 1947. The number of allowances to Poles outside these hostels is estimated at about 1,000. These allowances are payable according to need under the National Assistance Act, 1948. The total net cost of this provision is at present about £1 million a year.

Why should they be given free maintenance? Does it mean that although those Poles are now out of uniform, the taxpayer is still having to pay almost as much money to keep them?

The free maintenance is provided under the Polish Resettlement Act which is not Departmentally my responsibility. Under the National Assistance Act, any resident in this country is entitled to apply for assistance and to receive it on the terms laid down by this House.

May I ask the Minister if it is not, in his opinion, a disgrace to this country that we should be carrying 11,000 able-bodied people at a time when we are crying out for workers?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great debt of gratitude we owe to the Poles for the assistance they gave us during the war?

Will my right hon. Friend make inquiries about the many complaints which are being received from displaced persons of British origin who are enjoying similar accommodation but are being charged heavy fees while they know that these people are living upon the British taxpayers free? It is causing great indignation and there should certainly be an investigation made into it.

My responsibility is for the Assistance Board, whose responsibility it is to provide assistance in accordance with the Act to anybody who applies for it and who is in need.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many persons are employed in discovering and dealing with those who have not joined the National Insurance Scheme.

There is no staff specifically allocated to this duty. It is part of the duties of the staff of 750 Inspectors, which is approximately the same number as that of the staff employed for this purpose under the previous schemes.

Will the Minister say what is his estimate of the numbers who have not joined in this scheme?

That is a different question.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether there is any arrangement whereby German women who volunteer for work in this country under schemes organised by his Department may carry over on their return to Germany the insurance rights to which they have become entitled as a result of their compulsory contributions arising from their employment here.

No, Sir. There is at present no basis for a reciprocal agreement with Germany, and this is the only way in which under the insurance scheme provision for such a carry over of rights could be made.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these German women are coming here for limited periods under schemes sponsored by the British Ministry of Labour for our convenience rather than for their own, and does he consider it fair that they should have to pay these heavy contributions without arrangements being made for them to draw full benefit from them?

In reply to the first part of that question, I could not allow these women to stand outside our insurance scheme and differentiate them from other workers in this respect. The question of the carry-over of benefits when they go back to Germany can be covered only by reciprocal arrangement. If at any time that becomes possible I will certainly investigate it.

Surely, the responsibility to initiate such discussions lies at our end and should be undertaken by, presumably, my right hon. Friend?

These arrangement are made between two Governments, and I should think it was obvious that for various reasons there would be difficulties.

asked the Minister of Labour how many trainees in the building trades completed their training and are now engaged in house building; and, in view of the shortage of labour in Scotland for house building, will he extend the scheme immediately.

About 52,000 men after training in the Government Training Centres have entered the Building Industry, but there are no statistics to show which of them are engaged in house building. I am looking into the present position in Scotland.

If my right hon. Friend looks into this position will he not find that men have been taken from the employment exchanges to remove slag heaps, known in Scotland as "bings," by hand; and would it not be much more sensible to train these men for the building of houses?

I have been asked a Question about men employed on house building. I do not know anything about these "bing boys," but I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he is aware that the programme of house building in Scotland is being limited because of a shortage of certain types of building trade labour; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply;

(2) what particular shortages of building trade labour are the limiting factors in house building in Scotland.

There has recently been a continuing shortage of certain craftsmen, notably carpenters, plasterers, painters and slaters, which slows up the completion of houses. I am looking into the position.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total number of unemployed agricultural workers in Cornwall for the week ended 20th November or to the nearest date available.

Fifty-seven men and nine women at 13th September. Corresponding figures are not available for any later date.

Can the Minister give any explanation why these workers should be unemployed?

It is because—I do not say this facetiously—at present there happen to be no farmers who want to employ them.

Can my right hon. Friend give comparable figures for the year 1933?

1931.

Would the Minister see that the figures now being obtained are made known to us, because I have no idea what are the present figures and should be very much obliged if I could have details?

I am not quite sure which figures the hon. and learned Member is asking should be made known.

Are these unemployed agricultural workers allowed to enter other industries in order that they shall not remain unemployed?

Yes, Sir. If there is no work for an agricultural worker in his own industry, we endeavour to place him in other work.

Is the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries aware of these figures, and will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon that Minister the need to concentrate upon a proper horticultural policy?

I do not think it is necessary to press that other point, of which, I believe, note is taken. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that where these figures occur, we shall consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture to see whether there is any reasonable opportunity of employing them in their own industry.

I do not think the Minister quite understood my question; perhaps I had not correctly heard his reply. He said he had the figures only to 13th September. All I wanted to know was the recent figures, so that we may be aware of full and up-to-date details.

I said that I did not understand the question which the hon. and learned Gentleman had asked. Certainly, I will let him know the figures.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the estimated loss to the country during the last three years, in man-hours and in value, caused by shipping strikes; and how this compares with the estimated loss for a comparable period after the 1914–18 world war.

The number of days lost by industrial disputes involving stoppage of work by seagoing employees of shipping companies reported to my Department in the period from V.E. Day to the end of October was 1,000. The figure for the corresponding period after the first war was 140,000. It is not possible to estimate the loss in man-hours and value.

May I ask the Minister to make sure that these and comparable figures, which show the wonderful record of this country in this respect, are given publicity?

May I ask the Minister what steps the Government have taken to stop these unofficial strikes?

We have tried to stop the causes which give rise to them.

asked the Minister of Labour how many working days have been lost through industrial disputes since the end of the last war; and how many were lost during the comparable period after the 1914–18 war.

The number of days lost through industrial disputes causing stoppage of work from V.E. Day to the end of October, 1948, was 8½ million. The days lost in the corresponding period after the 1914–18 war were 157½ million.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that these figures reflect very great credit on the country as a whole, and will he see that copies of these figures are supplied to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill)?

I think it is proper to say that these figures reflect credit on those engaged in industry in this country in bringing about such good industrial relationships that they are able to adjust matters without so many disputes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, in both instances, what were the percentages of unofficial and official strikes?

I have already indicated in a previous answer that we have no information which enables us to differentiate between the two.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an assurance that the machinery of his Department will not be used to assist in the imposition of a closed shop by any employer.

There can be no question of refusing on these grounds to submit an applicant who wants a job on the terms the employer is prepared to offer.

Does that answer mean that this is one of the many matters upon which the Government just have no policy?

It means exactly the opposite: that the Government's policy of not interfering in relationships between employers and workpeople has been maintained.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944; the total number unemployed and the number unemployed for 12 months and over; and the number severely disabled and in need of sheltered employment, respectively.

Nine hundred and seven thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine at 1st October, 1948. Of these 73,975 were unemployed, including about 20,000 who had been unemployed for 12 months or over. The number unemployed includes 10,660 classified as unlikely, owing to the nature and severity of their disablement, to get employment except under sheltered conditions.

Will the Minister indicate what steps are to be taken in order that more of these people may be employed in normal work, apart from those in need of help?

As regards normal employment, we rind that where the unemployment is heaviest we get the greater proportion of these disabled persons whom it is difficult to place. In reference to the others, very active steps are taken to continue the policy of building factories for the extremely disabled men.

How many have been placed in sheltered employment?

In the 30 factories now operating, 1,685 have been placed and 86 are working in their own homes. There are 90 other factories under construction or being planned and we anticipate that when they are in operation they will completely absorb the balance of the disabled persons.

How many are on the waiting list for training disabled men?

The balance of this 10,000 odd. The great majority of those who go into the sheltered factories have had no training; they get training before they go into the factories.

asked the Minister of Labour how many German women to date have responded to invitations by his Department to volunteer for work in this country; what is the period of their contracts; and in what type of work they are being placed.

Up to 20th November 5,400 had volunteered and 4,460 had been accepted. One thousand six hundred have arrived here for a period of two years and have been placed in essential domestic work in hospitals, hostels and farmers' households, except for a small number allocated to nursing training and to textiles in Scotland.

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that in operating these schemes in the future the German trade unions are consulted, as failure to do that in the past has caused some concern?

At the moment the German trade unions do not come into the picture because these women have not been in other employment and are not, therefore, members of a trade union.

If these girls have proved unsatisfactory or possibly have come in under false pretences, is there any machinery for returning them to Germany?

Yes, Sir.

In allowing these women to come in, is any priority given to those married to ex-German prisoners who have been civilianised in this country?

I could not give an answer to that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the practice to call up a young man who has served a short period of regular engagement in one of the services for National Service in the same service.

This would depend on whether the young man was acceptable to the Service concerned.

Can the Minister say whether there is any check-up on these cases, because I know of a young man who, after serving a short period in the Navy, has now been called up for National Service in the Army?

Yes, Sir. There is a check-up. We find, however, that some young men who volunteer and join a Service prove unsuitable for that particular Service, and we cannot, therefore, return them to the Service for which they have been found to be unsuitable.

Will the Minister consider this case if I send him details?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men previously employed as building workers are now in His Majesty's Forces.

I regret that this information is not available.

Is the Minister aware that this information is absolutely vital to our manpower problem, and is he further aware that Scottish local authorities are gravely alarmed by the number of building workers who have been taken into the Army and want them back on their housing schemes?

We could not get the information for which the hon. Member asks without taking a check of every man in the Forces to ask what had been his civilian employment. We do know the employment of those whom we sent into the Forces under the National Service Scheme but not of those who enlisted prior to the operation of that scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been directed to the increased incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Scotland, and the steep increase in the mortality rate; and if he will allocate increased capital expenditure to Scottish housing for the prevention of further increase of this disease.

I am fully aware of the position and at my request the Scottish Health Services Council have set up a Committee specially to advise me on the problem. The Committee has begun its investigations. Arrangements were made in August for an additional allocation of 1,000 permanent aluminium bungalows to Scotland for distribution to those areas where the problem is most acute.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while the August allocation was very welcome, it is not nearly enough and, in view of the great increase in the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis, does he agree that it is far too long to wait on the Committee reporting, that the houses are more necessary and if we do not have them soon we shall need to have hospitals?

The two points have nothing in common. The houses are not waiting on the Committee reporting. The Medical Committee are reporting on the medical aspect. We have not to wait on the medical report to know that houses are necessary, but because of the figures published, I took steps to see that these houses were placed at the disposal of the authorities.

In view of the fact that a large number of workers have been discharged from factories making aluminium houses, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that additional houses to which he referred will be provided?

That anticipates a Question which is later on the Order Paper.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very grave dissatisfaction in Glasgow at the rate of house building and that the concentrated attacks which are being made are against him as being responsible for this policy? While contrasts are constantly made with England, will my right hon. Friend remember that Glasgow is one of the worst housed cities in the country?

That also anticipates a later Question.

Will the terms of reference include a study of the conditions and remuneration for nurses who are to deal with this very serious disease in Glasgow?

In view of the deplorable conditions of housing in Glasgow, of which the right hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends know, is it not time that Socialist speakers in Scotland stopped boasting about the housing progress made by this Government?

Apart from the general complaint on housing, will my right hon. Friend take steps to examine the quota allocated by local authorities to tuberculosis cases because, in my opinion, the number is far too low, particularly in the city of Glasgow.

In addition to these houses specially allocated, local authorities are allocating a proportion of houses to tuberculosis patients. That must be left to the discretion of local authorities in considering all the circumstances.

I do not feel that the last part of my Question has been answered. Could I have the assurance of my right hon. Friend that if it is necessary the extra additional capital expenditure will be forthcoming this year?

The local authorities in Scotland have as many houses as they can possibly complete next year and therefore no addition to the capital expenditure would make any difference to the number of houses to be completed next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Herring Industry Board have any plans for the development of the mechanically driven net roller, recently used in the drifter-trawler "Dauntless Star" at Lowestoft, when 100 cran of herring and 80 nets were hauled aboard in record time; and whether every encouragement and assistance will be given to extend the use of labour saving devices in the herring fishing industry.

The Herring Industry Board are always anxious to encourage the extension and development of suitable labour-saving devices in the herring industry; they are at present investigating the subject of mechanically driven net rollers such as that installed in the motor drifter "Dauntless Star," but are not yet in a position to state their conclusions.

Are the Herring Industry Board competent to make grants to individual drifters in respect of any invention which comes out as a labour saving device?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will expand the aluminium house emergency programme to enable those local authorities anxious to receive an increased quota to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that 1,000 workers employed in manufacture of aluminium houses at Blackburn (Dumbarton) Ltd.'s factory have been discharged since July; whether their dismissal is occasioned by shortage of material; and what steps he is taking to ensure that this labour force is fully employed to meet Scotland's housing needs.

It has been decided that the resources available for building houses should henceforward be concentrated on the building of permanent houses. In consequence of this decision, the building of temporary and permanent substandard size houses is coming to an end. A proportion of this firm's workers is being discharged as its orders for the aluminium houses reach completion. The firm are, however, developing a new type of house which, if successful, may enable them to re-employ a number of their discharged workers.

How is this emergency programme of 1,000 fixed; and would not an increase in this programme help to solve some of the labour difficulties about which we had a reply earlier this afternoon?

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the local authorities still demand this type of house and as last week he said that shortage of labour was the limiting factor in housing, is he prepared to allow this labour to be dissipated and not get on with the job?

This is dependant on a principle laid down that temporary housing and substandard size housing is to come to an end. That is a question of policy, which cannot be debated by question and answer.

Is it right to abandon this temporary housing policy without a complete assurance to Scotland that alternative permanent houses will be provided?

I have already said in the answer to the original Question:

"The firm are, however, developing a new type of house"

which is a permanent house and

"which, if successful, may enable them to re-employ a number of their discharged workers."

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the protest regarding Kilmarnock's 1949 housing allocation from Bonnyton Ward Committee; and what reply he has made.

I hope soon to be in a position to write to the Town Council about their programme for 1949.

Surely the Secretary of State realises that unless new houses are started there will not be any houses to finish by 1950?

We are in constant touch with all the local authorities, including Kilmarnock, on their programmes, and that point is being carefully borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what special steps are being taken to deal with the housing of tuberculosis patients in Glasgow.

I understand that the Corporation allocate 90 per cent. of new houses to families from overcrowded dwellings, of which 10 per cent. are allocated to tuberculosis families. In addition, 400 permanent aluminium houses have been allocated to Glasgow out of the special programme of 1,000 for areas where the incidence of tuberculosis is high.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that fairly welcome news, may I ask him whether he is aware that at this moment, 1,500 houses are needed immediately in Glasgow to deal with open cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and at present that need is being met at the rate of 200 houses per year, and that, therefore, this 400 additional houses will not half meet the problem?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many local authorities have their housing programmes in balance;

(2) what steps are being taken to encourage local authorities whose housing programmes are in balance to proceed with new schemes.

So far as we can judge on our present information very few local authorities in Scotland are in balance with their housing programme. As local authorities get into balance I am ready to consider their position and in a few cases I have found it possible to authorise the commencement of new building.

Would my right hon. Friend tell us what steps he is taking to urge local authorities to get their housing schemes in balance?

Every possible step is taken. If any local authorities need prodding they will be prodded, but it is fair to say that local authorities in Scotland; are doing everything possible in the circumstances in relation to labour and material to get their housing programmes in balance.

Arising from my right hon. Friend's original answer, which was not too clear, is he prepared to allow local authorities whose programmes are in balance to go ahead? Can my right hon. Friend give a categorical assurance on that point?

I have already answered that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been allocated to Fife for 1949; how many of these are to meet present needs; and how many reserved for in coming mineworkers.

It is proposed to start work on 598 miners' houses in Fife in 1949, half of which will be for resident miners and half for miners coming from other districts. In addition it is proposed to start 66 houses for agricultural workers and I am prepared, if house building progress in the county warrants it, to consider the starting of further houses for general needs.

In view of the urgent need for housing both for miners coming into Fife and for those already there, will the Secretary of State immediately take up the question of a bigger allocation of houses to Fife?

I have just given the hon. Member a very favourable answer. I suggest that he should study it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what materials used in the construction of houses are at present in short supply.

The materials position has improved in recent months but a greater production by the industries concerned of certain types of cast iron goods and of electrical cable is required to meet the current needs of housing schemes. In addition, while substantial stocks of timber are now held in this country, it is still not possible to remove controls over the allocation of timber to meet the housing demands of local authorities because of the many other priority claims which have to be considered.

Would it be true to say that the slow progress in building is in no way due to the shortage of materials?

The progress of housing depends on a great many factors. The principal factor curtailing building completion at the moment is certain classes of labour, as my right hon. Friend has just stated. Undoubtedly quicker completion could take place if the labour were there.

Is not the real factor the restrictions imposed by the Government upon the building of houses for sale?

Could the Secretary of State say what are these priority claims over housing, and are armaments to be one of those claims?

My hon. Friend has been pressing me to proceed more speedily with the supply of water. Factories are required for people to work in, and a great many other things which contribute to the progress of the community have to be considered as well as housing.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the chief difficulty is the tremendous lack of attention which the Tory Party paid to this problem in the period before the war?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any local all-rank committees have been set up in the Scottish police forces.

So far as I am aware no such committee has yet been set up, but I hope that Scottish chief constables generally will decide to give effect to the recommendation on this subject, in the Report by His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland. The Report was published on 26th October and I am bringing this recommendation to the notice of the chief constables.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the plans for a new town for miners in Ayrshire.

Comprehensive plans for the expanding central Ayrshire coalfield, including the proposed new town at Drongan, are now being worked out in detail by my Department in consultation with the County Council and the National Coal Board. I expect to be in a position to announce early next year the result of these investigations.

Will the Minister give us an assurance that these new towns in Scotland will not be curtailed under the capital investment cuts?

The development of this particular new town is not dependent upon the capital investment cuts but on the time taken and the progress made in opening up the new coalfield.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the feeling in Fife arising out of a recent decision of the county council to increase rents; and will he consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to the possibility of fixing a reduced interest rate or an increased subsidy in order to keep the rents down.

It is a matter for the discretion of local authorities to arrange an equitable rent policy for their houses, and they are free to increase or reduce rents accordingly. I have had no suggestions made that Fife do not exercise a wise and fair discretion in this matter. Borrowing is of course now governed by the Local Authorities Loans Act, 1945, and local authorities now receive loans on the most favourable terms possible.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that in Fife, as in other parts of the country, rents are going up, and that people who are most in need of houses, particularly those threatened with, or suffering from, tuberculosis, are finding it more and more difficult to pay the rent, and in some cases have had to vacate their houses? Would the right hon. Gentleman take up with the Chancellor of the Exchequer the question of a reduction in the interest rate or an increased subsidy in order to avoid the necessity for increased rents?

Since this problem involves the whole question of the increased cost of building, what attention is the right hon. Gentleman paying to that problem, by dealing with which the matter can alone be solved.

I would suggest to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) that he should bring the specific cases he mentions to the notice of the Fife County Council, who I am quite sure do not know about them, otherwise they would attend to them under their own powers.

Is there to be an opportunity for the Government to go into the whole question of rents, because we have new housing schemes in which there are varying costs for the same accommodation, and for which two or three different rents can be charged? Is it not time that the whole matter was gone into?

I agree that it is a difficult problem. Power already exists for the local authorities to deal with this matter. Some local authorities have dealt with it in one way; others have not dealt with it in quite the same way. It would be quite improper for the Government to impose any uniform scheme upon them.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-Service men, pensioners of both the first and second world wars, are now in hospitals or sanatoria suffering from tuberculosis; and how many of these have been treated with streptomycin.

About 4,000 ex-Service disablement pensioners of both world wars are at present receiving in-patient treatment for tuberculosis connected with their war service. Streptomycin treatment for tuberculosis is the concern of the Health Departments and I understand that no separate record is kept of the number of war pensioners who have received such treatment.

Could the Minister give an assurance to the House that all patients likely to benefit from this treatment are getting it?

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, or my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, or both.

Could the Minister consult his right hon. Friends on this matter and try to get some result? These men are suffering, could not he help them?

I have no reason to suppose for a moment that every possible care is not being taken of these patients.

asked the Minister of Pensions what increases in Service disability pensions he is now prepared to make to bring them in line with the new Service rates.

As I announced in July last, the Government does not consider that an all round increase in disability pensions is justified. This decision is not affected by the recent changes in Service pay. The Government have war pensions constantly under review independently of changes in Service pay and numerous improvements in allowances have been made.

In view of the fact that the same cost of living affects the pensions and affects Service pay, and also that this reluctance on the part of the Minister is certainly acting as a deterrent in the recruiting campaign, could he not reconsider the matter?

I do not believe that the rate of pension affects recruiting at all. The increase in Service pay may indeed be an inducement.

Does not the Minister think the time has now come to appoint a Select Committee to investigate this whole problem?

I should have thought that the hon. and gallant Member knew the answer to that one.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers have deserted from British Forces in Germany and Austria since the occupation commenced; and how many are still at large.

At 31st October 3,513 soldiers had deserted from British Army units in Germany since V.E. Day; 293 absentees and deserters were still at large. In Austria 286 had deserted up to 23rd November; 23 were still at large.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the numbers of deserters are decreasing or increasing?

If the hon. and gallant Member compares the answer which I have just given him with the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend on 24th February, he will see that, of course, the first figure is larger, because that is the figure of the total number of those that have deserted, but the number at large is decreasing.

asked the Secretary of State for War the nature of the charges against Private W. Quinn, Private Howland and 19157136 Private A. Milne, of Singapore; the date of arrest in each case; when they are to be tried; if the trial will be by court martial; and if he will give an assurance that they are being provided with competent legal defence.

As my hon. Friend has been informed, Private Quinn and Private Howland have been charged jointly with voluntarily causing hurt to commit robbery, and Private Milne has been charged with being in unlawful possession of arms which he is alleged to have disposed of improperly. I am not aware of the exact dates on which the soldiers were arrested, but from the information in the possession of my Department it would appear that Private Quinn and Private Howland were arrested during June, and Private Milne during August. They are to be tried by the civil power; so far as I am aware, the dates of trial have not yet been fixed. Legal aid is being provided for all three.

Is the Minister aware that the first information coming to the families of these men was that they were informed officially that no legal defence would be provided and that it caused consternation in the minds of these people who are so far removed from their sons? Can he tell the House how it is that men arrested in June have not yet had charges completely brought against them and why he cannot now tell us when these men are to be tried? Is it not a disgrace that men should be held for such a long period?

As 1 pointed out, these men are being tried by the civil power. It is not a Departmental responsibility of the War Department to fix the date of their trial. But the hon. Member will have noticed that we have provided legal aid for these men, and we shall continue to do whatever is proper for them.

Has the Under-Secretary made representations to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies with a view to having these proceedings expedited?

We will bear that fact in mind.

Can the Minister give the reason why these men were handed over to the civil authority if the guns are alleged to be stolen from the War Office Department, and could he tell us if he has any information at all regarding the date of the trial?

The date of the trial has not yet been fixed. It will also be clear from what I have said that these men were charged with a civil offence.

Does His Majesty's Government consider that democracy demands that British privates should be treated in the same way as German generals?

In view of the unsatisfactory way which this Question has been answered, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement as to the extent of the theft of stores in transit from Palestine, India and Pakistan to warehouses in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the pilfering of Army stores arriving in Britain from bases overseas.

Small losses in transit do occur, but they have been infinitesimal in comparison with the quantity of clothing and stores handled.

But would the Under-Secretary answer my Question, which is as to the extent? What is the amount?

During the period between 1st April of this year and 15th November, the discrepancy between the stores received and the consignors' issue vouchers amounted to some 0.16 per cent.

0.16 per cent. of what? Can we have some figures?

0.16 per cent. of the amount consigned.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will issue an explanatory White Paper regarding the payment of betterment charges, with particular reference to charges now being made to persons desiring to build a home.

The Central Land Board have already published a pamphlet D.1.A. setting out the principles upon which development charge is determined and the arrangements for payment. They have also published a pamphlet, "House 1," giving to buyers and sellers of land for building a house advice in the light of the liability to a development charge; and a further pamphlet, "House 2," is about to be published explaining the arrangements which have been made for those who bought a plot for a house before 1st July, 1948. I have sent the hon. Member copies of these pamphlets.

Does the Minister realise that the charges now being sent to these people who wish to build houses are causing them great consternation? They buy a piece of land and expect to build a house, and then get these charges. Would the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing a pamphlet explaining fully all these involved statements? The pamphlets published do not explain such matters to these people?

If the hon. Member will read these pamphlets, I am sure he will understand them, and if he understands them I am quite satisfied that most other people will.

rose—

Hear, hear.

I am sorry to interrupt the birthday greetings to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill), who has just come in to the Chamber, but may I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the fact that the ordinary men and women do find it extremely difficult to understand these official pronouncements, as instanced by the difficulties we had over the War Damage Commission pronouncements, it would not be possible to circulate to local newspapers the particular pamphlets he has mentioned? Such newspapers are widely read and their editors are used to interpreting official documents in language people can understand.

I would recommend hon. Members to read these pamphlets. I can assure them that they are in very simple language.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even among architects and surveyors there are a great many people who are completely confused about these regulations and that there is need for greater simplicity?

I do not think that there is any confusion today among architects and surveyors. It may be for the benefit of the House if I put these pamphlets in the Library and then I think that hon. Members would be satisfied that they are in the simplest possible language.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what troubles people is not the language of these pamphlets, but the injustice of them?

That is simply not true. The pamphlets provide for exemption to a very considerable extent from development charge in respect of a number of these cases.

The Minister tried to say that all professional men in the country understand these pamphlets. I can give him the information that they do not. Therefore, will he please give a simple explanation of what he is trying to get at?

Of course, every professional man does not understand them, as is obvious from these questions. but most people do.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when it is proposed to announce the constitution and personnel of the Planning Board recommended in the Abercrombie Report to be set up to carry out the proposals contained in the Greater London Plan.

A Committee under the chairmanship of the right hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. C. Davies) was set up in 1946 to consider the appropriate machinery for securing concerted action in the implementation of a regional plan for London as a whole. Their deliberations have been delayed by the changes made in planning administration by the Act of 1947 and I have not yet had their report. Until I have their report, which I hope to receive shortly, I cannot come to any conclusion on this matter.

As the Minister has already agreed in principle to the setting up of the Planning Board recommended in the Abercrombie Report, does he now say that some other body has been set up to advise him whether he should set up such a planning body, and would he realise that, as housing in London is getting steadily worse and admirable planning personnel is available, it would be of advantage to all if he could set up the Planning Board under the appropriate Abercrombie Report right away?

The purpose of this Committee was to advise me on the machinery to be set up for the implementation of the Greater London Plan. I am bound to wait until I receive the report of this Committee.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what are the reasons for the delay in announcing the new road plan, the recommendation for which was embodied in the Abercrombie Plan for Greater London; and whether he will make a statement.

The Memorandum on London Regional Planning. issued by my Department in May, 1947, embodied the conclusions of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and myself on the majority of the road proposals of the Greater London Plan. The remainder of the proposals required further investigation. This is now in progress, and when my right hon. Friend and I have reached decisions. these will be announced.

Is the Minister aware that the siting on the plan of one road alone—that is the London "A" ring road—is causing delay in the formulation or completion of plans in a number of boroughs, including, I need scarcely say, Finsbury; and would he, with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, speed up a decision as to where this and other roads are to be so that we can build some houses in places where the roads will not be?

Certainly I will speed up the decision, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the "A" ring road is an enormous project involving a vast sum of money and I will not be rushed into a decision about it.

Is the Minister aware that a number of local authorities in London are actually permitting the population to increase to a figure beyond that laid down in the County of London Report, and would the Minister take such steps as will prevent this increase in population?

That may be true, but it has nothing whatever to do with this Question.

On a point of Order. There may have been some misunderstanding. I want to make it perfectly clear that the purpose of my supplementary question was to point out—

Order.

This is a point of explanation.

That is not a point of Order. The hon. Member asked a supplementary question and the House heard it. I have no doubt that the House understood why he asked it.

With respect, it seemed to me that there may have been some misunderstanding——

We have only five minutes left and we had better not delay matters further.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what progress has been made in carrying out the recommendations of the Abercrombie Plan for the decentralisation of population and industry in the Greater London area, and in particular, in which areas there has been a reduction in the density of the population to the recommended figure of 136 persons per acre.

Work on site preparation is in progress at four new towns around London. Corporations have been set up for two other such new towns and two more proposals are under consideration. In addition, schemes for the expansion of selected towns are being worked out by the local authorities concerned and a phased building programme for all developments proposed for the accommodation of population and industry from London is also in preparation. No permanent reduction of the density of population in inner areas is possible until the economic situation permits the large-scale building of houses in the new towns and other reception centres.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now state the arrangements for offsetting development charges under the Town and Country Planning Act in cases where a factory extension is to be built on land already held for the purpose.

This matter has been carefully considered, but I have reached the conclusion that it is not possible to extend to land developed for additional factories the special arrangements made for land developed for a house for the owner's occupation. The treatment to be given to claimants of this kind will be a matter for consideration in framing the Treasury scheme under Section 58 of this Act.

In the meantime, are the Central Land Board to continue to make wild guesses at the amount that may be charged?