asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the outcome of the discussions of the National Whitley Council in regard to changes in the Civil Service Superannuation Code.

I am glad to say that agreement has been reached on a number of matters and in particular on the desirability of introducing a contributory scheme for the provision of pensions to the widows, orphans and certain dependants of civil servants. Most of the proposals on which agreement has been reached will involve legislation and a Bill will be introduced as soon as possible to give effect to these proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any statement to make about the appointment of the Advisory Council on Child Care under the Children Act, 1948.

I have now appointed the Advisory Council provided for in Section 43 of the Children Act. The following have been good enough to undertake to serve on the Council:

• Professor Alan Moncrieff (Chairman).
• Lady Allen of Hurtwood.
• Dr. Muriel Barton Hall.
• Mr. R. Beloe.
• Miss S. C. Bertie.
• Mrs. F. M. Brown.
• Mr. P. B. Dingle.
• Mrs. K. W. Jones-Roberts.
• Mr. P. T. Kirkpatrick.
• Mrs. G. R. Morrah.
• Miss L. M. Rendel, O.B.E.
• Hon. David Smith.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent black market activities have increased in the British zone of Germany as the result of recent increases in agricultural wages and in the prices of agricultural production requisites, unaccompanied by corresponding increases in the approved prices of agricultural products; and what remedial action is proposed.

It is impossible to give any accurate estimate of the extent to which the black market in foodstuffs has been increased since currency reform. Certain foodstuffs are still scarce and supplies and price levels have not yet settled down to a new equilibrium. However, it is known that, in spite of an appreciably greater total of foodstuffs available, the amount of home produced foodstuffs passing through the official channels of distribution is less than at the same time last year.Prices of agricultural produce have not remained stable as is suggested in the Question. Since the spring of 1948, the prices of all the main agricultural products, with the exception of sugar, have in fact been increased. The prices of grain and meat have been raised since currency reform. Nevertheless, it is unquestioned that the increase in agricultural prices is not as large as that of industrial prices including those for farm requisites.The question how to create a new balance of price levels, and all problems connected with price questions are in the first instance German problems within the competence of the German Bizonal Economic Administration. Recently, two letters were sent by the British and American Chairmen of the Bipartite Control Office to the Chairman of the Bizonal Executive Committee, the President of the Bizonal Economic Council, and the Chairman of the Bizonal Länderrat. In these letters anxiety was expressed about recent price increases, and an increased measure of economic controls was requested. The German authorities are setting up a body to survey the whole field of prices, wages and taxes, and it is hoped that this body will help to improve the price situation and thereby reduce black market activities to a minimum.

asked the Minister of Food if he has considered the effect upon the food supplies of the country caused by the strike of Cornish fishermen over the price reduction of pilchards at certain ports to the ruling price of 3s. 3d. a stone; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the resulting loss of food.

I am aware that there is a difference between the Cornish pilchard fishermen and the curers about the price paid for pilchards for curing and that the fishermen have not been to sea since 29th November. I do not control the price of pilchards and the dispute is purely a commercial matter. I have however, suggested that the differences should be discussed at a joint meeting under an independent chairman. This is being done and although final agreement has not yet been reached I am hopeful that the dispute will be settled very quickly.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the appointment of deputy chairmen of Area Gas Boards.

Yes, I am proposing to appoint the following as deputy chairmen of seven Area Gas Boards. The five remaining appointments will be announced as soon as possible.Scottish Gas Board: Mr. D. D. Burns.North-Eastern Gas Board: Mr. G. E. Currier.West Midlands Gas Board: Mr. G. A. Matthews.Wales Gas Board: Mr. R. S. Snelling.Eastern Gas Board: Mr. J. H. Dyde.North Thames Gas Board: Mr. F. M. Birks.Southern Gas Board: Mr. S. E. Whitehead.The salary for the post of Deputy Chairmen of Area Gas Boards has been fixed at £3,500 per annum. In one case, in which an officer of a gas undertaking has an existing contract at a higher salary, he will receive a personal addition to the salary of £3,500. Deputy chairmen will be entitled to an allowance of up to £400 per annum for expenses.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Stafford rural district council has been notified by the Pulsometer Engineering Company of a six months' delay till October, 1949, in the supply of pumping machinery for its western area water scheme whilst all other works will be completed early next year; and if he will assist the council to secure delivery by the contract date.

I have just been informed of the Council's difficulty and am endeavouring to assist.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of councillors of all types of local council in England and Wales respectively.

The information is not available.