asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that no crofter in Shetland can get an order accepted for lime to be delivered in 1949; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

I understand that local suppliers are unable at present to accept new orders because orders to the extent of 300 tons are outstanding. Local production, which was started in 1945 with the aid of a grant from State funds, and discontinued recently, has been resumed. Weather conditions and lack of storage had an adverse effect on output last year. If need be I shall endeavour to arrange additional supplies from mainland sources this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange to have a Prairie Buster plough permanently stationed in Shetland to facilitate the work of breaking in hill land.

I regret that the limited number of Prairie Buster ploughs held by the Tractor Service of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland will not permit of one being permanently stationed in Shetland. I shall keep the request in mind should additional ploughs of this type become available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some years ago in Orkney it was found that this kind of plough with a caterpillar track was the only effective and economic means of breaking in the wet and stony hill land? What is the point of whetting our appetites for this sort of plough in the Shetlands and then denying it to us?

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point, but the number of these ploughs is limited. They are rather formidable to transport from one place to another. However, I shall keep the matter in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep the matter in mind for other areas in Scotland?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to submit the annual review of Scottish affairs to Parliament.

I hope that I may be able to present a White Paper on Industry and Employment in Scotland in 1948 to Parliament in April.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what report he has received from the Scottish Reconstruction Committee on Peat Development; and whether he will make it available.

I have received a memorandum from the Scottish Reconstruction Committee recommending a programme of investigation and research into the development of Scottish peat deposits. My Departments are discussing proposals on similar lines with other interested Departments, but I could not usefully publish any statement meanwhile.

Since this question has been going on for so long, and is so important for Scotland, will not the right hon. Gentleman make the report of the Scottish Reconstruction Committee available to those of us who are interested?

This is a private organisation, but the investigations about peat are very elaborate and widespread. We are hopeful of very great developments in regard to peat. We are not, however, in a position to make these known yet.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider establishing one or more open prisons in Scotland, taking special regard to the importance of assisting first offenders back to full citizenship.

Yes, Sir, I have in mind the possibility of establishing an open prison for selected prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the unsatisfactory administration and accommodation of a number of institutions in Scotland designed for the needs of the aged infirm; and if he will appoint a committee to make a Scottish survey into the present accommodation for these people, with terms of reference permitting them to recommend the best accommodation and service to the aged infirm in urgent need of this attention.

The duty of providing residential accommodation for such persons, if they do not require hospital care, rests with local authorities under the National Assistance Act. Authorities are due to submit to me by 5th April schemes for the discharge of this duty. General guidance on the subject has already been given to them and pending consideration of these schemes it seems to me that the action suggested by the hon. Member would be premature.

Will the Minister, after receiving the reports from the local authorities, be prepared to submit a report to the House of Commons, if a Question is put to him on the subject?

Yes, of course; but I hope that the hon. Gentleman will give me time to consider the reports and what action should be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reason for the late payments this year of the wheat subsidies to producers.

Payments began as usual early in October and have progressed more quickly than in any previous year.

Is the Minister aware that there are many cases that I could bring to his notice where payments have been very much behind those of previous years; and will he take steps next year, if he is still in office, to see that the payments are made more quickly?

I am glad to report progress this year, and we hope to accelerate it next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that candidates and agents at the forthcoming local elections in Scotland will be fully acquainted with the changes made in the conduct of elections by the Representation of the People Act, 1948.

A leaflet for the use of candidates is in preparation and it is hoped to place it on sale at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what fishery pier, jetty and harbourage works are now actually under construction in the Outer Hebrides, apart from the Stornoway harbour improvement scheme; and what proportion the cost of these fishery works represents of the total grants from the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in the current financial year.

Apart from the improvement scheme at Stornoway, estimated to cost £300,000, work estimated to cost £1,600 is in progress on Lochboisdale Pier, which is used by fishermen.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the intentions and plans of the Scottish Department of Agriculture for shelter belt afforestation in the Outer Hebrides in the interests of agricultural development, including crop protection and provision of shelter for livestock; and when work is to begin.

The establishment of shelter belts is one of the improvements which may be included in Rehabilitation Schemes under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, and my Department are ready to consider any improvement schemes, including provision for shelter belts, which may be submitted to them by owners or tenants in the Outer Hebrides. Assistance can only be given where the shelter belts form part of a comprehensive hill farm rehabilitation scheme.

Is it not possible and desirable for the Department of Agriculture for Scotland to undertake this work themselves on their own estates in the Islands?

Yes, Sir, but it would require to be part of the general scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the increasing unemployment in the Outer Hebrides among people classed as employed persons and among those on the self-employed register since sales of Harris Tweed fell following the increase of Purchase Tax last April; and what steps the Scottish Departments are taking to assist.

I am aware that since last summer there has been an increase in unemployment in the Outer Hebrides among persons registered as employed persons though the number unemployed is less than half what it was two years ago and only 47 more than it was a year ago. Part of the recent increase is attributable to seasonal causes and to bad weather. As my hon. Friend is aware it is not possible to form an accurate estimate of the amount of concealed unemployment among people registered as self-employed persons. As regards the last part of the Question, a number of schemes which should provide employment are being sponsored by the Scottish Departments.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been in fact a very steady rise in the number of people classed as self-employed who are now unemployed, to between 750 and 1,000; and will he say why there is no mention of this in his reply?

My hon. Friend could not have heard me say that it is very difficult to keep an accurate estimate of the concealed unemployment among such people. As he knows, investigation is going on into ways and means of helping these people in their trouble.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Treasury reply to the recent Adjournment Debate on this subject was not in accordance with the facts and, therefore, quite unconvincing; and will he see that the Department is properly informed as to Scottish matters in the future, and press the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see that this very deserving section of the population shall not be forced into unemployment?

I am not aware that the Treasury reply was inaccurate. The subject is much more complicated than can be stated in answer to a simple question. The matter is being investigated, but there is a very thorny problem to settle, which will be settled if it is at all possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state the number of deaths amongst war disability pensioners during the past five years; the numbers of pensions awarded to widows in respect of those deaths; whether he is satisfied that the fullest possible assistance is given to widows in preparation of claims; and if he will consider the special training and appointment of his Department's officers to act as widow's pensions officers.

About 63,000 ex-Service disablement pensioners died during the five years period ended December last. About 38,000 of these pensioners left widows, 12,400 of whom were granted pension on the basis that the husband's death was related to his war service. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that every assistance is given to widows who require help in the preparation of claims both at Headquarters and in the regional offices of the Department. Trained women officers in the regional offices already provide expert guidance. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the various organisations and voluntary workers throughout the country who also give valuable help in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many service pensioners are on the waiting list for employment as barrack wardens.

Eight hundred and ninety-one.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) why civilian temporary clerical employees, who have never served in the Forces, are being granted establishment in posts in barracks which were formerly reserved for service pensioners;

(2) why the post of fuel and light accountant barrack warden, formerly filled by service pensioners, has now been abolished and replaced by a somewhat similar post staffed by civilian clerical workers.

I will, with permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that he will not employ non-ex-Service men, citizens of a neighbouring Republic, in preference to British ex-Service men in these posts?

We will be reasonable in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present rate of local overseas allowances in Tripolitania in respect of accommodated men and non-accommodated men, respectively; and what are the estimated costs upon which each is based.

There are no rates for single officers and other ranks. The rates for married accommodated officers and other ranks range from 6s. 9d. to 8s. 3d. a day according to rank. Rates for married unaccommodated officers and other ranks are at present under consideration and decisions will shortly be notified to those concerned. In the last part of the Question I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to costs in Tripolitania. Local overseas allowance is granted in aid of essential additional expenditure incurred by troops overseas as compared with the United Kingdom to enable them to live a reasonable life at the station and in calculating the allowance local costs of commodities and services are taken into account.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that at present both accommodated and non-accommodated men are receiving the same rate of local overseas allowance, but in fact the expenses incurred in the case of accommodated men are only one guinea as compared with £3 7s. 6d. in the case of non-accommodated men, and does he not think that there is a strong case for raising the overseas allowance for accommodated men?

This matter was settled some time ago, and I do not think that this is the occasion for a further review.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many ration cuts for British troops formerly serving in Palestine and now serving in Tripolitania there have been since April, 1948; and how the present ration compares with that of April, 1948.

The nutritional value of the ration now provided for British troops in Tripolitania is similar to that of the ration provided for the troops in Palestine in April 1948. Since then, however, the daily ration has been re-adjusted with the object of saving dollar expenditure. The quantities of meat, bacon and cheese have been reduced, but these reductions have been offset by increases in other items, namely, bread, fats and sugar, sufficient to maintain the calorie value of the scale at its previous level. The adjustments to the scales were made in two stages in May and August, 1948; no other adjustments have been made since August.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two adjustments to which he refers were in fact worked out on reductions of 10 per cent. overall on each occasion; that troops are now receiving 20 per cent. less, and 30 men have to be fed out of one tin of bacon?

I am not aware that these allegations can be substantiated.

Is not the Minister aware that this was brought to his notice before Christmas, and has he done anything about it yet?

If the hon. and gallant Member has some specific information about these matters of which I am not aware, I should be glad if he would let me have it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that a very senior officer in the War Office visited Tripolitania before Christmas and brought this information back to him?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many War Department quarters are now occupied by officers and other ranks respectively in Tripolitania; how many quarters have been leased by private agreement; and what are the expected increases in War Department quarters in Tripolitania for the next six months.

Information is not available as to how many quarters are actually occupied at present. By 31st March, 1949, there should, according to present arrangements, be 65 officers' and 225 other ranks' quarters available or in occupation in Tripolitania and 74 leased or available for leasing by individual private agreement. I cannot forecast what further quarters may in future be provided in Tripolitania.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why his Department do not know how many quarters they at present occupy.

Probably, because we have not full information.

asked the Secretary of State for War what representations he has received regarding the bad and inadequate food provided for the members of the military fire brigade, Gibraltar; and what steps have been taken to improve it.

I am not aware of any complaint from this unit about their food, although during January the standard of cooking was temporarily upset by repairs to the cookhouse of the neighbouring unit by which they are messed.

Is the right right hon. Gentleman aware that I hold in my hand a letter from a constituent of mine stationed there who says:

"I know personally that some of my comrades wrote direct to Mr. Shinwell about this appalling food."

I was not aware that the hon. Gentleman had a letter in his hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what is the establishment of Anti-Aircraft Command; and also what is the strength of that command at the present time;

(2) whether all the weapons and equipment which will be required for the purposes of Anti-Aircraft Command, when that command attains its full establishment, are available at the present time; or what are the principal deficiencies;

(3) what is the establishment of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; and what is its present strength.

It is not the practice to publish information of the kind asked for in these Questions.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware—it is partially public property—that there is a very grave shortage, amounting to many thousands of men, in the establishment of Anti-Aircraft Command; is it not a fact that the first shock of war, if it does come, must fall on that command; has not the right hon. Gentleman himself comparatively recently said that the shock, when it comes, will be sharp and sudden; and in that case is it not very necessary that something should be done to bring this command up to establishment in both personnel and equipment?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that we are looking very closely into this very important matter of Anti-Aircraft Command.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that this absolute secrecy in this respect is at direct variance with the custom in America; and that such a very tight band of secrecy serves only to alarm people instead of reassuring them, as they think that behind the smoke screen there can be little ready?

It is not customary to adopt in this country all the practices adopted in the United States.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the issue of number one dress to the Territorial Army will begin; and by what date he anticipates that all recruits to the Territorial Army will be issued with No. 1 dress on joining.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Worthing (Brigadier Prior-Palmer) on 14th December last.

Is the Minister aware that the lack of drill hall accommodation, the shoddy state of equipment, and the fact that No. 1 dress is not issued to Territorials are real discouragements to recruiting for the Territorial Army, and can he account for the quite unreasonable delay in starting on the issue of No. 1 dress?

There is no unreasonable delay. There happens to be a shortage of materials.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the congested inland populations living around the open areas known as the Dukeries and the need for the preservation of open spaces in that part of the country, why he proposes to utilise the area as a military training ground.

A proposal is under consideration to use an area of about 2,300 acres in the Dukeries as a week-end training centre for units of the Territorial Army. There is a large number of Territorial Army units in the neighbourhood. The men must be trained, and their training takes place primarily at week-ends. Accordingly, there must be adequate facilities for training within easy reach of their homes. So far as my Department is concerned, the public would he permitted complete freedom of access to the area at all times so far as good military training allowed. The requirement will be considered in due course by the Services Lands Requirements Committee, and if it appears that substantial objections on grounds of the public interest still remain, a public local inquiry will be held.

As my right hon. Friend will be aware that this area contains the most delightful countryside in the county of Nottinghamshire, could he not find for purposes of this kind—as I am sure he could find—other less densely populated places in the county?

Unfortunately, we cannot always provide alternative training ground. Although we are very unwilling to trespass on the life of the country and to interfere with the pleasures of the people. I am afraid that we must utilise these areas for training purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the purpose of his visit to Aberystwyth; the cost of the display; the number of recruits enlisted; and what other results have been obtained.

The purpose of my visit to Aberystwyth was to open a Territorial Army recruiting week at the request of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association of Cardiganshire. The cost of the display was about £100. As the campaign took place only last week I cannot say how many recruits have been enlisted but interest has been aroused not only among the inhabitants of Aberystwyth, but also among the students. Experience shows that the results of a recruiting campaign of this sort cannot be expected immediately.

Could the Minister tell us if he said to the students:

"If you are not disciplined now you will be disciplined when we get you."

and if that was followed by the question:

"When did you join?"—

and what was the Minister's reply?

All I have to say is that that observation was quite off the record.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that rather less talk and rather more practical demonstrations of sympathy with the Territorial Army would do more good, as for instance the issuing of No. 1 battledress?

All I can say is that a great deal has been done for the Territorial Army organisation in the past 12 months.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what regulations he has made defining who pays the development charge in respect of mining operations carried on under a mining lease; and whether this charge is additional to the royalty payable to the person prior to the passing of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.

In most cases of this type, no development charge is payable in respect of mining operations carried out up to the end of June, 1951, because an exemption is given by the Town and Country Planning (Minerals) Regulations, 1948. After that date, development charge is payable by the mining operator, but the regulations enable the royalty payable under the lease to be adjusted. In most cases, therefore, the total of the development charge plus the reduced royalty is not likely to exceed the royalty payable before the Act. There may be cases where the royalty payable before the Act is below the current market level, in which event the total of the development charge plus the reduced royalty may be more than the old royalty; but in such cases the mining operator can claim on the £300 million and has been promised preferential treatment.

The Minister will be aware that his answer will naturally need studying, but as there has been great confusion over this matter will he ensure that special publicity is given to his answer?

I hope that the answer will itself evoke interest and publicity.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when regulations will be introduced for the establishment of rights of access to uncultivated land and the determination of public rights of way, as proposed in the Hobhouse Committee.

As my hon. Friend will be aware, legislation to deal with these matters was promised in the Gracious Speech from the Throne.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many salaried appointments in convenient categories have been made, to the latest available date, under the National Insurance Act; and what is the annual sum represented by these appointments.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Estimates for my Department for 1948–49 included in the Civil Estimates Class V. The numbers employed and the salary costs have conformed substantially with the information given in those Estimates.

In view of the fact that those Estimates showed a large increase, is not the hon. Gentleman aware that at a time when the leaders of his party are calling for increased production this increased expenditure increases our costs of production and impedes or destroys our ability to compete in the markets of the world; and is he not further aware that the first social service must be food?

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he has now considered the results of the inquiry conducted by the National Federation of Old Age Pensioners into the average cost of living among pensioners, particulars of which inquiry have been supplied him; and, as the facts reveal the existence of serious hardship among pensioners, what steps he is taking immediately to improve their lot by a substantial increase in their pension rates.

I am aware of these inquiries, but old people who find their pensions insufficient for their needs can apply to the National Assistance Board for supplementation in accordance with rules approved by this House as recently as July last. As regards any general increase in pension rates, I would refer my hon. Friend to the letter which my right hon. Friend recently sent to the hon. Member for East Ham, North (Mr. Daines), of which he was sent a copy.

Can my hon. Friend inform me of the nature of the instructions which have been issued to assistance boards in cases of serious hardship; and if the instructions mean that old age pensioners might have a substantial increase in income, will he be good enough to publicise that and draw the attention of old age pensioners to the fact?

My hon. Friend referred specifically in his Question to pension rates, which I think was covered very adequately in the letter to the hon. Member for East Ham, North. So far as discretion is concerned, each local officer of the assistance board is allowed a certain discretion, which we know he does use in particular instances.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the assistance board officers are not carrying out the instructions? Is he further aware that I have a letter stating that a man receiving 34s. a week should be prepared to provide himself with boots? Old age pensioners cannot provide themselves with boots on these rates and assistance ought to be given.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that by a large majority the members of this Federation consider the Government have betrayed them? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] They do, and I have had letters to that effect. Is he further aware that the best service he can render is to reduce the cost of living rather than to increase the pensions?

Will not the Parliamentary Secretary consider, with the Chairman of the National Assistance Board, a cost of living bonus for the old people, in view of the hardship they are experiencing due to the increased cost of living?

The specific Question put to me is in connection with the pension rates under the National Insurance Scheme. As far as the scales for National Assistance are concerned, I would draw attention to the fact that this matter was discussed in July last and was warmly approved by the House.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps he is taking to reduce the period of waiting for the payment of sickness benefit in Cardiff.

Owing to the increased volume of claims in January work fell slightly into arrear in some offices in Cardiff. Steps were taken to deal with the situation which I am informed has now much improved.

Can my hon. Friend give any reasonable assurance that there will not be a period of several weeks of waiting in future for sickness benefit?

As I have already indicated, there was a large increase in sickness in Cardiff during certain weeks in January. I am assured that steps have been taken to strengthen the staff in particular offices to cover that point.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why he refuses information to the police where a warrant is issued for the arrest of a husband who deserts his wife and family, leaving their maintenance to National Assistance.

I am not aware of any case in which such circumstances have arisen, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has one in mind and will let me have the details I will make further inquiries.

While assuring my hon. Friend that he can have the details right away, may I ask is it the general and standard practice of his Department to co-operate with the police in the execution of their duties in cases of this kind?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the great differences in the quantity of organisational charts and descriptive leaflets by the Regional Organisation for Industry distributed in the various regions, varying between 14,000 in the case of the London and South-Eastern Region and 1,500 in the case of the Northern Region; and what steps he proposes to take to encourage the regions concerned to make up this disparity.

Yes, Sir. The basis for the distribution of these documents was the same in the two regions, but the hon. Member will appreciate that the number of firms in each region varies widely.

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer recall that I have been following up this matter by Questions in the House for over two years, and can he take some more vigorous steps to stimulate the Regional Organisation for Industry so that it can be more effective, perhaps acting as the Government's own system of joint consultation with industry in helping the production drive?

Those steps have been taken and the regional board is doing a very good job indeed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why men who have recently joined the Territorial Army have received an Income Tax Notice of Coding for 1949–50 which shows a deduction from admissible tax allowances in respect of Territorial pay; and if he will remedy this.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that men joining the Territorial Army are receiving Income Tax notices indicating a deduction from tax allowances in respect of Territorial Army pay, and that this is causing dissatisfaction; and if he will take steps to remove this grievance.

The training pay and allowances to members of the Territorial Army, other than the training expenses allowances and annual bounty, are liable to Income Tax. As the taxable amounts are not known in advance, they are not normally taken into account in the P.A.Y.E. coding for the year of payment but are left for assessment at the end of the year. Any member of the Territorial Army who is dissatisfied with his coding in this respect should communicate with his tax office.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman know that coding has been done in advance and that men who have recently joined the Territorial Army are already receiving assessments for the year 1949–50? While he has said it is normal that they should not be assessed in advance, cannot he take steps to ensure that they are not assessed in advance, and that these men are not given notice that they are to pay taxation on money they have not yet earned?

It has apparently happened in a few isolated cases, although what is the particular reason I cannot at the moment say; but the general practice is as I have stated.

Would not the simplest Way to avoid such difficulties in the future be to make these particular payments tax free? Would not that be one of the best ways for the right hon. and learned Gentleman to follow up his broadcast?

I think not. The House discussed this very fully during the Finance Bill, 1947, and came to a different conclusion.

Is it possible for assessments to be made covering the financial year in respect of rates of taxation that have not yet been announced?

It is not a question of assessment but of fixing the code number.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the life of Mr. J. M. Heron, correspondence about whose case has been sent to him, depends upon his going at once to Switzerland for treatment; and if he will, at the earliest moment, make the necessary exchange available.

The Exchange Control Medical Advisory Committee have reconsidered the application carefully and sympathetically, but, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, they have not felt justified in altering their previous refusal.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman going to hide behind this Committee which has not met since last October, whereas this application was received only last month? Is the Committee made up of such nonentities that he will not even give their names?

No, Sir, I do not propose to give their names. It would be very undesirable for personal pressure to be brought to bear upon them. As far as the Committee are concerned, I think they are better judges than I am of the illness of a particular individual.

If there is medical evidence to the effect that this man's life can be saved only by going to Switzerland, is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not taking a very serious moral responsibility in refusing the necessary amount of money?

No, Sir, that is what the medical board is for. There are many people who would like to go to Switzerland, but everyone cannot go and the medical board has to decide which are the most necessary cases.

Since this Exchange Control Medical Advisory Committee must be a go-between between the private consultant and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how do we know that it does not act in the interests of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and not of the patient?

Owing to the inhuman answer the Chancellor of the Exchequer has given, I shall take the very earliest opportunity to raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the cost of 2, Park Street, W.1, for purposes of Government hospitality, giving separately capital and current expenditure and the period covered; what has been the average cost per guest per day including overhead expenses; and how far alternative accommodation was available.

Number 2, Park Street was opened because it was and often still is impossible for London hotels to provide adequate accommodation for Government and Government-sponsored guests from overseas. The capital expenditure from 3rd May, 1948, to 10th February, 1949, was £7,250: the current expenditure from 3rd May to 31st December, 1948, was £50,000; the average cost per guest per night was given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary in reply to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on Thursday last.

Did the figure given last Thursday refer to the cost of all guests, or was it only for overseas guests?

I think all the guests are from overseas, except for a few cases where guests have been put up at the request of neighbouring hotels that have been short of accommodation on a particular night.

Has the Chancellor made inquiries to see whether the situation has not changed in the last year, and whether it would not now be quite easy to find accommodation in first-class hotels at less than the £12 a night which this is costing the Government?

The charge in first-class hotels is not much less. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] If hon. Members will study the charges that are made for a visiting Prime Minister who stays, for instance, at Claridges or somewhere else they will find they are not much less. We have made inquiries, and the general opinion expressed by the hotel-keepers is that 1949 is likely to be a very difficult year for accommodation in London. We are keeping the thing constantly under review, and as soon as the time comes, when we can conveniently get accommodation in ordinary hotels, we shall certainly discontinue this special use.

May I ask the Chancellor if it would be possible for him or his Department to make out a list of what people get for £12 a night in an hotel?

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether No. 2, Park Street is more or less fully occupied?

Obviously I could not give figures without notice. If the hon. Member will give me notice, I will try to answer the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent Marshall Aid will be cut for the 15 months period commencing 3rd April, 1949.

E.C.A. have requested Congress to appropriate 5,580 million dollars for this period. This request is now being considered by Congress.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, unless this suicidal policy of nationalised industries is stopped, there will be a considerable reduction in. or stoppage of, Marshall Aid?

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman's hopes are not likely to come true.

I know more than the right hon. and learned Gentleman does.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will adopt the scheme for collecting Purchase Tax similar to that operating in the United States of America where State and Federal Tax is paid at the time when the goods are actually purchased by the consumer.

No, Sir. A retail sales tax has repeatedly been considered and rejected as unsatisfactory.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that something is very necessary at the moment in view of the fact that uncertainty regarding Purchase Tax and the Budget changes which are being anticipated by both buyers and retailers, is having a ruinous effect on the distributive trade? In those circumstances, cannot my right hon. and learned Friend tax his ingenuity to discover some system whereby people will not lose money as a result of Budget changes in relation to stocks Which they hold?

I am quite aware of the difficulties which are raised by Purchase Tax, especially if people contemplate that there is likely to be any alteration, but I am afraid that is not a matter which can be overcome by a retail sales tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the unsatisfactory balance of payments between this country and Canada, which is stifling bilateral trade important to both countries, he will arrange for joint consultations at high Government levels, to overcome this position.

Apart from other frequent contacts, at all levels, machinery was set up by agreement between the Governments last autumn for this purpose in the form of the U.K. Canadian Continuing Committee on Trade and Economic Affairs which has just held its first meeting in London.

Does my right hon. and learned Friend think that method of tackling this dangerous problem is sufficient owing to the fact that ordinary trade adjustments will not by any means meet the position?

It was after discussion with the Canadian Ministers last autumn that we decided that that was the best step to take.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will date the beginning of the new tourist foreign currency allowance so as to allow Easter holidays to be spent abroad.

I have considered the suggestion put forward by the hon. Member with the greatest sympathy, but I regret that I cannot accept it, in fairness to those who have already planned their holidays, and owing to the difficulty of adjusting the administration of the present arangements at short notice.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say for what reason 1st May was chosen last year as the beginning of the foreign currency year?

It is Labour Day.

It was chosen as a matter of general convenience after negotiations with the various countries with whom we were making arrangements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the railway between Siam and Burma built by the Japanese with Allied prisoner of war labour has been treated by the Allied Governments in their post-war arrangements with these countries.

The railway was treated as a Japanese external asset. The part which lies in Siam was sold to Siam for £1,250,000; in this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to my hon.

Friend, the Member for Kelvingrove (Mr. J. Williams), on 20th November, 1947. Nothing would have been gained by any payment from Burma in respect of her share of the railway, as, under the Financial Settlement in 1947, His Majesty's Government agreed to waive their claims to repayment of a large part of Burma's debt to this country.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that letters have been received in this country from Australian ex-Service men employed on this work while prisoners who claim that they have had a bonus or a payment or a shareout from their Government as a result of the sale of this railway? Will he investigate that, and will he say whether it is true, and if it is not true, will he categorically deny it, because it is causing considerable jealousy and discontent among ex-prisoners in this country?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will send me the documents to which he refers, I will have them looked into.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Burmese Government are in default in respect of several sorts of obligation towards this country, notably towards members of the Burmese Defence Force who lost their goods in the course of the last war? Will he set off against that some of these hypothetical receipts and accept those obligations on behalf of His Majesty's Government?

I am afraid that has nothing to do with this Question.

While I will try to send the right hon. and learned Gentleman the documents—they are private letters—will he not say here and now whether there is any truth in this point? He must know whether the Australians have had a share-out?

It is not for me to give evidence here as to actions by the Australian Government with regard to Australian pensioners. Whether they have made payments or not, I am quite unable to say, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me know what it is alleged has been paid, I will inquire into it.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman clear this up? Did the Australian Government have any part of this £1,250,000 which the right hon. and learned Gentleman said was paid by Siam for this railway?

No, Sir. As far as I am aware they did not have any of it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the amount of interest lost to the Exchequer due to the failure of the Treasury to cash cheques sent in as payment for the special contribution until several weeks after they had been received; and if he will take steps in future to avoid this loss.

It is not possible to calculate what has been the loss to the Exchequer through delay in dealing with cheques sent in payment for special contribution but it is not serious. The delay, which I very much regret, arose mainly because sufficient trainee staff were not available to deal with the very large number of payments remitted on or about 1st January. Generally, cheques are now being cleared as they are received.

Would it not have been far better if the right hon. and learned Gentleman had never even asked for this payment instead of delaying the cashing of the cheques?

The delaying of the cashing of the cheques may have cost us about £500. The payments are £100 million.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the Government's interest on the special contribution ends as from the date of the cheque or from the date of cashing the cheque?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of hardship which follows the loss of the Tobacco Duty relief token book by old age pensioners, he is prepared to make them some concession.

I fear that, as has been explained on several previous occasions, lost token books cannot be replaced.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that I know the answer but that I think it is hard on these poor old people, in view of the small amount of money involved, to rob them of a little luxury, one of the few they get? Would it not be possible to make it a condition that old age pensioners should present their pension books in order to prevent unauthorised persons obtaining these Tobacco Duty relief token books? It is a shame to rob these old people of this little luxury.

This latitude was given to assist old age pensioners so that they should not always have to attend personally in order to draw their tobacco.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why entertainment tax on speedway racing is 1s. 1d. for every 2s. 6d. ticket, whereas for boxing and ice hockey the entertainment tax is only 6½d. for the same price ticket.

Payments for admission to speedway racing are taxed at the same rates as for other forms of motor racing.

What is the difference between the two forms of entertainment? Why cannot they be made uniform at the lower level?

Because Parliament introduced differentiations in the entertainments duty according to different classifications.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give, at the latest available date, an account showing the nature and amount of the securities held by the National Debt Commissioners as investments for moneys of the National Insurance Funds.

No, Sir. In accordance with long established practice, I am not prepared to anticipate information which will be given to Parliament under Statute.

May I take it that these securities are invested in Government securities, and will the right hon. and learned Gentleman try to find trustee securities other than Government securities, because they will be a better security for these Funds?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further applications have been received by his Department for permission to remit funds to the French miners' organisations; and whether the applications have been approved.

Yes, Sir. Since I approved the original application on behalf of the National Union of Mine Workers (Scottish Area) last December for a remittance of £1,000 there have been two further applications, one by the same body to remit £520 and the other by the Coventry Colliery Miners' Lodge to remit £13 10s. The former application was made early in December and the latter at the beginning of January and, after calling for and studying evidence that the first remittance had in fact been spent on the charitable objects for which it was intended, I have authorised the transmission of the sums in question.

I should like, however, to take this opportunity of making it clear that I would not be disposed to approve any further applications for the transmission to France of contributions to funds organised under Communist auspices, even though their purpose is to help miners suffering as a consequence of the strikes last December. As the House is aware, I am not in general prepared to approve contributions made to organisations whose activities are hostile to democracy. It is never easy in cases of this kind to draw the line between primarily charitable and primarily political donations. In my view, however, there is a real difference between remittances arising from the natural and laudable desire to send money to relieve the distress of foreign fellow workers during a widespread strike and any subsequent applications to remit funds after the strike is over. In the present instance with the great majority of French miners back in work, the need for charitable subventions from this country is much less evident and such remittances assume much more the guise of contributions designed to facilitate the activities of a Communist dominated organisation. I am therefore not prepared to look with favour upon them.

Is not the Minister aware that many hundreds of the miners who were on strike are in prison, and that their wives and children are in absolute destitution? Does he mean to say that a helping hand to these women and children is a Communist conspiracy? Is that what he has got down to?

Would it not be much better if the Chancellor of the Exchequer admitted his mistake in his declared intention of administering Exchange control on a political basis?

No, I certainly do not think it would be better. I have to exercise my discretion. I have done it, and I have told the House how I have done it.

Although I agree largely with the answer of the right hon. and learned Gentleman, will he explain why, if he holds those views, he has sanctioned these last two payments?

Because they were asked for at the time of the strike. They had been held up owing to my inquiries whether the former payments had been properly disbursed. As they were asked for at the time the strike was on, it was reasonable, having satisfied myself with regard to the earlier payments, that these two should be allowed through.

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether, among the charitable objects to which he referred, was the saving of a man's life from tubercular infection, as in the case of Mr. Heron?

I do not know. I have not had any details of such a case amongst the miners.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider raising the maximum holdings in Defence Bonds 2½ per cent. from £2,500 to £3.500 which will assist the National Savings Committee.

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now give the names of the chairman and members of the Local Government Manpower Committee; when it is expected that it will complete its investigation; what are the reasons for not making the report public; and what considerations were taken into account in deciding to set up an interdepartmental committee in preference to a select committee.

I will circulate the names of the chairman and members of this committee in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As will be seen it is a joint body of representatives of central and local government. It is impossible to say when it will complete its investigations, but I hope that results of its work may be announced from time to time. This joint body is engaged in working out the solution of day-to-day administrative problems; a select committee would not have been an appropriate body for such a purpose.

Would not the Chancellor agree that an indispensable contribution could be made to the work of this Committee by independent Members who have experience in local and national government affairs; would he consider adding to the Committee those people who have such experience outside the Civil Service; and would he also give an assurance that the report will be published in due time?

No. The general opinion of the local government representatives particularly was that it was more likely that we should get fruitful results if the Committee consisted only of those of whom I have already spoken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the lack of response of the Federation of British Industries to his written request of last February for a scheme for the reduction of prices and profits, he will now renew that request.

The request for a voluntary reduction of prices and so of profits which I made at the time of the issue of the White Paper on Personal Incomes was addressed to the country generally including all those concerned with wholesale and retail distribution. It is not possible to place any numerical evaluation upon the response to my request but I have had evidence of many price reductions resulting from it and of higher costs absorbed into prices without increase. I hope that everyone is aware of the need to continue to do everything possible to reduce prices especially by increasing productivity as this point has been constantly stressed throughout the year.

But has not my right hon. and learned Friend overlooked the fact that he asked the F.B.I. specifically, for a plan for price and profit decreases, and that they gave him no plan but merely threw him a worthless bone of dividend limitation, dividends already being far too high?

There were two matters with which I asked the F.B.I. to deal. One was to get a limitation on any increase in dividends, which they have done, and which has been largely if not wholly successful; secondly, to take what steps they could—and other bodies like the Co-operatives and so on—to see that any price reductions that were possible Were brought about. That they also did, and a large number of price reductions resulted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Government's decision to award salary increases up to an additional £24 a week to civil servants already in receipt of four-figure incomes, he will now arrange for a review of the award of one farthing an hour increase to cleaners in Government offices.

No recent award has been made in respect of the pay of women cleaners in Government offices. Their pay will be reviewed by an impartial and representative body—the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal—on 14th March and, should that Tribunal recommend any revision, effect will be given to its award.

If my right hon. and learned Friend is not taking any immediate steps in the matter of the farthing, could he not agree that these other increases are quite at variance with the spirit of the White Paper on Incomes of a year ago? Is it not also at variance with the spirit of equity and the Socialist principles which he and I profess?

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman been reading the articles of the hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. Chamberlain) in the "Daily Worker"?

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer bear in mind the need not to allow an excessive discrimination against the Civil Service as compared with the higher appointments not only in private industry, but under nationalisation?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the continuing importance of the matters disclosed in Command Paper 2682 of 1926, he will arrange for this Command Paper to be reprinted and made readily available to the public.

Copies are available and the need for reprinting does not arise.