asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the representations made to him by or on behalf of the Warwickshire County Council, the Castle Bromwich Parish Council and others, he will now restore the speed limit on the length of trunk road at Castle Bromwich between the Birmingham city boundary and Hurst Lane.

No, Sir. I have given careful consideration to these representations, but I do not consider that a speed limit would be justified.

In view of the very strong local feeling on this matter, will the Minister agree not to close his mind entirely on the subject and arrange for this stretch of road to be kept under close observation, especially having regard to the very large number of people who have to cross the road to get from their homes to the shops, schools and cinemas?

I am happy to assure the hon. Member that my mind is never closed on this problem of speed limits, which has to be continually examined in the light of changing circumstances. I readily give him that undertaking.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the national interest, he will make a complete survey of the road system in the seven Highland counties, with the object of opening up isolated districts on the west coast and providing adequate roads suitable for modern transport.

No, Sir. About half of the total of some 1,200 miles of road comprised in the crofter counties scheme remain to be dealt with, and the work will be carried out at the cost of the Road Fund as economic conditions permit. No useful purpose would be secured by a further survey at the present time.

Does not the Minister agree that it is useless for the Secretary of State for Scotland to talk about developing the Highlands until adequate roads have been provided, and that such a survey is necessary for the long-term programme of road development in the Highlands which is so essential?

That survey was in fact undertaken, and it was upon it that the Government agreed to carry through this 1,200 miles of road improvements. As I have indicated, approximately half of the work has been carried through and another section is proceeding; the others will follow in due course. Therefore, I see no reason to incur the expense and to waste the time of technicians until this section at least has been completed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that one of the main factors contributing to the increase in motor-vehicle accidents in London is the state of the road surface; and what steps he is taking to insure the speedy repair and modernisation of all the main-road surfaces in London.

I have no evidence to this effect. The figures of road accidents in London involving death or personal injury have decreased over the last three years. Responsibility for the repair and modernisation of London streets rests with the Metropolitan borough councils and the Common Council of the City of London.

As far as accidents are concerned, does not the Minister recall that the figures he gave last week show that the number of accidents to motor vehicles is increasing? As far as the state of the roads is concerned, is he aware that different Metropolitan borough councils seem to have different standards, and will he give special attention to the road leading out of London to Oxford, particularly to the stretch from Marble Arch to Notting Hill where the surface changes every 100 yards and is most dangerous?

I will forward to the hon. Member the figures in connection with the statement I have made. As I have indicated, the surface of the roads is the responsibility of the borough councils.

Should the right hon. Gentleman ever find himself in the vicinity of the Minister of Works, will he have a word with him about the road surface in The Mall?

Are the road authorities the right hon. Gentleman has quoted responsible for the roads through the parks, because those are the worst in London?

No, Sir. That is a different question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that something is done about it?

That question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works.

He is sitting next to the right hon. Gentleman. Why not tell him about it?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now make a fuller statement regarding the recommendations in the report of the Committee on Ferries in Great Britain; and state by what means such recommendations can be put into effect administratively.

I regret that I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 6th December last.

Can the Minister say that this will be speeded up, because it is vitally necessary that something should be done to improve the deplorable conditions of the ferries in the Highlands?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that for centuries no Government ever obtained information on these matters. As I have indicated, the Committee has produced an exceedingly useful report and consultations have taken place. I hope to be in a position, as I have said, to make a statement in due course.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the Coat-bridge firm producing cables are compelled to send these to the Midlands for testing; and as this transport cost handicaps production at low cost, will he endeavour to remedy this situation by provision of a proving test nearer the centre of production.

Small lengths of cable are sent to testing centres at Sheffield or Netherton only when they require special tests which cannot be carried out by the firm or at a local centre, and total production costs should not be seriously affected by the small extra expense involved. It would he for the industry to establish an additional special testing centre, but the cost of providing such a centre would be heavy and I am advised that there is no general demand for it.

Is the Minister aware that if the cable chain is 2½ inches in diameter it need not go further than Lloyds of Glasgow for testing, but if it is 2¾ inches it has to go to the Midlands? Surely he will agree that it is uneconomic, if there is a flaw in it, that it has to go back to the Midlands a second time? Will he not do something about it?

I understand that only on special tests, and quite occasionally, have a few feet of this type of cable to be sent to Sheffield, and I am advised that there is no general demand for the setting up of another testing station nearer these works.

asked the Minister of Supply the average 1948 increase in the price of mining machinery and equipment compared with the prices prevailing in 1938.

About double.

Is the machinery manufactured by private companies?

Mostly. Of course, there is a whole range and variety of mining machinery, and I am not quite sure to what my hon. Friend is referring.

Are not these increases considerably in excess of any increase which has taken place in the nationalised industries?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will allow British contractors to the Armed Services to manufacture and export apparatus for the radar interceptor network across Northern Canada which is now under consideration by the Canadian and United States Governments.

Yes, Sir. I would be very ready to consider any proposal for the manufacture of radar equipment in this country for export to Canada.

Does the Minister know of any obstacles to our getting part of this contract, and if he does, will he say what they are?

No, Sir, I know of no obstacles, but I do not know of any inquiry which has come from Canada for this equipment.

asked the Minister of Supply what increase in steel-making capacity is likely to come into production during 1949.

The additional effective operating capacity should be about 400,000 ingot tons.

Is my right hon. Friend planning a collection of steel scrap to keep pace with this, and is he satisfied with the supply of pig iron?

No, I cannot be certain that there will be sufficient material for the additional output involved, but the collection of steel scrap is going on very successfully.

asked the Minister of Supply to what use Middleton Hall, Middleton, Lancashire, is now being put by his Department.

Middleton Hall is no longer being used by my Department.

Can the Minister say whether or not the house in question is now empty?

As far as I am aware.

asked the Minister of Works whether, since nearly four years have passed since V.E. day, he will issue a directive to the effect that when any house or property is de-requisitioned it should no longer first be offered to other Departments but released direct to the owner.

Requisitioned premises are now released direct to the owner with the following exceptions; small houses and flats are still notified to the Ministry of Health in connection with housing requirements; and large houses, shops and sites are notified to Government Departments generally, in case their use would free other premises which it was more important to release. This procedure is reviewed periodically and it is the intention to relax it further as the supply of accommodation improves. Ninety-two per cent. of all types of requisitioned premises have now been released.

Is it really necessary to continue with this particular system in view of the anxiety caused to people whose homes have been requisitioned, and who do not know what Department is going to take over their homes, what sort of treatment their homes will be subjected to, and what will happen to their compensation claims?

These must be very large houses indeed, because it is only small houses which are notified to the Ministry of Health for housing purposes.

It is the principle that is involved.

asked the Minister of Works when he intends to reopen to motor traffic the road between Robin Hood Gate and Ham Cross, Richmond Park.

As nearly half of Richmond Park is under cultivation, and the public are deprived of the enjoyment of the peace and quiet of so large an area, I consider it undesirable to permit motor traffic along the Robin Hood—Ham Cross Road.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no cultivation takes place in the vicinity of this road, and that the closing of the road involves motorists in a considerable additional expenditure of petrol in going round the park? Is he aware of the serious local feeling on the subject, and will he reconsider this decision?

I am not aware of any serious local feeling. Although there is no cultivation in the proximity of this road, as I have said pretty well half of the park is under cultivation, and I think it is best to preserve this part of the park for the use of the ordinary person.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, is it his intention ever to re-open this road?

I have given the hon. Gentleman that information previously. As soon as we are in a position to do away with cultivation in the park, it will be time for this road to be re-opened.

asked the Minister of Works if he will have the present electric lighting in the Commons Chamber examined by a qualified person to determine the extent of eye-strain which it causes.

Yes, Sir. I am asking the Medical Research Council and the Building Research Station to examine the lighting in consultation with my own experts and advise whether it causes eyestrain.

asked the Minister of Works what changes in type of electric lamp used in the Commons Chamber have been made since 1906; and if the present type is the most modern available.

Since 1906 various changes have been made in the type of lamps used, the last change being in January, 1944, when 40 watt vacuum type lamps were installed. This is not the most modern type of lamp, but is the most satisfactory for the fittings in the Chamber.

Is it not the case that these particular lamps have to be specially made and that it is most uneconomic? If the holders are out of date, why not have the holders themselves changed?

They are not specially made. The difficulty about lighting in the House is that at the present time we are dependent on D.C. supply instead of A.C. When we get the supply changed over, an alteration will be made.

If any increased provision of current is involved, will the right hon. Gentleman consider further whether current cannot be spared to light two or three of the best pictures in the Dining Room?

I have told the hon. Gentleman that as soon as we can get the new system of supply into operation, I will give very careful consideration to the lighting of the pictures.

Is it not true that the present arrangement is antiquated, and that if a bulb has to be changed some kind of scaffolding like a fire escape has to be brought into operation which costs about 16s.? As this is an invention of the Tories, is it not about time that it was replaced by something more up to date?

The opportunity of bringing in a modern system of lighting will not arise until the new supply system is installed.

Is it not a fact that we are indebted to the other place for the use of this Chamber, and that it is hardly up to us to change their arrangements?

The arrangements would not be changed without consultation with the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Works how many acres of Clapham Common are now being used for purposes such as air-raid shelters, excavation dumps, gun site, prefabricated houses, army huts, day nursery and Ministry of Works Depot; and what percentage of the whole of Clapham Common this constitutes.

About 2½ acres, representing about 10 per cent. of the Common. The gun site and the Ministry of Works Depot were de-requisitioned some months ago.

In view of the fact that the Minister now expects to take over another eight acres for a car park for the 1951 Exhibition, and in view of the fact that there is widespread indignation in that part of London, will he go into the question of releasing some further areas for leisure and recreation before proceeding with the car park?

It is news to me that I am contemplating taking eight acres for a car park.

asked the Minister of Works how many applications have reached him from London firms for permits to restore or rebuild bombed premises; and how many he has refused.

I regret that detailed figures are not available.

With the war four years over and the Festival of Britain two years ahead, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that something should be done quickly to repair these ugly gaps in our main thoroughfares, which are, after all, the shop windows of Britain?

I most certainly think so, but I was not asked that question. I was asked about the number of cases, and I have said that the figures are not available. My experience is that pretty well four out of every five applications made for this purpose are granted.

It is hard to see any sign of it.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the tenancy of Provident Hall, Redcliffe, Bristol, by his Department is causing great inconvenience and loss of revenue to the owners, the Adult School Friendly Society; and if he will take early steps to vacate these premises which have been occupied since 1939, seeing that the premises occupied prior to the war are available.

I am aware that the Adult School Friendly Society wish to terminate my Ministry's tenancy of the Provident Hall and a search is being made for alternative accommodation. I understand that the premises used by the medical boards before the war are no longer available.

Is it not a fact that the premises occupied prior to the war have recently been re-let to another tenant?

As I have said, these premises are not available for the purpose for which we want to use them. Therefore, we are not in a position to use them for accommodation.

They have recently been re-let.

I have said they are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what request he has received from the Government of Turkey for the organisation of a Mediterranean Defence Pact.

None, Sir.

In view of the great importance of the defence of Turkey, can my right hon. Friend say whether the Anglo-Turkish Treaty, 1939, is still in force?

Yes, Sir.

Can the Minister of State give an assurance that this question of a Mediterranean Pact is being pursued with energy by His Majesty's Government?

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that our relations with the Government of Turkey are most cordial. No aspect of Turco-British relationships is lost sight of.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has given to the British Broadcasting Corporation regarding the policy of His Majesty's Government to Poland.

This Department endeavours to supply to the B.B.C. all information about current affairs connected with Poland which may assist them in their overseas broadcasts.

In view of the fact that the British Broadcasting Corporation has not limited it to that most valuable line of information but is broadcasting slanderous personal attacks on members of the Polish Government in their personal capacity, would my right hon. Friend consider some further approach to the British Broadcasting Corporation?

I am unaware of any slanderous attacks, but of course the British Broadcasting Corporation have complete discretion in the arrangement of their programmes.

In view of their complete lack of discretion, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider a more private and direct approach?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the official correspondence of Mr. Neville Chamberlain dealing with diplomatic negotiations affecting Czechoslovakia at the time of the Munich Conference has been omitted from the recently published collection of Documents on British Foreign Policy, 1919–39.

The volume of Documents on British Foreign Policy to which the Question refers covers the period from 9th March to 23rd July, 1938. No official correspondence of Mr. Neville Chamberlain dealing with diplomatic negotiations affecting Czechoslovakia has been found in the Foreign Office archives for the period covered by this volume and none has, therefore, been omitted.

Will the Minister explain the matter to us, in view of the fact that at that time there was very definite correspondence on the part of the Prime Minister on this question? Will he inquire in the Prime Minister's Department to ascertain whether these important documents will be included in the next volume?

That is quite another question. The question which I was asked referred to the archives of the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the showing of the film "Oliver Twist" in Berlin has created considerable resentment and distress amongst some of the population there; what request the British Military Government has received from Professor Reuter, the senior burgomaster, and others for the withdrawal of the film; and what instructions he proposes to give in this matter.

Disorderly demonstrations against the showing of the film "Oliver Twist" took place at a cinema in the British sector of Berlin on the afternoons of 20th and 21st February. In view of these demonstrations the film, which had been shown on the two previous days, was replaced by another film. A letter signed by the oberburgermeister and various political and cultural leaders criticising the presentation of the film on the grounds that it might stir up antisemitic feeling was received by the Military Governor on the afternoon of 21st February.

Since the showing of this film was a German commercial undertaking in a German building, the demonstrations against the film were a German and not a British responsibility. The General Officer Commanding British troops in Berlin, however, advised the representative of the distributing agency to withdraw the film, but the actual decision not to show it, and the final decision to end its run, were made by the representative of the distributing agency himself.

I am sure that my right hon. Friend appreciates what a serious thing it is, after a régime like that of Hitler which was monstrously anti-Semitic, that anything should be shown which would hurt the feelings of people who had suffered so badly. Would he please take into consideration that fact, and see to it that the authorities there do all they can to stop the exhibition of this film in any place where people have been so affected?

My right hon. Friend will, of course, take note of what has been said. We are watching the situation carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that preparations are being made to build up in Berlin during the summer months large reserves for the winter of 1949–50, so as to show the Russian Government our determination to remain in Berlin.

Yes, Sir, and my right hon. Friend wishes to assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government will continue to fulfil their obligations towards the people of Berlin.

Would my right hon. Friend give the widest publicity throughout Berlin to what he has now said?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will direct the British representative on the Security Council of the United Nations to ask the Chairman to publish the report and recommendations of the committee of experts on the Berlin dispute.

The question of publication is one for the President of the Security Council to whom the report was addressed. Meanwhile the report is under consideration by His Majesty's Government, who are keeping in close touch with the United States and French Governments upon this subject.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the importance of publishing this report? Is he aware that parts of it have already been published in the Press of one of the interested Powers and commented upon, and that the comments were referred to in "The Times" of 22nd February? Will he therefore make representations to the Chairman of the Security Council about the importance of the publication of the whole of the report so that everybody may be able to judge the work which is being done?

As I have said, we are studying it and we are in touch with the Governments of France and the United States. It would obviously be rather empty to make a promise about our attitude before we had completed the study and the consultations.

In view of the great importance of this subject, can my right hon. Friend make clear whether the reports which appeared in the American Press last week were correct or not, namely, that this country had been responsible for the rejection of the proposals of that United Nations committee?

I do not want to be drawn into commenting about the report, but there have been reports in newspapers other than those in the United States—the "Daily Worker" published several reports—and they are not all accurate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has now replied to the Polish Note of 8th December, 1948, concerning German revisionist activities in the British-occupied zone of Germany; and if he will publish his reply.

A reply was sent on 2nd February. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

As my right hon. Friend is not prepared to publish this answer, would he be good enough to look into the affairs of the "Council for Expellees from the East" which has been set up in the British zone of Germany and licensed by the British Military Government, under which Herr Lukaschek, once Land President of Silesia, seems to be busy trying to foster a movement for the revision of the boundaries in breach of our agreement.

I cannot agree that we have violated any of our agreements. My noble Friend will be glad indeed to look at any case about which substantiated detail is given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on rectification of the western frontier of Germany.

It is expected that a statement on this subject will be issued shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the war-time services of the Karens to the British Army in Burma, he will give an assurance that no military supplies or equipment have been or will be sold to the Government of Burma so long as civil war reigns in that country.

ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the obligation in the Defence Agreement with Burma to give reasonable facilities for the purchase of war material extends to weapons to be used inside the country again the Karens; and when the three years, for which the agreement remains in force, will expire.

His Majesty's Government signed a Defence Agreement with the Burmese Government, under which His Majesty's Government contract to afford the latter all reasonable facilities for the purchase of war material. We have no intention of denouncing this agreement unilaterally.

The Agreement runs in the first instance for three years from 4th January, 1948, and is thereafter subject to 12 months' notice on either side. No restrictions are placed on the use of the war material so obtained, nor would it be appropriate to attempt to impose restrictions as suggested by the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner), much as His Majesty's Government regret the recent outbreak of Karen-Burmese communal strife, and anxious as they, and all Governments friendly to the Burmese Government, are that this fighting should end.

Will this matter be discussed at the Delhi Conference? Is the position of the Government such that they can show no sort of gratitude at all for unswerving loyalty during Japanese invasion and occupation, often at great personal risk?

The agenda and the business of the Delhi Conference are quite another subject. The gratitude of His Majesty's Government is well-known but does not allow them to escape from a contractual obligation.

:, Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the supplying of arms for communal strife is, in the language of the Defence Agreement. "reasonable"?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the British Government do not take sides in this unfortunate civil war?

Is it not also unfortunate that British subjects who should have known better have been instigating the Karen rebels and trying to run guns to them? Will my right hon. Friend repudiate the activities of those persons?

In view of the obligation to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred, will not he advise the Burmese Government that they should consider giving self-government to the Karens?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Governments of Roumania, Hungary and Bulgaria have introduced new penal codes providing the penalty of death for various economic offences and, in the case of Roumania, extending the penalty to accomplices and accessories; and whether, as these codes contravene the articles on Human Rights in the Peace Treaties signed with these countries, he will refer the matter to the Soviet, British and American Heads of Mission in the three countries, in accordance with the provisions made in the Peace Treaties.

The reactionary tenor of these laws, and their vague drafting, appear to give Governments power of life and death over a very wide and indeterminate field. They do indeed, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, clearly flout the article of the Peace Treaties mentioned by my hon. Friend. This article provides that Roumania, Hungary and Bulgaria should take all measures to secure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Although my right hon. Friend's past experience does not encourage him to believe that the Soviet Government are anxious to co-operate in ensuring the observance of the treaties, he is nevertheless prepared to consider in conjunction with the Governments of the United States and of France making a further approach to the Soviet Government upon this subject.

Would it not now be possible to obtain the whole hearted co-operation of the Russian Government, in view of the explicit declaration of Mr. Vyshinsky in the Political Committee of the United Nations Assembly in November last that

"the U.S.S.R. cannot agree to death sentences being used in any country in time of peace"

I am aware of the statement. I fear that it was primarily intended for export. My right hon. Friend will, of course, use this statement, if we should decide to approach the Soviet Government.

The right hon. Gentleman has said that he is prepared to approach the Soviet Government, but surely the countries concerned are in theory at any rate, completely independent? Will not he approach them direct? Will he not consider supporting the protest of His Majesty's Government by more definite action?

I said that my right hon. Friend would consider such an approach. Direct approach would not be proper because the treaty lays it down that the four Powers should act jointly upon such subjects as this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether permission has yet been given by the Bulgarian Government for a member of His Majesty's Legation at Sofia to attend the trial of the Protestant pastors.

The Bulgarian Government have not yet returned any written reply to the request of His Majesty's Legation for admission to the trial. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at first informed His Majesty's Legation orally that two members of the Legation would be admitted as official observers, but later stated that all diplomatic missions in Sofia would receive only one card of admission, in the name of the Press Attaché. Verbal representations by His Majesty's Legation to the Bulgarian authorities have not succeeded in moving them to make an exception in our case, in spite of their previous promise.

Will the Minister of State instruct whoever is allowed in to observe whether these unfortunate clergymen have been subjected to physical illtreatment?

Our representative is keeping the most careful watch and will report fully.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now satisfied that the treatment accorded to the 15 Protestant pastors at present under arrest in Bulgaria is in accordance with Article 2 of the Peace Treaty.

Until the trial is completed, it is impossible to say whether or not it involves a breach of the treaty, but the initial treatment of the 15 Protestant pastors gives cause for great concern.

Will the Minister of State assure the House that the Government view with equal interest and distress the Communist persecution of clergy of all denominations?

Of course, Sir. His Majesty's Government are concerned for all people, including people outwith religious denominations, who have been persecuted for their stand in the interests of freedom.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that clergy who are guilty of treason to their own countries should not take a knock like any ordinary chap?

The point is that that country has treaty obligations to provide for free trial and to ensure that certain freedoms are observed.

The right hon. Gentleman says that His Majesty's Government will keep close watch to see whether these trials involve a breach of the treaty, but if they do involve a breach of the treaty, what will His Majesty's Government do?

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Members of Parliament who are treacherous to their own country should also take the knock?

Will the Minister of State take every possible opportunity, through the United Nations or otherwise, to make clear to the whole world the detestation of the people of this country of the treatment accorded these Protestant ministers in Bulgaria?

asked the Minister of Food if he will now indicate when the new prices for animal feeding-stuffs will come into effect.

I am not yet able to say.

Will the right hon. Lady say whether her Department have advised the Ministry of Agriculture about these new prices? Otherwise, how can the Minister of Agriculture discuss a price review with the farmers of this country?

Certainly, Sir. There is full co-operation between my Department and that of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Food why the new potato import programme which was withdrawn has now been reinstated; and why the trade have been informed that the programme of conditions attaching to open individual licences may at any time be discontinued or suspended without warning, in view of the fact that the uncertainty thereby created makes it difficult for growers and merchants to carry on their business effectively.

We are allowing imports of new potatoes because they provide a welcome variety in the diet. It has always been a condition of open individual licences that they may be cancelled without warning and traders are reminded of this in case the home new crop is exceptionally early.

In view of the recent loss to the taxpayer in the potato speculation of £10 million, will the right hon. Lady ask her right hon. Friend to stop the State trading in potatoes? Will she also remind him of Kipling's saying:

"A servant when he reigneth is confusion to the end."

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food if he intends restoring the consumer subsidy, as distinct from the growers subsidy, on potatoes, that was dropped in June, 1947.

I presume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the tonnage subsidy at one time paid to licensed first buyers to enable them to sell at a price lower than the farmers' selling price. The answer is "No, Sir."

Then will the right hon. Lady say why forms have been printed for the Ministry ready for this to be brought in?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will let me have one.

asked the Minister of Food how many officials from the Treasury and from his own Department have visited the Isle of Ely in connection with the 1941 ledger-balances of potato merchants' accounts; what has been the cost of these visitations; how many more are to be expected in connection with 1941 and subsequent years; and what will be the estimated cost involved.

Twenty officers of my Department have visited the Isle of Ely at one time or another in connection with these matters, which involve substantial sums and public money. None have gone from the Treasury. It would be a long and expensive task to work out the precise cost of these visits but a rough estimate is £2,000. Further visits, and hence their cost, will depend on the complexity of the cases yet to be examined.

In view of the fact that British Railways have destroyed all their records, and that the Ministry of Food refuse to recognise their responsibility until delivery can be proved, will the right hon. Lady say whether it is the intention of her Ministry to delay payment for things the delivery of which cannot be proved, and would it not be cheaper for the Ministry to cut their losses now?

No, I could not possibly say that. There are more accounts to look at. There were 19,000 in all throughout the country and we will not commit ourselves without examining the rest.

On a point of Order, in view of the enormous number of growers who are affected by this, and the worry it is causing them, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Food what is the additional percentage increase of sugar being allocated to manufacturers in the next period to meet the demands brought about by the de-rationing of sweets and chocolates.

We have given manufacturers an increase of 18⅓ per cent. on the quantity of sugar which they have been having to provide the present 4 oz. ration. There will be no further increase next period.

Does the right hon. Lady mean to say that confectionery manufacturers are getting approximately about 75 per cent. of their datum usage period figure and, if that is so, on what basis do her Department feel they can take off sweet rationing if the manufacturers are to receive only 75 per cent. of the datum period figure?

They are getting 71 per cent. but it is estimated that this will be sufficient, because the prices of certain sweets are so high that it is quite possible that many people will not be able to buy those particular ones and, therefore, more than this amount of sugar will not be needed.

From where did the Minister get the advice that 71 per cent. of the datum period figure would be sufficient to meet the de-rationing of sweets?

The advisers in my Department consult the trade, and both they and the representatives of this particular trade have business knowledge equal to that of the hon. Gentleman.

Does this mean that the right hon. Lady's Department has fallen back on rationing by price?

asked the Minister of Food whether in view of the decrease in the number of civic restaurants in three years from 1,373 to 678, he will take steps in conjunction with the local authorities concerned to investigate the reason for this decrease, in order that the decline may be arrested and that more such restaurants shall be provided to satisfy the needs of many people.

The establishment of civic restaurants must, I think, be left to local initiative and decision, but my Department and the Ministry of Health are very ready to help local authorities in this.

While appreciating the Minister's readiness to help local authorities, may I ask the right hon. Lady if she is not aware of the fact that local authorities are not prepared to help themselves in the matter, and, therefore, would she carry out the request contained in the Question that she should consult with local authorities, perhaps with the assistance of her right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, to find out why civil restaurants are declining in number when they should be increasing?

I think the hon. Gentleman knows enough about local authorities to realise that we must leave them to settle their own affairs. If they like to come to us we are, of course, ready to help them.

asked the Minister of Food whether arising out of the lifting by Canada of export and import controls on all fats and oils, which will enable over 100 million pounds of margarine to be manufactured, he will make every endeavour to purchase the maximum amount of margarine from this source with a view to increasing the weekly ration to the people throughout this country.

If Canada manufactures margarine it will probably be for home consumption only. In any case, it is doubtful whether we should have dollars to spare from our other purchases to buy margarine from that source.

How are we to suppose that Canada will supply this country with unlimited food, both bacon and margarine, when we are always to be told the story about dollars? Surely, food comes first. Why not use some tactful common sense?

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the observations of Sir Herbert Dunnico, Chairman of the Stratford Petty Sessional Court, on the methods adopted by the food enforcement officer for Barking; and what action he proposes to take.

Yes, Sir. The matter has been considered and the officer is being transferred to other work.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the de-rationing of sweets and chocolate on 24th April and of the fact that a greater volume of sugar is now being imported from non-dollar areas, he will now de-ration sugar in view of the public need and administrative convenience.

No, Sir. So far as we can see at present the increase in sugar supplies from non-dollar areas will be sufficient only to meet the concessions announced last week.

Can the right hon. Lady explain why it is that Holland, which is not at all well off, can have sugar off the ration? Why do we have to go on with this awful austerity under this Government? Let us get rid of the Government.

If the Ministry are de-rationing sweets on 71 per cent. of the basis usage, why did they not come to that conclusion before?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Food the retail selling prices of wheatmeal and oatmeal respectively; and what element of subsidy each of these prices contains.

There is no fixed retail selling price for wheatmeal, and it is impossible to segregate a part of the flour subsidy as being appropriate to this particular type of flour. Oatmeal is retailed at a maximum price of 6d. per lb. This price will involve a small subsidy, the amount of which has not yet been finally determined.

As wheatmeal appears to retail at something like 2d. per lb., does not this represent a very severe discrimination against one of the natural foods of the country, and as oatmeal is almost entirely home-grown, cannot something be done to reduce this disparity?

The hon. Gentleman must realise that there are 300 lines of wheatmeal and that it is regarded as a speciality flour. It is very difficult, of course, to separate this flour from the ordinary flour which receives a subsidy, but we allow the merchant to charge the retailer the price of national flour plus the difference between the price of the speciality flour and the ordinary flour in 1939.

May I inform the right hon. Lady that I shall study that reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT tomorrow?

asked the Minister of Food what were the totals of sales ex mill of oatmeal in January, 1948, and January, 1949, respectively; also in the last quarters of 1947 and 1948, respectively.

Figures for January, 1949, are not yet available, but millers' deliveries of oatmeal for the four weeks ended 27th December, 1947, and 25th December, 1948, were 6,000 tons and 9,800 tons, respectively. The answer to the second part of the Question is 30,700 tons and 37,400 tons, respectively.

asked the Minister of Food why thousands of crans of high-quality herring recently landed on the west coast of Scotland were sold for reduction to meal and oil, whilst at the same time large quantities of poor quality Norwegian herring were being imported for food; and if he will consider reversing the use to which Scottish and Norwegian herring are being put.

We import Norwegian herrings at this time of the year because British-caught supplies are variable in quantity and generally not enough to meet our needs. I cannot agree that the bulk of the Norwegian herrings are of poor quality. Most of them are used for kippering and kipperers are free to buy British or Norwegian herrings as they think best for their business.

Is not the right hon. Lady aware that the Scottish west coast herring caught at this time of year make incomparably better kippers than these rather drier varieties?

I wish the hon. Gentleman would persuade the kipperers of that.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that Northern Ireland is handicapped in endeavouring to attract more visitors particularly by the fact that visitors to Northern Ireland sailing from United Kingdom ports have to have a sailing ticket whereas no such restriction is put on visitors sailing from United Kingdom ports to the Continent of Europe; and, in view of the hardship involved by this and other handicaps, if he will set up an inter-departmental committee with representatives of the Home Office, Board of Trade, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Civil Aviation, the British Transport Commission, British European Airways and the Government of Northern Ireland to consider what steps can be taken to encourage both the people of Great Britain and visitors to Great Britain to take holidays in Northern Ireland.

Experience has shown that sailing tickets are the best method of minimising inconvenience to passengers at peak periods when traffic exceeds capacity. Every endeavour will be made to arrange additional sailings whenever possible. The Departments and other agencies concerned are in constant touch with each other on questions connected with travel to Northern Ireland and I see no need for the appointment of an inter-departmental committee.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the ships normally used between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been diverted to routes to Dublin and to the Continent of Europe, and that this restriction on travel to Northern Ireland was unknown under any other Government in peace-time?

The hon. Member knows some of the difficulties in regard to the checking of passengers to Northern Ireland owing to there being a frontier on the southern side of Northern Ireland. With regard to the other Question, perhaps the hon. Member will put it to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year several thousand people from this country were prevented from going to Northern Ireland because they could not get sailing tickets, and that they had to cancel the rooms they had taken in hotels and boarding houses, to the very great inconvenience of those people who were looking forward to receiving them?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will also put that Question to the Minister of Transport.

But the Minister of Transport will not take it.

asked the Attorney-General if he proposes to introduce legislation on similar lines as that of the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Bill, introduced by the Secretary of State for Scotland, to protect the shopkeepers of England and Wales, whose insecurity of tenure is similar to that of shopkeepers in Scotland.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that hardship is being suffered by many shopkeepers and tenants of office accommodation owing to the lack of security which they have in their tenancies; and if he will introduce appropriate legislation to remedy the position.

The tenancies of shops and office accommodation are among the matters which are being considered by the Leasehold Committee. The Committee will deal with these matters in their interim report on business premises which they expect shortly to present. The question of legislation on this matter will be considered in the light of any recommendations which the report may contain.

May I take it that the Attorney-General is genuinely anxious to see that English tenant shopkeepers get the same standard of justice as Scottish tenant shopkeepers?

Yes, Sir.

May I ask my right hon. and learned Friend to use the personal knowledge which I am sure he must have of these matters, in speedily remedying the position, as large rentals per week are being asked from tenants of shops and also from tenants of offices when their tenancies expire?

This matter has been referred to the Leasehold Committee, and we must await the results of their inquiry and their specific recommendations.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that a large clothing firm from the North of England has taken over an entire building in Trafalgar Square and is coercing tenants of offices into making agreements for seven years and then reserving a right of option to terminate the tenancy at six months' notice?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the present difficulties of farmers in disposing of barley; and what arrangements he has made to meet his undertakings relating to guaranteed prices and assured markets contained in the Agriculture Act, in view of the prospect that barley will continue to be a glut on the market.

I understand that some farmers are finding it difficult to sell their barley for malting, but the Ministry of Food are already buying through approved merchants large quantities at the guaranteed price and are ready to accept all millable and potentially millable barley that may be offered to them. No further arrangements to meet undertakings under the Agriculture Act are therefore needed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether barley is still being imported into this country?

I hope so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will define the functions of a county pest officer, a fox control officer, an assistant fox control officer and a rodent operative; and whether he will also give the number of such officials employed by his Department throughout the country and the salaries paid to them.

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

Can the Minister at any rate give the cost to the Exchequer and the total number of forms in triplicate, or otherwise, filled up in respect of each fox destroyed by his officials?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that Belgian importers give a written guarantee that horses exported from this country to Belgium are exported for work and not for slaughter, he will investigate the circumstances in which horses disembarked from the s.s. "Aire" at Antwerp on 15th February, 1949, were taken to the Antwerp abattoir and were slaughtered in the presence of a chief inspector of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on 16th February, 1949.