asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of manpower in the mines, he will now approach the Italian Government with a view to recruiting suitable workers from the unemployed in Italy.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 24th May last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the rather negative attitude he is now going to take to get workers with the speech of Mr. Arthur Horner, in which he said that there will be a manpower crisis and that there are not sufficient men in the mines?

It is not for me to answer Mr. Arthur Horner's speech. The position is as I stated then. We are still able to recruit foreign workers from other countries coming out of other industries and bring them into coal mines.

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

The number of working days lost through industrial disputes causing stoppage of work from V.E. day to the end of September, 1949, was approximately 10¼ million. In the corresponding period after 1914–18 war, the number was nearly 170 million.

Do not the figures Oven by the right hon. Gentleman make all the more blameworthy the mess which the Government are making of the economic position?

If it is blameworthy so to arrange industrial conditions in this country to prevent people coming out on strike, we accept the blame.

Could my right hon. Friend say how many inches of space per man-hour lost are being given by the Press compared with the space given after the first war?

How many of these strikes were unofficial? How many hours were taken up purely by unofficial strikes?

That I could not say without notice, and even then it would not be a complete check-up.

Can my right hon. Friend give the corresponding figures for official and unofficial strikes for the same period in the United States?

No, Sir, I could not, but I think they would show a rather startling difference.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two periods are not in any way comparable?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give an estimate of the number of insured workers now entitled to an annual holiday with pay of at least one working week; and whether he can give an estimate of the number so entitled in 1938 to 1939.

It is estimated that about 20 million workers are now entitled to annual holidays with pay of not less than one week. In 1938 the number was about 7¾ million.

Could the Minister tell us who wrote these Questions out for him?

I could not say who wrote them, but I can say who did not write them, and that was me.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that there is some connection between the answer to this Question and the answer to the previous Question?

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that this noticeable evidence of social betterment following from Government policy will be received with great satisfaction by the organised workers of this country?

Can the Minister tell us how much was due to Marshall Aid?

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the increased productivity of the workers of Britain compared with other workers of Europe is in no small way due to the wise policy of private and national enterprise in giving holidays with pay to the workers?

There is no doubt that industrial relationships in this country, which are better than in any other country in the world, do contribute to this end.

asked the Minister of Labour when and in what form he proposes to publish the result of his investigations into Communist activities prior to and during the recent strike at the London Docks.

A history of the events leading up to and during the recent dock strikes has been prepared for the information of the various Departments concerned. I am considering when and in what form it can be given wider circulation.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman on 20th July, and again on 26th July, give an undertaking that this dossier would be published, and will he say what has caused him to change his mind?

I cannot quite understand why the hon. Gentleman thinks I have changed my mind. I said:

"I am considering when and in what form it can be given wider circulation."

Why should the right hon. Gentleman be in any doubt about publishing such statements as he thinks are facts? What is the reason for holding it up, because, if he has something strong against the Communist Party, it surely serves the likes of him to publish it?

I have twice read my answer which is:

"I am considering when and in what form it can be given wider circulation."

In view of the Debate which we had and the remarks made by the right hon. Gentleman, can he now give us any indication when he will be able to make the statement? He will remember that before we adjourned the impression we had was that it would be made very soon.

There has been delay. I have got the document, but it has been necessary to go rather wide to check the information in it. It is my desire that it should be given the widest possible circulation.

asked the Minister of Labour how many building workers were registered as employed in the building trade in England and Wales separately on 1st January in each of the years from 1932–39 and from 1946–49, and the latest available figures; and how many were registered as unemployed on the same dates.

I am having the available information extracted and will send it to my hon. Friend.

Does not this information indicate that there were far more unemployed in the building trade before the war and far more employed since the war, and that if this maximum force of building workers had been employed before the war we should not be in the plight for houses in which we find ourselves today?

I cannot express an opinion on the facts until I have had the information extracted.

Does he think there ought to be any unemployed building workers in view of the Minister's policy?

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many ex-officers and other ranks of the Fighting Services, who are registered as unemployed, are over 40 years of age;

(2) how many ex-officers and other ranks of the Fighting Services were registered as unemployed at the latest convenient date.

I regret that statistics are not available. Persons who have served in His Majesty's Forces are not separately distinguished in the unemployment figures.

How is it that up to about a year ago the right hon. Gentleman was able to give this information, and is there any reason why these men who are suffering considerable hardship and poverty should be forgotten? Has the right hon. Gentleman any views or ideas as to how he is going to render some aid to these men who have served their country so well?

I do not agree that there is a number of men suffering hardship and poverty because they are ex-Service men. The fact is that when men register for employment at the present time we do not ask them, "Have you or have you not been in the Forces?" We treat them all exactly the same, as workers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men, unlike others who were employed in industry during the war, gave us six or seven years of their lives in the Fighting Services? Are they to be forgotten?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman now talks of six or seven years in the Forces. Is it suggested that those who served six or seven years in the Fighting Services should be treated better than those who served, say, three years?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we no longer see them begging in the streets as we did after the first world war?

Could not the liaison officer of the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry provide some answer to this question?

No, Sir. As I have indicated, when men come to sign on at the employment exchange we do not ask them whether they have served in the Forces, and we do not intend to ask them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the tendency of every private enterprise concern was to sack men at 40—"Too old at 40" was a common thing—and that there is nothing to compel them to take them on now? Does the Minister think that they ought to be imposed on nationalised industries when private industry rejects them?

As the Minister has given an unsatisfactory answer and seems to have lost his sympathy with the ex-Service man, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now say when he proposes to withdraw the Control of Engagement Order.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor) on Tuesday, 18th October, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Education whether he has considered the resolution, unanimously adopted by the Representative Board of the British Dental Association, a copy of which has been sent to him, criticising his Department for failure to provide adequate facilities for treatment of oral sepsis among school children; and what improvements he is making in consequence.

asked the Minister of Education whether, following the formation of a Dental Whitley Council, any decision has been reached concerning the salaries of school dentists.

The School Dental Service has been affected by difficulties over the salaries of dentists employed by local authorities. Negotiations are proceeding with a view to the formation of a Dental Whitley Council, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I are hopeful that agreement will soon be reached on its formation. Once this is done, I hope that, with the prospect in view of a salaries settlement, the School Dental Service will be restored to its former efficiency.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the present proportion of school dentists to school children?

No, Sir, not without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is tending to improve or to deteriorate at the present time?

If the hon. Member will put down a Question, I will let him have the figures.

Is it not the case that the Dental Whitley Council has been formed, has already met, and has not yet arrived at a decision?

Will my right hon. Friend consider tying school dentists to their jobs in the same way as miners and agricultural workers are tied to theirs?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland the proportion of dental officers to children is one to 7,800 and can he say whether the figure would be about the same in England?

I should not think so. As the hon and gallant Gentleman knows, my writ does not run in Scotland, and I am hesitant about quoting comparative figures.

asked the Minister of Education, what is the establishment for school dental officers within the northwest Middlesex educational area; and what is its actual strength.

The Authority's proposed establishment for this area is nine full-time officers. At present there is the equivalent of two and a half such officers.

asked the Minister of Education if he will give figures to illustrate the increase or decrease in oral sepsis amongst school children.

I have no separate figures of those dental defects in which oral sepsis is present.

asked the Minister of Education if he will arrange for teachers' pensions to be paid monthly.

The quarterly payment of teachers' pensions is laid down by statute in the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1925, and monthly payment could not be arranged without amending legislation. The adoption of monthly payments would increase substantially the manpower employed and the cost of administering the superannuation Acts.

In view of the fact that practically all Civil Service pensions are paid monthly and war pensions are paid weekly or monthly, and because of the hardship caused to small people waiting for a quarterly payment, will the right. hon. Gentleman put this down in his file for consideration whenever legislation is possible?

Yes, Sir, I will do that.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that six boys were caned by Mr. W. P. Little at the Chamberlayne Road School in July for kissing girls; whether this punishment was in accordance with his regulations; whether the parents were consulted; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I am aware of this incident. The infliction of corporal punishment is not governed by regulations made by me. It is left to local education authorities, who have their own regulations, and to heads of schools. I know of no reason for my intervening in this case.

Did not this incident occur after school hours and outside the school premises on the day before the children were to go for their summer holiday, and does not my right hon. Friend think that the action taken by this master is likely to lead the children to do secretly what they now do naturally and openly and that, in such circumstances, the parents have the right to be consulted in the matter?

I think that every statement of my hon. Friend with regard to what happened makes it quite clear that it is no part of my business to intervene. With regard to an expression of opinion relating to the incident, all I would say is that, in my judgment, I should imagine that the youngsters thought it was worth it.

Surely the real issue is: Was the kissing worth the caning? If we assume that the emotional as to the physical is two to one, then, as the Minister says, the boys have had the best of it. So what is all the fuss about?

Is there not a danger of this deplorable practice leading to oral sepsis?

I do not think so.

asked the Minister of Education whether the fees paid by local education authorities to direct grant schools for free place scholars should include books, stationery, equipment and handicraft lessons.

The approved tuition fees at direct grant schools should cover all the normal expenses of attendance at the schools, including books, stationery and equipment. They would cover handicraft lessons if these formed part of a school's ordinary curriculum.

If I give my right hon. Friend an instance in which the managers of a school collect fees for such items, will he take action?

I do not know, but I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Education what is the percentage of young people leaving school and going to university from secondary modern schools, secondary technical schools, local education authority maintained grammar schools and independent schools, respectively.

The proportion of pupils leaving maintained and assisted secondary grammar schools who proceeded to universities in 1947–48 was 6 per cent.: the proportion of those leaving direct grant schools was 9.5 per cent. As might be expected in view of the normal school leaving age, the percentage from secondary modern and technical schools was negligible. I have no comparable figures for independent schools.

Is it not important that the Minister should try to get information about the percentage of children who leave independent schools and go to universities?

The proportion is still roughly what it used to be, but we hope to see changes.

Does the Minister think that the figures indicate the number of children who are capable of benefiting by a university education?

No, the figures do not relate to the number of children who actually go to universities; they are the number of children who go direct from school. It is fairly obvious that in those circumstances very few would go direct from the secondary modern schools, but many will probably go later on.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what was the amount of the Indian Military Service Family Pension Fund of 1937 when it was transferred to his Department, and what is the amount now; and whether he will make arrangements to publish an Annual Statement of Accounts of the Fund.

£4,811,170 12s. 9d. The amount at the close of the last financial year, 31st March, 1949, is estimated at £4,850,000. The figure is not ascertainable with precision owing to delay in the receipt of certain information from India and Burma. For the same reason the circulation of annual accounts has unfortunately been delayed. I should add that the practice is not to publish these accounts, but to send a copy to each member. Every effort will be made to resume the practice of issuing each year's accounts promptly.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what views have been expressed by the Governments of the Commonwealth countries in regard to the devaluation of the pound sterling.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the public statements made by Ministers in the various Commonwealth countries on behalf of their Governments.

What is not clear is this. Was the Minister permitted by the Chancellor to consult the Governments of the Commonwealth before the announcement was made? If so, how long before?

I think the hon. and gallant Member will realise that information cannot be given about the exchange of views and information between Commonwealth Governments. That practice is very well established. Information was given in this case as early as practicable in the circumstances.

I asked about consultation.

Information about exchanges between Commonwealth Governments cannot be given because they must be confidential in their very nature.

Why does the hon. Member dodge my question? I asked about consultation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the result of his discussions on the subject of the reduction of margins on the sale of utility goods with some of the interests concerned; and whether he intends to take any further action with respect to further such reductions.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Press notice which was issued after my discussions in August with representatives of the manufacturers and distributors concerned. It gives particulars of the reductions in maximum prices and margins for utility clothing, footwear and household textiles which were brought into force on 26th September. Maximum prices and margins for other household goods are under review.

Can the President of the Board of Trade say, as his Press notice with its suave ambiguity does not, whether he succeeded in satisfying the people with whom his discussions took place that he was treating them justly?

If the hon. Member who I noticed engaged himself in some activities on this subject during August, is asking me whether I received full agreement from all the interests concerned in the discussions, the answer is of course, "No, Sir." If I had had to wait until I got agreements we should not have got these reductions probably for two or three years.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I did not ask him whether he had obtained agreement? I asked him whether he satisfied the people concerned that he had treated them justly. Will he answer that question?

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the reductions which were arranged are being observed throughout the country?

I have no evidence of the contrary, but if I receive any such evidence I will naturally look into it.

Will my right hon. Friend give his attention to reducing the margins on non-utility goods as well?

As some of these margins range from 25 per cent. to 50 per cent., does not my right hon. Friend think that some of them are far too high?

Would the right hon. Gentleman give attention to reducing the prices of goods supplied by nationalised industries on the same basis?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he is permitting during September and October imports from the United States of America of 1,200,000 cheap American novelettes and Hollywood romances; and if he will take steps to see that these are re-exported to hard currency areas to ensure that no loss of dollars to this country is entailed.

No licences to import books of fiction from the United States have been granted during the last four months. In some cases, however, orders had been placed with suppliers in the United States under the authority of licences previously issued. It was a condition of such licences that at least 50 per cent. by value of imports must be re-exported.

Since the right hon. Gentleman admits the bulk of the information in the Question, can he say why it is necessary at the present time to import books bearing titles such as "Murder by Marriage," "Love is the Winner," "Miss Dilly says No," "Lady Godiva and Master Tom"?

I have not the same knowledge of this literature as the hon. Gentleman. I have already answered him by saying that no new licences have been issued during the last four months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of the dollar earnings of American films imported into this country in the first 12 months since the introduction of the 45 per cent. film quota; and what information he possesses as to the use to which the balance of such earnings not paid in dollars is being put, or is to be put, in this country.

With effect from June, 1948, the amounts remittable in dollars to America in respect of the earnings of American films imported into this country have been limited by the Film Agreement of 11th March, 1948, to 17 million dollars a year, plus the return of the dollar revenues accruing to British film producers in respect of the net earnings of their films in America. The total amount which would have been so remittable within the last 12 months in the absence of this limitation must have been of the approximate order of 45 million dollars. The balance of unremittable sterling is being or will be applied to the various purposes specified in the Agreement, which in particular include film production within the sterling area.

Does not the President of the Board of Trade think that there is a very serious difference between the 45 million dollars and the actual 17 million dollars which were paid? In the circumstances, will he not review the whole subject urgently. We cannot afford to go on paying dollars to America for films.

The 45 million dollars are those which have been earned by American films in this country and not the amount which has been remitted. It represents a very considerable reduction on figures for previous years.

Is it not a fact that the difference between 45 million dollars and 17 million dollars is being invested in this country, and also that there is a net loss of dollars inasmuch as we have to pay interest on them?

A good deal of this money is being invested in current film production in this country, which I think we should all desire to see.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the increase in the price to be paid for imported American films as a result of devaluation; and, in view of the likely effect on the British film distribution industry, whether he will immediately review the serious position of the production side of the industry so that an adequate number of good British films may be produced to fill the gap.

The Anglo-American Film Agreement of 11th March, 1948, provides for monthly payments to America in respect of the earnings of American films at the predetermined rate of 17 million dollars a year. This arrangement is unaffected by the change in the exchange rate. Inasmuch, however, as these dollar payments will in future absorb more sterling than before, the sterling balances accruing to the film companies in respect of their unremittable earnings will be reduced from now onwards by about £1¾ million a year. As regards the latter part of the Question, I have under constant review the difficult position of British film producers and the need for the highest obtainable output of good British films.

Has the President seen the statement recently made by the National Association of Theatrical and Kine employees, that as a result of devaluation many cinemas in this country may have to close down; and would not he arrange a conference of producers, distributors, exhibitors and trade unionists in order to work out a plan for increasing the quantity, quality and entertainment value of British films to meet this situation?

I have seen the statement referred to, and I do not agree with it in any particular whatsoever. So far as discussions with the industry are concerned I am in constant touch both with the production side and the exhibition and distribution side.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that while his Department follows the civilised and sane policy of encouraging excellent productions, like "The Third Man," the British film industry ultimately will be able to face any competition in the world?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to enter into trade negotiations with the newly established Government of the People's Republic of China.

No steps to enter into trade negotiations with the Communist authorities in China are at present under consideration, nor has any approach on this subject yet been received from them.

But my Question was whether the President of the Board of Trade would make an approach to the Government of China. In view of the need for us to trade with China—in view, for that matter, of the pressure from representatives of the Party opposite to carry out trade with China—perhaps he would give the matter some consideration.

The hon. Gentleman seems to be making some unwarrantable assumptions as to who are the Government of China.

In view of the experiences of British nationals in cities like Tientsin and Peipin, where the present authority has been established a good time, would my right hon. Friend take the necessary steps to promote or establish even ordinary trading methods, which I am sure a good many British nationals would desire to establish in these cities where the Communists have been in power for so long?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total of British exports in 1928, 1929 and 1930 and, of these totals, what was the total amount of exports which went to the present hard currency countries; and, following the suspension of gold payments by the Bank of England in 1931, what were the total exports for 1932, 1933 and 1934 and, of these totals, what was the total of exports which went to the present hard currency countries.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the Minister state whether the statistics which he proposes to circulate will be shown in pounds sterling or tonnages, or both?

I have the figures here and I shall be able to circulate them in pounds sterling. It would be quite impossible to show figures of this kind in tonnages, because of the different denominations involved.

May I ask the Minister if the figures issued will show comparable figures for imports covering the period referred to in the Question?

The Question asked for the exports. If my hon. Friend will put down a Question on the imports I shall be glad to give him the figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will direct the Monopolies Commission to investigate and report on the refining of sugar.

The Monopolies Commission is at work on the six cases referred to them in March, and is not yet ready to undertake further work. I cannot anticipate the choice of subjects for future references.

Well then, was not it bootless for the President to make a speech accusing the sugar industry of being a harmful monopoly unless he was prepared straight away to refer this matter to the Commission?

The phrase I used was that it was a monopoly—I should not have thought that fact was in any dispute—as defined under the Monopolies Act, of which I am sure the hon. Gentleman has seen a copy. I did not use the phrase that it was a harmful monopoly.

Does the President deny that he said that in view of the fact that it was a monopoly in which one of the people's basic foodstuffs was concerned, the sugar industry should be entrusted to the representatives of the people?

That seems to be a very different thing from the statement just attributed to me by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in establishing a development council for the pottery industry; and what is the cause of the recent delay.

I met representatives of the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation last week to discuss with them proposals which had been put to both sides of the industry in an attempt to reach an agreed solution to this problem. I have since been in touch with the National Society of Pottery Workers and hope that it will shortly be possible to announce a decision.

In view of the need to get the co-operation of both sides of the industry, and the efforts at compromise which have been made, and all the delay already incurred, can we have a firm undertaking that a decision will be reached very soon?

Yes, Sir. I am conscious of the very long delay, due to my efforts to get the co-operation of both sides of the industry. This delay cannot drag on any longer, and following a meeting now being arranged with both sides of the industry I think that all parties will agree that we must come to a decision immediately after it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why an estimated crowd of 4,000 men was permitted to block Throgmorton Street on Monday, 19th September; what prosecutions are pending for obstruction; and why the police failed to take effective steps to deal with the situation.

I have no direct responsibility for police arrangements in the City of London, but, in reply to inquiries made of him the Commissioner of Police for the City informs me that the crowd at its peak did not exceed 1,500 persons including sightseers and caused no serious inconvenience to the general public. The Commissioner informs me that the situation did not call for any drastic action by the police who, in his view, carried out their duties adequately, and that no prosecutions are pending for obstruction.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that his reply will cause great disappointment to millions of workers who will naturally feel that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor? Will he consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to endeavouring to collect, in additional taxation on the ill-gotten gains they made that day, what we think ought to have been collected in the police court?

I cannot help thinking that it is impossible for me to do other than get the information from the Commissioner of Police. I have no power to instruct him, and I have given the House faithfully the reply he gave to me.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many representatives of the Bank of England were in this crowd?

Would not the Home Secretary have been rather amazed if the Commissioner of Police had made any other statement than that? Does not he consider the diversion of traffic something in the nature of an inconvenience to people who desired to use this street?

No, Sir. I have every confidence in the Commissioner of Police for the City of London to give me truthful replies to the questions put to him.

As the effect of the law on that day is understood to be that the Stock Exchange should be closed, would not it have been a good thing in the administration of the law that it should in fact have remained closed?

As I understand it the Stock Exchange was closed, but certain people, some of whom I understand normally do business inside the Stock Exchange, met outside. If there was any infraction of the law it was not an infraction of the law which I am called upon to deal with.

Would my right hon. Friend ask the Commissioner of Police, if in his opinion 1,500 people collected on the corner of the street caused no obstruction or inconvenience to anybody, what is the limit to the number of people on the corner of the street which, in his opinion, would cause some inconvenience?

I am quite sure my hon. Friend is aware that the question of fact whether there is an obstruction or not is a matter for the court and not for an officer of police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many violent attacks upon Jewish people have been made in the past 12 months in the Metropolitan Police area; in how many cases arrests have been made; and how many persons proved guilty of these attacks were under 21 years of age.

I am informed that out of a total of 866 violent assaults in the Metropolitan police district during the 12 months ended 8th October, 55 were made upon people believed to be Jews. Arrests were made in 33 of these cases. Nine of the persons proved guilty were under 21 years of age.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any attempt is being made to discover any persons responsible for inciting these young people to commit these offences?

I am very gravely concerned about these assaults, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the police are very active in trying to ascertain not merely the people who commit assaults, but people who may have incited the committal of the assaults.

In view of the continuing number of these incidents, particularly in the Hackney area, will the Home Secretary consider putting on some more plain clothes police to watch that district?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the police, having regard to their manpower, do everything they can with both uniformed and plain clothes men to deal with the matter.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to the recent statement by a newspaper reporter, contained in a letter in the "New Statesman and Nation," that he observed partiality on the part of the police in favour of these attackers and against the victim on one occasion? Has my right hon. Friend any statement to make in connection with the matter?

Yes, Sir, my attention was drawn to the letter, which was signed with a nom de plume. I have informed the Editor of the "New Statesman" that if the writer of the letter will tell me of the date, time and place at which the incidents he says occurred were witnessed by him I will cause a judicial inquiry to be held into the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any arrests have been made of the persons who assaulted Mr. and Mrs. Langley on the night of 4th October; and what inquiries have been made of the owner of the green Austin van which was in the vicinity at the time of the assault.

The hon. Member is no doubt referring to an alleged assault on a Mr. and Mrs. Ottolangui; no arrest has yet been made but police inquiries are continuing. It is not in the public interest to give details of the steps which the police take to investigate offences.

Will the Minister say why he used the words "alleged assault"? Is it not the case that Mrs. Langley was treated in hospital for her injuries and that the police who actually arrived on the scene made no real attempt to pursue those who had assaulted Mr. Langley's wife; nor was any attempt made to locate the van from which the signal came for the attack?

I used the words "alleged assault" because no assault has yet been proved. With regard to the action of the police, I believe that they took every effort which they possibly could to find the offenders and that they are still continuing their efforts.

Is it not the case that the police appeared on the scene, the offenders ran off, and the police made no serious attempt to capture them?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police have made any progress in apprehending the assailants, in the case reported by the bus conductor to the Dalston police station, of the persons who stopped the 35 bus at Homerton, Hackney, entered it, attacked a man and were able to leave the bus without any police arriving on the scene.

No, Sir. I am informed that neither the police nor, so far as the police know, the parties concerned intend to prosecute charges of assault arising out of this incident; there is some conflict of evidence. Police inquiries are however, continuing with a view to other charges being brought.

Is it not a very serious situation that a bus can be stopped, a gang get on to it, make an assault, get off, and the bus go on, and for it to seem as if the police are not concerned about the matter at all?

This incident arose after a meeting which was held about one mile from the place where the assault occurred, and no notice was given to the police by the promoters of the meeting that they intended to hold the meeting.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if the police refrained from prosecution in every case where there was a conflict of evidence, most of our criminal courts could close down now, and will he further bear in mind that, unfortunate and unjustified as it may turn out to be, in fact most of the people living in the East End of London have lost all confidence in the willingness of the police to protect them?

I cannot accept the imputation in the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question. The police have to discharge a very difficult duty in the East End of London, and, having very carefully investigated the various complaints that have been made, they carry my complete confidence. The police would have been helped on this occasion had the promoters of the meeting, which was the cause of the gathering of the people, intimated to them that a meeting was to be held.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the establishment of police in the Metropolitan area; and what is the present strength.

The male establishment is 19,747 and the present strength (excluding men seconded or serving overseas) is 15,414. The corresponding numbers for women police are 338 and 249.

While those figures appear to show a welcome improvement, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the rate of intake?

No, Sir, I am not, but I am glad to say that for the country as a whole August and September of this year were the best months for recruitment to the police force for a very long time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that automatic slot machines for the sale of contraceptives are placed outside cinemas in certain areas of Greater London, in Kent and in Surrey; and what steps he is taking to draw local authorities' attention to the urgent need of counteracting the danger to the health of our people contained in this open invitation to juveniles to indulge in indiscriminate sexual intercourse.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to draw the attention of local authorities to the dangers likely to result from the sale of contraceptives from automatic slot machines.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that automatic slot machines for the sale of contraceptives have been set up in the streets of Brighton; and whether he has communicated with the local authority on the possibility of such machines doing harm to the youth of the borough.

May I raise one point with you, Mr. Speaker, on a matter of procedure on my Question? This Question was put to the Minister of Health, because the Clerks at the Table informed me a fortnight ago that they found themselves unable to accept a Question of mine on the same matter to the Home Secretary. Now it has been referred by the Minister of Health to the Home Secretary. I do not object to that, because I consider the Home Secretary the proper person to reply to it, but had I been allowed to frame my Question to the Home Secretary it would have been in a form very different from that in which it appears.

May I say to the hon. Gentleman that I did not try to evade answering the Question? The moment it reached my office I considered the reply that should be given.

Yes, Sir. I have given the most careful consideration to this question, and I have come to the conclusion that the social mischiefs involved are so serious as to require immediate action. I have accordingly given instructions for a model by-law to be drafted prohibiting the sale of contraceptives by means of automatic machines. This model by-law will be circulated to all county and borough councils for their consideration, and, if adopted, will be subject to confirmation by me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole nation will be relieved at the attitude which he has now adopted on this issue? I am not sure in my own mind without reflection whether he is dealing with it quite on a national basis in a form which he might possibly adopt. I should like to ask him this question. How soon does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that this procedure will be completed, in view of the fact that the exhibition of these contraceptive machines is extending rapidly all over the United Kingdom at the present time, and is a very grave evil?

I shall see that this procedure is carried through with the greatest expedition, and I cannot help but think that the reception given by the House today to this question will be an indication to the people who have been engaged in this particular activity of the state of the public conscience in the matter.

While we entirely agree with what the right hon. Gentleman has said—warmly agree—may I ask him this question? I am not quite clear why he will proceed by way of a model by-law and not by legislation. Will not that be optional? Why does the right hon. Gentleman prefer that procedure?

It will be noticed that two of the three Questions that I have answered suggest that it is a matter for some local concern. My own view is that we should have to make arrangements for enforcement by some local means, and that, therefore, to secure the active consent and approval of the local authority concerned would probably be a very good way of ensuring that the law will be enforced. I am quite sure the House will agree that we do not want, whether by way of legislation or by by-law, merely to pass some words, and that we want to be quite certain that the by-law or the law will be effective.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that legislation would be preferable, and that he can rely upon all local authorities to see that the law is obeyed? But, in any case, can he tell us when this model by-law will be made public, because in view of the interest aroused in this matter the public should be assured that it is likely to be effective?

I will do my best. There are, I may say, some difficulties about drafting, whether it is a law or a by-law, but I can assure the House that, from the moment my attention was drawn to the matter, I have lost no time in trying to do something effective.

Since one of the main purposes of installing these machines was to try them out with a view to marketing them to gain dollars for us, will my right hon. Friend enter into consultation with the President of the Board of Trade or the Minister of Supply to look into the whole matter, because that is equally important?

No, Sir. These are not special machines that are manufactured for this purpose only. If a receptacle of the same size is used these machines can be used for other purposes, and a coin of the same weight will work them. There are no special machines for this purpose. What we are proposing to do is to prohibit the sale of contraceptives from the machines.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why new London taxi-cabs have no roof luggage rails.

Roof guard rails are required on taxis only where it is intended to carry luggage on the roof. As luggage is now more usually accommodated on the platform, the fitting of roof rails is largely discontinued on new cabs.

But is not the Home Secretary aware that there is happily an increasing number of families who wish to put their perambulators on top of taxis? Would it not, therefore, be desirable that the taxis in future should have these luggage rails?

This matter was under consideration when the conditions of fitness were last reviewed, and there was no unanimity in the trade, and it was then agreed that the requirement to fix roof rails should remain optional. I have no doubt that if there is a change in custom there will be a change in the attitude of the trade, and of the committee which deals with it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation in the lifetime of the present Parliament to facilitate the reciprocal enforcement of orders for aliment and maintenance in England and Scotland.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I hope that it will be possible to introduce legislation on this subject before long, but I am sorry that I cannot give an undertaking in the sense suggested.

asked the Minister of Health what is the current average lapse of time between testing eyesight and provision of spectacles under the National Health Service.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of applicants for optical glasses on the waiting lists all over the United Kingdom on 1st September, 1949; the number who have been waiting for over six months on that date; and whether he will state the number of applications during the years ending 1st September, 1948 and 1949, respectively.

I regret that information is not available in the precise form requested, but about 3 million pairs of spectacles were on order on 1st September, 1949. There are still delays in supply of anything up to six months or so, but by no means all cases take as long as that and better supplies are improving the position steadily. The number of spectacles ordered in the two years ended 1st September, 1948, and 1949 were, respectively, 4.5 millions and 9.9 millions.

Is the Minister aware that I have sent to his Department a number of cases in which the interval was over nine months and in some cases over 12 months, and where the lenses required were not of an unusual type? Does he consider that such a delay is either necessary or justified?

There is, of course, considerable variation in the amount of delay involved in individual cases. I know, for example, of cases where spectacles have been forthcoming in a few weeks. All that I can say is that the amount of delay is rapidly decreasing, the supply is now in excess of the demand, and we are now eating into the arrears.

While recognising that there must inevitably be some delay, has my right hon. Friend made any progress in the universal establishment of a system of priority for the provision of spectacles when urgently needed?

As I have explained before to the House, it is extremely difficult to have a system of priorities which would not actually clutter up the whole system. The opticians have been asked to give consideration always to urgent cases, and in many cases they have done so.

Can the Minister inform the House of the percentage of spectacle lenses exported?

So far as I know, there may be some prestige exports, but actually over 3 million pairs of lenses have been imported.

Can the Minister say how many pairs of spectacles were supplied during the two years to which he has referred?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the issue of a special badge to be worn by blood donors.

The issue of badges to blood donors who fulfil the qualifying conditions has already been approved by the King and I hope that it will be possible to make the first presentations in the early part of next year.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these badges will be retrospective in effect, in the sense that previous donors will qualify?

Nearly 20,000 badges have been ordered and tenders have been invited for another order of the same size, so I understand that some of them will at least be retrospective.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the setting up of a blood donors' establishment in the Palace of Westminster, both for the necessary purpose of blood-letting among Members of Parliament and of setting a good example to the country?

asked the Minister of Health what total sum of money was owing to chemists throughout Britain under the National Health scheme as at 30th September, 1949; and how far it is still the practice to settle accounts on a monthly basis.

It is impracticable at present to price prescriptions in time for a full monthly settlement but chemists are paid on account on a monthly basis. The total amount oustanding at the 30th September in respect of prescriptions dispensed in England and Wales to 31st August, 1949, is estimated at about £1½ million which is less than the total value of one month's prescriptions.