asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he can give an estimate of the amount of agricultural land which it will be necessary to use during the next decade if the present plans for the building of schools, new towns, special roads and other non-agricultural activities are brought into effect as planned.

On the information at present available it is impracticable to make an estimate of the kind desired. Some assessment of the amount of agricultural land likely to be used for other purposes may be possible when local planning authorities have submitted their development plans under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he will bear in mind that as priorities pile up under the present administration it becomes urgently necessary to conserve every possible yard of ground for food production?

That, of course, is always urgently necessary, and I will constantly bear it in mind.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he is now able to make a further statement with regard to the proposed new town at Congleton.

No, Sir. Investigations are still in progress to determine the suitability of the area, both from the point of view of geology and water supply. A further statement will be made when these investigations have been completed, but it is now clear that they must take some time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the cuts announced by the Prime Minister yesterday will have any bearing on the construction of die new towns, and will he give some indication of what the tests have so far borne out?

In reply to the first point, "No." The new towns are proceeding, subject, of course, to the general reduction in the number of houses. On the second point, there is no evidence of salt so far as we have gone, but we want to make further borings.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the comprehensive plan for the North Staffordshire area has been published and, if that has any bearing on Congleton, will he bear it in mind?

Certainly.

Will my right hon. Friend keep in touch with the rural authorities, such as Biddulph and others in the district, before any definite agreements are made on this point?

Before any definite steps are taken, I am bound by statute to consult the local authorities who appear to be concerned.

My information is that some of them are dissatisfied.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what action has been taken by his Department to find a suitable site for the proposed engineering workshop of Messrs. F. H. Burgess, Ltd., in Ormskirk, Lancashire, about which negotiations have been going on since July, 1948.

There was never any question of the Department finding a site. This was a matter for the local planning authority. They have tried and failed to find a suitable site and the matter has now come to appeal. I am therefore holding a local inquiry on 15th November next.

Is the Minister aware that this Stafford firm acquired a site in Ormskirk before 1948 with the planning consent of the Ormskirk Council and that there has been deadlock over the question for more than 12 months owing to the obstructive attitude of the Lancashire County Planning Committee? Will he do something to get a move on so that this work may be provided in Lancashire?

I cannot, of course, accept my hon. Friend's statement as to the attitude of the local authority, but I am getting a move on by holding the local inquiry on 15th November.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, arising out of his recent interview with the deputation interested in the matter, he has yet examined the question of his power to reconsider the permission to carry quarrying over the crest of Dulcote Hill.

Yes, Sir. My decision is final. It can only be revoked if the circumstances set out in Sections 21 and 100 of the 1947 Act arise, and I am satisfied that these have not arisen.

Is not the Minister aware that, in point of fact, this decision was taken under the impression that there was a unique value in this particular limestone, and that it now turns out not to be so?

There have been no new circumstances at all. The facts which the hon. Member states were brought out fully at the inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread distress caused at home and abroad by this threat to the beauty of Wells and its surroundings; and, if he has no power under the existing Act, will he introduce immediate legislation to prevent this disaster?

I am not aware of the widespread distress which the hon. and learned Member says this decision has caused; indeed, my information is quite to the contrary.

Will the Minister look at this again, because there is undoubtedly a considerable feeling among people who have taste and who dislike vandalism. If this quarry is allowed to proceed the setting of one of the choicest mediæval shrines in this country will be adversely affected. I really want to press the Minister on this.

The hon. Member can press, of course, but he is making an ex parte statement which is very exaggerated and all of which was fully brought out at the inquiry.

Has the right hon. Gentleman visited Wells personally?

I cannot. I get 400 appeals a month and I cannot visit every area, but my inspector, in whom I have complete confidence, has visited the area and has given me a full statement of the position with maps, pictures and diagrams.

Surely the Minister is aware that Wells is one of the six most beautiful towns in England? Surely he will spare the time to visit it?

I know Wells, of course, and I am quite aware of its beauty. I did not go down particularly for this appeal.

People who have no taste like to look at this quarry.

Has the Minister looked into the possibility of this quarrying being carried out in the Mendips and the necessary material coming from those hills, by abandoning this project altogether?

I have looked into the question of an alternative site, but I am quite satisfied that wherever one goes there will be objections like the one made by hon. Members today.

In view of the reply I beg to give notice that I shall raise the subject on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what are the aggregate amounts of claims of specified sums for loss of development rights in respect of properties in England and Wales and in Scotland, respectively.

The great proportion of the 900,000-odd claims received have already been distributed all over the country to valuation offices for assessment, and the value of the information asked for would not justify the dislocation and cost involved in recalling and summarising them to obtain it.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will review the ruling of his department that persons casually employed by local authorities in the preparation of electoral lists are self-employed or non-employed persons, in view of the hardship this ruling has caused.

Yes, Sir. I intend shortly to put before the National Insurance Advisory Committee proposals for amending the National Insurance Classification Regulations on this point.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that when a child is sent to an approved school, its parents, though thereby excluded from receiving any family allowance, may nevertheless be called upon to contribute to its maintenance while away from home and have to bear the cost of such maintenance while the child is on holiday and, in view of the hardship thus entailed, whether he will amend his regulations to enable such parents to receive the benefit of the family allowances scheme.

The rule to which the hon. Member refers is laid down in the Family Allowances Act itself. The parent's contribution is fixed by the Court in relation to his means and in fixing it the Court would take note of the fact that he would not get an allowance for the child in such a case. As regards holidays, I understand that the parent's contribution is usually remitted while the child is at home.

Will my right hon. Friend answer the part of the Question which suggests that he should alter the rule which, in these cases, obviously defeats the very purpose of the family allowances scheme? If he will not give way on this and will not allow the scheme to work for these unhappy families, will he not approach the Home Office with the object of seeing that parents who are denied family allowances do not have to contribute to the maintenance of their children?

It is not a rule; it is a provision in the Act itself and it could not, therefore, be changed without legislation.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what has been the percentage increase in claims for sick benefits in the first year of the scheme as compared with the year earlier.

I regret that I cannot give the figure asked for as the total number of sickness benefit claims made in any year under the old scheme was not known. The comparison would in any case be misleading as many more people are covered by the new Act.

Does the Minister mean to suggest that there would be nothing scandalous in the comparison provided by the figures, if they were available? Is he not aware that the great majority of the people of the country are fully aware that if the figures were available they would be most scandalous and that that statement has been supported by several hon. Members opposite in debate? May I ask the Minister what steps the Government propose to take to stop a minority of the people from exploiting their fellow countrymen in this way?

I do not think the statement should go out unchallenged that the administration is scandalous. It is nothing of the kind. The Question asked whether comparisons could be given with the old scheme. I have stated the reasons why they cannot be given.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the whole purpose of the Government's policy for the past four years has been precisely to prevent a minority of the people from exploiting the rest?

asked the Minister of National Insurance what was the number of doubtful claims for sickness benefit referred to the regional medical officers in the past 12 months as compared with the previous 12 months.

The number of cases in which claimants to sickness benefit were referred to regional medical officers for second medical opinions in the 12 months ended 30th September, 1949, was 202,188. The number for the previous 12 months was 75,189.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware of the anxiety caused by the Form C.F.41 which he has sent out to certain classes of insured persons and which provides for loss of benefit unless former voluntary contributors maintain an unbroken contributory record; and whether he will in future simply define the advantages to the contributors and leave the payment of arrears to their own discretion.

The document in question does not specifically require payment of arrears and I was not aware that it had given rise to anxiety. So far as future statements are concerned the point will not arise as they will relate to contributions under the new Act, none of which are on a voluntary basis.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware of the hardship caused to many insurance contributors who find that they are not entitled to sickness or maternity benefit, owing to the fact that they have been placed in Groups C or D and therefore that their contribution year and benefit year differs from contributors placed by chance in Groups A or B, despite the fact that since 5th July, 1948, they have paid identical insurance contributions and whether he is prepared to re-consider this matter.

I understand that the hon. and gallant Member has in mind persons who were in arrears under the old scheme. For a limited period the sickness and maternity benefits of such people will differ according to the group in which they are placed for the purposes of the new scheme. This is an unavoidable result of the arrangements which had to be made to bring the new scheme into force, and I regret that I cannot undertake to re-open the matter.

I am dealing with the new entrants into the scheme, not those in arrears before. If any administrative difficulties arise would it not be possible for the contributor in the C or D groups to send in his partly stamped card with a claim for benefit, because he has paid the same and his card is not in the Ministry? It seems very unfair, because he is put into a different group simply by chance, that he should lose his benefits.

I was not aware that there were any difficulties in connection with new entrants. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me any specific cases he has in mind I shall be only too pleased to look into them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have referred two cases to the Minister, and that he is dealing with them. I believe, at the moment?

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many disabled ex-Service men employed as temporary clerks in the Central Pensions Branch of the Ministry of National Insurance, Grassmarket, Edinburgh, have received notices to terminate their employment on account of redundancy; and how many part-time female temporary clerks are employed in the same office and have not received similar notices to terminate their employment on account of redundancy.

No final notices have been given but preliminary warnings of probable redundancy have been given in a number of cases. Three of those affected have claimed to be disabled ex-Service men and their cases are being investigated. Two part-time women clerks who are senior in service to these men are employed in this office.

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary think it is wrong in principle that ex-Service men, particularly those who are disabled, should be discharged while part-time female clerks are retained?

First of all, these men have been given only preliminary notice of a possible redundancy. The second point in the Question is answered by the fact that the redundancy is dealt with under an agreement which is arranged at national level with the staff associations concerned.

Should not the agreement be revised to prevent this sort of thing happening?

That is a matter for the staff association.

In localities where there is redundancy is it taken into account whether there are female employees who could be discharged before the ex-Service men are discharged?

The whole question of redundancy is a matter which has been agreed nationally by the staff associations concerned, and, therefore, it is our duty to ensure that those agreements are maintained.

Is the Minister aware that local branches of the staff associations are complaining about the way in which this matter is being handled at the present time? Would he make certain that the ex-Service men are not prejudiced by the retention of those who, according to the staff associations have less claim to be retained?

Before discharging seriously disabled people, whether they are ex-Service men or not, serious consideration is given to them. So far as the staff association is concerned, they have their own machinery which, I think, should be used in these cases.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many centres there are in Bristol where appeals for supplementary allowances are heard; and if he will consider establishing more of these in order to save aged people the trouble of travelling many miles across the city to state their case.

Appeals by applicants for assistance grants are heard in one centre at Bristol. The centre is well served by public transport, the cost of which is refunded to persons attending. As the number of appeals considered by the Tribunal during the past six months averaged less than three a week, and elderly appellants and others may, if they wish, be represented or accompanied by a friend, the National Assistance Board do not consider that the provision of other appeal centres would be justified at present.

Is the Minister aware that at the time of the introduction of the National Insurance scheme there were 12 centres in Bristol to which the old people could go to make their appeals? It is not a question of expense but of the difficulties of those people travelling across the city six or seven miles.

The matter is, of course, appreciated, but I am sure that my hon. Friend recognises that there are grave difficulties in securing premises in Bristol, and that the National Assistance Board have made what they feel are the best arrangements in the circumstances. If my hon. Friend would wish to discuss it further with me I should be only too pleased to do so.

Would my hon. Friend consider making it a moveable committee covering various parts of the city? That would obviate the difficulty of the old age pensioners who have to travel those long distances.

That would not overcome the difficulty of getting suitable premises.

asked the Minister of National Insurance, how many people are insurable under the National Insurance Act; how many such persons were insured during each of the four weeks in August; what steps are being taken to trace those who are evading paying contributions; and in how many cases legal proceedings have been taken and with what result.

The total number of persons insurable under the National Insurance Acts is estimated to be about 24½ million, but it is not possible to say how many are insured in a particular week. All practicable steps are taken through the Department's inspectorate and local office machinery to secure compliance by persons liable to pay contributions. Since July, 1948, legal proceedings for noncompliance have been taken in about 500 cases, and convictions have been secured in practically all cases.

Is it not a most strange state of affairs that there is no machinery for checking on the large scale evasions which are taking place? Could the Parliamentary Secretary confirm that the loss to the Exchequer annually is in the neighbourhood of £100,000?

Of course, there is machinery for checking these matters. The machinery, I think, is working very well.

No.

So far as the self-employed and non-employed people are concerned,—those who are mostly concerned in this matter—they have been co-operating very well with the Department.

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind as specially important in these cases, the point that where men are separated from their wives, the wives may find, on the death of their husbands, that they have lost their entitlement to widows' pensions because the duty to pay contributions has not been enforced?

Of course, that is an entirely different matter.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that an official of his Department at Slough recently cross-questioned an applicant for sick benefit, whose name and address have been supplied to the Minister, as to why, in certain circumstances, he employed the services of a private doctor, and what fee had been paid; and whether he will issue instructions that this interference into the rights of the private citizen shall cease forthwith.

I am looking into this matter, and I will write to the hon. Member when my inquiries are complete.

Yes, but would not the hon. Gentleman agree that this is highly reprehensible conduct, that one of the officials of his Department should cross-question an applicant as to whether he had employed the services of a private doctor, and should try to persuade him not to do so? Surely an individual should be left freely to choose a doctor from inside the scheme or outside, as he wishes?

Any practice of this kind contained in the allegation would, of course, be entirely unauthorised, but I should like to make further investigations before making any further comment.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what was the number of persons receiving public assistance in the months of August, 1949, and August, 1948, respectively; and the total amounts paid in each of these months.

The number of applicants in receipt of regular grants of national assistance was 1,107,199 at the end of August, 1949, and 898,690 at the end of August, 1948; the total amount paid was about £3,835,000 in August, 1949, and £3,370,000 in August, 1948.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, with a view to preventing a recurrence of trouble in the docks, he will consider the appointment of a committee to make recommendations on the composition, powers and duties of the National Dock Labour Board.

No, Sir. The recent troubles at the docks arose over matters unconnected with the Decasualisation Scheme.

In view of the fact that the trouble in the docks has been more widespread than that in any other major industry, and that investigation into the Dock Labour Board could not be carried on when tempers were high, would it not be a wise precautionary measure to proceed now, when tempers are calm and the men are back at work?

I see no reason for investigating the conduct of the National Dock Labour Board.

Is not the number of days lost in strikes in the docks now, less under the Dock Labour Corporation than in any other period of its history?

Is not this matter one which should come from the trade unions and not Members of Parliament?

Would the Minister take note that the trouble in this industry has largely been caused by the interference of those not connected with it?

I thought I made it clear that I can see no reason for questioning the conduct of the National Dock Labour Board.

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers are covered by agreements providing for automatic increases in wages or other remuneration in the event of a rise in the cost of living.

About 1½ million.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the policy of the Government with regard to the continuance or non-continuance of these agreements in present circumstances, and can he indicate whether he is taking any initiative in the matter?

I think that that is quite another question. If the hon. Gentleman will put it down I shall try to give him an answer.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to check the decline in manpower in the coal industry.

The decline in manpower in the coal industry is due to increased wastage rather than to a decrease in recruitment. My Department is continuing to do everything in its power both to encourage recruitment to the industry and to prevent the loss of workers who can make a useful contribution to coal production.

Is it not a fact that none of the target figures in the last three Economic Surveys that proposed an increase in this industry's manpower has been reached, and that a decrease has now set in? Does that not arouse in the right hon. Gentleman's mind the possibility that his system of a ring fence round this industry is thoroughly unsound?

No, Sir, I think it rather proves the contrary. [Laughter.] I will amend that. I am sure it rather proves the contrary. So far as wastage is concerned—"wastage" is not a good word—it is due to men leaving the industry, but there is not the need for the number that was anticipated because of the increasing use of mechanical devices, which are taking the places of men.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that the Control of Engagement Order, therefore, is now a permanent part of Socialist policy?

It does not mean anything of the sort.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Scotland the question of manpower in the mines is closely related to the question of housing in the mining areas? Will he look into the whole question of the shortage of building labour in Scotland to make sure that the people who work at the mines have somewhere to live?

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that this ring fence round the industry is not, in his opinion, deterring men in any circumstances from entering the industry?

I said I am quite sure in my own mind that it is having no deterrent effect in the industry.

Will my hon. Friend assure the House that if any young Tory Members want to work in the mines they will find no obstacles in their way?

Does the supplementary answer to my supplementary question indicate that the right hon. Gentleman is dissatisfied with this decline in the manpower of this industry, and if it does not, can he tell the House what steps he is taking to arrest it?

The hon. Member must not put a question which can be answered both ways at once. The answer which I have given is that we do not consider the declining manpower to be so serious in view of its relation to the increase in mechanisation.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the average weekly earnings for the last pay week in April, 1949, for the same Scottish industries as are provided on page 300 of the September issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for the United Kingdom.

These figures are not very readily available, but I will send the hon. Member information relating to the more important industries in the course of a few days.

In view of the fact that all the material required to provide this survey for the United Kingdom ought also to be available for Scotland, if it is to be a true picture, will my right hon. Friend not try to give the information asked for in the Question?

That is exactly what I have said. I will get the information and send it to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of Slate for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that many chemists in Edinburgh are being faced with serious financial difficulties owing to the long delay in the settlement of their accounts for services rendered under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, 1947; and what steps he is taking to expedite settlement of these outstanding claims;

Substantial monthly payments to account have been made to all chemists, at rates which have recently been increased with retrospective effect. An abbreviated system of pricing, designed to produce a quicker final settlement, is now being put into operation; and its continuance is being discussed with representatives of the Scottish chemists.

Is the Secretary of State aware that much of the delay takes place in the price checking bureau in Glasgow, and will he look into that point? Will he also make an additional interim payment as an emergency measure in those cases where there are long-standing claims to be settled?

Under the new scheme there has been a very large number of prescriptions compared with what had been anticipated. To deal with them under the old system would have required a very big increase of staff, and we are reluctant to add to the staff. What we have done is to negotiate with the chemists to have a new agreement, as a simplified final arrangement, which will enable us to meet practically 90 per cent. of the claims of the chemists within one week of the claims being sent in.

Is the Secretary or State aware that a week or two ago there were many claims all over Scotland from chemists who had received no payment for four, five or six months, and that in the effort to clear some of the back claims proposals were made which, if accepted, would mean that chemists were asked to take much less then they expected when the scheme first started?

Not at all. That is not the case. In any case, I do not think that the chemists can complain of their remuneration.

Can the Minister say what he intends to do about back claims and how soon he intends to clear off these arrears?

Substantial payments have been made, and we are dealing with the claims as quickly as possible. We are certainly not going to increase the staff to clear up the back claims, but we will do our best in all the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what stage has been reached in his inquiry into the right of the Dean of Guild and Deacon Convenor to sit as members of Glasgow Corporation and similar offices, where they obtain, in the large Scottish burghs.

I have now obtained comprehensive information and this is being considered.

Is it not a fact that the Secretary of State did not promise to inquire into the right of the Dean of Guild, and the right does not arise; and, therefore, the Question itself is wrong?

Whatever is the hon. and gallant Gentleman's memory in regard to this matter, the Secretary of State is inquiring into the whole question of the Dean of Guild.

In view of the fact that the Question has been submitted to and accepted by the Table, how can the Question be wrong?

It is not within my power to say whether a Question is right or wrong, but it is in Order if it has been accepted by the Table.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what approximate acreage will rank for ploughing subsidy in Scotland for autumn, 1949.

I have no means of knowing what acreage will rank for ploughing grant until all the claims for grant have been submitted and examined. For purposes of estimate it was assumed that about half the acreage of last year would qualify.

In that case, can the Minister say what the figure amounts to?

We estimated that 180,000 acres would be ploughed up after the 1949 harvest by 31st December.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reports he has received recently regarding the conditions of grazing on grasslands that are now to be ploughed in order to rank for subsidy by 31st December, 1949.

It has been reported to me that owing to the recent favourable weather grazing conditions in Scotland are generally very satisfactory.

Will the Secretary of State reconsider his answer of last week that he would not amend the Statute to enable him to pay the ploughing subsidy after 31st December, in view of the loss that will be caused at this time to National economy if we plough in good grain?

No, Sir. The decision was made two years ago, and everyone in the farming community knew that the ploughing subsidy would come to an end on 31st December. That was taken into account when prices were settled in February of this year, and, therefore, it is a matter for the farmer's own discretion how he deals with the land in these circumstances.

Would not the Secretary of State reconsider this? Does he not wish to have as much land as possible ploughed up with a view to the 1950 crop, and should not the datum line be that it is completed in time to plant that crop?

It is essential that the ploughing should be done before 31st December.

The farmers cannot do it.

With regard to the question of increasing the subsidy, because that is what it means, I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the statement made yesterday by the Prime Minister.

Was the Secretary of State aware two years ago of the very favourable grazing conditions that would exist this autumn?

Conditions vary in different parts of the country. In some places the ground is too hard and in other places it is too soft. So far as I know, these variabilities have existed in every season in our history.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of retired schoolteachers who are in receipt of pensions from his Department; the average amount per annum of such pensions; and the number of full-time and part-time persons who are employed in completing the quarterly remittance forms.

The number of retired teachers in receipt of pensions from my Department is 8,696, and the average amount per annum of such pensions is £150. Two clerks are directly employed full-time and two comptometer workers part-time on the relative accounting work. I understand that, in addition, seven members of the staff of His Majesty's Paymaster-General are employed full-time in paying the pensions, and one full-time and one part-time in auxiliary banking services.

In view of the fact that his answer reveals that there is a mere bagatelle of persons engaged in paying these pensions, why did the right hon. Gentleman tell the House last week that manpower difficulties prevented these quarterly pensions being paid monthly to men who are getting only £150 per annum, and who need the money?

If the hon. Gentleman will refresh his memory as to the Prime Minister's statement yesterday he will see that cutting down Government manpower is one of the essential economies that we are intending to carry out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish a summary showing the reforms instituted in the Army since the end of the war affecting pay, status, conditions of service, and amenities at home and abroad.

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a summary of the more important reforms that have been instituted in the Army since the end of the war.

Would the right hon. Gentleman state those reforms which are claimed to be beneficial, or alternatively explain why those reforms have not led to the number of recruits, both officers and men, that are required?

Every one of the reforms I have instituted since I went to the War Office has been beneficial.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made for the welfare, education and recreation of young women serving with all Forces abroad, especially in Austria.

Women serving with the Army abroad receive the same educational and welfare facilities as men. These include preparation for Army certificates of education and a wide range of voluntary studies, and cultural and recreational activities. In Austria, in particular, there are, in addition to unit canteens, to which women may bring their friends, Young Women's Christian Association establishments at Klagenfurt and Vienna, and a Catholic Women's League Hostel at Zermoos. Leave centres are provided for both summer and winter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a recent case it was stated that after they had finished their duties there was nothing for young women to do except drink or go back to their lodgings? Are these young women free to take advantage of the numerous activities he has mentioned; and are there people who will help these young women and introduce them to these activities?

I must say that the allegations to which my hon. Friend refers have no foundation in fact. The women members of the Forces in this theatre have access to all the facilities to which I have referred. I have recently been there and made personal inquiries, and I am satisfied that they are contented.

Would the right hon. Gentleman inform us what efforts are being made to teach these young ladies the German language instead of whist-driving, and that sort of thing?

Facilities for acquiring a knowledge of the German and other languages are available in the educational centres.

Does access to these facilities include access to bars and access to gin?

So far as the unit canteens are concerned, no spirits of any kind are sold.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Union Jack has been hauled down at 12 cemeteries in Germany where 21,500 British casualties of the last war are buried.

British war cemeteries in Germany have now been handed over to the Imperial War Graves Commission. The Commission, who represent all parts of the Commonwealth, do not fly flags in either 1914–18 or 1939–45 war cemeteries, save on ceremonial occasions. It would be impracticable to provide the guards that would be necessary if flags were flown, as there are well over 1,000 cemeteries in Europe alone. Furthermore, while the land in most cemeteries has been set aside in perpetuity for use as a cemetery, it remains legally the property of the nation in whose territory it is situated. The Commission cannot make an exception to the general rule solely in the case of British cemeteries in Germany.

In view of the strong anti-British feeling that there is in Germany, will my right hon. Friend assure the House that these cemeteries will not be handed over in any way to the care of the German authorities?

They are in the care of the Imperial War Graves Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers of the Highland Light Infantry were employed in connection with grouse shooting between 14th and 30th September.

The soldiers in question were part of the Royal Guard at Balmoral and volunteered, when they were not required for military duty, to be employed as beaters with the Royal shooting party. All were fully trained soldiers and this employment in no way prejudiced their military training.

Is the Minister aware that these soldiers were paid only 5s. a day, whereas local beaters, if they had been engaged through the Employment Exchange, would have been paid much more? Is he going to continue to encourage the use of this cheap labour?

So far I have received no representations from the beaters' trade union.

asked the Secretary of State for War what period of local training is given to national service men sent to Malaya after completing their 16 weeks' basic training; and whether this training is given outside possible battle areas.

As far as possible all reinforcements, whether National Service or Regular, arriving in the Far East are not sent on operations before they have been in the Command for a suitable period for acclimatisation and for training in the tasks they are likely to be required to perform in jungle operations. Since units are located where bandits are also located, any training involves possible interference from bandits.

Will the right hon Gentleman say what he regards as a suitable period for acclimatisation; and has he seen the letter in "The Times," in which a parent complains that his son was sent for jungle training in a trouble spot within 24 hours of his arrival at Singapore?

The suitable period may vary, but it is about four weeks. With regard to the letter in "The Times," although the parent complained he also observed that his son made no complaint.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer explain why young bandsmen were thrust straight into the fighting in Malaya?

If the hon. Member will give particulars of any young bandsman being thrust straight into the fighting, I will deal with the matter.

Does not the hon. Member for Finsbury (Mr. Platts-Mills) mean "bandits" and not "bandsmen"?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now announce a date after which no national service men will be sent to likely battle areas except in the case of supreme national emergency.

National Service men must continue to be sent to possible operational areas so long as the fulfilment of our overseas commitments renders this necessary.

In the review of the use of our defence forces which is now taking place, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to uphold the principle that the purpose of National Service, whatever its future form may be, is to provide partially trained reserves for a national emergency, and that in times of peace conscripts should not be exposed to the risks of war?

That seems to be a matter for debate.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Press representatives and official nonmilitary observers were present at the recent military manœuvres in Germany; and what was the cost of entertaining them.

Forty Press representatives and nine non-military observers were present at the recent military manœuvres in Germany. The total entertainment cost for the Press representatives was £69: no State expenditure was incurred in entertaining the other non-military observers.

Has the Minister seen complaints in the Press that this was overdone; and that the manœuvres were conducted more for publicity and for members of the Press than for military purposes?

So far as the Press representatives present were concerned, they certainly made no complaints of the kind. In regard to the manœuvres in general, they were all first-class and of great value to us.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Russian officers were present at the recent manoeuvres in West Germany; and how many British officers were present at the recent Russian manoeuvres in East Germany.

Four members of the Russian Military Mission were invited to the march past only at the recent manoeuvres in Western Germany and duly attended. No British officers were invited to the Russian manoeuvres in Eastern Germany.

Did the Russian officers have an opportunity of inspecting all the secret weapons?

I do not know about inspection of secret weapons, but they were there and their eyes seemed to be open all the time.