asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why out of the 22 Reserve Fleet ships, for which contracts have been entered into by his Department for refitting, only one of these vessels is to go to the Clyde.

It is impossible to distribute orders for the refit of His Majesty's ships by contract evenly between the various areas concerned. Regard must be had to the types and sizes of the ships, their condition and location, the cost of towage involved, and the state of work in the yards available. On the present occasion, it was possible to allocate only one ship to the Clyde, but as the hon. and gallant Member is aware the volume of work sent to that area in the last 12 months has been substantial.

Does that mean that the allocation of these vessels is in future to be governed by the state of unemployment or by the cost at which the vessels will be repaired, because there is plenty of vacant space available on the Clyde which is capable of taking a much higher proportion than a ratio of one in 22?

There is unemployment in the ship repairing industry in most parts of the country but that does not mean that we shall send ships to areas which have had the most unemployment.

Is my hon. Friend aware that on the Clyde at the moment we have a great deal of unemployment for lack of repair work? Will my hon. Friend keep his eye on that position and see that we get our fair share of such work on the Clyde?

That is borne in mind. Of the total value of refits, excluding submarine refits, allocated to contracting firms during the last 12 months, 20 per cent. has gone to the Clyde.

Only one vessel out of more than 20 is to come to the Clyde where we have the greatest number of shipbuilders in Britain unemployed.

Is my hon. Friend taking precautionary measures to see that there is not a glut of ships going to one particular place and that there is a fair allocation of repairs in relation to unemployment, especially on Merseyside?

That is borne in mind.

Is attention paid to the fact that certain yards are capable of dealing with ships of a certain size and that if those yards do not get orders it means far more unemployment?

Attention is paid to that fact but I wish to inform the House that even this number of ships going out to contract cannot fill all the berths in the country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the number of aircraft carriers based at Hong Kong; and what armament the aircraft carry.

One aircraft carrier is based on Hong Kong. The aircraft with which she is equipped are capable of carrying cannon, rocket projectiles or bombs.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how many aircraft are carried by this aircraft carrier, and does he think that there are sufficient aircraft in this vital area?

The hon. and gallant Member will have to put that question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Commando units from the Marine camps around Plymouth, operating on the Dartmoor ranges, have in the past three months shot and killed over 12 cattle and that many cattle and sheep are missing; and what action he is taking to prevent this loss of food.

No, Sir. As far as I am aware, the Royal Marines on Dartmoor have been responsible for the death of only one beast during the last three months. I am satisfied that the present precautions are reasonable in view of all the circumstances.

Surely my hon. Friend is aware of the fact that the senior officer commanding these troops was informed by telephone of these casualties over a month ago; and will he please say what compensation is to be paid and when?

That will be considered when the claim is made.

As the operation in question took place in my constituency, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the arrangements for rounding up the cattle and sheep prior to operations, which I was informed some two years ago would always be carried into effect; also, what time on the average elapses before Service Departments are informed of the death of these animals purported to have been shot?

I cannot answer with regard to the number of beasts which have been shot, but I can tell the hon. Member that the Admiralty at least do get in touch with local interests at any time that an operation is to take place, and it is more an accident than anything else when any killing does happen.

Is this not a very clear case where the hon. Gentleman should tell it to the marines?

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many "bulls" were scored during this campaign?

Is the hon. Member for Tavistock (Mr. Studholme) aware that the officers commanding these troops are in my constituency and not in his?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what new measures are to be taken to encourage seaman ratings to re-engage on the conclusion of their periods of service.

As stated in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) on 19th October, consideration is being given to this matter, but I am not yet able to announce any decision.

Does the Civil Lord think he will soon be able to give a definite reply to this important question?

I am rather hopeful, but it is not entirely in our hands.

May. I ask whether the Civil Lord is considering the suggestion I made during the Debate on the last Navy Estimates, that the American short service engagement idea should be considered by the Admiralty?

That is a different question altogether. This is a question of re-engaging after 12 years' service.

asked the Postmaster-General what directives he has issued to postmasters concerning the hiring of the additional transport that they will require for the Christmas traffic; and whether he is satisfied that under it the free road haulage firms can obtain a fair share of this work.

My directive on this subject provides for a proportion of local hirings to be made through the Road Haulage Executive where this is possible. There is no intention of excluding other road haulage undertakings and I am satisfied that they can obtain a fair share of Post Office work at Christmas.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a most monstrous arrangement and that in fact postmasters have been told to hand out their short-distance Christmas traffic stuff to the Road Hauliers Executive because there was an undertaking by the Government that there would not be an attempt to squeeze out the short-distance hauliers? This is a deliberate attempt to do so. Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a flagrant breach of the Government's undertaking?

I do not realise anything of the kind—indeed I dispute it. The Road Haulage Executive did take over long-distance traffic, and in doing so they took over some short-distance traffic as well. They are entitled to some consideration in this business and they get some, as also do the local hauliers.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman would agree that to hand over the traffic to the principal competitor and say, "Hand on a bit if you can spare it," really is not good enough?

I do not agree with anything of the kind. Local hauliers do have opportunities, and it also largely depends on the lowest tender.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what advice he has given to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs regarding the withdrawal of air attachés from foreign countries; in which countries air attachés are still maintained; and from which countries attachés have been withdrawn.

As the answer contains a number of details, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask the Minister on what grounds he advised the Foreign Secretary to withdraw our air attaché from Madrid recently, and will he say by whom the Royal Air Force is represented in Spain and whether he is satisfied with that representation?

I have examined the whole question of air attachés in the interests of economy and two air attachés have been withdrawn; two more are being withdrawn, and in addition I have withdrawn seven assistant air attachés. As regards the representation in Madrid, we are now in discussion with the Foreign Office as to the best method.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure the House that where air attachés or assistant air attachés are still in foreign countries, they have aircraft to move around in, and to advertise British goods.

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to ascertain meteorological information at high altitudes; and what progress has been made.

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

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman inform the House of the type of aircraft used for this important work, and does he appreciate that unless Britain takes the lead in research in the upper air we shall loose the lead which is being obtained now by the Comet, which is important for defence purposes?

I prefer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to read my reply. I think he knows that the aircraft used are four-engined Lancasters.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what reply he has sent to a letter addressed to him on 20th October on behalf of a number of Colonial students on temporary release from the Royal Air Force, requesting him to reconsider the new arrangements for their discharge and repatriation of which they had been notified by Colonial Office circular; if he is aware that these arrangements involve a breach of assurances previously given by his Department and a reduction in the living standards of the officers and airmen concerned; and if he will make a statement.

The students who signed the letter referred to were informed at an interview at the Air Ministry on 7th October that they would not be released from the R.A.F. on completion of their training course but instead would be recalled to R.A.F. service and repatriated under Service arrangements in accordance with the assurances previously given. This decision has now been communicated by letter to all commissioned officers undergoing courses under the Colonial Office Further Education Scheme.

While welcoming the withdrawal of this circular—which should never have been issued at all—so far as it applies to officers, may I ask my right hon. and learned Friend if he will look into the position of other ranks who will suffer very grave hardship if their position is not reconsidered also?

Yes, Sir. I understand that there is another Question down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the concern caused to a number of Royal Air Force officers and airmen by the circular recently issued by the Director of Colonial Studies, notifying them of their early discharge from the Royal Air Force and that at the end of their further education courses they are to be paid reduced living allowances and repatriated as civilians at the responsibility of his Department; and, since this arrangement will cause hardship and is, in the case of officers at least, a breach of the terms and assurances on which their temporary release from the Royal Air Force was approved, if he will cause this circular to be modified or withdrawn.

The circular letter was issued to meet what the Minister for Air and I have every reason to believe are the wishes of the majority of the airmen not to have to return to Service life after being away from it for a long time as students. It was also devised to meet the need of civilian trainees under the Colonial Office Further Education scheme for whom there was no provision for maintenance during the period between the end of studies and their sailing for home.

So far as officers are concerned, the notice referred to has now been rescinded and they will, therefore, be recalled to the Royal Air Force and repatriated under service conditions. So far as I am aware, there has been no breach of assurances given to the men. On 9th November my Royal Air Force liaison officer received a letter from nine airmen out of a total of 114 students about the subsistence allowances which they will receive while awaiting return to the West Indies but they do not ask for recall to the Royal Air Force. These representations are receiving consideration. This is not a matter of students' allowances but of a payment to men while waiting to return home and who are relieved of necessity of rejoining the forces. The allowances are not inadequate but any case of hardship will be considered.

While welcoming the withdrawal of this circular—which should never have been issued at all—so far as it applies to officers, may I ask my right hon. Friend to look again at the position of other ranks, who will suffer great hardship if their subsistence allowance is cut by one-third, as at present stated in the circular?

I have given an assurance that the question of subsistence will be looked at in cases of hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many entrants sat for the recent entrance examination for the Royal Air Force Cadet College, Cranwell how many candidates were successful and how many failed to pass the examination; what number of cadets there are at present at Cranwell; and how this number compares with the total number that can be accepted at the college.

One hundred and nine candidates sat for the written examination: 48 passed, 50 failed, while 11 withdrew or were rejected on medical grounds. In addition there were 200 candidates, mainly from the R.A.F., the Apprentice Schools and the A.T.C., who were excused the written examination. Entrants to the R.A.F. College are selected from all these categories, and for the next entry there were 44 vacancies, all of which have been filled. The capacity of the R.A.F. College is 400. The present strength is 331.

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that the information he has given is most unsatisfactory and will in time have a direct bearing on the Royal Air Force itself, and can he say what steps he is taking with his Ministry to try to rectify the position?

On the contrary, I think that the information that I have given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman is satisfactory. He will remember that the last time he raised this matter I told him that only 60 per cent. of the capacity was filled. Now the figure is 80 per cent. and I am informed that within the next two or three terms it will be up to 100 per cent. That is as a result of the action which I and the Air Ministry have taken through the intensive effort we have made with the help of the Headmasters' Conference and of the special school liaison officers' teams which we have set up.

Is it not the case that a great deal of the reluctance of people to go to Cranwell now is because cadets are given so little flying there, and will the Minister take steps to see that they are given at least as much flying as men were given before the war?

I will certainly look into that point. I can only repeat that the position is getting better all the time. Eighty per cent. of the capacity is now filled, whereas six months ago 60 per cent. was filled, and I hope that the figure will be 100 per cent. within the next few months.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of recent recommendations of the Joint Select Committee of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, he will now state when adequate payment will be made for equipment requisitioned in Malaya by or on behalf of the Royal Air Force and later destroyed in order to deny it to the enemy.

I am advised that the Report of the Joint Select Committee has no direct bearing on the issues raised in the hon. Member's Question, the position on which is as follows. All claims for equipment requisitioned for use by or supplied to the Royal Air Force in Malaya have been or will be paid as soon as it has been possible to establish satisfactory proof of requisition or supply. This rule applies even where such equipment was later destroyed in order to deny it to the enemy. In the case of claims arising out of denial measures in the face of an advancing enemy, legal liability cannot be admitted by the Crown but they may be considered under the Malayan War Damage Compensation scheme. On this point I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies on 19th October last to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner).

Will the Minister bear in mind that it is 4½ years since these claims were put in, that the furnishing of evidence in a country that was overrun so rapidly is very often extremely difficult, and that the Government should not take unfair advantage in trying to shuffle out of these claims through such a lack of evidence?

I can only speak for the attitude of my own Department, and I certainly do not consider that the hon. Gentleman's strictures apply to my Department.

With regard to goods requistioned for denial, will the Minister say whether he has been able to make any arrangement for some sort of appeal, because it has been admitted that often there are two sides to these questions?

That question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

It has been.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what period of leave is granted to National Service men serving in the Royal Air Force in Germany; and how this compares with the leave granted before 1st January last.

The period of leave granted to National Service men serving in Germany varies according to the date of entry into the Service. Those called up before 1st April, 1948, are eligible for the same scale of leave as regular personnel and receive 42 days' leave a year in the United Kingdom and 10 days' local leave. National Service men who entered the R.A.F. in the period 1st April, 1948, to 31st December, 1948, are eligible, while serving in Germany, for one period of 19 days' leave in the United Kingdom, provided that they had not less than eight months to serve when posted abroad; they also receive seven days' local leave. Those called up on or after 1st January, 1949, may be granted 14 days' leave during service in Germany, which they may take in the United Kingdom if they had not less than eight months to serve when they were posted to Germany.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that many of the latter group of men complain that they get only about one-third of the amount of leave granted to similar men in this country, mainly, I gather, because weekend passes do not, as in this country, extend from Friday afternoon to Sunday night but are not available until mid-day on Saturday, which makes week-end leave almost impossible? Will my right hon. and learned Friend look into that matter?

I will certainly look into the suggestion that week-end leave is not possible, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the National Service man who joined since 1st January of this year is entitled to 14 days' home leave before proceeding to Germany, 14 days' leave while serving in Germany under the qualification to which I have referred, and then at the end of his service he is entitled to 18 days' terminal leave, and I do not think that that is too bad.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why his Retford office has offered to rent over 100 acres of grassland adjacent to Waltham aerodrome, near Grimsby, to Mr. G. F. Sleight, Hillside Farm, Brigsley, but will not permit him to plough it up; and, in view of the official policy for increased arable cultivation, if he will have this decision reversed at once so that the land may be cultivated.

The area of land in question forms part of the main aerodrome site which may be required for civil flying. This precludes its being ploughed up.

But is not the Minister aware that this aerodrome has been left derelict for five years and, since the Minister of Agriculture is asking farmers to plough up as much land as possible would it not be wise to let this man plough up the land and to apply the principle generally to aerodromes throughout the country?

I think that I am entitled to say in defence of my own Department that we have been prepared to dispose of this aerodrome but that my noble Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation is at present engaged in discussions with the borough concerned with a view to it being used for civil aviation. Therefore, the matter is not in my hands.

Since this aerodrome has been idle for five years, cannot we have a quick decision so that the policy of the Minister of Agriculture can be carried out?

I am not taking part in these discussions but I will certainly ensure that my noble Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation is made aware of the need for urgency in this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many flying clubs in Great Britain are now operating; how many operate from private airfields; and how many from airfields used by services such as British European Airways Corporation and the Auxiliary Air Force.

It is estimated that 100 flying clubs are now operating in Great Britain, of which 30 operate from privately-owned aerodromes, 13 operate from aerodromes used by scheduled air services, nine operate from aerodromes used by the Auxiliary Air Force, and one operates from an aerodrome used by both scheduled air services and the Auxiliary Air Force.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the flying tuition fees at these clubs are £3 per hour in addition to entry money of £3 3s. and subscription of £5 5s., and in the case of those clubs which are using nationalised airfields can he not do something to reduce these charges to bring them within the compass of the ordinary person's purse?

That is an entirely different question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when he will allow the Aberdeen Flying Club at Dyce to resume its normal activities.

I am not aware of any circumstances within the control of my Department which prevent the Aberdeen Flying Club from resuming its normal activities at Dyce.

May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that, while the buildings are being de-requisitioned, no residences have been restored and they are therefore unable to be used?

No, Sir. Those associated with the local club were informed in June, 1946, that flying club activities could take place from then.

Has a decision been taken on whether the recommendations of the Straight Committee are to be implemented or not?

No, Sir; that is another question.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Aberdeen Flying Club have not had their rights on this airport restored to them, that for 10 years and six weeks they have not been allowed to trade or to serve meals or drinks because of a state of emergency; and that, although their clubhouse was allegedly derequisitioned on 8th August, 1946, no compensation rent has been paid and no dilapidations to the clubhouse have been carried out; and that the proprietors of the club have no legal right to cross the ground and enter the premises?

I do not accept those statements in any shape or form. In June, 1946, at the request of the authorities associated with the Aberdeen Flying Club, the buildings were de-requisitioned, and, subject to certain qualifications, operations could have begun and continued from then.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the average number of aircraft, over the last six months, landing daily at Dyce Airport, giving separate figures for Royal Air Force and Auxiliary Air Force aircraft, instructional aircraft of the University Air Squadron, and commercial and private aircraft.

During the six months ended August last the daily average was 20 landings comprising 14.6 military and official aircraft, 4.5 commercial aircraft, 0.3 private aircraft and 0.6 aircraft on test or training.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now any statement to make about the recognition of the Chinese Communist Government at Peking.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the provocative attitude now adopted by the Chinese Nationalist Government in reference to British ships in Chinese territorial waters, he will take steps to expedite recognition of the People's Republic of China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following the meeting of Foreign Office representatives in Singapore, he will now make a statement as to the intentions of His Majesty's Government regarding the recognition of the Communist Government in China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the recommendation made to him by the Far Eastern diplomats, who met in Singapore recently, on the recognition of the Chinese Communist Government.

On a point of Order. Before Questions Nos. 26 and 27 are answered, could we have your guidance, Mr. Speaker? Presumably, they were both accepted by the Clerks at the Table, and, therefore, in order that the House may be fully informed on the Chinese situation, may we be told if the term "People's Republic of China" in Question No. 27 means the same as "Chinese Communist Government" in Question No. 26?

I should not have thought that there was much difference myself.

No decision has been taken by His Majesty's Government about the recognition as the Government of China of the Chinese Communist Government. His Majesty's Government are still in consultation on this matter with friendly Governments and will take into account all the relevant factors in reaching their conclusion.

In view of the serious and anomalous position in Shanghai and other parts of China, where British lives and those of British subjects, as well as British property, are at stake, would the Minister consider establishing some form of communication by appointing an official to the Peking Government, if he does not wish to tackle the major question just yet?

I did communicate with the Communist Government, but I have not had a reply. I am more concerned in acting together with the Commonwealth and with other friendly Governments, than with taking a hurried decision on this. I think a combined decision in which a large number of people co-operate in this business is much the best.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the situation has materially deteriorated in the last few days, and does he not further agree that, whatever remaining shreds of reasons there may have been for retaining recognition of the National Government, they have now been entirely swept away?

Yes, but there are a lot of issues involved—the United Nations, the Security Council, and the question of the views of the United States and our own Commonwealth. In a great changeover of this character, one has to act with caution, reasonable speed and with an idea of producing the best results.

Can the Foreign Secretary say whether his officials in the Far East who met at Singapore the other day recommended that he should recognise the Chinese People's Republican Government?

I do not report to the House decisions of civil servants at any conference.

Can my right hon. Friend say how long he anticipates the discussions with the Commonwealth and other friendly Governments are likely to take?

I cannot guess the speed at which everybody will move, and it is unwise to speculate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman seize the opportunity tomorrow of making the situation a little clearer, because the situation which does exist now is a danger to the lives of a great many British subjects out there, and can possibly be separated from the question of recognition? It would allay the fears and anxieties if some sort of progress report were to be made.

I think my answers today have made it pretty clear, and I shall not have much time tomorrow to deal with all the world. If the hon. Gentleman reads the answers given today, he will see that I am following this thing through methodically and I am hoping to produce a good result. I do not think there are any British lives actually in danger in Shanghai at the moment, so far as I know.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are moderate elements supporting the Communist Government in China who desire early British recognition to counteract excessive Chinese dependence on the Soviet Union; and is he further aware that the longer that recognition is delayed, the more likely it is that China will be driven into the Soviet camp?

Before there is any question of the recognition of this Government without guarantees, will the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the very delicate situation that still exists in Malaya, where at present we are fighting the Communists and where, presumably, after recognition, the Communists will be regarded in an entirely different light?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government recognise the existence of a blockade on or near the Yangtse river by the Chinese National Government; and what communications he has had with the Chinese National Government with a view to preventing interference with British shipping in those waters.

The Chinese National Government claim that the measures taken by them do not constitute a blockade, but merely give effect to a domestic closure order. The legal situation is in dispute. His Majesty's Government, however, consider that they are undoubtedly entitled to give naval protection to British merchantment outside Chinese territorial waters, and, accordingly, have told the Chinese National Government that they intend to give that protection. The Chinese National Government have also been told that we regard attempts to enforce the closure order by attacks on unarmed merchantmen as illegitimate and unfriendly even if such attacks are made inside territorial waters.

In view of the fact that two vessels have been attacked from sea and air and that there are at least 10 vessels waiting to break the blockade after giving His Majesty's Government warning of the fact and receiving some encouragement, will the right hon. Gentleman see that appropriate action is taken to make the protection effective so that the blockade can be broken?

I think I have done that. Two ships got out today, I believe.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the nature of his contacts with the National Government, and would he leave them in no doubt as to the support which we on this side give to the representations already made?

We are in contact, as far as we can be, with the National Government; we have made the strongest representations to them on this point, and we have given support to our merchantmen outside territorial waters.

In view of the fact that the Chinese National Government are now utterly unable to exercise any form of control over these territorial waters, and that there is no official blockade legally recognised, is it not the duty of His Majesty's Government in these circumstances to give protection to our merchant vessels pursuing their lawful occasions, even within territorial waters?

May I ask whether the action which the Government have taken is the same as that taken by the United States Government whose vessels are also affected?

As I understand it, the legal position is in dispute, and I can say no more than I have said. We are doing our best in this matter with, I think, some success.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if in view of recent events in the Seychelles, he is prepared to issue instructions to Colonial Governors to clarify the status of Colonial judges.

No, Sir. The independent status of Colonial judges in relation to the Executive is fully established and is well understood by Colonial governors.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if there is any ambiguity on the subject it is due to the improper and unfortunate remarks made by his Under-Secretary in this House for which he has received a "ticking off" by the Lord Chancellor? Would the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, draw the attention of the Under-Secretary to this fact?

The Lord Chancellor's remarks have nothing to do with the statement made by the Under-Secretary of State.

Did not the Lord Chancellor express a view directly contrary to that expressed by the Under-Secretary?

That is a complete misunderstanding.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage of the 10-year plans under the Colonial Development Acts have had to be revised on account of rising costs or for other reasons.

Two out of the 23 approved Colonial development plans have been revised, four others are in the course of revision or are about to be revised, and the remainder will fall to be revised under general arrangements which provide for review in the light of changed circumstances at approximately three yearly intervals.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now increase the allocation of dried eggs.

I presume the noble Lady has in mind the domestic pack dried egg which is a special issue during the winter months to expectant mothers and to children under five years. I am glad to say that for the eight weeks' period beginning 6th November the rate of allocation will be two packets per person which is twice the quantity allocated for the previous period.

Is the right hon. Lady going to increase the supply of dried eggs to those who are not holders of priority books?

I am afraid we cannot do that because dried eggs cost dollars.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will undertake that maize shall not be lent to the Irish Republic this year on terms which permit of its replacement by the Irish Republic when maize is cheaper than at the time of the original loan.

No, Sir.

Why is the right hon. Lady contemplating a transaction similar to last year which brought no profit to this country?

The hon. Gentleman is wrong. We did gain some advantage because we saved storage charges.

asked the Minister of Food whether it is with his authority that an officer of his Department is circulating, on behalf of the Civil Service Sanatorium Society, literature relating to a "Grand Holidays Scheme," sanatorium treatment and staff welfare matters in envelopes marked, "On His Majesty's Service," and "Officially Paid," of which a sample has been sent to him.

It is quite proper to include literature on staff and welfare matters with official communications in officially paid envelopes. On the other hand, the distribution of a book of tickets for the "Grand Holidays Scheme" was improper, and I will see that it does not happen again.

Is the right hon. Lady aware that this is the second time that I have had to draw attention to the improper use by Ministry of Food officials of official envelopes of this kind? Would she take steps to see that it does not happen again?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the widespread disappointment at the Government's failure to support the proposals for a world food board, as advanced by Lord Boyd-Orr in 1946; and what instructions have been given to the British delegation to the Food and Agricultural Organisation Conference in Washington on 21st November on the proposals for an International Commodity Clearing House with a 500 million dollar capital.

The answer to the first part of the Question is No, Sir. As regards the second, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, will be leading the United Kingdom delegation to the forthcoming Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and copies of any speech which he may make to the Conference will be made available to the House in due course.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the proposals of the International Commodity Clearing House, if accepted, would put immense power into the hands of a body which is unrepresentative not only of public opinion, but also of consumers' demands? Would it not be far better to accept the proposals which were originally made for a world food board or something like that?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we have carefully considered the proposals. There are certain features of which we do not approve, and I think my hon. Friend will agree that it is desirable to give my right hon. Friend a free hand during negotiations.