asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in what circumstances has the training with the Royal Navy of cadets for the Royal Canadian Navy been suspended.

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the training of midshipmen, as it has not been the practice of the Royal Canadian Navy to send their cadets to the Royal Navy for training. The Canadian Navy has now decided that in so far as possible the training of junior executive officers should take place in Canada, except for technical training and certain specialist courses, which will continue to be given in Royal Naval establishments.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think it most unfortunate that this arrangement should cease when we are trying to bring about integration of the Forces within the British Empire? Will he represent to his right hon. Friend that he should look at this matter again, to see if something can be done to bring about co-ordination?

I will certainly bring that point to the notice of my right hon. Friend, but this is a decision of the Canadian Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what payment is to be made for the use of naval personnel in searching for possible treasure at Tobermory.

The contract arranged for this work provides for repayment in full of all Admiralty expenses, including the pay and allowances of the naval personnel.

Can my hon. Friend give us some idea of the price the Duke of Argyll is being asked to pay for the services of the naval personnel? Further, will my hon. Friend consult with the Lord Advocate as to whether, if any treasure is recovered, it belongs to the Crown and not to the Duke?

The Duke has undertaken to pay all the expenses involved in the operation. Perhaps we had better find the ducats before we claim them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether consideration of the first report of the Naval Court Martial Committee has now been concluded.

No, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member on 15th March, this report is now under consideration. Its recommendations are being correlated with those of the Lewis Committee Report and the other Services are being consulted. The views of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand are also being sought as the Royal Australian and New Zealand Navies base their disciplinary code on that of the Royal Navy.

While appreciating the difficulties of the Government in coming to a decision, may I ask the hon. Gentleman what is the objection to publishing this report, so that hon. Members may assist the Government in making up their mind?

I believe that it is usual for publication and the announcement of the Government's decision on these matters to take place at the same time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the maximum number of patients who can be accommodated in the Royal Naval hospital at Port Edgar; and what was the highest number of patients in residence in this hospital at any time in 1949

The maximum number of patients who can be accommodated in the Royal Naval Hospital, Port Edgar. is 213. The highest number of patients in residence on one day in 1949 was 173

Is the Civil Lord satisfied that there will be adequate accommodation in the local civilian hospitals for any Service patients from the port area?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction amongst former sea cadets, who are now being drafted to the Army instead of the Royal Navy; and how long this state of affairs is likely to last.

Yes, Sir. I am sorry that, owing to the reduced entry into the Navy it is only possible to accept National Service men who have completed their annual training in the R.N.V.R. or R.M.F.V.R., and some apprentices who are required for the technical branches. Sea cadets must, therefore, join the R.N.V.R. or R.M.F.V.R. if they wish to be accepted into the Navy for National Service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the value of Government stores and supplies, the property of his Department, that have been lost in transit on the railways each year since the railways were nationalised.

Losses of and damage to naval material in transit on the railways in the financial year 1st April, 1948, to 31 March, 1949, were valued at £13,737. Information relating to the current financial year is not immediately available, but I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as it has been received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what cuts he is intending to make in the civilian staffs of the Admiralty yards and establishments at Gosport, Fareham and Lee-on-Solent.

The financial provision for salaries and wages proposed for 1950–51 will probably call for some reductions in Admiralty establishments in this area, as well as elsewhere, particularly in numbers borne on Vote 4. It is, however, too early to give any precise forecast beyond saying that substantial discharges are unlikely to be called for in any one area at any time.

Will the hon. Gentleman please bear in mind that in reaching this decision there are very few alternative industries in the area named in the Question? There is, therefore, little chance of people discharged from the dockyards being directed into other forms of employment.

That is always borne in mind, but it cannot always be a governing factor. If the Vote 4 amount for that particular area is reduced correspondingly with other areas in the country they will have to bear their share.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a statement on the future use of his Department's grid at Burnham-on-Crouch; and if he is aware of the importance to the people of Burnham of the maintenance of this grid.

The Admiralty recently received from the owner of all but a small part of the site on which the ship repairing grid at Burnham-on-Crouch stands an offer for the part of the grid on his land of such an amount as to make it impossible for them to justify proceedings for compulsory purchase, in view of the terms of Section 10 of the Requisitioned Land and War Works Act, 1945. The possibility of compulsory purchase under Section 38 (2) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, by the local authority had already been considered by the Minister of Town and Country Planning, but he had decided that it could not be justified as immediately necessary in the interests of the proper planning of the area. In these circumstances the Admiralty, whose responsibility is limited to securing the value of the grid on release of its site from requisition, had no alternative but to accept the offer. The future of the grid must now he a matter for the private interests concerned.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great anxiety felt by the Urban District Council and other people locally about the future of this grid, because of its contribution towards full employment in the town? Could he look again, personally, at Section 10 of the Requisitioned Land and War Works Act, because its interpretation does not seem to be anything like so simple or definite as his answer would suggest?

I regret that this matter cannot be looked at again, because we have made definite arrangements with the owner of the property. I feel we have a moral obligation to the owner of the property to restore the land to him as soon as we possibly can. With regard to employment prospects, I feel they have not been worsened as a result of return of this property to the owner. It is quite likely that private interests will make use of the property.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House what the word "grid" means, because some of us do not know?

I will show one to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty under what circumstances civil employees of his Department are granted permission to join the Territorial Army; in how many cases permission has been refused; and how many applications are now pending.

Each application for permission to join the Territorial Army is considered on its merits, and permission is granted if it is clear that it will be possible, having regard to the Admiralty's own commitments, to release the applicant from his Admiralty duties immediately on the outbreak of war. Of a total of 138 applications, 91 have been granted, 38 refused, and 9 are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ratings and other ranks of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines completed their first period of service during the last 12 months; and how many of these have signed on to complete their time for pension.

Four thousand and eleven and 885 respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General when the regulations now being prepared by his Department to prevent the radiation of electro-magnetic energy from interfering with wireless and television reception will be published; and when they will come into force.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1949, provides that, before making such regulations, I shall consult an advisory committee appointed from a panel nominated in accordance with the provisions of the Act. I expect the nominations to the panel to be made shortly and shall then appoint the advisory committee. Naturally, some time is bound to elapse after the advisory committee is appointed before any regulations can be made.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now issue an up to date statement of the television transmitter programme taking into account the effect of capital cuts arising from devaluation

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement during the Debate on the Post Office and Telegraph (Money) Bill on Friday last, 17th March.

As I listened carefully to that statement and observed that it coincided with the statement of his predecessor some months ago, may I ask the Minister whether the television transmitter programme has, in fact, escaped any form of capital out?

I think the hon. Gentleman has not read what was said last Friday. If he will read it, and compare it with what my predecessor said and what was said by the Lord President of the Council at Radiolympia, I think he will get all the information he requires

asked the Postmaster-General how many persons in the boroughs of Wimbledon and Malden and Coombe, respectively, who have applied for telephones in their business premises and private houses are still waiting for telephones; and what further delay he anticipates.

In Wimbledon 315 business applicants and 1,390 residential applicants are waiting for telephones. In Malden and Coombe the corresponding figures are 73 and 817. There is a shortage of plant in these areas and, in view of the restrictions on capital expenditure, I regret that I cannot say when the outstanding applications will all be cleared.

With permission, I will answer Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.

On a point of Order. These Questions are about two very different subjects. If the Minister intends to give a responsible reply I think that I should have one answer on labour and another on material.

The reply to both Questions is really combined in the one answer. This is only a matter of convenience.

The restrictions on Government expenditure have made it necessary for the Post Office to limit the number of its engineering workmen, and I regret that I could not agree to further recruitment in the Sheffield area, which has its proper share of the total Post Office engineering force. Sufficient supplies of material are held to employ the labour available at Sheffield.

Is the Minister aware that some time ago the allocation of labour in Sheffield was cut and that now more labour is available? Will he restore the cut?

I think that the content of that supplementary question is wholly wrong.

No.

The labour force was not cut.

Is not the Minister aware that what I have said is correct? The second question I should like to ask is whether the Minister is aware that in Sheffield a profit is made on the telephone service, so that the money is available? Further, is he not aware that materials are now available? Why does he not do something about it, because if he does not he will never get to the end of the waiting list?

I cannot take the civil engineering force away from housing, which is a very pressing problem.

This has nothing to do with housing.

asked the Postmaster-General how many public kiosks are due to be allocated this year to the county of Huntingdon, which contains many small and remote villages which have no kiosks; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply of kiosks for small villages.

The arrangement agreed upon last year with the Rural District Councils' Association was specially designed to help the provision of kiosks in small and remote villages, by eliminating the monetary contribution previously required from the local authority in such cases. For the year ending 31st August, 1950, five kiosks have been allotted to the county of Huntingdon, and these will be installed in places recommended by the county branch of the Rural District Councils' Association. Allocations for the following year are about to be considered, and while I recognise the desirability of increasing the supply of these rural kiosks, there are, unfortunately, limits to Government expenditure.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no fewer than at least 15 remote villages in the county which have no kind of public telephone; will he bear in mind that there is great disappointment about the slow progress which is made in providing them; and will he say what is the limiting factor to which he refers?

I think that we have made very substantial progress in this matter. The present position, in some cases, is the same as it has been for generations, and is due entirely to the neglect of former Governments. With regard to two of the villages with which the hon. Gentleman is concerned, I think he will find that they will probably figure in the next programme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept sincere apologies from the Conservative Party for the fact that during the 19th century we did not erect any telephone kiosks before the telephone had been invented?

If the Tory Party starts apologising it will have a full-time job.

asked the Postmaster-General how many residents and business people in Wembley are waiting for the telephone service; what is the date of the longest outstanding application; and what progress is planned for the immediate future.

In those parts served by the Wembley, Corinthian and Arnold exchanges, 1,442 lines were provided in 1949. Four hundred and thirty-eight business and 1,178 residential applications are now outstanding. The longest outstanding application was made in 1940. Cabling work is in progress and the additional lines will enable service to be given this year to a large proportion of the waiting applicants.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the principles upon which he appoints sub-postmasters in cases where the sub-post office is situated in a shop.

A vacancy for a sub-postmaster is normally advertised locally, whether or not the existing sub-office is run in conjunction with a shop. The advertisement invites applications from suitable persons, who are able to provide adequate accommodation and the necessary assistance to carry on the Post Office business. All the applications received are considered on their merits, in the light of the qualifications of the applicants, and of the suitability of the premises they offer.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a recent appointment in Cardiff a man was ruled out because he had no military service, although he received a personal commendation from the King for work in Civil Defence during the war? Does he justify that sort of conduct by his Department?

I can assure my hon. Friend that that was not the case. The man was not excluded on those grounds. His application was taken into consideration, and the fact that he had been commended by the King was not counted against him.

In future, will my right hon. Friend read his letters before he sends them to me, because I have already been assured that the appointment was made on the ground that the other man was in one of the Services?

I think that is an unwarranted aspersion. My hon. Friend knows that I had the whole file of letters in the House, and that I went through them meticulously, in part with him. To say that I sent a letter out after that without reading it is quite wrong.

The right hon. Gentleman said that one of the factors was the provision of adequate accommodation by the applicant for the job of sub-postmaster. Where there is to be a development charge under the Town and Country Planning Act does his Department pay it?

No, that is the responsibility of the sub-postmaster.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the reasons for changing the venue of the sub-post office, Cowbridge Road, Cardiff, in view of the fact that a recent inspection report considered the present premises adequate and convenient.

As I have explained in recent correspondence with my hon. Friend, the vacancy for the sub-postmastership in this case was advertised according to normal Post Office practice, and the best qualified candidate appointed. Apart from the question of personal qualifications, the premises offered by the successful candidate, which are within 25 yards of the former sub-post office, provide slightly more accommodation for Post Office purposes.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has had to be a substantial alteration to the new premises to make them suitable for Post Office purposes; and that since the available premises have been used as a post office for 50 years? Can he justify changing the site, especially in view of the public petition presented?

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the total cost involved in opening new premises for the sub-post office at Cowbridge Road, Cardiff.

The total cost to the Post Office is estimated at £25.

Would not that £25 have been useful in providing telephones in Wimbledon?

I would say that the expenditure of £25 ought not to exclude an ex-Service man from his opportunity.

asked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes taking to prevent at future elections the postal delivery of returning officers' poll cards within envelopes containing political party literature.

I am sorry that this occurred in a few isolated instances. Definite instructions will be issued for future elections to ensure the proper delivery of official poll cards.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask if he will use his best endeavours to prevent the repetition of a practice which caused inconvenience and misunderstanding to electors and caused concern to candidates in the recent General Election?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the result of his consideration of the rules governing recognition of staff associations by his Department.

Consideration of the question of recognition of new staff associations in the Post Office involves problems of general policy which I am still examining. I can assure the hon. Member that I shall make my promised statement to the House as soon as possible.

As the right hon. Gentleman assured the House a week ago that the statement would be made very shortly, and in view of the fact that he was not then further pressed to grant recognition to associations which, under the old rules, have had a claim outstanding for some months, can he now assure the House that the statement will be made, at the latest, next week?

I am sorry I cannot give that assurance, but I hope to be in a position to answer within a fortnight.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in this country it is not customary to change the rules in the middle of the game without the consent of both sides?

There is no intention of changing any rules.

asked the Postmaster-General what percentage of the organised workers in the appropriate grade are members of the Engineering Officers (Telecommunications) Association; and how long that figure has been in excess of 40 per cent.

It would be wrong to provide information which would disclose staff association membership figures given to the Department in confidence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement indicates a change of policy from that of his predecessor who, on 2nd November last, confirmed that this Association had the requisite 40 per cent.? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what has caused the change of policy?

The figures given by my predecessor were figures which had been published by the Association. In this case the figures have not been published, and I have no authority to give to the House figures given to us in confidence.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will now provide the facilities of a sub-office for the inhabitants of Jagger Green and Old Lindley, in the urban district of Elland Yorkshire.

I regret that the circumstances at Jagger Green and Old Lindley are not such as to warrant the provision of a sub-post office in the immediate neighbourhood, but I am seeing whether anything can be done to improve the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many men in the Royal Air Force were misemployed at the latest date for which figures are available; and what percentage of the total number of men that figure represents.

The employment of airmen on duties other than those for which they are mustered is closely controlled by air officers commanding, and is restricted to temporary arrangements where full employment cannot otherwise be assured for the personnel concerned. Formations are not required to report statistics of such cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of men in the Royal Air Force are technically described as misemployed? Would he agree that men so described are wasting their time and skill, and will he say what is being done to reduce the number of men misemployed?

As the hon. Member has inferred "misemployment" is a technical word. It simply means that where we have shortages in certain trades we have to fill them with men who are in trades where there is a surplus. We do our best to keep this movement to the lowest possible figure and to use men in trades which are closely analogous to the ones in which they were employed previously.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the value of Government stores and supplies, the property of his Department, that have been lost in transit on the railways each year since the railways were nationalised.

A complete record of Air Ministry stores lost in transit on the railways is not maintained centrally and to obtain the information from all R.A.F. units would require considerable time and effort.

May I have an assurance that the losses are credited to the Air Estimates and are not hidden in any way? If that is so, why is it that these losses cannot be stated, as the losses incurred last year must be known if they have been credited to the Air Force and debited to the railways?

Our practice is a little different from that of other Ministries. We allow units to make their own claims. We find that it pays quite well. We get back a considerable proportion of stores and supplies which are credited.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider the case, of which particulars have been sent to him, where an officer commanding at a Royal Air Force station refused permission to a Parliamentary candidate, during an election, to address the wives of serving men living in married quarters; and what steps he proposes to take to see that this does not happen again.

Permission was refused as it is contrary to long established practice to allow political meetings or canvassing within Service establishments.

Will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air to reconsider this matter before the next election, and to bear in mind that these women are not Service personnel but ordinary civilian electors, living in their own homes? Will he remember that many of them have domestic responsibilities which make it difficult for them to go to public meetings, particularly as in the case mentioned the married quarters are at a considerable distance from the nearest school or public hall?

I am sure that we all sympathise with the hon. Lady in wanting to get every possible vote, but this is a case where security must be considered. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] That really is so. It would be impossible to allow a lot of people on whom one could keep no possible check, to have free access to a Service station.

Is my hon. Friend aware that other visitors are allowed to go to married quarters? There is no reason, to my simple mind, why a candidate should not be allowed in during an election?

The occupants of married quarters are held responsible for people allowed in to visit them. That would not be the case here.

Were these people allowed to come out of their married quarters, or were they incarcerated during the time of the election?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the protest sent to him by nine fishermen of Heligoland against the bombardment of their cemetery; and whether he will give instructions that the bombing of this cemetery shall cease.

My right hon. Friend has just received this petition. He is looking into the question of whether it is possible to exclude the cemetery from the bombing area.

Is there any precedent for a Christian nation bombing a cemetery, the most sacred spot in that island, in a time of profound peace—1949?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the Wilmslow Urban District Council will be obliged to spend an additional sum, amounting to approximately £.1,000, in order to adapt its proposed new street lighting system to the requirements of his Department; and whether, in view of the fact that the benefit resulting therefrom will accrue solely to aviation interests and not to the local inhabitants or road transport interests, steps will be taken either to modify the requirements or to provide some financial assistance towards the cost.

Yes, Sir. My noble Friend is satisfied that the adaptations to the proposed system are essential to the safety not only of the aircraft using the aerodrome but also of persons and property on the ground in its vicinity. Where existing lights need to be modified to meet air navigation requirements my noble Friend will consider an ex gratia contribution, but he has no authority to contribute towards the cost of adaptations to new lighting systems. He is, however, having the whole matter examined further, and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member in due course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, what reports have been made to his Department that the beam on the approach to Ringway Aerodrome, Manchester. is sometimes distorted or bent.

Since publication of a notice to airmen, on 3rd January, notifying a slight bend in the Ringway Standard Beam Approach over Stockport, there have been five reports of some departure from normal performance. None referred to any bend on the actual approach beam. This S.B.A., like all others, is flight-checked monthly, and at the last check, on 10th March, it was found to be functioning correctly.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the conditions which caused the fatal accident at Ringway in August, 1949 have been eliminated?

If the hon. Gentleman is suggesting that the fatal accident was caused by this Beam Approach, my reply is that it is very unwise to make such a statement before the report on the accident is published.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when that report will be made public?

It is now being printed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what percentage of pilots approaching Ringway Aerodrome, Manchester, now report that the Ground Control Approach is satisfactory.

There is no Ground Controlled Approach equipment at Ringway.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the approach aid will be put in, and this aerodrome made as up-to-date as other aerodromes in the United Kingdom?

As soon as possible another system of approach aid will be installed, but it is impossible to say exactly when.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when he estimates that the Princess flying-boats will be using the Southampton Marine Airport; and what interim uses will be found for the airport in the interval.

British Overseas Airways Corporation do not expect delivery of the first Princess flying-boat until early in 1953 for proving and training flights, and it will, no doubt, be somewhat later before these aircraft operate from Southampton Marine Airport. It is too early yet to say what interim use may be found for Southampton Marine Airport.

Will the Minister give an assurance that this excellent base, on which so much money has been spent, will not be dismantled but kept available on a care and maintenance basis ready for when it is needed?

It would be rather difficult to dismantle the larger part of the base, because it is composed of water. As I said last week, it will be on some sort of care and maintenance basis.

Can the Minister say what it is proposed to do with the Solent flying-boats?

We propose to sell them.

Is the Minister aware that the Solent flying-boats cost the taxpayers £4½ million, and does he think he will get as much for them when they are sold? If not, where is the economy in closing down the Airport?

All these matters were discussed with my hon. Friend at a meeting which he and others had with the Department, and I have nothing to add to that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what measures will be taken to secure employment for the personnel of the Southampton Airport whose services will no longer be required at the port owing to the decision to withdraw flying boats from service.

Most of the staff at Southampton Marine Airport are employed by British Overseas Airways Corporation and the possibility of providing alternative employment for them is a matter for the Corporation. The Department employs a few persons on air traffic control and telecommunications duties and most of these will be offered alternative employment at other State airports.

Is my hon. Friend making any arrangements to secure housing accommodation for these men when they are transferred to other sites?

That is one of the problems which we are discussing at the moment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that an application from East Anglian Flying Services Limited to provide a mid-week day excursion service between Southend and Ostend at a fare of £2 15s. 0d. for the return journey has been refused unless the fare is increased to £5 5s. 0d.; and if he will take steps to have this decision reversed.

The fares charged on international scheduled services are subject to international agreement. There was no possibility of such agreement to the excursion fare originally proposed.

Is the hon. Gentleman ready to use his influence to see that the operation of such monopoly practices in connection with airline services in this country is discontinued?

There is no question of monopoly practices on this route. The difficulty was to get international agreement to this particular fare. I am sure the hon. Gentleman would agree that it is rather difficult to encourage undercutting in this particular field.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why his Department did not apply that principle when B.O.A.C. under-cut the charter companies flying the personnel out to the groundnut scheme?

That is another question, and has nothing to do with this one.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct our dismantling authorities in Germany to refrain in future from dynamiting the foundations of works which, in the view of leaders of German trade unions, are suitable for being adapted for peaceful purposes and would lead to the reduction of unemployment.

It is not our policy to destroy buildings or foundations which are suitable for conversion to peaceful purposes.

Does the Foreign Secretary agree with what has been done at Salzgitter, and does he not consider this place could have been used for peaceful purposes? Will he consult the Minister of Works before issuing any further instructions of this kind?

I agree, on behalf of the Government, with the action at Salzgitter, but one has to bear in mind when Salzgitter was built, how it was built, the forced labour that was used from France and other countries, and how deeply it burns into the souls of other people in Europe to see that place facing them as a result of German action.

Does the Foreign Secretary extend his indignation to the blowing up of the foundations of buildings?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nature of the protest from Herr Brauer, the Senior Burgomaster of Hamburg, to the Regional Commission about the proposed demolition of the dry dock known as Elbe 17.

Herr Brauer has made several representations to the British authorities in Germany about our plans for the demilitarisation of this dock. His protests are based mainly on the alleged danger to the nearby tunnel under the Elbe from earth tremors. He also maintains that the destruction of the dock five years after the end of the war is politically unwise and that the cost of the work will be excessive.

Is the Foreign Secretary not aware that Herr Brauer is a well-known trade unionist and Socialist leader in Hamburg, and that he is expressing the point of view of many people that in carrying out this action the Foreign Secretary is only creating Communists in Germany?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to safeguard British assets in Burma.

His Majesty's Government's policy of aid to Burma aims at securing the fundamental prerequisites to the safeguarding of British assets, that is to say, the independence of Burma, friendly Burma-British relations, and ate restoration of internal law and order. An undertaking by the Government of Burma to give fair treatment to United Kingdom interests was embodied in the exchange of letters annexed to the AngloBurmese Treaty of 1947, and was extended by an exchange of notes made in Rangoon on 24th December, 1949.

As this laudable object has so far met with comparatively little success, do the Government contemplate more effective steps?

It is unfortunate that there is a civil war going on in Burma—

Who started it?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman has more information about that than I have. I cannot promise success, but we are doing our best to restore a stable Government in Burma. Tomorrow, I understand, there is to be a Debate on Burma and some hon. Members have given me notice that they intend to raise this question. A more adequate answer can be given then probably than in answer to a Question now.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the reason for the civil war in Burma is because its priceless assets—

The hon. Member is asking for an opinion. Questions should ask for facts, not opinions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total financial aid in all forms received from Britain by Burma since the end of the war.

Approximately £72 million. Of this, the repayment of some £36 million was waived under the terms of the 1947 Treaty and about £1 million has been repaid.

What steps have been taken to publicise this very considerable figure in Burma itself?

I must have notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what additional dollar expenditure, or loss of dollar earnings, is involved in the abolition of petrol rationing in Malaya.

It is the opinion of the Malayan Governments that the ending of petrol rationing in Malaya will not lead to any appreciable increase in the petrol requirements of the territories; firstly, because supplies to essential users under the rationing system were adequate, and secondly, because under present conditions opportunities for pleasure motoring especially in the Federation are extremely limited. The Government of the two territories have stated that if, contrary to expectation, there should prove to be any considerable increase in petrol consumption following derationing, consideration would have to be given to reintroducing restrictions on the sale of petrol.

Is the right hon. Gentleman suggesting that there will be no increase in the use of petrol as a result of the abolition of rationing, and will he explain why one part of the sterling area can apparently abolish rationing without detriment while we in this country cannot?

I did not say that there will be no increase. If there were a considerable increase the situation would have to be reconsidered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is plenty of petrol in Burma, next door?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far it has been possible to prevent the recruitment of Communist terrorists in Malaya from within or from without that country.

In addition to the regular armed gangs, there has been, since the outbreak of the emergency, a reserve of part-time bandits and supporters, who have been recruited for active service to replace casualties. There has also probably been some recruitment by press gang methods. This is extremely difficult to prevent, but the police are continually on the watch for it. There is no evidence that there has been any infiltration of men or material from outside Malaya to help the bandits on anything but a negligible scale.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper on the proceedings in Malaya during the last six months?

I should like notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by "regular armed bands," and also what he means by saying that there have probably been some "press gang methods"? Has he any evidence on this point?

It appears from the information we have, that there are a certain number of bandits who are engaged continuously in these activities. There are others who are engaged part-time. There is a regular force, and at times other people join up at week-ends.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that there is a great danger to recruiting arising from his inability to send out of Malaya the large number of Communists who have already been captured and who might escape? Will he not take steps to see that they are sent out of the country?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Food why Polish frozen egg which was not fit for human consumption was sent to the North Lincolnshire bakery traders just before Christmas 1949.

We made our usual laboratory tests of this Polish frozen egg and they showed it was quite fit for human consumption. We are investigating the cause of the complaints about the flavour of some consignments and have replaced them from other stocks. I will write to the hon. Member when I have more information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, if this Polish frozen egg is now found to be fit for human consumption, it was withdrawn? Is he aware that it has been in stock so long that traders told his officials it was unfit for human consumption? Will he also say why his Department insisted on its being issued to the public?

This particular egg is a very awkward thing. I have learned that defrosted Polish egg is less viscous than frozen egg from any other part of the world; it has been suggested that Polish egg has an undue moisture content. Obviously, these are grave matters, and we shall look into them very seriously indeed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he cannot leave the Polish eggs to the Polish people, who are starving under their Communist regime?

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that owing to the high costs of gear, fuel and freight rates many inshore fishermen may have to lay up their boats with the consequent reduction in the supply of fresh white fish for consumption; and what steps is he taking to see that this will not happen.

For some time past inshore fishermen have pressed the Ministry of Food to remove the price and other controls, on the ground that this would assist the marketing of the better quality fish such as they usually catch. This will be done on 15th April.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this question of high costs of gear, fuel and other things which, when the free market arrives, may put up the price of fish to such an extent that it will be unsaleable and boats may have to be laid up?

There was a meeting this morning with representative fishermen between myself and other Ministers, and that is one of the problems we have promised to look into.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider allowing those who find the sweet ration in excess of their requirements, to exchange some points for sugar up to the same sugar content.

I am going into the suggestion during my general review of our sugar supplies, and will announce my decision in due course.

Will my right hon. Friend keep in mind, when he is considering the position, that the housewife is at present deprived of the value of the additional milk in the form of milk dishes because of lack of sugar? For instance, if she fancies home baking, she cannot have a little of what she fancies because there is no sugar, and—

On a point of Order. I do not know whether you, Mr. Speaker, can assist the House in any way, but a great many of us who are anxious to hear what my hon. Friend has to say are prevented from doing so by a constant series of mutterings from the other side, apparently designed to this end?

The idea put forward by my hon. Friend is an attractive one, but I regret it is not one we can put into operation. However, we are looking into that problem and many others in a week or two, and perhaps in a month's time I shall announce the result of our general review of the sugar supply problem.

asked the Minister of Food, in view of the increase in egg production by the British farmer, what steps he is taking with regard to the importation of eggs from European countries and China.

We can still make good use of all the eggs we can get, and I intend to continue importing them until consumers' needs are fully met. The home producer has a guaranteed price for all he can produce.

asked the Minister of Food how many Australian and New Zealand rabbits there are in stock in this country; what further quantity is to be imported under existing contracts; and whether he is satisfied that all these rabbits will be sold without any financial loss to his Department.

Since the middle of September, 1949, retailers have been offered all the rabbits they want, but because other foods have been more plentiful, demand has fallen off this spring and stocks have accumulated. I am not prepared to give figures of stocks or of expected arrivals. As prices have been reduced to encourage sales, I expect there will be some financial loss, how much, I cannot say until stocks are cleared.

Is the Minister aware that he has already had 600,000 cases of these rabbits, that there are 200,000 more to come under contract, and that the result of reducing the price by 40 per cent. will involve his Department in a loss which is likely to be in the neighbourhood of £1 million? Will he try to get rid of these rabbits and thus release storage accommodation?

I want to get rid of them. If there is any way of doing that, I am all in favour of it.

Does not the Minister agree that all these stocks could have been sold without loss to the country had the advice of the trade been taken and they had been unloaded at the time when the meat ration was down to 10d. and bacon was in short supply?

I cannot agree with that.

asked the Minister of Food if he will list the items of food removed from rationing during the past year and those still rationed, stating the amount per head in each case.

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the changes in the rations, and in the foods on the points ration. But I might just say this now: the most important change since last year, apart from the fact that a number of rations have been increased, is the lifting of the restrictions on the sale of liquid milk. In addition, retailers may sell freely any eggs which they may have over and above their customers' entitlement and I hope that this, concession will last for a longer period than in 1949. A considerable number of foods have been released from points. rationing since March, 1949, but the list of foods subject to individual weekly rations remains the same as it was a year ago, although the amount of the ration has changed in certain cases. The butter, cheese, meat, bacon and tea rations have been increased. The sugar ration has been reduced. Other changes are under review.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any hope of any further derationing in the immediate future?