asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to ensure that officers and men recalled to the colours have their civilian occupations kept open for them.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to secure the reinstatement in employment of reservists called up in the present emergency.

This matter has been receiving urgent consideration and I hope that an announcement will be made very early in the new Session of Parliament.

I hope the Minister realises the importance the Services will attach to this problem of getting a satisfactory answer.

Yes, Sir, we are pushing on with the consideration.

Will particular attention be paid to the difficulties of men who have one-man businesses?

I should like to see that question on the Order Paper, but attention will be given to all relevant circumstances.

Can the Minister say whether it is proposed that whatever arrangements are made will be retroactive, to cover those who have been called up and have since returned?

This relates to the finding of employment or return to employment. Whether the regulation would be retroactive I cannot say, but the Ministry will do what they can to assist men in those circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what are the considerations of public policy which prevent him from now disclosing his intentions with respect to reserved occupations in the event of an emergency;

(2) what steps he has taken to inform employers engaged on work for the Service Departments as to the categories of their employees who will be liable to be called up for military service in the event of an emergency.

The basis of reservation in an emergency would necessarily depend on circumstances at the time, and no useful purpose would be served by disclosing at this stage details which are subject to continuous review. Furthermore, there are objections on security grounds to disclosure earlier than necessary.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the difficulty of men who would wish to offer themselves for Civil Defence work if they knew that they were free from military obligations? In view of the fact that certain categories of men will obviously be reserved, cannot the right hon. Gentleman at least give a clear indication with regard to those categories?

This matter is really very difficult, and those of us who had experience of the constant chopping about of reserved occupations in the last war realise the problems which are raised for employers. Our problem is this. If we were to announce now that certain classes of workers would be reserved on account of their employment and the employers made arrangements to keep those workers, and then because of changed circumstances they had to alter their arrangements, it would create chaos. Our hesitation in making an announcement is really in the interests of the industries concerned.

Whether or not that is the case, can the right hon. Gentleman amplify his statement that there were security reasons against publicity?

We do not think it is wise that we should let a possible enemy know exactly what classes of industry we consider as being of first-class importance and intimate that those are the ones which the enemy should go after.

Can the Minister give us an assurance that he will keep fully in touch with the employers in this matter so that the mistakes which have been made in the past can be avoided and the reserved occupations be for essential keymen?

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for putting that question. It reminded me of something which I might have said earlier. We are in constant touch with the National Joint Advisory Council and we should not make any statement to the House until we had the observations of that body and they were satisfied.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the liability to be called up for training of men who were in a reserved occupation during the 1939–45 war, and who are not now in a reserved occupation; and to what extent this liability is affected by the man concerned being under or over 26 years of age.

Reservation in the 1939–45 war does not affect the liability of those who are now under the age of 26 to be called up under the National Service Acts, 1948 to 1950.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend by that answer to correct the last sentence of the written reply which he gave to me on this subject on 18th September, which says the precise opposite?

If it was a written reply, I would like to look at it. [Laughter.] This is a very important point, because there is a great deal of misunderstanding about it. The point I want to make clear is that the liability of these men remains, but there is no intention of calling them up because as far back as May, 1946, the Government announced that, having done all the combing out possible, and having called up everybody we could get, the remainder would not be called up. We do not propose to go back on that undertaking.

Does the remark in the earlier part of the Minister's answer mean that Ministers do not read written replies?

The hon. Member must not think that everybody does the same as he does.

The right hon. Gentleman said that as it was a written reply, he would have to look it up. Does that mean that he had not read it before it was sent to the OFFICIAL REPORT?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take, in supplement of his check of Z Reservists, to check on those who are not Reservists of any kind, but may be fit for military service.

The check of the addresses and occupations of Z Reservists is designed to assist the Services to recall quickly such of these trained men as might be required in an emergency. The call-up of further untrained men in an emergency is an entirely different matter for which a current check of their addresses and occupations is not required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any check of non-reservists has in fact taken place? If not, does he not think that it would be a good thing to allay the irritation that exists on the part of Z Reservists by making the position clearer?

I have no evidence of such irritation. If the hon. Member cares to give me particulars, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements he has made to enable National Service men who were due to enter a university in October, 1951, but whose release has been postponed until after that date, to begin their university courses during the year 1951–52.

I am at present in consultation with representatives of the universities on this matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon those consultations will be finished? I believe they have been going on for at least a month, if not more.

We cannot give directions to vice-chancellors. If I could, in all probability I should not get so many complaints. The date, I think, is provisionally fixed for one day next week, and immediately we get the decision of the vice-chancellors we shall be happy to make it public.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the arrangements he has announced to enable students intending to enter a university in October, 1952, to have three months' early release from National Service apply to scholars only or to all who are accepted by a university for that date.

These arrangements relate to boys remaining at school this term to sit for scholarship examinations; they will apply to such boys, accepted by a university for October, 1952, whether or not they obtain a scholarship.

Did I hear the right hon. Gentleman say that they must first have taken a scholarship examination?

No. They relate to boys who are taking the scholarship examination, but they will apply to boys accepted by the university, whether they obtain a scholarship or not.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations on pages 46 and 47 of the Report of an Inquiry into the Operation of the Catering Wages Act, 1943, in the hotel industry.

Immediately on publication of the Report, I asked both sides of the industry for their early observations. I also invited the Licensed Residential Establishment and Licensed Restaurant Wages Board to give consideration to the suggestions of the Commission for modifying the current wages regulation Order. These suggestions are now being considered by the Administrative Committee of the Board but I cannot say, in advance of proposals being submitted to me under the statutory procedure, what will be the result of the Wages Board's deliberations.

As regards the other proposals contained in the Report, I have reminded all sections of the industry of the very great need for speed in dealing with this matter and I hope to receive the views of the two sides at an early date. I cannot say in advance, however, what steps will be necessary to give effect to such proposals as are found to be generally acceptable.

I desire to take this opportunity of expressing publicly my appreciation of the way in which the Catering Wages Commission have carried through this inquiry on my direction.

Does the Minister agree with the suggestion made in the Report that a satisfactory structure of wages and conditions can best be built up gradually on the basis of voluntary collective agreements?

I should prefer to wait for the observations of both sides of the industry and to consider them before making any comment.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman promised this House, when he appointed the Commission of Inquiry, that this matter would be treated as one of extreme urgency, and, as the Commission reported last July, when are we going to hear what action the Government are going to take?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the main Question.

May we take it that when the consideration of these recommendations has ended, my right hon. Friend will ensure that a statutory minimum is laid down for these people?

I can only say that a certain obligation is placed upon me under the Act and that certain statutory requirements have to be fulfilled. I must wait for those requirements to be fulfilled.

asked the Minister of Labour what penalties have been exacted since the end of the war from workers who have participated in a strike in connection with a trade dispute which has not been reported to him under the National Arbitration Order of 18th July, 1940.

Since the end of the war, proceedings under this Order have been undertaken in only 10 cases in connection With the recent gas strike, and these are still sub judice.

If it is true, as I gather the Minister would like us and the country to believe, that most of these strikes are inspired by Communists for political reasons, is it not a great pity that the Government deprived themselves of the powers of the 1927 Trade Disputes Act by which they could have dealt with these matters?

Are not the words

"Oh a servant when he reigneth

Is more than ever slave!"

the answer to this question?

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make available the evidence which he possesses against strike agitators in order to give private persons an opportunity of implementing the existing law and to protect themselves against these persons.

No, Sir. All available information is before the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney-General, and it is for them to decide whether a prosecution should be instituted in any particular case. It would be contrary to the public interest to disclose the nature of the information available.

Will the Minister give an undertaking that, provided the evidence is available, in future the agitators in all unofficial strikes will be prosecuted, and further that we shall not experience the unconscionable delay which resulted in the gas strike being so unnecessarily prolonged?

I am not prepared to go any further than the answer which I have already given.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the subversive activity by certain people in the iron and steel industry? What steps is he taking to direct the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions to the action taken to sabotage an Act of Parliament?

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that strikes, whether official of unofficial, are never illegal in this country if proper notice is given, and that the illegality of a strike never depends on whether it is official or unofficial?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to deal with the subversive organisation recently formed to disrupt essential services.

The activities of those concerned are being carefully watched.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while many trade unionists do not believe in the existence of such an organisation and believe that the Government are using the Communists as a scapegoat, the general public, on the other hand, believe that such an organisation does exist and that the Government lack the will to deal with it? Will not the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance which will dispel this confusion?

I am not responsible for the confusion.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the London gas strike.

As the House will be aware, certain of the men who took part in this strike were prosecuted last week and have lodged appeals against the sentences passed on them. In these circumstances, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to make any statement at present.

Is the Minister aware that, as these men pleaded guilty, the only thing sub judice is the sentence? Could he not, therefore, tell the House why the Government did not take earlier action to protect the consumer, because millions of people in London were without gas for three weeks?

Answer.

The hon. and gallant Gentleman has told me something; he has not asked me something.

May I ask the Minister why he did not take earlier action in the strike so as to protect the consumers in London?

Because, in the circumstances, I thought the action I took was appropriate.

asked the Minister of Labour how many participants in the recent unofficial strike in the gas industry have drawn National Assistance or refunds of Pay As You Earn during their illegal refusal to work.

I understand that this information is not readily available.

Is it not a fact that, with regulations as they are at present, Government money is being used to subsidise and facilitate this irresponsible type of action?

That is something quite apart from the Question which the hon. and gallant Gentleman asked. My answer to his Question was that the figures were not readily available. The information might be obtained if the hon. and gallant Gentleman approached both the Ministry of National Insurance, with regard to National Assistance, and the Treasury with regard to the other matter.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to solve the unemployment problem in north Lincolnshire; and what reply he has sent to the Grimsby and District Employment Committee's recent resolution on this matter.

My Department will continue to co-operate with the Board of Trade to get additional industry into the area. New developments in the area have already provided a substantial amount of additional employment and others will reduce still further the present unemployment in the area. The Grimsby and District Employment Committee are being informed that the claims of the area for work under the defence programme will not be overlooked where suitable capacity is available.

Is the Minister aware that a good deal of this unemployment arises in the ancillary trades of the fishing industry? Will he do all that he can to help them in that respect?

Yes, Sir. Some of the work already provided is ancillary, such as fish curing, and in the plans projected there are some trades related to the fishing industry, such as fish-freezing and others, which might be less closely associated but which should provide suitable employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of unemployed in the furniture trade at the latest available date.

At 11th September, the figures were 1,711 males and 348 females.

Could the Minister give comparative figures at some convenient date—six months or 12 months ago?

The figures are less than half what they were in June.

asked the Minister of Labour what reply he has sent to the letter addressed to him on 30th September last regarding the payment of unemployment benefit to fishermen during the periods between fishing seasons.

I have been asked to reply. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply which has been sent by my Department.

As this is a matter which affects thousands of men in the fishing industry in the North of Scotland, will not the right hon. Lady state now what she has decided to do? This is a matter of great concern to these men, many of whom are unemployed.

If the hon. Member goes to the Vote Office and obtains the Regulations, he will learn what we propose to do.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount due to chemists in Scotland for prescription service now outstanding.

Allowing for the substantial payments to account that have been made, the aggregate balance in arrears is roughly equal to two months' total payments, or rather more than £500,000 spread over 1,750 establishments. I am discussing with representatives of the chemists how delays in payment can in future be kept as small as possible.

This is a very substantial sum of money spread over a number of comparatively small shopkeepers, and I hope the right hon. Gentleman appreciates how important it is to evolve a system whereby they will be more promptly paid.

I agree that I have been worried about these arrears, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand that, in part, they have arisen from not being able to price in some of the detail in which Scottish chemists work and to which they were accustomed. I agree that this is a matter of concern and I am pursuing it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average cost of all local government authority-owned houses in Scotland.

Detailed figures are not available but I would refer the hon. Member to the Laidlaw Report on Scottish Building Costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of houses owned by local authorities in Scotland.

At the end of August, 1950, the approximate number of houses owned by local authorities in Scotland was 345,000.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate the introduction of any plans to offer these houses for sale to the tenants? Is he aware that a number of tenants would like to buy them?

That is a much wider question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish local authorities maintain different rentals between houses built by them and those built by the Scottish Special Housing Association; how many equalise rents by pooling; and what is the average local subsidy required to equalise Scottish Special Housing Association's house rents with those of the local authority.

Out of 54 authorities in whose areas the Association have built houses since the war, at least 16 charge rents for their post-war permanent houses which equal or exceed those charged by the Association in their area; in the other areas the local authority rents are lower. In November, 1949, the rents of the Association's post-war permanent houses were on average £5 higher than those of local authority houses in the same areas. I am advised that it would not be competent under the Housing (Scotland) Acts for local authorities to make payments to the Scottish Special Housing Association with a view to equalising rents.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to procure timber for the completion of houses in the county of Ayr.

The procurement of timber is, of course, the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and I am assured by him that on present indications supplies will be adequate to maintain the housing programme in Ayrshire and elsewhere. In addition, Timber Control have been informed of the difficulties that still exist about supplies of certain sizes and lengths of timber, and steps are now under consideration for increasing these supplies in relation to these lengths.

If it is true, as I gathered from the right hon. Gentleman's reply, that timber is no longer a great difficulty in Ayrshire or, one assumes, in Scotland, could the right hon. Gentleman say what it is that makes the people of Scotland so bitterly hostile to the Government over housing?

About 20 years of Tory rule.

While ignoring that ignoble gibe, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to recall that he has given me frequent assurances in correspondence that adequate supplies of timber would be forthcoming for housing in Ayr? Is there any particular reason why these assurances have not yet been implemented?

I think the hon. and gal-land Member is being a little unfair. I have already agreed that there have been difficulties over certain lengths. We have taken emergency measures to meet the needs in regard to those lengths but, generally speaking, the softwood position in relation to housing in Ayrshire is satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that the pay of all officers, men and women in the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force has been raised, he will consider a similar increase in the pensions and allowances of all ex-Service men and women.

asked the Minister of Pensions if we will now set up an inquiry to see what improvements should be made in war pensions in view of the increased cost of living.

The improvements which the Government have made in the rehabilitation, the pensions and allowances and the welfare of the war disabled are being steadily maintained, as reference to the Twenty-Fifth Report of my Department, now being printed, will show. For instance—

On a point of order. Is it in order for the right hon. Gentleman to talk with a hot potato in his mouth? I cannot hear a word he says.

I am sorry if the hon. and gallant Gentleman did not hear me.

We could not hear either.

I am sorry. For instance, the number of the main supplements to pension in payment has increased from 15,000 at December, 1947, to 44,000 at July, 1950, and the average payment to 100 per cent. disabled men which was £2 7s. 10d. per week in 1938 is now £4 per week, tax free. The majority of such men are in employment and earning wages. I am in regular consultation with my Central Advisory Committee on all details of administration of the pension code. The fullest possible information is regularly given to Parliament in Annual Reports. There is therefore no reason for any special inquiry.

Is the hon. Member aware that, to take one example, the basic 100 per cent. pension of a totally disabled lieutenant is rather less than the standard minimum wage for an unskilled wage earner? Is that fair, or is it adequate?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman would only do what I asked him to do and read the Annual Reports which I present to Parliament, he would know that no disabled war pensioner has to live on his disability pension only.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only a small proportion of pensioners are receiving anything more than the basic pension and that many of them are far worse off than unskilled wage earners?

The vast majority of war pensioners are, of course, fortunately receiving wages or some other form of income. Those who are not are adequately catered for by the generous supplements I have just mentioned.

Will the Minister say whether the rise which will inevitably take place in long-service pensions as the result of the increase in Service pay, will be taken into account by the Government in any adjustment which they may find it possible to make in the basic rate of war pension?

I have no knowledge of the increase to which the hon. Gentleman refers.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether on any past occasion pension rates have been so generously adjusted?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in his reply he referred only to disability pensions, whereas Question No. 23 refers to pensions generally? Does his answer mean that, after the increases in pay about which we heard the other day, we may expect no further statement from the Minister of Defence on pensions?

Clearly, that question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that when application is made for a Territorial efficiency decoration, one of the certifiers has to be an officer with rank not below that of Brigadier; and whether, as it is extremely difficult for many men to be in touch with officers of this rank, he will allow this certifier to have a somewhat lower rank.

This rule is designed to ensure that the applicant has attained a high standard of efficiency and has proved himself in every way deserving of the award. I am aware of very few cases in which difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the completion of this certificate. Such cases are given individual consideration. If the hon. and gallant Member has any individual cases in mind, perhaps he will send me details.

Is the Secretary of State aware how difficult it is for applicants to get into touch with their previous commanders, who may have forgotten them, anyway? Why is it necessary to go through all this rigmarole? Would it not be far simpler for the War Office to get hold of the information from Records and issue the medals automatically?

The House is probably aware that this is an award available to officers. I should not think that it is very difficult for an applicant to get hold of a brigadier through his C.O. or in some other way. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind a case of difficulty and will send it to me, I shall be most willing to look at it, and to look at it as a matter of principle for future cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ensure for the future that, when the name of a soldier who is to be court-martialled is to be published, the offence with which he is charged shall also be made public.

We make available to the public the name of a soldier who is to be tried by court martial and the Sections of the Army Act under which he is to be charged. As regards disclosing the full particulars of the charge in all cases, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Members for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) and Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams), on 18th September and to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Alport) and others on 19th September.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a good deal of public anxiety about the lack of information given in a recent case, and that more information was given in that case later, and rather late in the day? Will he see that in future more information is given at the earliest possible moment?

I understand the hon. Gentleman's point, but that was an extremely exceptional case, and in 99 cases out of 100, of course, no security considerations arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give instructions that when a National Service soldier under the age of 21 is to be tried by court-martial or a civil court, the next-of-kin are informed.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Luton (Dr. Hill) on 25th July.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Service Ministries have a responsibility for these men under 21; and that a constituent of mine found that his son was in gaol by reading the evening paper? That is not good enough.

The military authorities have always hitherto taken the view that it would be wrong and an interference with the liberty of the soldier to inform his parents. They prefer to leave it to the soldier's own discretion whether he should do so or not.

Should not an exception be made where a young man of 21 is charged with a capital offence, bearing in mind that were he seriously ill his parents would be informed under the existing system?

I entirely agree that there are considerations on both sides in that matter. We will consider it, but I should be rather loath to depart from the present procedure.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the considerations which have satisfied his Department so far as applied to soldiers of mature age are exactly the same considerations to be applied to boys under the age of 21 serving away from home, probably for the first time in their lives?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that while boys serving away from home do so with the consent and wish of their parents, they are not necessarily in the Army with their parent's consent or wish, and that he therefore has a responsibility to look after them?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the use of trained police dogs, such as Alsatians or Dobermans, with military patrols in Malaya.

Police dogs are already being used in Malaya, but more on guard duties than on patrols. They have been tried in the latter rôle as well, however.

In view of the great shortage, admitted in a statement yesterday, of these trained dogs, will the Secretary of State say whether any attempt is being made to get any from Germany, where there are many, or whether the assistance and advice of the Kennel Club is being sought in this country?

So far I have had no requirement from Malaya for additional quantities of these dogs. I saw some of them being trained in the command when I was there, and they are performing useful duties, but I have no knowledge at the moment of any need for any more of them.

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State for Air said yesterday that there was an urgent shortage of these dogs, will the right hon. Gentleman kindly communicate with his brother officer?

asked the Secretary of State for War why British soldiers are not allowed to box against Germans, in view of the fact that such restrictions are not applied to other sports.

At present British soldiers in Germany are not allowed to engage in games involving individual combat, such as boxing, wrestling or fencing, with Germans. This rule was made in order to avoid the possibility of disturbances at such games. Its relaxation is a matter which we shall leave to the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, British Army of the Rhine.

Was this important decision taken after due and proper consultation with the right hon. Lady the Minister of National Insurance.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that all proper steps are being taken to ensure the speedy despatch to and from British troops in the Far East and in particular Korea, of mail; and that sufficient mail-carrying aircraft are being employed.

Yes, Sir. I regret that there was some interruption in the flow of air mail homeward from Korea during September, but despatches are now being made twice a week regularly in each direction.

What is the average time taken for mail from Korea to reach this country?

It is about a week by air mail.

Why is it that registered mail or parcels cannot be sent to the troops overseas, while it can be to civilians?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the anxiety caused to relatives of soldiers serving in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Korea as a result of premature and inaccurate reports released to the Press and the British Broadcasting Corporation by his Department of casualties suffered through accidental bombing by American aircraft; why these reports were allowed to be released; and why five days elapsed before next-of-kin were informed.

I deeply regret the anxiety caused to these relatives as a result of premature and inaccurate reports. It is certainly not the case that these reports were released by my Department. They originated from sources over whom my Department has no control. Having regard to the means of communication available, the time taken to inform the next-of-kin could not be shortened. We should bear in mind that units suffering casualties have themselves to compile and despatch their casualty returns and, in this particular case, the company orderly room staff were themselves casualties.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that the attack was first announced on 23rd September, that this announcement was repeated on 24th September and the previous report was contradicted; that we were given the actual number of killed and wounded, yet the next-of-kin had not been informed; and could not the right hon. Gentleman's Department have done something to avoid the misery and suffering of the relatives of these men?

The greatest danger is to give an inaccurate report of the actual individuals involved and the degree of casualties they have suffered. I think it is better to have some delay than to run the risk of an inaccurate or incorrect report in these matters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an inquiry into this incident was promised; has the inquiry been held, and are there to be any courts-martial for murder or manslaughter?

That has nothing to do with this Question.

The right hon. Gentleman referred to communications as if they were unsatisfactory. Ought not his Department to see that his communications on these matters are at least as good as the communications available to the Press?

The point that arises is that on this occasion the Press, no doubt through no fault of their own, gave reports which proved to be both premature and inaccurate, as is stated here. We cannot be open to those charges, especially in cases where it matters so desperately to the individuals' next-of-kin.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement as to his plans for the setting up of a Home Guard.

I cannot at present add anything to my reply to the hon. Member on 25th July.

In view of the Prime Minister's recent appeal for recruits for the Civil Defence services, will the right hon. Gentleman take into account with the Home Secretary that very many middle-aged ex-Service men may think that their best services would be in a Home Guard, and that some co-ordination of the recruiting for services of this kind is in the public interest?

My previous reply stated that we are in touch with other Departments on this matter.

Is it not the position today that a certain number of men are holding back from joining Civil Defence because they are in doubt whether the Home Guard is to be revived or not, and would it not be advisable to clear up the matter in the national interest?

I quite agree; and the earlier statement did say we must consult with the other Departments concerned before we could make a statement on this matter. It will be made.

How long is Civil Defence to have complete priority in recruiting from those who will not be called up for Regular service or for National Service? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the longer he leaves it, the more uncertainty there will be and the less likelihood that Civil Defence will get into its stride?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his last reply was given three months ago? Has no progress been made since that date?

The right hon. Gentleman has been travelling round the world.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that no families will be evicted from their Service quarters because their husbands have been posted away for the present emergency, unless suitable alternative accommodation is found for them.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will review the regulations governing the granting of Regular commissions so that ex-Service men of suitable age and qualifications can be considered for immediate appointment.

In certain circumstances, ex-officers may be granted Regular commissions without the need of further service in the ranks, provided they pass the Regular Commissions Board. I cannot, however, agree to the immediate granting of Regular commissions to ex-Service men who have not previously held commissioned rank. In such cases, provided they fulfil certain conditions, they can re-enlist in the ranks and apply to be considered for a short service commission. If they are granted such commission, they may, after a period of satisfactory service, apply to be considered for a Regular commission.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at a case, of which I have sent him particulars, of an ex-officer, aged 30, who had several years' service overseas during the war and was mentioned in despatches, who applied for a commission and received a most discouraging reply?

I cannot discuss an individual case across the Floor of the House in answer to a supplementary question, but I think the rule as I have stated it is the correct one.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that the undertaking given to the House and subsequently embodied in Circular 62, dated 20th October, 1948, to exempt from development charge dwelling houses erected for agricultural workers, is being interpreted by his Department as applying only to houses provided for one agricultural worker and not to houses provided for a number of agricultural workers, notwithstanding that they are all employed by the person who erected the house; and whether he will take the necessary steps to remedy this anomaly forthwith.

I sympathise with the hon. and learned Member's suggestion, but the inclusion of hostels presents certain administrative difficulties. I am, however, looking into the question to see whether anything can be done.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House that he will apply the same enlightened common sense to the question of development charges generally?

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many applications he has received for the establishment of factories in the borough of Gosport; what development charges he laid down in each instance, both initially and finally; how many such applications have been dropped; and how many have gone ahead.

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of industries have already been scared away from this district, which needs them very badly, by the very high charges they have been told would be levied upon them?

I did not want to give a reply to this Question till I had been able to check it up fully. It only appeared on the Order Paper on Saturday. My information up to date is that five firms have contemplated development: two were wholly exempted from development charge; of the other three, the development charge has been cleared in one case for £100, and the other two applications were withdrawn before an assessment for development charge had been made. That is my answer in reply to the supplementary question. My original answer was that I was making further inquiries.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he has reached a decision regarding the objections made by some local authorities to the setting up of a joint planning board for the Peak National Park.

I have informed the local authorities concerned that in my judgment a joint planning board should be set up.

Is the Minister hopeful that his decision in this case will be accepted as a guide for other parks where more than one local authority is concerned?

I think that in the case of The Peak, where there are five authorities concerned, perhaps the strongest case might have been put against a joint planning board. I did not consider it strong enough to justify the setting up of a joint advisory committee, and I am therefore myself inclined to think that it is unlikely that in any other case any other alternative to a joint planning board would be accepted.

asked the Prime Minister for what medals or decorations for gallantry British troops serving under the United Nations flag in Korea will be eligible.

Members of British Forces serving in or over Korea or Korean waters will be eligible for all British awards which may be granted for gallantry in operations.

Is a special Korean campaign medal contemplated?

That matter has not been considered yet.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now take the initiative in proposing a meeting between President Truman, Marshal Stalin and himself, with a view to bringing about an improvement in the relations between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the West.

I have been asked to reply. Resolutions dealing with the question of consultations between the Great Powers are now under discussion in the United Nations in connection with the debate now taking place on the United States proposals for "united action for peace." His Majesty's Government are supporting these latter proposals. They are particularly anxious that effective steps should be taken to make sure that the United Nations organisation possesses the means necessary to prevent aggression. They believe that in consequence the solution of problems by negotiation will be facilitated.

In the view of His Majesty's Government it is important that any consultations that may be arranged between the Great Powers shall not be used as a substitute for the proposals for "united action for peace." His Majesty's Government have not in the past refused to enter into consultation with other Great Powers when this has been desired, but their past experience has not been encouraging. The attitude adopted by the Soviet Union, for example, in the Four-Power meetings to discuss Germany or the Austrian Treaty, has not been such as to encourage the belief that a solution of the world's problems can be found by that means.

It has seemed, therefore, to His Majesty's Government that, apart from building on the United Nations as the world organisation for the settlement of disputes and the prevention of aggression, it was desirable to build up a position of strength by means of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and similar measures. But if circumstances arose in which there was a real opportunity to reach a solution of some of these great world problems through meetings between the Great Powers His Majesty's Government would enter into consultations with their friends on any proposals that may be submitted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, in the opinion of many people, a personal meeting at this stage, such as is suggested in this Question, might have a very beneficial effect, even if the agenda were not carefully prepared and no concrete results emerged.

Well, I can only say that I have had a very good experience over the last five years, and really the Western Powers have got to be strong, they have got to be tolerant, and they have got to be perfectly clear as to the kind of world they want and to stand for it till they get it.

If the initiative for such a meeting of the four Powers comes from the United States Government, will the Foreign Secretary give it enthusiastic support?

I do not know about enthusiasm. When one has been Foreign Secretary for five years one ceases to be enthusiastic about these things. If it comes from anywhere, we shall give it equal consideration.

asked the Prime Minister to which Minister questions should be addressed concerning proceedings under the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order.

So far as the general administration of the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order is concerned, the responsibility lies with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service. Questions relating to prosecutions for alleged offences should be addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

Is the Prime Minister aware that on 19th September, the Minister of Labour stated in this House:

"I have not thought it appropriate to institute proceedings in the courts in respect of any of these stoppages."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th September, 1950; Vol. 478, c. 1691.]?

Surely that should have been dealt with by the Attorney-General; and will the Prime Minister comment upon it?

I will consider the point that the hon. Gentleman has made. It has not been brought to my notice before.

When my right hon. Friend is considering it, will he look at one of the answers given by the Minister of Labour today, and, if he thinks it necessary, will he take steps to make it perfectly clear that prosecutions under this Order are in no way the responsibility of the Government, and the Government do not interfere with them?

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware that the Festival of Britain authorities have put in a demand for 1,563 tons of art paper for their various publications; and whether, in view of the repercussions on the publishing trade, he will review this demand and the high priority which has been asked for.

While it is true that the Festival of Britain's original request was as stated, I am glad to say that by using a substitute type of paper for certain purposes it has since been possible to reduce the demand by 390 tons, or by 25 per cent. I hope that this reduction will help to relieve the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers. The House will appreciate how important it is that guides and catalogues to the Festival exhibitions should be available to all visitors who want them and that they should be a credit to this country.

I appreciate the latter part of the reply, but is the Lord President aware that most publishers are waiting up to 32 weeks for this particular kind of paper, which is causing great dislocation in the industry, and will he keep an eye on the quantity of paper and if necessary reduce the amount of paper used by the exhibition authorities?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is aware of the wide spread concern at the prices which are to be charged for admission to the Festival of Britain; and if he will arrange facilities for parties of schoolchildren to visit the exhibition in the mornings at less than 1s. a head.

I assume the Question refers to the prices of admission to the South Bank Exhibition. I should hope that there will be no widespread concern about them and I can assure my hon. Friend that visitors will get excellent value for their money. Special arrangements will be made for parties of schoolchildren which will be announced later; but I cannot undertake that the price per head will be as low as the one my hon. Friend has in mind.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that, because of these prices, many families will be prevented from going to the exhibition, and if the prices are fixed to restrict would-be visitors because of the limited space, will my right hon. Friend give some thought to extending the life of the exhibition, even to 1952 or 1953, so that all married people may get in at reduced prices?

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the ordinary prices being charged are very moderate, having regard to the very wide nature of the exhibits and the high value of the exhibition?

In comparison with other charges of admission, I do not think that the prices are out of proportion, and the number of exhibits for which there is no additional charge is considerable. I think that it is good value for money. If I may say so, the House of Commons, for which I have the deepest affection and regard, cannot have it both ways. I have been pressed by the House to keep the deficit on the exhibition within reasonable limits, and it would be a pity if in other quarters there were now pressure to increase the deficit.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me what we are going to see when we get inside? Last time I asked that question, the right hon. Gentleman said that the question was irresponsible. I am still trying to find out what class of exhibits there will be.

If I am feeling in a good temper and I can stand it, I will pay for the admission of the hon. Gentleman and take him round myself; and I hope that we get out safely.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that if certain circumstances make it possible or desirable, the admission charges will be reduced, and that there is no finality about the charges?

As I have often told the House, we will watch things as we go, and our mind will be open as experience is gained. I might add that on the first two days of the 1851 Exhibition, the charge was £1. I understand that, according to the Opposition, the value of the £ was somewhat more then than it is today.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will re consider the decision that children under five will not be admitted to the South Bank science, architecture and books exhibitions at the Festival of Britain.

I think it is a prudent decision not to admit children under five to these exhibitions. It will be reviewed after the first few weeks when experience has been gained.

May I ask the Lord President if his decision includes children unaccompanied or accompanied by adults, and what right he has to interfere with the liberty of the subject in this way? Will he remember that we are not in Moscow?

I understand that it includes both categories of children, and the motive is public safety. As I have said, we will see how things go along. I am not unsympathetic to the hon. Gentleman's point of view, but we must consider the element of public safety in this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider lifting the ban in the case of the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers)?

asked the Lord President of the Council when he expects to be able to announce the result of the consultations between the Festival of Britain Office and the Railway Executive regarding train services in connection with the Festival.

The Festival of Britain Office have explained to the Railway Executive the likely additional demands for railway service during the Festival of Britain. The Railway Executive are now making detailed arrangements which they will make known in due course.

Does not the Lord President realise that "in due course" is no use at all because towns in the suburbs and counties surrounding London are trying to make their arrangements with the foreign travel agencies and to tell them what facilities they have for getting people to London?

I will keep that point in mind, but I still think that "in due course" is the right formula.