asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many building licences have been issued up-to-date for factories to be built in Harlow new town; and what is the total number of male and female workers respectively that it is anticipated these factories will employ.

Seven building licences have been issued and a further one is about to be issued. These eight factories will employ approximately 325 men and 295 women.

Is this not rather a strange proportion? Does the hon. Gentleman really think that with the families coming to the new towns there will be an equal number of female workers and male workers, and is not this a rather bad pattern?

No, Sir. The hon. Member has evidently overlooked the fact that in the initial stages quite a substantial allocation of houses built will be occupied by building trade workers and that they will rectify the balance.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is the total population now envisaged for the new town of Basildon.

I cannot give a definite figure until the development corporation's draft plan has been received and considered.

In view of the fact that the development corporation want a total population of 80,000, can the hon. Gentleman say when a decision can be given on this point?

First we ascertain the facts, and on the basis of those ascertained facts we come to conclusions and decisions, and I recommend the hon. Gentleman to do the same.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, failing the provision of alternative accommodation by the Heston and Isleworth Urban District Council, he will permit the continued occupation of the caravans at Rose Farm, Hounslow.

No, Sir.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the hardship that will be inflicted upon 30 people who will be compulsorily removed from a site which has been used for camping purposes for 25 years?

I do not accept the latter part of the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend. This was a site wrongly used. An application for planning permission was refused by the local authority and, after an inquiry, that refusal was supported by my right hon. Friend. So far as the people on the site are concerned, I am certain that Middlesex County Council and Heston and Isle-worth Urban District Council will show every consideration and sympathy.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in view of the concern about the working of Parts V, VI and VII of the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act, he will consider the appointment of an expert committee to reconsider the financial provisions of the Act in the light of the experience gained.

No, Sir.

Do the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend recognise that protests from most influential bodies in this country have already been made pointing out that the present system is a deterrent to development, and does not that in any way weigh with him and his right hon. Friend?

No, Sir. I do not accept that they were protests. We were very grateful to such bodies as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Auctioneers and Estate Agents Institute who, after having seen the Act in operation, have given their considered opinion. Their opinion is examined in the light of circumstances, and changes are made as and when necessary.

Does that mean that the Minister is contemplating legislation to put right some of the admitted anomalies of the Act, or are we to continue indefinitely as we are?

As far as small matters are concerned, evidence has been given by my right hon Friend in the Regulations he has introduced. As to radical alterations, the present Parliamentary situation does not allow them to be made.

Does my hon. Friend recognise that concern with the financial provisions of the Act is merely a repetition of the objection to the fundamentals of the Measure experienced when the Bill was passing through the House?

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many persons, at the latest convenient date, were receiving benefits from her Department which were determined by joint considerations arising from the needs of the applicant and a means test.

No payments of this kind are made by my Department.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether she is aware of the plight of old age pensioners, particularly of those who are too old to do any work, on account of the increase in the cost of living; and what steps she proposes to take with a view to assisting such old age pensioners to overcome their difficulties.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) on this subject on 17th October last, a copy of which I am sending him.

Does the right hon. Lady realise that the plight of these old age pensioners is on a very different scale from that of practically everyone else suffering from the effects of the cost of living? Is it not possible to make some arrangement whereby old age pensioners might get necessaries at lower prices?

I nave said before that the officials of the National Assistance Board would welcome the application of any old age pensioner who feels he is suffering from hardship, and I am sure that any investigation made will be done in a kindly and courteous fashion.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether she is satisfied that the scale rates of the National Assistance Board are sufficient to meet the high cost of light and heat in rural areas that have to rely on oil and coal; and whether an additional allowance can be made in such areas in the case of old age pensioners living alone.

I have no reason to believe that persons in rural areas find living more expensive than persons in towns; but where individual circumstances necessitate exceptional expenditure on light and heat, the Board's officers can take this into account in awarding assistance.

Does that mean that the Minister will give discretion to her assistance officers to give an extra winter allowance, as they did before the war? Is the Minister aware that in rural areas a merchant is not prepared to deliver coal or oil in very small quantities, and at the present time an old age pensioner living alone is frequently spending the whole of the week's allowance on a single delivery of coal, and there is nothing left for food?

The officers of the Board are enabled to give an extra allowance in cases where it is considered necessary to old age pensioners living in either the town or country.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps are taken to bring to the attention of old age pensioners those additional benefits for which they may be eligible on application to the Assistance Board or elsewhere.

I would refer the hon. Member to pages 18 and 19 of the National Assistance Board's Report for 1949 which contains a description of the steps taken to this end.

But does the Minister realise, in spite of the pamphlets which have been published, that particularly in country districts and scattered areas there are many old people who simply do not know for what they are entitled to make application?

I recognise that, and that is why I have given instructions that a reference to national assistance shall be included in the retirement pension order books of the pensioners.

Is it not time that the Government made up their minds to give a substantial increase in the allowance to old age pensioners, as they are suffering the biggest hardship of all the population?

asked the Minister of National Insurance if she will arrange for all old age pensioners to receive a double pension in the week preceding Christmas.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his similar Question on 18th July.

Could the Minister say how much it would cost to implement the suggestion contained in the Question, and how much increased contribution per week it would cost to make this an annual event?

The answer to the first part of the question is £5,250,000, and as to the second part, I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if she will amend the Seasonal Workers' Regulations, 1950, so that disabled ex-Service men unable to get work in the winter through no fault of their own do not have to pay contributions without receiving unemployment benefit.

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) whether a registered disabled person genuinely seeking employment throughout the year is included by her regulations in the category of seasonal workers;

(2) whether under her regulations a person genuinely seeking, but unable to obtain, work during the off-season, can claim unemployment benefit.

The interpretation of these regulations is a matter for the statutory authorities, but one of the main objects was to give those authorities greater freedom to consider the merits of each individual case than they had under the previous regulations.

Would the Minister bear in mind that in the seaside resorts there is a large proportion of temporary jobs available for ex-Service men, and can she take steps to see that they are not prevented from taking those jobs for part of the year by being penalised in getting no benefits out of season?

The hon. Member will realise that in the case of disabled ex-Service men, circumstances vary, and under these regulations the authorities are able to take into account the different circumstances and judge each case on its merits.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why the agricultural workers in the Boston area who have received unemployment benefit in previous years, have this year been refused unemployment insurance on the grounds that they are seasonal workers.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 6 to 8 and 28 to 30 of the National Insurance Advisory Committee's report on benefit conditions for seasonal workers laid before this House as Paper No. 262 of 1949. I am sending him a copy.

While thanking the right hon. Lady, may I ask what steps she is taking to make known to these workers why they are in a worse position this year than on a previous occasion?

I have already explained that each case is considered on its merits, and if any contributors feel aggrieved, all they have to do is to make their grievance known and their case will be considered.

As the Minister must be aware that there is a considerable amount of apprehension over the whole of this question, will she give consideration to it and make sure that people are not penalised unduly?

We are watching it carefully, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the representatives of the workers were consulted at every stage.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the confusion caused by the introduction of the National Insurance (Seasonal Workers) Regulations, 1950 (S.I., 1950, No. 1220) in a form which made it out of order for honourable Members to pray to annul, she will introduce new Regulations without delay.

asked the Minister of National Insurance when she proposes to introduce new regulations regarding the receipt of unemployment benefit for seasonal workers.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what action His Majesty's Government propose to take about the National Insurance (Seasonal Workers) Regulations set out in S.I., 1950, No. 1220.

I am advised that the regulations made on 25th July, 1950, have full force and effect, and no question of making new ones arises. But in order to comply with your Ruling, Sir, I hope shortly to lay a revised Statutory Instrument embodying those parts of the regulations not already directly approved by the House on 12th July.

Can the right hon. Lady say what is to be the position of seasonal workers in the meantime until this new regulation is made, since I understand they are now prevented from drawing their unemployment pay?

All parts of the regulation which call for affirmative resolution stand.

When this regulation came before the House last week, we urged that the matter might be considered by the Government to see whether it would be possible to correlate the whole of the regulations in one statutory instrument; would that not be possible?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman could have been in the House last July when these regulations were approved. They went by "on the nod" because there was nobody there to challenge them.

As there are something like 500 or 600 regulations coming out each week, it is rather difficult to see that every single regulation is looked at.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why Mr. Thomas Kain, Moorfoot Gardens, Lobley Hill, Gateshead, has been disqualified from unemployment benefit following his dismissal by the Gateshead Corporation.

As this case is at present before the local appeal tribunal I cannot comment on it. I will write to the hon. Member when I know the tribunal's decision.

May I ask the right hon. Lady why Mr. Kain cannot be paid his unemployment benefit immediately provided he agrees to pay his dues—

The case is sub judice. Therefore, the hon. Member cannot ask that it should be done at once.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of men, including volunteers, who have been called to the Forces during the last five months from the coal mining industry.

No coalminers have been called up under the National Service Acts except possibly a few unskilled surface workers unwilling to undertake underground work. The precise numbers are not available.

Surely there is something wrong with the information of the Minister? Miners have been allowed to volunteer. That is the Question that was asked. In view of the grave statement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, does not the Minister think that this is a disastrous policy? Would not these men be serving the best interests of the country by remaining in the coal mines? Are we not making the same mistake that we made twice previously, and will my right hon. Friend not try to use his influence with the Service Ministers to prevent any more men from the mines being called to the Forces?

If my hon. Friend had looked at his own Question before he made his speech, he would have known that he asked me what numbers have been called to the Forces, not volunteers.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. My Question specifically stated "including volunteers."

The original question on the Order Paper was "To ask the Minister of Labour, if he will state the number of men who have been called to the Forces during the last five months from the coal mining industry."

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the settlement of the strike at Duples' factory which began on 19th October.

This dispute has been referred to the National Arbitration Tribunal.

Has the Minister yet any evidence available to him of how many members of the strike committee are acting members of the Communist Party?

I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any approach from the manufacturers of the Dorran Aluminium House; whether this type of house comes up to the required standard; and if he will make a statement.

At the beginning of this month I received a brochure which did not give the technical details necessary for a full examination of the firm's proposals. On Saturday, however, I received further particulars which are now being examined.

Is not it true that no officer of the Minister's Department has been allowed to visit this house? Is it not the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to inform himself as fully as may be on this interesting proposition?

I think the hon. Gentleman is making an unwarranted assumption when he suggests that no officer has been allowed to visit this house. As to the second part of the supplementary question, I inform myself as fully as I can as the details are supplied to me, and the latest details only came in on Saturday after an extensive publicity campaign.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the sum paid out in subsidies to farmers in Scotland under the calf rearing subsidies scheme in each year since it came into operation; and the estimate for 1951.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the need for increased home food production and for the earning of foreign currency, he will consider the introduction of legislation for the development of the resources of the Highlands

The amounts paid in subsidies under the Calf Rearing (Scotland) Scheme are as follows: in 1948–49, £426,037; in 1949–50, £1,564,280 and in 1950–51, up to 13th November, £604,262. The estimate for the whole of the 1950–51 financial year is £1,100,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for calf subsidy in respect of calves in Scotland were received in 1949 and 1950, respectively; how many were successful; and how many applications were refused on the grounds of quality.

Since the information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks involves a table of figures. I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Do those figures prove what the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture said the other day, that there has been improvement in quality?

I can only answer for my own Department, but it will be seen that the rejections are of a very minor kind.

The programme of Highland Development which was presented to Parliament on 30th June, already includes comprehensive measures to achieve the objects which the noble Lord has in view.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is bearing in mind that the Highlands need, for their urgent requirements, millions of pounds spent on road construction and maintenance? Furthermore, would he agree that the £20 million would have given a better return if spent on the Highlands than on the West African Food Corporation?

If the hon. Member had made a study of the proposals for the Highlands he would find that the figure he has just mentioned is doubled.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the number of violent crimes in Glasgow, razors, bicycle chains and broken bottles being used; that police officers have been charged with violence against civilians in the cells and streets; that a sergeant returned to duty after being fined; that in a murder trial a constable was proved to have used a stolen car on duty in conspiracy with other officers; that lack of supervision and discipline is evident; and if he will set up an inquiry into the administration and discipline of the force with a view to restoring public confidence while calling a special conference of magistrates, police chiefs, Members for Glasgow and heads of religious denominations to combat on a moral and spiritual basis this wave of violence.

Having given most painstaking attention to this Question, I must affirm that I have no reason to doubt the efficiency of the City of Glasgow Police, nor have I criticism of substance to make on their supervision or their discipline. Nor have I any evidence that they have forfeited the confidence of the citizens of Glasgow. I therefore lack reason to institute any inquiry or to convene any conference of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend.

Moreover, although I greatly deplore crimes of violence anywhere and, like everyone else, am distressed at their prevalence, I must in fairness add that the number of crimes of violence occurring in Glasgow for the first nine months of this year including those of the kind to which my hon. Friend draws particular attention shows a marked decrease compared to the same period of last year and the year before that.

Whilst understanding the difficulty of the right hon. Gentleman and the probable inconvenience of having an inquiry into police administration, with which I fundamentally disagree, is there any reason why he should not have a conference of the kind suggested in order to try to root out violence in the city which, whether the right hon. Gentleman agrees or not, has reached alarming proportions in a very drastic kind of crime? I myself would take the opportunity to supply the right hon. Gentleman with further evidence of police brutality and hope he will change his mind.

I have every sympathy with the distress and anxiety which my hon. Friend is displaying, but I would not think I was furthering the control of crime in Glasgow if I seemed to censure the Glasgow police when no such censure is justified. If my hon. Friend has any further information of a precise and corroborative kind I will myself undertake to examine it.

While I am at one with my hon. Friend in his desire completely to wipe out violence in Glasgow, may I ask my right hon. Friend if, with his own knowledge and the knowledge of the facts at the Scottish Office, he is not bound to admit that the people of Glasgow compare favourably with the people in any other part of the country?

Yes, Sir. I not only share with my hon. Friend great affection for these people, but also a great respect for them; and I have taken care to point out that these figures show there has been a diminution in violence offences this year.

On a point of order. There is rather an important point in this Question upon which I would like your guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to the propriety or otherwise of it. The Question states:

"… in a murder trial a constable was proved to have used a stolen car on duty in conspiracy with other officers;"

We do not know at this stage whether, in fact, there is an appeal pending against the death penalty; and although it has been said that an inquiry is proceeding in the City of Glasgow as to the conduct of one of the police officers in connection with the man found guilty of this crime, the point I wish to raise is whether at this stage of both the trial and the inquiry now proceeding into the conduct of the guilty police officer it is in order to place a sentence on the Order Paper which assumes that there will be no appeal; and assumes that officers have been found guilty of conspiring in this matter?

It is impossible for the Table to know all the facts of everything. The hon. Member who puts down a Question must, of course, be responsible for the facts. If eventually it turns out that there is an appeal, then, of course, it would be out of order, but we have no means of judging at the moment.

May I reply by saying that I have satisfied myself that I was taking the proper line? Even according to the Crown officers the stealing of the car and the using of the car was admitted at the trial and there can only be an appeal against the murder sentence. It certainly was admitted that the car was stolen and used.

I do not disagree at all with your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, but just in case there should be further publicity I would say that there is, of course, no evidence of conspiracy.

May I ask the Secretary of State if he is aware that his decision to have no inquiry will give the citizens of Glasgow great satisfaction, and will dispel from their minds some anxiety which has been created by the publicity which this question has received in the Scottish Press?

On a point of order. May I give notice that in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will try to raise this matter at the earliest opportunity? I would also ask the Secretary of State to remember the graft trial in which everybody assured us that everything was all right, but several magistrates were arrested shortly afterwards.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now decided to introduce further legislation for Scotland to prohibit the harmful discharge of fluorine fumes from factories.

I hope to introduce at an early date a Bill to amend the Alkali, &c., Works Regulation Act, 1906, in its application to Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the maternity unit in Belfort Hospital, Fort William, is not in use.

The hospital authorities have not yet been able to provide accommodation for the nursing staff required, but they are doing their utmost to make temporary arrangements for this purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this shortage of accommodation applies to any other hospital in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. I know of other hospitals where there is quite a marked shortage of accommodation for nurses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider supplying hot meals from schools kitchens to old people, distribution to be undertaken by voluntary organisations.

I am indebted to my hon. Friend for the suggestion contained in his Question. I am considering whether any existing powers can be exercised to make provision for a service of this nature.

In view of the fact that in Fife at least, and certainly I think in other parts of the country, there is a widespread desire on the part of the voluntary organisations to implement this suggestion, will the right hon. Gentleman when he considers the matter apply speed, sympathy and commonsense to it?

I promise my sympathy. I am very attracted to an obviously good idea, and I shall apply all the energy I can.

In considering this matter, as he has promised to do, will the right hon. Gentleman take into special consideration the scheme precisely on those lines now submitted by the Fife County Council which they would operate themselves?

This is a matter of arrangement. It is true that the Fife County Council has passed a scheme of this kind but, as my hon. Friend has indicated, I think by inference, there may be an easier way of operating it than directly through the county. Providing the machinery is utilised, I am sure everyone will be happy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that such a scheme has been operating for the past two years by local authorities plus voluntary labour all round Scotland?

No, Sir, I would be delighted to have details confirming this.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will ensure that adequate supplies of spare parts are available for the repair of mechanically-propelled vehicles used by disabled persons.

Yes, Sir, so far as vehicles which I supply to war pensioners and Health Service patients are concerned. There should be no difficulty in obtaining spare parts for their repair.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep this well in mind, as I have cases where disabled men have had to wait several weeks, and in certain cases up to six months? As they are completely disabled it is a matter of the gravest importance.

My information is that there has been a delay in regard to one type, but that has been put right. If the hon. Member has other information I hope he will supply me with it.

Is the Minister aware that there is, in fact, great delay and that he has a case which I have called to his attention, and which I hope he is examining? A great deal of the delay is because many of the vehicles are so antiquated and out of date that repairs become very difficult. Will he not give his attention to increasing the provision of new vehicles?

Yes, Sir. The output of new vehicles is increasing rapidly.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will institute a review of anomalies in war pensions and allowances, and give an assurance that the position of the ageing badly disabled men of the 1914–18 war and their widows will receive special attention.

The provisions of the pension code are under constant review and disabled men and their widows receive the most sympathetic consideration under those provisions. Pensions and allowances are adjusted as closely as possible to the needs of the individual. The hon. Member will find in my Twenty-fifth Report, to be published tomorrow, full information of the special help that has been given to pensioners of the 1914–18 War and an up-to-date statement of the position of war widows.

Is the Minister aware that another review, and an up-to-date review, is timely in relation to this particular anomaly; and will he take steps to see that this review is made at once in order to give effect to the present cost of living as it affects pensioners?

I am not aware of any anomalies, and I fail to see what relation that could have to the cost of living if there were any.

In view of what the hon. Member for Ardwick (Mr. L. M. Lever) said in his supplementary question, will the right hon. Gentleman now agree to listen to an appeal which has been made by the hon. Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) and myself on more than one occasion in the last Parliament for a committee of inquiry into this matter which becomes more urgent every day?

A committee of inquiry would save no time; they would only take up time. As I have frequently said, we have this matter under constant review and the figures show a continued improvement.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the normal delay between the notice of appeal against a pension assessment and the completion of the statement of the case by his Department.

Normally about 13 weeks.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why in the case of one of my constituent the delay was well over eight months? Does he not agree that this operates with great hardship on the appellant, and, bearing in mind that the Ministry have had the facts of the case since 1945, how can the Minister justify the delay of that length?

The particular case to which the hon. Member refers, which he has not mentioned in the Question, was a very unusual one, in which the appellant, after sending in his appeal, mentioned other disabilities. He was admitted to hospital for investigation and was there for 3½ weeks. Later, he said that he was suffering from yet another disease, for which he had to have a blood test and an examination by a tropical diseases specialist. Of course, in a case like that, if we are to be fair to the man, time must be taken in examining all the particulars.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will increase disability and widows' pensions, in view of the rising cost of living and increases in Service pay.

I refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport) and the hon. Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell), on 17th October.

Is it not a fact that the cost of living has gone up since the rates of these pensions were fixed, and is it the policy of the Government to continue pensions as at present while the cost of living rises?

The hon. and gallant Member—I say this with respect and in no way offensively—was not in the last Parliament and, therefore, may not be fully aware of the very large increases which have been made in the pensions and allowances of those who have to live on their pensions and allowances. The great mass of pensioners do not have to live on their pensions and, therefore, the cost of living is only one among many considerations to be taken into account.

Can pensioners get this additional allowance without going through a means test?

Oh, yes. Many of these additional allowances have nothing whatever to do with the recipient's other sources of income.

When the Minister speaks of these men having to live on their pensions, is he implying that the basic war pension is given for any other reason than a medical assessment of the injury?

No, Sir. I am not implying any such connection, but that aspect seemed to be in the minds of hon. Members and I felt it necessary to clear up the point.

asked the Secretary of State for War if special cold-weather clothing has now been issued to all the British troops in Korea.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all British troops in Korea are now in possession of suitable winter clothing; and when this reached the forward troops.

As the House knows, two separate British formations are now in Korea. The 29th Brigade Group was formed in this country for the Korean campaign and was most carefully equipped, not only with supporting weapons and transport, but with protective winter clothing. I inspected this clothing at Colchester on 25th September before the Brigade left and I can assure the House that it contained as complete a range of garments designed to protect the wearer against sub-zero temperatures as the ingenuity of our specialists can devise.

Some of the principal garments were woollen underclothes, heavy woollen socks and jerseys, leather jerkins, lined rubber boots, leather gauntlets, windproof smocks and trousers, and kapok coats. This clothing went to Korea with the 29th Brigade and is being issued to units as they arrive. The 29th Brigade is, therefore, fully equipped and there is no question of relying on American supplies of protective winter clothing.

The other Commonwealth formation in Korea, the 27th Brigade, contains two British battalions, the 1st Middlesex and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. As the House knows, these two battalions were sent to Korea from Hong Kong on 26th August at the urgent request of the Commander of the United Nations forces. The American authorities accepted the fact that these battalions could only be sent if their maintenance with stores and equipment, other than ammunition, but including winter clothing, could be provided from American sources. The American authorities accepted this responsibility and I have no doubt have discharged it to the very best of their ability.

On 25th August they informed us they might require help with winter clothing from us. Additional British winter clothing, originally intended as a reserve stock for 29th Brigade, arrived in Korea on 3rd and 8th November, and this clothing has, of course, been available to meet the needs of 27th Brigade. Finally, full stocks of British winter clothing, specifically provided for 27th Brigade, were sent from this country on 4th October and these have now arrived in Korea.

The House can, therefore, be assured that ample supplies of protective winter clothing of both British and American pattern are available in Korea for both 29th and 27th Brigade. But this does not mean that there may not have been difficulties during the past two weeks in issuing all the items of winter clothing to units taking part in the operations in Northern Korea. I understand that there have been very great problems in supplying units engaged in these operations, many of which have had to be supplied by air. Thus the reports, which I have read with great concern, of the slow arrival of particular items of winter clothing to units of 27th Brigade, must be the result of these supply difficulties to the advanced units. I can assure the House that our commanding officers in Korea will make the utmost endeavour to see that every man in the front line gets every item of winter clothing which he so urgently needs. We have received no representations on the subject from our Commanders in the field. There is not the slightest doubt that ample stocks of the clothing are available in Korea.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his very full and clear reply, may I ask if he can explain the reasons behind the delay and difficulty in supplying clothes and getting them actually issued to the Argylls and to the Middlesex? He said that they had been available in Korea since certain dates. Has there been any misunderstanding with the Americans about the necessary air-lift?

No, Sir. I do not think there has been a misunderstanding. I think that the difficulties have been the physical ones of reaching the troops in the front line with their clothing, which had to compete in priority with ammunition, food, and all the other supplies which were going over very heavily burdened supply lines.

Taking full account of what the Minister has said, is it not really very unsatisfactory that the Minister of Defence should, no doubt unwittingly, have misinformed the House on Wednesday last when he said that the front line troops had already been provided "with what is required"; is it not clear from what the Minister has just said, and from the reports which appeared in the Press on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, that the front line troops were not provided at that time, and will the right hon. Gentleman further explain why the Australian battalion of the 27th Brigade was provided much earlier with heavy winter clothing, whereas the British battalions were not, even although the time available was probably the same?

I cannot agree at all that my right hon. Friend misled the House in this respect. If hon. Members want an impartial witness of what has reached the troops in the front line, I quote from today's issue of the "Daily Express," in which—[Interruption.] I call it an impartial witness, but I think I am giving hon. Members opposite something on that. Their correspondent with the forces in Korea begins his despatch in these words:

"I do not think you people at home need worry about the winter equipment of this 27th Brigade. We look as if we were going to the Pole with Shackleton or Scott."

If there were delays earlier in bringing up the equipment, as there may have been—it is quite possible—I suggest that it was because of the difficulties of all the supplies to these men in the front line.

Does the Minister recall that in the late war a very great quantity of supplementary clothing of this kind was provided, and very admirably provided, by voluntary sources working through the county territorial associations and the Director of Welfare. In view of the possibilities of a great increase in demand, is any machinery of that kind in contemplation, having regard to its proved usefulness in the last war?

We would not wish to rely on voluntary efforts, however well intentioned, although we should welcome them. This clothing is for the Korean climate. Very special protective clothing is needed, and has been most carefully provided.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to clear up one point which I did not quite follow? What was the date when these supplies from Britain arrived? The right hon. Gentleman talked about delay in getting things up the line—we can all understand that—but when did this material actually arrive in Korea?

The first part of it arrived when the 29th Brigade arrived. It came from the same ships.

On what date?

I have not that date, but the second lot arrived on 3rd and 8th November and a third lot arrived three days ago.

Is the House to understand from the statement of my right hon. Friend that supplies for the British troops in Korea are dependent on stocks being sent from this country, and, if so, can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that adequate reserves of winter clothing and other personal equipment are now on the spot in Korea?

Yes, Sir. I repeat, as I said in my main answer, that there is not the slightest doubt that ample stocks of clothing are now available in Korea.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear, as I am sure he will, one very important constitutional point? He spoke of the Americans having taken responsibility for the supply of clothing, food and equipment, but will he make it quite clear that while that may be an arrangement between him and the American Command, he, and he alone, is responsible to this House for the welfare of the British troops? This is a very important point.

What I am responsible for as a member of the Government is having made the arrangements in respect of those two battalions—not in respect, of course, of the whole force of the 29th Brigade, but of those two battalions—which were sent from Hong Kong. We made the arrangements with the Americans that, as a condition of complying with their very urgent request to send those battalions, those two battalions, and they alone, must be supplied, except for ammunition, from American sources, and we take the responsibility for making that arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that rest camps and leave centres for British soldiers serving in Korea will be opened in Japan as operational circumstances permit; and what currency will be available to them for spending during such leave.

I have asked the Commander of the United Kingdom forces in Korea for his recommendations on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War the present strength of the Territorial Army; and how many are tabbed and will therefore not be embodied in the event of an emergency.

The strength of the Territorial Army, including women's services, on 31st October, 1950, was 11,152 officers and 98,292 other ranks. A revised scheme of tabbing is in progress and will not be completed until February, 1951. I cannot, therefore, say how many members are tabbed as not available for embodiment.

When giving these figures, would the right hon. Gentleman make an effort to give the true figure—I do not say that offensively—so that commanding officers of units may know, in the event of embodiment, how many men will be lost through the tabbing scheme?

I quite agree that it is most important to get accurate figures, and that is the purpose of this revised process of tabbing.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Class Z Reservists engaged in agriculture have been called up since 1st May, 1950.

No Class Z Reservists, whether engaged in agriculture or not, have been recalled since 1st May or at any other time.

asked the Secretary of State for War what special arrangements he is making for Christmas leave to be granted to soldiers in Germany who would have been home on demobilisation but for the extension of military service by a further six months.

The number of soldiers who can be granted home leave from Germany at any one time is dependent on the number who can be spared and the number of passenger vacancies which are available. In granting Christmas leave, I think it would be wrong to discriminate between the soldiers in question and their comrades in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Centurion tanks which have been sold to Egypt have yet been delivered to the Egyptian Government; and, if not, whether they are still in the United Kingdom, in transit or in the British Ordnance depot in the Canal Zone.

These tanks are still in the United Kingdom.

Is it not somewhat unusual that a country which considers itself entitled to denounce a treaty with ourselves, should also feel itself entitled to the delivery of our latest military equipment?

The Question asked about Centurion tanks and not about the treaty.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is now in a position to make any further statement on the prospects of establishing a National Science Centre in London.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is aware of the handicaps imposed on science by the lack of suitable accommodation for the leading national scientific organisations in London; and whether, in view of the importance of scientific contributions, the Government will help to improve the situation.

I am glad to say that since this matter was raised on 5th May last by my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall (Mr. W. Wells), it has been possible to overcome the remaining obstacles for the adoption of the long-term proposals originated by the Royal Society for a British Science Centre in London. To prevent any misunderstanding I must emphasise that it will be some years yet before my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works can build such a centre, but a start will be made on it as soon as resources can be found, having regard to other urgent claims. Provision will be made for accommodating within the area the Patent Office and its Library, which will be modernised and extended as a first-rate central reference library on science and technology.

Suitable new quarters will be built for the Royal Society and for other leading scientific societies with their important special libraries, most of which are now severely cramped in the rooms provided for them by the Government not far short of 100 years ago in Burlington House, or in other inadequate accommodation. New offices for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and other Government scientific organisations will also be provided. By this means buildings elsewhere will be released for other uses, and some economies in building requirements will be achieved.

The Centre will be designed to improve facilities and contacts between scientists and users of science, both nationally and internationally. Much detailed planning remains to be done, but it may be convenient for the many interests affected to have this preliminary advance statement. I hope to announce the selection of a site as early as possible in the New Year, but it will be some time yet before a final scheme can be developed.

May I assure my right hon. Friend that his answer will give great satisfaction to scientific societies throughout the country, and the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend.

asked the Lord President of the Council if Festival Gardens Limited have considered for inclusion in the Festival Pleasure Gardens the fun-fair ride, details of which have been sent to him.

The hon. and gallant Member has informed me that the Manager of Festival Gardens Limited is already considering the inclusion of this item in the Festival Pleasure Gardens. I really have no right to intervene in this correspondence about the business operations of a commercial company, and I must ask the House to be so good as not to expect me to answer this type of Question in future.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the point of the Question is that a firm of manufacturers in Congleton has been exporting this equipment to the United States, and does he not think it is absurd that he should spend dollars when this equipment is available in Britain? Further, why is it that, since the Question was tabled, his representative, the Festival Manager, has been to Congleton and reported favourably on the equipment?

I do not know about that. [HON. MEMBERS: "Ah."] I am not going to know about it, either. This thing must run, and people must get on with their work. I really cannot be answerable to the House on every detail of a series of Questions which are becoming a little more numerous than is necessary.

I beg to ask you, Mr. Speaker, a Question of which I have given you Private Notice, namely, if any report has yet been made by the Parliamentary Supervisory Committee on the Festival of Britain.

The Parliamentary Supervisory Committee (Festival of Britain) have made two reports to me. These reports recommended that the following suggestions for enabling a full part to be played by our Parliamentary institutions in the Festival of Britain should be accepted:

(a) An exhibition on the history of Parliament should be held in the Grand Committee Room. This exhibition would consist of seven sections dealing with:

(i) The Sovereign; (ii) functions of Parliament; (iii) House of Lords; (iv) House of Commons (century by century); (v) Officers of Parliament; (vi) Parliament and the public (the story of HANSARD); (vii) Influence of Parliament overseas. The exhibition is estimated to cost between £12,500 and £17,500. The maximum attendance will be 1,500 persons daily.

(b) An ancillary exhibition showing how the British common law has influenced the growth of the modern democratic State should be held in the Journal Office.

(c) Special arrangements should be made during the Whitsun and Summer Recesses of 1951 for the Palace of Westminster to be open to visitors on Fridays as well as Saturdays.

(d) The Ministers of Education and the Secretary of State for Scotland should be asked to see whether local education authorities could utilise the Festival of Britain year to interest children in the history and achievements of Parliament.

The Committee considered but rejected the following suggestions:

(a) That an appeal should be made to Peers and Members of the House of Commons to act as guides on private days to parties of not more than 30 visitors;

(b) that teas on the Terrace be served to visitors during the Recess and that such visitors should be required to pay for their own teas.

I am sure that the whole House will wish to join with me in thanking the Committee for the promptness and efficiency with which they have reported.

Will any place be given in that historical review to the part which the development of Scottish Parliamentary tradition had played in the development of the general British tradition, and, also, will the Stone of Destiny be on view at that exhibition?

Of course, I am not in a position to answer any questions about this. All I have done is to inform the House of the report which I have received, and if they want to ask further questions they must put them down to those who will be responsible.

To whom are we to put them down, Sir?

I do not know.

In view of the large number of people who will be visiting this building and the need for making known our democratic institutions, would you, Sir, consider the question of establishing a much larger stall in St. Stephen's Chapel for the sale of our literature than we have at the present time for that purpose?

No doubt, that can be considered. I will bear it in mind, so far as I am responsible.

Do I understand, Mr. Speaker, that you were reading out to us decisions and not recommendations, and that the House will not discuss the nature of the proposals?

As far as I am concerned, I do not know. That is a matter for the Government and not for me. I have merely reported to the House what the Committee have reported to me.

Arising out of the questions which have been asked, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to make it clear that we were not an executive committee but a supervisory committee who were asked to consider proposals put forward by the executive committee? As my colleagues and I tactfully made it clear in the report, we cannot take responsibility whether you, Sir, and the Lord President of the Council do or do not accept our recommendations. It is for the Government to say.

That is perfectly true. The committee over which the noble Lord presided made recommendations. The noble Lord cannot lay down that they shall be accepted. That will be a matter for the Government who will, no doubt, consider them and who will accept or reject them according to their merit.

May I ask for what purpose the £17,500 required for the provision of the exhibition within this House, will be provided?

As a matter of interest, could I ask what happens next?

My answer is the same as yours, Mr. Speaker—that I do not know. I have no doubt that the Committee, which is ably presided over by the noble Lord, will be meeting again from time to time and will take note of the observations that have been made.

Does not somebody do something about the recommendations?

As far as implementation is concerned, as hon. Members know, in anything connected with this House there are a host of authorities and I have no particular right to interfere with physical things in the Palace of Westminster. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Works is in it and so are other people. As far as the Government are concerned, the only thing I can answer for, in so far as Mr. Speaker reports the Committee's recommendations and the House has either done nothing to upset it or has not been able to do anything to upset it, we shall pay attention to the recommendations of the Committee appointed by Mr. Speaker.

Is it not the case that the Committee were informed that whatever recommendations were decided upon by the executive would be carried out by the Ministry of Works under the Ministry of Works' Vote, and that neither the Committee nor the executive had any financial responsibility at all?

Would the Lord President, at an early date, oblige us by letting us know what Minister will take Questions on this matter?

I do not promise that I shall answer, but I will look into it to see if I can answer.

Would not the appropriate procedure be for a Motion to be tabled by the Lord President, or the Minister of Works, approving of the Committee's report, which would enable this House to debate the matter, in case anybody does want to offer his views?

I think the House will solve the problem as we go on. If the whole lot of us try to debate and settle this matter in detail it will not be satisfactory. It is an excellent committee; it has an admirable chairman, and we all have great confidence in the members. As I have often said before, let us see how we go.

In view of the fact that the committee that has reported has no power to act, and the power of action is spread over several authorities, would the Lord President consider the possibility of setting up some co-ordinating authority in order that effective action can be arranged and reported, accordingly, to this House?

In effect, the committee of the noble Lord the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton) is doing the co-ordination, and I do not think we had better set up a co-ordinating committee to co-ordinate the co-ordination committee.

With respect, I am not talking about the co-ordination of recommendations but the co-ordination of action.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment. [Laughter.]

I presume I may take it that is not meant as a vote of censure on the Speaker.