asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the concern about the constantly increasing price of fish; and what action he proposes to take.

During the last two months prices have risen at times because of bad weather, which interrupted fishing and led to poor landings, but they have dropped as supplies have improved. My right hon. Friend is at present carefully considering whether there are any steps we can usefully take.

asked the Minister of Food how many cases have been brought to his notice in which a longer period than one week has elapsed between the collection of eggs from farms on behalf of packers; and what steps he is taking to ensure that collections of eggs are effected at regular weekly intervals.

During recent months we have had complaints concerning some 30 Packers out of a total of nearly 500. Packers are instructed to collect eggs weekly except where, due to exceptional conditions, less frequent collection is authorised by my Department.

asked the Minister of Food how many weeks supply of meat are in stock or in transit on behalf of his Department and the trade.

It is not the practice of my right hon. Friend to give information which would reveal the size of his Department's stocks.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) on what date the Barton Dock Road, Manchester, was finished 99 per cent.; how many yards of road would it take to link up with the main Trafford Park, Barton, Davyholme Road; and why is the work not completed;(2) if he will take steps to deal with the traffic problem at the Barton end of the Trafford Park entrance by the fixing of traffic lights or a roundabout, and relieve the congestion at peak periods by finishing the Barton Dock Road as soon as possible.

The existing length of road was constructed by the Manchester Ship Canal Company in 1941. The Company are responsible for the completion of the remaining length of approximately 280 yards and I understand that they are now having discussions with the local authorities concerned with a view to carrying out the work. When the road is completed the junction referred to will require attention and a scheme for a roundabout has been prepared.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the decline of £878,000 of the passenger traffic receipts of the London Transport Executive, referred to in paragraph 392 of the Second Annual Report of the Transport Commission; and what steps it is proposed to take to increase the amount of passenger travel in order that these receipts may be enlarged in future.

This is a matter for the British Transport Commission and the fact that it is referred to in their Second Annual Report which I laid before Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Act, 1947, does not alter that position.

asked the Minister of Transport the amount of the annual budget allocated to films as referred to on page 4 of the Report of the British Transport Commission for 1949.

This is a matter for the British Transport Commission.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the percentage of accidents basically attributed to road conditions; and what action is being taken to reduce this percentage at the earliest opportunity.

A preliminary analysis of the reports of road accidents involving death or personal injury in 1949 shows that road conditions were the primary factor in less than 1 per cent. of the accidents. They no doubt contributed to many more and I will continue to do everything that is possible in present circumstances of financial stringency to improve road conditions where they are likely to cause danger.

asked the Minister of Transport what changes he is proposing to make in the speed limits imposed upon motor vehicles, including motor cycles, both in congested areas and in the open country.

None at present.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is yet in a position to make a statement about new regulations governing the use of pedestrian crossings.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on this subject which I have made today.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that under the present law perambulators are classed as wheeled traffic and not allowed on footpaths; and whether he will consider amending the law without delay.

I am advised that it is not generally an offence to use perambulators on footpaths. I do not think that any amendment of the law is necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that traffic congestion in London is increasing; and what measures he is taking to deal with the situation.

May I refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave on this subject today to Questions Nos. 32 and 34.

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government propose to take on the suggestions contained in the Report of the Parliamentary Supervisory Committee (Festival of Britain); and which Ministers will be responsible for the implementation of the suggested seven-section exhibition.

Members will recall that you, Sir, read to the House on 21st November the Report from your Supervisory Committee, which is composed of members of all parties and of both Houses. I think that the proposals made in it were generally acceptable and I have asked my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works to acept responsibility for implementing them.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will arrange for the opening ceremony of the Festival of Britain to be televised, together with the televising, where technically possible, of sections of the exhibition.

I understand that the British Broadcasting Corporation have already made arrangements to televise and broadcast the ceremony on the occasion when His Majesty the King declares the Festival open from the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral. I have no doubt that the B.B.C. will make such arrangements as are technically possible to televise sections of the South Bank Exhibition.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will arrange for old age pensioners, on production of their pension order books, together with their identity cards, to obtain admission free, or at a reduced charge, to the Festival of Britain.

I assume the Question refers to admission to the South Bank Exhibition. I wish I could see my way to meet this and other requests for admission at reduced rates, but the objections are too great, with the sole exception of organised parties of children in full-time attendance at school, whose claims I feel obliged to put first.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any indication when the agreement with the French Government relating to compensation to civilians for war injuries will be ratified by His Majesty's Government.

The agreement to which the hon. Member refers was ratified by His Majesty's Government on 7th November, 1950.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain from the countries of the Atlantic Pact how many Centurion tanks they require before making his decision about the sale of tanks to Egypt.

The requirements of other North Atlantic Treaty Powers of all types of equipment are under constant review. These requirements will continue to be taken fully into account in reaching any decision about the sale of arms to other countries, including Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply His Majesty's Government have made to the official request of the Prime Minister of Nepal that this country should recognise the boy King of Nepal.

This matter is under consideration and we have not so far replied officially to the Government of Nepal. I would prefer not to anticipate the statement to which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations referred in his reply of 23rd November.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the Cominform peace campaign, His Majesty's Government will give consideration to the publishing of a popular pamphlet describing in simple terms the story of Communist breaches of the peace in Korea and Tibet, threats to peace over Jugoslavia and Austria, and the history and significance of the Berlin airlift and of the campaign in Malaya.

No.

asked the Minister of Supply why there has been a sudden reduction in the amount of steel available for the building industry.

I am not aware of a reduction in deliveries of steel to the building industry.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that firms in the North are having to reject orders because of the shortage of steel and non-ferrous metals; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the necessary steel reaches them in good time to fulfil their contracts.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Chichester (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) and Hendon, North (Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing), on 20th November.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the grave anxiety in the minds of many leading British industrialists at such stock-piling of essential metals, particularly by the United States of America, as represent a considerable threat to production and employment in diverse engineering industries in this country; and what he proposes to do.

Yes. The Government are not only aware of this anxiety, but share it. Serious shortages of essential metals strike at the basis not only of our economic strength but of our rearmament effort. The Government are taking all the international action open to them to ameliorate the position.

asked the Minister of Supply when he proposes to announce the level at which sales of copper will be made by his Department in 1951, in view of the anxiety which now exists amongst consumers and the need to plan production ahead.

I am aware that there is anxiety among copper consumers in this country and an announcement about United Kingdom supplies will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement in view of the breakdown of the United Nations Conference on tin.

The International Tin Conference adjourned on 21st November to enable Governments to make a further examination of the various measures proposed about which there was a divergence of views. The main points of difference arose over the operation of a buffer stock and the prices to be written into the agreement. The documents of the proceedings will be published by the United Nations.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the Polish cancellation of orders for heavy machine tools in Britain; to the position in which home firms find these tools either too costly to purchase or unsuitable, making it difficult to find home markets for them; what financial obligations are involved; and what other foreign countries are acting similarly.

I am not aware that Polish or other foreign customers have cancelled orders in this country for heavy machine tools. There are, however, firms who have been unable to secure export licences and some may be having difficulty in disposing of the tools. I have no information about the financial obligations of the firms, but some of them have insured with the Exports Credit Guarantee Department.

asked the Minister of Supply whether contracts for the supply of tanks by his factories or his depots to foreign Governments contain an escape clause, allowing termination on grounds of national interest; and how long this clause has been included in such contracts.

There is no express clause to this effect, but there is an implied condition that delivery is subject to the over-riding needs of the United Kingdom Government.

asked the Minister of Supply the total amount of timber he has imported into the port of Sharpness during 1950.

None.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will reinstate the London Museum in its former home in Lancaster House, so that it will be easily accessible to visitors to the Festival of Britain.

No. Lancaster House is now being used for other purposes. His Majesty The King has graciously allotted a large part of Kensington Palace for the use of the Museum, the restoration and fitting up of which has almost been completed at the public expense. It should be ready for occupation in February next.

asked the Minister of Works how many workers, skilled and unskilled, respectively, were engaged on building permanent houses in October, 1948, 1949 and 1950; and how many workers were engaged on non-traditional houses during the same periods.

I regret that there are no separate statistics of the numbers of skilled and unskilled workers respectively engaged on building, either permanent houses or non-traditional houses.

asked the Minister of Works which war memorial scheme other than the Ilkley War Memorial Scheme has been refused a licence in the West Riding region; and for what reasons was the licence refused in this case.

The other scheme was the Bramley Parish War Memorial which was refused in July, 1950, because of the restrictions on capital investment. Since the application was first made I understand the cost has been sufficiently reduced to enable the work to be completed by 11th November, 1951, under the free licensing limit.

asked the Minister of Works if he will set out in tabular form the amounts allowed to be spent in London on repairs and new buildings, respectively; on hotels and offices for each year since 1945; the amount sanctioned for 1951; and the same figures for the whole country.

Separate statistics for amounts allowed to be spent on repairs and new buildings respectively are available only from 1947, and for work licensed by my Department. They are as follows:

Amount licensed in £ millions
Date	London Region		Great Britain
	All New Work	Ah Repairs	All New Work	All Repairs
1947	18·5	73·2	141·1	206·1
1948	15·7	69·7	151·3	181·6
1949	45·4	58·5	241·8	124·3
1950 (Jan.-Oct.).	33·2	39·2	184·1	8·2

The values of licences issued for work of all kinds to hotels in the London Region for 1947 onwards are:

	£
1947	542,000
1948	730,000
1949	854,000
1950 (Jan.-March)	180,000

There are no corresponding statistics available for Great Britain. The values of licences issued for work of all kinds to offices for 1947 onwards were as follows:

£ millions
Date	London Region	Great Britain
1947	5·9	8·1
1948	8·9	12·6
1949	14·5	18·6
1950 (Jan.-Oct.).	10·4	16·3

I cannot give details of the amounts likely to be licensed in 1951, since I cannot foresee the numbers and character of the applications likely to be made.

asked the Minister of Works if he will consider erecting- new gates at the Albert Gate in order that traffic may leave and enter two abreast, to relieve traffic congestion which is caused by the single entrance and exit.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the traffic congestion caused by the narrowness of the Albert and similar gates of Hyde Park; and as these are of little architectural merit, if he will arrange for their removal and so permit of a more rapid flow of traffic in and out of the park.

I understand that the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee have this matter under review as part of the larger question

								£	Date Licence Issued
Mincing Lane	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	790,000	21st February, 1950
St. Giles High Street, Holborn				…	…	…	…	945,000	13th January, 1950
Hepburn House, Marsham Street				…	…	…	…	56,419	27th March 1950
13/16, Russell Square		…	…	…	…	…	…	281,250	24th July, 1950
2/14, Palmer Street		…	…	…	…	…	…	65,236	12th June, 1950
Little Theatre Site, Adelphi			…	…	…	…	…	207,000	28th September, 1950
412/440, Brixton Road			…	…	…	…	…	230,000	21st June, 1950
Eagle Street, Holborn		…	…	…	…	…	…	223,000	18th May, 1950
55, High Street, Kingston			…	…	…	…	…	60,000	3rd February, 1950 and 22nd May, 1950
Lemna Road, Leytonstone			…	…	…	…	…	67,000	27th February, 1950 and 19th June, 1950
London Road, Isleworth			…	…	…	…	…	150,135	25th April, 1950
9/19, Rushey Green, Catford			…	…	…	…	…	94,500	9th December, 1949
140/152, Uxbridge Road			…	…	…	…	…	159,000	25th July, 1950
TOTAL: 13 schemes to a value of					…	…	…	£3,328,540
Atlantic House—Supplementary Licence						…	…	485,000	23rd January, 1950
TOTAL			…	…	…	…	…	£3,813,540

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what progress has been made in research to develop cheaper methods for making electricity; and what results have been obtained from the wind power experiment in the Orkneys.

A large number of scientists in Government, academic and industrial research establishments are now engaged in research on the generation of electricity. Their work includes the study of the technology and economics of the present methods of generation; the development of prime movers which use fuels such as peat and low-grade coal, which have hitherto been regarded as uneconomic; and the initiation of entirely new methods of generation. My advisers of traffic congestion. On receiving their views, I will consider what improvements can be made, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will publish a list of the 13 buildings and part of another building licensed in London during the past year for Government office accommodation; and the amount of the licence in each case.

The list is as follows:are in close contact with all the research establishments concerned, and I understand that very satisfactory progress is being made. The British Electricity Authority has substantially improved the efficiency of generation at steam power stations; this improvement is comparable with any achieved in other countries, and I am glad to say that it is likely to continue.With regard to the wind-power experiment in the Orkneys, instruments have been in use for a long time at the chosen site to determine the wind conditions throughout the year. A windmill to produce up to 100 kilowatts of electricity has been constructed for the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, and will be installed on the site as soon as weather permits. Meanwhile an experimental tower has been erected to carry instruments for certain of the observations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the threatening fuel crisis this winter, if he will, in good time, prohibit the lighting of shop windows, flood lighting, and similar non-essential use of power after hours in order to conserve power for essential industrial requirements, and reduce power cuts and the hardships to householders.

In view of the difficulties with which we are faced, I am examining all the ways in which our supplies of coal can be conserved. Shop window and other advertisement lighting which depends on electricity from the mains is already prohibited from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, and local authorities have also been asked to refrain from using flood lighting during those hours.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that, during the 12 months ended 20 September, 1950, there has been a loss of manpower of 22,713, resulting in an annual loss of output amounting to 6,813,900 tons; and what steps he is taking to increase the manpower in the pits.

I am aware that manpower in the mines has declined 22,713 during the last 12 months. Output depends, however, upon so many factors, and in particular upon the relation of the number of face workers to the total number of workers on colliery books, that it is not possible to calculate how much more coal would have been produced, if there had been no fall in manpower this year. The output lost is, however, certainly considerable. The Government attach the greatest importance to checking the decline in manpower and urgent discussions are proceeding with the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power by how much he has reduced the amount of coal available for shipping bunkers; and what effect this reduction is estimated to have on the activities of the Mercantile Marine.

The reduction may amount to about 200,000 tons if the reductions have to be maintained during the remaining winter months. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport that discussions with the shipping industry and the overseas bunker proprietors are now taking place, in order that this reduction may be made without any dislocation of shipping services.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is able to announce the name of the new Chairman of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council.

I have appointed Councillor Mrs. F. H. Cantwell, J.P., to be Chairman of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council. Mrs. Cantwell is a London housewife with an excellent record of public service. I am sure the House will wish her well in the onerous duties she is about to undertake.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps it is proposed to take to control hotel prices with particular reference to the Festival of Britain.

I am relying on the hotel trade to act with reasonable restraint in this matter, so that no Government intervention will be necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many months reserve supply of newsprint are held at present.

Newsprint stocks were estimated to amount to nearly two months' consumption at 22nd October last, and are expected to be slightly higher on 31st December. Of this amount, about seven weeks' supply is held by newspapers, the balance being held by mills and others.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the shortage of bricks and cement in Bristol and the effect that this is already having upon the building of houses, what action he is taking to see that supplies are adequate to meet the requirements of the city.

One minor shortage of cement has been reported and arrangements have been made for this to be met. If my hon. Friend knows of other instances and will send me particulars, I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health if he has anything further to report with regard to the taking over of the Henneker Road area at Bramford, Ipswich.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been released from the blocked sterling balances of Egypt during the current year.

I regret that I cannot disclose information about actual changes in our sterling liabilities to individual countries. The amounts agreed for release are, of course. published.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Central Land Board will pay professional charges incurred in connection with the completion of form C.V. 121 (Part 11) if the claim is substantiated.

No. The Central Land Board is already authorised to make a contribution to the fees incurred by claimants in the employment of a person professionally experienced in the valuation of land for the purpose of making their claims. Where a claimant provides a valuation on Part II of the form C.V. 121, this is part of the procedure for dealing with disputed claims, and there is no ground for a special payment towards these charges. If a claim is referred to the Lands Tribunal, the Tribunal will determine costs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the police obstructions now being erected in Grosvenor Square, London, as they are adding to the congestion in an already congested area.

I understand that a system of one-way traffic has been in operation for some time in Grosvenor Square and that the highway authority has decided, in consultation with the police, that its working might be improved by the construction of a triangular island at each corner of the Square to segregate and canalise traffic. The police are making experiments to decide on the best positions for these islands.

asked the Secretary of State for War how long his Regulations allow a Reservist recalled to the Colours to be held after his period of service has expired.

Under the Military and Air Forces (Prolongation of Service) Act, 1939, the term of service of a soldier is deemed not to expire until the emergency that was the occasion of the passing of the Act is declared to be ended by Order in Council.

asked the Postmaster-General on what date Cardiff Rural District Council were informed by his Department of the choice of the St. Nicholas television station site; on what date Cardiff Rural District Council informed his Department that on planning grounds the St. Lytham's site was preferable; on what date the Air Ministry were informed by his Department of the proposed change of site to St. Lytham's; on what date the Air Ministry notified his Department of their acceptance of the St. Lytham's site; on what date his Department conveyed this information to Cardiff Rural District Council; and to what extent delay has been caused by these negotiations.

The selection of sites for television stations, and consultation with local authorities, is entirely a matter for the B.B.C. The Corporation requires my formal approval of the selected site, and before this is given the Post Office ascertains that the site is acceptable to the other Government Departments concerned.My approval of the St. Nicholas site was sought on 25th May, 1950, and given on 26th June. The B.B.C. subsequently abandoned this site because of objections by the Cardiff Rural District Council and, on 31st October, it requested my approval of a new site near Wenvoe, Glamorgan. This site is acceptable to the Post Office and to the Air Ministry whose agreement was obtained on 15th November. I understand that it is also acceptable to the other Government Departments concerned, but I am awaiting formal confirmation.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps have been taken to convey to the people of the Commonwealth who have sent gifts to the Lord Mayor's National Disaster Fund to help those who suffered during the winter floods of 1946–47, the warm thanks of the people of Britain for their generosity.

I invite the attention of my hon. Friend to the statement which was made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in reply to his Question on 24th April, 1947, in which the Prime Minister expressed our profound gratitude to all those in the overseas countries of the Commonwealth who had so magnificently contributed to the relief of distress caused by the disastrous floods in 1947. The Prime Minister's statement was communicated to the Governments of the Commonwealth countries concerned by the United Kingdom High Commissioners in Ottawa, Canberra, Wellington, and Pretoria.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the facilities for milling corn in British Honduras; and what action it is proposed to take to encourage the provision of more modern installations.

I am making inquiries of the Governor and I shall write to the hon. Member when I have had a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what amount of capital expenditure has been incurred by the Kenya Government since the beginning of 1948 on European, Asian and African schools and institutes in Kenya.

The following are the figures for the period from the beginning of 1948 to the end of 1950. European £1,140,809, Asian £502,381, African £401,727. One reason for the large expenditure on European schools is that these years happen to coincide with the construction of two large secondary schools, on which £646,199 has been expended to date. These schools provide secondary education for European children from Uganda and Tanganyika as well as from Kenya. The figures, of course, include no provision for Makerere College.

asked the Minister of Defence what approaches he has made to local authorities who have refused to allow boys to attend pre-service camps.

None. Any difficulties about the release of cadets to attend camp can normally be resolved by liaison between contingent commanders and local education authorities.