asked the Minister of National Insurance for what reason claims for a funeral benefit under the National Insurance Scheme are rejected if not made within 28 days of the death.

There is general agreement that there must be some time limit for these claims though opinions may differ as to the appropriate period. As the matter is at present under consideration by the National Insurance Advisory Committee, I would prefer not to make any comment at this stage.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT or by other means a complete list of industry letters quoted on National Insurance cards, showing what each signifies, in order that each individual may ascertain whether his or her occupation is correctly described.

A booklet showing the code letters used for National Insurance and other official purposes is published (price 9d.) by His Majesty's Stationery Office, a copy of which is in the Library. Anyone wishing to know what industry is signified by the letters on his National Insurance card should inquire at a local office of the Ministry of National Insurance or an employment exchange.

asked the Minister of National Insurance why a gratuity of£34 8s. 6d. due to a former temporary officer in her Department in Blackpool whose service ended on 1st December, 1950, has not yet been paid.

Owing to the conditions of employment, this case for the award of a gratuity was a complicated one but the amount due has now been paid.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what weekly hostel charges are now made for clerical officers recently transferred from Blackpool to Newcastle; and by how much these charges are being increased on 1st April, 1951.

The present charges are 37s. a week for those occupying single rooms and 33s. 6d. for those sharing double rooms. The new charges to be applied from 1st April have not yet been fixed.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what priority of domestic coal supplies has been given to United States citizens temporarily resident in this country, either in a civilian capacity, or as members of the United States Armed Forces.

As a general rule, the arrangements for the supply of coal and coke to United States civilians in this country are the same as the arrangements for British citizens. But if United States Service personnel, who live with their families outside their camps, apply for extra supplies above the normal allowance, regional coal officers deal with these applications in consultation with special liaison officers whom the U.S. authorities appoint. The needs of United States Service personnel who live in camps are met by the British Service authorities out of the fuel allocation which is made to each Service as a whole.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if an extra ration of a hundredweight of coal a month can now be issued to householders in the North-Western region of England as has been the case in the North-Eastern region.

With respect, I think the hon. Member must have been misinformed. The statutory restrictions on the supply of household coal, and the arrangements for the allocation of supplies, are the same for both the North-Eastern and the North-Western regions, and they have been adhered to in recent months.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the total amount of domestic coal delivered to Birmingham coal merchants in January and February of 1950 and in January and February of 1951.

The coal merchants who trade from depots in the Birmingham district received 106,300 tons during the first eight weeks of 1951; they received 100,800 tons in the corresponding period a year ago. The merchants' stocks are today 1,200 tons greater than they were on 19th March, 1950.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the circumstances in which Mrs. F. Vernum, 60, Anderton Street, Ladywood, was without coal for two weeks; what representations were made to the Birmingham fuel overseer by her or on her behalf; and what action was taken to deal with the complaint.

I am informed that Mrs. Vernum's registered merchant had not received any order from her for coal or coke since 31st October last. On that date her merchant delivered to her 10 cwt. of coal for which, until 10th March, she had made no payment. Until that date neither she nor anyone on her behalf had placed any further order for coal with the merchant and no representation had been made to the local fuel overseer. When, on 10th March, the local fuel overseer saw in the Press that Mrs. Vernum was without coal, he asked the merchant to offer her immediately 1 cwt. of coal for cash on delivery. This offer was not accepted, but when Mrs. Vernum's son paid for the original consignment of 10 cwt. the merchant delivered a further 7 cwt. on credit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in how many cases during 1950 and 1951 have Birmingham coal merchants been unable to honour priority certificates for coal delivery to aged and sick persons in the City of Birmingham due to shortage of coal stocks.

The local fuel overseer for Birmingham does not know of a single case where a priority certificate for sick and aged persons or for other persons who are suffering hardships has not been honoured by a delivery of coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in further experiments in underground gasification, he is expanding the experimental areas to any of the coal fields in Scotland.

The National Coal Board is engaged in a survey of the coalfields of England, Scotland and Wales to find the most suitable sites for further experimental work on the underground gasification of coal. It is probable that the second site will be in England. But the possibilities of experimental sites in Scotland and Wales will, of course, continue to be given full and equal consideration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what licences, and for how much, have been issued for converting the gas showrooms and gas offices in Church Street, Ilkley, to gas showroom and gas offices of the North-East Gas Board.

In September last my Ministry, in accordance with the powers conferred by Defence Regulation 56A, authorised the North-Eastern Gas Board to convert some premises in Church Street, Ilkley, into gas showrooms and an accounts payment centre. The estimated cost was£2,950. These premises were previously a shop. Until then there had been no proper gas showrooms at Ilkley. Before authorisation for the work was granted, the application was considered and approved by the local planning authority and, in accordance with normal procedure, it was examined by the regional licensing officer of the Ministry of Works.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will ensure that a greater volume of naphthalene is made available for the manufacture of phthalic anhydride, as the recent 50 per cent. cut in the supply of this raw material will imply a corresponding cut in the manufacture of synthetic surface coatings for Government contracts, and for such exportable products as motor cars, farm tractors and a wide range of other articles requiring protective coatings.

The production of naphthalene has been fully maintained, but the demand has greatly increased; as a result, supplies of phthalic anhydride have been reduced by an average of about 25 per cent. New naphthalene plant is being installed; in the meantime, exports are being cut in order that more may be available for making phthalic anhydride and other things.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now in a position to make a further statement on the progress made in supplying machinery for the suppression of dust in the slate quarries of North Wales.

Equipment for dust extraction has been fully installed by some undertakings in North Wales; in others, there has been some delay. As I told my hon. Friend a month ago, H.M. Inspectors have been investigating the causes of this delay, and I hope shortly to receive a comprehensive report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the smashing of the show window of the British European Airways Corporation offices at Madrid, and the theft of the display advertising the air service to Gibraltar; and whether he has asked the British Ambassador to make a protest and ask for compensation for the damage done.

Yes. The incident occurred on 4th March. His Majesty's Ambassador has protested to the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, but in view of the report of the local manager of British European Airways that the cost of the damage was insignificant, it is not proposed to ask for compensation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many German properties in Austria have been handed over to Austrian control since 1945 by each of the Occupying Powers.

Since 1945 approximately the following number of properties have been placed under Austrian administrative control by the Occupying Powers: in the United States zone, 930; in the French zone, 310; in the British zone, 440; in the Soviet zone, 130; in Vienna, 1,110; under sub-administrators in provinces of the Western zones, 400.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the negotiations for a new agreement on oil with the Persian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received to the Note presented to the Persian Government upon the subject of the proposed nationalisation of the British oil interests in Persia.

No reply has been received from the Persian Government to the Note presented to them on 14th March by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tehran. A copy of that Note was made available in the Library on 16th March.As I have explained, the Lower House of the Persian Legislature has unanimously passed a resolution to the effect that a proposal that the oil industry throughout the country should be nationalised has received its "attention and acceptance," and the Commission has been granted two months (beginning, we understand, from 14th April) in which to examine the application of the principle of nationalisation. The Upper House of the Legislature is understood now to be considering the question.For their part, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company remain prepared—as I indicated in my answer on 14th March—to discuss an agreement on the basis of what may be described as an equal sharing of profits in Persia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that he will include in the peace treaty with Germany provision for reparations to be made for the murders and torture of Jewish victims by the Nazis; and if he will give favourable consideration and support to the proposals submitted to him by Israel in this regard.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that, in drawing up the peace treaty with Germany, he will make provision therein to satisfy Israel's claim for reparations from Germany in respect of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis on their Jewish victims.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that no peace treaty will be concluded with Germany without making provision therein for the proposals submitted by Israel for reparations from Germany for the atrocities committed against the Jews by the Nazis.

His Majesty's Government will give careful and sympathetic consideration to the representations made by the Government of Israel to the Government's of the Powers occupying Germany. But I cannot at present give any assurances on behalf of His Majesty's Government regarding the inclusion of particular provisions in any eventual Peace Treaty with Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when claims for compensation will be made on the Japanese Government, on behalf of those civilians who lost all their belongings following the invasion of China by Japan.

No such claims can be made before the conclusion of a Peace Treaty with Japan. I can say nothing at present on the prospects of their settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider approaching S.C.A.P. for permission for the Japanese Government to open a Japanese overseas agency in this country on the lines of those already opened in the United States and France; and how far such permission is now necessary.

The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers has in fact asked several Governments whether they would be prepared to receive such agencies from the Japanese Government. His Majesty's Government have been considering this matter for some time, and have now decided to agree to the opening of a Japanese overseas agency in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of delay in settling claims made by British subjects under the Anglo-Italian Peace Treaty, particularly those made by a constituent of the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion, particulars of which are known to the Foreign Office, what steps he is taking to see that such claims are dealt with more expeditiously by the Italian Government.

We are disappointed with the progress made by the Italian Government in dealing with these claims. The question is constantly under review and His Majesty's Government are losing no opportunity of pressing the Italian Government to expedite a settlement. I cannot undertake to ask for priority of treatment for any individual claim unless the case is one of real hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will make representations to the Italian Government with a view to an early settlement by that Government of the claims of British citizens under Article 78 of the Italian Peace Treaty.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for the Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Teeling), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations with the French Government for the payment of compensation for war damage in Tunisia.

I regret that I am unable at present to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on 6th December last.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he will consider the suspension of the sale of alcoholic drinks at 11.30 p.m. in those parts of the Palace of Westminster under the control of the Kitchen Committee.

The question of suspension of the sale of alcoholic drinks at 11.30 p.m. has frequently been considered in the past by the Kitchen Committee. The overwhelming feeling is against suspension and when it was agreed to close the Strangers' Bar at midnight for a short period, great dissatisfaction was caused and the decision had to be revoked.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what is the cost in overtime payments to the catering staff in respect of all-night Sittings of the House; and what is the estimated loss in this connection.

The cost in overtime payment to the catering staff when the House sits all night is very considerable. We have no details covering a period, but for the night of Thursday, 8th March, the sum amounted to£46 18s. 2d. I regret that we are unable to estimate the actual loss on a nightly basis, but occasionally the expenditure on overtime exceeds the income.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what arrangements are being made to supplement the staff during late Sittings of the House.

There is great difficulty in supplementing the staff during late Sittings because, (1) no one is certain of when the House will sit late; (2) there is no unemployed pool from which new staff can be obtained at short notice.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what is the total cost per hour caused to his Department by Sittings of the House after 10.30 p.m.; and what items are included in that total cost.

The total cost per hour when the House sits late is offset by the amount of profit on sales. The main items of cost are overtime and staff food.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what are the normal working hours of the staff of the Kitchen Committee; how many hours' overtime they have had to work during the past three weeks as a result of the House sitting after 10.30 p.m.; what provision is made to compensate them, physically and financially, for having to work overtime on such occasions; how many members of the staff were and are affected by this overtime work; and with what results, physically.

The normal working hours of the staff of the Kitchen Committee are 48 a week excluding meal times. The hours of overtime worked varies for different members of the staff, and the most worked by any one member for the past three weeks were 32 hours. Overtime rates are applicable, and these are paid on a basis of double time. To the best of our ability hours are staggered to provide physical rest. The number of staff involved varies between 20 and 30 people. With regard to the last part of the Question, I can only assume that the effect physically is just as exhausting as it is with Members of this House.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, how many members of his catering staff were compelled to work between 2.13 a.m. and 5.41 a.m. on 9th March, 1951, in consequence of the House of Commons being in session during those hours; how long was each of these persons on duty from the commencement of his or her duties, respectively, on 8th March, 1951, and the cessation of those duties on 9th March, 1951; and the approximate cost involved.

The number of staff engaged for the time stated was 32. They commenced duty at varying times and had some couple of hours or so off duty during the day time. The hours worked by each member varied, but the longest hours any member of the staff was retained was 20, with short intervals of rest. The cost involved was approximately£50.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that in applications for legal aid, under the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, in proceedings for divorce, applicants are being asked to pay a sum as a contribution towards the cost of the proceedings larger than the sum for actual costs which the solicitor, acting without legal aid, would in the same case charge the petitioner; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this defect in the present administration of the scheme.

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to my answer on 12th February to the hon. Member for Stoke Newington and Hackney, North (Mr. Weitzman). My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has asked the Law Society to give their committees the guidance indicated in the latter part of that answer.

asked the Attorney-General at what date it is hoped to extend the provisions of the Legal Aid and Advice Act to those cases not heard in the High Court; and if he will give an estimate of the cost involved.

It is not yet possible to forecast the date upon which any further part of the Legal Aid and Advice Act can be brought into force, and I am not able to forecast what would be the cost of any future extension of its provisions.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will now make a statement regarding the Government's intention concerning the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate the marriage laws.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14th March, 1951.

asked the Attorney-General if he will identify the powers, other than those specified, to which reference is made in Statutory Instrument, 1951, Number 210; and why these are not identified in the instrument.

There are no other specific powers under which these rules are made beyond those mentioned in the opening words. The reference to other powers is a formula which is usually and properly employed in Statutory Instruments to comprehend such ancillary powers as are or might be brought into play when a specific power is exercised. These ancillary powers are provisions of the general statutes law, for instance, those contained in the Interpretation Act, 1889, and the Statutory Instruments Act, 1946.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will identify the powers, other than those specified, to which reference is made in Statutory Instrument, 1951, No. 207; and why these are not identified in the Instrument.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to his Question last Monday.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will identify the powers enabling, other than those specified, to which reference is made in Statutory Instrument, 1951, No. 239; and why these are not identified in the Instrument.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to his Question last Monday.

asked the Minister of Food what is the calorific value of the 8d. meat ration.

This depends on the cut of meat purchased. It varies from about 240 calories to about 1,000.

asked the Minister of Food (1) which of his officials have power to issue supplementary permits to butchers who have insufficient meat to honour the demands of their registered customers; and what quantity of meat has been so issued since the 8d. carcase meat ration came into force;(2) if he is aware of the increasing extent to which butchers have had to cut into their forward allocations and can still not meet the current week's meat ration; and if he will instruct his district meat agents to issue supplementary permits in such cases.

My right hon. Friend recognises the difficulty at present facing butchers, but we are helping them in the following ways. The value of a butcher's wholesale buying permit is increased by 5 per cent. to cover cutting losses; and as an additional concession, whilst the ration remains low, instructions have been issued that excessively fat beef or mutton should be trimmed before issue or alternatively an allowance made to the trader concerned. No Ministry officers have power to issue supplementary supplies of meat to butchers but the district meat agent may, in cases of emergency, authorise a forward issue which counts against the retailer's permit for the following week.

asked the Minister of Food what instructions or guidance he has issued to the meat trade to assist butchers in the method by which they should cut up the present meat ration to ensure a fair proportion of meat being included.

None. This is a matter best left to individual traders.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that butchers with the present meat ration are unable to supply their customers with their full amount unless they use some of the meat from the coming week's ration; and what action he proposes to take to remove this difficult situation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, West (Mr. Spence) today.

asked the Minister of Food why he has, by Statutory Instrument, 1951, No. 314, prescribed that in sausages, milk powder shall be deemed to be pork or beef within certain limits: and what warning he has given to purchasers in this respect that milk powder can now lawfully be sold as pork or beef.

At the request of the principal manufacturers my right hon. Friend agreed to allow the restoration of the pre-war practice of including milk powder in certain meat products. The meat content of sausages may now be lowered to prescribed limits when a stated proportion of milk powder is included. The manufacturers claim that their sausages will still have the same food value and will certainly have the same taste. My right hon. Friend accepts their experienced judgment in this matter. A Press notice was issued at the time the new Order was made and the information was widely published in the Press.

asked the Minister of Food why he has, by Statutory Instrument, 1951, No. 314, prescribed that in sausages, vegetable fat shall be deemed to be beef within certain limits; and what warning he has given to purchasers in this respect that vegetable fat can now lawfully be sold as beef.

This provision, which has been in force since March, 1947 (and was, of course, announced in the usual way at the time) does not mean that vegetable fat may be sold as beef. It was introduced so as to enable manufacturers to use vegetable fat in beef sausages, within certain limits, as an alternative to animal fat when this was scarce.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he has taken to protect the retailers who took tins of brisling of which the price has now been cut by 43½ per cent. of what he paid for them; and what he paid for these tins.

The price reduction was made some months after the previous release of this variety of fish. The Ministry's purchases of brisling were made at an average f.o.b. price of about 60s. per case of 100 quarter tins.

asked the Minister of Food what gross profit per case is allowed to first-hand distributors for distributing brisling as sub-agents of his Department.

First-hand distributors of canned fish are not sub-agents of my Department. The margin allowed to them is 1s. 6d. per case on a sale to a wholesaler, 5s. 6d. per case on a sale to a retailer, and 4s. 3d. per case on a sale to a multiple retailer taking delivery at a central depot.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consult with the Milk Marketing Board in order to arrange for the payment of milk on a quality basis with special regard to butter fat and solids-not-fat.

Now that milk is in good supply I agree that our efforts must be directed to getting better milk. My right hon. Friend is considering the ways of achieving this aim.

asked the Minister of Food if he will now sanction an extra ration of sugar for workers in offices and shops on the same scale as that allowed to workers in factories which have canteen facilities.

No. I sympathise with this request but do not think it can be given precedence over other uses for sugar at present.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in the interests of greater food production, he will ensure that agricultural workers will receive rations adequate for the nature of their work.

Agricultural workers already receive additional food in the form of the special cheese raton throughout the year and the extra allowances during periods of special seasonal work.

asked the Minister of Food if he will explain the reasons which guided him in selling the apples recently sent as a gift by the people of Canada to the people of Britain and retaining the proceeds.

There has been no recent gift of this kind. I think the hon. Member is referring to the generous gift of more than a million boxes of apples made by British Columbian growers nearly a year ago. If so, I would refer him to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Members for Renfrew, East (Major Lloyd) and Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 28th June last year.

asked the Minister of Food what is the subsidy per pound now being paid to meat packers in respect of meat exported to the Argentine and other foreign countries; and whether he will discontinue this earlier than 1st May.

It is not our policy to subsidise meat issued to manufacturers for export, and there is no subsidy on the meat now being supplied for export purposes. During the coming financial year, however, a subsidy would be involved if current prices were maintained. We have, therefore, given the manufacturers notice of an increase in prices as from 1st May which I think the trade will regard as reasonable notice. As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 14th February, no meat products are being exported to Argentina.

asked the Minister of Food how many tons of meat were consumed from stocks during 1950; what is the holding of stocks today; and to what extent, in view of the necessity for building up stocks, he proposes to draw on reserves during the current year.

It is not my right hon. Friend's practice to give details of stocks.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in the interests of economy in time and labour, he will add to the ordinary ration the amount of sugar available for special issues for domestic jam making, for the period during which the special issue is in force.

I think the housewives prefer to have what extra sugar we can give them for jam making in the form of a bonus rather than a temporary addition to the ration, and no extra work is involved.

asked the Minister of Food why he has reduced the cheese ration from three ounces to two ounces at a time when meat is so short.

The cheese ration was increased temporarily from 2 oz. to 3 oz. a week on 28th January only because we had been able to purchase additional supplies from the United States of America. These additional supplies are now practically exhausted and it has been necessary to revert to the former ration level of 2 oz.

asked the Minister of Food why he has reduced the manufactured meat allowance to sausage makers involving a reduction of 31 per cent. at a time when meat is so short.

The manufacturing meat allowance to the large and small specialist sausage manufacturers has not been altered. Because of the make-up of our stocks it has been necessary to supply general butchers with ration meat for their manufacturing allowance. This has been the practice throughout most of the period of control. It enables butchers to cut out their rations more easily and to use their trimmings for manufacture. As the retailer's manufacturing allowance is expressed in money value the quantity of meat he receives varies according to the type of meat issued. Most of the sausages are made by the large manufacturers and the pork butchers whose allocations are unchanged, and the reduction in the quantity of manufactured meats available will not therefore be very material.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that it is impossible to preserve eggs which are not new laid; and if he will consider allowing housewives a periodical bonus of guaranteed new-laid eggs on the same lines as the sugar bonus, to enable them to preserve these egs for use during the months of egg shortages.

Our distribution arrangements for eggs get them to the shops at all times in freshest condition. Last spring many people bought eggs from the shops for preserving and I feel sure that their experience will not prevent them from doing so again this spring and will encourage others to follow their sensible example.

asked the Minister of Food how much white fish has been allocated to the fish meal factories since 1st February, 1951.

Fish is not allocated for fish meal manufacture. During the period 1st February to 10th March about 4,000 tons of condemned and unsold white fish went to meal works.

asked the Minister of Food the terms of the undertaking given to Australian meat producers assuring them a satisfactory market here for increased supplies; and if a due premium for quality beef will be paid.

In pursuance of the understanding reached between my right hon. Friend's predecessor and Mr. Chiffley amout a 15-year contract for meat, negotiations are now taking place for the purchase of the whole of Australia's exportable surplus of beef, veal, mutton and lamb without limits as to quantity. Prices will be subject to annual review on the basis of giving a reasonable return to the producers. Appropriate arrangements for the payment of quality premiums will be included.

asked the Minister of Food how the amount of milk drunk in the winter of 1950–51 compares with the amount consumed in the two previous winters.

Consumption of liquid milk in the United Kingdom in the winter of 1950–51, that is, October, 1950, to March, 1951, inclusive, is provisionally estimated at 779 million gallons. The comparable figures for the winters of 1949–50 and 1948–49 are 755 million gallons and 725 million gallons respectively.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that about 12 tons of flour were damaged by water on the Western Region of British Railways at Worcester during the week beginning 5th March; and what steps he is taking to ensure that food in transit is carefully handled to avoid waste.

Yes. It started raining while the men who had been transferring the flour from a railway truck to a dray were away at lunch, and they had not covered the bags. Every precaution is taken by my officers when making transport arrangements to ensure that suitable vehicles are used, having regard to the nature of the traffic, and that proper care is exercised in handling to avoid waste.

asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the proximity of the sowing period, he will give some guidance to the Cornish broccoli growers as to the amounts and varieties of foreign broccoli which will be imported up to April, 1952, by period, in order that these growers may co-operate to ensure even supplies of produce throughout the winter months.

I am afraid that it is much too early to say anything about the arrangements for controlling imports of winter cauliflower during the 1951–52 season.

asked the Minister of Food what is the cost in salaries and expenses of the Director of Canned Fish Supplies and an Assistant Director; what is the number of the staff at headquarters and at local food offices dealing with allocations of canned fish; and what is the cost of their salaries and expenses.

Canned fish is only one of the commodities dealt with by the Canned Fish, Fruit and Vegetables Division of the Ministry of Food. The Director of this Division is unpaid and the present annual salaries of the staff, numbering 33 at Headquarters, amount to about£16,000. It is not possible to say how much of this cost relates to canned fish alone. Expenses for the various Divisions at Headquarters cannot be separately assessed. No staff in local food offices are engaged wholly on the work.

asked the Minister of Food if he will now extend the principle of 4d. per lb. increase in the price of tea and a corresponding cut in subsidy to all articles of food, in order to enable the individual to spend his money as he wishes.

With the exceptions of bread, flour and milk, the quantities of subsidised foods available for purchase are regulated by rationing in order to ensure fair distribution. A change in the retail price of a particular rationed commodity does not imply any change in the range of rationed commodities which an individual is free to buy.

asked the Minister of Transport what weight of meat is at present obliged to be provided for merchant seamen under the scale of provisions for seamen laid down by his regulations under the Merchant Shipping Acts.

The weekly allowance of fresh meat, including fresh offal and fresh sausage, which must be provided for merchant seamen under the Statutory Scale is 4 lb. 11 oz. The weight of fresh meat is the weight including fat and bone before preparation for cooking.

asked the Minister of Transport what reductions he has recently made to the coastguard services; and what bodies were consulted before the reductions were made.

As part of a reorganisation of His Majesty's Coastguard, upon which I have decided after a careful review, one regular coastguard station has, up to the present, been closed and watch discontinued at 41 auxiliary stations. In addition to the interested Government Departments, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was consulted. The Staff Side of the Departmental Whitley Council has also been consulted about the measures necessary to put the changes into effect.

asked the Minister of Transport upon what date he received a report from the Road Research Laboratory regarding the marking of pedestrian crossings; and how soon he intends to bring in the necessary regulations, in the light of the recommendations made in that report.

The Road Research Laboratory made a report on the marking of pedestrian crossings in April, 1950, and I have had their recommendations in mind in working out my proposed new policy. Marking, however, is only one of the factors to be considered. On the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) on 12th February.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress he has made with his new regulations governing pedestrian crossings.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) on 12th February. I have received comments on my proposals from some of the associations of local authorities and I am awaiting them from others and from associations representing road users.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that mobile canteens have recently been permanently established on trunk road A.40, at positions three miles east of Andoversford and four miles east of Northleach; that vehicles in consequence park on the verges on both sides of the roads and overlap the comparatively narrow carriageway thus causing danger to traffic and disfiguring the verges; and whether he will investigate the matter with a view to remedial action.

Yes. I have given directions to the local planning authority to refuse the applications which the owners have made under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, to establish these canteens, but the owners have a right of appeal.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a further statement regarding the proposed new Runcorn—Widnes bridge.

In the present situation I cannot approve the commencement of the main constructional work, but I am anxious that such protective works as may be decided to be an essential preliminary to the main scheme should be carried out as soon as possible. I understand that the consulting engineers and the Manchester Ship Canal Company have been unable to agree on the extent of the protective works and that the question is being referred to arbitration.

asked the Minister of Transport on what date he was approached by the county borough of Tyne-mouth for permission to erect lights at the junction of the Coast Road and Narham Road; on what dates he had received representations from the Member; whether he is aware of the fatal accident which aroused public opinion: and when he will authorise the erection of lights in accordance with the desires of the local authority.

As regards the first and third parts of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the answers that I gave her on 15th November, 1950. I have received written representations from her on the following dates: 21st July, 1950; 23rd October, 1950; 16th November, 1950; 26th November, 1950; 8th December, 1950; 19th February, 1951; 5th March, 1951; 11th March, 1951. I regret the conflict of opinion about this but on the evidence available I am inclined to think that the best solution is to improve the layout, and I hope that the local authority will co-operate to this end.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he is taking to minimise the danger to children attending the Fellbridge school, Surrey, from traffic.

I have suggested to the Surrey County Council that they should consider arranging for adult patrols to see the children safely across the roads near the school. If they decide to do so I am prepared to authorise the use by the patrols of "Stop—Children Crossing" signs to halt traffic while the children cross.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in the interests of road safety, he will circularise traffic authorities throughout the country to ensure that every uncontrolled road junction has some clear indication as to which road has traffic priority.

Where traffic conditions warrant it "Halt" or "Slow—Major Road Ahead" signs are used to indicate to the driver that he is approaching an important road. I do not think a general priority rule for roads would be wise, as I fear that it might not make for the exercise of due care at junctions by drivers enjoying the priority.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that the arrangements which have now been made for the supply of copper and zinc to industry will be sufficient to enable the skilled trades and craftsmanship in the silverware and electroplated-nickel-silverware industries to be maintained as an asset to this country.

In general, I am satisfied with the arrangements made by my Department for the distribution of copper and zinc to the semi-fabricators and by them to their customers, but I have these arrangements under constant review. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that he is watching the effects of the recent Copper and Zinc (Prohibited Uses) Order on the silverware and electro-plate industry. The provisions made for licensing for export and other purposes should benefit the electro-plate industry, but the full effects of these provisions are not yet known.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can now arrange for facilities for hon. Members to participate in a flight of the Brabazon II which was postponed last year.

I hope that the necessary certificate of airworthiness will be granted in time for the postponed flight to take place in the summer.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will give a list of the committees that act as a link between his Department and industry.

The list of committees and associations which act as a link between my Department and industry is too long to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT and I am sending it to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Supply what action he is taking in the re-armament drive to mobilise to the fullest capacity the small engineering firms in the Bristol area and to ensure that they receive their proper proportion of both orders and supplies of material to carry them out; and what are the priority claims as far as export to dollar countries, re-armament and internal consumption are concerned.

The Ministry's regional office in Bristol has records of a large number of the small engineering firms in that area and does all it can to bring their capacity to the notice of firms holding armament orders who require additional capacity. The choice of suitable sub-contractors is, however, a matter for main contractors. Arrangements exist for applications by firms requiring small quantities of certain metals for essential production to be dealt with sympathetically by suppliers. Small firms who still have difficulty in securing scarce materials should approach the regional controller, who will do all he can to help.On priorities, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the defence debate on 15th February.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will consider approaching the National Farmers' Union with a view to a campaign in agricultural areas to round up iron scrap.

The supply of scrap for the iron and steel industry, including arisings from agricultural areas, is primarily a matter for the industry itself. With the full support of the Iron and Steel Corporation, the British Iron and Steel Federation, in conjunction with the Scrap Merchants' Federation, are organising a home scrap drive. They are in touch with the National Farmers' Union about arrangements to promote the collection of scrap from farmers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a shortage of Union Jacks in shops; and what steps he is taking to ensure that greater supplies will be made available before the opening date of the Festival of Britain.

There are no restrictions on the manufacture or distribution of Union Jacks. It is not the custom of retailers to hold large stocks of them; but I am assured that sufficient are being produced, and are now available at the wholesale stage, to meet expected demands

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the granting of most-favoured-nation rights for Japanese goods imported into this country.

His Majesty's Government have for some years been collaborating with other Governments in promoting agreements to reduce trade barriers and so far as possible to eliminate discriminatory policies in international trade. His Majesty's Government do at present, in fact, extend the same treatment to Japanese trade as to the trade of countries that are parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Imports of goods from Japan into the United Kingdom are at present restricted for balance of payments reasons and in this respect also His Majesty's Government's policy towards Japan does not differ from the policy that may be adopted under the G.A.T.T. towards member countries with which the United Kingdom has balance of payments difficulties.His Majesty's Government have carefully considered whether they could take the step of entering into a formal undertaking to continue in this way to extend most-favoured-nation treatment to Japan and they have decided that in all the circumstances they should not enter into such an obligation.It is our desire to see Japan recover her economic health as rapidly as possible in order that she may cease to be a burden on the United States taxpayer, and that she may make an important contribution to the economic development of the countries of South and South-East Asia which we all desire. Since the war Japan's exports have not been sufficient even to pay for her present imports of food and raw materials. Japan must, therefore, develop her exports intensively in order to pay her way.But it must be the paramount concern of His Majesty's Government to uphold the United Kingdom's vital economic interests and to maintain full employment, and His Majesty's Government must have regard to the quite special characteristics of the competition which was experienced from Japan with damaging effects upon employment in United Kingdom industries before the war. In an expanding world economy it should be possible for Japan to achieve a reasonable standard of life for her people without any recurrence of such conditions. If, however, a situation were to arise in which it became necessary to impose special measures on trade with Japan, His Majesty's Government would be reluctant to impose the same measures on trade with other countries, as the most-favoured-nation provision would require. Unless and until such a situation does arise, His Majesty's Government will continue to accord to Japanese goods the benefit of the Most-Favoured-Nation tariff, but it would be unwise for us to tie our hands in any way until the future course of the Japanese economy and of Japanese commercial policies have become more clearly established.I hope those in Japan who are concerned to bring about the restoration of the economy of their country will not fail to give earnest thought to the question of how Japan may foster the necessary confidence in her trading policies. I was pleased to observe the manner of the reception which the leaders of the Japanese Cotton Industry gave to the views of the Anglo-American Cotton Mission which visited Japan in May last. I am disposed to believe that such contacts between industries may have a useful part to play in bringing about necessary developments with the least possible damage to our vital economic interests and those of Japan.

asked the Minister of Health on what date negotiations were started between his Department and the Ministry of Agriculture for the acquisition of land at the Heath, Cardiff, as a site for the proposed teaching hospital; and what is the reason for the delay in concluding these negotiations.

The negotiations started on 24th August, 1950, but the question of providing for the needs of allotment holders who would eventually be dispossessed of their plots by the building scheme has required careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Health when a decision is likely to be reached concerning the proposed extension at Llandough Hospital, Cardiff; and what is the reason for the delay in reaching a decision.

The governors of the United Cardiff Hospitals were told on 8th March that this extension must await the completion of a large scheme of higher priority.

asked the Minister of Health why he has failed to appoint a professional committee in accordance with paragraph 16 of the Terms and Conditions of Service of Hospital Medical Staff to inquire into the complaint of Mr. R. Brooke who alleges that his employment as a surgeon by the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board has been unfairly terminated.

I have written to the hon. Member about this case.

asked the Minister of Health the total cost of the health services in Wales in the financial year 1949–50 and in the current financial year.

The total gross cost for 1949–50 was£19,602,000 and the estimate for 1950–51 is£20,364,000.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the decision of the miners at Knockshinnoch Castle colliery not to resume work unless all the National Coal Board officials at the colliery are removed; and if he will make a statement on this dispute.

I understand the matter is under discussion between the Scottish Divisional Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.

asked the Minister of Health what was the average age of mortality of the total population of Great Britain in 1939 and 1945, respectively; and what was the estimated figure at the latest convenient date.

The average age at death in Great Britain in the years 1939 and 1945 was 59 and 60 respectively. The provisional figure for 1949 is 64.

asked the Minister of Health how many questions are contained in the census form shortly to be issued; and what steps he has taken to ensure that the householder can without guidance satisfactorily complete this form.

Twenty-four questions appear on the form for England, including such usual questions as name, sex, age and marital condition, but not all apply to every person. There is a further question on the Welsh language in the form for Wales (including Monmouthshire). In addition, enumerators have to ascertain by enquiry how many living rooms are occupied by the household. All questions have been reduced to simple matters of fact, and instructions and examples are Given on the back of the form. One of the chief duties of enumerators is to give the householder such advice and assistance as may be requested or required. Census publicity has also and will continue to be directed to making the questions familiar.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will give the number of houses allocated to the West Hartlepool County Borough Council in the years 1948, 1949 and 1950; and the number of houses completed in each of these years.

Numbers under construction at the beginning of each year were 416, 211, and 267 respectively; the additional numbers allocated were 250, 295 and 230; the numbers completed were 428, 269 and 264.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will give the number of houses allocated to the Hartlepool Borough Council in the years 1948, 1949 and 1950; and the number of houses completed in each of these years.

Numbers under construction at the beginning of each year were 95, 103 and 121 respectively; the additional numbers allocated were 160, 182 and 120; the numbers completed were 118, 153 and 125.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the sums due under Article 1 (b) of the Anglo-Yugoslav Financial Agreement of 11th January, 1951, are payable only in sterling.

Yes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what date or dates the interest of 4½ per cent. on notes endorsed by the Export Credit Guarantees Department are payable by the Yugoslav Government under Article 1 (c) of the Anglo-Yugoslav Financial Agreement of 11th January, 1951.

Interest is payable on the dates of maturity of the Notes, which are to become payable as follows:

• £300,000 on 30th June, 1956.
• £300,000 on 31st December, 1956.
• £350,000 on 30th June, 1957.
• £350,000 on 31st December, 1957.
• £350,000 on 30th June, 1958.
• £350,000 on 31st December, 1958.

These and the other conditions attaching to the guarantee and purchase, by the Export Credits Guarantee Department, of the Promissory Notes of the Yugoslav Government are set out in the Exchange of Notes of 11th January, published as Cmd. 8172.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will 'make a statement regarding his negotiations with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters.

I regret that my right hon. Friend can add nothing at present to his reply to the hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Remnant) on 24th January last.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated cost of the claims at present submitted by the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters.

About£1,500,000 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date rioting first broke out in Grenada; where the Governor of the Windward Islands was at the time; by what date he returned to his post; by what means; and what was the cause of the delay in his return.

Widespread strikes began on 19th February and acts of intimidation and violence soon followed. The first reports of arson, and of firing by the police, reached me on 24th February and were passed on to the Governor, who was then on leave in Devonshire. He at once decided to terminate his leave and left by air on 2nd March, which was the first opportunity after he received these reports. He arrived in Grenada on 5th March.