asked the Minister of National Insurance how many old age pensioners in Scotland are likely to receive extra allowances as a result of the Budget proposals.

There are about 95,000 men over 70 and 180,000 women in Scotland over 65 whose retirement pensions would be increased under these proposals. Some persons will be in receipt of supplementary assistance and I cannot, of course, say how many of these would receive a net increase of income.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increased cost of feedingstuffs and equipment, he will consider taking steps to raise the price received by poultry farmers for eggs.

No. The factors referred to by the hon. Member were among those taken into account in fixing the price announced at the end of March.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what material can be described as knitted unbleached cotton cloth made with at least one needle omitted in every 50 needles mentioned in Group 6 of the Eighth Schedule to the Finance Act, 1948.

The material is a kind of defective stockinette used as cleaning cloth and for meat wrapping.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in which group of the Eighth Schedule to the Finance Act. 1948, butter muslin is confined.

Butter muslin in the piece, shaped or partly made up, is within Group 6 of the Schedule.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can say anything about the visit of the United States Mission to investigate the use of sulphur in this country.

Yes. This Mission, which was welcomed by His Majesty's Government, has concluded its visit and has returned to Washington. From an interview I had with them before they left I was impressed with the thoroughness with which they had informed themselves about our sulphur position and the efforts we are making to help our selves. It was a pleasure to have the Mission with us and I think their visit should prove to have been of great value.