asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now able to make a report upon the investigations that have been taking place on be half of his Department concerning the proposal for the utilisation of the tidal power of the River Severn for the production of electric current.

Experiments with a tidal model are essential before it is possible to proceed further with the investigation of the project for a Severn Barrage. It is hoped that this model will be completed in 1953 or early in 1954.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the generating stations which are temporarily out of production and are partially causing the electricity cuts, will all be in commission again before next winter; and if he can give an assurance to industry that power cuts this coming winter will not be more severe than those imposed last winter.

The British Electricity Authority so arrange their programme of maintenance and overhaul that they have the maximum amount of plant available during the winter months. I hope that more than 1,000 megawatts of new plant will be commissioned in 1951. I am considering what further measures can be taken to reduce the frequency and severity of power cuts, and to mitigate the loss and inconvenience which they cause.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the shortage of boiler fuel in the Reigate, Surrey, area, resulting in people having to go to Redhill Gas Works to obtain coke; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs.

Last winter the Redhill and Dorking Gas Works used more coke than usual for making carburetted water gas; in consequence, the coke they had for sale was a little less than in the previous winter. Additional supplies were, however, brought into the area from outside, and in consequence, the total sales were slightly more.In Reigate, as elsewhere, there is a growing demand for boiler fuel for household use, and I am most anxious to meet it, so far as that can be done. I am also considering measures to improve the distribution of coke, both among the various classes of consumers, and among the different parts of the country.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what price per ton is charged for the coke supplied to the North Coates Aerodrome; and how much is included for transport.

The Air Ministry contract provided for the supply of coke "free-on-rail" at North Thoresby railway station at 79s. 3d. per ton. The cost of transport, partly by road and partly by rail, from Louth Gas Works to North Thoresby railway station was 11s. 10d. per ton. Arrangements have now been made to transport the coke by road direct from the Louth Gas Works to the North Coates aerodrome.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the stocks of coal for the domestic supplies in the Liverpool area have been allowed to be reduced to the point when coal merchants are unable to supply their customers with 1 cwt. of coal per week; what action he is taking against those responsible; and what has been done to restore the stocks of coal to meet current needs.

During the 12 months ended on 30th April, more coal was received in the Liverpool area than in the corresponding period a year ago. But during May the demand has been exceptionally heavy; supplies have been reduced by the Whitsun holidays; and there have been special difficulties about the transport of coal from opencast sites. Steps have been taken to increase the supplies, and I understand that the position has improved

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why he allows coal merchants who remain agents for certain collieries to make an agency charge of up to 1s. per ton on industrial fuel supplied from the particular collieries and from which collieries all coal merchants in the area must by this direction obtain supplies.

I have issued no direction about the colliery from which any merchant should obtain his supplies. I understand from the National Coal Board that they took over a number of agency arrangements from the former companies; a few of these are still in force. A decision to end them would be a matter for the Board.

asked the Attorney-General if, having regard to the principles involved and the public interest, he will expedite the completion of the inquiries being made by the Director of Public Prosecutions into the contravention of building licensing regulations by the Yorkshire Electricity Board; how long it will be before a report can be received; and if he will, if necessary, bring in independent accountants and others to assist the Director in his inquiries.

No. I am satisfied that the inquiries are being conducted with all reasonable expedition, and that all expert assistance necessary is available or can be procured. I am informed that the report should be ready in about three weeks' time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that United States citizens are admitted to this country without visas while British subjects have been experiencing some difficulty in obtaining United States visas, he will explore the possibility of entering into some reciprocal arrangement with the United States Government in this matter.

The United States Government are unable, because of their immigration laws, to waive the visa requirement, and reciprocity in the abolition of visas is therefore not possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects to receive the report of the Committee considering the immunity of foreign States against process in the English courts.

I understand that the committee hope to submit an interim analysis of the issues for consideration in regard to State immunity. This would not be intended for publication and the committee are likely to propose that its contents should be discussed in confidence with other interested Governments.I am informed by the chairman of the committee that it is hoped also to submit a report on diplomatic immunity fairly soon. My right hon. Friend will consider the question of publication when the report is received.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance he is providing for the skipper of the Grimsby trawler "Churchill," who has been arrested by the Norwegian authorities on a charge of fishing in territorial waters, the boundaries of which are in dispute between Britain and Norway.

His Majesty's Ambassador at Oslo reports that the "Churchill" was arrested at Tromso, Norway, on 29th May, after evading arrest the previous day, on a charge of illegal fishing. After her arrest, the "Churchill" escaped from Tromso harbour, but was subsequently caught by Norwegian coastal vessels, and on 31st May was escorted to Vardo where the trial took place on 1st and 2nd June. The "Churchill" was ordered to pay £3,040 which included a sum in lieu of forfeiture of catch. This sum has been guaranteed by the insurance company and the "Churchill" is now on her way home.Although no detailed report is available, I understand that the British Vice-Consul at Tromso has been in touch with the Norwegian authorities about this case. The hon. Member can be sure that he will have rendered all normal reasonable assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why His Majesty's Government recently shipped a consignment of arms to Iraq.

By paragraph 5 of the Annexure to the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of Alliance of 1950, His Majesty's Government undertook to grant, whenever they might be required by Iraq, all possible facilities in a number of matters including the provision of arms, ammunition, equipment, ships and aeroplanes of the latest available pattern. The equipment to which my hon. Friend refers formed part of a consignment released to Iraq in March of this year to meet certain outstanding requirements of the Iraqi forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement on the situation in Tibet.

Yes. The House will have seen Press reports about an agreement which is said to have been concluded between the Chinese Government and a Tibetan Delegation in Peking on 23rd May. This agreement purports to guarantee Tibetan autonomy and safeguard her religious freedom, but the arrangements for the entry of the Chinese army, the setting up of a Chinese military and administrative headquarters in Tibet and the recognition by the Tibetan Government of a Chinese-sponsored candidate for the office of Panchen Lama, throw considerable doubt on the value of these guarantees.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to approach the other signatories of the Italian Peace Treaty under which Italy is being required to deliver strategic materials such as sulphur, mercury and motor-ships as reparations to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, with a view to the modification of those conditions.

There are no clauses in the Italian Peace Treaty requiring Italy to deliver strategic materials to the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many refugees are still being sup ported in Western Germany; what is the cost of their maintenance; and who is responsible for the cost.

According to the latest reports of the International Refugee Organisation there are 143,689 refugees in Western Germany whose cases are still open for I.R.O. services of all kinds. The number of those who actually receive support from I.R.O. cannot be stated accurately since the numbers change with fluctuations in resettlement, employment in Germany, and so on. The present figure is in the region of 53,000 of whom many are actually in process of resettlement.The I.R.O. estimate for care, maintenance and similar assistance to refugees in Germany for the period 1st July, 1950, to 30th September, 1951, is nearly 10 million dollars. This cost is borne by the I.R.O. budget. The German authorities themselves are now responsible for looking after many refugees previously supported by I.R.O. and also for all refugees of German origin.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to make known to the Persian people, and especially the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company's employees, the unemployment and distress which must result among the oil workers if the industry is put out of action by the policy of the present Persian Government.

The views of His Majesty's Government, which in this respect coincide largely with those of the hon. Member, have been made known on frequent occasions to the Persian Government by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tehran. Similar views have been reflected in the Press and on the radio, not only in this country but in a number of others.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British missionaries have been evacuated from China; what is the approximate number that remain; and what has happened to British missionary property in China.

I am informed that the number of British missionaries who have left China since the Central People's Government was set up is about 320, and the number still remaining there is about 125. These figures include missionaries' wives, but not their children. Many missions have made over their property to the Chinese Synod, a process which started many years ago and was largely completed before the establishment of the Central People's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will resist any proposal to include in the embargo of exports to China drugs necessary to alleviate, cure or prevent diseases affecting Chinese troops and civilians.

The embargo imposed in pursuance of the Resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 18th May does not apply to drugs. I know of no other proposal to embargo the export of drugs to China. I would prefer not to anticipate what view His Majesty's Government would take if such a proposal were to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the danger of epidemics in some countries due to inadequate supplies of D.D.T. and a disproportionate accumulation in other countries, His Majesty's Government will consider proposing to the United Nations a scheme for ensuring an equitable world supply and distribution of this and any similar substance.

The United Nations organisation is already seized of this problem. It has also recently been considered by the Assembly of the World Health Organisation, whose Annual Report will be discussed at the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in August and September, 1951.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what directions have been given by the Far Eastern Commission as to the extent to which the 75,000 Japanese auxiliary police are to be trained in the usage of military weapons.

None. The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers is authorised to determine what weapons shall be used by the civilian police, under directives sent to him by the Far Eastern Commission in implementation of its policy decisions. The relevant decision, on basic post-surrender policy for Japan provides that "Japan … may have adequate civilian police forces."

asked the Minister of Food under what authority butchers are required to make fractional calculations of meat to be supplied to catering establishments due to the fact that authorisations are not issued by his Department at their face value; and if he will arrange that these calculations are made at the food office.

Notices of alterations in the value of these authorisations are issued under the Food Rationing (General Provisions) Order. I do not think that it would be an advantage to have new authorisations prepared and issued each time there is a change in the amount of the ration. To do so would require the employment of more staff in the food offices; and it would increase the time needed to put a change into effect.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the concern about the supply of meat in five years' time, he envisages making arrangements for the development of supplies in Queensland, New Zealand, and other parts of the Commonwealth.

My Department has made clear to the Australian and New Zealand Governments the United Kingdom's keen interest in meat development there. Encouragement to producers is already being provided by a long-term contract with New Zealand and negotiations are in progress for a new long-term Agreement with Australia.My Department in conjunction with the other Departments concerned has investigated possibilities of development in other parts of the Commonwealth, but problems of disease, cost, and the increasing needs of rising populations do not allow us to expect considerable supplies from these sources.But, as I have publicly stated, I am seeking every possible means, both at home and overseas, of adding to our long-term meat supplies.

asked the Minister of Food on what grounds he refused the application made jointly by the National Farmers' Union and the Agricultural Workers' Union for an additional meat ration for agricultural workers.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott) on 30th May.

asked the Minister of Food when he anticipates that the resumption of imports from the Argentine will enable him to increase the meat ration; what this increase will be in quantity per ration book, per week; and what increase in price is likely to be involved.

I cannot at present add to the statement I made on 24th April.

asked the Minister of Food whether the seven new slaughter houses being built by the Government will continue to operate under the complete control of the Government; or whether they are eventually to be handed over to municipal authorities.

This will depend on the future policy with regard to slaughtering, about which the Government is at present consulting the various interests concerned. The contracts already signed however, provide for either possibility.

asked the Minister of Food the size and potential capacity of the seven new slaughterhouses and two experimental premises.

The slaughterhouses to be built at Canterbury, Grimsby, Salisbury and Swindon, the one in the Bourne-mouth-Poole area and the Guildford experimental slaughterhouse will each have a potential daily slaughtering capacity of about 100 to 110 cattle, or the equivalent in calves, sheep or pigs.The daily capacity of the slaughterhouse at Sunderland, the one in the Bolton-Leigh-Wigan area and the experimental slaughterhouse at Fareham, will each be between 200 and 250 cattle. There will be ample grazing land and lair-age accommodation for the animals before slaughter and sufficient hanging space and chill rooms for the meat.

asked the Minister of Food the percentage of water contained in butter supplied by him to the trade.

The percentage varies, but it is usually 1 per cent. below the legal maximum of 16 per cent.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he takes to make good losses in course of transit to retailers of food which is rationed or allocated in limited quantities.

A carrier's note or certificate of loss on the railway is sufficient to authorise replacement of these losses by the wholesaler.

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on the milk position.

Because of the cold, wet spring, milk production this year has so far been disappointing. In each month since January production has been below last year's, and last month there was about 10 per cent. less milk than in May, 1950.There is, of course, at present a comfortable margin of supply over the demand for liquid milk. It is too early yet to make any firm estimate of the autumn position, but milk supplies are always low for a few weeks at that time of the year, with the risk of local shortages. In past years, with the cooperation of the milk trade and the housewife, we have got through without serious difficulty, and I believe we shall do so again. I shall watch the position closely so that any steps which may be necessary to ensure fair distribution may be taken in good time; and my officers are already conferring with the dairy trade on the best means of overcoming any difficulties which may arise.In the meantime, I have arranged to augment autumn supplies in England and Wales by bringing milk from Scotland and Northern Ireland. I shall also prohibit the use of milk for the manufacture of less essential commodities, including the manufacture and sale of fresh and sterilised cream, from 3rd July.

asked the Minister of Food why arrangements have recently been made to place on the market a quantity of sealed eggs; and what is the object of taking this action at a time when the supply of fresh eggs is at its peak.

The object is to give housewives an opportunity to buy extra eggs now, when the meat ration is low, rather than later on when there is likely to be more meat.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make a statement on the likelihood of the de-rationing of chicken's eggs for any period of this year.

I hope to make a statement about this next week.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of cheese has been bought by his Department from the United States of America during 1951, and what was its cost in dollars; and what quantity has been obtained from Canada during the same period.

During 1951 my Department has bought from the United States of America 11.2 million lb. of cheese at a cost of 3.2 million dollars. I have agreed to purchase 20 million lb. of Canadian cheese from this year's production, but none has yet been received. Negotiations for further purchases from Canada are now going on.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has yet decided to re-impose controlled prices for white fish.

The Order, which controlled fish prices, was revoked on April 15th, 1950. It is true that during the past year there have been periods of high prices, but at present the prices of cod and haddock, which make up the great proportion of our supplies, have fallen to around the old control levels, which, in view of the general increase in producers' and distributors' costs, I do not consider unreasonable. In the circumstances, I do not think that at present it would be in the public interest to re-impose control. In any event, price control will not cure the disparity between prices at ports and in the shops. The solution of this problem, which is a most complex and delicate one, can only be found through the long-term plans for reorganising the industry which the new White Fish Authority is charged to carry through.

asked the Minister of Food what percentage of the sweet ration was taken up during each separate ration period, or double ration period, during the last 12 months; and what is his estimate of the corresponding percentage for the current period.

It is too early to estimate the rate for the current period.

asked the Minister of Food in how many cases he has ordered the withdrawal of permits or licences granted by his Department from persons convicted and punished for criminal offences.

Since 1942, Ministry of Food licences or permits have been withdrawn from 442 traders who, following, convictions in the courts, were regarded as unsuitable links in the distribution of controlled foods.

asked the Minister of Food why factory workers are allowed an allocation of tea and sugar whilst office workers are allowed one of tea only; and at what particular point the demarcation line is drawn.

Sugar is supplied for industrial workers, but not in offices or shops, on the ground that the demands on the physical energy of industrial workers are generally greater. Naturally I should like to extend the arrangement to office and shop workers; but unfortunately, as long as supplies are restricted, a line has to be drawn somewhere.

asked the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what steps are being taken to replenish the already depleted stocks of European wines in the cellars under his control.

The stocks of European wines referred to by the hon. Member are quite adequate to meet present needs.

asked the Minister of Transport to ensure that the 30 miles per hour speed limit along the whole of the Upper Shoreham Road and Old Shoreham Road at Shoreham by Sea be enforced.

Enforcement of speed limits is the responsibility of the local police, who, I am informed, have taken proceedings in a number of cases of excessive speed on the Upper Shoreham Road, but have received no complaints of excessive speed on the Old Shoreham Road.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to minimise the dislocation to cargo shipping caused by the Government's newly introduced stockpiling programme.

I maintain close contact with the importing Departments concerned in order to ensure that shipments of materials for stockpiling are arranged without detriment to other essential shipping programmes.

asked the Minister of Transport how many vehicles passed the cross-roads at the Clarence Bridge, Newport, at the latest known date; what was the corresponding number in 1939 and 1945; and what steps are being taken to relieve the congestion at this point.

I regret I have no strictly comparable figures, but during a period of half-an-hour on Saturday, the 28th January, 1950, 910 vehicles (excluding bicycles) passed through these cross-roads, of which 619 went over the bridge. On a Saturday in August, 1948, 1,405 vehicles (excluding bicycles) went over the bridge in one hour; the number passing through the cross-roads is not recorded. I have no figures for 1939 or 1945. A system of one-way traffic working near this point has been tried experimentally and is now being made permanent in modified form. I regret that any scheme to give major relief would be too expensive to consider at the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport why Statutory Instrument, No. 789, which permanently closed a high way in Camberwell was not presented to Parliament though Statutory Instrument, No. 804, which made a street in Leytonstone into a one-way street, was presented to Parliament.

Statutory Instrument No. 789 was made by me under Section 49 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, to enable the Metropolitan borough of Camberwell to stop up a highway in order to carry out housing development. I am not required to present to Parliament Orders made under Section 49 of this Act, but the procedure laid down in the Sixth Schedule provides for public notice of my intention to make an order, for service of notice on local authorities and undertakers concerned, for an interval of three months for receipt of objections and for a local inquiry to be held normally in the event of sustained objections.Statutory Instrument No. 804 was made by me under Section 10 of the London Traffic Act, 1924, as amended by Section 63 of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, which enables me to make regulations for controlling or regulating traffic in London. Such regulations have to be presented to Parliament.

asked the Minister of Transport what grant has been made by his Department to the highway authorities in respect of the number plates which they have fixed to lamp-posts in their areas.

When lamp-posts are numbered in a new or improved system of street lighting approved by me on a trunk road, the cost is included in the costs of the installation towards which I normally contribute 50 per cent. Otherwise, my Department makes no grant for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport how many times the Minis try of Transport Road Safety Committee has met in each of the years 1949, 1950 and 1951, respectively; and what proposals the Committee has to make in view of the large increase in road accidents.

The Committee on Road Safety met three times in 1949 and once in 1950. The Committee have not yet met this year but will do so in the near future. I would point out that the previous Committee on Road Safety have already made a very complete examination of the problem of road accidents and issued Reports in 1944 and 1947 dealing with all its aspects. The present Committee have, in addition, made two valuable reports on speed limit policy and pedestrian crossings and they will no doubt consider the current accident position at their next meeting.

asked the Minister of Transport the date on which he gave his approval to the order authorising in creased fares on the undertaking of the Leeds Corporation; and why the publication was in advance of the making of the order and contrary to a request from the Traffic Commissioners that the matter should be sub judice pending the making of the order, and was not in accordance with usual procedure in such matters.

A letter was sent on 9th May from my Department to the Town Clerk of Leeds saying that I was prepared to make an order authorising, with one exception, the increased tram fares proposed by the Corporation, for which purpose I should require to have copies of the new schedules of fares. At the same time, the terms of the letter were communicated to the licensing authority for public service vehicles who were waiting to announce, concurrently with mine, their decision on an application for authority to increase bus fares. This was in accordance with the usual procedure in such cases and was intended to enable the transport undertaking to put in hand, while the formal documents were being prepared, the steps necessary to bring the increased fares into operation, such as the printing of tickets and the display of notices in the vehicles. The matter was expedited in my Department because of two letters previously received from the Town Clerk asking, on behalf of the Corporation, for an early decision in view of the steadily deteriorating position of the transport undertaking. I know of no request that the matter should be sub judice pending the making of the order.

asked the Minister of Transport how many forms Stats. 14 are required by his Department to be completed each year; and what practical use is made of the information required.

Form Stats. 14 is required to be filled in by about 1,300 operators of public service vehicles each year. The information is summarised and published with the annual reports of the licensing authorities for public service vehicles. In addition to their interest to the public, the figures regarding work done and resources employed by these undertakings are part of the general statistical information used for administrative and planning purposes in relation to inland passenger transport.

asked the Minister of Transport what experiments are being made on buses with power operated doors; whether they have proved successful; and whether they are likely to be extended.

Power operated doors have been in use for a number of years and they are at present on trial in Glasgow. Their use on trolley buses in Reading has been followed by a considerable reduction in accidents to passengers while boarding and alighting. The question of fitting doors is one for the operator concerned, and they are not suitable for all types of service, but I am keeping the possibilities of this device under review.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations have been made to him in regard to the present delays in some British ports in handling both inward and outward cargoes; to what extent have these delays neutralised the large sums expended on the construction of fast ships and up-to-date methods of cargo stowage by reducing the number of round voyages these ocean-going ships can perform in 12 monthly periods; and if he can now give any comparative figures of British and Continental port operating.

Representations about delays in British ports have been made to me by shipping interests. Unnecessary delays in our ports, as a result of unofficial strikes and other causes occur to a regrettable extent. Similar delays occur in ports abroad. These must necessarily detract from the advantages in improvement of ship design involving additional capital cost, but it is not practicable to estimate the amount. Comparative figures of British and Continental port operation are not available, and having regard to the wide differences in circumstances and conditions of port operation here and abroad this is understandable.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to make the installation of automatic trafficators on cars, lorries, buses, &c, compulsory.

I do not think that the time is opportune. The supply position is difficult and there are technical problems in the fitting of these devices to heavier vehicles which have still to be solved.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to ensure that engineering firms who accept defence or export orders are guaranteed supplies of steel.

The introduction of full control of distribution of steel is at present under consideration by the Government. In the meantime assistance in meeting defence orders is being given by the Steel (Re-armament) Panel.

asked the Minister of Supply what items of clothing, stores and equipment of a type used by the Royal Navy, the Army or the Royal Air Force, were offered for sale at Burghfield, Berkshire, on 9th May; and why these were not retained in reserves by Service Departments.

The hon. Member will find a list of the items included in this sale in the catalogue which was placed in the Library of the House before the sale. The Service stores sold were either unserviceable or obsolete.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the supply factory at Radway Green, Alsager, is dumping at the Sand Quarry, Talke Road, Alsager, sawdust, building material, oily waste, rags, rubber, boxes and a green sludge; that live ammunition is included and often explodes; that the dump is often alight and the smell is offensive to the inhabitants in the immediate area; and if he will have an inquiry made into this matter.

Explosives are not included in the industrial waste deposited in this quarry and the explosions referred to are probably caused by the bursting of used electric lamps. Alternative disposal arrangements for the factory's refuse are at present being considered. In the meantime, every effort will be made to minimise the inconvenience to local residents.

asked the Minister of Supply why scrap has been sold abroad when it is needed by the iron and steel industry at home.

I am not aware that any ferrous scrap has been sold abroad.

asked the Minister of Supply what special steps he proposes to take to ensure that sufficient scrap iron is available for the re-armament programme.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 19th February last, to the hon. and learned Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) on 23rd April and to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, West (Mr. G. Cooper) on 7th May.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the necessary certificate of airworthiness has now been issued for the Brabazon II; and whether he can now arrange for facilities for hon. Members to participate in a flight which was postponed last year.

I regret that, as the Brabazon I has not yet been granted the necessary certificate of airworthiness, it is not at present possible to arrange the proposed flight.

asked the Minister of Supply if he can now make a further statement on the action he is taking to ensure that the raw materials for steel making are available to the nationalised steel industry to ensure full employment in the industry.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on the 30th April in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. J. Jones). I can assure him that every effort is being made to secure sufficient supplies of raw materials for steel-making. I should like to take this opportunity of emphasising once again the urgent importance of the home scrap drive.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the pressure of work in the eight metropolitan magistrates' courts, he will consider the opening of a new court as a remand court for cases for preliminary hearing with which the courts in which they are instituted cannot deal without undue delay.

My right hon. Friend has examined my hon. Friend's suggestion in consultation with the chief magistrate, but he is satisfied that it is open to too many practical difficulties. Certain measures which will, he hopes, improve the situation are being taken, and he is considering what more could be done to lighten the burden on the metropolitan magistrates' courts and thus to enable them to dispose of cases more promptly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the average cost per head per week of maintaining persons in prison compared with 1946.

For the 12 months ended 31st March, 1950, the total net expenditure on prisons in England and Wales, excluding the cost of new building but including all administrative expenses, was at the rate of about £4 3s. 7d. a week per head. The corresponding figure for the 12 months ended 31st March, 1946, was £2 12s. 2d.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a decision has yet been reached as to the character and terms of reference of the body of inquiry to be set up in connection with the issues raised by the case of the Reverend J. G. MacManaway.

Not yet.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that showrooms and offices of gas and electricity undertakings are being renamed, "Service depots," with the express purpose of enabling such premises to qualify for derating under the Rating Acts; and if he will take steps to prevent this practice.

No. The renaming of showrooms and offices of gas and electricity undertakings as service depots would not have the effect the hon. Member suggests, as no premises of a gas undertaking qualify for derating and the British Electricity Authority make an annual lump sum payment in lieu of rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value at 21st July, 1941, of the dollar securities acquired under Statutory Rules and Orders, 1941, 520 Order No. 3, dated 19th April, which were not sold but were pledged under the Reconstruction Finance Corporation Loan Agreement dated 21st July, 1941; and when he expects the loan to be repaid.

About 60 million dollars. I expect the repayment of the loan to be completed within the current financial year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the approximate value at 21st July, 1941, of the dollar securities returned by British residents to the Bank of England under Treasury Order, dated 26th August, 1939, which were neither requisitioned nor borrowed for the purposes of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation Loan, stating separately the approximate values of quoted and unquoted securities; and when he expects this loan to be repaid.

I assume that the hon. Member is interested in United States securities. It is not possible to give any reliable estimate of the value of unquoted securities. The value of the quoted securities was approximately 160 million dollars. On the second part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to the, hon. Member's immediately preceding Question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give details of the Other Social Services Departments in Command Paper, No. 8250; and the number of persons employed in each of these Departments on 1st April, 1951.

The details are as follow:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give details of the Other Departments in Group V in Command Paper, No. 8250; and the number of persons employed in each of these Departments on 1st April, 1951.

The details are as follow:

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning how many building licences have been given specifically to house the staff of the Aldermaston A.E.R.E. Station and to rehouse families to be displaced by the airfield at Greenham Common; and if he will give an assurance that the rate of housebuilding for local needs in the borough and rural district of Newbury will not thereby be prejudiced.

336 houses will be built for the staff at Aldermaston. The Ministry of Supply are responsible for finding the building labour from outside the area. These houses are in addition to the allocations to the Newbury Borough and Rural District Councils. My right hon. Friend has given the Newbury Rural District Council a special allocation of 42 houses to re-house families moving from Greenham Common.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will identify the Government Departments which had 7,822 houses and flats under construction at 31st March, 1951, with the appropriate numbers for each Department.

The following are the numbers:

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he will ensure that Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Scott, of the Old Bungalow, Aldringham, receive housing priority provided for under Section 85 (2) of the Housing Act, 1936, in view of the fact that Mrs. Scott has recently undergone several serious internal operations, and their present home is not suitable for her to live in.

The selection of tenants for council houses is a matter reserved by statute to the housing authority. I have no doubt that the council will give Mr. and Mrs. Scott's case all proper consideration.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will introduce legislation to clarify Section 12, subsection (1, g) of the increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920, so as to prevent the landlord gaining possession from the widow or resident relative of a contractive tenant who dies intestate by serving notice to quit on the President of the Probate Division of the High Court, prior to a grant of Letters of Administration.

This matter will be considered when the Rent Restrictions Acts are reviewed, but there is no early prospect of legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture over what matters he has jurisdiction in Scotland; under what enactments he receives these powers; and through what offices they are administered.

I have jurisdiction in Scotland over all matters relating to diseases of animals, and for the payment of subsidy towards the cost of acquiring and transporting lime for use on agricultural land, and I am also responsible for the ordnance survey of Scotland. I derive these powers from the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950, which consolidated previous legislation; Section 97 of the Agriculture Act, 1947, which continued the powers of Section 1 of the Agriculture Act, 1937, in respect of the Agricultural Lime Subsidy: and the Ordnance Survey Act, 1841, as amended and made permanent by the Expiring Laws Act, 1922.Diseases of animals are dealt with through 19 Divisional Veterinary Offices in Scotland and the Branch Office of the Headquarters Division in Edinburgh. The agricultural lime subsidy is paid from the Ministry's office at St. Annes-on-Sea, and work in the field is covered by a regional technical officer stationed at Edinburgh assisted by three assistant technical officers. The ordnance survey field work in Scotland is administered through a divisional office at Edinburgh.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a list of commodities of which the Government were the sole importers in 1945 and which are now imported on private account, together with the date on which each change was made.

The information asked for is as follows:BOARD OF TRADE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the country of origin of the £80,000 of raw cotton recently purchased by the Food and Supply Commission in Hamburg for delivery to the United Kingdom; and why this cotton was purchased in Germany and not in the country of origin.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Raw Cotton Commission, whose commercial activities are a matter for their own decision. I am, however, informed that the Raw Cotton Commission have recently bought 500 bales of United States cotton offered for sale in Hamburg. This cotton was not obtainable in the country of origin because United States cotton is subject to export licence. No doubt the Raw Cotton Commission will continue to buy supplies of desirable cotton wherever it is offered on commercially attractive terms

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that imported souvenirs are being sold at the South Bank Festival; and if he will take steps to ensure that so far as possible only British made goods will be sold and exhibited there.

The souvenir kiosks in the South Bank Exhibition have been let to concessionaires on the condition that only approved souvenirs are sold and approval has not been given for other than British products. It has not been possible to confirm that imported souvenirs have been sold, but the concessionaires are being reminded of the conditions of their contract.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give the figures of submarine losses in peacetime since 1914; and what arrangements are now made to exchange information with the United States of America and other maritime countries, members of the Atlantic Treaty Organisation, concerning construction, the provision of salvage and other safety devices.

Ten British submarines have been lost in peacetime since the First World War. There is the closest liaison with the United States Navy and other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation navies for the exchange of information on all structural factors and equipment affecting safety, escape and salvage arrangements in submarines

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to encourage research into the treatment of the disease of haemophilia.

Research is in progress at various centres, and my officers have recently had discussions with specialists in this field with a view to more extensive investigations at certain of these centres.