asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will appoint an acting chief of the Bamangwato Tribe, so that the proposed kgotla to consider the question of the return of the Tshekedi Khama to his home as a private citizen may be called in conformity with native law and custom.

No, Sir. There is provision under the law of the Protectorate whereby, during such a vacancy as now exists, the Resident Commissioner may authorise any fit and proper person to assemble a kgotla. In calling the proposed kgotla due regard will, of course, be had to native law and custom.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that, unless an acting chief is appointed in accordance with practice, anyone who acts as chief does so in a manner which renders him not amenable to the law of the Protectorate's courts? Is it not desirable that anyone who acts as chief should be amenable to those courts?

The Question put down by my hon. Friend concerned the need to do this so that a kgotla might be held; but a number of kgotlas have been held during the vacancy. There is a provision in the proclamation which has been used to enable kgotlas to be held.

As events in the Protectorate have so amply borne out the warnings which we received from our local administrator, would it not be as well to leave this matter alone and not to have further mischief before we have a report?

I suggest to hon. Members that we should not forget that there has been grave disorder in the tribe. There was one occasion when it was very difficult for the police to restore order without opening fire. It has been shown that things said and done in this House have consequences in the tribal area. I hope it will be agreed that we should be wise to be careful in what we say until the observers get there, which will be in a few days.

What is it that decides whether a man is a fit and proper person to act as chief in a kgotla like this? Is it not, for example, the purpose for which the kgotla is held?

That will be one of the considerations.

When my right hon. Friend says that there has been grave disorder in the tribe, is it not the case that there was no disorder at all on the occasions when Seretse Khama and Tshekedi Khama visited the tribe, since all the trouble began?

There was no disorder before the recent debate in the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations have been received from Bamangwato tribesmen on the undesirability under the circumstances of holding a kgotla on the return of Tshekedi Khama; and what reply has been made to those representations.

Members of the Bamangwato Tribe held meetings at Serowe on 15th and 16th July, at which certain resolutions were passed. These resolutions were embodied in a document that was handed to the District Commissioner. The effect of these resolutions was that they regretted they would be unable to hold the kgotla that I announced in Parliament I would invite the tribe to hold to establish its attitude towards the return of Tshekedi Khama as a private individual.

The reasons given were that the tribe had repeatedly decided that Tshekedi could not return to the Bamangwato Reserve; that the kgotla could only be held if Seretse Khama were present; that Tshekedi and his followers who have moved with him to Rametsane were members of the Bakwena tribe and could not be allowed to attend a kgotla in the Bamangwato Reserve; and that in view of the recent disturbances the kgotla could not be held if Tshekedi and his followers attended except in the presence of an armed force.

The tribe, however, wished to invite the observers who are to be sent out, to stay as guests of the tribe for two or three weeks, when they would be able to visit different parts of the Reserve, meet the people and ascertain for themselves the real attitude of the tribe.

On 16th July—that is, the second day of these meetings—the Resident Commissioner told representatives from this meeting that they should await the arrival of the observers and hear what they had to say before deciding what their reply should be to the invitation to hold a further kgotla. He told them that no formal request had yet been received from me to hold the proposed kgotla. He told them that he therefore refused to accept the resolutions as their reply and counselled patience until the arrival of the observers.

In view of the fact that there is considerable reason to think that the kgotla will not be recognised as a kgotla unless Seretse Khama is present, will it be open to the observers to recommend that Seretse Khama should be allowed to be present?

I am not quite sure what it will be proper for the observers to recommend. Their main duty will be to report on the attitude of the tribe to the return of Tshekedi Khama and to attend a kgotla for that purpose.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman must know whether it would be proper for them to recommend it? Would it not be intolerable that they should not be allowed to do so?

It would, of course, be proper in the sense that they can make any recommendation that they wish.

In view of the rather equivocal answer of the right hon. Gentleman, would he consider publishing the instructions given to these observers, so that the House may know what they are?

The general instructions were made quite clear in the speech I made in the House during the recent debate, namely, that they are to attend a kgotla and to report on the attitude of the tribe to this one question of the return of Tshekedi Khama. I have not anticipated giving them any further written instructions than that.

Has my right hon. Friend considered giving any instructions, formal or informal, to the observers to consult the African Advisory Council in Bechuanaland, or any other similar people in authority in Bechuanaland, who might take a more objective view of what is the native law and custom than the interested parties of the Bamangwato Tribe?

It will not really be for me to give instructions in the strict sense of the word to the observers. I have already written and told them, and will tell them when I see them, that I hope they will see other people in the Bamangwato Protectorate, including neighbouring chiefs and elder men who know about native law and custom. Certainly, it would be quite proper for them to meet the Advisory Council if that were available.

Before the observers go, will the right hon. Gentleman make clear to them whether it is open to them to make this recommendation that Seretse Khama should go back? They would be in an intolerable position if they were sent out without knowing.

It will be open to them to make any recommendations they think proper to achieve the main purpose of their visit.

In fixing the date of this kgotla, is my right hon. Friend bearing in mind that our "kgotla" may be held in October as well?

Has my right hon. Friend received from the Bamangwato Tribe a request that Seretse Khama should go back, and will the three observers be empowered to recommend that both Seretse and Tshekedi should be allowed to go back?

That is the question I have been dealing with.

Is not the position that Seretse is excluded by the decision of the Government, that Tshekedi is excluded by the decision of the tribe, that the function of the three observers is to report whether the decision of the tribe with regard to Tshekedi is a genuine one, and that they are confined, and should be confined, to that function?

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether the three British representatives at the projected kgotla to consider the position of Tshekedi Khama, will be empowered to make a comprehensive inquiry respecting the various charges and counter-charges of those involved and into all the circumstances related to this matter.

No, Sir. As I explained when announcing to the House the names of the observers, they are going out in order to report on the tribe's attitude on the single question of Tshekedi Khama's return to the Reserve as a private individual.

In view of all the charges and counter-charges which have been made, does my right hon. Friend think that the observers can possibly come to a considered judgment unless all these matters are taken into consideration?

They are entitled to take all necessary matters into consideration.

In view of the insinuation implied in an earlier reply of the right hon. Gentleman, that there had been no disturbance until after the debate in the House, is he going to say, later, that there has been something mischievous in the disquiet in the House today?

No, Sir. I just say what I think.

In view of the difficulties in this area, would it not be better to cancel the proposed visit of the observers and to hold a judicial inquiry?

No, Sir.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware of the contradiction in his answer just now? In the latter part of his answer he said that all matters are to be taken into consideration, which obviously includes the proposals and counter-proposals and the charges and counter-charges. Therefore, the first part of his answer, when he said that the representatives would not be entitled to consider those matters, contradicts the second part of his answer.

In my reply I said what I think they ought to report upon.

Since the proposal to send out observers obviously gives rise to difficulties, would the right hon. Gentleman say what is his objection to holding a proper judicial inquiry?

It is very difficult to go into all these matters now. They were fully dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and by myself in the main debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if, in view of the prospect that a substantial number of the Bamangwato may refuse to co-operate in the forthcoming kgotla, he will now make possible the only solution acceptable to both the main sections of opinion in the tribe and authorise the return to the territory both of Seretse Khama and his wife and of Tshekedi Khama, at least for an experimental period.

No, Sir. The kgotla which I am to invite the tribe to hold is to determine the one question of the attitude of the tribe to Tshekedi's return to the Reserve as a private individual. My officials have on a number of occasions so informed tribal representatives.

Will my right hon. Friend now answer my supplementary to a previous Question directly, and not by an oblique dig at hon. Members who took part in the debate? Will he say whether it is not a fact that there were no disturbances at all when these two men were allowed to return to their tribe? Therefore, would not this be the best way of ensuring order?

The disturbances were not anything like as serious as those which have recently taken place. It would not be altogether true to say that there were no disturbances at the time, but they were not serious.

Surely the disturbances are due to the fact that Seretse and Tshekedi are excluded, and would not the right hon. Gentleman consider allowing them to return for an experimental period?

I do not wish to go into the whole question of the reasons in the White Paper; we ought to get on with the one matter which we have in hand, which is obviously the matter which concerned the House during the debate— namely, whether Tshekedi should return as a private individual. We have told the tribe that clearly, and it would be unwise to change it now.

In view of further possible disturbances, would my right hon. Friend extend the period of direct rule? The White Paper which was issued on the subject clearly outlined the possibility of these disputes and, in all the circumstances, would it not be better to continue with a period of direct rule on an extended basis?

It is the Government's intention to get rid of direct rule as quickly as possible, and it is true to say that progress towards that end has now been set back.

Would my right hon. Friend clear up one point? I understood twice from his replies that he inferred that disturbances among the Bamangwato Tribe had arisen through the debate we had in the House. What evidence has he of that?

All I said was that there were no disturbances before the debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what were the terms of the message he has had from the Pakistan Government concerning the security of the Kashmir and Punjab frontier; and what answer he has returned.

The Pakistan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations has informed our Acting High Commissioner in Karachi verbally of certain movements of Indian forces which the Pakistan Government believe to have taken place. No other message has been received from the Pakistan Government, and the nature of the communication to the Acting High Commissioner was not such as would call for a specific reply. The United Kingdom Government are, of course, watching the situation closely, and our representatives in New Delhi and Karachi are in close touch with the Governments of India and Pakistan.

Is not all this unhappy situation linked up with the failure to reach a settlement over Kashmir, and will the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to reach a settlement as soon as possible?

Yes, I quite agree.

Have the Government offered to mediate in this very dangerous situation?

I am, of course, aware of the need to do everything possible to reduce tension in this matter, but I would ask hon. Members not to press me too much at the moment on communications which might be passing between us and the Governments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what types of domestic glassware are being, imported into the United Kingdom from the United States of America; and what is their cost in dollars per annum.

Almost all the domestic glassware imported from the United States. comes under the token import heading of plain stemware, tumblers, tableware and heat-resisting glassware. The dollar equivalent of recorded imports in 1950 is 13,000 dollars. As the token import quota for 1951 was doubled, the figure for this year is expected to be higher.

Does the Minister consider that these token imports of American glassware are necessary? The number of dollars involved is not great. Is he aware that we can manufacture all these articles ourselves in this country and that we need spend no dollars on them?

The token import scheme brings goodwill, and that, in turn, gives us greater help in exporting our own goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the result of his inquiry into the practice of some manufacturers of selling their products at prices ruling at the time of delivery rather than at a firm price; and what action he proposes to take to end this practice.

I recently asked a number of retailers' associations if they could give me any information about the extent to which manufacturers of clothing were selling their goods at prices ruling at the time of delivery rather than at a firm price. When I get all their replies, I will consider what action, if any, should be taken.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Carpet Trade Federation make it a condition of membership that its members shall accept orders only subject to the ruling that the price shall be that of the date of delivery and not that of the date of the order? Will he look into this serious case of a price ring?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the proposals he now has under consideration for permitting traders to under-cut agreed fixed retail prices, he intends equally to put an end to schemes under which traders are forbidden to sell goods above particular fixed prices; and whether, in view of the present and increasing shortage of consumer goods, he will again review his policy in this matter with a view to ensuring that any action taken to promote competition and instability in the retail trade will not result in more prices being raised than reduced.

As was made clear in paragraph 20 of the recent White Paper on Resale Price Maintenance (Cmd. 8274), nothing proposed by the Government would prevent manufacturers from continuing to fix maximum resale prices. Moreover, the Government has statutory powers to impose maximum prices if necessary. We see no reason, therefore, to expect the results postulated by the hon. and gallant Member.

Is the Minister aware that this proposed disturbance of the existing price maintenance system has gravely alarmed the retail trade generally? Does he realise that if persisted in it will drive out of business many small traders?

These are matters which can be debated on the White Paper.

Would it not be better to tackle this question of retail prices by a change of policy and to get rid of the ceiling on subsidies, so keeping prices within the present wage rates and avoiding runaway wage claims by trade unions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that the Bill to implement the Government's policy with regard to resale price maintenance will be applicable to the nationalised industries as to other industries.

Yes, Sir.

Do I understand that it will be quite legal for a travel agency to sell British railway tickets at cut prices or for a village postmistress to sell 13 penny stamps for a 1s. if she so desires?

No, Sir. Those things are not goods; they are services for which a charge is made.

Would it be legal to sell the "Daily Herald" for a penny?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the effect on British exports likely to result from the restoration by the Canadian Government of anti-dumping duties on imported motor cars.

I understand that, under present conditions, the withdrawal of the waiver of dumping duty on motor cars is unlikely to have any significant effect on the volume of our exports of cars to Canada.

Is it not a fact that the restoration of these anti-dumping duties was made principally to keep out imports from the United States but that, owing to the rule of non-discrimination, they have reacted against this country as well?

The Canadian Government have shown great goodwill to us in our export policy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the conclusion of the trade talks with Sweden and Spain.

As regards Sweden, the arrangements made last December for trade in the current year were reviewed with a Swedish Delegation in London in the first week of July. This review provided an opportunity for a helpful discussion of trade problems, but did not lead to any material alteration in the earlier arrangements. The Swedish delegation indicated that they had authorised exports of softwood in excess of the estimates made last December, and certain additional import facilities were arranged on both sides.

In the case of Spain, the recent discussions in Madrid cover the period for the second half of this year. Arrangements were made in regard to export licences for raw materials needed by the United Kingdom and the special attention of the Spanish authorities was again invited to the claims of certain traditional United Kingdom exports to Spain.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of tobacco he estimates will be imported from Empire countries during the season 1951–52; and how far it will be affected by the increased dollar allocation for United States tobacco.

We expect to import some 130 million lb. of unmanufactured tobacco from Commonwealth sources during the year ending 30th June, 1952. The amount is not affected by the increased dollar allocation for the purchase of unmanufactured tobacco from the United States.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a list showing the percentage rise in retail prices authorised by him during the past six months and indicating what percentage of the rise was due to increases in the cost of materials and what percentage was due to higher labour and other costs.

In the first six months of this year 62 orders were signed authorising an increase in maximum prices. These orders cover many thousands of items and a great number of commodities and it is not practicable to give any precise estimate of the percentage increase in maximum prices in each case, or of what percentage of the rise was due to increases in the cost of materials and what percentage was due to higher labour and other costs.

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the orders, and a rough indication of the percentage increase in maximum prices in each case.

Could the hon. Gentleman say how many of these orders are still illegal until they have been indemnified?

Those that are will be put right on Monday night.

The list is divided into three parts; the first part shows which increases took account only of increases in raw material costs, the second which took account only of increases in labour and other costs, and the third which took account of increases in both raw material and labour and other costs. The figures cannot be more than rough approximations, because they have had to be averaged over many different items and, in some cases, different commodities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the proposals for higher tariffs on fruit and vegetables, submitted to his Department by the National Farmers' Union, would increase the cost of living, he will give an assurance that the House will have an opportunity of discussing the matter before any administrative action is taken.

Orders made under the Import Duties Act, 1932, imposing or increasing Customs duties, cease to have effect unless, within a period of 28 days from the date on which they are made, they have been approved by Resolutions passed by the House. There is already provision, therefore, for discussion by the House of any increase in duties chargeable under that Act.

Is it not a fact that if the proposals of the National Farmers' Union for doubling the present tariffs on imported fruit and vegetables come into operation, it will mean a very serious additional burden to housewives who are already faced with a difficult situation? In view of this, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the arguments for and against these proposals will be published before any S.R. & O. is introduced by his Department?

I am sure that my hon. Friend would not wish me to prejudge the discussions which are going on.

In view of the fact that, quite apart from the increased cost of living which will result, this suggestion is in flat contradiction to the agreement which has already been signed by His Majesty's Government on the reduction of tariffs, as recently as the conference at Torquay, would it not be better for the whole merits of this case to be discussed, as many people on this side of the House, at least, are greatly concerned about this increase?

I thought I had made it clear that these matters can be discussed in due course.

To protect both the consumer and the producer, will the Minister consider whether it would be wise to devise a scheme of ad valorem duty in reverse? When dumping takes place the tax could be high and when shortage occurs it could be removed altogether.

All these matters are being considered by the competent authorities.

Will the Minister bear in mind that if very heavy losses continue upon those engaged in horticulture the ultimate scarcity of vegetables will lead to very much greater costs for the consumer?

Is it not a fact that when these tariffs were introduced in 1932 the case for them was not presented to the House until and at the same time as the order was actually laid? In view of the importance of this matter would it not be only courteous to the House to see that the proposals are published and that the House can discuss them before the order is made?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why members of the Colonial Service, who suffered internment and financial loss at the hands of the Japanese and who are not now resident in the United Kingdom, are not eligible for compensation under the Extended Far Eastern Private Chattels Scheme.

The Scheme to which the hon. Member refers is not one of compensation, but is intended to provide limited assistance in rehabilitation to those United Kingdom British subjects who return to live in the United Kingdom. In this respect there is no difference in the treatment of members of the Colonial Service and other United Kingdom British subjects.

Does not the hon. Gentleman's answer disclose a twisted logic? These men have suffered as a result of their service to the Crown. What does it matter where they came from or where they are now living? Could not the Government be a little less mean and a little more generous to those who suffered as a result of their service?

The Government are responsible for subjects in this country.

The Colonial Governments are responsible for those who live under their jurisdiction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number and aggregate amount of claims for compensation submitted to his Department under the Far Eastern War Damage and private chattels schemes; and the total number and aggregate amount of such claims so far paid out.

Up to 14th July, 5,381 applications had been received under the Extended Far Eastern Private Chattels Scheme covering estimated losses of approximately £5,250,000. At the same date, 4,278 of these applications had been approved for an aggregate sum which, under the limitations of the Scheme, amounted to £1,354,395.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the war against Japan has been over for five years? Can he tell the House why there has been this inordinate delay in settling these claims?

These claims are very complicated. They all ought to be dealt with fairly, but there are many of them and we are dealing with them as expeditiously as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the price of wool in Australian markets as at August, 1950, September, 1950, and June, 1951; and when it is likely that the fall will be reflected in maximum permitted prices in this country.

Owing to the wide variety in type and quality there can be no single price for wool in Australian or any other markets. The average price of a typical quality, say 56's, in July, 1950, was 90d. per lb., in September, 1950, 148d. per lb. and in June, 1951, 135d. per lb. I cannot say precisely when the fall in wool prices will be reflected in the maximum prices for finished goods, but it will obviously vary from item to item.

As that answer is very indecisive, could I put it this way to my hon. Friend? When would he advise his wife to renew her household blankets?

I can hardly answer personal questions, but I have already indicated, on behalf of the Department, that we should like to see prices beginning to fall towards the end of the year.

Can my hon. Friend now advise housewives to put up a good stiff consumers' resistance until they do fall?

I hope that they always do that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how far permitted retail prices of sheets, pillow-slips, table covers, etc., have been increased as a result of increased prices in world markets; how far world prices have now fallen; and how soon he proposes to reduce his maximum permitted prices.

As there is an interval between the time when manufacturers' maximum prices are raised and the time when the dearer goods appear in the shops, I am answering the Question in terms of manufacturers' prices. The increases in manufacturers' maximum prices for utility cotton household textiles which came into operation on 5th July took account of increases in the cost of raw cotton up to the middle of May, and also of wage increases in the cotton industry.

As the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd) was informed on Tuesday last, we are hoping that the recent fall in the price of raw cotton will enable us to reduce manufacturers' maximum prices for these utility cotton goods in the early autumn.

Can I take it, then, that housewives should be advised to buy nothing whatever until the early autumn, when these prices are likely to fall?

I am sure that housewives want no advice from me.

Would the hon. Gentleman advise the hon. Lady to join in the debates on the Prayers on these subjects occasionally?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in addition to the 5 per cent. ad valorem duty on piece goods imported by South Africa, the South African Board of Trade has recently recommended that a further suspended duty of 20 per cent. be imposed; and what representations he is making to the Government of South Africa in the matter.

I am aware of the recommendations of the South African Board of Trade and Industry, and of the subsequent legislation which has established certain suspended duties. The United Kingdom Senior Trade Commissioner has approached the South African authorities, and I understand that the procedure normally followed will allow for the submission of evidence by United Kingdom interests before such duties are brought into force.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can now be made to meet the various claims still outstanding on business chattels under the War Damage Act. 1943, Part II.

I regret that I am not able to name a date for the general payment of these claims. In the meantime, claims are being paid in whole or in part where the Board of Trade are satisfied that the replacement or repair of the goods is expedient in the public interest or that payment is necessary to avoid undue hardship.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the general public were induced by the Treasury to insure under this Act and that it is 10 years ago since some of these premiums were collected? Is it not dishonest on the part of the Government not to have paid all these claims in full by now?

Does not the shabby treatment meted out to those who insured under this scheme show how fortunate the country was in that the Government dropped their proposal to nationalise life insurance?

Does the hon. Gentleman know of any insurance company that would bilk on its claims for eight years?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give an estimate of the amount of handwoven tweed produced in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, respectively, in 1950, or in 12 months up to any more recent date.

I regret that the information on which such an estimate could be based is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much utility cloth has been produced in the Isle of Lewis in 12 months to the most recent convenient date; and the names of the producers.

I regret that the information requested is not available.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the production of handwoven tweed is so negligible for the United Kingdom as a whole—I am taking the United Kingdom as a whole and including Northern Ireland—that figures can be made available only for the Western Isles and the Shetlands? In view of the fact that from 90 per cent. to 95 per cent. of hand-woven production is from that area, will he make representations to the Treasury to try to assist the industry to escape from the excessive Purchase Tax of 66⅔ per cent., which is killing the industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the increased price of electric batteries for hearing aids is causing hardship to deaf people in the lower income groups; and what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, to prevent a further rise in the cost of batteries or to make them available at a reasonable price under the National Health Service.

I am not aware of any increase in the prices of high-tension batteries, which are the more expensive of the two types of battery required. They are subject to an undertaking by the principal manufacturers not to put up their prices without first consulting the Central Price Regulation Committee. This undertaking also covers low-tension batteries specifically designed for use in hearing aids, and the Central Committee have been notified of increases in the price of two makes. In one case, an investigation has shown the increased prices to be fully justified; and in the other case, the investigation is not yet complete. The battery service for National Health Service hearing aids is entirely free.

Is it not a fact that the price of one of these batteries—I do not know whether it was a high-tension or low-tension battery—was recently increased from 4d. to 9d.? Does not that represent a rather serious rise in price for those in the lower income groups?

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman refers to the second make or not, but in the case of the first one, I am assured that the increase was justified. An inquiry is going on about the second.

Is it not correct to say that deaf people would be wise to use the Medresco hearing aid provided by the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the export and import figures for the first six months of 1951, expressed as a percentage of the volume of export and import figures for the first six months of 1950.

I am only able to give rough provisional estimates of the volume of trade in the first half of this year. The volume of exports was about 6 per cent. higher than in the first half of 1950, and the volume of imports about 10 per cent. higher.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to report on the response which has been given to Civil Defence Industrial Bulletin No. 1 by owners and occupiers of industrial and commercial premises; and whether he is satisfied with the progress so far made.

It is too early to form any reliable view of the response of industry and commerce.

In view of the very important bearing which these industrial Civil Defence schemes have on recruitment for local authority schemes will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that this matter is being carefully watched? Persons who have been trained in industrial schemes in the areas in which they live—not necessarily where they work—would be of great value if they were fitted into their local authority scheme. Will he encourage close co-operation between the local authorities and industry in this matter?

Yes, it is most important to encourage that co-operation, and it is very important that this Bulletin should be acted on by industry.

In view of the fact that there was considerable delay in producing this circular, and a considerable demand for it for some time, will the hon. Gentleman do everything possible to stimulate action now?

The point at issue here is whether we can give information on how far this has gone. I could not do that without taking Departmental people off productive work in the regions. We are, of course, watching the position.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is proper co-operation between the local authorities and industry in Civil Defence schemes?

I have no evidence to the contrary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how far the present Civil Defence Staff College is large enough to meet present requirements; and what plans he has for its extension.

The demand for staff courses is increasing and it has been decided to expand the college to take 70 students per course instead of the present 45.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the extra students will be required to have had experience of Civil Defence in the last war, or will they be people who may possibly have new and valuable ideas?

Both types are very valuable at the college and will be welcome there, because the purpose of this college is to discuss the broad, stategic conception of Civil Defence in the future.

Will these extra students result in a reduction in the cost per student, which is exceptionally high?

It will result in some reduction. I cannot accept the statement that the cost is exceptionally high.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the excellent work of the Civil Defence Staff College is widely appreciated by local authorities?

Will my hon. Friend consider the advisability of establishing an intermediary type of school between the college and the general training schools?

We have been considering that for some time, and we shall shortly be opening a tactical school which will fulfil that task.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to enable him to prevent foreign-born women gaining entry to this country to take up prostitution in London as the result of marriages of convenience.

No, Sir. According to my information the extent of the mischief is not on such a scale as to justify me in seeking powers to prevent the entry of British subjects to this country.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an important series of newspaper articles by the same people who helped to break up the Messina gang? Is not their advice worth taking?

What paper was that?

The "People."

I have read those somewhat lurid articles referred to. Let me point out that the action that was taken with regard to the persons the hon. Gentleman mentions had no connection with the articles at all.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the obstruction caused in Tothill Street, Westminster, on the morning of Wednesday 11th July, by the continued parking of a number of buses belonging to London Transport adjacent to signs, bearing the words, Festival of Britain, No Waiting; and whether special permission was granted to these buses to park in this manner.

I am informed that on the day in question the Commissioner of Police granted a number of exemptions from the general restrictions on coach traffic imposed by the regulations made by him under the Public Works (Festival of Britain) Act, 1949, with the object of enabling visitors to the International Advertising Conference to be brought to and from the Central Hall, Westminster. These exemptions authorised coaches provided for the purpose by the London Transport Executive to set down and take up visitors to the Conference in a short stretch of Tothill Street. The Commissioner informs me that the arrangements were carried out with little difficulty or inconvenience to the general public.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in addition to four coaches adjoining Central Hall, at one time there were six others further along the street which were lined up with vehicles already parked? Is he aware that the information supplied to him by the Commissioner is in complete conflict with what I myself saw? What report has the right hon. Gentleman had from Rochester Row Police Station as a result of the complaint I made?

I have taken the matter up with the Commissioner of Police. I do not dispute that the hon. Gentleman may have seen some things at a particular moment and I am quite wililng to go into the matter if he will let me have the details.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what report he received from Rochester Row Police Station as a result of the complaint I made?

No, Sir; that report was not made to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what complaints he has received from drivers of taxicabs over the new charges now permitted for London taxicabs.

None, Sir.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the present high fares being charged will ruin the taxi business; and does he further realise that drivers are now handing in less money than they were before the fares went up?

The deputation that I saw from the trade assured me that unless the fares were put up higher than the figure to which I finally agreed the trade would be ruined.

Is it not a fact that the London taxicab costs in the neighbourhood of £1,200, and will my right hon. Friend consider licensing smaller and cheaper cabs to operate at a lower rate?

That is going much wider than the original Question, which only asked how many complaints had been received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether revised instructions have been issued to the Metropolitan Police regarding the inspection of identity cards.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport, North (Wing Commander Hulbert) on 2nd July.

As that answer begs a number of very important issues, and as this new police order has been issued after consultation with the Home Secretary, will my right hon. Friend publish the full text of this order for the guidance of the courts and the general public, so that we know exactly what instructions have been issued to the police on this matter?

Instructions issued to the police are not the matters that will be before the court. The law will be the matter that the court has to consider.

As the Home Secretary said in his original answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Stock-port, North (Wing Commander Hulbert) that the Commissioner of Police had issued a police order after consultation with him, will he, in those circumstances, being responsible to this House for this order, publish the text of the order for the benefit of hon. Members and of the general public?

I am not responsible for the order, but I will consider whether it should be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Surely members of the public are entitled to know whether or not they should carry identity cards.

That is not a matter of a police order. That is a matter of the law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what replies have been received to his invitation, addressed to chief officers of police, to review their procedure with regard to the production of identity cards.