asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mounted patrols are at present in the Metropolitan Police Force; and, in view of the necessity for recruitment of further officers and of the effective work undertaken by them, especially at busy street crossings, what steps are being taken to augment this service.

The mounted branch of the Metropolitan Police Force is at its full strength of 166, and the Commissioner is satisfied that this number is adequate. He does not regard it as appropriate to employ mounted officers on traffic control work at busy crossings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unsolved murders there were during 1950; and how many there have been in 1951 to date.

The number of unsolved murders in 1950 was 14, of which 11 were of children under one year old. In 1951 the number of murders committed up to the end of June (the latest date for which figures are available) and not cleared up by that date was five.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been made during the last 12 months in respect of picking flowers grown in public gardens; in how many cases was a fine imposed; and what was the minimum and maximum amount of such fines.

I regret that the number of prosecutions for picking flowers in public gardens is not separately recorded.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been fined in each of the last five years for offences against regulations prohibiting the spread of litter in public places.

I regret that the number of prosecutions for offences concerning the spread of litter is not separately recorded.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the ceiling price of police houses; what is the price agreed to for houses to be erected by the Mid-Wales Police Authority; and why this authority has been permitted to erect houses at such high cost compared with that of local authority houses or houses erected under private licence within the same area.

Offices, garages and other buildings are frequently included in the price of police houses and since circumstances vary from case to case it would not he practicable to have a ceiling price for police houses generally or a standard price for any particular police authority. The costs of building police houses are related to those of local authority housing, so far as practicable, but in view of the special requirements in police cases no direct comparison of overall expenditure can usefully be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of public disquiet at recent outrages on children resulting in some cases in death, he has any statement to make on the situation.

It would not be in the public interest to make any statement while police inquiries are continuing. I am sure the House will join with me in expressing sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Committee on Cruelty to Wild Animals in its Report did not deal with the hunting of badgers with hounds or beagles; and whether he will arrange for the Committee to be reappointed to consider and report on these practices.

I should not feel justified in reappointing the Committee to give further consideration to this particular aspect of the problem.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, as both the owners and drivers of taxi-cabs in London are losing money since the introduction of the new schedule of fares, and the public will suffer in consequence, if he will call a meeting of the interested parties with the object of finding a remedy for this situation.

I have received no representations from the organisations representing cab owners and drivers that the recent increase in fares has had the effect suggested by the hon. Member, and I can see no useful purpose in calling a meeting at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the names of the 12 Poles who had engaged in the practice of collecting for transmission to the Polish Government information about other members of the Polish community against whom he made deportation orders.

Yes. Their names are Piotr Bajan, Stanislaw Bajdur, Tomasz Bonar, Henryk Grabowski, Konrad Janiszewski, Zygmunt Kosciesza, Mieczyslaw Henryk Nowak, Jan Paczek, Wladyslaw Schirmer, Jozef Skalec, Pawel Sliwa, and Janusz Korwin-Swiderski.

asked the Minister of Health whether the inquiries into the claim of Mr. Rees Evans for curing cancer have been concluded; and when a report may be expected.

I am unable to add to the reply given on 31st May to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent. Central (Dr. Stross).

asked the Minister of Health what steps must be taken to transfer a patient's medical history card from one doctor to another.

On being notified that a patient has changed his doctor, the local executive council requests the doctor holding the medical record card to return it to the council for transmission to the new doctor.

asked the Minister of Health what salaries are paid to the caretaker and cook at the Queen Hotel, Harrogate, headquarters of Leeds Regional Hospital Board: whether these appointments were advertised; and what charges are made for the meals provided for members of the office staff.

The only resident staff are the steward and his wife, who are responsible for catering, domestic work and stores for the whole building. They are paid, respectively,£540 and£340 per annum, less£140 each in respect of residential charges. They were appointed without advertisement because the steward had been in the board's service previously. The charges for meals to office staff are: Luncheon, and morning and afternoon tea—ls. 9d. per day; Morning and afternoon tea—3d. per day, or alternatively the Whitley rate of£20 per annum for all meals when on duty.

asked the Minister of Health why members of the Leeds Regional Hospital Board and their families have been accommodated at the Queen Hotel, Harrogate; what charges have been made; and if he will state what accommodation at this hotel is used by members of the administrative staff and upon what terms.

Some members have to come long distances to attend board and committee meetings on successive days. At present four rooms have been made available for them to stay on such occasions. Members' families have not been allowed to use these rooms, except once when, in special circumstances, a member's wife was accommodated for one night only. The charge is 10s. a night for accommodation and 2s. 6d. for each meal. No members of the administrative staff occupy living accommodation at the board's headquarters.

asked the Minister of Health how many staff motor cars are owned by the Leeds Regional Hospital Board at their headquarters at the Queen Hotel, Harrogate; why the cars are used to bring members of the board to and from board meetings as well as for the purpose of visiting hospitals; and how much per mile is spent when these ears are used by members of the hospital board.

The Board have one car. It is normally used to transport the chairman and members when visiting hospitals. In addition it occasionally meets members, coming to meetings from distant parts of the region, at railway stations other than Harrogate because it is more economical and convenient to do so. Figures are not available to show the cost per mile of these uses.

asked the Minister of Health the rent paid by the Leeds Regional Hospital Board for their accommodation at the Queen Hotel, Harrogate; whether the hotel has been taken on a lease; for how long; and did this accommodation have his sanction.

With my approval, the regional hospital board hold a lease of the Queen Hotel for 25 years at£4,000 per annum. The accommodation is used for the headquarters of the board and will, in addition, house a preliminary training school for nurses and contain a hostel for nurses from the Harrogate hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health how many people have, received spectacles under the National Health Scheme since its inception, giving the number of men and women, respectively, who have so benefited.

I regret that figures are not available in the form my hon. Friend requires.

asked the Minister of Health how many local health authorities have no facilities for the dental care of expectant and nursing mothers and of children who have not attained school age; and whether he will circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving particulars of those authorities providing such facilities, giving the number of dentists employed in each case.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements he has made to enable expectant and nursing mothers to receive free dentures when the local authority concerned is not able to provide any such service under Part III of the National Health Service Act, 1946, by reason of the shortage of dentists.

All local health authorities have a statutory duty to arrange for the dental care of these priority classes, and all have included provisions for this in their statutory proposals for carrying out that duty, which they have to submit to me. Some authorities, however, have been unable to implement their proposals owing to difficulty in obtaining the many dentists required, and I am obtaining up-to-date information on this which I will communicate to the hon. Members as soon as possible. In such cases dentures are obtainable, of course, under the General Dental Service and the Assistance Board is available for hardship cases in the usual way.

asked the Minister of Health how many beds at the County Isolation Hospital for West Cornwall are permanently staffed; and what was the weekly average number occupied during the past six months.

There are 10 beds staffed at present. The average number occupied during the past six months was 11.

asked the Minister of Health how many fever-trained nurses employed by the West Cornwall Hospital Management Committee have volunteered for service at the County Isolation Hospital in an emergency.

I understand that only two fever-trained staff are employed by this hospital management committee, apart from those in the isolation hospital, and that one has volunteered, the other being an assistant matron at one of the larger general hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider amending the Anatomy Acts of 1832 and 1871 in such a way as to make it easier for persons to bequeath their eyes for use after death to cure the sightless.

I am advised that this matter is not governed by the Anatomy Acts but by common law.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the fact that the deaths in England and Wales in the three years following the introduction of the National Health Scheme were 1,576,000 as compared with 1,492,000 in the previous three years, an increase of 6 per cent., and as this increase is attributable to the inadequacy of the present medical service; what steps he proposes to take to improve this.

I cannot in any way accept the implications in this Question. The increase in the number of deaths is attributable to the increase in population between the two periods and the effect of the influenza epidemic early this year.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to provide medical examinations upon entry to this country for the families of displaced persons, many of whom have suffered great hardship and physical discomfort, and so prevent the spread of tuberculosis and other certifiable diseases.

Arrangements have been made for the medical examination of displaced persons entering this country under the decision announced by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, on 4th May, 1950, to admit up to 2,000 such persons previously in the care of the International Refugee Organisation. Relatives of displaced persons who enter otherwise than under these organised arrangements are liable to medical examination, if thought desirable, but a detailed examination of all such persons would not be practicable.

asked the Minister of Health how many beds are now available for women tubercular patients in the Cliveden Hospital, Taplow.

None; but the new ward should be ready in the early part of next year.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will set up a commission to inquire into conditions existing in mental hospitals.

No. These hospitals are inspected every year, and I do not think that a commission of the kind suggested is necessary.

asked the Minister of Health what provision was made by way of occupation centres for mental defectives in 1939; what was the position at the inception of the National Health Service; and what progress has since been made.

In 1939 there were 178 centres providing 4,244 places. This number decreased during the war and by July, 1948, there were 110, providing 4,000 places. At the present time there are 218 centres (including a few clubs and centres run by voluntary bodies) providing in all 6,500 places.

asked the Minister of Health how many crèches or day nurseries are being supported by or are receiving grants from local authorities.

At 31st December last, 884.

asked the Minister of Health how many practising chiropodists there are at this time in Great Britain: and how many of these are unregistered.

I have no information on the number of chiropodists practising. The only register apart from those kept by professional organisations, is that maintained by the Board of Registration of Medical Auxiliaries, a voluntary body; there are about 4,200 names on it.

asked the Minister of Health if his regulations define as appropriate qualification for employment as a chiropodist under the National Health Service two years' training under a qualified instructor, which qualification is now accepted by the London County Council.

I have made no regulations defining the qualifications of chiropodists in the National Health Service.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet able to make a statement about his discussions on the registrar grades.

Yes. I am glad to say that my discussions with representatives of the medical profession have reached a point at which I am able to give the House some further information.We have agreed that the normal period of training of a senior registrar should be increased from three years to four, and that in consequence of this and other factors considered during our discussions, the total training establishment of senior registrars in England and Wales should be 960 instead of the 600 suggested on a three-year training basis at the end of last year. We have also agreed broadly on the distribution of this total by specialties. I now propose to enter into discussions with regional hospital boards and boards of governors about their shares of the totals in the light of the proposals which they have submitted to me.As regards registrars, whose appointments do not normally last more than two years, I propose to give boards, in the course of my discussion with them, some further guidance about the place of this grade in the hospital service. I have decided for the time being, with the profession's agreement, to leave boards to fix their own establishments of registrars in the light of that guidance, subject, however, to review when the reports of the teams now examining the medical staffing of hospitals have been received and considered.

asked the Minister of Health how many people are registered at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, to be supplied with hearing aids; when the next allocation will be made available; how many applicants on the present waiting list will then have been waiting two years and more; and what proportion of the total number are likely to be supplied under the next allocation.

One hundred and sixty-seven patients are registered for hearing aids at this hospital. Eight of them will be supplied during August. Thirty-eight have been waiting for two years or more.

asked the Honourable Member for Gloucestershire, West, as representing the Charity Commission, if he is aware that since October, 1950, when the trustees of the Price Charity at Blackham, Sussex, asked for the earliest possible reply to their letter of 19th January, 1950, embodying a new scheme, no answer has yet been received; and if he will endeavour to expedite the matter.

It is regretted that there has been so much delay. The draft scheme has now been sent to the rector. Every effort will be made to bring the scheme into effect at the earliest possible moment having regard to the statutory requirements.

asked the Minister of Health why officials of his Department are instructed to ask the age or date of birth of persons notifying to them change of address for registration and rationing purposes.

This information is required as part of the national registration procedure for purposes of identification.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give an estimate of the number of persons, including deserters from the armed forces, living in this country either without national identity cards, or with cards which are materially inaccurate.

No estimate can be given of this number, but it is believed to be very small.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons, both part-time and whole-time engaged upon work in connection with national identity cards and records relating thereto.

Six hundred and seventy whole-time and 22 part-time at the headquarters offices for England and Wales and Northern Ireland. Figures cannot be given for the local offices because these are also food offices and the same staff does both classes of work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange periodical conferences of the county agricultural executive committees in Wales.

Conferences of chairmen of county agricultural executive committees in Wales are held about three times a year, and either my right hon. Friend or one of the Parliamentary Secretaries normally attends at least one of them. As the views of the county agricultural executive committees are adequately represented by those who already attend the conferences, we should not feel justified in making a further call on the time of committee members, most of whom are busy men.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his discussions with the National Farmers' Union on the protection of sheep from killer dogs have now finished; and if he will make a statement.

No. The National Farmers' Union made a preliminary approach to the Department about a week ago, but I understand they are not yet ready to begin more comprehensive discussions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications have been made to county agricultural executive committees for cottage certificates each year since 1947; how many have been granted; and how many refused.

The answer is as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give an assurance that there will be an adequate supply of feedingstuffs for cattle during the coming winter months.

Final details of the arrangements for rations of feedingstuffs for livestock during the forthcoming winter are being worked out and will be announced in a few days. I hope that the scale of rations will be regarded as adequate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider issuing coupons for linseed cake against sales of linseed, as has been requested by the National Farmers' Union.

No. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25th April to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that immediately after two outbreaks of swine fever had been reported on farms at Kenny Hill and Kedington in Suffolk, there was delay in providing swine fever vaccine for neighbouring farmers; and when the vaccine will be made available by his Department in view of the seriousness of such an outbreak to the many pig farmers in West Suffolk.

As I stated in my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, West (Mr. Spence) on 26th July, I am aware that there has been a temporary shortage of this vaccine, but I hope that supplies will be available for issue to farmers in Suffolk in the course of the next few days.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider ordering that all seeds offered for sale should have clearly displayed on the container a means of identification, the percentage of germination and purity, together with the date of the official test and the country of origin.

The Seeds Act, 1920, and Regulations made under it already require vendors of the principal kinds of herbage, cereal, field and garden seeds to furnish purchasers with certain particulars in writing, including the kind of seed, the distinctive variety (for cereals, clovers and sainfoin), the percentage of germination and purity, and country of origin (for herbage seeds). I am sending the hon. Member a summary of those requirements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what new steps he proposes to take to ensure the continued collection of kitchen waste for feeding to livestock.

In view of the continuing need to secure the maximum home production of feedingstuffs and in the interests of animal health, the Government have decided to put the collection and processing of kitchen waste in Great Britain, hitherto carried out under emergency regulations, on a more stable basis. Legislation for the purpose will be introduced as soon as opportunity offers.I should like to take this opportunity of thanking on behalf of my right hon. Friend those local authorities and others who have helped throughout the past 10 years in performing such a valuable service, and to ask them and the public for their continued support.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet had any representations from the West Wales River Board regarding the issuing of further licences to coracle fishermen on the River Teifi.

No.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much standing timber has been licensed for felling for the last six months and for August for the counties of Cardigan, Carmarthen, Brecon and Radnor; what are the purposes for which the timber is to be used; and how much was allowed for timber merchants outside Wales.

The licences for felling standing timber granted during the last six months were for 2,500 cubic feet in Cardigan; 109,800 cubic feet in Carmarthen; 287,250 cubic feet in Brecon; and 196,000 cubic feet in Radnor. A licence is normally valid for 12 months and it is not possible to say how much will be felled in any given month.The Forestry Commissioners have no power to require applicants for felling licences to state the purposes for which the timber is required, and I regret that this information is not available. Since applications for felling licences are made by the owners of the trees, it is not possible to state how much of the felling is done by timber merchants, whether from Wales or elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Cumberland River Board are imposing rod licence charges for fishing the Esk in Scotland without prior consultation with Scottish interests concerned; and what steps he will take to safeguard Scottish interests.

I understand that the Cumberland River Board are considering the duties to be charged for fishery licences in their area, which for fishery purposes includes the whole of the river Esk and its tributaries. The duties proposed will shortly be advertised in the local Press, and will require my approval before they can become effective. All the interests concerned will have a full opportunity to state their objections.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that tyres suitable for use on military vehicles are not shipped out of this country without a licence since the new restrictions imposed on 25th June, 1951.

As from 25th June, all tyres destined for Hong Kong and China required an export licence, as was already the case for specialised tyres for certain military vehicles. In the absence of an export licence, the Customs officer at the port of shipment would not allow the exportation of any tyres to Hong Kong and China.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present rate of unemployment benefit for a single man; the rate in July, 1939; and the purchasing power of the present rate expressed in terms of 1939 values.

Twenty-six shillings per week as compared with 17s. in 1939. The 26s. now was worth about 16s. 3d. in 1939 on the basis of the Official Index of Retail Prices introduced in June, 1947, and the previous Cost of Living Index. But, as my right hon. Friend said in his answer to a similar Question on 16th April, I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the precarious nature of comparisons in particular contexts made on the basis of general indices of this kind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in accordance with Section 39 of the National Insurance Act, he will instruct the Government Actuary to antedate the quinquennial review of that Act, due in 1953, in order that the Minister of National Insurance may report to Parliament as ordained by Section 40 (2) of that Act.

No. It would be premature to call for a comprehensive review at this stage of the working of the National Insurance Scheme. An interim report on the operation of the Scheme during the period up to 31st March, 1950, was laid before Parliament in February this year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the increasing difficulties in obtaining oil supplies, and the need to develop our own fuel resources, if he will consider reducing or removing the excise duty on home produced oil, and thus encourage an improvement in the efficiency of our national coal utilisation as part of the Government's economic policy.

Representations have been made in this sense on behalf of certain producers of oil in the United Kingdom, and are receiving careful consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that many old age pensioners and many of the poorer section of the population, who cannot afford wireless sets which operate from the electric main supply, use battery operated models; and in view of the fact that there is no tax on the electric main supply, if he will reduce or abolish the tax on wireless-set batteries, which on a battery costing 19s. Id. amounts to 3s. 9d.

My right hon. Friend has already recognised the merits of the case put forward by my hon. Friend to the extent of excluding these batteries from the Budget increase in the rate of tax on radio sets. Batteries are taxed at the lowest rate in force, and I regret that at this stage a further concession cannot be made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the cost of preparing and circulating the pamphlet, "Help Yourself."

The cost of preparing and circulating a recent four-page leaflet, which invited orders from industry for a 16 page illustrated booklet to be called "Help Yourself," was£69 ls. 10d. The booklet itself is not to be published until 22nd August.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mr. C. H. Jenkins, of Nedging, Little Hallingbury, was informed by the Special Commissioners on 11th October, 1949, that they agreed that the dividends from the management shares in Dickson, Anderson and Company, Limited, were to be regarded as being part of his remuneration from the company and not therefore assessable to special contribution; and why, on 2nd June, 1951, was Mr. Jenkins informed by the Commissioners that they were advised that these dividends could not be regarded as earned income for Income Tax purposes and that they must be regarded as investment income for contribution purposes.

I am afraid that I cannot deal with the application of the taxation law in a particular case by way of Question and answer, but I am looking into the case to which the right hon. Member refers and will write to him about it in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove purchase tax on cartridges sold for the purpose of destroying rabbits which are destroying crops.

No. There is no way of distinguishing cartridges for vermin destruction from those for general sporting purposes, and I cannot agree to exempt them all.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take regarding the operation of the new provisions relating to the taxation of profits arising from sales between associated persons with a view to avoiding as far as possible any reduction in the export trade through firms deciding to change over the production of machinery or goods for their associated or subsidiary companies overseas from this country to their associated factories overseas; and whether consultations as to the principles involved will take place between his Department and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, with a view to ensuring the minimum damage to the export trade.

I see no reason to fear that Section 37 of the Finance Act would have any adverse effect on export trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now give the names and terms of reference of the advisory panel in connection with Section 36 of the Finance Act, 1951.

The following have kindly agreed to serve on the Advisory Panel: Lord Kennet (Chairman), Sir Kenneth Swan, K.C., and Mr. B. H. Binder.In their consideration of matters referred to them I have asked them to take into account the significance of any new factors or circumstances which are represented to require the proposed change, and any compelling reasons for such applications based on the efficiency and development of the applicants' operations. They will weigh against considerations of this kind the prospective loss of revenue or of foreign exchange to this country which the transaction, if permitted, would entail; and they will inform me whether, on the balance of considerations, it would in their opinion be in the national interest that permission should be granted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will indicate the classes of transactions which may be excluded from the operation of Section 36 of the Finance Act, 1951.

The Treasury are giving consent generally, in accordance with Subsection (4, a) of Section 36 to the following classes of transaction:1. Transactions falling within paragraphs (

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the recent approaches by the Bradford Education Committee and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the granting of university status to the Bradford Technical College, he will use his good offices with the University Grants Committee to receive a joint deputation from the Bradford Education Committee and Chamber of Commerce so that a case can be stated embracing the special claims of the city.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, East (Mr. McLeavy).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards the implementation of the Colombo Plan, especially as regards provision for the necessary expenditure.

As to the general progress of the Plan, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tradeston on 2nd July.It is not possible to evaluate precisely the progress that has been made in the provision of finance in view of alterations in the detailed plans of Colombo countries and changes in price levels since the Colombo Plan Report was published in November, 1950. In addition to the U.K. contribution, however, contributions towards the external financial needs of the Commonwealth countries in S.E. Asia have now been promised by Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the Government of the United States has lent 190 million dollars to India for the purchase of wheat. Generally speaking, these contributions, together with the increased prosperity of the countries in the area, give ground for hope that, during the current year the financial provision may be adequate.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any further consideration has been given to the circumstances of the pensions of the Civil Service in view of the recent increase in the cost of living and in view of the adjustment of future service pensions.

I have nothing to add to the reply of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amount paid by His Majesty's Stationery Office to the Post Office for the carriage of customers' orders in the financial year 1950–51; and what was the total postage costs received from customers.

The total amount paid was£24,577 4s. 6d.; postage is charged to customers, but the receipts are included in the gross total of receipts from sales and are not recorded separately.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amount of purchase tax collected on forms sold by His Majesty's Stationery Office in the financial year 1950–51.

:£15,562 15s. 7d.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to ensure the more efficient staggering of holidays, he will introduce legislation to alter the dates of the Whitsun and August bank holiday to the last Monday in June and August, respectively.

No. There is no general demand for such a change, and it is extremely doubtful whether it would in fact result in a greater staggering of annual holidays.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will extend until 31st March, 1952, the period during which Poles resident in this country can obtain visas to enable them to avail themselves of Government assistance under the Polish Emigration Scheme.

No. It was announced last year that Government assistance would be available to those who obtained visas up to the end of September, 1951. These men will then have had five years in which to take advantage of this scheme, and a further extension would not be justified.

asked the Minister of Labour when he hopes to be able to find suitable employment for Colonel H. E. H. Glenn, 9 Waverley Avenue, Wembley, a former officer in the Indian Army.

Since Colonel Glenn was placed in temporary Government employment in September, 1950, the London Appointments Office has endeavoured to find him a more suitable post. These efforts will be continued, but I cannot, of course, forecast when they will be successful.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider his decision to call up Mr. D. A. Botwright, of 30 Crawshott Avenue, Stanmore. Middlesex, for military service in view of the considerations of which he has been informed by the hon. Member for Harrow. East.

The Military Service (Hardship) Committee refused to renew this young man's certificate of postponement of call-up, but I am appealing to the Umpire against this decision.

asked the Minister of Labour when he anticipates that it will be possible to find suitable employment for Mr. A. F. Baynes, of 97 Leesons Hill, St. Paul's Cray, Orpington.

Every effort is being made to place Mr. Baynes in suitable employment, but I am afraid it is not possible to say when the right type of work will be found.

asked the Minister of Labour which Government Departments and nationalised industries have sent him details of their plans for retaining their employees after the age of 65 years in suitable cases.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24th July and by me on 5th June to similar questions. The House will be aware that I have invited the Civil Service, the nationalised industries and both sides of industry to review their arrangements for retaining workers beyond the normal ages of retirement. They have all promised their co-operation and are reviewing their practices.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that women factory inspectors promoted to the Career Grade lA after 1st September, 1949, receive up to£70 a year more than women inspectors three years senior to them in the same grade, he will, in the review of salaries, remove this anomaly and make restitution to the inspectors concerned.

When the National Whitley Council Agreement on starting pay on promotion in the Civil Service was made in 1949, it was realised by both parties that anomalies would arise as between officers promoted after and shortly

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has investigated the causes of the dispute at the works of Messrs. Change-wares Limited, Garth Road, Morden and whether he intends to intervene with a view to securing a resumption of work.

I am aware of the facts of this dispute, and from its early stages officers of my Department have been in touch with both sides. At the request of the union, a joint meeting of the parties was arranged and took place on 24th May, under the chairmanship of a conciliation officer, but no settlement could be reached. Since that date contact has been maintained with the parties, but it has not been possible to find an acceptable basis upon which joint discussions could usefully be resumed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the number of unemployed men and women registered at the Stockton-on-Tees Employment Exchange at a convenient date in July, 1951, and July, 1939, showing separate figures for the numbers unemployed for a period of six months and 12 months.

Analyses according to duration of unemployment are obtained only at quarterly dates, and the latest date for which figures are available is 18th June. The following Table gives the figures for that date and for June, 1939.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are employed under the Disabled Persons Employment Act, 1944, in the offices of the Ministry of National Insurance, the National Assistance Board, Ministry of Food. Ministry of Labour and National Service, respectively, in Dumfriesshire; and what proportion this represents of the total numbers employed.

I have been asked to reply. This information is not immediately available, but I am obtaining it for the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, following the inquiries, which he is making into the causes and circumstances of the Manchester dock strike, it is his intention to publish the results for the information of this House.

Yes. It is my intention to issue a White Paper on this subject shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now considered the Interim Report of the Cost of Living Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. This Report recommends that a comprehensive family budget inquiry should be held as soon as possible to provide up-to-date in-

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet received

asked the Attorney-General to state the classes of officials for whom statutory authority exists to enter private dwelling-houses without any warrant and the respective statutes under which this authority exists.

Pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th June, 1951; Vol. 488, c. 201], supplied the following:the Report of the Electricity Sub-Committee on the arrangements for load spreading by industry during the coming winter months.

Yes. The Electricity Sub-Committee's Report has been considered and its recommendations accepted by the Government. The Report will be published next week. I am glad to say that the British Employers' Confederation and the General Council of the Trades Union Congress have promised their full support in putting the recommendations into effect in the coming winter. The Regional Boards for Industry will shortly be asking firms and organisations for their co-operation in making the necessary arrangements. I should like to take this opportunity of paying tribute to the regional boards and their district committees for their unremitting efforts to assist in working out a solution to this difficult problem.

asked the Minister of Education if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain education committees are charging interest on loans to students; and if he will introduce legislation to prevent this practice.

So far as I am aware only two local education authorities in the academic year 1949–50 made new loans to students subject to the payment of interest. Local authorities are well aware of my views in regard to loans to students generally, and I do not think it necessary to introduce legislation on this matter.

asked the Minister of Education how many nursery schools of the type contemplated by the Education Act of 1944 have been built by local authorities; and how many have been closed since 1944.

To the end of June, 1951, 27 nursery schools had been completed with accommodation for about 1,160 children. Since May, 1947, 25 nursery schools have been closed. These were, however, war-time establishments, and were closed for such reasons as unsuitability of premises or termination of tenancies.

asked the Minister of Education what are the longest hours during which nursery schools are open for the use of mothers at work in industry.

The hours during which nursery schools are open are determined by the authorities of the individual schools. Some are known to be open from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., but by no means all nursery schools are open for such long hours. Extended hours are worked only to meet the requirements of women employed in essential industries.

asked the Minister of Education whether nursery schools are open and available for the use of mothers with children two years old or under two years of age so as to enable them to work all day in industry.

Nursery schools do not usually admit children under two years of age.

asked the Minister of Education if he is considering plans to introduce a dental nurse scheme into the School Dental Service, along the lines of the New Zealand scheme; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I still have under consideration the report made last year by the United Kingdom Dental Mission on New Zealand School Dental Nurses. We are not yet in a position to, make a statement.

asked the Minister of Education for how long teachers, who have received State grants for their training, are under an obligation to teach in England.

These teachers are expected to give a period of service that is consistent with their declared intention of following the profession of teaching in grant-aided schools or other institutions approved for the purpose. I am not disposed to define a general limit when the need for teachers is so great, but in each case I take all the circumstances into account, including the amount of service already given in grant-aided schools in this country and the teacher's reasons for wishing to leave it.

asked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to see that teachers are being suitably trained to run the nursery schools contemplated in the Education Act of 1944, in the future.

Thirty-three of the colleges offering two-year courses of training to intending women teachers provide courses which cover the nursery age range. Of just over 7,000 newly-trained women teachers who left two-year colleges this summer, approximately 750, or nearly 11 per cent., had included the teaching of the nursery age range in their courses. At present, however, because of the great need for teachers of infants, most of these teachers take their first posts as teachers of infants.

asked the Minister of Education how many children of secondary school age in Penryn, Cornwall, are in the primary schools of that borough; what steps are being taken to provide a secondary modern school for them; and when he expects it to be available.

In January, 1951, there were 153 pupils aged 11 or over in all-age primary schools in the Municipal Borough of Penryn. These pupils will attend the new Falmouth Secondary Modern School included in the Cornwall Local Education Authority's building programme for 1952–53. The school should be ready for occupation some time in 1955.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he has now received the reactions of Australia and New Zealand to the Draft Japanese Peace Treaty with regard to Article 16 of the provisions for ex-prisoners of war; and whether he will tell the House what their reactions are.

The United Kingdom Government are in close touch with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand on all matters relating to the draft Japanese Peace Treaty, but such exchanges between Commonwealth Governments are confidential and it would not be in accordance with established practice for me to reveal what particular views have been expressed. If the hon. and gallant Member wishes, I should be glad to send him copies of official statements made on 13th July in Australia and New Zealand on the draft. Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if, in view of Tshekedi Khama's acceptance of his invitation to attend the forthcoming kgotla, he will now make arrangements for Seretse Khama also to visit the Bamangwato Reserve in the near future and so reassure Seretse's supporters in the tribe and assist in maintaining order.

No. As I informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question on the 19th July, the kgotla which the tribe has been invited to hold is to determine the single question of the attitude of the tribe to Tshekedi's return to the Reserve as a private individual.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, what representations he received from the Government of Canada in connection with recent trade missions to Canada.

If my hon. Friend refers to the recent mission to Canada led by my right hon. Friend the Member for Huyton (Mr. H. Wilson), the answer is "None."

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what recent action has been taken to minimise the pollution of the air over Stoke-on-Trent and to deal with the effects created by the tileries.

The officers of this Ministry and of the Ministry of Fuel and Power are in close touch with the industry. Research is going on all the time into the designing of new kilns, and advice and instruction are being given on the most efficient methods of firing the existing ones.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning why the Press were excluded from a recent public inquiry by one of his inspectors into an objection by the Tenby Borough Council against a compulsory purchase order by the Pembrokeshire County Council; and whether he will now make it the general policy of his Department to permit the Press to attend inquiries by his Department.

proceedings at Tenby were not a public inquiry, and the inspector considered that Press publication might prejudice the chance of amicable settlement between the parties. It is the general policy to admit the Press to public local inquiries.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what information he has as to whether the new valuation lists will be ready by the due date.

The Board of Inland Revenue have informed my right hon. Friend that they have been unable to secure the requisite qualified staff and that they regret that they cannot complete all the revaluations in time. For the present he has agreed that they should concentrate on properties other than houses.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning how many councils of county boroughs and county districts have appointed committees for the purpose of publishing information for the assistance of landlords and tenants as to their rights and duties under the Rent Restriction Acts, and as to the procedure for enforcing such rights or securing performance of such duties under the provisions of Section 10 (2) of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1933; and the names of such councils.

This information is not available.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he will direct the attention of the councils of county boroughs and county districts to the importance of publishing information concerning decisions given by the courts on matters arising under the Rent Restriction Acts, particularly in view of the important judgment of the House of Lords Appeal Courts in the recent case of Moodie v. Hosegood where it was held that on the death of a contracted tenant the widow of the tenant is entitled to the same protection under the Rent Acts as the widow of a statutory tenant.

Local authorities are generally aware of their powers to publish information for the assistance of landlords and tenants as to their rights and duties under the Rent Restriction Acts. Important decisions of the courts on rent cases normally receive full publicity in the Press.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will introduce legislation to protect from ejection married sons or daughters who are residing as sub-tenants with parents in the event of the death of the tenant

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

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he has considered the request received from the Stroud, Gloucestershire, Rural District Council for permission to complete the 2nd Section of their council house site at Stonehouse, involving the erection of some hundred dwellings plus eight shops, and an application for permission to allocate 40 private-enterprise licences; and whether he will grant these applications in the near future.

This scheme constitutes the council's housing programme for 1952, and is now being considered together, with the programmes of the other local authorities in the region.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether his attention has been drawn to the disparity between the sum of£7,000 allocated to the Borough of Lancaster in respect of the amount of work which may be licensed during the year ending 31st December next and the much larger allocations made to other local authorities in the district; whether he is aware that, in view of the numbers of old houses in the city requiring maintenance, this is not sufficient to enable property owners to carry out their statutory obligations; and whether, in the circumstances, he will consider increasing the allocation.

In view of this local authority's special difficulties, its quota has been increased to£8,500 by transferring unused parts of other local authorities' quotas. My regional officers, with those of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works are prepared to consider applications to licence specific works of exceptional urgency, which cannot be licensed within the quota.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he is aware of the difficulty encountered by local authorities in trying to implement the Housing Act, 1949, owing to the impossibility of bringing the cost within the limits which he has set to the amount of all such work which they may license; and whether he will raise this limit.

My right hon. Friend has no information that the restrictions on licensing are preventing local authorities generally from implementing the improvement grant provisions of the Act. The total amount of work that can be licensed is limited by the other demands upon the resources of the building industry.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he is aware of the need for temporary accommodation in the City of Bradford now beyond the capacity of the welfare committee; and if he will take steps to make more such accommodation available in the city.

The city council have powers to provide such accommodation, and my right hon. Friend will gladly con- sider any proposals they submit for his approval.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he has yet given the Birmingham City Council permission to proceed with the making up of the road known as Heathway leading to the new Shard End Estate; and whether he is aware that unless work is proceeded with immediately on this road, the provision of an omnibus service to this estate will not be possible during the coming winter.

My right hon. Friend understands that the making up of "Heathway" is now in progress.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning the present estimated cost of completing the new towns compared with the original estimate.

An estimate was included in the foreword to the accounts under the New Towns Act for 1949–50, and it is hoped to give a revised estimate with the accounts for 1950–51 which will be published in due course.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what was the total in 1950 of the administrative staff concerned with housing development in all the new towns and the total of their salaries; and what was the total value of the houses constructed in that year.

The number and cost of corporations staffs and the expenditure on houses are shown in the annual reports of the corporations. The reports for the year ended 31st March, 1951, will be laid before the House in due course.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what was the total labour force engaged in building houses in all the new towns during 1950; and how many houses were completed in that year.

The average number of men engaged in building houses in all the new towns in England and Wales during 1950 was 1,294. The number of houses completed in that year was 522.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning, where special types of fully or partially prefabricated permanent houses are approved by his Department for use in England, whether this approval applies equally to Scotland; and whether, where such houses are approved by the Secretary of State for use in Scotland, they are equally approved for use in England.

Approval in either country means that the house is structurally sound, stable and permanent and therefore suitable for erection by local authorities—whether English or Scottish.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will take steps in co-operation with the local authorities, to prevent overcrowding by displaced persons, which is becoming dangerous to the public health in our large communities.

This is primarily a matter for the local authorities, but if my hon. Friend will let my right hon. Friend have details of any particular case he has in mind, he will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he is aware that the Southern Electricity Board have notified the Winchester City Council that they will shortly cease to connect any further houses to their supply; that this will dislocate local government and private building schemes in the area supplied by the Board; and whether he will consult with the British Electricity Authority to establish a basis upon which building and development may proceed.

Yes. My right hon. Friend is consulting my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.