asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the need for economy and the delays which must necessarily occur in the replacement and rebuilding of voluntary schools which have been surrenderd as a result of the financial obligations imposed on the churches in the 1944 Act, the take-over can be delayed until such time as the schools are to be actually dealt with.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the fact that voluntary schools become controlled schools after the authority's development plan has been approved, unless the managers or governors apply within six months for their school to become aided. This is a statutory requirement, and Section 15 (2) of the 1944 Education Act gives me no power to extend the period of transitional maintenance.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some big economic changes have intervened since 1944, and is it possible to make some provision in order to meet this situation? Could it not be done by the operation of a statutory provision?

I think my hon. Friend is referring to the fact that there might be further delays in building programmes, but those delays would really be of assistance to the voluntary schools, because, when an application is put in for aided status, in considering the various points. I should consider how much time was likely to elapse before a building programme had been carried out, and to see if it would not, therefore, be possible for the managers or governors to accumulate resources for the work.

asked the Minister of Education when, and with whom, she will discuss the extension, within the framework of the Education Acts, of the assistance at present available to voluntary schools.

As the right hon. Member knows, some discussions have already taken place, and I hope to proceed with these as soon as possible. Among those to be consulted I should naturally include the denominations, the local authorities and the teachers' associations.

asked the Minister of Education (1) on what basis the building programmes submitted by local education committees for 1952–53 were reduced prior to 25th October, 1951; and, in particular, as between one education committee and another;

(2) what was the total expenditure on the building programme for 1952–53 submitted by local education committees prior to 25th October; and what was the total expenditure accepted.

The total value of the primary and secondary school projects included in the educational building programme for 1952–53 which was announced in September was about £40 million. As in previous years, it was not possible to include all the projects put forward by local education authorities. In selecting the schemes which could be approved within the resources available, my predecessor considered carefully the needs of each authority for additional school places to house the increasing school population and the children moving to new housing estates and new towns. Without an inordinate amount of work I could not give the total value of the projects proposed by authorities for inclusion in the programme.

Would my right hon. Friend say what steps have been taken to ensure that Newcastle-upon-Tyne has got a balanced educational programme, because the Newcastle Education Committee, in referring to the fact that projects have been rejected by the Ministry, stated that that had upset the basis of the primary and secondary school places? Will she look into that and ameliorate that condition?

I have already looked into it, for I imagined that my hon. Friend would have that in mind. The authorities put forward their proposal in their own order of priority and the Ministry observes that order in selecting schemes for inclusion in the programme.

Can the right hon. Lady say whether consideration has been given to the fact of the bulge in the birth rate five years ago and the increased demand for places that there will be next year in schools as a result?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that, as I have already stated, the building programme is being arranged so that places can be found for this increasing school population and later on for them in the secondary schools.

asked the Minister of Education how far new school building will be exempted from the three months' ban which has been imposed on new building projects.

Projects for which a starting date has already been awarded will be allowed to start, except that it may be necessary to arrange for some postponement in areas where there is a serious shortage of labour. Fresh applications for starts before March, 1952, can be considered only in areas where the building industry is not overloaded, and for projects on new housing estates where a delay beyond the end of February would cause exceptional difficulty. Any exemptions will be subject to the availability of steel.

As recent answers by the right hon. Lady have indicated that we still have to find places for 400,000 children in 1953, will she use whatever influence she possesses with the Cabinet to see that building cuts are not made in our school building programme?

I would certainly do everything I possibly could to see that the Ministry of Education got its full share of the building programme of the country so that the children might get a good education.

In view of the figures which the right hon. Lady has given about the bulge in the early days of school life, will she give an assurance, if not in regard to the 14–15 age group, that she will not meet the problem by raising the age of entry from 5 to 6?

I am quite aware of the bulge in the figures of the extra school population. I am, naturally, also aware that that will go on into the secondary schools as the children get older. We are now considering the best method of dealing with our difficulties.

Will my right hon. Friend take immediate steps to reverse the policy of closing down the infants' schools in villages, which would obviate the necessity for some of the new building and for little children to travel long journeys?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we should naturally consider delaying the closing of buildings before other buildings were ready.

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware that the Middlesex County Council has imposed, and is continuing to impose, political tests for teachers desiring promotion; that this is contrary to the declared policy of the National Union of Teachers and other teachers' organisations; and what action she proposes to take to prevent political discrimination in the teaching profession.

Local education authorities and other responsible bodies have a statutory discretion in regard to the appointment of teachers. While I deprecate the Middlesex authority's decision to take account of the political views of applicants for teaching posts, I do not consider that circumstances have so far arisen which would justify my intervention.

Is the Minister aware that, while she has given a very favourable reply, it is repugnant to impose political conditions on promotion in schools, and will she reconsider the matter, and, if necessary, issue a directive to the authority?

I have made it quite clear that I deprecate the position of the Middlesex authority on this account, and I think it would be better to leave it there as it makes my position absolutely clear.

If the Middlesex authority still refuses to alter its decision despite what has been said by the Minister, will she reconsider her action?

I certainly will not be drawn into answering hypothetical questions.

asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the policy of the Government on higher technological education.

It is not yet possible to make a statement on the Government's policy in this field. It is being considered as a matter of great urgency and importance by consultation between myself and my colleagues who are concerned with aspects of the matter which are outside the scope of my Department.

Can the right hon. Lady give an assurance that there will be no change in the policy, which I believe has been followed by her Department, of upgrading a number of technical colleges?

As I have already said, I am looking into this matter with urgency. I should not like to state here, before I look into this question, that I have made up my mind that there is to be no change.

asked the Minister of Education how far the proposed building cuts will affect the schemes of rural community councils for new village halls, and, in particular, in the county of Warwickshire.

Until the Government have completed the review of capital expenditure which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, it is not possible to say what will be the effect on schemes for village halls.

Will the right hon. Lady bear in mind the great importance of village halls in scattered rural communities and do all in her power to carry on the general policies which have been followed since the war?

I fully appreciate the valuable work that is being done by village halls, and how important these halls are to rural areas.

asked the Minister of Education the number of His Majesty's inspectors of schools now employed in Liverpool; and the number employed in 1938 or an equivalent pre-war year.

At present, four of His Majesty's inspectors are almost wholly concerned with inspecting schools and other educational establishments, including the Youth Service, in Liverpool, and 12 others, who have substantial commitments outside Liverpool, are responsible for inspection in some establishments. In January, 1938, six were working nearly whole-time in Liverpool and two others for most of their time.

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the delays that are occurring in the building of the Hempstalls Primary School, Newcastle-under-Lyme, owing to failure to deliver steel to complete the foundations; and if she will take steps to secure special priority in the supply of steel to this site so that this school may be completed as soon as possible.

I am aware of the delays in the construction of this school, but I am informed that they are due by no means solely to failure to deliver steel. My Department's quota of steel for special cases is very limited, and I am afraid that I should not feel justified in giving this project preference over others where shortage of steel is causing even greater difficulty.

Is the Minister aware that there has been a delay now of two months in the building of the special foundations which are required for this school because of the danger of mining subsidence in the area? Will she instruct her officers to allow priority certificates to be issued to these authorities so that some progress can be made, in view of the time that has been taken already?

I am quite aware of the delay in building this school, and I have looked into the matter. I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that there were many other delays long before we got to the stage where we met the difficulty of steel.

Does that not make it even more necessary now to take some action so as to expedite the building of the school? While what the Minister says is accurate, that there have been building delays, does that fact not make it necessary to lose no time in completing the foundations?

asked the Minister of Education whether the extension of time required by the Liverpool Education Authority for the submission of the development plan resulted in any Ministry grant being forfeited.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Education how many schools, scheduled in 1920 as unfit for use, are still used for educational purposes; and how many of such schools are within the area of the Liverpool Education Authority.

628 of the schools on the 1925 black list are still in use, including 26 in Liverpool.

Are not these figures disquietingly high? Is not the proportion of these schools in Liverpool very high? Will the Minister bear these facts in mind?

Yes, Sir, I will certainly bear these facts in mind, but I do not know that I entirely agree with the point the hon. Gentleman made about Liverpool.

asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for increasing the supply of qualified women teachers.

Present training policies aim at a net increase in the number of qualified women teachers of about 2,500 a year, but it is impossible to be precise, because one cannot be sure how many teachers will leave the service each year.

Will the Minister encourage children to stay longer at the grammar schools so that the potential source of supply of women teachers is likely to increase?

We all agree with taking steps to induce the parents of the children to make the fullest possible use of the educational services.

asked the Minister of Education whether she will increase the scale of teachers' infirmity allowances to reflect the rise in the cost of living since 1947.

I take it that my hon. Friend has in mind teachers who retired some years ago. As I explained last week, in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. King), the claims of older retired teachers for an increase in their pensions has to be considered along with those of other classes of pensioners and the whole question is now being reviewed by the Government.

Will the right hon. Lady consider the possibility of linking the scale of these infirmity allowances with the cost-of-living index so that rises in the pensions will be automatic?

As I have pointed out, these pensions must be linked with the whole scheme of pensions which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has assured us he is looking into.

In view of the fact that the Minister has said that the review is now under consideration, will she take steps to expedite the decision, because this is really a serious problem?

I quite agree that it is a serious problem, so perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put any further Questions he may have as to expediting to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Education how far the proposed embargo on new building will cause a short age of school places, particularly for the 14- to 15-year age group; and what steps she proposes to take to remedy this difficulty.

It is not yet possible to say how the measures announced on 7th November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will affect the rate at which new school places are brought into use.

Would the right hon. Lady give an assurance, presuming there will be difficulties, that she will not meet the difficulties by lowering the school-leaving age back to 14?

It would be a pity if I began to argue now on a hypothetical supposition that the school-building programme will not be carried out. If that proved to be the case, we could perhaps consider all the factors before coming to a conclusion.

Is it or is it not a fact that in the London area no starting dates are to be allowed for at least three months? If so, does the right hon. Lady realise that that means a further increase in the size of classes, which is already much too high?

As to the starting dates, we can take it that some of the work that has already begun may even be finished more quickly. We are examining the whole situation as to the number of children who will be coming to the schools and the number of places that we can provide in time.

Does the right hon. Lady's reply mean that she does not rule out the possibility of lowering the school-leaving age back to 14?

My original reply was that it is not possible to say what measures we could take until after the review which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said he was undertaking.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this subject again.

asked the Minister of Education the numbers of students who took the science group of subjects at scholarship level in the last General Certificate Examination; the number of those who took the arts group at the same level; and what numbers were awarded State scholarships in each group.

One thousand eight hundred and fifty State scholarships were awarded this year on students' work in the examination for the General Certificate. Nine hundred and seventy-one of these awards were made to students taking science subjects and 879 to students taking arts subjects. Information about entries in the different subjects at scholarship level in the General Certificate of Education will not be available until early in the New Year.

Is the right hon. Lady satisfied that the standard of marking gives an equitable distribution of scholarships as between the two groups?

I should not like to answer that without going more fully into the facts. We shall not have the results of the General Certificate Examination until the New Year.

asked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities are failing to implement her policy by continuing to make loans by making grants below the scales for major awards recommended by her Department, and by continuing to make major and minor awards.

Of the 146 local education authorities, 131 have adopted, either wholly, or in part, the standard figures of maintenance recommended by my Department. In the academic year 1950–51, 122 authorities gave minor awards in addition to major awards. I have no precise up to date information about loans, but I understand that only a very small number of authorities are now making loans to students and then, as a rule, only in exceptional circumstances.

Will the right hon. Lady assure us that she intends to continue the policy laid down by my right hon. Friend the late Minister of Education, and will she take active steps to bring recalcitrant authorities into line with the general education policy of her Department?

In this matter I should certainly not like to talk about recalcitrant local authorities.

Why not?

I should like the hon. Member to realise that recommendations are made and they are not standards which it is obligatory to follow. I think it would be far better if I worked with the local authorities making recommendations to them and discussing these things with them and leaving them the authority which they have now.

asked the Minister of Education if she will consult with the Minister of Transport on the possibility of improving the omnibus service for children attending school from the Avery Hill Estate, Eltham, where at the present time congestion is caused by the overcrowding of omnibuses.

I am informed that the London County Council have made representations to the London Transport Executive about the public transport facilities at Eltham, and that the Executive are considering the possibility of some improvement. The London County Council will continue to watch the position and will keep me informed.

Will my right hon. Friend accept my assurance that there have been a considerable number of complaints by parents about the difficulty experienced by their children in getting to their school in that area?

Yes, most certainly, Sir, and. as I have already said, the London County Council will continue to watch it and keep me informed, and if I do not hear from them I shall ask for further information.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Under the Rulings of your predecessor it was not possible to ask a Question of a Minister with regard to the day-to-day administration of a nationalised service. Do I understand that by asking another Minister one can ask a Question which is really the responsibility of the Minister of Transport?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Education how many extra places in schools for infants will be needed to meet the post-war increase in infant-school population; and how many of these places will be provided by new primary and infants' schools already under construction.

It is impossible to state the number of school places required to meet the increase in the infant-school roll in isolation. It is estimated that in the period January, 1947, to December, 1953, a total of 1,150,000 primary and secondary school places are required on account of the increase in population and the movement of families to new housing estates and new towns. Between the end of the war and 1st October last nearly 650,000 places had been brought into use and another 400,000 places were then under construction.

Can the right hon. Lady assure us that the schools which are under construction and those which are planned for 1952–53 will cover the 400,000 vacancies which still need to be provided?

Yes, Sir, I think they will.

asked the Minister of Education if she will so revise Addendum 1 to Circular 210 issued by her Department as to allow to local education authorities within the existing limits of expenditure a wider discretion in the making of grants for expenses in respect of distinctive school clothing for boys.

I am prepared to leave authorities wider discretion in the choice of distinctive school clothing, though I shall expect them to exercise the most rigid economy at the present time. I propose shortly to issue further guidance in the matter.

Does the right hon. Lady recognise how pleased many parents will be with her answer, particularly those who are unable to take the view that little boys can be quite as spiteful as little girls about an absence of distinctive clothing?

asked the Minister of Education if she will give the names of the education committees in Wales who have not adopted the provisions of Section 5 of the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1948, enabling parents to receive grants for children needing clothing to attend school.

Local education authorities are not required to inform me of any arrangements they may make to assist with the provision of children's clothing, and I regret therefore that I am unable to give the information asked for.

Does the right hon. Lady realise that the object of my Question was to ask her to make inquiries of the local education authorities, particularly as there is a Joint Education Committee for Wales at present?

This is something that we must leave to the local authorities, because it is their responsibility. I am very much against taking responsibility away from the local authorities, and I am sure many right hon. and hon. Members will agree with me.

On a point of order. As a Member of Parliament I am surely entitled to make an inquiry of the Minister, and, as the Minister is unable to get the information for a Member of Parliament, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how far the reports which he has received from the three investigators who were sent by his predecessor to Bechuanaland affect Basutoland and Swaziland as well as Bechuanaland; and in what way.

I have been asked to reply. The task given to the observers by the predecessor of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations was to report on the Bamangwato tribe's attitude on the single question of Tshekedi Khama's return to the tribal Reserve as a private individual. Their reports are confined to this one question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is causing the great delay in making the reports available to hon. Members, whether it is as a result of those reports that Tshekedi Khama has been invited to this country, and, if so, for what purpose?

The reports were only received in September and this Government has been in power for only a very few weeks, and there has been no delay whatever. As the hon. and learned Gentleman no doubt knows, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations will be seeing Tshekedi Khama on his visit to London.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he can now state whether it is proposed to publish the report of the official observers sent to Bechuanaland.

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to publish these reports shortly.

Will the Minister, in publishing these reports, consider whether he might also publish the representations which, I believe, have been sent to his right hon. Friend by the chiefs of the Territory concerned?

I am sorry, but I did not quite hear the first part of the hon. Lady's observations.

Would the Minister ask his right hon. Friend to consider publishing also the representations upon this matter which have been sent to the Minister by the chiefs in the Territory concerned?

I do not think that they would be suitable for publication as a White Paper. After all, there was the Report of the observers who were sent out to Africa as a result of the decision of the previous Government, and that is entirely suitable for publication. I do not think that the other representations are suitable for publication, but I will refer the matter to my right hon. Friend

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will seek co-operation with the Union of South Africa in the conduct of experiments to produce rain in Basutoland and the Orange Free State.

I have been asked to reply. I understand that experiments in the artificial stimulation of rain carried out by the Government of the Union of South Africa have not gone beyond the exploratory stage. An approach to the Union Government would not be justified at present; but my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind, and we will ask our High Commissioner to keep us in touch with any developments.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the past year people in the territory have had to wait seven and a half months for rain? How can he justify taking no steps in the matter? Should he not take the initiative?

This is a very technical and scientific matter. I have no doubt that many hon. Members wish that we could export some of our own rain. In Basutoland last year, the annual rainfall was actually 28 inches, which is comparatively high. We are watching with great interest the experiments in the Union, but up to now they have been inconclusive.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side are firmly convinced that the Government are doing their utmost to stimulate frost?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the number of Africans upon the Advisory Council of the High Commission Territory of Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland.

Each Territory has its own council or councils. The Basutoland National Council consists entirely of Africans. Its membership is 100, including the Paramount Chief. In the Bechuanaland Protectorate, the African Advisory Council has 38 members, all of whom are Africans. There is also a recently established Joint Advisory Council in the Territory which has eight African members.

In Swaziland, the African advisory body is the traditional Swazi National Council. This Council is composed entirely of Africans and is normally attended by all chiefs and prominent members of the tribe. There is no fixed membership. There is also a Standing Committee of this Council, consisting of one African representative from each of the six districts.

If the Minister thinks, as he obviously does, that the Africans have done excellent work in an advisory capacity, will he consider using them in an executive capacity and setting in motion machinery or legislation for forming executive and legislative councils in these Territories?

A very full answer to that suggestion was given on 15th November. If the hon. Member wishes, I will send him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations why the British representative at the Trusteeship Committee of the United Nations was instructed to oppose the motion that the leaders of the Herero people should be invited to appear before the Committee.

I have been asked to reply, and would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on 26th November to the hon. Member for Ayrshire, South (Mr. Emrys Hughes).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement as to the future prospects for nylon stocking allocations on the home market.

Deliveries of nylon stockings to the home market in the first 10 months of this year have already exceeded by over 25 per cent. the quantity delivered in the whole of last year. At the same time, there has been a welcome increase in exports. Greater demands for nylon yarn for defence purposes mean that in future there will be less yarn for stocking manufacture. With our present urgent need of foreign exchange, it is clearly necessary that any cut should not fall on exports, and if exports are to be maintained, and, indeed, as I hope, increased, it follows that there must be fewer nylon stockings at home.

In view of the great importance of nylon stockings to most women and some men, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a ray of hope of there being more adequate supplies to the home market of these dynamic morale-boosting items?

While not underestimating the importance of nylon stockings for the purposes which the hon. Member describes, I would say that in our present economic position the promotion of exports is vital to our economy and every step must be taken to secure that end.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken or contemplated following the protest, a copy of which has been sent to him, by the Retail Standards Association at the increasing production of shoddy utility gaberdine raincoats which are deficient in waterproof qualities.

I understand that in general utility gaberdine raincoats are of a satisfactory quality, but there have been complaints about the quality of some of the wool and wool union gaberdine cloths from which they are made. I propose to tighten up the specifications of these cloths and the details of the changes are being discussed with the trade.

In view of the importance of this matter and the need for giving chapter and verse of the deterioration in the situation, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will ban the importation of all cigars from hard currency areas during the period of the present financial difficulties.

The only significant imports allowed will be the limited quantities to be permitted in 1952 and 1953 under the trade agreement with Cuba of August last.

Will the Minister undertake to consult with his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on this matter?

I consult my right hon. Friend on all occasions.

I have not for quite a long time imported any cigars from hard currency areas. I have nevertheless received some from time to time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he has not consulted the trade unions concerned in considering the future of the Liverpool Cotton Market, when he has had, or is having, consultations with the employers' organisations in the matter.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. and learned Friend on 27th November. I should add that a further discussion took place on that day with a fully representative delegation of trade unions in the cotton spinning and manufacturing industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to see that exports of ballbearings are not going to countries who have supplied arms in support of the North Korean aggressors.

I can assure my hon. Friend that the export of steel ball and roller bearings to all destinations except the Commonwealth, the Irish Republic and the United States is subject to strict control.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that the House will be given an opportunity of debating the National Farmers' Union's demand for higher tariffs on imported fruit and vegetables before any administrative action is taken by the Government.

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 this House. There is already provision, therefore, for discussion by the House of any increase in duties chargeable under that Act.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the N.F.U.'s proposal is to increase substantially the tariffs levied under the Act, which is now over 20 years old, and in view of the promises made by the right hon. Gentleman's party during the Election that steps would be taken to bring down the cost of living, whereas increased tariffs would put it up, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this matter ought to be discussed most seriously by the House before any Orders are made under this out-of-date Act?

The Question, of course, refers simply to the machinery for discussing Import Duty Orders generally. It is as I have stated.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the grievous losses sustained by the British fruit growing industry as a result of the promiscuous dumping of foreign canned and fresh fruit in the United Kingdom, which was the policy of the late Socialist Government?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been no dumping in that sense and that the difficulties experienced by growers arise from the chaos of the distributive system, and in view of the grave importance—

Speech.

Order. Mrs. Castle.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker—and in view of the great urgency to the British housewife of not increasing the price of fruit and vegetables, will not the right hon. Gentleman see that a debate takes place in the House on all the ways of helping the grower as well as the housewife—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—before steps are taken—

If the hon. Lady desires a debate on a specific subject, facilities for suggesting it are open through the usual channels and there are facilities for Private Members' Motions, but the Question does not refer to that. It refers to the technical arrangements for debating Import Duty Orders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if His Majesty's Government will make an immediate statement on the textile trade to counteract the loss of confidence and unemployment which has arisen in this trade.

I am aware that there has been a slackening of demand for textiles and some other commodities one cause of which was the stocking up by consumers which took place last autumn and earlier this year. The position is being closely watched and will be considered in the context of general economic policy.

Can the President of the Board of Trade say whether there is any real likelihood of a drop in prices, or whether these prices will continue, having regard to the cost of raw materials?

I have no ambition to seek to guide the buying public by speculating on future prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances his regulations permit the stamping on crockery of distinctive initials.

The markings of crockery with distinctive initials is not generally permitted. Exceptionally, it has been allowed under licence for supplies for British Railways and the Port of London Authority because the risks of pilfering are so high. It is doubtful whether their catering services could be continued without markings on their crockery.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are risks of pilfering in other spheres besides British Railways and the Port of London Authority; and is he also aware that British Railways have gone a great deal further in many cases by stamping crockery, and that beautiful flowers now decorate some of their crockery?

I am anxious not to extend this provision more widely, as it does have an effect on the use of manpower and on exports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the summaries given on pages 1 and 2 of the 70th number of the Statistical Abstract for the British Commonwealth which have been included in previous numbers have been omitted from the 71st number; and if he will have these tables compiled and published in some other document.

Summary tables Nos. 1 and 2 of the 70th number of the Statistical Abstract for the British Commonwealth have been recast following consultation with other member countries of the Commonwealth, and more detailed information on Commonwealth trade with foreign countries and of trade within the Commonwealth is now given in the 71st number in tables Nos. 3 and 4.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of growing unemployment in the film industry; and if he will take steps to raise the quota of British films which must be shown in British cinemas from 30 per cent. to 50 per cent.

There has been a small decrease in the number of persons employed in film production since the summer, but this is a normal seasonal fluctuation, and employment today is slightly higher than it was this time last year. I do not believe that to raise the quota from 30 per cent. to 50 per cent. would be in the best interests of the film industry. The first need of the industry is economic stability and other measures have been taken, including the establishment of the British Film Production Fund, to this end. There are indications that the industry is now more firmly based and has better prospects than has been the case for a considerable time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions are placed on British private traders by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and by her satellite countries; and how these restrictions compare with those placed on British official buyers.

In general it is not possible for a private trader to operate in these countries, either by means of personal visit or by the employment of a resident agent, unless his visit, or that of an official buyer, is desired by the Government of the country in question.

In view of the complete control of trade which is exercised by the Governments of these countries, the restriction on the private trader does not, in practice, materially affect the volume of business which can be done. Our experience is that, if the authorities in these countries are anxious either to buy or sell, they are as willing to negotiate in the United Kingdom with a private trader as with an official body.

In view of the explanation which the right hon. Gentleman has given, what makes him suppose that private buyers of softwood timber will be able to obtain a larger supply than official buyers?

So far as the Russian market and Russian supplies are concerned, I do not think it makes much difference whether buying is done by public or private arrangements. It is bulk selling, and bulk sellers decide the amount of which they will dispose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the expansion that has occurred since 1946 in the exports of industrial internal combustion engines, excluding motor car and aero-engines, and the harmful effects upon further expansion caused by complications in manufacturers obtaining refund of import duties paid upon components; whether he has considered the memorandum submitted to him by the British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers Association on 29th August, 1951; and what steps he proposes to take to overcome the manufacturers' difficulties.

I am aware of the expansion in the export of internal combustion engines over recent years; and that representations have been made by the British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers Association for increased facilities for obtaining relief from Customs duties in respect of imported machinery parts incorporated in engines for export. I have received no formal submission on this subject from the Association but the memorandum referred to, which was addressed to another Department, has been brought to my attention, and I am now considering it.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the exports of internal combustion engines during 1951 will aggregate no less than £35 million, and that that figure is capable of much further expansion, if this vexed problem of imported components can be overcome by my right hon. Friend and the two other interested Departments—the Treasury and the Ministry of Supply?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the present method of purchasing raw tobacco for British cigarette factories, together with details of methods adopted to ensure economy in the use of dollars.

All unmanufactured tobacco is bought on private account, mainly at auctions in the producing countries. By arrangement with the companies, the dollar expenditure which manufacturers are authorised to incur is kept as low as is compatible with maintaining an adequate supply of cigarettes for the home and export trades.

Will the Minister bear in mind the success of this method when considering the re-opening of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange?

This Question refers to tobacco. If my hon. Friend wishes to ask about cotton, perhaps he will put a Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether the Pulp and Paper Committee of the International Materials Conference has yet reached agreement about a general allocation of newsprint: and whether a further emergency allocation is under consideration to meet the shortage of newsprint.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." As regards the second part, the possibility of further allocations is now being considered.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that present supplies are adequate to maintain the present level of national and local newspapers, and, in view of the fact that Parliament is soon to adjourn for two months, and that the Press will be the only source of comment upon Government activities or otherwise, would he not press for an emergency allocation immmediately, so that we can be informed on these great matters?

I think I can give the assurance for which the hon. Member asks. I do not think there is any need for an emergency allocation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give the annual total of sheep worried by dogs for the last convenient date.

According to reports received from every county council in Great Britain, about 6,000 sheep were killed and 4,000 injured by dogs during 1950.

Will the Minister tell the House if talks with the N.F.U. on this subject have now been concluded, and if so what was the result?

Is the Minister aware that this chronic scourge has now become endemic in many places, particularly in my own county of Warwick, and knowing his sympathy in this matter, may I ask him if he can advise or suggest some method of dealing with it.

I would inform my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Mr. G. Williams) that proposals for dealing with sheep worrying were put forward by the N.F.U. shortly after the present Government took office and they are now under examination. I entirely agree with the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) and would welcome suggestions from any hon. Member as to the best way of dealing with this menace which is becoming extremely serious.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if provision can be made for those poultry farmers whose stocks have been destroyed because of fowl pest, to take up pig feeding until the area is declared a free area again.

Yes, Sir. We have decided that such poultry farmers can draw temporary rations for fattening pigs, on a scale similar to that under the extended rationing scheme. When the land can be restocked with poultry, the normal basic poultry rations will be restored.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if compensation will be paid to those poultry farmers who are not permitted to sell day old chicks because they live in a fowl-pest area, and have to destroy the chicks as hatched.

No, Sir. I have no power to pay compensation in such circumstances. Arrangements have been made under which poultry farmers who have day old chicks to sell will be allowed to dispose of them if that can be done without risk of spreading infection. I am informed that, so far, no poultry farmer in the Lancashire area who has asked for permission to dispose of his day old chicks has had to be refused.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are taken to ensure the proper disinfection of egg boxes and feedingstuffs bags which are used in the area of the Lancashire fowl pest outbreak.

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Fort), on 22nd November, I understand that packing stations in Lancashire destroy egg boxes from premises on which fowl pest is suspected to exist. My veterinary officers see that feedingstuffs bags on infected premises are properly disinfected.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will publish the accounts of the county agricultural executive committees.

Cash transactions of the committees as a whole are included in the annual appropriation accounts of the Department's Food Production Services Vote and are published in the annual volumes of civil appropriation accounts. Combined trading accounts are published in the annual volumes of trading accounts and balance sheets for those years.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what priority steel for agricultural implements is to receive under the new allocation system.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to secure a sufficient supply of steel and other raw materials for the agricultural implement industry in view of the vital need to increase food production.

When the new steel allocation scheme comes into operation on 4th February next the system of priorities now in use will no longer be appropriate. The total quantity of steel available will be distributed to industry through Government Departments and I can only say that I shall do my best to ensure that among the many strong claims on limited supplies those of agricultural implement makers for steel and other raw materials are taken fully into account.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that nothing can save more dollars for Britain than the growing of more food, and will he therefore press for really adequate supplies of steel for both equipment and maintenance?

I will do my best to represent the point of view of the Minister of Agriculture in the overall picture on this subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to announce the Government's decision arising from the special price review of farm products.

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I propose to make a statement at the end of Questions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement on rations for livestock for the period commencing 1st January.

The Government is very well aware that any programme of livestock production in the country must be based on an adequate and assured supply of feedingstuffs. There is at present a scarcity of coarse grains in world trade and of transport for them; moreover, sales of home-grown coarse grains for feeding purposes are greatly reduced as compared with last year. Nevertheless, the Government has found it possible to make arrangements for imports in order to maintain the pool of rationed feedingstuffs at the total of 5½ million tons for the 12 months up to the end of April next. It will, however, be necessary to make some reduction in the cereal element of the ration scales for the next rationing period from January to April, 1952.

A full statement of the present position giving details of and reasons for the changes which are being made in the ration scales from 1st January next will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Prices to farmers of feedingstuffs are not affected by these adjustments, and will not be increased during this financial year.

The answer of my right hon. and gallant Friend will be very much appreciated by the agricultural industry, where they have been greatly concerned in the last few months about whether feedingstuffs would be available after Christmas—

Order. The hon. Member must make his remarks in the form of a Question.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make it transparently clear that these feedingstuffs have been arranged for by the previous Government?

I think I can inform the right hon. Gentleman that the former Government may have made arrangements for these feedingstuffs, but we found a very unpleasant gap between what was obtained and the target which was set.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House where the Government have been able to acquire more coarse grain since the late Government left office?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, who is very active in this matter, is making himself satisfied that he will be able to reach the 5.5 million tons target.

That is no answer.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that the late Government took more interest in chickens than they did in the people?

I cannot deal with that.

Did the right hon. and gallant Gentleman get some of that presumed extra grain from the brewers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now state the results of the experimental use of the new humane rabbit trap; and when it is hoped to make it available to farmers and others interested.

The experiments that are taking place have indicated that some further modifications are desirable in the trap now being tested. I should make it clear that I have no power to give formal approval or disapproval to a spring trap; it is for the producers of traps to determine how and when to market their wares. In this particular case we think the principle of the new design a good one, and my Department is helping the inventor; he himself is not yet satisfied with the details of his invention and would not wish it to be released for wider use until certain problems have been solved. We shall continue to assist in solving those problems.