asked the Minister of Works whether he will open the riverside walk and restaurant facilities on the South Bank to the public this summer until the expiry of the lease.

The riverside walk belongs to the London County Council and I am about to hand it back to them. Any inquiries should be addressed to the Council.

Can the Minister give an assurance that he will do all within his power to encourage the praiseworthy efforts of the L.C.C. to make this attractive amenity available to the public as quickly as possible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Works how much is being spent to provide a separate entrance to the offices of the British Council in the Government premises at New Oxford Street, London; and how long these alterations will take to complete.

Thirty-five pounds were spent on removing bricks from the back entrance of these premises in order to comply with fire regulations and make an opening wide enough to take in display stands. The work was done in four days. Similar work is desirable to provide better access at the front entrance and may be undertaken if conditions permit.

Does that answer mean that the Minister has not yet made up his mind to carry out the additional work in the front? Is there any reason why the staff of the British Council cannot use the same entrance as other inhabitants of this building?

It is desirable to do this work and also to provide better access for these inhabitants and better escape in case of fire. As it costs money, I have not yet made up my mind.

asked the Minister of Works what plans he has in mind for a general de-requisitioning of privately owned buildings still occupied by Government Departments, particularly in the town of Ayr.

Special efforts are being made by all Government Departments to economise in the use of accommodation in order to release more requisitioned premises. In the town of Ayr there are only two private houses now held on requisition but, owing to the ban on new office building, a scheme which would have ensured their release has had to be abandoned. I shall continue my efforts to find alternative accommodation.

While thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether he appreciates that there is a natural and understandable resentment by private traders and others when they see their premises still occupied by Government Departments six years after the end of the war? Will he do as much as he can quickly to free all these requisitioned premises?

I appreciate that and am doing all that I can.

Is the Minister aware of the strong feeling in Ayr that the barracks should be de-requisitioned and utilised for housing purposes.

asked the Minister of Works how many tradesmen are working on Lewis's extension in Liverpool; when permission was given by his Department to move quantities of steel, allowed for building in Manchester by the same firm, to be used on the Liverpool site; and why this firm have not been included in the building standstill order.

The work on Lewis's at Liverpool is not an extension but a reconstruction of a war-damaged building. On 29th February, 64 building trades craftsmen were employed on the site. The use of steel from Lewis's unfinished prewar building at Manchester was authorised in April, 1949. The deferment of starting dates does not apply to work in progress.

Is the Minister aware that it is very difficult to convince people that there is a shortage of steel when one looks at the progress of Lewis's in Liverpool? Is he also aware that the steel which is being used has been transferred from a similar project in Manchester which seems to have been abandoned? Is it right what people in Liverpool are saying, that if one happens to be Chairman of the Conservative Party one has no difficulty in obtaining steel?

The transfer of the steel was authorised by the late Government. I assume that, like some of her hon. Friends, the hon. Lady is "having a go" at her own Front Bench.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was supposed to be a standstill order—[HON. MEMBERS: "Only on new building."]—and that it does not seem to have applied to this firm? Following the decision to suspend work on schemes, even though permission for the work had been given by the previous Government, is it not the case that very many such projects were stopped and that practically the only one in Liverpool which has not been stopped is the one where the managing director is Chairman of the Conservative Party?

The hon. Lady is quite wrong. The standstill order did not apply to work in progress. It would have been very uneconomical to stop work on buildings which were already going up.

asked the Minister of Works what representations he has received about the future of the young hedgerows around St. James's Park; and if he will give an assurance that he will resist proposals to grub them up.

asked the Minister of Works if he will consider removing the unsightly yew hedge that surrounds St. James's Park.

While I have received no official representations about this hedge, I am aware that there is considerable feeling for and against it. I am anxious to test public opinion further before taking any action.

One of the principles of laying out a park is to make a given space appear larger than it is. In my opinion the hedge breaks this principle by interrupting the view of the grass and lake. If it were grubbed up, I should have to provide a robust fence.

Why does my right hon. Friend continue to equivocate in this matter? Does his reply mean that his policy will be to continue the hedge or otherwise?

I want to give public opinion a further chance to express itself.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although these trees, which are out of keeping with our tradition, have since the war been endeavouring to shut in the natural grandeur of one of the loveliest of parks, these rows of yew are now bedraggled, unkempt and frequently split, and lack all formal unity?

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make arrangements to render the statue of King William III accessible to the public at least on 12th July and 5th November, as at present this statue in St. James's Square is surrounded by a fence with locked doors so that it cannot be seen except at a distance.

Access to this admirable statue is controlled by the Trustees of St. James's Square. My responsibility is limited to the maintenance of the statue under the provisions of the Public Statues Act, 1854.

Will my right hon. Friend do his best to prevent his sacred Majesty of blessed memory from being isolated in a sort of German concentration camp?

I have a suggestion to make to my hon. Friend. The Minister of Labour has in his keeping a key to this garden and, with his sincerity, my hon. Friend might move the Minister to lend him the key.

In the interests of peace across the water, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that he will provide similar amenities and facilities for his late most gracious Majesty King James II?

asked the Minister of Works if he will cause an investigation to be made into the circumstances under which a licence or licences were approved enabling a garage and other buildings, valued at £7,000, to be built upon a site in Moston Lane, Blackley, Manchester.

Two licences, for £160 and £1,475 respectively, were issued by my Department last year for work at this site. The smaller licence was for the installation of petrol pumps. The larger licence was for the erection of a garage and was granted on the sponsorship of the Ministry of Transport.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that throughout the whole of this suburb there is a justifiable belief, held irrespective of party politics, that, although the original transaction was during the time of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor, from beginning to end this has been a highly dubious transaction which needs further investigation? If I provide the right hon. Gentleman with further information, will he take steps to see that trained investigating officers of his Department go into the whole of the unhappy circumstances?

I am not aware of that. In any case, the responsibility lies with the Ministry of Transport, who said that the garage was necessary, and I have every reason to believe that it was.

Will my right hon. Friend also be prepared to receive figures, with which I will furnish him, to show that the amount of £7,000 is merely a product of the fertile imagination of the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. Nally)?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is exactly the point that we are anxious to establish? Is he aware that one of the leading Tory elders in Blackley, who is well known to the hon. Gentleman, personally assures me that the work could not possibly have been done under £7,000?

asked the Minister of Works if he is satisfied that the production of bricks is sufficient to meet the needs of the housing programme.

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied with the position at the end of January. I hope that the increase in output will continue and be sufficient for the expanding housing programme and other essential needs.

asked the Minister of Works what progress has been made towards the erection of a statue to the late Field-Marshal Smuts.

A Resolution will shortly be laid before the House to consider an humble Address to Her Majesty praying for directions to erect the Memorial. I am glad to inform the House that Lord Harlech has agreed to preside over the Selection Committee and that the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Liberal Party have also agreed to serve on this Committee.

asked the Minister of Works what action has been taken to get the best possible price for the Dome of Discovery.

When finally the London County Council decided not to re-erect the Dome, competitive tenders were invited for its demolition. In this way the best price will be secured consistent with the need to clear one of the finest sites in the world in readiness for next year's celebrations.

Is it not a fact that all the London County Council have decided is that they cannot re-erect it at the moment without further consideration? Even at this stage, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider going further into the matter of preserving this magnificent building for London, where it could be used for a series of entertainments and exhibitions for the benefit of the people of London?

No, Sir. A time comes when one must make a decision if the site is to be cleared, as I am certain the majority of the people of London want it to be.

asked the Minister of Works for what purpose the large constructional work between Duke Street and King Street, St. James', is being undertaken; and what is the value of the licence granted.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to Christies' premises at 8, King Street, St. James', where the auction galleries, store-rooms and offices are being rebuilt after war damage. A licence for £205,625 was granted in May, 1951, for this work.

asked the Minister of Works what changes there have recently been in the price control arrangements for the building materials for which his Department is the production Department.

asked the Minister of Works what changes in prices for building materials controlled by his Department are contemplated; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. I was anxious to remove price controls where they have outlived their usefulness, and therefore have consulted the producers of building materials concerned.

Most of these industries would have been granted increases of price to cover increased costs of coal, freight, raw materials, etc. They have now given assurances that they will keep such increases to a minimum and will establish prices which will remain firm during 1952 unless there are further major increases in cost.

On the basis of these assurances I have removed price control from plasterboard, Gypsum rock, building plasters, sanitary fireclay, asbestos cement, lead sheet and pipe, sanitary earthenware, cement (ordinary Portland and rapid hardening), and certain types of flat glass.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what saving of manpower this will entail?

It will entail savings, but I need notice of that question to give any hon. Friend an accurate answer.

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for this encouraging statement, may I ask him to tell the House whether metal windows and like fittings are included in this de-control?

No, Sir; only the materials I mentioned.

Before removing price control, did the Minister ascertain whether there was a plentiful supply of these materials and whether in future there would be a plentiful supply?

Yes, that was one of the considerations.

In view of the statement in "The Times" recently that the cost of house-building materials had risen by 25 per cent. during the last 12 months, does not the Minister think that he has taken a dangerous step? Ought we not rather to make sure by controls that these prices are kept down in the interests of cheaper house building?

Under the old system I should have had to grant increases at least equal to those which have taken place. My own view is that the supply of these articles is more likely to come forward when the industries are freer.

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware, on the information of his own Department, that a great struggle has gone on to keep the rate of profit in the industries he has mentioned down to anything like a reasonable figure over the last few years? Plasterboard supplies are controlled by the supply of raw material, particularly paper. How can he assure the House that there will be a sufficient increase in supply to prevent the rate of profit rising as it would have done but for the voluntary price control?

Delivery dates for plasterboard, when I took office, were anything up to six months and are now down to immediate supply.

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that if the prices of these materials are put up beyond a reasonable amount because of increased costs—if, for instance, the plasterboard people do what they did last year and break a voluntary agreement—will he take steps immediately to re-impose price control?

I shall watch the situation, but I have confidence that these industries will conduct their affairs with responsibility.

May I ask the Minister whether he is being fair with the House in saying that the delivery date was six months when he took office, since the general ban on building which he has now imposed was not there? How will he ensure that there will be ample supplies when he re-opens the building programme properly, or does he never intend to make the supplies match the real programme?

When the right hon. Gentleman was in office he failed to secure adequate supplies of paper liner for the plasterboard industry. I have now secured those supplies and the situation is easier.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the increasing unemployment in Macclesfield; and if he will discuss with his right hon. Friends the possibility of bringing other industries into the district.

Yes, Sir. I am in touch with my right hon. Friends about the employment position in Macclesfield and other areas similarly affected.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and send officers to Macclesfield as soon as possible, because the unemployment there has been building up steadily since last June.

Macclesfield is one of those places where there is considerable unemployment in the textile and clothing industries, and in my judgment it is too soon at the moment to judge what the pattern of that industry will be and what the level of employment will settle at. However, I am keeping this closely in mind and am in touch with my right hon. Friend whose province covers it more nearly than mine.

Yes, but if the right hon. and learned Gentleman has consulted his right hon. Friend, what does his right hon. Friend intend to do about it?

I think the answer to that is that my right hon. Friend, like myself, will want to take into account some things of which we are at the moment not fully aware. For instance, one is the situation in Australia, and perhaps we might hear something later in the day which we ought to take into account.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that skilled engineers in the motor industry in Coventry are finding it impossible to obtain alternative employment where their skill may be used to the best advantage, either in the motor industry or the defence programme; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

The demand for skilled engineers in Coventry greatly exceeds the supply and in general the only types of skilled engineering workers for whom suitable alternative employment in their own trade is not always immediately available locally are skilled sheet metal workers and coach body-workers. The employment exchange is continuing its efforts to place the workers affected in suitable employment.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman is, of course, quite right. Is he aware that in Coventry many men in the National Union of Vehicle Builders cannot obtain alternative skilled employment, and will his officials confer very carefully with the union?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that an adequate supply of labour in the brickmaking industry is essential to the housing programme, why his Department is encouraging brickworkers to go into the coal mines.

This is not the policy of my Department. I presume that the hon. Member is referring to an unfortunately worded advertisement, which has now been withdrawn.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the policy of load spreading in the north-east industry has resulted in a saving of man-hours over the present winter months; and how this compares with previous winter man-hours and production.

I am making inquiries to see whether this information is available and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to secure employment for the large number of severely disabled persons in Sunderland at present unemployed.

Remploy, Limited, hope to provide employment in their factory at Pallion during 1952 for a few more of the 117 severely disabled unemployed persons in Sunderland. My local officers are also making continuous efforts to obtain suitable work for all unemployed disabled persons, including the severely disabled, and are receiving valuable help from the Sunderland Disablement Advisory Committee in obtaining the co-operation of local employers.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman not agree that the only course to take, in view of the large number of severely disabled in Sunderland, is to proceed with the building of another Remploy factory?

No, Sir. I am not satisfied that the moment has come for that.

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers in Sunderland are working short time.

This precise information is not available, but at 11th February there were 168 persons registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Sunderland who were not at work on that day on account of short-time or other temporary stoppages.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed and the number on short-time in Hayes and Harlington, Middlesex, on the last convenient date.

One hundred and eighty-eight on 11th February, 1952, of whom three were not at work on that day on account of short-time or other temporary stoppages.

Is the Minister aware that last Friday the E.M.I. discharged 500 men and that next week they are to discharge over 200? Will he consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply with a view to re-opening the Royal Ordnance Factory in Hayes, which at present is on

I will look into those further facts and see what can be done about it. The date of 11th February is the last available date for which I have full information.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons of foreign nationality were admitted to this country to take up employment each year during the past five years; and what were the principal industries they entered.

The information available includes tables of figures, and, if I may, I will circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is there scope for further admission of foreign nationals, and in which industries in particular could they usefully be placed?

I will look into that. I am not aware of the answer at the moment.

asked the Minister of Labour the powers and functions of the Labour Supply Inspectorate.

Labour supply inspectors have power to enter and inspect undertakings and to require the persons carrying on the undertaking to produce books, accounts and records, and to furnish information, relating to the use of labour in the undertaking.

They are authorised at present to use this power only when the undertaking has asked for more labour to be supplied. Their function is to advise whether the additional labour needs to be supplied.

Have those powers been increased over and above what they were when the Labour Supply Inspectorate previously worked under the Control of Engagements Order?

No, Sir. They have not been increased.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons unemployed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at the latest available date; the number of adult men included in this total; and a list of classes of employment mainly affected.

The number of unemployed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at 11th February was 5,248, of whom 3,542 were men aged 18 and over. The industries with the largest numbers unemployed were: Shipbuilding and ship-repairing; building and contracting; non-electrical engineering; distribution; catering, hotels, etc.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that in view of the rather dangerous position with regard to shipbuilding and ship-repairing, he should take up the matter of steel allocations with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply?

The figures for 11th February which I have given are very nearly the same as those of a year ago, and the figures in shipbuilding are about 20 different. However, I will, of course, bear in mind what the hon. Member has mentioned.

Will the Minister also bear in mind that a large number of the 5,000-odd unemployed are disabled and that there is a crying need for further Remploy factories to be built in the area? Will he do everything possible to encourage the building of these Remploy factories to provide employment for these men?

I fully appreciate the importance of Remploy factories, but this is not the moment when I can encourage the belief that more can be built at once.

Would the Minister agree that, while it is true there has not been an increase in the numbers of unemployed during the last month, nevertheless, in view of the steel position, there is great anxiety in the area about the employment position in the shipbuilding industry?

I will bear that in mind. My comparison, however, was not with a month ago but with a year ago.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that an adequate service for catering employment is already provided by his employment exchanges, and in view of the unsatisfactory activities of fee-charging private employment agencies, if he will take powers to enable him to regulate their activities.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to control or abolish privately-owned employment agencies charging excessive fees.

The question of the regulation of private employment agencies is under consideration.

Will the Minister bear in mind that in some cases amounts of from £10 to £30 are being charged for obtaining work and that this is most undesirable? In view of the attitude of the International Labour Office, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman be good enough to consider their viewpoint regarding the closing of such agencies?

Yes, Sir. It is the desirability of bringing the matter into accord with Convention No. 96 of the International Labour Conference, 1949, that makes it necessary to consider at official level what ought to be done. We expect the report to be with Ministers shortly.

Is the Minister aware that a further reason for speedy action in this matter is the growing unemployment, which makes it necessary that this racket should be brought to an end as quickly as possible?

I do not want to assume the racket until I have seen the report.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that these private, independent employment agencies are very much preferred by many classes of workers, and will he see that their independence is preserved?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for exemption from the National Service Act, on grounds of conscience, received in Scotland, and the number rejected during the month of January.

Four applications to be registered as conscientious objectors were heard during January, of which one was rejected. In two of the cases accepted, the men were made liable to be called up for non-combatant duties.

Is the Minister aware that Mr. James Alexander Troup of Edinburgh, a qualified school teacher, who was accepted and registered as a conscientious objector, has been drafted to work for the Forestry Commission? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman of opinion that the employment of a school teacher in the Forestry Commission is of greater national importance than school teaching?

I will, of course, look carefully into any individual case which the hon. Member brings to my notice. I point out, however, that the decision in this case rests not with me but with the tribunal, in whose hands Parliament laid it.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will exempt apprentices engaged in the aircraft industry from National Service.

No, Sir but the possibility of allowing some measure of deferment in special cases is under examination.

How is the aircraft industry to produce what is expected of it if the men who are the most valuable are to be called up at the end of their training?

My anxiety is to meet that difficulty as far as I can without impinging upon the desirability of keeping the universality of the call-up.

While appreciating the importance of keeping the universality of the call-up, may I ask whether it is not much more important in present circumstances to get the highest possible aircraft production for defence purposes?

It is for that reason that we propose to look into this matter in special cases. The reason why we want to do so on a limited scale is to avoid encouraging similar claims for other types of employment.

Is the Minister aware that apprentices in the aircraft industry are in no way different from apprentices in other sections of engineering, and will he keep this in mind?

It is only when they make a special difference that they are considered in the way I have indicated. I am well aware that apprentices in other branches of industry might also claim similar exemptions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to provide means whereby a Scottish wife deserted by her husband can obtain in Scotland a maintenance order enforceable in British Dominions, Colonies and foreign countries.

As I explained to the hon. and learned Member in a recent letter, there are formidable difficulties in the way of making reciprocal arrangements between Scotland and countries of the Commonwealth overseas for the making and enforcement of maintenance orders. Even greater difficulties would have to be overcome before such arrangements could be made between Scotland and foreign countries. I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of early legislation on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that great suffering and injustice is being done by the absence of any such provision? Surely he will take some steps to try to obviate that suffering and injustice?

I certainly wish to do so, but there are grave difficulties. I have already answered a Question on this subject on 4th December, and I shall be very glad to discuss it with the hon. and learned Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to increase the number of certificated school teachers, and to retain science and mathematical teachers in the educational service of Scotland.

In order to increase the number of certificated teachers, I propose to continue the scheme of special recruitment started by my predecessor last August. It is having a satisfactory response. As regards the second part of the Question, I have no evidence that a greater proportion of the teachers of mathematics and science is leaving the educational service than of teachers of other subjects.

Is not the real solution, as I have said on many occasions, to give teachers an adequate salary with a proper relation to what they would get from private employers? After all, do not inducements apply to teachers as much as to the rest of us?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is of more advantage to the teaching profession to send teachers to do forestry work than to keep them in the schools?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what cuts are being made in the services at present provided by the Scottish Information Office.

The services provided by the Scottish Information Office are being reduced in accordance with the policy set out in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the Question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Renfrew, East (Major Guy Lloyd), on 29th January, 1952.

Can the Secretary of State be more explicit? What services for which he is responsible are to be cut as a result of this economy?

Yes, Sir. The Financial Secretary gave a detailed answer. As far as Scotland is concerned, it does involve discontinuance of films distribution by mobile vans and discontinuance of the Central Office of Information lecture service and a reduction of expenditure on exhibitions by approximately one-half.

In respect of the films service, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is very much appreciated by trade and industry and that the cost involved is not large? Would he reconsider his decision on this specific point?

It does not mean that there will be no films but that they will be given in the most economical places.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to amend Section 7 of the Harbour Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act, 1937, so as to increase the maximum, below which a Provisional Order is not required, from £5,000 to £15,000.

I cannot promise amending legislation; but I am examining the possibility of shortening and simplifying the procedure involved in obtaining an Order under the Act.

When the Secretary of State considers this matter, will he bear in mind that it is quite illogical to limit local authorities on a particular matter when they are allowed to spend large sums in other ways, and will he also bear in mind that, owing to the change in the value of money, there is much waste of time and expense in promoting orders for comparatively minor schemes of pier and harbour construction?

I agree that the change in the value of money certainly makes a difference, but legislation and the time for it is another matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the arrest of the motor fishing vessel, "Blenheim," in Thurso Harbour, at the instance of the Longhope lifeboat crew who are claiming property salvage on their own account, including expenses incurred by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution; and if he will, in the interests of food production and full employment, take steps to have this vessel released from arrest.

This matter is at present the subject of an action for declarator before the Court of Session and I have no authority to interfere. I understand that the arrestment could be withdrawn at any time by the defenders (who are not fishermen) giving a bond for £1,000, or consigning the money.

Will my right hon. Friend draw the attention of this fine old society and this very gallant crew to the fact that their action savours more of wrecking and piracy than of life saving? Will he take steps to ensure that it does not occur again?

I can only reply that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a voluntary organisation for which I have no responsibility. This may be an example of private enterprise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to state the results of his discussions with the Scottish local authority associations about the revision of housing subsidies.

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply of 28th February to the hon. Lady the Member for Aberdeen, South (Lady Tweedsmuir).

Is the Secretary of State aware that this is a very urgent matter and that it is not merely replies in Parliament we want but something actively done to solve the problem?

The result of the discussions with the local authorities was announced in reply to the noble Lady to which I have just referred. It is in HANSARD.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of getting an analysis of the figures because, in documents circulated, local authorities seem to be at variance with the suggestions made in his statement and it would be useful to hon. Members if these differences could be cleared up?

If the right hon. Gentleman is in need of further information, I will of course supply it, but if he will refer to the OFFICIAL REPORT of 28th February he will find the Exchequer contribution and the rates contribution under the new subsidy arrangements.

Have not the local authorities asked for further discussions on this matter?

Yes, I believe they have; that is the case.

If these local authorities have already expressed great dissatisfaction about the announcement made, that could not be as a result of agreement as announced in the right hon. Gentleman's original answer?

It is very difficult to give satisfaction in all quarters. I notice from criticisms that some people say it is too much and some say it is too little, but we will do our best to strike a balance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will inquire into a reply by his Department of Health last 9th January to a request made last 19th November by the Lanarkshire County Council for permission to build a limited number of houses with stone fronts at an extra cost of £91 each, but with a saving of 5 per cent. in the number of bricks required; and whether he will reconsider the discouraging reply which was sent.

The Department actually agreed to the County Council's proposal, but if my hon. Friend will let me know in what respect he thinks the reply should be reconsidered, I shall have the matter examined.

May I draw the attention of the Secretary of State to—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will instruct the Department of Health to prepare plans for the increased use of stone in housebuilding, particularly by means of standard-sized blocks cut at the quarry, and by designing housing types which use stone for load-bearing to permit the use of cheap materials for those parts of the building which are free from stress.

As a rule local authorities prefer to prepare their own plans, but I am passing my hon. Friend's suggestion as to standardisation to the Building Materials Committee of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) who are now considering how stone building in Scotland can be increased.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that encouragement given to the quarrying industry will attract labour and possibly result in a speedier development of that side of the housebuilding programme?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I would very much like to see more stone building carried out. It is a matter of cost, time, and so on, but I would like to encourage it in every way I can.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of post-war credits remaining unpaid; and how much has already been redeemed.

The total amount of post-war credit originally created was about £800 million. £202 million has been repaid to date or set off against arrears of tax under the arrangement announced on 29th October, 1946, leaving about £598 million still outstanding.

Can the Financial Secretary say whether his right hon. Friend would be prepared to make a further concession by way of repayment of postwar credits?

The hon. Gentleman must not expect me to anticipate, even by a few minutes, the Budget statement of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that full-rate charges are made in most Continental countries for fares and accommodation for children over 10 years of age; and if he will therefore make the currency allowance at the £25 limit available for travellers aged 10 and over.

I appreciate the point raised by my hon. Friend, but I am afraid that it is impossible to make any concession in the present circumstances.

Is my right hon Friend aware that the present limit for children is causing very great concern both to parents and to educationalists, who find themselves unable to take children or parties of children abroad at a time when it would do the most good? Will he look at the matter again?

I have gone into this question with very considerable care and in consultation with representatives of the organisations concerned. I fully realise the point made by my hon. Friend, that it is not usual to make reductions of charges to children to as high an age as 15.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Ministry of Education, and with active teachers who have found themselves gravely handicapped in arranging school parties for the holidays this year, before he reaches his final decision?

Yes, Sir. I have taken into account the point made by the right hon. Gentleman. I fully realise that the age of 15 is high for this distinction, but I also realise, as I think the House will in a very short time, the reasons which have been in our minds in considering no concession possible at this moment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Regulations are now in force as regards food parcels and other gifts sent personally from Eire to friends in this country.

Bona fide gifts from the Irish Republic which do not exceed 22 lb. in weight and which consist exclusively of foodstuffs, discarded apparel, medical supplies and soap are admitted free of import licence and Customs charges, with the exception that those containing canned fruits, dried fruits, chocolate and sugar confectionery are prohibited.

Can my right hon. Friend give any idea of the quantity of fruit and confectionery of this nature which are confiscated, and can he say what happens to them?

I should want notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider taking steps to prevent in future financial disequilibrium arising between the sterling area and the European Payments Union.

The measures which we and other sterling area countries are taking to right our balance of payments will, I hope, have this effect.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the loans the United Kingdom has received from Canada, since 1939, which have not yet been repaid; the amount of principle and interest which is repayable annually in respect of these loans; and also the amount the United Kingdom has received in free gifts from Canada since 1939.

As the answer is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain the circumstances in which the firm known as London Aeroplanes Limited were able to evade or avoid paying Income Tax and Excess Profits Tax to the sum of £98,374; and what period did this amount cover.

I cannot give information about the taxation affairs of particular taxpayers.

But does not my hon. Friend think it very unfair that decent law-abiding citizens should be threatened by the Inland Revenue Department if they are a few weeks overdue, whereas these people and men like Sydney Stanley get away to a fantastic extent?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it is a very well established principle not to give Parliamentary answers which disclose information about the individual affairs of individual taxpayers given to the Inland Revenue in confidence.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bear in mind the recommendations of the Assheton Report on Training in the Civil Service, Command Paper No. 6525, when considering cuts in central and departmental training schemes.

I have had the recommendations of the Assheton Report constantly in mind in considering retrenchment in training schemes.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it a prudent course at the present moment to cut the training services in the Civil Service by half at a time when his right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour is advising the general Advisory Council to strengthen and extend training services in industry?

I do not accept the implication of the supplementary question. The main fabric of the training system has been preserved.

Does the hon. Gentleman also consider that there are any advantages to be gained by making cuts in the Organisation and Methods Department of the Treasury?

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there is no system so perfect that will not repay scrutiny with a view to proper economy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many civil servants, both male and female, have been given notice to terminate their employment recently in Wales; what steps are being taken to recommend them for employment elsewhere; and whether the position may be reviewed where there is no alternative employment for such persons.

I regret that I do not possess the figures for which the hon. Member asks in the first part of his Question. Civil servants who are declared redundant are advised to register at a local office of the Ministry of Labour, where every assistance is given them to find other suitable employment.

The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.