asked the Minister of Labour if the proceedings of the committee of investigation set up under the Conciliation Act, 1896, to inquire into the causes and circumstances of the differences that existed between the Football Players' Union and the Football League have yet been completed; and when he expects to receive the report.

The report is now in my hands, and I am arranging to have it published.

When it is published, will the Minister give an undertaking that he will consider taking action on it as soon as possible, in view of the delay which has already taken place, and will he also give an undertaking to get all the parties together as soon as possible in order that their relationships can be placed upon a much better basis than they have been in the past?

May I say that the report was received by me only on the 14th of this month. I have not yet had an opportunity of fully considering it. When I do have to deal with it I, personally, shall be a little embarrassed, because when I was at the Bar I appeared for the Players' Union in the earlier proceeding.

Will the Minister remember this when he considers the report?

In trying to settle this dispute, will the Minister also take into account the fact that since the report was issued increased taxes have been imposed on football? Will he make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to have a look at the situation before these increases become law?

I wish that I thought I was likely to achieve much in that direction for cricket or football.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what was the transfer fee in his case?

I can only say that it has been a very unsatisfactory financial undertaking.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the growing number of unemployed in the employment exchange areas of Durham City, Spennymoor and Houghton-le-Spring; and what action he intends to take to remedy this position.

Yes, Sir. Much of the recent increase in unemployment here is due to the general decline in demand for clothing and hosiery. This is part of the North-Eastern Development Area, and we are continuing the policy of encouraging the provision of employment in such areas.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the number of unemployed in these areas has risen by leaps and bounds during the past seven months? Is he aware of the general impression in these areas that they are sliding back to days which are best forgotten? Will he give the House an assurance that he has no intention of allowing these areas to become distressed again and, if he will, what plans has he in mind to maintain full employment there?

I cannot give undertakings at this stage, but I can say this about the areas to which the Question relates: I have hopes that the labour force in Durham City, Spennymoor and Houghton-le-Spring will be required in the near future.

Do I take it from that reply that the Government have no plans for these areas at all?

Certainly not.

What are they?

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, as in 1931, the inevitable result of a period of Socialist misgovernment is that unemployment is certain to increase—[HON. MEMBERS: "Full employment."]—until the application of Conservative principles has time to restore confidence?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is growing unemployment in workshops for the blind caused by the fact that fishing bins formerly made of basketwork are now being made of aluminium; how many blind workers in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively, during the last 12 months, have sustained unemployment in this way; how many are now unemployed; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem.

No, Sir, but I will make inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.

While I thank the Minister for that, does he realise that it is very important not to waste any of the technical skill of these blind persons, not only on national grounds but also on humanitarian grounds?

Yes, Sir. The fact is that the next review of the employment position in workshops for the blind will take place at the end of this month, and I will arrange for special reference to be made to unemployment among workers on fishing baskets. I cannot anticipate the result.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the recent report by Aims of Industry Limited, a copy of which has been sent him, on the working of the National Dock Labour Board Scheme in Hull; and, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by the report to the Hull dock workers, whether he will initiate discussions with representatives of the trades unions and employers organisations concerned to restore the smooth working of the port.

Yes, Sir. I have seen a summary of this report as issued to the Press and would like to take this opportunity of dispelling any doubts that may have been occasioned as to the conditions at Hull. The port has been singularly free from industrial troubles in recent years, and both employers and workers are to be congratulated on the good relations which exist.

I thank the Minister for that reply, but may I ask him whether he can confirm that no responsible person from either side of the shipping industry in Hull was interviewed by Aims of Industry Limited, and that their report is not worth the paper it is written on?

I am afraid I do not know the answer to that question.

But the right hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware of the fact that, consequent upon this report, a so-called port efficiency committee has been established and that there is great resentment arising from the fact that this so-called port efficiency committee was established consequent upon a report which in many respects is not founded on fact at all.

I have no reason to suppose that the port efficiency committee has been appointed because of the report to which the Question relates.

asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received from the National Coal Board in regard to the introduction of foreign workers into our coal mines; and what action he has taken.

I have received no representations on the subject but, after discussions with the National Coal Board, further recruitment of Italian labour has for some time been suspended in order to absorb the large numbers in Italy already selected for coalmining employment, parties of whom are continuing to arrive weekly in this country.

If there are not sufficient numbers of our own people who are willing to work in the pits—and I do not blame them for that—surely the obvious solution is to import foreign labour which is willing to work in the pits?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I would do anything I could to encourage the incursion of more labour into the mines, but it is no good getting more men than can be absorbed.

Is the Minister aware that in Ayrshire many Scottish miners have no houses in which to live and that it would be very difficult to find any place in which the Italian workers could live?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the threat of unemployment in many parts of the country, he will reconsider the policy of encouraging further foreign workers to come to the United Kingdom, and so safeguard the employment of our own people.

I think the position is already safeguarded adequately by the present policy under which foreign workers are admitted for employment only when suitable workers are not available in this country.

Is the Minister aware that there is already fear of redundancy in many industries, and that there will be a great deal of resentment if our own people find themselves out of work while foreigners keep their jobs? Will he safeguard against that danger?

It is my belief that the position is safeguarded now. If an industry or a firm wants to recruit foreigners, then before the scheme is put into operation we satisfy ourselves that agreement has been reached between both sides of the industry concerned. One of the conditions is that which I mentioned in my answer.

How does the right hon. and learned Gentleman account for the rise in unemployment since this Government came in?

That, of course, is quite a different question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship caused to men and women attending employment exchanges owing to the present cost of bus fares; and if he will consult with the British Transport Commission, with a view to the authorisation of reduced fares for those registered as unemployed.

I do not think that satisfactory arrangements of this kind could be made.

Does the Minister consider it fair and reasonable that a man living at New Eltham, which is in my constituency, should have to pay 2s. 8d. a week to attend the Woolwich Labour Exchange to qualify for unemployment benefit and to stand a chance of getting a job?

The first thing I would say is that the suggestion for remedying the position is one which I am advised would be expensive to administer and would be open to abuse. I would also point out that, although an unemployed person has to attend a local office twice a week in order to get benefit, if he lives more than four miles away he need go only once a week, and if more than six miles away postal claims can be made. We are, therefore, trying to meet the situation.

Would not the Minister agree that instead of making concessions of the type suggested, the important thing is to increase the weekly rate of pay for unemployed workers?

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that this problem applies in the London area where, for some unaccountable reason, the fares have been increased long before those in other parts of the country?

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many men and women were registered as partly employed at the Hammersmith employment exchange in February, 1951, and on the last convenient date, respectively:

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the total number unemployed in Carlisle at the latest available date, and a list of trades mainly affected;

As the reply contains a table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Minister answer the last portion of Question No. 16 and say on which day the statistics are compiled?

The number unemployed are counted on a Monday in the middle of each month.

That is not a full answer. The Question I am asking relates to people on short time. Do I take it from the right hon. and learned Gentleman's answer that they, too, are recorded on the Monday in each week?

I hope I made it plain—not the Monday in each week, but a Monday in the middle of each month.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulties caused to the staff of his Department in Oldham by the sudden increase in the number of men and women in the textile industry wholly unemployed or upon short time; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this position.

Yes, Sir. Steps have already been taken to reinforce the staff of the Oldham Employment Exchange.

Yes, but is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that also the number of unemployed has been greatly reinforced; that 15 temporary workers were sent off a fortnight ago; that the air conditioning is bad; that 46 steps have to be climbed by each person to change his cards; that today there are 10,000 people in Oldham wholly or partly unemployed? Will he tell the House how soon he can make a statement of policy on this matter?

I am not aware that the precise number is as high as the hon. Gentleman mentions. So far as the increase of my staff is concerned, I added 24 people to cope with this work. So far as the premises are concerned, I have been asking the Ministry of Works to give me some better accommodation.

Is this the Government's policy for dealing with unemployment—to increase the staffs of the labour exchanges?

No, Sir, the policy of the Government, when they are asked what they are doing to deal with the position and the difficulties of the staff at Oldham, is to state what that policy is.

Has not the increase in the number of unemployed in Oldham been considerably aggravated by the advice not to buy textiles given by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton)?

asked the Minister of Labour, in terms of percentage, what cut has been imposed on the National Institute of Houseworkers.

Approximately 66 per cent.

Has any such severe cut been imposed on any other Government establishment?

I am afraid that severe cuts have been imposed in other places. I am afraid I have not all in mind now.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend name the other establishments in HANSARD?

Would not the Minister agree that the National Institute of Houseworkers has done a great deal towards raising the status of domestic labour in this country? Would he not agree that these cuts are most regrettable?

I can agree with this, that it is always regrettable, in a time when economies are forced upon us, to have to cut down on those who have done good work. We have, however, managed to save something here, from which I hope, when times get better, the Institute will rise again.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say why the cut has been imposed on this particular section of Government-controlled establishments?

The cut was imposed here because, when we looked among all the places where we could, but without wishing to, make cuts, we found that this was one where a cut could be made without damaging either the export trade or the defence programme, or anything of that kind.

asked the Minister of Labour how far the committee to be appointed to consider the retention of the elderly in employment, by its terms of reference, covers women as well as men.

The terms of reference specifically relate to men and women equally.

Is it not really a pity to have cut down an establishment which may be able to train women until the committee has published its findings?

Answer.

I am afraid I was not following what my hon. Friend was referring to.

Shame!

asked the Minister of Labour the number of training places which exist under his control for men and for women, shown separately; and what reduction, expressed as a percentage, in administrative costs, has been imposed on these establishments.

The number of training places at present available at Government training centres is 3,623. It is impossible to allocate them as between men and women as some courses are open to either sex. Despite the needs of the re-armament programme and the necessity for providing facilities for training the disabled, a reduction of 13 per cent. has been made in the costs to meet current economic circumstances.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend reconsider what appears to be a savage discrimination against places for the training of women as well as of men?

I did draw attention to the fact, in relation to this cut, that it was in spite of the needs of re-armament, and so forth, that we have had to have the cut on this training scheme

asked the Minister of Labour how many building workers are now unemployed in the London area; and what steps he is taking to provide work for them.

Eight thousand five hundred and nineteen in Greater London on 11th February. This total includes over 4,000 painters and about 2,500 labourers. Employment exchanges are making every effort to find suitable employment for these men. Painting and decorating work is being licensed without restriction by the Ministry of Works and by local authorities. The general ban on new building work during the period December, 1951, to February, 1952, was lifted in the London area.

Is it not lamentable that so many thousands of building workers should be unemployed at a time when thousands of houses are so urgently needed? Is the Minister aware that it is getting quite like the old days of Tory rule?

I have every hope that most of these people will be back at normal work within the next few weeks. The figure in February, 1951, though considerably less than it is at present, was nearly 6,000.

Is the Minister aware that the building trade workers feel that he could give greater service to this country and to the people of this country if he would advise the Prime Minister to tender the Government's resignation?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to ensure that the new factory in the Nantlle Valley in the county of Caernarvon, due to be opened next month, will give employment to local unemployed persons.

My local office at Penygroes is in close touch with the employer. Local persons will have the first opportunity of employment apart, possibly, from a few key men who may be necessary to get the factory working.

In that case, will the Minister kindly explain why a number of unemployed persons in this stricken valley have been disallowed their unemployment benefit because they would not move away from their homes to take up work in Bristol and London?

I am afraid that I cannot deal without notice with a point about individual cases where unemployment benefit has been refused. I suppose that they are cases where what was thought to be suitable employment had been declined.

Will the Minister look into the point that this new factory is designed to meet the needs of the local unemployment and was set up with finances provided by the Development Corporation, and will he kindly see that no further compulsory migration from this stricken valley is enforced by his Department?

I have already said that our hope is that local persons will get the first opportunity of this new employment, which is expected in April.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of factories in Wales which have not been visited by one of Her Majesty's inspectors of factories during the past five years.

On 1st January last out of 9,837 factories in Wales on the Department's registers 24 had not been visited since the end of 1946.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women registering as unemployed at the Willesden employment exchange at the latest practicable date; and if he has any knowledge of the number employed for part-time owing to lack of material.

Five hundred and thirty-two males and 177 females at 11th February. I regret that statistics of the numbers on short-time owing to lack of materials are not available, but the total numbers registered as temporarily stopped included in the foregoing figures were nine males and nine females.

Is the Minister aware that taking the figures on a Monday of those temporarily stopped ignores the fact that most of the short-time working occurs at the week-ends? Will he bring that fact to bear on the general consideration of the whole of this matter of temporarily stopped workers?

I will go into the question of whether taking a Monday is satisfactory for the purpose which the hon. Member has in mind.

Is there any significance in the fact that the question asks about men and women and the right hon. Gentleman's reply refers to males and females?

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now issue an up-to-date schedule of occupations which would be reserved in the event of a national emergency.

I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to publish a schedule of reserved occupations now, when we do not know when, if ever, it is likely to be required, or what the circumstances of the time might be. Preparatory work on a tentative schedule is in hand, but it cannot at this stage be put into its final form to fit unknown conditions at some unknown date in the future.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether he will be calling up for National Service people whom he is quite certain would not be called up in the event of any national emergency?

I find it very difficult to tell my hon. Friend who would or would not be called up until I know the exact nature of the emergency. I cannot, therefore, answer that.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will exempt from National Service all persons who work on the land.

No, Sir.

Will not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the vital necessity of growing as much food as we can is being endangered by shortage of labour, especially in the Southern counties? As presumably agricultural labourers will be exempt in the event of an emergency, could he not do something to prevent their call-up now?

What I am asked in the Question is whether I will exempt all persons who work on the land. I could not exempt them if I wanted to, but it would not be right to defer them automatically in that manner. There are any number of other employments for which special cases can be made out. At present we are getting from the land no more than about 10,000 in the year out of a force which, taking farmers into account, amounts to something like 900,000. I do not feel I could do more at the moment.

asked the Minister of Labour what categories of farm workers are eligible for consideration for deferment of call-up from National Service; and if he will now extend the definition so as to ensure that all farm workers who are liable for National Service have the right to apply for deferment.

Men employed on farms with not more than two regular whole-time male workers of 17 or over, in addition to a working principal or manager, and men on other farms employed substantially whole-time as fully experienced cowmen or shepherds. This definition is reviewed from time to time, but I could not, as at present advised, hold out any expectation that I could go as far as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the dividing line between those who are eligible for consideration for deferment and those who are not appears to have no rhyme or reason about it at all, and that, unless he can amend the regulations, there is bound to be quite a lot of dislocation of agricultural production?

It is quite true to say that it is very difficult to draw a precise line logically, but it was hoped that the line that has been drawn would mean that the position would be safeguarded in cases where a young man's loss would be particularly felt because he was one of three or four men working on a holding full-time and regularly and could not easily be replaced. So the line was drawn where it is.

Would my right hon. and learned Friend consider the total deferment of agricultural workers for the next two months so that the spring work can all be done?

I think that there are difficulties about that, but I am prepared to consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. I cannot go further than that now.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend assure the House that the persons who are asked to serve on the deferment boards are indeed men and women who have a reasonable working knowledge of the agricultural industry and are not people who have never been in touch with it before?

I think that that does raise a quite different question. It is one which we constantly have in mind. I think I can say that in general, both in the past and now, steps have been taken to ensure that agricultural interests are represented adequately.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost of the regional hospital boards in Scotland during the last full year.

The administration expenditure of regional hospital boards in Scotland for the year 1950–51 was £258,616.

In view of that large sum purely for administration, will my right hon. Friend consider abolishing regional hospital boards and setting up one central planning board for Scotland?

I have not considered that, and I very much doubt whether that would be the desire of the regions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this administration the work of the hospital boards is done voluntarily, and that this is one of the greatest services rendered in a public spirit in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. I think they do very good service.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage that sum represents of the total hospital costs in Scotland?

If the hon. Gentleman cares to obtain a copy of White Paper No. 52 in the Vote Office, he will find on pages 7 and 11 the figures for which he is asking. The total is £29,539,682.

What is the percentage?

I will have to get a slide-rule.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will instruct the White Fish Authority to publish the details of their flat rate scheme for the transportation of fish as soon as they have been worked out.

The Authority tell me that they are anxious to publish their draft scheme as soon as it is ready.

Is the Minister aware that the present uncertainty is very prejudicial not only to the industry but also to consumers all over the country, and will he do something to expedite the publication of this scheme?

The White Fish Authority have not been in existence for very long, and I do not think that they have been very slow.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when the scheme may be put into operation, and will he urge on the Herring Board that they should draw up a similar scheme?

The Herring Board are considering their problems, but that is a different question. I have not yet seen the proposals of the White Fish Authority.

Can my right hon. Friend give an indication when he expects the scheme to be put forward''

I do not know the exact date, but I think that it ought to be in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that his authority to safeguard Scottish food production will not be prejudiced by the transfer of opencast coal from the Ministry of Fuel and Power to the National Coal Board.

Yes, Sir. The Ministerial responsibility for deciding whether particular areas should be worked for opencast coal and, if so, how food production and other interests are to be safeguarded will continue as hitherto.

May I take it that my right hon. Friend will still have powers to prevent the best agricultural and market gardening land in Scotland from being used for purposes other than the producing of vital food?

Certainly, my desire is to safeguard all our best agricultural land.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will report on the Scottish scheme for tuberculosis patients to go to Switzerland; and whether this will be continued, extended or abandoned

I am glad to say that the scheme is going well. There are now 167 patients in Switzerland and others will be sent as and when these patients complete their treatment. The first main party came home last week and have already been replaced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the scheme will not be cut down in any way but will be extended?

The scheme is being continued, and by the early summer we hope to have a full complement of 180.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the additional accommodation necessary for the increased school population will be available in 1953.

The necessary additional accommodation is being provided by education authorities under their current programmes for which I am giving first priority. If any education authority, to meet any emergency, proposes to put up more buildings not requiring steel I should be able to approve.

Is the Secretary of State aware that many parents and teachers are becoming increasingly anxious because of the present standstill order and the cessation of building and sincerely believe that the intake next year cannot be accommodated and that infants' classes will be starting at a higher age group than they would if the age of five were recognised?

I think I can assure the hon. Member that for the 1953 intake there will be no reduction in the number of school places, because the authorities have plenty of work in hand at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to restore the Highland beef-cattle industry in Scotland.

Considerable development of cattle rearing in the Highlands is already taking place, and the Hill Lands (North of Scotland) Commission is seeking ways and means of expediting further development. The Hill Farming Act, as extended by the Livestock Rearing Act, provides 50 per cent. Government grant for approved schemes of rehabilitation and development on land suitable for the rearing of cattle and sheep. The Government, in formulating their long-term policy for agriculture, will pay particular attention to the possibilities of expanding beef production in the Highland areas.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that not so many years ago Scotland was producing most of the beef consumed in England until the cheaper Argentine supplies came along? In view of the great difficulties we are experiencing in obtaining meat, not only from the Argentine but also from other countries, will he continue to do his utmost to restore the once thriving Scottish beef industry?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his proposals in regard to measures for preventing the flooding of the Nith and Garnock Valleys.

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Manuel) on 4th December last, legislation will be required to provide adequate powers for promoting comprehensive schemes of drainage and flood control. The financial and other questions involved present considerable difficulties but it is my intention to have discussions with the interests concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the discussions have been going on for a considerable period? Is he just going to let these valleys be flooded and leave people's property to be destroyed by water?

It is a very complicated matter and a good deal of financial assistance is involved. I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman. I should like to see progress made.

Has my right hon. Friend received a protest from the Ayr County Council which I sent him, and will he, as promised, give careful consideration to the arguments advanced, especially those in the last paragraph of the letter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I also sent him that document? Will he agree to take at least the first step of promoting schemes for the Nith and Garnock Valleys which could come into operation once the necessary money was available?

I am afraid that it also requires legislation. I have not yet got the powers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has to report towards a comprehensive drainage scheme for the improvement of agricultural land in Scotland.

The financial and other arrangements required for carrying out land drainage work in Scotland present very considerable difficulties and will involve legislation. I hope to be able to have discussions shortly with the local authorities and other interests concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in view of the food shortage at home and the urgent need for us to obtain all the home produced food we can, foreigners travelling up to Inverness by train are at a loss to understand why we are not making better use of the thousands of acres of the Spey Valley?

Yes, Sir. I have that in mind. I know the area to which my noble Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make a statement about the reconditioning of rural workers' houses; and if he can give an assurance that grant is now available in every case of a genuine farm worker's house.

I am considering the possibility of legislation on this matter, but I regret that it is too early to make a statement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the delay is preventing a lot of much-needed reconditioning from being started, and will he consider making a statement that in any future legislation any grant will be made retrospective to, say, one year's date from now?

I cannot say anything about retrospective legislation, which is apt to be dangerous in some cases, but I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I am as anxious as he is to see this got on with.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that under existing Housing Acts there is a 50 per cent. grant available for these houses, provided they are not tied?

I am aware of that

Is my right hon. Friend aware that an untied house in the agricultural industry is absurd?

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that it is intended to invest further public money in these houses so as to enhance their value, and not to give tenancy rights to the rural workers concerned, and also to leave these houses in the hands of private property owners?

The intention of the Government is to try to improve the condition of houses for workers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman address himself to the very important principle embodied in my supplementary question?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that houses urgently required by those living in sub-lets and lodgings are known to remain vacant for six months and more, awaiting the highest bidder for purchase; and if he will now allow local authorities to requisition such houses, or state what other action he proposes, to deal with this matter.

Requisitioning for housing purposes has been in abeyance for nearly three years and I am not prepared to authorise its resumption. As an alternative local authorities have powers to acquire existing houses, and it is for them to judge whether in any particular case they would be justified in doing so.

In view of the fact that there are many young couples with young children being thrown out of lodgings, will the right hon. Gentleman try to persuade the local authorities to use their powers to acquire some of these houses for couples who are in urgent need of accommodation?

If the hon. Lady is referring to Coatbridge in particular, I may say that the Department of Health wrote to the Town Clerk on 6th March on this subject, explaining the procedure, and if the hon. Lady would care for a copy of that letter I should be very glad to let her have it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a problem not only in Coatbridge but also over the whole of the West of Scotland, and also in many other parts of Scotland? In view of the difficulties which are arising, will the Government reconsider their decision not to support the Bill which is being promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Dunbartonshire, West (Mr. Steele), to prevent this abuse?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it plain whether a local authority can take over a house other than for modernisation?

Under Section 61 of the Housing (Scotland) Act. 1950, all local authorities have power to acquire houses—

For modernisation.

and Exchequer assistance is available under Section 105. These powers could be used as an alternative Lo requisitioning.

Is it not the case that there is no Exchequer assistance unless the house is being modernised?

I should like to look into that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far contractors and sub-contractors employed on Scottish Special Housing Association schemes are subject to the terms of the fair wages clause and the National Arbitration Tribunal Award No. 1442 of 10th May, 1950.

The fair wages clause is included in the conditions of contract operated by the Association and should therefore be included in all sub-contracts. The terms of the award of 10th May, 1950, are observed by the Association and, as far as they are aware, by all contractors and sub-contractors employed on work commissioned by them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some schemes operated by the Association certain contractors and sub-contractors are not observing the award mentioned in the Question? If I send him certain cases, will he see that the holiday with pay agreement is observed as it was laid down in the award?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that house-factors in the Coatbridge division have been uplifting portions of rent legally withheld by tenants in possession of a repairs certificate, issued under the Rent Restriction Acts; that such demands are made after the cancellation of the certificate by the appropriate authority; and if he will consider the necessary amendment to the Rent Restriction Acts in order to stop this practice when the next general review of the Acts is undertaken.

I am not aware of this practice, which would have no statutory authority. If the hon. Lady will let me have details of any particular cases which have come to her notice, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

In thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, might I inform him that I have a very big list of such cases in Coatbridge which I will send him?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet received the recommendations of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry with regard to the D.S.I.R. report on the survey of the Scottish stone building industry; and if he will undertake that copies of these reports will be made available in the Library.

I understand that the report of the survey of the Scottish stone building industry has been sent to the Scottish Council for consideration. My noble friend the Lord President of the Council will consider the publication of the report as soon as the Scottish Council's comments are received.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the survey was completed in 1950 and that I was informed in reply to a Question in April last year that the report had been published? Why then should an ad hoc body be allowed to hold up the publication of a Government report?

I do not think they are holding it up. In the first place, it is a long report. It had to be duplicated or triplicated or multiplicated, or whatever one calls it, and it consists of some 200 pages; but we are not trying to hold it up.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now permit new council houses to be erected in rural Caithness where water supplies will not be available for some years.

The county council were given this permission in 1946 on the understanding that suitable temporary water supplies would be introduced pending completion of the county council's comprehensive water supply scheme.

As the County Council has done nothing at all to comply with that order, will my right hon. Friend ascertain why his Department has taken no action, because a very large number of people are living in thoroughly unsatisfactory conditions?

As my hon. Friend must know, this is a responsibility of the local authority.

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the electors of Caithness to elect something other than a Tory local authority?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Scottish local authorities regarding his recent proposals for housing subsidy changes.

I am seeing the three associations of Scottish local authorities on 21st March to discuss a memorandum which they have recently submitted to me on this subject.

Does the Secretary of State realise how completely unrealistic his proposals are and that they just do not meet the housing situation in Scotland?

I would not go as far as that. In England I believe the proposals have been accepted, but I will have these discussions and then I will know about the difficulties.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the statement of the local authorities that instead of the burden being shared three parts by the Government and one part by the local authority according to the promise of Her Majesty's Government, it is now being shared in a ratio of 1.2 to 1?

Oh, no.

Oh, yes.

It would be better if I had this meeting on the 21st and listened to the different views.