asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that the traditional Scottish system of hospital administration, under which the chief executive officer in a hospital is a medically-qualified person, will continue under the National Health Service; and whether he is satisfied that the terms and conditions of service presently applicable to medical superintendents are such as to ensure that a sufficient number of doctors of suitable quality and qualifications will apply for these appointments in the future.

There is no suggestion of altering the present Scottish practice, which is to employ medical superintendents for appropriate administrative duties in hospitals, rather than entrust such work to non-medical officers with the assistance of medical staff committees. Negotiations about the remuneration of these medical superintendents are in progress through the Whitley Council machinery.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any statement to make on the recent negotiations with the fishermen's associations on the new prices of herring for oil and meal.

I met representatives of the fishermen on 14th March and I am now considering further information submitted by the Herring Industry Board as a result of that meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the proposed transfer of a 300-bedroomed hotel in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, to a suite of offices for a commercial concern; whether he is aware of the serious deterrent this may prove to a developing tourist trade on Clydeside; and if he will take steps to ensure that adequate consideration is given to all the circumstances before final approval is stamped to this proposed change of user.

I understand that the change of use of these premises has been formally approved by the corporation as planning authority and that the hotel has now been closed. My right hon. Friend cannot, therefore, now intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the annual amount contributed by the Government to the cost of housing in Scotland for each year from, and including, 1945.

Following are the net sums expended annually by the Exchequer in grants and other payments for the provision and improvement of housing accommodation in Scotland during this period:

Financial Year	Amount
	£
1944–45	3,484,720
1945–46	3,521,753
1946–47	4,982,800
1947–48	6,177,027
1948–49	9,633,328
1949–50	10,652,840
1950–51	10,209,577
1951–52 (estimate)	10,683,600

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many patients have had treatment in the Industrial Chest Unit at Bangour Hospital, West Lothian; and from which areas these patients have been drawn;(2) if he will encourage each regional hospital board, whose area covers a coalfield, to set up an Industrial Chest Unit, similar to that at Bangour Hospital.

Since April, 1951, when the unit was opened, 82 patients have been treated in the ten beds available. Out-patients have been dealt with over a longer period, and in all, 750 new outpatients have been seen. The bulk of the patients have come from the Lothians, particularly West Lothian, with small numbers from Stirlingshire, Fife and Lanarkshire. This special unit is an experimental one and sufficient experience has not yet been gained to enable decisions to be taken on questions of future development in this field. Meanwhile the general medical and chest units in the other areas provide facilities, as required, for the diagnosis and treatment of industrial chest conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes taking to offset the increased cost of local authority development resulting from the increase in the Bank rate.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 17th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many crematoria are maintained in Scotland; and how many of them, respectively, by borough councils, county councils, other local authorities and other companies or persons, not being local authorities.

There are six crematoria in Scotland, five being maintained by private companies and the sixth by a town council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the developing unemployment and short-time working in the Scottish lace industry; and what steps he proposes taking to improve the position.

Yes. I am aware that the lace industry is affected by the recent general decline in demand for textiles, and that as a result there is some unemployment and short-time working in the Scottish lace industry. We are watching the position closely in consultation with the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Minister of Works if, in view of the unemployment position in the building industry in Scotland, he will now relax the general ban on new building work imposed on 7th schools, hospitals and industrial estates. November last so far as these relate to

The temporary ban on the starting of new building work ended on 29th February, 1952. Unemployment, due to seasonal causes, is falling rapidly.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women were registered as unemployed in Glasgow Employment Exchanges in March, 1951, and on the last convenient date, respectively.

13,609 males and 3,856 females at 12th March, 1951, and 15,174 males and 7,232 females at 11th February, 1952.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, for the years 1949–50 and 1950–51, the total amount paid in food subsidies; the total amounts which would have been so payable to keep the prices of subsidised foods stable; and the increase in the index of retail food prices during the ensuing 12 months in both cases.

The total amounts paid in subsidies for 1949–50 and 1950–51 were £424.8 million and £400.3 million respectively. To keep the prices of subsidised foods stable in 1949–50—at the levels prevailing at the beginning of the year would have cost a further £145 million, that is some £570 million in all. The comparable figures for 1950–51 would have been £59 million and £459 million respectively.The increases in the Interim Index of Retail Prices (Food Index) were about 14 and 9 points respectively in each year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an estimate of the figure to which the food subsidies would have to rise in order to maintain the cost-of-living figure obtaining in April, 1951.

It would be misleading to attempt to estimate such a figure because the Interim Index of Retail Prices takes account of many items in addition to subsidised food.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the proposed changes in taxation and marketing arrangements, following the proposals affecting textiles, made by the Douglas Committee, will be extended to carpets and rugs; what minimum standards and specifications will be prescribed; whether his Department will consult the joint consultative organisation for the carpet industry in that regard; to what extent the lower priced range of carpets will now be sold free of Purchase Tax; and whether he will make a statement.

There were no utility schemes for floor coverings and they are not therefore covered by the new Purchase Tax arrangements provided for in the Budget Resolutions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he distinguishes, for the purpose of Purchase Tax, between a fur-trimmed coat and a coat with detachable fur attached.

I am aware of the possible abuse of this tax relief in favour of fur-trimmed garments and am in consultation with the trade organisations concerned as to the best means of preventing it. I shall certainly take remedial action if this proves to be necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the outsize woman is being penalised under the D Scheme by having to pay more tax because of the larger size of her clothes; and if he will re-introduce the 7½ per cent., 15 per cent. and 22½ per cent. ceiling as in the utility scheme, so that 42-inch hip will be £2 3s., 44 and 46-inch, £2 6s. and 48-inch and upwards, £2 9s., respectively, before tax becomes payable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the concern arising from the D Scheme which allows for the purchase of men's short pants for the thin athletic figure without Purchase Tax, but is not possible for the outsize man or the elderly who wear long pants; and, in view of the fact that this scheme taxes citizens because of their age or physical dimensions, if he will reconsider it.

I fear that the suggestion that there should be separate D allowances for outsize garments and those of especial dimensions would unduly expand the scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Customs and Excise officials are insisting on the payment of the new rate of taxation on all bespoke tailoring orders taken prior to his Budget statement and collected after the operative date of 17th March; and if he will waive tax in these cases.

No. Under the law, tax is payable at the rate in force at the time of delivery and I fear I could not sanction any departure from this rule.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to simplify operation of the D scheme, he will permit traders to show tax inclusive prices on their invoices.

I apprehend that the introduction of the D scheme has increased somewhat the work of calculating the tax, but I am afraid that the requirements of Revenue control and the legitimate interests of the retailers prevent me from acceding to my hon. Friend's request.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what terms it is proposed to lend to the local authorities the £360 million which is being raised out of taxation for this purpose.

I assume what my hon. Friend has in mind is the provision of money from the Consolidated Fund for the purpose of enabling the Public Works Loan Board to lend money to local authorities. The rates of interest at present being charged on such loans are as follows:

Loans for not more than five years—2¾ per cent.

Loans for more than five years but not more than 15 years—3¾ per cent.

Loans for more than 15 years—4¼ per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the present rates of interest charged to local authorities by the Public Works Loan Board contain an element of concealed subsidy.

As I stated on 7th November last, our policy is to avoid a concealed subsidy. The rates charged by the P.W.L.B. are adjusted from time to time with this and other considerations in mind. For the reasons which I explained on 17th March, I see no occasion to make any change at present in the rates currently charged.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why war disabled pensioners over 65 years of age are debarred from the privilege of receiving Tobacco Duty relief tokens; and if he will remedy this anomaly.

I am afraid that any extension of this concession is precluded by the practical difficulties which have in the past been explained to the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to ensure that the proposed increases in family allowances are coincidental with the increased cost of living due to the removal of food subsidies.

For legislative and other reasons it is necessary to bring the increases of pensions and allowances into force at varying dates. This will be done as quickly as possible in each case. It is not possible to synchronise these increases with all the increases of food prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of running passenger-carrying vehicles attached to Government Departments in Wales; and the relative cost of running official cars operated by the Ministry of Supply at Cardiff.

I cannot accurately assess the answer to the first part of the Question. The cost of running the official cars operated by the official car service of the Ministry of Supply in Cardiff for the year ended 29th February, 1952, was approximately £15,300.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the anomaly whereby members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces pay British Income Tax whilst serving abroad, while civilians do not; and if he will relieve Service members from this burden.

Remuneration paid out of public funds is in general liable to Income Tax wherever the recipient is resident, and I am afraid I could not see my way to give special treatment to members of the Forces.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future policy of the Government regarding the eventual repayment of postwar credits.

I gave full and sympathetic consideration to the question whether any further repayment of postwar credits could be made when I drew up my Budget proposals, but as the hon. Member will have seen, I have not been able to propose any extension of the present field of repayment this year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what manufactures using flour were included in his calculation of increased food prices arising from the Budget.

All manufactures using subsidised flour were included in my calculation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the purchasing value of the £ as compared with 1st November, 1951.

Figures for the dates mentioned are not available, but taking the figure for October, 1951, as 20s., the corresponding figure for February, 1952, was 19s. 5d.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentages by which the value of the £ sterling had fallen, in terms of consumer goods and services, by January, 1944, 1947, 1949 and 1952, by comparison with its value in January, 1938.

Figures for the dates given are not available, but taking the average for 1938 as 100, the average for 1944 was 67, for 1947 59, for 1949 53, and for 1951 48. These figures are based on the price index for all consumer goods and services. From the average of 1951 to January, 1952, there was a further fall to 45; this figure is based on the Interim Index of Retail Prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of married couples with one child whose income does not exceed £350 a year.

On the present level of incomes the number of married couples with one child in the income range £135–£350 is about 800,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with his directive to the banks for the restriction of credits and overdrafts to the public, he will make special exception for the benefit of horticulturists and farmers to enable them to maintain and increase their production, since for lack of such facilities there is a danger of reduced production of food in this country.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wembley, North (Wing Commander Bullus) on 10th March, 1952.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that valuers acting for the Board of Inland Revenue seek to increase rating valuations for property where independent electricity generators are installed, even if such generators are for emergency standby use only in event of breakdown of mains electricity supplies; that such increased valuations are not consonant with the policy of Her Majesty's Government in stimulating and encouraging independent electricity generation; and whether he will instruct the Board of Inland Revenue to cease the practice of increasing rating valuation on account of independent electricity equipment installed.

Where the annual value of premises is enhanced by the presence of an independent electricity generator (which is part of the rateable plant) an Inland Revenue valuer is not entitled in law to disregard such additional value in making a valuation of the premises for rating purposes. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to issue the instruction suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the estimated capital formation expenditure in 1952 for the nationalised coal, gas, electricity, transport and steel industries; what measure of control is to be exercised over capital investment in such industries; and to what extent capital investment curtailment similar to that in the private sector of industry will apply to them.

In view of the uncertainties of the economic situation I do not propose to publish a detailed estimate of capital formation expenditure by individual industries in 1952. The Government have laid down ceilings for investment by the nationalised industries. In doing so they have had regard to the basic character of these industries. It is quite possible that shortages of materials will prevent the totals from being fully attained. All substantial expenditure by nationalised industries on new buildings or works is licensed or authorised under Defence Regulation 56A.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the quota of fruit pulp imports for this year.

The quota for imports of fruit pulp from Western Europe and certain other non-sterling sources is £480,000 from 8th November, 1951, to 30th June this year. Import licences have been issued so far to a total value of approximately £530,000. The addition is to permit the performance of certain contracts entered into before the November import restrictions were imposed. The quota for the rest of the year will be announced as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to increase exports to the non-sterling area.

We need a large increase in exports to the non-sterling area, particularly North America, whilst continuing to meet the needs of sterling countries. Her Majesty's Government are doing everything they can, by negotiation with foreign Governments, to keep markets open for the whole range of our exports.The recent recession of demand for many consumer goods, notably textiles, has made it the more necessary to increase production for export in the engineering industries whose products are generally in keen demand abroad. My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained to the House, during the debate on the Budget proposals, the measures now being taken to reduce home demand on the engineering industries in order to increase exports. Steel supplies are being allocated on the understanding that a large proportion of output will be exported by the industries concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now heard from the National Farmers' Union with regard to the importation of asparagus; and whether he is prepared to consider a reduction of asparagus imports during the main season to 20 tons, with a similar restriction on imports before the operative date in April.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the letter of 21st March addressed by the National Farmers' Union to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to alter the arrangements already announced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the detailed results of the Census of Distribution.

A volume giving detailed results for the retail trade is expected to be ready before the end of this year. Volumes dealing with results for the service and repair trades and for the wholesale trade will follow soon afterwards.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure the representation of consumers on the technical committees of the British Standards Institution which will be concerned with the formulation of standards for textiles.

The British Standards Institution is an independent body governed by Royal Charter. Its constitution requires it to give full representation to user as well as to producer interests. In recent discussions with the Institution on the formulation of standards for textiles, my right hon. Friend has emphasised the need for the most effective representation of the domestic user and has been assured that this will be arranged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make arrangements so that decorated pottery is made available to all areas and is fairly distributed.

Supplies of decorated pottery to the home market are restricted almost entirely to export rejects. The manufacturers try to distribute these supplies as evenly and fairly as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what action he is taking to find alternative markets in cases where Governments, or organisations, have reduced their importations of pottery;

The difficulties which the recent import restrictions overseas have caused for our pottery industry are at present being discussed with the British Pottery Manufacturers' Federation. As the hon. Member is aware, to find alternative markets is not easy, but I am confident that the industry will make every effort to do so and manufacturers can count upon the assistance of the Board of Trade and of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the last date on which the organisation, finances and staffing of the light factory programme of his Department, including the agency called Wales and Monmouthshire Industrial Estates Limited, was reexamined with a view to greater efficiency.

These matters are continuously reviewed and my right hon. Friend intends himself, during the next few months, to make a careful reexamination in order to determine what changes, if any, are desirable generally.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that officers of the London Cadet Force have not yet received pay and allowances in respect of Easter and week-end camps in 1951; that some officers are still awaiting their outfit allowance for 1951; and if he will take steps to expedite these payments.

A final cheque to cover the claims for pay and marriage allowance for these week-end camps was sent to the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association of the County of London on 7th March and the money was, I understand, disbursed to units immediately. I regret the delay. This occurred both in the submission of the claims and, later, in their settlement because of some doubt of the admissibility under the regulations of part of them. I know of no outstanding claims for outfit allowance, but if the hon. Member will give me details I shall certainly look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the number of the Z Reserve who cannot map out their future industrial lives because they feel that nothing is definitely known concerning either their position when living abroad, or the fixing of a set period of reserve, following the date of discharge; and if he will make public the full facts.

No Z reservist over the age of 45 is being recalled for training this year. I cannot, however, undertake to fix a similar age limit for liability to recall in an emergency, since a small number of Z reservists over the age of 45 might then be needed. If a Z reservist takes up permanent residence abroad and asks to be discharged, it is the normal practice to accede to his request.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the present regulations governing the call up of Z class reservists are sufficiently elastic to allow variations in the date to meet the needs and business circumstances of seasonal workers and others for whom the height of the summer is the busiest time of the year.

My hon. Friend will understand that, without sacrificing one of the main objects of the scheme—the bringing together of the men into units with which they would serve in the event of war—it is impracticable to meet every individual or seasonal interest. However, the period over which reservists will be recalled has been spread more evenly than last year and extends from March to December. For this reason, I hope that inconvenience to holiday and seasonal trades will be reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for all members of Her Majesty's Forces who are engaged in jungle warfare in Malaya to be armed with the American carbine.

No. I think that the present scale of issue for this weapon is reasonable.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the War Graves Commission will assume responsibility for the graves of soldiers killed in Malaya.

Under their charter the Imperial War Graves Commission are responsible to all the Commonwealth Governments for the care of the graves of members of their Forces who died in the 1914–18 and 1939–45 wars, and Her Majesty's Government do not at the present time propose to ask the Commission to undertake the maintenance of the graves of Service men dying in Malaya, responsibility for which rests with the Service authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War what increase he estimates will be necessary in the cost of food for the Army, due to the food subsidy reductions.

It is not yet possible to estimate the extra costs, except for flour and bread, of which the additional cost in the coming financial year will be some £250,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War the estimated cost of the new British base in Belgium.

The capital cost of the base is expected to amount to about £8½ million.

asked the Secretary of State for War why recruits are permitted to sign on for enlistment in the Regular Army before they have undergone their recruiting office qualifying test.

Recruits who are required to undergo the pre-enlistment selection test at a recruiting office are not permitted to enlist before they have successfully completed it. Certain men with specified qualifications are exempted from the test.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total acreage of land held in Wales for training purposes; how much has been acquired; and how much is held under Defence Regulations.

The total acreage of land held by my Department in Wales for training purposes is 46,000 acres. Of this 44,000 acres are freehold or on long lease and 2,000 acres held under Defence Regulation 51. In addition, the War Department has training rights under Defence Regulation 52 over 11,000 acres.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the continued inadequacy of entertainment for Her Majesty's Forces in Korea; and whether he will take steps to improve such entertainment.

As I have stated in the House on several recent occasions, all troops in Korea will be able to see a new live entertainment show each month from now onwards. These arrangements extend to September, and plans are now being made to continue these shows in the winter months. Every soldier should now be able to see at least two cinema shows a week, so far as operations allow, and there are enough films to enable most of the cinemas to make four changes of programme each week. I do not, therefore, consider the present scale of entertainment to be inadequate, but we will make improvements where we can.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the net value of domestic salvage collected by the Westhoughton Urban District Council during the past year was, approximately, equal to a 6d. rate; and if he will consider making suitable recognition of such good work being done in this and other areas in the national interest.

Yes. The 6d. rate is, my right hon. Friend thinks, a good reward for the service which the council has rendered in the national interest. He hopes the publicity given to the matter by this Question and answer will urge local authorities to even greater efforts to help the country and the rates in this way.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the siting of the second oil refinery in Hampshire.

No application has yet been submitted for planning permission for a site for this refinery.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many joint committees for the purposes of the Burial Acts there are in England and Wales outside the metropolitan area; and how many of them maintain crematoria.

There are approximately 150 such joint committees in England and Wales outside the metropolitan area. None maintains a crematorium.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many joint burial boards there are in England and Wales outside the metropolitan area; and how many of them maintain crematoria.

There are approximately 50 burial boards in England and Wales outside the metropolitan area, of which three maintain crematoria.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of a proposal to convert into offices one of London's large hotels essential to the tourist traffic, which is now an important source of dollar earnings; and what steps he is taking to ensure that this modern hotel accommodation is retained for this purpose.

Yes. The application for planning permission has, under my right hon. Friend's direction, been referred to him for decision, and the matter is therefore sub judice.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the present position in regard to the application to erect a 14-storey hotel on the Montagu House site in Portman Square, St. Marylebone, W.1.

My right hon. Friend understands that a fresh application was made to the London County Council, as local planning authority, on 12th March, but that it has not yet been determined.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many persons in his Department were employed on work under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, at the latest date for which figures are available; and the corresponding figures for the regional officers of his Department.

Including staff employed on work under the National Parks and Mineral Workings Acts, the figures at 1st March were approximately 760 and 260 respectively, including the Welsh Office.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number of appeals which were made under Section 31 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, with regard to outdoor advertising during the 12 months ended December, 1951; and how many of these appeals were decided in favour of the local planning authorities and of the advertisers, respectively.

Five hundred and fifty-eight appeals under the advertisement regulations were dismissed in the 12 months ended the 31st December, 1951, and 151 were allowed; a total of 709.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the concern expressed by the local authorities through their associations at the anticipated lapsing of Defence Regulation 68 (c) (A), at the end of the year, which in their view will involve the loss of a considerable amount of housing accommodation in areas of acute housing shortage, he will accord to members of the local authority associations an opportunity of conferring on the matter with him personally.

The hon. Member has misunderstood the position. Consultations have been going on with the local authority associations on the question, not merely whether the Regulation should be allowed to lapse at the end of the year, but whether in view of its overlap with planning powers it should not be revoked right away. My right hon. Friend cannot agree with the view of some of the associations that revocation of the Regulation would involve the loss of a considerable amount of housing accommodation, since local planning authorities have ample powers to prevent that. But although the fears of the local authorities are not, in his view, well founded, my right hon. Friend has decided against immediate revocation. In these circumstances a conference does not seem to be necessary.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number of houses built by the Corporation of Sunderland in the periods 1918 to 1924 as compared with 1945 to 1951.

The numbers completed between 1945 and 1951 are shown in Appendix B to the Housing Return for 31st December, 1951. Information is not available in my right hon. Friend's Department as to the numbers completed in the earlier period.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will circularise local authorities to ensure that housing applications by prison officers on their retirement shall not be prejudiced because their duties have prevented them from acquiring a qualification by residence for a period in the area of the authority.

The guidance already given to housing authorities should ensure that such applications are given proper consideration.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many Paddington families have been rehoused by the London County Council and the Paddington Borough Council, respectively, in each year from 1945.

The figures which have been supplied by the respective Councils are as follows:—

	London County Council	Paddington Borough Council
1945	14	309
1946	24	578
1947	86	866
1948	251	458
1949	248	285
1950	332	441
1951	273	159

The figures for Paddington Council represent the number of lettings effected of requisitioned property and temporary pre-fabricated bungalows, excluding exchanges and transfers to new property, plus the number of first lettings of new permanent property.The figures do not take account of families housed in rest centres or halfway houses.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of cement in the Northern Region; and what action he is taking to overcome it.

asked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to make an adequate supply of cement available to contractors engaged on housing projects in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

I am aware of the shortage of cement in the Northern Region. The cement companies have arranged to send substantial additional supplies.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will open to motor traffic this spring the last of the roads in Richmond Park remaining closed since the war; and in particular the road from Ham Cross to East Sheen which is now closed except between East sheen Gate and the crossing of the Richmond to Roehampton Road.

In Richmond Park two roads are now closed to motors: that from Ham Cross to Sheen Cross Roads and that which passes Thatched Lodge. I have had representations to keep the first open from the councils of adjacent boroughs, and from the A.A. and R.A.C.; and from the Barnes Amenities Committee, the Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen Ratepayers' Association and a number of private individuals to keep it closed.There is here a conflict of interests. Motorists have free passage over the perimeter roads and, if they wish to ramble further a field, can park their cars at Spankers' Hill and stretch their legs. On the other hand cyclists, pedestrians and those who push perambulators enjoy the quiet and security of the centre road. Their range is far smaller than that of the car-owner. On balance, therefore, I have decided to keep the road closed.

asked the Minister of Works to what use it is proposed to put Halstead Place, Kent; and how long it has been under the care of his Department.

My Department held Halstead Place on lease from 1939 until the mansion, chapel and grounds, were surrendered to the owners, Kent County Council, in September, 1948. The remaining outbuildings were surrendered in September, 1950. Certain outbuildings were re-let to the Ministry for storage on a tenancy expiring at the end of this year. Apart from this, my Department has no proposals for the use of Halstead Place.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the concern of the workers employed at Capenhurst Atomic Site at the closing of the Costain Hostel, Manor Lane, Chester; and if he will give further consideration to the matter, in view of the statement sent to him signed by representatives of the men employed at Capenhurst.

The small number of men employed at Capenhurst who now need hostel accommodation does not justify the retention of this hostel. The loss on continued running would be £200 a week. Every effort will be made by the contractors concerned to find adequate alternative accommodation for the workers displaced.

asked the Minister of Works when the standstill in sanctioning new starting dates for building work, other than housing, terminated; and at what rate and priority new starting dates are being sanctioned.

The standstill ended on the 29th February, 1952. New starting dates since that date are being awarded according to the local availability of building labour. Appropriate priority is given to buildings required for defence and for the export trade.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in order to alleviate unemployment amongst non-mobile building operatives in South Coast towns, and to permit builders to plan ahead and operate with economy and efficiency, he will remove forthwith in such South Coast towns the standstill order on building licences.

The temporary deferment of the starting of new building work ceased on 29th February and immediate starting dates are now given for approved schemes wherever the supply of labour permits.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the fact that painting and decorating does not consume materials in short supply, he will free painting and decorating work from all licensing restrictions.

I cannot see my way to removing painting and decorating work from licensing control. There is a shortage of painters during the summer months. Licences are issued freely in winter months to reduce seasonal unemployment, and I should like to see more painting deferred from summer to winter.

asked the Minister of Works what action he is taking to avoid a shortage of bricks for building in Sunderland.

There is no shortage of bricks in Sunderland at present, and, if orders are placed in time, I see no reason why there should be.

asked the Minister of Labour in view of the growing unemployment in Accrington, if he will give an assurance that the Government still intends to maintain full employment.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement of policy which I made in the course of the debate on manpower on 3rd March, and would point out that although there has been some small rise in the numbers of unemployed at Accrington in recent months, the number of persons registered as unemployed on the 11th February, the latest available date, is less than a year ago.

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated rate at which new labour can be absorbed in each coalfield together with the list of vacancies in each coalfield.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that the estimated average weekly number of men and boys required in each division for the rest of this year is as set out in Column 2 of the table below. Column 3 gives the number of current vacancies outstanding at 13th February, 1952 (not the total number to be filled during the year).

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present rate of recruitment of British labour for the mines.

During the ten weeks ending 8th March, 1952, 20,860 British workers entered coalmining and the net increase in the number of wage-earners on colliery books, after allowing for wastage, was 11,600, including some 500 Italians.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Italians have been recruited for the mines.

Since May, 1951, when the official scheme started, 2,173 Italians recruited for underground coal-mining with the National Coal Board have arrived in this country.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total cost, per head, of the recruitment of Italian labour for the mining industry.

The average cost, which is borne on the Vote of my Department, of bringing Italian workers to this country for coalmining employment is £9 10s. per head. Other expenses connected with their recruitment are borne by the Italian Government and the National Coal Board.

asked the Minister of Labour how many textile workers in the principal centres of Yorkshire have become redundant in the last three months; and how many have been absorbed in other industries.

I regret that statistics giving this information are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken, or are to be taken, to safeguard the European volunteer workers brought to this country by his Department, in view of the redundancy occurring in the industries for which they were recruited.

The benefits of the social services are available to European volunteer workers who are in need and the employment exchanges will help those who register to find new employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements are being made to ensure the welfare of foreign workers who are now unemployed or working short-time as a result of the recession in the Lancashire cotton industry.

The benefits of the social services are available to foreign workers who are in need and the employment exchanges will help those who register to find employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what wage increases have occurred as a result of the rise in the cost of living index figure since 1st November, 1951.

Between 1st November, 1951, and 29th February, 1952, there was an increase estimated at £430,000 in the weekly wages of nearly two million workers owing to the operation of sliding scales based on the Index of Retail Prices. No doubt however the rise in prices was a contributory cause in the case of the many other increases in wages during the period.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will accept the conclusion of the Technical Committee of the Cost of Living Advisory Committee, that there are no grounds for the belief that the all-items index figure at present either understates or overstates the rise in the average level of retail prices since June, 1947, as a basis for his future actions in this connection.

The conclusion that there are no grounds for the belief that the all-items index figure at present either understates or overstates the rise in the average level of retail prices since June, 1947, was based on a careful examination of the working of the Interim Index of Retail Prices since June, 1947. I have accepted the recommendations of the Cost of Living Advisory Committee that certain modifications should be made to the Interim Index in order to ensure, as far as possible, that the present index will continued to provide an accurate measure of the changes in the average level of retail prices until the results of the forthcoming budget inquiry are available.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many persons had their unemployed pay suspended on account of refusing to accept an offer of suitable employment during each quarter of 1951.

The available figures of disqualifications imposed by insurance officers do not distinguish between cases of refusal or failure to apply for suitable employment and cases where a reasonable opportunity of suitable employment has been neglected. The numbers were 9,520 in the first quarter of 1951, 8,620 in the second quarter, 7,150 in the third quarter, and 7,780 in the fourth quarter.

asked the Minister of National Insurance what would be the estimated cost of allowing family allowance for the first, or only, child in cases where no income tax is paid on the parents income.

If an allowance of 8s. were granted in the cases suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend it would add about £80 million to the cost of family allowances, bringing the total cost to about £182 million.

asked the Minister of National Insurance for an estimate of the cost in a full year of giving an allowance of 5s. for the first child and of 6s. 6d. for each of the subsequent children in every family.

About £165 million in a full year.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing a 5s. family allowance for the first child and leaving the allowance of second and subsequent children at 5s., as on the existing scale, would compare with his proposals to raise the allowance for second and subsequent children to 8s., while continuing the policy of his predecessors in making no provision for the first child.

About £145 million as compared with £102 million.

asked the Minister of National Insurance how the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing a 1s. 6d. family allowance for the first child and raising the existing scale of 5s. for second and subsequent children to 6s. 6d., would compare with his proposals to raise the allowance for second and subsequent children to 8s., while continuing the policy of his predecessors in making no provision for the first child.

About £108 million as compared with £102 million.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he has considered the inconvenience of the odd halfpenny in the proposed new National Insurance contributions in all mechanised pay-roll systems which have no denomination of less than one penny; and whether he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud and Thornbury (Mr. Perkins) yesterday.

asked the Minister of Transport the percentage increases in road and rail passenger transport charges since 1946 to the latest stated date.

The following is the available information:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence how far his Department has been able to collect data as to the extent to which bacteriological warfare can be successful.

It would not be in the public interest to give this information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain from the United Nations organization how many requests have been received from prisoners of war in United Nations hands in Korea that they he not repatriated.

It is known that among the prisoners of war held by the United Nations in Korea there are men who have made clear their opposition to Communism and who might, therefore, be subject to reprisals if they were forcibly repatriated. Information about the numbers involved is not available.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many claims have been made for a pension on the grounds of disablement or death from cancer during the 1939 war and since.

It is estimated that such claims number about 11,800.