asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations he has made to the Government of India with a view to restoring the immunity from Indian Income Tax which existed in respect of service retired pay prior to the India Independence Act; and whether he will make a statement.

I assume that my hon. and learned Friend is referring to Indian Income Tax on pensions and not on pay. The decision of the Government of India to tax Indian pensions is within their legal competence and I know of no grounds on which my noble Friend can make representations against it. Special measures have, however, been taken by Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to relieve from any additional net burden of tax those pensioners who, but for the transfer of power, would have enjoyed exemption from Indian tax under Section 272 of the Government of India Act, 1935.

Does my hon. and learned Friend mean that, in fact, he is not doing much about this rather difficult problem? Is he aware that many of these retired officers are suffering a financial loss and that they are looking towards Her Majesty's Government to remedy this injustice?

I do not think that the position is at all what my hon. and learned Friend says. For instance, pensioners in the United Kingdom have been promised relief out of United Kingdom funds against Indian Income Tax, and they do obtain it. Perhaps the best thing would be for me to send to my hon. and learned Friend the pamphlet which explains all this information. It is not a fact that they suffer any financial loss.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what sum has been set aside from India's Sterling balances to secure payment in the United Kingdom of service retired pay payable by the Government of India to retired British officers living in this country; and whether he will ensure that the administration of retired pay in the United Kingdom is retained in his office and not transferred to the High Commissioner for India.

Financial provisions covering the civil and military sterling pensionary liabilities of the Government of India were made in an exchange of letters between the then Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Indian Finance Minister in July, 1948, published at the time as items 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Cmd. 7472. No final decision has been reached about the future administration of pensions of Indian Army Officers living in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, the Commonwealth Relations Office continues to do this work.

Will my hon. and learned Friend do all in his power to safeguard those affected? Is he aware that although he says they are not suffering any injustice, those who seem to know most about it, those who are affected, are feeling a very strong sense of injustice, and perhaps they are more conscious of it than is my hon. and learned Friend?

If my hon. and learned Friend is still referring to Question No. 2, about Income Tax, I assure him that the position is that the United Kingdom have explained to these pensioners how they can get the relief for their loss, caused by reason of the Indian Government's added Income Tax on pensions. As I understand it, the situation is perfectly in order.

There is something wrong somewhere.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is an element of hardship in many cases, with reference not to Income Tax but to the non-receipt of full entitlement of pension? Can he do something to speed up the action of the Indian Government in this matter?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me details of any cases I shall be very pleased to look into them and expedite them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what further discussions have now taken place between the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the delegation from the Bamangwato Tribe; if he is now satisfied that there are precedents in the recent history of this Tribe for marriage by its chief without previous consultation with the Tribe: and if he will make a statement.

In answer to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 29th April to a Question by the right hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Gordon Walker).

As regards the second part of the Question, I am satisfied that there is no precedent for a chief of the Bamangwato Tribe marrying a principal wife without consulting the Tribe.

Since the debate that we had last night is not yet reported in HANSARD and many hon. Members will, therefore, not know what was said, unless they go to the Library to look up the typescript—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—this is all part of my question, if hon. Members will not be impatient; that was a subsidiary clause—can the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether he has had time this morning to ascertain the full facts about Khama III's various marriages, on which he was not altogether informative in the House two days ago?

I have not had time to look into the point raised by the hon. Gentleman, but, of course, the arguments that I advanced at 12.16 this morning still hold good.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many secondary schools there are in Bechuanaland; and what are the numbers attending these schools

I will obtain the information from the High Commissioner for Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, and communicate it to the hon. Member when it is received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the successful experiments in the preparation of a material made from a mixture of nylon and wool which ensures that the seats of boys' pants last much longer; and if he will give every encouragement to ensure that it is made available to the public as soon as possible.

I should welcome any progress in the direction which the hon. Member has in mind. I understand, however, that, while the industries concerned have for some time been experimenting with wool/nylon mixture cloths, supplies of nylon staple are very small in relation to demand for this and other purposes. Although new plant is now being constructed to increase nylon production, it will be a long time before these cloths are generally available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that those actively concerned with the experiment are enthusiastic about its great possibilities, and as it seems to give great promise of reducing the problems of mothers of energetic children will the right hon. Gentleman do everything possible to make the material available?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is not only schoolboys who need protection in their seats?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that before any action is taken he will consult the boys concerned?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the cost of a fabric has to be made in Britain for it to be ranked under his regulations as British made.

There is no regulation governing the marking of cloth with the words "British made." In any particular case it would be for the courts to decide whether such a marking constituted a false trade description under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887.

Does not the Minister think it is time that regulations were laid down so that we know where we are, in describing things as "British made"?

On the whole it is better to do this under statute than by regulation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken by the Raw Cotton Commission to supply Lancashire spinners with American cotton at the current world prices.

The Raw Cotton Commission average their selling prices of all American type cottons. Their present average price is 1¼d. per lb. higher than the corresponding cost of United States cotton but appreciably lower than the cost of the most expensive non-dollar cotton of American type.

My noble Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and I are examining, in consultation with the industry, the case for providing sufficient dollars for the purchase of United States cotton next season, to enable United Kingdom users to obtain supplies at United States levels; but the decision must depend, among other factors, on our available dollar resources and on the importance of other claims upon them.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in the days of strict competition that we have now even these small differentiations have a very adverse effect upon our export possibilities?

I will certainly bear that very important and very true consideration in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent export credit guarantees cover contracts entered into by British exporters and Australia which have now been cancelled.

As I informed the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Blackburn) on 24th April, the Export Credits Guarantee Department estimates that its own liabilities arising from the frustration of contracts by the recent Australian import regulations, is approximately £5 million. The cover represented by export credits guarantees is in respect of 90 per cent. of the loss sustained by the policy holders.

Is it not a fact that the policies do not cover, where they refer to shipping contracts, against specific contracts, and that quite a number of firms who have actually taken out contracts which appear as "shipping contracts" are not covered?

Contracts may differ according to the policies issued in different cases, but the percentage cover of the total trade to Australia is a very small one.

Will my right hon. Friend note that by using the expression "frustration of contracts" he appears to admit, in the case of f.o.b. contracts, that the action of the Australian Government vitiates them? Will he bear in mind that there is first-class legal opinion to the effect that that is not so?

I did not intend by that term to over-ride the legal arguments which I know are going on about this matter.

Would my right hon. Friend make it clear that his statement does not prejudice or commit anybody in this matter? Is it not doubtful whether many of these contracts are not valid now?

This answer refers solely to the percentage of trade which was covered by the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will cause to be prepared as complete a list as possible of all outstanding contracts made in the United Kingdom with Australia, which are not included in the categories of exemption, to the recent action of the Australian Government in stopping imports into Australia.

I should welcome any additional information which exporters and trade associations think it desirable that I should have, whether on the subject of outstanding contracts or other aspects of the effects on United Kingdom industry of the Australian import restrictions.

In view of the fact that such a list would be of the utmost value during the welcome visit of the Prime Minister of Australia to this country towards the end of the month, would my right hon. Friend give such an invitation to the various industries in order that he may be equipped with the fullest possible latest information?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. I am in touch with these industries with that point in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his inquiry into the future of the Utility scheme for furniture and bedding has yet been completed.

Not yet, Sir. This matter and other matters are still under discussion with the Furniture Development Council and the industry. I should, however, point out that although the bedding utility scheme was revoked on 17th March, divans and spring mattresses which my hon. and gallant Friend may have in mind, are included in the furniture utility scheme still in operation.

When does my right hon. Friend think he will be likely to make a further statement?

I prefer not to say at the moment. I am in consultation with the industry.

Before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a final conclusion will he make quite sure that he consults the trade unions in the industry?

Whatever decision is reached as a result of his investigations, will my rght hon. Friend take care to ensure that nothing is done to undermine the standards of craftsman ship and workmanship in the industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects that the Monopolies Commission will present its report on the match industry.

I am informed by the commission that they hope to present their report on the supply of matches and match-making machinery in the autumn of this year.

As I understand that the inquiries have been completed for some time, is there not rather too much delay in the presentation of this report?

Reports from the Monopolies Commission have maintained a high standard so far, in part due to the fact that they have been considering very cautiously the results of the inquiries which they have made. It is much better that they should take a little longer and produce a first-class report than that they should be hurried too much.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps he proposes to take to ensure a more even flow of imported foreign broccoli within the quota for the period 1st April to 30th June, 1952, in order that growers in this country may be safeguarded against unregulated gluts;

(2) what representations he has received concerning the control of foreign imports of broccoli by the quota system.

I have received representations on this matter from certain hon. Members and from the National Farmers' Union. As I informed my hon. Friend, the Member for Canterbury (Mr. Baker White) on 10th April, I am examining the existing arrangements in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister of Food, with a view to seeing what improvements can be made. As I also said in the same reply, imports of broccoli were suspended on 9th April. There will be no further imports until after 15th November, 1952.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although the suspension of these imports is welcome, it is, unfortunately, too late? Has he any evidence that the quota was exceeded, as it was in the last quarter by over 2,500 tons, and can he say when he will be able to give some hope to broccoli growers in West Cornwall who, at present, are ploughing in their crops?

It is true that the quota was exceeded. The method whereby this quota is applied is by no means perfect, but at the moment it appears to be the best of a number of rather unsatisfactory choices. I am having the matter examined to see whether we can make any improvement.

In considering these horticultural matters will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the benefits that will accrue to the producer and to the consumer from a change from a quota scheme to a tariff scheme?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the course of the last two years there has been a steady decline in the United Kingdom of the acreage devoted to vegetables for human consumption, due to the promiscuous dumping of vegetable imports in the last few years? Would he reverse that policy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will set up a working party to assist him in his review of the administration of the Development Areas.

I do not consider that that the appointment of a formal working party is necessary, but I have already asked two men of experience and standing, Sir Thomas Phillips, a former Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, and Sir Edward Gillett, an eminent surveyor, to give me their confidential advice in an inquiry which I am now making into the provision and management of factories in Development Areas and the relationship between the Board of Trade and the Industrial Estate Companies, within the framework of the Distribution of Industries Act.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this inquiry will be much welcomed? Will he, however, still pay attention to the suggestion I have made, because I think he will agree that it is rather more than an administrative problem, and that there are other factors which have to be taken into account?

Perhaps I may complete my inquiries first, and then I will certainly bear the suggestion in mind.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider putting someone from the industrial estate companies and the factory owners concerned on to this investigation so that he can get first-hand information from those people also?

This is not really a committee. I have called in two distinguished men of experience to advise me, but I will see that the type of knowledge to which the hon. Gentleman refers is made use of in pursuing their inquiries.

When making his inquiries will my right hon. Friend try to find out the reason for the extraordinarily high capital cost in relation to the number of men employed in these areas, which is a serious defect?

Will the inquiries include the Lancashire cotton area?

This inquiry concerns the trading estates.

Will these inquiries affect the Development Areas in Scotland as well?

Is the Secretary for Overseas Trade in charge of this, and will the two gentlemen report to him before presenting their report to the President? As the President may know, plans had been made ahead and things ought to be speeded up by now.

I hope that these two gentlemen will report to me on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the £25,000,000 of Government advance contracts will be placed with firms in Accrington, Rishton, Oswaldtwistle, Church and Clayton-le-Moors, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of Government contracts given to factories in the Leek constituency, Staffordshire.

While I am, naturally, willing to listen to any representations which hon. Members wish to make on the subject of the placing of these orders, I do not consider it would be in anybody's interest to depart from our usual practice of not saying publicly where individual contracts have been placed.

Will the President give an assurance that the places mentioned in my Question will have a fair share of those orders, in view of the fact that they are suffering severely at present and constitute the most important constituency in this country?

I appreciate the wholly worthy motives which prompted the hon. Gentleman to put down the Question, but I think hon. Members generally will agree that, if we tried to divide these contracts up over the Floor of the House of Commons, it would be rather a difficult job.

While agreeing with the policy of the right hon. Gentleman, will he assure me that my constituency will be considered justly in connection with tenders for the type of contracts with which it can deal?

All areas will be considered justly in this matter.

In the past we have understood that these contracts were placed by the Ministry of Supply, in consultation with the Board of Trade. Are we to take it from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that he is now accepting responsibility for the placing of the contracts?

No, Sir. I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend upon this matter.

From inquiries we have made in Questions, we understand that there is in aggregate £200 million worth of contracts to be placed within the re-armament orders and that, up to now, £80 million of them have been placed. Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a programme has yet been drawn up for the placing of the remaining £120 million?

This Question referred to the placing of £25 million in a rather limited number of constituencies, but if the hon. Gentleman wants to go wider perhaps he will put down a Question?

To avoid confusion in the future, can we take it as definite that the responsibility for placing these contracts, and all other contracts, still remains firmly with the Ministry of Supply, both in regard to quantity and the areas in which the contracts are placed?

If the right hon. Gentleman wants to ask a Question about the placing of contracts generally no doubt he will put it down, but it is quite plain that it is the Ministry of Supply which places these armament contracts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the fact that many west of England cloth mills are on short time, he will consider allocating to this area a proportion of the contracts he is about to place on behalf of the Service Departments.

The area will certainly be considered, but unemployment is below the national average.

Could my right hon. Friend receive a representative deputation of all the interests concerned, led by myself?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will see me about that afterwards.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider scheduling as development areas under the Distribution of Industry Acts, some of the districts worst hit by the present textile depression.

I shall certainly consider, in the light of the criteria given in paragraph 86 of the White Paper on Distribution of Industry, 1948, whether it would be appropriate to schedule any of the districts which are affected by the present recession in the textile industries.

Will the President bear in mind that the original Distribution of Industry Act had this sort of possibility very much in view in providing for the scheduling of extra districts and consider giving to areas like Nelson treatment similar to what has been successfully given to Merthyr, Clydeside and Jarrow in the last few years?

I agree that the distribution of industry policy and Act did contemplate the scheduling of new areas, but great caution was always exercised by the Government of the right hon. Gentleman in expanding this and if it were expanded too wide it would defeat the whole policy of the Act. I am having an investigation made to see if there is a particular area which might be identifiable for this special purpose.

With what interested organisations is the right hon. Gentleman discussing this problem?

I shall discuss it, among others, with the North-East Lancashire Planning Organisation.

In view of the urgent need to get new industries into East Lancashire, and the pressure there at present, when can my right hon. Friend undertake to report to us the result of the consideration of this proposal?

I am already taking all the steps in my power to encourage and steer new industries into these areas.

Since my right hon. Friend mentioned part of my constituency, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the difficulties of unemployment in Nelson today, which is far in excess of the level of unemployment that used to be held sufficient to identify a Development Area and that during a number of years alternative industries to cotton have been actively discouraged from going to the constituency? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that in those circumstances the time has now come for a change in the direction indicated in my right hon. Friend's Question?

As I have already said, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Fort), I am not waiting for any detailed consideration before adopting as a policy the encouragement of industries to go to these areas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider instituting a Lancashire textile week on the lines of the National Savings Week, for the purpose of encouraging sales of Lancashire textiles.

While I have every sympathy with the current situation in the Lancashire textile industry, I doubt whether my hon. Friend's suggestion would be practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the grave position of the textile industry, he will consider calling in Manchester a special conference of representatives of all sections at all levels in the industry, including the leaders of the unions, so that there may be full and frank expression of all points of view and a representative committee appointed, not only to make recommendations to deal with the present emergency but also to give full consideration to the long-term problems of this industry.

While thanking my hon. Friend for putting forward this proposal, I think that the purpose which he has in mind will be served by the arrangements which I have put in train. I am in consultation with both the management and labour sides of the industry through the Cotton Board, and I am arranging a further meeting with them at an early date to continue my discussions of both the short and long-term problems of the industry.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that the Cotton Board does not represent completely and absolutely all sections of the industry? Having regard to the grave and serious situation in which the textile industry finds itself, would he set up, on the lines set out in the Question, a comprehensive council which would be able to represent to the Government, and in international negotiations, the views of the industry fully and effectively?

I think the Cotton Board does represent a very great cross-section of the industry. I can assure my hon. Friend, however, that I do not limit my consultations to any one person or any one body. I am open to consult any person in Lancashire.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that prices of textiles and clothing are now at such a level that it is unlikely that they will be lower for some considerable time? Will he do all he can with the trade to convey the idea to the public and stimulate demand from them by encouraging them to buy at the lower prices?

I am always very shy about speculating about price movements, but I agree that there are very good bargains to be had in the shops and I wish people would buy them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will, in his negotiations with the textile industry, impress upon all concerned that full and effective use should be made of modern plant, machinery and methods, in order to strengthen public confidence and sympathy.

In my discussions with leaders of the textile industries, I have emphasised, and will continue to emphasise, the need, which I am sure is well recognised, for these industries to make themselves as fully competitive as possible by the use of the most up-to-date methods and equipment and by any other ways open to them.

Is it not a fact that during the last six or seven years large quantities of plant and machinery which should have gone to these industries at home have gone to their competitors abroad?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in 1946–51 £200 million worth of textile machinery was exported from this country as compared with £40 million worth during the comparative period before the war? Does he not agree that this has, in turn, conduced to unemployment in this country?

I agree that we have a large and useful trade in the export of textile machinery as well as of other types of machinery, but, at the same time, many mills in Lancashire have not been backward in equipping themselves with up-to-date machinery. We have mills there as efficient as any others in the world.

Is it not a fact that if we had not sold this textile machinery abroad those importing the machinery would merely have got it from America, Switzerland or elsewhere, and that we should merely have been worse off as a result?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will allow the export of tractors, which are no longer useful for work in this country, for sale for dollars.

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the export of crawler tractors originally bought from the United States of America. These are in very short supply and applications for export licences are considered on their individual merits. Normally, we cannot agree to export unless we are satisfied that the tractors have worked a sufficient number of hours to justify disposal, and then first consideration is given to the needs of other Commonwealth countries.

In thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask if it means that these questions can be dealt with on their merits? I think he will be aware that replies from his Department have tended to show that these machines must do 10,000 hours' work. Can we take it now that these questions will be dealt with on their merits if they are put up to him?

I hope all questions which are put up to me will be dealt with on their merits. What I have stated is our normal practice. As a general rule, we have decided on 10,000 hours as being about the working life of one of these tractors.

Does that mean that if a machine has done less than that, and is not serviceable, no restriction will be placed upon the export licence?

If the hon. Gentleman has a case in mind of a machine which, while it has not done 10,000 hours, has some other features about it, no doubt he will talk to me about it to see if an exception can be made.

I am much obliged.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure himself that before we export for dollars tractors that have done 10,000 hours, he will make sure that they do not undermine the good name of Britain in the export market?

At present we are not exporting these tractors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many officials are employed in preparing the Census of Production for the current year.

The number engaged on work in connection with the census which is being taken this year is about 215.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that the results achieved justify the trouble and expense involved on the part of everybody concerned? Could not the existing machinery perhaps be simplified?

I think that a census of production serves a useful purpose, but, at the same time, I am far from saying that we have necessarily reached perfection in the matter. I am examining it to see how we can simplify and make it easier, both for us and industry, to answer the questions, and I hope, in consultation with industry, to be successful in that task.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great deal of information which is obtained on the census form is incorrect? How much credence can he therefore, place on the reliability of the information which he is getting from the census? Does he not consider that there is a strong case for abolishing the census altogether and having a totally different scheme which would be more reliable, less costly and less troublesome to the small trader?

The Question refers only to the number of people employed on the scheme, and at the moment it is 215. As I told my hon. Friend, I am considering whether we can further simplify this task.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken to prevent British designs from being copied, and to prevent the words, "Made in England," being stamped on manufactured goods made in Japan and Hong Kong.

I am not aware that United Kingdom designs are being copied by Hong Kong manufacturers, but if the hon. Member has any information on the subject I shall be pleased to consider it. In fact, under Hong Kong legislation the copyright of every design registered in the United Kingdom extends automatically to Hong Kong. As regards Japan, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Air Commodore Harvey) on 20th November last.

No cases have been reported to me of goods manufactured in Japan or Hong Kong being marked "Made in England." If the hon. Member knows of such cases and of countries into which goods so marked have been imported I will consider taking the matter up with the Governments concerned.

Has not the time arrived when the Board of Trade should be more resolute in dealing with matters of this kind? If I can be supplied with evidence direct from Hong Kong, surely the Board of Trade ought to be provided with it. Has not the time arrived when we should be given some concrete results from the assurances we have had?

If the hon. Gentleman has some evidence, I shall be very happy, as I have assured him, to receive it and to give it full consideration.

Does my right hon. Friend recall that, since he gave me a reply last autumn, I have given him fresh evidence of the copying of British designs by the Japanese? Does he not agree that the longer this goes on the worse it will become? Will he take definite action now and show the Japanese that we really mean business and that they are not going to be allowed to get away with it?

I am in complete sympathy with my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but the Question referred specifically to the use of the term, "Made in England," and it was to that that I was directing my reply.

While the words "Made in England" may not appear on some of the products, is not the Minister aware that, as his hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Air Commodore Harvey) mentioned yesterday, the practice is proceeding and that it has been experienced in the case of textiles in Nigeria? Certainly, in the case of pottery we have had examples at a comparatively recent date. Can he take some action with America and the other countries concerned, and also with Japan itself, to see that the industry is put on a proper basis?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he has now concluded his consultations with the representative organisations of the pottery industry; and what action he proposes to take;

(2) if he has now considered the proposals made to him for the release of decorated pottery for the home market; and what action is to be taken.

Discussions with representatives of the pottery industry about their problems are not yet complete.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why licences have been issued for the export of raw rubber to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for quantities of 43,371 tons during the first three months of 1952; and if he is aware that this represents 76 per cent. of the total imports of raw rubber to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from both United Kingdom and Malaya during 1951.

The policy of restriction on exports of rubber from Malaya and the United Kingdom to the U.S.S.R. was explained in my answer to my hon. Friend's Question on 20th March; and in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 3rd April I explained that this year's exports have included a substantial accumulation of rubber which was licensed last year but shipment of which was delayed.

In view of the continuing high level of exports, will my right hon. Friend give the House a categorical assurance that there has been no change of policy in this matter?

I can give a complete assurance on that point.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to the effect that this raw rubber is being used, at any rate partly, for armament purposes, and, if so, is not that rather opposed to the policy of Her Majesty's Government?

The amount of rubber which is being sent is the amount calculated at a normal peace-time rate. It is specifically calculated at that amount to avoid the point which the right hon. Gentleman has raised.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be a little more specific? The Board of Trade must have information—or, at least, some information—about the use to which the rubber is being put. Is any of it being used for armament purposes, and does that represent the policy of Her Majesty's Government?

The amount of rubber that has been exported to the U.S.S.R. has been running at a rate which is precisely the same as it was under the right hon. Gentleman's own Government, the average for 1950–51–52. I have no reason to suppose that anybody in any Government can tell precisely for what any particular bit of rubber is used. I have no reason to suppose that this rubber is used for armaments. On the best evidence that we can obtain it certainly is not above their normal peace-time requirements.

Do I understand that Her Majesty's Government are simply following the policy of the Labour Government?

I thought the right hon. Gentleman's original point was whether we were exporting rubber for the purpose of manufacturing arms.

Would it not help the House if my right hon. Friend could indicate what proportion of Russia's total import of rubber this figure represents?

The imports of rubber for the first quarter of this year from all sources represent about one-third of the annual rate for the whole of 1950.

My right hon. Friend has misunderstood me. I meant how much rubber Russia has imported from all sources in the course of a year so that we can see what proportion of that this represents?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain, in short sharp words of four letters that even his hon. Friends can understand—

Speak for yourself.

I did not put the Question down. Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how we can expect to continue to get large quantities of softwood and animal feedingstuffs from Russia if we do not send Russia anything in return?

Trade flows both ways between the countries, but it has been our policy—and I think the House generally will agree that it is right—to restrict the exports of rubber to the U.S.S.R. to what is estimated to be their normal peace-time consumption. There has been no change of policy in the matter, and that policy will be adhered to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what manufactured goods, in addition to carpets, he has freed from price control since 1st November, 1951; and what further manufactured goods he is at present negotiating with representatives of the appropriate trades to free from price control in the early future.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn, East (Mrs. Castle), on 13th March, when I circulated a list of articles freed from price control since the Government took office. Since that date, I have removed price control from all utility goods, except furniture and nylon stockings, and from carpets, printed felt base floor covering, candles and hollow-ware.

Will my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that immediately supply equals or exceeds demand in the case of any manufactured commodity he will, with alacrity, free it from price control, thus restoring freedom to British industry?

I certainly do not intend to hold price controls in any case except where I regard it to be necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons are employed in his Department; and to what extent the number has increased since 1st November last.

The Board's staff numbered 8,320 on 1st April, a decrease of 72 since 1st November last.

Is the President aware that this represents a welcome change from the situation which prevailed a little while ago, when he said that the greater the number of cuts which had to be imposed the more the staff of his Department would have to be increased?

I have had to increase the staff to some extent for the purpose of administering the import cuts. If we had not had to have such cuts I should have reduced the staff by over 200. Still, 72 is some contribution to the problem.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether some of the 72 were transferred from the Board of Trade to the Ministry of Materials?

No, Sir. This is a fair figure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of persons employed by his Department, respectively, on 1st May, 1939, 1st November, 1951, and 1st May, 1952, or latest convenient date; what reductions have been made during the last six months as a result of termination of price and other controls for which his Department was responsible; and what further reductions are envisaged in the early future.

The staff of the Board of Trade on the nearest dates for which information is available was:

1st April, 1939	4,267
1st November, 1951	8,392
1st April, 1952	8,320

I should, however, point out that any comparison between the pre-war and post-war figures would be misleading since the functions of the Board of Trade have changed considerably over this period.

Although the figure for 1st April, 1952, is only 72 less than for 1st November, in view of the extra work undertaken by the Board of Trade during that period in relation to import licensing and the regional boards for industry, it is equivalent to a saving of over 200.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of china wood oil, bristles, duck feathers and hogs' casings have been imported from the Eastern and Central European countries during the last six months.

Imports of bristles from Eastern and Central European countries in the six months October, 1951, to March, 1952, were 3,317 cwt. There were no imports of tung oil, which I understand is another name for china wood oil, or of hog casings from these countries in this period. Duck feathers are not recorded separately in the trade returns, but imports of all types of feathers for bedding and upholstery from Eastern and Central Europe in the six months ended March, 1952, amounted to 12 cwt.

Would it not be normal for this trade to be carried on through Hong Kong? Am I not right in saying that we are buying from Czechoslovakia and other satellite countries Chinese goods which are being sold to those satellite countries in exchange for war machinery and industrial machinery which are denied to them from this country by agreement with the United States? May I particularly ask my right hon. Friend, if I give him some more figures which do not tally with those he has given the House, to look very carefully into this matter?

My hon. and gallant Friend is now asking a quite different question from the one on the Order Paper.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is common knowledge that this barter deal largely with Skoda manufacturers of armaments is taking place? Although duck feathers are not specifically mentioned, will he not assume that this rumour is a canard?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce the necessary legislation to make it legally obligatory on manufacturers of nylon and silk stockings to use locknit machinery and ensure that these articles are made ladderproof.

No, Sir. The hon. Member is presumably referring to machinery which will knit ladderproof mesh stockings. The supply of such machinery is very limited and it would not be reasonable or practicable to make its use obligatory. I am satisfied that, when the necessary machinery is available, manufacturers will make their decisions as to what type of stockings to manufacture in the light of public demand.

Is the Minister not aware that if he would encourage the use of this type of machinery we would be able to sell more nylon stockings abroad, that the women of this country would be very pleased indeed to get ladderproof nylon stockings and that he, in turn, would become the friend of the women of this country for all time?

I think that the ladies who have these stockings must be entitled to decide for themselves what type of stocking they require.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of our imports and exports to China up to the most recent date, together with a list of the main commodities in which there is trade.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discourage the effete and flaccid idea that as the Chinese know the addresses of British business houses they could write to them if they wished to trade, and do his best to encourage legitimate trade in non-strategic materials with these people?

The hon. Member's question raises a slightly different point from the list for which he asked. Our business houses in China, their location and everything about them are well known to the Chinese and have been open for business at any time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the latter part of his statement is not now accurate—

It was.

I am saying that it is not now and my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman) can come in if he catches your eye, Mr. Speaker. Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate the situation so far as the blockade against China is concerned and the non-carrying out of contracts with the Chinese since the new policy?

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the reason for any cooling off in trade with China is largely because the Chinese Government have put down our trading houses and turned them out?

They have certainly put many obstacles in the way of normal trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to promoting the use of textile goods, he will make representations to the Railway Executive to replace paper towels and napkins in railway trains by textile goods.

No, Sir. I have made inquiries and understand that the continued use of paper towels and napkins on the railways is a more economical proposition for a number of reasons than the use of textiles.

If by chance the economic reasons are that passengers are rather apt to misappropriate the towels—no doubt inadvertently—would my right hon. Friend suggest that the same method of supplying the towels which we have in this House could be instituted on the railways?

I have no doubt that the Railway Executive will take note of the suggestion of my right hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also pass on that suggestion to the Minister of Works, in view of the fact that a circular has gone round some Government Departments saying that when the present cloth towels are used up paper towels will be substituted?

I will certainly look at that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what amount licences are being granted for the import of mining machinery; from which countries such machinery is being imported; and why the machinery is not being made in this country.

Imports of mining machinery in 1951 amounted to £583,000, mainly from Western Germany (£300,000), the United States of America (£120,000) and Sweden (£100,000). Imports from Western Germany and Sweden may be made under open general licence; imports from the United States require specific licences. These imports only amounted to about 2 per cent. of home production and consisted mostly either of spares to maintain existing machinery or, machinery not made in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Government will denounce those parts of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade which limit Britain's right to give increased preferences to goods imported from Commonwealth countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement in regard to the future policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade with particular reference to increases in the rates of Imperial Preference.

The system of Imperial Preference has played and continues to play a large and useful part in the development of trade between the countries of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty's Government attaches great importance to Imperial Preference, not only as a symbol of the desire of the countries of the Commonwealth to stand together and to trade with each other, but also as a practical means of increasing their trade and their prosperity. I can therefore assure my hon. Friends that this matter will be kept in the forefront of the examination of our future external commercial policy, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which we are now undertaking and about which we shall, of course, consult with other Commonwealth countries as soon as possible.

While appreciating that my right hon. Friend has had this matter under consideration for only three or four months, might I ask him whether he would bear in mind that there is a growing feeling in Lancashire that our prospects of gaining new markets in textiles, as well as holding the ones which we have at present, depend—according to many people—on regaining our freedom to extend the system of Imperial Preference?

If my hon. Friend will read the answer he will see that I have made a very full statement of what is our general policy in that matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year, when things were rather different in Lancashire, people in many Colonies were crying out for Lancashire textiles? Can the Presisident say that now that things are not so good Lancashire will send textiles to West Africa and other places where they are very badly needed?

I do not think that Lancashire is backward about taking advantage of any opportunities which can assist in that direction.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that our trading difficulties overseas are likely to be substantially aggravated in the course of the next few months due to our manifest inability to extend Commonwealth trade and increase protection? Will he treat this matter as one of over-riding urgency?