asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive the Report of the No. 2 Tucker Committee on Taxation and Pensions.

I am not at present able to add anything to the answer given to my hon. Friend's Question on this subject on 15th May.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to announce the names and the terms of reference of the committee he is setting up to investigate the question of Purchase Tax rebate to retailers on unsold stocks when the tax is either reduced or abolished.

No, but I hope to be able to make such a statement before very long.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the burden on Britain in 1951–52 if the payments of Germany had been limited to the level prescribed by the new agreement.

No estimate has been made and, for various reasons, it would not be possible to make one. In particular, the most important factor determining the level of support to be obtained in 1952–53, namely, the strength of our forces, is different during the two periods in question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much of the expenditure listed in Command Paper No. 8505, Table 1, Item A.6 (a), military expenditure, was incurred in Germany in 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1951, respectively.

Approximately £100,000 in each year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of applications he has received, since August, 1945, until the latest convenient date, from persons permanently disabled claiming the repayment of their post-war credits; and what estimate he has made of the cost of repayment in these instances.

I regret that this information is not available. It could be obtained only by a careful scrutiny of a considerable volume of correspondence. The labour involved would be out of proportion to the value of the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the actual expenditure on defence, including Ministry of Supply defence expenditure, in the first four months of 1952, compared with the same period last year.

It is not the practice to publish figures of Departmental disbursements for periods of a few months, since their accurate interpretation, in terms of the rate of expenditure over the financial year as a whole, would involve a difficult and laborious process of calculation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that many aged pensioners do not smoke; and if he will consider giving to those who do not want a tobacco voucher a privilege coupon for cheaper milk.

No. The purpose of the tobacco duty relief scheme is to give to old age pensioners who smoke some relief from the post-war increases in the duty on tobacco. I regret that I cannot accept the suggestion made in the latter part of the Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that it has been found possible to continue the full grant in aid to the Women's Voluntary Services on the grounds that the services rendered are of value to the community, he will, in consultation with other Government Departments, reconsider the curtailment of grants to other voluntary organisations who are also doing important community work.

The amounts of any Exchequer grants paid to voluntary organisations must be considered on their individual merits in relation to the paramount need for economy in Government expenditure.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that on 21st May the Civil Service Commission intimated that entrance forms for the Open Competitive Examination for the appointment to Clerical Classes of the Home Civil Service would be forwarded as soon as received from the printer; that such forms have not yet been forwarded; and that the closing date for the return is 3rd July, 1952; and when it is proposed to forward the forms.

All the documents were received from the printers by the Civil Service Commission on 10th June. Copies had been sent by 12th June to all candidates who had asked for them.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that, in consequence of a shortage of cement in the

TABLE OF LICENCES ISSUED
Name		Licence issued for	Already working in Square	Service Record
Leonard Robert Anslow	…	Photography	No	Discharged R.A.F.V.R. Medically unfit.
Leonard Wilfrid Le Grys	…	Photography	Not recently	Disabled in both arms following service in R.A.F.
Jack Leonard Mason*	…	Photography	No	Discharged from Army. Medically unfit following period as P.O.W.
Peter Clifford Barlow	…	Photography	Yes	Served in R.A.F. from 1938–47.
John Hearne	…	Corn Selling	Yes	Ex—Regular Army, served in 1914–18 War. Civil Defence in 1939–45 War.
Frank Simmonds	…	Corn Selling	Yes	Wounded in 1914–18 War.
All these men are self-employed.			* Mr. Mason has now withdrawn.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the high cost

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. F. Willey) and the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) on 21st March and on 27th May, respectively. A high rate of delivery into the north-east area has been maintained.

asked the Minister of Works if he will give detailed particulars of the persons to whom he has issued licences to trade in Trafalgar Square, with information as to the number that were previously trading prior to the introduction of the licensing system; and what number of disabled ex-Service men, who were previously trading, have had their licence applications refused.

The table below gives particulars of those to whom licences have been issued to date. Forty-four applicants claimed to be trading in photography on the Square prior to 8th June, and 20 to be selling corn. Of these, eight who are disabled ex-Service men have been refused licences.of equipment, he will arrange for trainers to be given early notification immediately following medical examination in cases where racing apprentices are being called for National Service.

Men are informed of their grading at the time of the medical examination. If placed in Grade I or II a man knows that he will be called up in the next few weeks. If placed in Grade III or IV he cannot be told at the time whether he is to be called up, but if it is decided not to call him up he is so informed within 28 days and can then tell his employer. I will write to my hon. Friend about the particular case he has referred to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour when he expects to receive the decision of the tribunal set up to consider increases in wages for employees of Remploy factories.

I understand that this case is to be heard by the Industrial Disputes Tribunal on 23rd July.

asked the Minister of Labour what provisions are to be made by way of accommodation, expenses, etc., for trainees from Edinburgh and the surrounding district who will require to go to Hillington for training when the Government training centre at Granton is closed.

Trainees who live within daily travelling distance will receive travelling expenses. Others will be found lodgings by the Ministry and will receive the usual rates of allowances paid under the Government Vocational Training Scheme to trainees who have to leave home for training.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will reach a decision on the plans for the development of the Scalloway Trondra-Burra Isle district of Shetland.

The report referred to in my reply of the 14th May has now been received and is under consideration. I am asking the Advisory Panel on the Highlands and Islands to consider this matter at an early meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make some contribution towards the travelling expenses of those requiring hospital and specialist treatment in the Highlands and Islands.

Payment of travelling expenses is at present made through the National Assistance Board where they consider that hardship would otherwise be caused.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of increasing stocks of timber and easier prices, he will consider removing the ban on wooden floors for house construction.

No. In present circumstances, we cannot afford to spend more foreign exchange on timber than is essential.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the dispute between the Herring Industry Board and the curers; and how it is likely to affect the cure of herring at Lerwick for the Russian market.

I am informed that the British Herring Trade Association, representing the curers, are not satisfied with the terms on which the Board have offered to purchase cured herring and have asked that their operations should be costed and that I should appoint an independent person to conduct further negotiations. This is a commercial transaction in which I do not think I should be justified in intervening, and I hope the curers will resume negotiations with the Board. Meanwhile, curing is proceeding normally at Lerwick.

asked the Minister of Pensions the numbers of surviving ex-Service men pensioned for the loss of two or more limbs; the numbers who receive attendance allowance at the 10s., 15s., 20s., 30s. or 40s. a week rate; the numbers who receive the new comforts allowance of 10s. a week; and the numbers of those who receive basic pension of 55s. a week and attendance allowance of 10s. only, with no other supplement, respectively.

On 31st March, 1952, 1,257 other rank pensioners were in receipt of pensions from my Department for the loss of two or more limbs due to service in the Forces. Of these, 698, 347, 89, 20 and 41 were receiving attendance allowances at the 10s., 15s., 20s., 30s. and 40s. rates respectively; 628 the comforts allowance; and 551 basic pension of 45s. (55s. from May, 1952) with attendance allowance of 10s. and, where eligible, addition for rank, allowances for wife and

Degree of Disablement*								Officers	'Other Ranks'	Total
Per cent.—
40	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	176	1,665	1,841
50	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	188	3,965	4,153
60	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	566	10,135	10,701
70	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	335	6,674	7,009
80	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	234	4,345	4,579
90	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	91	1,816	1,907
100	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	198	2,841	3,039
* In many instances this is the composite assessment of the degree of disablement from loss of one limb and some other disability or disabilities due to service. The Royal Warrant provides that, where disablement is due to more than one disability, a composite assessment shall be made by reference to the combined effect of all such disabilities.

The vast majority of these pensioners are receiving the allowance for wear and tear of clothing. An analysis made in January, 1952, showed that the number

Allowance(s)	Officers	'Other Ranks'	Total
Unemployability Supplement only	13	836	849
Unemployability Supplement, constant attendance allowance and comforts allowance	7	196	203
Constant attendance allowance only	15	138	153
Constant attendance allowance and comforts allowance	5	42	47
Allowance for lowered standard of occupation	18	1,000	1,018

asked the Minister of Pensions how many motor-propelled tricycles supplied to war disabled and civilian disabled have caught fire while being driven on the public highway during the past 12 months; and if his tech-

asked the Minister of Pensions the numbers of surviving ex-Service men pensioned for the loss of one limb at the 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and up to the 100 per cent. rate; and the numbers of such men who receive the various supplementary allowances.

The number of such pensioners in receipt of pensions from my Department for the loss of one limb due to service in the Forces is 33,229, made up as follows:of those receiving one or more of the main supplementary allowances was 2,270, made up as follows:nical advisers have yet reported as to the defects responsible.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many cases have been reported to him of invalid cars supplied by his Department catching fire whilst occupied by disabled persons.

Fires have been reported in the last 12 months involving 68 of the 7,600 invalid motor tricycles in use. Fortunately, no tricycle user has been injured. No fires have been reported involving motor cars, which number 1,906.On the advice of technical officers, the makers and outside specialists, a number of modifications have been made to the tricycles in the last 12 months and further improvements are under urgent consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the danger to disabled persons operating a Ministry of Pensions car when they are physically incapable of moving from their car without assistance; and whether he will make arrangements for a fire extinguisher to be attached to the car.

Fire extinguishers have been provided with the motor cars supplied by my Department for the use of severely disabled war pensioners. I am also arranging for suitable fire extinguishers to be provided with the all-weather motor tricycles supplied by my Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions through what agency, other than that of a national newspaper, a war pensioner or a war widow should make application for a reconsideration of their case on grounds of hardship.

Any disablement war pensioner or war widow who wishes to make application for a reconsideration of their case on grounds of hardship should apply to the local War Pensioners' Welfare Officer, whose address can be found in the lists displayed at Post Offices.

asked the Minister of Pensions on what date it was announced that the Ministry of Pensions Welfare Service was available to war widows.

Since December, 1949, all new pension order books sent to widows have contained a prominent note inviting them to make use of the Welfare Service. Since March, 1952, a special letter has been sent with each order book reminding widows of the Service. The letters notifying the recent increases in widows' pensions have also drawn attention to the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider applications for temporary release from Her Majesty's forces from farmers on behalf of their sons or brothers during the harvest season.

No. Commanding officers whenever possible grant normal leave to these men during the harvest season. As my hon. Friend knows, the Army gives all possible help to farmers both by the loan of troops so far as training permits and by encouraging men to volunteer to help when off duty.

asked the Secretary of State for War what he estimates to be the additional expenditure falling on the United Kingdom Budget in the year 1953–54, on account of the British Army of the Rhine, arising out of the conventions signed by the Government in Bonn on 26th May.

It is considered unlikely that Her Majesty's Government will incur additional expenditure on the British Army of the Rhine up to 30th June, 1953, under the terms of the Convention. The part of the Federal Republic's defence contribution which will be used to assist in meeting the costs of the British forces in Germany in the period after 30th June, 1953, is left for subsequent negotiation.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what overseas allowances troops in Korea receive; and how these compare with similar allowances to troops in Hong Kong;(2) what overseas allowances are lost by troops proceeding from Hong Kong to Korea.

No local overseas allowance is paid to troops in Korea. The rates of local overseas allowance for troops in Hong Kong were included in the statement which I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 29th April this year. Troops posted from Hong Kong to Korea cease to draw the Hong Kong rate of allowance when they leave. Families left in Hong Kong receive local overseas allowance until a passage home is available for them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the pay of British troops serving in Korea compares unfavourably with that of other United Nations forces; and if he will adjust this anomaly.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to Questions on this subject on 5th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 14184635 Gunner Malcolm McKenzie, U Battery, Royal Artillery, Cyprus, who was given leave to visit his home, has been detained in a transit camp in Port Said since 19th May with several other soldiers who are on leave; whether he will take steps to avoid such delays in future; and to what extent the period of leave in this country will be curtailed due to the delay in arrival.

The soldier has not been granted leave, but is returning to this country for transfer to the reserve in July on completion of his colour service. On arrival, on about 26th June, he will get the normal terminal leave which will be unaffected by the delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects that his Department will be prepared to complete the transfer of land at Aycliffe, Dover, the terms of sale of which were settled on 1st May, 1951, and about which he has been sent correspondence.

I have given instructions that this sale shall be completed at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the building of the new wing to the main Royal Engineers Record Office will be completed, so that land at The Level, Brighton, can be derequisitioned and again used as a recreation ground, that being the purpose for which it was, many years ago, dedicated to the public.

I cannot yet say when this new wing will be built.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many lads of 15 years of age and over have been enrolled in special battalions; and what procedure has to be followed if later on they desire to leave Her Majesty's forces for civil life.

Eleven thousand, nine hundred and twenty-four boys have been enlisted into the Army since their recruitment began again in April, 1946. A boy may apply to his commanding officer within three months of enlistment for discharge by purchase, and at any time for discharge on compassionate grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Ralph Reader and his company of artistes were refused dinner in the G.H.Q. Mess at Kinloss, Singapore, on their return from a tour of jungle camps, as they were not in evening dress; and whether he will take action to ensure proper treatment of artistes who go out to Malaya to entertain our troops.

Yes. It is clear from the report that I have had that the reception of Mr. Reader and his company most unfortunately went astray on this particular evening. I very much regret that this incident should have occurred in a tour which was in every other respect a most successful one. Before this incident took place I had given instructions that a special order should go out to overseas Commands to ensure that the reception of all artistes should be worthy of the co-operation which they are now showing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much rubber has been sold by the United Kingdom to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the last 12 months.

During the 12 months ended 30th April, 1952, the latest period for which figures are available, 89,109 tons of raw rubber were re-exported from the United Kingdom to the Soviet Union. As my right hon. Friend explained on 20th March in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Toxteth (Mr. Bevins), exports of rubber to the Soviet Union, both from the United Kingdom and Malaya, are strictly controlled, but there are, however, naturally fluctuations in monthly shipments within the annual rate, and these 12 months include a period of relatively high shipments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he now has any further statement to make as to the present arrangements for the sale of decorated pottery on the home market.

The quota of decorated pottery which can be sold on the home market has now been settled and licences have been issued to manufacturers. Licences are based on the value of each manufacturer's production in 1951, and are valid until the end of October. As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith) on 22nd May, the scheme will be reviewed in three months' time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount owing under the War Damage Act, 1943, Part II Business Scheme.

Approximately £29 million exclusive of interest.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cotton spinning firms have contracted out from the Raw Cotton Commission up to 14th June for the buying of part or all of their raw cotton requirements.

Cotton spinning firms have been given until the 30th June to exercise the option available to them, and it would not be right to make any announcement until after that date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements are being made to ensure that, wherever possible, any additional factory accommodation required to provide extra industrial capacity to meet the needs of the defence programme shall be provided in the Development Areas.

Nearly all the defence programme is being carried out in existing factories or in extensions to those factories. Where new factories are required every effort is made to arrange with the contractors concerned that so far as possible they are located in Development Areas or other areas needing new sources of employment.

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what were the imports of softwoods for January, February, March and April this year; and what were the stocks of this timber for the same months, giving separate figures for each month.

Imports of softwood including boxboards, railway sleepers and poles in January totalled 119,944 standards; in February 72,146 standards; in March 71,531 standards; and in April 58,756 standards. Stocks of softwood at the end of the month were: January 734,247 standards; February 699,836 standards; March 669,040 standards; and April 646,030 standards.

asked the Minister of Education when she will be able to announce details of her proposals for making improved financial assistance for selected technical colleges.

In a few weeks' time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what effect the reduction in the allocation of steel to the shipbuilding industry for the third quarter of this year is estimated to have on the number of shipbuilding workers unemployed in Sunderland.

It is unlikely that the steel allocations to Sunderland shipbuilders in the third quarter of this year will materially affect the level of employment on shipbuilding in the area.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will reconsider the granting of an allocation of sugar for the making of home-made jam or marmalade; and if he will now make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery) on 16th June, but as already announced the next special issue of 1 lb. of sugar will be made on 13th July.

asked the Minister of Health the total of building and maintenance work approved by the regional hospital boards during the financial year 1951–52; what was the total approved, regionally, of items each not exceeding £10,000 or other regional maxima; and what was the total referred to headquarters for Departmental sanction.

The estimated expenditure by regional hospital boards on capital account in 1951–52 for building and civil engineering works and associated equipment is about £7.7 million and the estimated expenditure of hospital management committees on revenue account in the same year for the maintenance of building, plant and grounds (excluding the salaries and wages of directly employed maintenance staff) is about £6.59 million.Of the expenditure on capital account, about £350,000 was on works estimated to cost not more than £1,000 each, which do not require the Minister's approval. The rest, apart from such items as the payment of fees, was on the larger schemes approved by the Minister during the year in question or previously.Expenditure on the maintenance of building, plant and grounds within the approved estimates does not require the Minister's approval, Hospital management committees require the approval of regional hospital boards to maintenance works estimated to cost in excess of £1,000, but figures of the amount so approved are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it was necessary to close Constitution Hill, Birdcage Walk and The Mall to traffic for the whole period of each rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour.

Birdcage Walk is closed for a short period before and after the ceremony, and at the two main rehearsals, to permit the passage of troops to and from the parade ground. Constitution Hill and The Mall are closed to facilitate the forming up and passage of the Royal procession from Buckingham Palace to and from the parade ground. For the rehearsals, both roads are re-opened for a time while the Trooping is taking place, but for the actual ceremony this is impracticable because of the large crowds in the vicinity of the Palace, and the comparatively short interval between the forward and return journeys of the Royal procession.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will consult with local authorities as to the desirability of imposing a system of licensing on persons and firms engaged as agents in the letting of furnished and unfurnished flats, houses and lodgings.

We are trying to deal with this matter and my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what regulations are laid down by his Department for the notification of landowners of a proposal to acquire their land for housing purposes.

The procedure is laid down by the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act, 1946, and the actual form of notice to owners, lessees and occupiers is prescribed in the Compulsory Purchase of Land Regulations, 1949 (Statutory Instruments, 1949. No. 507).

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General which Members of the House of Commons have appeared in television programmes, other than discussion programmes with other persons, in the period from 1st July, 1950, to the latest convenient date; and in how many such programmes each has appeared.

The B.B.C. has furnished the following information for the period 1st July, 1950, to 31st May, 1952. The Corporation points out that the dividing line between discussion programmes with other persons and other programmes cannot be determined with exactness, and the list has been drawn up as accurately as this difficulty permits.

Member	No. of appearances
Mr. J. Amery	1
Mr. A. Beverley Baxter	1
Hon. A. W. Benn	2
Mrs. E. M. Braddock	1
Mr. G. Darling	1
Sir William Darling	1
Rt. Hon. R. A. Eden	1
Rt. Hon. P. C. Gordon Walker	1
Dr. Charles Hill	3
Rt. Hon. H. L. D'A. Hopkinson	1
Dr. H. M. King	1
Rt. Hon. Selwyn Lloyd	1
Mr. A. E. Marples	1
Mr. C. P. Mayhew	9
Lady Tweedsmuir	3
Mr. H. Watkinson	1
Mr. G. W. Williams	1
Rt. Hon. Earl Winterton	1

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the waiting list for telephones in the Cheltenham area at the last convinent date.

Three hundred and eighty-two on the 31st March, 1952.