asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the increasing difficulty of women in obtaining employment in West Fife; and what steps he is taking to remedy the position.

I know there is unemployment of women here, most of it due to short-time working. There are prospects of alternative work for a number of the redundant workers, but reliance must mainly be placed on increased activity in the textile trades.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, according to figures from the Dunfermline exchange, unemployment has increased by about 25 per cent. in the last month, not including those who are temporarily stopped? Is he further aware that there is a lot of short-time working in the textile industry in the Dunfermline area and that that is coupled with the fact that there are many miners coming in with their wives from the West? Would he not consult with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about the possibility of bringing into West Fife some alternative light industry?

I would point out that for the area as a whole, not speaking of Dunfermline itself, there has been an increase, but only from 1,132 in January to 1,230 in June. As to Dunfermline, recruiting is now going on at the Royal Naval Armament Depot, which I agree only takes a certain number, but I will look at this particular place in consultation with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give particulars of his scheme to send 100 inspectors to British factories to advise managements on the best uses to be made of skilled labour.

I explained these arrangements in the answer that I gave on 11th March to the hon. Member for Ladywood (Mr. Yates). The number of the inspectors is 58 and not 100 as suggested in the Question.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that these inspectors were reported in the "Daily Graphic" to be going to arrange for the transfer of redundant people and so on? Is that their purpose?

They are mainly engineering inspectors and they deal with certain skilled engineering operations for which there is a severe shortage of qualified men. When further men are asked for in particular industries they go and advise what steps can be taken to reduce the call for further men.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman make quite certain that, in any action taken by the managers in consultation with inspectors, trade unionists in the factory have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the managers?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for an inquiry into the conditions of labour in this country of out-workers, also known as home-workers; and whether he will include in such an inquiry investigations into the methods of acquiring this labour by advertising and other means used by firms and individuals who conduct these businesses.

I am not satisfied that there is any need for a general inquiry into the conditions of out-workers. From the information which my hon. Friend has sent me, I understand that he is concerned about offers of work by certain firms. I am sending the information to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary for his consideration.

Is the Minister aware that Yarmouth people are very concerned about reports that have recently appeared it certain sections of the national Press about the activities of some employers of out-workers, and is he aware that any action which he can take to protect out-workers from any of those employers who might be unscrupulous will be most welcome?

It is those particular firms in Yarmouth to which I referred in my communication to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements his Department has made for the maximum use of out-workers to assist in any national emergency that might arise.

No specific arrangements have been made, but this source of manpower will not be overlooked should the need arise.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to provide the building trade operatives for the urgently required house building for the city of Stoke-on-Trent.

Yes, Sir, so far as possible. The employment exchanges will continue to do all they can to meet demands for labour for housing contracts.

Does the Minister now agree that between 200 and 300 building trade operatives are leaving the city every morning for work miles around, travelling as far as Manchester and Derby, and could not some action be taken to see that the city gets the building trade labour that it requires?

We are doing what we can to let it be known in the city that there is not only employment in these trades, but also in the surrounding districts where we are circulating the information in the employment exchanges.

Would not the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider conferring with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, and pointing out that as a result of schemes which have received his consent there is an inducement for labour to leave the city to build houses in other parts of the country, and that this is hardly fair to the city of Stoke-on-Trent?

I will certainly discuss that with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the request made by the National Coal Board for the provision of a large number of new houses each year by the city of Stoke-on-Trent; and what action he intends taking to provide the building trade workers.

I understand that the Stoke-on-Trent housing programme, including the provision of houses for miners, is at present under discussion between the local authority, the National Coal Board and the Principal Regional Officer of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The second part of the Question is covered by the answer I have just given to the lion. Member's Question No. 6.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the good will between the National Coal Board and the municipality is as good as it possibly can he but that one of their difficulties is going to be labour? Will the Minister investigate with other Government Departments the allegations that are made that they are allowing expenses for travelling and so on for contracts to be carried out in the immediate vicinity?

I will look into that.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of building trade operatives and bricklayers who are registered as unemployed in the employment exchanges in the city of Stoke-on-Trent.

Twelve craftsmen on 16th June of whom none were brick-layers. There were some 60 other workers, mostly labourers, unemployed whose last employment was in the building industry.

Having at last 'received that information, may I ask whether that does not reveal the necessity for action to be taken to cater for the housing needs of the city and of the incoming miners who are going to be transferred from all parts of the country?

I can only say that vacancies are very soon found for those who are registered unemployed. The figure has not shown a great change over the last two years.

Will the Minister note the effect of altering the licence arrangements, making it possible for unlicensed work up to £200 to proceed, and the effect that this will have in transferring labour from building houses to repair work which is badly needed in our area? Will he also pay particular attention to the financial provisions of his right hon. Friend which are contributing to this position?

I have said that I will discuss the matter with my right hon. Friend, and I will bear those points in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour what facilities exist for colonial students to obtain employment in this country during their summer vacation.

The service provided by the employment exchanges and appointments offices is available to colonial students who wish to obtain employment in the vacations. I understand that certain private organisations such as the National Union of Students are also active in this field.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether any facilities exist in industry particularly to replace British workers while they are on holiday?

I have in mind the agriculture industries and the efforts which are made by the National Union of Students in that field where we help by enabling them to travel to and from the work. If there is any other matter perhaps my hon. Friend will let me know.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consult with the Colonial Office upon this matter with a view to making the fullest provision of employment for these colonial students?

I am anxious to do what I can and will consult with them.

asked the Minister of Labour the average weekly hours of work per man in industry in the United Kingdom over the latest period for which figures are available.

The average weekly hours actually worked, including overtime, in October, 1951, by manual wage-earners in manufacturing industries generally, and in a number of the principal non-manufacturing industries in the United Kingdom, was 47.8 for men aged 21 years and over. The results of the inquiry made last October were published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette for March, 1952.

Do not these figures rebut the ill-informed views, so often expressed, that people in this country are only working 40 hours a week, and are not these figures about eight hours a week more than the United States, six hours more than France, and about equal to Western Germany?

I do not think I am able to work out the comparisons which my hon. Friend has done, but I can say that this figure of 47 is the figure which has obtained for a number of years past.

Would the Minister not agree that the figure would be better still if some thousands of workers in the Lancashire textile industry had not been on short-time for the last three or four months?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons signing the unemployed register in the various exchanges in Lanarkshire.

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

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman persuade the Government to change their whole policy in this matter? Is he aware that as a result of the policy of the Government the firm of John Deer have gone to Paris, because they were prevented from opening up in Lanarkshire, and is he further aware that the firm of Alexander Dunn & Sons are being frustrated in their efforts to develop in Lanarkshire? Will the Minister consult with his colleagues in the matter?

Will my right hon. and learned Friend consult with the Minister of Supply and the President of the Board of Trade in order to see whether anything further can be done to help the present difficulties in Cambuslang, where the Hoover factory has recently had to lay off about 750 people, largely owing to difficulties in the Australian market?

I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend, as I usually do on these matters; but I would draw attention to the fact that there has not been any substantial change in the total number of people unemployed in these areas for a considerable time.

There is quite a lot of under-employment. May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he will make approaches to the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supply and the Scottish Office, who have done everything possible to prevent Mr. Dunn from getting on with this development?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases he has had reported to him of catering employers paying their staffs wages out of the tronc; and in how many instances he has introduced legal proceedings against these employers for evasion of payment of wages under the Catering Wages Act.

I cannot say in how many cases complaints alleging this have been made to and dealt with by my Inspectors. As to proceedings, in two cases criminal proceedings and in one case civil proceedings were taken successfully.

Is the Minister aware of the fact that 90 per cent. of the larger catering employers pay the staff wages out of the tronc and hardly any of them pay the wages out of their profits? Is it not about time that these catering employers paid a decent wage out of their profits rather than using the tronc?

I am afraid that I am not aware of the figure which the hon. Gentleman has given me, but I will certainly look into any material which he can put before me.

Will the Minister consult with those trade unions in the catering industry who are on the Trade Union Joint Advisory Council? They will give him all the information which he requires.

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am in close touch with them.

asked the Minister of Labour what effect the heavy reduction in freight rates is anticipated to have on employment in the shipbuilding industry.

I understand that the fall in tramp shipping freight rates has not affected the demand for new tonnage; ships ordered or under construction are sufficient to keep the shipbuilding industry fully employed for several years.

While fully accepting the right hon. and learned Gentleman's statement of the position as it is now, may I ask if he is aware that a collapse in freight rates such as this almost invariably has a drastic effect on the order books of the ship builders? Will he keep in close consultation with his right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Supply to see that the necessary steps are taken in advance of this world position affecting our shipbuilding industry?

I have been in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, but I will certainly widen my consultations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on his Parliamentary Secretary's recent visit to the textile areas.

asked the Minister of Labour what information his Parliamentary Secretary gained during his recent visit to Lancashire about the numbers likely to be employed in the textile industry when it reaches the level of activity assumed in the Cotton Working Party's Report of 1946.

I am very grateful to the Parliamentary Secretary for undertaking this visit at my request. The primary object was to see how far the local offices of my Department were successfully playing their part in meeting the difficulties in this area, and on that I am fully reassured. He had also the opportunity of talking freely with trade unions, managements and civic heads about the problems of the textile industry and as a result he felt, as they do, that there is no reason to be pessimistic about the future of the industry.

I appreciate the interest shown by the Minister and his Parliamentary Secretary, as indicated by the fact that this trip was made. I should like to ask two questions. First, could the Minister explain what the Parliamentary Secretary meant at his Press conference when he said that the Government might have to take a more cautious view than the Working Party, which suggested a possible labour force of 250,000? Secondly, could he say with what other bodies he has been discussing the size of the industry, and particularly the possibility of alternative employment—and how far those discussions have proceeded?

I think that my hon. Friend was misunderstood when he spoke at the Press conference. As far as I am informed he did not mention a figure of 250,000, which I should regard as a pessimistic forecast. As to the other questions, perhaps the hon. Gentleman would give me another opportunity of considering them.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the introduction of new industries into such East Lancashire towns as Padiham, Great Harwood and Nelson—all of which depend upon textiles for their employment—is being delayed by the absence of skilled engineering labour? If so, what action is he taking to make sure that there is sufficient skilled engineering labour to make it attractive for new industries to go there?

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, the shortage of skilled labour is not confined to this industry or to this district. It is a difficulty which is also met with elsewhere, and it is one of the problems which have to be considered when diversification of industry in an area such as this is under consideration.

Is it not too early to forecast at what level the labour required in the cotton industry will settle down? Does not the Minister appreciate that it would be wrong to wait and see, over the years, at what level it settles down, on a laissez-faire principle? The Government should make up its mind now what is likely to be the optimum level and begin to introduce new industries in those areas which have so far been almost 100 per cent. cotton areas.

We are most concerned to introduce other industries when the opportunity occurs, but as for fixing a figure here and now and not putting it off for a period of years, or anything of that sort, I think that when the industry itself cannot give a figure it would be dangerous for me to hazard a guess at a moment like this.

Is the Minister aware that one of the most serious factors of the situation is that the recession in cotton has once again diverted juvenile labour from the industry, so that the age level is once again rising? We cannot hope to build up a prosperous cotton industry with an aged working population. Does not he therefore agree that it is imperative that the Government should give some lead to the industry and make some kind of plan showing what part the Government expect the industry to play in the internal and external markets of this country?

I appreciate the danger of an ageing population if young people are diverted to other industries. I had hoped that what I have said today would indicate that, though I do not feel able to give a figure, the Government are not pessimistic about the future of this industry and that people will not be encouraged to leave it for fear of the future.

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of the total placings made in Huntingdonshire by the Youth Employment Service during the latest period of 12 months for which figures are available, were in agriculture and horticulture.

During the 12 months ended 31st July, 1951, 5.1 per cent. of the total placings made by the Youth Employment Service in Huntingdonshire were in agriculture and horticulture.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this is an agricultural county, in parts of which there is a very serious shortage of agricultural labour? Will he do all he can to persuade his Youth Employment Service to encourage the young people to go into farming to a much greater extent than they have so far?

I am anxious that they should. I would point out that the figure of 5.7 per cent. for Huntingdonshire compares with a figure of 1.7 per cent. for the whole country, and if one looks at the figure for boys, it is about 10.6 per cent. We are doing what we can to encourage others to see the advantages of this scheme.

Is the Minister aware that there is a feeling in the country that the officers of the youth employment committees are more acquainted with the industrial than the agricultural world? Would he make sure that these advisory committees have agricultural interests represented on them wherever possible?

Yes, Sir. I would point out that the youth employment officer in Huntingdonshire is well aware of that need and is doing all be can to get the schools in the county not only to go to local farms to see what they are like, but to encourage the adoption of farms under a scheme which the National Farmers' Union have recently introduced.

asked the Minister of Labour in what circumstances Her Majesty's inspectors investigate the conditions under which workers within the Palace of Westminster are employed.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind investigations undertaken by H.M. Inspectors of Factories. Certain premises in Old Palace Yard, where a number of processes are undertaken connected with the upkeep of the buildings, including carpentry and repairs to furniture and plant, are subject to the provisions of the Factories Acts and are visited by an inspector. Building operations undertaken by contractors within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster are also visited by inspectors to verify compliance with the Building (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations.

Will the Minister arrange, therefore, for an inspector to see the conditions under which some of the lift operators in these precincts are employed?

asked the Minister of Labour what special steps he is taking to ensure that unemployed building workers in the London area are being found jobs on the building of houses.

Employment exchanges bring specially to the notice of suitable unemployed men particulars of outstanding vacancies on housing contracts. A system of circulation ensures that particulars of vacancies, not only in London, but also in surrounding areas and in other parts of the country, are brought immediately to notice.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman have some conversations, in very strong language, with his colleague, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, who is largely responsible for the unusual and inexcusable wastage of manpower involved in the fact that more than 4,200 building workers are unemployed in the London area?

I have no doubt that I could take advantage of what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has suggested and get his advice as to the suitability of the language in which I might convey those observations to my right hon. Friend.

I should be only too pleased to help.

I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman would.

asked the Minister of Labour what further steps have been taken to settle the disputes at Briggs and Fords.

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 24th June, there is adequate joint machinery at both firms for dealing constitutionally with matters in dispute. The strikes now taking place are unofficial and in breach of agreements entered into by the unions on behalf of their members.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schools are planned and how many under construction, in the county of Dumbartonshire.

Four schools are under construction, and six are being planned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the county of Dumbartonshire the percentage of classes in excess of the code is 30.7 per cent., which is three-and-a-half times the average in Scotland? Is the right hon. Gentleman therefore satisfied that everything is being done to provide adequate school buildings in the county of Dumbartonshire?

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's point, and we are doing what we can. There are 15 further schools under consideration for the future.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schools are providing only part-time education to a proportion of the children in the county of Dumbartonshire.

None.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my experience, in going round the county, is that I have been told by parents that many children aged six are attending school, some in the mornings and some in the afternoons, and that that is because of the lack of accommodation and the lack of teachers?

It is the case, but these double meetings, as they are called, are not regarded as part-time education. In the circumstances of staffing and accommodation, and in view of the fact that better arrangements cannot be made, it is permitted to have double meetings.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the shortage of teachers in the county of Dumbartonshire; and what steps he is taking to improve this position.

I am aware of the shortage, and hope that the position in the county may improve when additional teachers become available under the Special Recruitment Scheme, which is to be continued.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great disquiet in the county and a feeling that, because of the inadequate school accommodation and the general situation in the county, teachers will not come to Dumbartonshire? I do not know whether that is a fact, but it is being said. Would the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into this ugly rumour which is going around, that Dumbartonshire cannot get school teachers because it has not the school accommodation and because of the excessive size of classes?

I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland for an estimate of the number of schoolchildren who will be employed in the gathering of potatoes during the coming harvest; and what measures he intends to take to ensure adequate teacher supervision of these children.

About 50,000. I have again asked education authorities to ensure that every facility is given to teachers to offer their services.

Is the Minister aware that the response last year, according to the Report, was not very encouraging and that non-teacher supervisors had therefore to be employed? Will the Minister give an assurance that whoever is employed in the supervisory capacity, it will be full and complete supervision so as to ensure that no farmer exploits the position and that every farmer fully observes all the conditions of the scheme?

I quite agree with the hon. Gentleman. We certainly agree that farmers should not be allowed to exploit the position.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make a further appeal to teachers? For some reason or another there seems to be an effort to discourage teachers from taking part in this work. There is a great deal of educational opportunity in the field, apart altogether from the time spent on potato lifting, for nature and natural things can be taught to children in a way which is not possible in the schools. I think teachers are missing a great opportunity of helping children when they do not take full part in this work.

I agree entirely with the right hon. Gentleman's remarks, and I may say that the education authorities have been asked to ensure that every facility is given to teachers who are willing to take part.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will institute an inquiry into the circumstances in which the regular police force in Scotland lost 34 per cent. of its strength through resignation last year before the policemen and policewomen concerned had completed 10 years' service.

Resignations of regular police officers with less than 10 years' service amounted in 1951 to just over 2 per cent. of the total actual strength of the service. The figure is not abnormal as compared with other post-war years and would not justify the institution of a general inquiry.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Report of the Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland shows that a total of 163 out of 471 police officers, men and women, who left the force did so within the first 10 years of their service?

If my hon. Friend would take the figure for the total police force he would find that resignations on these grounds amounted to only 2.2 per cent. and not 34 per cent.; and that is not abnormal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this Government came into office it has had a most gloomy and depressing effect upon his hon. Friend the Member for Lanark (Mr. Patrick Maitland), and could he not do something to cheer him up?

I will talk to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to complaints, supported by members of regional hospital boards, that patients are awakened at an unnecessarily early hour; and if he will take action in the matter.

This point was dealt with in a Report from the Scottish Health Services Council circulated to hospital authorities last August. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that anything which will reduce the tedium of long weary hours of suffering is very well worth consideration? Will he therefore be active in this matter on his own accord?

Yes. The boards of management have accepted the recommendation which will be found in paragraph 72 of the Council's Report.

Could we be told what is an unnecessarily early hour?

The Report advocated not earlier than 6 a.m. and later if possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is being taken by the Herring Industry Board and by his Department to revive and develop the fishing industry in the Isles of Barra, the Uists and Harris; and what is the estimated cost of Government assistance for this purpose in the present year.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 13th May. As much of the assistance is being provided under general schemes for the benefit of the herring industry, I regret that the answer to the second part of the Question is not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in these islands there used to be a very flourishing herring fishing industry giving employment to many of the people in the area and that today there is virtually no herring fishing? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman put some pressure on the Herring Industry Board to set up a processing plant in the area of Barra and South Uist in order to enable the men to land fish for processing in their own islands without making the work uneconomic through having to transport their catch across the Minch every time?

My information is that unfortunately, to a great degree the herring have departed from Barra and South Uist. The scientists do not know the reason, and I am afraid I cannot say what it is.

Is the Minister aware that it is the Herring Industry Board and the Scottish Office that have deserted Barra and the Uists and not just the herring?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he now has for easing the hardship caused among Western Isles lobster fishermen by prohibiting the landing of lobsters in spawn in the lobster ponds in Lewis and Harris; and what steps he is taking to prevent foreign vessels removing large numbers of berried and immature lobsters from the same fishing grounds around the islands.

The lobster catch in the Western Isles from January to May is not much less this year than it was in 1951, and I see no reason for action at this moment. The inshore waters are patrolled to prevent illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

Is the Minister aware that we had much better weather in the spring and summer of this year than we had last year, and the landings would have been very much higher than they have been if it had not been for this pernicious Order; and is he also aware that there is any amount of first-hand evidence among the local fishermen, or any observers in the Western Isles, that French and other foreign vessels come in to fish, both inside and outside territorial waters, for lobsters in spawn and otherwise?

I would like to have notice of the second part of the question. With regard to the first part, I think that it is too early to say that we should alter this Order, whatever adjective one applies to it, because it was brought in with a view to increasing the stocks.

Does not that mean that it is also too early to argue the other way, and that no evidence has been accepted from any of the men who really know—the local fishermen?

Can the Minister say whether any experiments are being carried out to find an alternative to this Order in case, in the course of time, he becomes convinced of what lots of fishermen believe—that it is a bad Order?

I would be very glad to receive any suggestions on the subject.

Can the Minister not see that some of the local men on the spot are consulted?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when work is to begin on the jetties at Portnaguran, Isle of Lewis; Bernera, Isle of Harris; and Newton, Isle of North Uist.

The County Council have found it necessary to apply for additional assistance towards the cost of the pier at Portnaguran, and their application is being urgently considered. The County Council's proposals for jetties at Bernera and Newton are being examined, but I am unable at present to say when the work will begin.

Is the Minister aware that many months ago work on all these jetties was on the point of beginning? The Bernera jetty, in particular, was to be begun in March, and the local people have had no explanation of why there has been this delay. Can he give any indication when this work will be started?

Work on Portnaguran jetty will, I hope, be proceeded with at an early date. As to the arrangements with regard to the other jetties referred to, I am afraid I cannot give a date at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of steel which has been allocated to Lanarkshire Education Committee for the school-building programme for 1952–53.

Three hundred and fifteen tons, but this does not so far include any allocation for 1953.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that consideration is given to the representations made to him by the Lanarkshire Members of Parliament and the local education committee; and owing to the serious situation in Lanarkshire which is likely to develop a few years hence, will he make further representation to his right hon. Friend with a view to getting an increased allocation of steel?

I will do my best, and it may be possible, when the allocation of the fourth quarter is known, to increase this somewhat.

asked the Secretary of of State for Scotland the hourly rates of wages paid to segregated net-makers in Barlinnie and Peterhead prisons, respectively.

I thought that all the prisoners earned the wages of sin, but I am glad to hear that the right hon. Gentleman dissociates himself from that. May I ask him if he is aware that the segregated prisoners create a problem of peculiar difficulty within these prisons, and would he make as widely-known as possible among the prisoners concerned the facts which he has just given to the House?

Yes, Sir.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say if there are any prisoners left in Barlinnie Prison, in view of the Prime Minister's promise to set the people free?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what schemes are in operation or preparation to attract visitors to Scotland during the holiday season.

I am asking the Scottish Tourist Board to send to the hon. Member particulars of their schemes for attracting visitors to Scotland.

Would the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to see if it is not possible to bring the Comet and the Brabazon to Scotland as an additional attraction for flights of short duration during the holiday season?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the important and relevant fact that Scotland has many ties of kinship with thousands of Canadian families who should be offered special facilities of revisiting the land of their fathers, and will he offer them special fares, accommodation and publicity to enable them to do so?

It is with that in view that Trans-Atlantic ships have been urged to come into the Clyde.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent he estimates the implementation of the recommendations on land drainage, contained in the Duncan Report, would prevent the recurring flooding of the Garnock Valley.

On the general question of implementing the Duncan Report I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the Question by the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. N. Macpherson) on 1st July. I have no reason to doubt that if new powers were available for dealing with such cases an effective scheme could be framed for the Garnock Valley.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give some indication of when he will attempt this legislation arising from the recommendations of the Duncan Report? Is he aware that in the village of Lanark, owing to this recurring flooding, tenants are not able to ensure their homes from flood damage during the winter time?

I am aware of this serious position and negotiations are taking place. I would like to see legislation through, but I am afraid that I cannot give a date at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his decision to cut expenditure on the Daer water project of Lanarkshire will be reconsidered, in view of the probable consequences to housing schemes and industrial development in the area.

I am glad to say that I have now been able to agree to a revised programme submitted by the Daer Water Board and no immediate threat to housing or industrial development in the area arises.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give great satisfaction to the people of Lanarkshire?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, since there is a national price for basic slag, why a higher subsidy is payable to farmers in Northern Ireland than in Scotland.

The new national price for basic slag, which took effect from 8th June, is for slag delivered at the nearest port or railway station in Great Britain. The purchaser bears the cost of transport from this point to his farm. For basic slag imported in Northern Ireland there is an additional freight charge for transport to Northern Ireland ports. The higher subsidy is designed to equalise so far as possible the cost to farmers in Northern Ireland with the cost to farmers in Great Britain.

Is it not the case, though, that basic slag costs more in the outlying parts of the Highlands and in the outer islands of Orkney and Shetland than it does even in the wildest bogs of Ireland?

Yes, but this addition is really for transport from the port in this country to a Northern Ireland port.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that during the war an arrangement was come to by which the freight on line was made approximately equal to outlying districts; and could he look into the question of whether the Orkney and Shetland and other outlying districts could have the benefit of the subsidy that is given to Northern Ireland?

I see the point, and I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken to accelerate Provisional Order Procedure as it applies to piers and harbours.

I hope within the next few days to announce a revised procedure which will enable Provisional Orders under the Harbours, Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act, 1937, to be drafted, made and confirmed more quickly.

Does the right hon. Gentleman also intend to raise the maximum under which an order is not required?

I am afraid that that would require legislation. I did answer that point on 11th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Herring Industry Board propose to erect a processing factory on the mainland of Wester, Ross-shire.

Proposals for the erection by the board at Government expense of a herring oil and meal factory at Ullapool are now being examined.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at Ullapool some 20 per cent. of the catch is transported many many miles over atrocious roads at a loss of fuel and power to the nation; and will he expedite this processing factory?

There has been delay over the site, and that, of course, affects the cost. I will pursue this matter as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how an error arose in compilation of the Housing Return for Scotland, 31st March, 1952, which caused Table IV, page 6, to record housing completions by New Towns Development Corporation at 31st March last as 399, while the corresponding figures in Appendix B, page 23, column 8, add up to 391; and whether any particular housing return was itself in error.

The discrepancy occurred because an earlier figure for houses completed by East Kilbride Development Corporation was corrected on page 23 but not on page 6. The discrepancy was not caused by an incorrect report from the Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the chief factors limiting Government orders for non-traditional housing, such as the order of 3,000 Weir houses; and whether the most important of these is the net shortage of suitable home-grown timber, the cost of importing timber from Colonial and Commonwealth sources or the lack of currency for purchase of non-Sterling timber.

The chief factor is scarcity of currency for the purchase of softwood from non-Sterling countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new houses have been completed by the Glenrothes Development Corporation to the latest convenient date; and to what extent the building programme is being held up by shortage of labour.

By 30th June, 107 new houses had been completed by the Glenrothes Development Corporation. There has been a substantial increase in recent months in the number of men employed on house-building in the new town, which the Corporation expect to be reflected in an increased output of new houses in the future.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to allocate more houses to local authorities where they can show that they have additional requirements because of the large number of miners rows in their area in a dilapidated condition and unfit for human occupation.

I am prepared to authorise additional instalments of houses in any district where I am satisfied that progress with the authorisations already made justifies such a course.

Does that reply mean that additional allocations will be given, because of the over-weight of unfit houses, where the local authorities are building up to the requirements laid down in the allocations this year? Does he understand that in many areas in Scotland there are these old rows, although no coal is being extracted in many of these areas today, and it is in respect of these areas that my Question is directed?

I understand the point and assure the hon. Member that where the authorities are getting on well with their allocations, we will always consider this.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that supplies of cement are now adequate for the housing programme.

There are occasional local shortages of cement, but, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, I am doing everything possible to overcome them.

asked the Prime Minister what changes will be made in the re-armament programme and expenditure on defence arising from the new policy of absolute priority for the balance of payments problem.

There will no doubt be an opportunity before the House rises for an exchange of views on the economic situation, including the aspects to which the hon. Member refers.

In view of the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week that exports must now come first and foremost, does not this imply a change in the re-armament programme by a diversion of engineering products from armaments to exports?

I think that point is covered by my answer.

Would the Prime Minister not agree that all experience shows how unwise it is to speak of absolute priorities or overriding priorities, and that it is far better to deal with these difficult problems of balance through an allocation system such as we had in the war?

Those are issues of a very general character about which variants of opinion may well be tolerated.

asked the Prime Minister whether the newspaper articles recently written by Mr. Alan Moorehead, a former Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence, were submitted for security check before publication.

Yes, Sir.

That is a change from yesterday.

Do not recent events suggest that the standard of security at the Ministry of Defence, from the Minister downwards, is relatively low?

That seems to be a rather inferior type of jibe.

asked the Prime Minister on how many occasions, since November, 1951, on which a statement has been made to the House referring to military operations in Korea, the text of the proposed statement has been previously shown to General Omar Bradley for comment.

The parts of the statement made to the House by the Minister of State last Tuesday which referred to the progress of military operations were shown to General Bradley as a matter of courtesy, in view of the talks which he and the Minister of Defence had had a few days before in Washington.

On how many occasions since November, 1951, has a statement been given to this House regarding military operations which has been vetted by General Omar Bradley?

There have been only two statements on the course of military operations in Korea since we came into office. The first was the day before the Minister of Defence went to Korea, and the other last week. There was no consultation with General Bradley before the first statement was made, because no conversations had taken place between them.

Then I understand the answer is "No."

indicated assent.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the mutual difficulties created by members of the British Commonwealth endeavouring each to preserve its own separate balance of payments, if he will suggest to the other free and equal members of the Commonwealth that there should be placed on the agenda of the forthcoming Economic Conference a proposal for the economic federation of the Commonwealth, involving one customs union, one currency and one external balance of payments account.

No, Sir. I do not regard the hon. Member's proposals as practicable