asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his Department are represented on the Committee on District Heating set up by the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the extent of the amended planned rate of capital investment in the nationalised gas and electricity industries commensurate or otherwise with the increased rate of planned capital investment by the National Coal Board from £33 million to £38 million during 1952; and to what extent these amendments are on account of a greater rate of increase in production facilities or higher cost.

For gas and electricity, the position remains as stated in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend on 11th February.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the estimated deficit, expressed as a percentage of maximum generating capacity, at peak hours during the period November, 1952, to February, 1953, of anticipated maximum generating capacity of the British Electricity Authority power houses compared with anticipated maximum demand, each excluding private generators, and both in respect of an average cold winter day and a very cold spell.

These estimates, which are inevitably tentative, are for a cold spell about 12 per cent. and for severe weather about 18 per cent. of the probable available capacity.

In view of the reduction in the rate of load spreading in the forthcoming winter, is my right hon. Friend reasonably confident that it will be sufficient to meet all foreseeable contingencies?

It would be very unwise to be complacent in this matter, but I believe that the committee have struck a fair balance between the need for economy and avoiding putting too much inconvenience upon industry and the workers in industry.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in the percentages he has given, those figures are based upon the normal rated capacity of the plant or whether they have taken into account the overload capacity for which modern equipment is designed? Secondly, have the figures allowed for additional private plants that are put in by industrialists in the course of the present year?

The capacity is the maximum generating capacity minus that part of the plant which is expected by the B.E.A. normally to be out of commission due to breakdowns. Private generators are an integral part of the economy that it is hoped to achieve in the course of load spreading.

That does not quite answer my first question: whether the capacity of the new plant—the more modern plant that has been put in this year and in immediately preceding years—is based on the normal rated output capacity or on the overload capacity, which is usually 25 per cent. for two years.

I should not like to give a categorical answer on that technical point without inquiring of the B.E.A.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the Minister of Labour, in making his announcement on this matter last Tuesday, specifically exhorted all owners of independent generating plant to use them to maximum capacity in the forthcoming winter?

Yes, Sir, and I should like strongly to associate myself with that.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has now completed his examination of the facts relating to expenditure by the Midlands Electricity Board in respect of the Gloucester City Electricity Centre opened on 5th November, 1951; and what action he proposes to take in regard to expenditure incurred in excess of the licensed figure.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in order to enable coal merchants to build up their stocks in the national interest during the summer months, he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board, under Section 3 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, to extend their limit of 14 days' credit to coal merchants.

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the demands of their clients for credit and the limitation of the Coal Board in giving credit is having a very bad effect on the storing of coal by coal merchants for next winter? Will he not reconsider his decision?

This is a matter primarily for the Coal Board, but their credit is often extended for a good deal longer than 14 days. It goes up, in some cases, to six weeks.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in my constituency people are not getting that extended credit and that this is holding up the storage of coal?

It would depend on the circumstances, but if my hon. Friend sends me details of the conditions to which he refers I shall examine them.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that Birmingham coal merchants are not getting enough coal to meet the needs of the growing population in the city; that some merchants at present have less than one day's supplies in stock, and that in consequence domestic consumers are unable to stock coal for the winter; and if he will take the necessary steps to enable domestic consumers to obtain supplies during the remaining weeks of the summer in preparation for the winter.

The receipts and sales of the Birmingham merchants are well up to the average and their stocks are greater than in either of the last two years.

Is the Minister aware that the two largest suppliers in Birmingham, the Birmingham Co-operative Society, who have 65,000 registered customers, and the Ten Acres and Stirchley Co-operative Society, who have 29,000 on their books have only two days' stock, whereas they should have 14 days' stock. Is he aware that in my constituency two dealers have no coal whatever and are down by 20 tons and 30 tons respectively from 1st May? Will he re-examine the situation in Birmingham, especially in the light of his statement in which he appealed to merchants and consumers to stock up? May I have an answer?

The position is that in Birmingham it is the normal practice for the merchants to carry relatively small stocks in the earlier part of the summer. The Birmingham merchants normally begin their serious stocking up about this time of the year, about the middle of July when factory holidays are beginning.

Has my right hon. Friend examined the political content of this Question or whether, in fact there is any foundation for the allegation? A large number of people in Birmingham are very well satisfied with the service they are getting.

Does the Minister realise that I confirmed the facts stated in my Question and supplementary with the dealers concerned over the week-end and that I have here a Press statement which describes his request to people to stock coal as "sheer bunkum"?

It is possible that the hon. Gentleman is examining these facts and reports in the light of the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) about the political content of the Question. I should inform the House that I had been asked by responsible leaders of the coal merchants in this country to make the appeal for more stocking. While that undoubtedly is a good thing to do at present, we must not be surprised if individual coal merchants in particular parts of the country agitate to improve their position, particularly when they know that the Minister comes from the city, but so far as I am concerned I am for fair shares in coal.

Is the Minister satisfied with the distributive and sales agency in the City of Birmingham? Is he aware that last year we had many complaints from the Birmingham area and there seems to be some weakness on the sales and distributive side of the coal industry in Birmingham?

I have not heard any complaints of that.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the speculations taking place in reversions of long leases, he is yet in a position to make any statement of Government policy.

I have nothing to add to the replies which I gave on 12th May.

Is not this the same answer which we have been getting ever since this Parliament assembled? Did not the party opposite promise at the General Election to do something about leasehold reform? What does the hon. and learned Gentleman mean by so shaming his colleagues by now openly admitting that they promised something when they did not know when they were going to do it?

I think the hon. Member is well aware from previous Questions he has asked that the Leasehold Property (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1951, does not expire until the midsummer of 1953 and that it has been stated that legislation will be introduced in due course to take its place. It is not possible to make a statement about legislation which is not possible until next Session.

Does the assurance still hold good that there is to be other legislation on the Statute Book before the present legislation conies to an end?

I thought I had already made that clear.

asked the Attorney-General, in view of the Government's promised legislation on leaseholds, what guidance hon. Members should give to their constituents who are now being offered the freehold of small properties held on long leases which are shortly due to fall in.

I am not in a position to say what form the legislation will take and in any event I do not think it is appropriate for me to advise hon. Members on matters of this kind.

Does the Attorney-General realise that we are grateful to him for promising us, almost for the first time, that there is to be legislation next Session and that if he adheres to that promise we shall now know what to advise our constituents to do?

I think it is quite clear that what I have said in regard to legislation is exactly what I have said whenever I have been asked Questions. It is that before the present legislation expires other legislation will have to be introduced to take its place.

In view of the urgency, is there any chance that reason will prevail and that we can get this legislation before we have to deal with the Transport Bill?

asked the Attorney-General if he will now make a further statement on the activities of the Conservative Christian League.

I have now received and considered a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions on this case. It does not, in my opinion, disclose a prima facie ease of the commission of any criminal offence.

Can we take it that the decision not to prosecute has nothing to do with the embarrassment which might be caused to Lord Woolton and other eminent Conservatives who sent testimonials to this charlatan which he used in his rackets?

As in the case of my predecessor, my decisions are not influenced by political considerations.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that it has been publicly announced on many occasions that this organisation has nothing whatever to do with the Conservative Party and that it is already thoroughly discredited throughout the country?

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the recent visit of the Dean of Canterbury to the Far East and of his accusations abroad and in this country prejudicial to the interests of Her Majesty's subjects, he has considered prosecuting him on a charge of treason for spreading enemy propaganda.

In my opinion the evidence available does not disclose a prima facie case of treason.

Would my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that if such action were taken it would provide an invaluable opportunity of proving the falsity of the evidence of this wicked and irresponsible old man?

My decision has had to be based on the unfortunate fact that it will not provide such an opportunity.

In the event of this witch hunt succeeding, will the Dean be hanged at Tynemouth or Canterbury?

Before he took the decision announced in answer to the Question, did my hon. and learned Friend consider the report which appeared in the Press this morning regarding some of the statements that the Dean apparently made in China or since he came home?

I have considered all the evidence so far put before me, but if my hon. and gallant Friend or anyone else has any further evidence he would like to put before me I will consider it.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman remember the humiliations to which the last eminent person who called a priest "turbulent" was subjected?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what safeguards he has arranged to ensure that the re-armament of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries will not be prejudiced by the supply of materials and weapons to Spain.

The re-armament needs of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries are amply safeguarded. The normal licensing procedure which governs exports of military material to foreign countries will apply equally in the case of Spain.

As the economic need seems to be the only consideration now in this case, may I take it from that answer that economic need will be the only consideration in supplying arms to a democratic country such as Israel?

My right hon. Friend dealt with this matter very clearly in answering Questions the other day. He said that not only do we attach great importance to the economic possibility of getting stuff we require from Spain, but there are also, of course, defence requirements to be taken into consideration.

Whilst expressing no opinion on the merits or possible demerits of the Question, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can say to what extent and in what volume arms are being supplied to Spain? It is a matter of interest to hon. Members.

No arms have yet been supplied to Spain because the policy has only just come into effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what evidence he proposes to submit to the United Nations organisation committee investigating the question of forced labour.

Her Majesty's Government have, at the request of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, answered a questionnaire from the committee, and provided certain documents such as copies of the Corrective Labour Codex of the Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic and evidence of the use of forced labour in the Soviet Union and the Soviet-dominated States of Eastern Europe.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that forced labour is conscripted from Scotland, taken to Korea and employed there in the form of conscripted soldiers? Will he take that form of forced labour into consideration and present that to the committee?

That would not be in accordance with the terms of reference to the committee about which the hon. Member has asked me. That is a committee which was set up to study the nature and extent of the problem raised by the existence in the world of systems of forced or corrective labour which are employed as a means of politicial coercion or punishment for the holding of political views.

Reports have appeared in the Press of material which has been presented to the United Nations on this subject. Could that information be made available to Members in the Library, so that they can study it?

I think that this evidence is already available because the United Nations documents which contain it are received by the House of Commons Library, but I will make certain that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has on the kidnapping of Dr. Linse; and what representations have been made to the Soviet Government and the Russian and German authorities in East Berlin on the kidnapping from the Western zone.

Dr. Linse, a German who is a leading member of the anti-Communist Association of Free Lawyers of the Soviet Zone, was kidnapped early on 8th June. According to Press reports, he was seized as he left his house in the American sector, dragged into a car and driven away towards the Soviet zonal boundary where East German policemen at once raised the barrier to let the car through. The pursuers were fired on by the kidnappers.

Is this not one of a long series of kidnappings, what replies have been received to any protests, and can anything be done to protect well known personalities like the Dr. Linse from seizure in Western Berlin and other parts of Germany?

The question of countermeasures is now being discussed in Berlin between the authorities concerned. It is true that other kidnappings have taken place. In the most recent event, in which about 40 German workers were kidnapped by the Russians, they were returned after protests had been lodged. I should prefer for the moment not to prejudge this issue. We are awaiting a reply from the Soviet authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations are held between Her Majesty's Government and the United Nations Command before a British subject is given permission to enter the Korean war zone.

No consultations are held between Her Majesty's Government and the United Nations Command. Clearance for official civilian visitors is applied for by Her Majesty's Embassy in Tokyo. Clearance for military personnel is obtained through military channels. Other civilians must apply in person to the Adjutant General's section of the United Nations Command in Tokyo; if their application is approved, they must then obtain a Korean visa from the Korean Mission there.

Would my hon. Friend indicate to the United Nations Command that it would, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, be most undesirable to give facilities to the Dean of Canterbury in view of his determination on every possible occasion to blacken the name of this country by bringing forward charges which are quite unfounded and entirely worthless?

I have no doubt that the United Nations Command, who decide upon these matters, have taken due note of the remarks and allegations made by the Dean of Canterbury, and have drawn the appropriate conclusion from them. With reference to the Dean of Canterbury's activities and the effect which they may have on the reputation of this country, we consider that his charges have already been amply answered and completely destroyed.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the considerable waste of transport and petrol involved in the maintenance of his Department's dump of feedingstuffs on the former aerodrome at Bradwell Bay, Essex; and if he will consider the removal of this dump to some more accessible place.

Bradwell Bay is only one of many storage points for feedingstuffs in the London Port area. It must continue to be used until we are able to obtain sufficient suitable accommodation nearer London.

Has the Minister's attention been called to the comprehensive article on this dump in a recent issue of the "Farmer and Stock-breeder," and could he say how far is the furthest point served from this dump? Is he aware that people who know the place strongly support what is said in the article?

I have not seen the article, but the area which London Port serves extends roughly from about Norfolk in the north to Dorset in the south-west—that is the London Port area. We are driven to use this storage point because normal facilities in the London Port area are not available at the moment.

Is the Minister aware that this place is 50 miles east of London and is reached by very narrow, winding roads? It is surely quite uneconomic to serve Dorset from there.

I said that Norfolk is in the north of the area. That is nearer Bradwell Bay than Dorset. London Port covers the whole of that area.

asked the Minister of Food why, and for what purposes, he has chartered Japanese shipping.

Foreign ships, including Japanese ships, are chartered from time to time on my behalf by the Baltic Exchange Chartering Committee to carry grain purchased by my Department when the positioning and terms are acceptable.

In view of the fact that at present some British boats are tied up, will the Minister keep this matter under very active review?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the halving of freight rates, he will now reduce the price of sugar sold to manufacturers.

Freight rates have fluctuated widely in the past 12 months, and it is not practicable to adjust prices to reflect every change in these rates as it occurs.

But if, over a reasonable period, freight rates remain where they are, will the Minister then review the question of the price of sugar to manufacturers?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we look at this question over the whole 12 months. It is not possible to change prices with each fluctuation of rates. We shall watch the position over the year, and if possible try to reduce prices.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that rationed foods are not being taken up; and if he will give detailed information as to the amounts of rationed foods not taken up at the latest convenient date.

Yes, Sir, but on my information there has been no significant change in the rate of off-take for the last two years. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate particulars of the take-up of ration foods for a number of past periods in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Minister aware that I have a number of old age pensioners in my constituency who have said that since this Government came into power food subsidies have been reduced, prices have risen and that they cannot afford to take all their rations? Is it not scandalous that the rich should have more rations at the expense of the old people?

That really is not so because the survey which is constantly being made of certain commodi-

Is the Minister aware that I have received a letter this morning which contains a statement from a retail meat trader in the constituency of Luton, which is represented by the Minister's Parliamentary Secretary, in which a butcher states that a family of nine could afford only 3s. 8d. for meat, and that as a result he was able to sell an 18s. leg of lamb to a family of six?

I have not seen that letter, but the figures which I am putting in the OFFICIAL REPORT SNOW definitely that at the same period last year there was a smaller take up in most commodities than this year.

Is it not a fact that this is purely a piece of Socialist propaganda?

Is the Minister basing his statement on the volume or on the value?

They are a percentage of the volume. I have taken the full offtake as 100 per cent. The ration varies from period to period, as the hon. Member knows. Taking in comparable periods they are comparable figures.

Of what?

In view of the fact that the Minister himself last week said that rations were not being taken up, which is in contradiction to his reply today, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Food when he intends to restore the full standards for ice cream.

When the ingredients are again sufficient for the full standard to be observed without the public going short of ice cream.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation this Session to reduce and equalise freight charges in the North of Scotland.

No. Sir. It is not the intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduce any legislative proposals this Session with regard to transport charges other than those contained in the Transport Bill.

As the whole transport policy of the Government is now under discussion, may I ask whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to deal with this matter at the same time as they bring in the changes in transport?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a question for the Transport Commission. If there are those, in Scotland or elsewhere, who feel that owing to the remoteness of their homes they have disproportionate difficulties with regard to freight charges, it is up to them to approach the Transport Commission before any freight scheme appears.

Is the Minister aware that the Transport Commission was encouraged to or did set up, or said it set up, a committee to examine this question? Has he any knowledge whether that committee has ever been considered?

Yes, Sir. No doubt the right hon. Gentleman has forgotten that the Cameron Committee reported and that they recognised that their two main recommendations were for consideration by the Commission.

asked the Minister of Transport how many personal injury accidents there were in 1951; and in how many of these cases have the police stated that drink or drugs was a primary factor.

In 1951, 5,250 persons were killed and 211,243 injured in 178,409 road accidents. In the opinion of the police drink or drugs were the primary factor in 1,146 of these accidents.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary say in how many cases were the persons affected by drinks or drugs driving motor vehicles?

Yes, Sir, 530 were drivers of cars and 68 were motor cyclists; approximately a half of the total number.

Can my hon. Friend say how many were pedestrians?

Yes, Sir; 379 were pedestrians.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) in coming to a decision on fares and charges what proportion of the central charges of the British Transport Commission he assessed should be borne by freight traffic;

asked the Minister of Transport (1) in arriving at his decisions on increased fares, what he allocated as an appropriate contribution to the central charges of the British Transport Commission from passenger receipts outside London and from passenger receipts within the London area, respectively;

The decision about fares was confined entirely to preventing hardships due to disproportionate increases in certain sub-standard fares. It was not based on any assessment by me as to what would be the net revenues—after appropriate deductions for central charges—from fares in the London area, or from railway fares outside, or from railway freight charges.

If all this means that the Minister does not know, may I ask him, in relation to Question No. 33, how he was in a position to say so dogmatically that passenger traffic was being carried on the back of freight traffic if he was unable to get the elementary figures necessary to base such an opinion?

I know just as much as the Commission and I am indebted to their annual Reports which point out the difficulty of arriving at any precise apportionment of costs. As for the statement I made, I am again indebted to the Commission, who told me that with regard to fares outside London, the passenger fares will meet specific cost and leave about £7½ million to meet joint expenses, but that those joint expenses come to £70 million. They cannot be precisely allocated, but the Commission are satisfied that the £7½ million is substantially less than passenger fares might appropriately contribute; and inside London they say emphatically that passenger fares will contribute some £6 million less than an appropriate contribution to central charges and provisions.

If that is the case, will the Minister now confirm, as passengers outside London do not contribute to central charges, whereas London Transport does contribute, that London is paying more than the rest of the country proportionately?

I do not think that that is altogether true. If the hon. Gentleman looks carefully at the annual Report of the Commission which has now been published he will see there is a general improvement everywhere except in the London Transport area.

Does the Minister agree that that is true so far as 1951 is concerned, but that on the estimates he has given to this House with regard to increased fares London will contribute more to the central charges, whereas the rest of the country will not contribute anything?

Not disproportionately more.

Is not it a fact that outside London passenger traffic is not making any contribution at all, and, in the Minister's own words, within the London area passengers are making a contribution to the central charges? In that case, why does he put a greater increase on London fares?

As I pointed out to the hon. Gentleman, if he will look at this year's annual Report—and it is the future we are dealing with—the Corn-mission draw attention to the fact that all the important carrying activities except London Transport are making, or are coming near to making, a reasonable contribution towards the central charges.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will arrange for hon. Members who so desire to visit depots of British Road Services to see the work that is being done.

I have no doubt that the Chairman of the British Transport Commission would be pleased to make arrangements to show to any hon. Member, on request, the work being done at British Road Services depots.

I am much obliged to the Minister. Would he care to tell us whether he has taken advantage of any arrangement to visit these places?

As soon as I am relieved from daily attendance in the House of Commons I propose to do so.

Would not it have been far better for the right hon. Gentleman to have done so before making a statement about their inefficiency?

I made no statement about the inefficiency of British Road Service depots. I will make it quite clear and plain to the many thousands of people who are doing sterling work there and elsewhere that we are very grateful to them, but we feel they have been confronted with impossible tasks by the last Socialist Administration.

May I ask the Minister to refresh his memory by referring to column 484 of HANSARD for 21st May, in which he made an allegation of inefficiency against the Road Haulage Executive and their services? Would he withdraw that completely, because it is untrue?

As the hon. Member knows perfectly well, I was from the start at pains to make it clear that it was the system which was at fault and not the people.

If my right hon. Friend is arranging these parties, will he extend them to visits to traders and industrialists, who will tell hon. Members what they think of British Road Services?

Will the Minister make it his duty to visit these various depots, where he will find that the widespread uneasiness caused by the present denationalisation proposals of the Government has had a tremendous effect on the efficient working of those depots?

I shall certainly investigate every point of view of the men concerned, and there are many different points of view. In addition, I should have been glad to discuss the matter with the trade unions concerned, if they had been ready to do so before the preparation of the Bill.

On a point of order. The Minister has introduced a new factor in that reply which was entirely unrelated to the original Question—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Yes; he is leaving on the record of the House a statement that should be challenged at the earliest possible moment. May not we ask the Minister what reply the trade unions gave him?

Almost the first thing I did when I became Minister was to ask the unions if they would have consultations with me, before the Bill was completed, on what form it ought to take. Acting on what advice or thoughts I do not know, they replied that they would prefer to wait until the Bill was published.

In view of that important statement, will the Minister publish the documents in the Library so that we can all see what has actually taken place?

We are a long way from the original Question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce one-way working in Strutton Ground, Westminster, in view of the narrowness of this street and the market stalls erected in the roadway.

No, Sir. This is a short street and the vehicular traffic is light and purely local.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is not only a question of the volume of traffic but its speed and convenience, and would he have a look at the matter again?

It has already been looked at very thoroughly. The vehicular traffic is light. It is the pedestrian traffic which is heavy.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will have the traffic lights in Oxford Street regulated in such a way that they do not cause columns of traffic to be stopped across intersecting streets resulting in confusion and delay.

These faults arise from the old type of equipment at present working in Oxford Street. The highway authority is preparing a scheme of replacement, which my right hon. Friend hopes to approve for completion next year. When new signals are installed, these faults should be rectified.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce one-way working in Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster, in view of the narrowness of this thoroughfare, especially the gateway itself.

No, Sir. Such small inconvenience as may be experienced at present would not in my view justify this restriction.

Can my hon. Friend say why there is some reluctance to introduce one-way streets? What is the objection or difficulty?

The objection is to Queen Anne's Gate as a one-way street. It would mean a long detour and might cause further difficulty in Storey's Gate.

Is this street to be included in the Minister's unilateral parking proposals?

asked the Minister of Supply what is the nature of the work being carried out by his Department at Porton; how many persons are employed there; and what has been the expenditure incurred there up to the latest available date.

The Ministry of Supply establishments at Porton are engaged on chemical and microbiological research. It would not be in the public interest to give the figures asked for in the Question.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman invite the Dean of Canterbury there to prove that there are no bacteriological warfare preparations going on? As the Americans give in their public accounts the amount of money which has been spent on such activities in America, are not Members of the House of Commons allowed to know how much of our money is being spent on bacteriological warfare preparations?

I know that the hon. Member himself has become infected by a germ from Canterbury. We do not consider it desirable to publish figures which indicate the scale of effort which is being carried out in the various spheres of military research. I am surprised to see the hon. Member so full of admiration, for a change, for practices in the United States.

Is the Minister unwilling to give the information because he knows that the scale of research would appal the British public?

Not at all. Perhaps I might remind the hon. Member, because he is trying once again to blacken the name of this country by insinuations of this kind, of a Question he asked of the late Government in 1948, in reply to which the then Minister of Defence said:

"The possibility that bacteria may be used in a future war is not being overlooked. Researches are being conducted so that we may be ready to meet any situation which may arise."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th June, 1948; Vol. 451, c. 2165.]

Is it not a fact that Marshal Voroshilov said in 1939 that the Soviet Union were fully equipped to carry out bacteriological warfare if it was used against them? Have we not proposed at the Disarmament Commission that all preparation for bacteriological warfare shall be abolished by everybody?

I have not Marshal Voroshilov's words in my mind, but no doubt the right hon. Member is correct.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the number of applications received by the Workmen's Compensation Board, Supplementation pre-1924 cases, from 8th July, 1951, to 8th July, 1952, setting out the number of total incapacity cases, the number of partial incapacity cases, the number of claims disallowed, the total amount of compensation paid out to these cases, respectively, during the 12 months in question; the number of allowances which were terminated during the period in question because of death; and the number of claims undecided at 8th July, 1952.

I propose to circulate the latest available figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Some further information should shortly be available and I will let the hon. Member have it as soon as I can.

Do the figures which the right hon. Gentleman proposes to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT contain those for the full 12 months' operation of this Act? It is essential that we should know the figures and how this Act has worked in relation to injured workmen.

The figures will cover the full number of persons affected by the Act, but I have not yet available the figures of the finance relating to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman now in a position to amplify the policy on workmen's compensation enunciated by his Parliamentary Secretary on 2nd May, when he made the following declaration:

"Our policy is to examine the whole position of workmen's compensation in consultation with the T.U.C. and see whether any just and equitable solution of it can be obtained."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd May, 1952; Vol. 499, C. 1893.]

That does not arise as a supplementary question about the pre-1924 cases. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question next week I will certainly give him an answer.

asked the Minister of Labour the present position in regard to the strike at Messrs Briggs' Works; and what steps are being taken to terminate it.

The strike continues but a number of men have returned to work. At Croydon approximately half the workers returned this morning. The strike is unofficial and the unions concerned are continuing their efforts to secure a resumption of normal working. I understand that officials of the unions are meeting representatives of the firm today.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what special steps are being taken to provide accommodation for the families of United States Service men now arriving in this country in large numbers as a result of the establishment of United States Air Force bases in Essex, East Anglia, and elsewhere; to what extent local authorities are assisting in the provision of such accommodation; and to what extent these authorities will be furnished with extra manpower and materials to enable them to provide it without prejudice to their ordinary housing programmes.

My right hon. Friend understands that what is required is accommodation in existing houses, boarding-houses or hotels and he has no doubt that the local authorities will provide all possible information and assistance. So far as he is aware, no question of the building of additional houses for the purpose has arisen.

Is my hon. Friend aware that American Service men will welcome this change of heart on the part of the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg), and hope that his solicitude for their well-being will be maintained.

Will the hon. Gentleman examine some of the cases of gross over-charging which have taken place in respect of some of these American Service men and their families in the accommodation which the hon. Gentleman now says is limited to them, especially as no new accommodation is to be provided?

That is another question. As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, there are rent tribunals.

In view of the inaccurate and spiteful personal imputation in the supplementary question by the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott), may I ask the Minister if he will accept my assurance that I personally, as Member for a division in which a large American air base has been established, have been doing everything I can, in co-operation with the local authorities, to make sure that these difficult problems of accommodation are solved and to mitigate the ill-will that can be caused when these difficulties arise?

The assurance of the hon. Gentleman regarding his pro-American feeling is very welcome.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the sum determined as compensation for acquisition by his Department under Part 1 of the Licensing Act, 1949, for existing licensed premises in each of the New Towns; the date when this sum was determined; and the method by which it was determined.

No such sum has been determined. The previous Government included in the Estimates for 1951–52 a sum of £1 million which, I understand, was a rough estimate of the cost of acquiring about 100 existing licensed premises in four of the English new towns. No steps, however, were taken towards determining the actual cost of acquiring any of them.

As the Session is now to be terminated before the Licensed Premises in New Towns Bill will be completed, will the hon. Gentleman say whether he will take immediate steps to see that these sums are determined so that we can discuss the matter on the appropriate Supplementary Estimate?

I do not accept the implication in the hon. and learned Member's question, the answer to which is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in respect of each new town in England and Wales, the number of premises licensed solely for the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption off those premises.

I will circulate a table giving this information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether any person is registered in accordance with Section 51 of the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910, as the owner of "The Fortune of War" public house, Laindon, "The Railway Hotel," Laindon, "The Railway Hotel," Pitsea, "The Jolly Cricketers," Nevendon and "The Barge Inn," "The Bull Hotel" and "The Five Bells," Vange; and who are the registered owners of these public houses;

On a point of order. May I ask your guidance, Mr. Speaker? Question No. 54 relates to a number of excellent public houses in my constituency, though the hon. Gentleman who proposed to ask the Question did not inform me of his intention or that be would not be present today. As this matter affects the interests of my constituents, is there any way in which the Question can be answered?

None at all, now.

As Question No. 55 refers to public houses in my division, may I say, Sir, that I am delighted that other hon. Members take an interest in my constituency?

Further to that point of order. May I say, Sir, to make the matter clear, that my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham (Mr. Hale) put down a Question, which followed on one of mine, in reply to which the Home Secretary said that he had no idea who owned any public houses anywhere?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in respect of each new town in Scotland, the number of premises for which a certificate has been granted under Part VII of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903, distinguishing in each case those certificates which relate to the sale solely of excisable liquor for consumption off the premises.

Five in East Kilbride and one in Glenrothes. One of the certificates in East Kilbride is a grocer's certificate (which authorises sale for off-consumption only).

Could the hon. Gentleman assure us that none of these licences will be given in my constituency?

Could the Under-Secretary say what will be the cost of acquiring these licences?

If the hon. and learned Gentleman likes to put a question down, I will try to answer it.

Is it not the case that it is not necessary to acquire these licences, because they come to an end at the end of each year if not renewed?

The right hon. Gentleman should inform his hon. and learned Friend on these matters.

Does the hon. Gentleman know who are the owners of these premises, or in whose names these licensed premises are registered?

I shall be glad to answer that question also if it is put on the Order Paper.