asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to remedy the shortage of educational facilities in the county of Dunbartonshire.

The duty of remedying the shortage of educational facilities in Dunbartonshire rests upon the education authority. My right hon. Friend will give them all the help he can in carrying out the responsibility Parliament has placed upon them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in the burgh of Clydebank alone, an allocation of building facilities has been made which is not commensurate with the house building allocation in the last period; and that, therefore, the burgh of Clydebank is in a serious position in providing educational facilities for its inhabitants? Will the Minister take steps to see that the allocations for school buildings in Clydebank are increased immediately?

As the hon. Member probably knows, when the schools at present under construction are completed, the situation ought materially to improve. As regards new building allocations, we are well aware of that, and we are doing whatever we can in the matter.

May we presume that my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary will not confine his attention to Dunbartonshire, because there are other equally important parts of Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total value of the educational building programme at present under construction; the comparable figures for 1950 and 1951; and the estimated figure for 1953.

The total value of the educational building programme at the end of June in each year was as follows: 1950, £7·7 million; 1951, £10·9 million; 1952, £12·6 million. The comparable figure for 1953 is expected to be about £12·6 million.

Can the hon. Gentleman indicate what the prospects are for the completion of the programme by the end of this year?

I should be happy to tell the hon. Member, but I think I must ask him to put down a Question on that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he has had from local education authorities in Scotland to his circular calling for economies in educational expenditure.

Twenty-six out of 35 authorities have so far intimated their proposals for economies in response to the circular. The total amount of these economies, so far as they have been specified, represents a reduction of £150,000 in the expenditure which otherwise would have been incurred.

Could the hon. Gentleman indicate what fraction this is of the total educational expenditure. Would he consider circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of these 26 local authorities together with details of such economies as they have made? Alternatively, would the hon. Gentleman consider sending me a copy, because I happen to be vitally interested?

I think I can do what the hon. Member asks in the latter part of his question. I have no actual percentage in answer to the first part but, as he knows, it would be very small in comparison with the total expenditure in Scotland.

Nothing like 5 per cent.?

No.

Would the hon. Gentleman caution education authorities not to make false economies such as would stop the proper cleaning and painting of schools at a time when painters are out on the street unemployed?

Yes, Sir. I think that is a very reasonable suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what grant is made by the Department of Education to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, to the Edinburgh College of Art and the Glasgow School of Art, respectively, for the current academic year.

The grants paid by the Scottish Education Department in respect of session 1950–51 are: Royal Scottish Academy of Music, £16,903; Edinburgh College of Art, £44,674; Glasgow School of Art, £39,424. The estimated grants payable in respect of the current session are £25,612, £66,510 and £62,876, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Report of the Accountant to the Scottish Education Department for the years 1947–48 was presented to him on 24th March, 1952; and whether he will accelerate such reports in future.

I am aware of this delay, which has occurred because a few local authorities were in arrear with the production of their audited accounts for that year. A number of local authorities have not yet made their abstracts of accounts for later years available to my right hon. Friend, but he is doing all in his power to obtain them.

Can my hon. Friend say what powers his right hon. Friend has to accelerate the rendering of these reports in due time so that they are available to Parliament within a reasonable period?

I do not think my right hon. Friend has any powers but he has very great influence.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase in the steel allocation has been made since 1st June to the burgh of Clydebank for the completion of the refuse destructor.

My right hon. Friend regrets that in present circumstances he is unable to increase the supply of steel for this project; but he appreciates the desirability of making progress with it as soon as possible, and will do everything he can to facilitate this as supplies become available.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Clydebank Structural Iron Company are prepared to deliver to the burgh at least 20 tons which they have in stock, and that they are in a position to draw upon the stocks of other merchants, in order to enable the burgh of Clydebank to continue with the construction of this destructor; but that, unfortunately, they cannot do that until they have received an authorisation from Edinburgh? Will he therefore see that this authorisation is sent forward, so that the burgh of Clydebank can get hold of this steel and get on with the job?

No, Sir; not at present. Steel is in short supply, and it is important that it should be used for the most essential purposes, which, in the meantime, are mainly water supply schemes.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that an authorisation has been given for the use of 60 tons of steel for this job, but that these 60 tons cannot be got from the rolling mills, whereas the Clydebank Structural Iron Company has steel in stock, but cannot release it from their stock without an authorisation? Will he see that an authorisation is given to release that steel in stock, because an authorisation for 60 tons has already been given?

I am aware of that, but it appears doubtful whether the town council will be able to obtain delivery in the third period of 1952, and we have therefore substituted an authorisation for the first period of 1953.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of doctors in Bearsden, Milngavie and Clydebank, respectively; and the respective populations served.

Bearsden, with a population of 12,300, has 13 resident doctors of whom seven practise mainly in Glasgow. Milngavie, with 9,700 population, has four resident doctors with one assistant. Clydebank, with 44,700 population, has 18 resident doctors with four assistants.

Is the Minister aware that the surgeries in Clydebank are packed out and that there is a quite inadequate supply of doctors in the burgh of Clydebank? Will the Scottish Health Department see whether they can improve the provision of medical services and provide extra doctors in the burgh of Clydebank?

We hope to improve the medical services throughout the entire country. The situation in Clydebank is practically the same as in other parts of Scotland. Comparing it with Bearsden there are 2,172 persons per doctor in Clydebank and 1,974 in Bearsden.

Is the hon. Member for Dunbartonshire, East (Mr. Bence) asking for direction of labour here?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now state the total acreages of the various review crops being grown in Scotland this year.

I regret that the only figures at present available are those obtained from farmers' forecasts of 4th March. My hon. and gallant Friend no doubt has these figures, but if he so wishes I will send him details. Firmer figures, from the June returns, will be available early in August.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why an efficient arable farmer should be dispossessed of good arable land to make way for the Department of Agriculture to conduct research into grazing, as has happened in the case of a farmer at Milton Bridge, Midlothian.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the notice which the University of Edinburgh have served on their tenant to quit the farm of New Milton. The notice was served in order that the farm may be made available for research purposes to the Edinburgh Centre of Rural Economy (not the Department of Agriculture for Scotland). My right hon. Friend has given his consent to the operation of the notice to quit, after careful inquiry under the procedure of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act, 1949. The tenant however has the right of appeal to the Scottish Land Court and, as the time during which appeal may be made has not yet expired, it would not be appropriate at this stage for me to go into detail as to the reason for my right hon. Friend's decision.

Is the Minister aware that a member of this family has served on the Bush estate for generations and that the object of requisitioning is for experimenting not in arable land but in grazing? Is he aware that this farm is an arable farm and that some of us are in great doubt whether there is a statutory power on the part of the university to acquire this land?

The answer is that the farm is required for the Animal Diseases Research Association, but the tenant has, until 17th July, a right to appeal to the Scottish Land Court. I am sure that the hon. Member will realise that it would be undesirable for me to comment upon the matter pending any inquiry.

Will the hon. Gentleman not consider some other practical method of acquiring land for experimental purposes rather than dispossessing good farmers?

There is statutory power in existing legislation covering research.

Has my hon. Friend any evidence in this case that the farmer is inefficient?

No, Sir. There is no evidence at all, but on the other hand we have to take into account that research must go on, especially into animal diseases.

Would my hon. Friend consider recommending his right hon. Friend to go north, where there is an abundance of grazing land which is not used and which would not involve dispossessing a farmer who apparently has been in possession for so long? Would it not be a good thing for them to carve out a farm for themselves?

It would not be a good thing for the University of Edinburgh to have a research farm so far away from Edinburgh.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department intends to take to provide social amenities in the rapidly developing mining area of Newtongrange, Midlothian.

The Scottish Divisional Miners' Welfare Committee have applied for grants under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, towards the cost of providing community centres at a number of places where coal production is expanding, including Newtongrange. Approval has been given, and grants have been offered, for five schemes where the Divisional Welfare Committee regard the need as most urgent. Resources are limited, and I cannot yet say when it will be possible to assist the Newtongrange project.

Is the Minister aware that this district holds the oldest charter for mining in Scotland and that amenities there are far fewer than in the more modern areas?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to remedy the lack of hospital accommodation in Midlothian for the treatment of chronic cases of sickness among aged persons.

I am afraid that I cannot hold out any early prospect of increased hospital accommodation. The regional hospital board, are, however, seeking to ensure that the available beds are used to the best advantage, and valuable help to persons in their own homes is, of course, being afforded by the home nursing and home help services provided by the county council.

Is the Minister aware that a considerable hardship is being imposed in the mining area of Midlothian because of this lack of nursing services?

Yes, sir. I regret that, but I suggest to the hon. Member that perhaps the best way of dealing with this matter is by an increase in the home nursing and home help services.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the incident involving a foreign trawler and the Cullen seine net fishing vessel "Addisons" in the Firth of Clyde on Friday, 4th July.

I am informed that while the "Addisons" was fishing 11 miles W.S.W. of Ailsa Craig on 4th July a foreign trawler approached her notwithstanding warning signals and the skipper had to haul his gear in order to avoid damage. The "Addisons" closed the trawler to explain the need for keeping clear of her gear, and the trawler skipper is stated to have been abusive.

What did he say?

On receipt of a radio call the Fishery Cruiser "Freya" left Campbeltown, but before she reached the area the trawler had gone. The patrol of the area by the fishery cruisers has been intensified.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this molestation and abuse of our own vessels in our own territorial waters by foreign trawlers is on the increase? Will he ensure that the strongest representations are made to the Governments concerned with a request that their nationals shall behave in a satisfactory way when fishing in our territorial waters? Is he further aware that the real solution of this problem is the total exclusion of these foreign trawlers from our own territorial waters?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of that. The hon. Member will, of course, know that the skipper of the "Addisons" did not identify the trawler which, however, was reported to be French, and that the trawler was working outside the exclusive fishery limits, and as no damage was reported it is difficult to find any grounds for definite action.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is a common practice for foreign trawlers to obscure their numbers so that there is no risk of detection?

Could my hon. Friend confirm or deny the statement that the abuse consisted of the statement, "You English are no good for anything except to win wars; we are here to catch fish," thereby hurling a double insult?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended to demolish Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, in order to make this valuable site available for housing development.

The use of Duke Street Prison is under review, but I cannot say when it may be possible to demolish it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is almost 20 years since this prison was condemned, that it is the most obsolete and costly prison in the British Isles, that 80 per cent. of its accommodation remains unoccupied throughout the year, and that the time has now arrived when some concrete proposal ought to be made, particularly since one should bear in mind that it costs anything from £8 to £10 a week to keep an inmate in that prison?

Yes, Sir, I agree. Duke Street Prison is obsolete and unsuitable, and we would be very pleased if we could remove it and put something better in its place.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the shortage of maternity beds in Lanarkshire; and what are the prospects of some extensions at Bellshill.

I am aware that there is considerable pressure on the maternity beds at present available in Lanarkshire. The regional hospital board intend to provide some 60 additional beds by converting a lightly-used fever hospital, but I cannot say how soon it will be possible to put the necessary works in hand.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the very serious situation particularly at Bellshill? Is he further aware that I recently had a complaint from a constituent of mine who, after having had a child, had to lie in a corridor, and would he get in touch with the administrative people at Bellshill to see whether it is possible to get additional pavilions there?

Unfortunately, Bellshill Hospital is not regarded as suitable for expansion, but the conversion of Wester Moffat Infectious Diseases Hospital is going ahead.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which water supply schemes in the Outer Hebrides have been, or are being, developed without sewerage schemes.

For the areas of five water schemes the county councils concerned have not so far submitted definite proposals for public drainage schemes, or have provided or proposed such schemes for only parts of the areas. These schemes are: Borrosdale and Northton, in Harris; Lochboisdale to Daliburgh (South Uist), and Balallan and Eye Peninsula, in Lewis.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in Sutherlandshire considerable embarrassment has been caused through water supply schemes going ahead without sewage disposal schemes going on at the same time, and perhaps a word from him to the other local authorities to be on their guard against that mistake might be very helpful?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Forestry Commission refuses to undertake planting in the Outer Hebrides and other areas where smaller acreages of planting for shelter belt, amenity, employment and general social reasons is desirable.

The Forestry Commission are prepared to undertake planting in areas where soil and climatic conditions are suitable for timber production. Conditions generally in the Outer Hebrides are not favourable for the growth of trees, but the Commission have two small experimental plantations in Lewis and are carefully watching the results of this experiment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is extremely difficult to interest the Forestry Commission in shelter belt planting, for example, in agricultural areas or in any scheme smaller than, say, 300 acres, and would he bring the powers of the Secretary of State to bear upon the Commission and persuade them to interest themselves a little more in the social problems as well as in strategic and large-scale economic planting?

While sympathising with the hon. Gentleman on shelter belts, I am sure that he will appreciate that this is really an agricultural matter and that grants are available within the Hill Farming Act for that purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at which places in the West Highlands and Islands the Herring Industry Board intends at an early date to establish plants for oil and fishmeal processing.

The Herring Industry Board have a plant in operation at Stornoway, and proposals for the erection by the Board, at Government expense, of a plant at Ullapool are now being examined.

While we appreciate all the work of the Herring Industry Board in this connection, may I ask whether the Joint Under-Secretary is aware that this suggestion would be an ideal solution to the problem in places like Barra and Uist, where there is no possibility of a revival of fishing if the fishermen have to cross the Minch every time they have a catch at the expense of at least a day's time and a good deal of fuel each way? If they had a fishmeal and oil plant on the island it would lead to a solution of the problem. Will the hon. Gentleman get the Secretary of State to bring pressure to bear in support of such a scheme?

I do not subscribe to that view, because the catch of herring in those areas is quite insignificant and would not justify the setting up of a plant. A much better plan would be to get a good efficient plant set up at Ullapool.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the fishermen there are discouraged from going to sea because they cannot get an economic market for their catch, whereas if they had a fishmeal and oil plant on their own island they would have a market on the spot and a guaranteed price?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the flat freight rate scheme for fish will be introduced.

No draft of such a scheme has yet been published by the White Fish Authority.

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that the promise that such a scheme for a flat rate would be introduced has been outstanding for some time, and that this is a matter of the greatest importance to fishermen in Scotland? If some such action were taken it would be of the greatest assistance to the fishing industry and to the reputation of the Authority.

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that this proposal is included in the Report of the White Fish Authority? We have been talking about it for months and nothing has happened. What is my hon. Friend doing about it? It is a matter of the greatest urgency.

We are doing what we can about it, and I hope that we shall very soon be able to make a statement.

Is it hoped to have the scheme presented to Parliament before the Summer Recess?

Does the Minister realise that he has had ample time to deal with this problem and that it is now the subject of a report by the White Fish Authority? He ought to be in a position to give a concrete answer to the House.

I am sure the hon. and learned Member will not have forgotten the constitutional procedure involved here. This is a matter essentially in the first place for the White Fish Authority who, in due course no doubt, will present some scheme to the Secretary of State. We have not yet reached that point.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the mauling by a tigress of an elephant in a circus at Glasgow on 25th June; and whether, in view of the natural antipathy that exists between the species concerned, he will institute proceedings against the circus proprietors, of whose name he has been informed, for cruelty contrary to the provisions of the Protection of Animals Act, 1911.

I have caused inquiry to be made into the circumstances of the incident at the circus performance in Glasgow on 25th June last. Following on the incident, the animals were examined by an inspector of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and there was no sign of injury to either. Further, within an hour, both animals were examined by a veterinary surgeon who certified that there was no sign of injury to either of them and that they were both quite settled. He further certified that he had seen the act since, both in public performance and in training, and saw no evidence that the animals' normal relationship during the performance had been in any way altered. Consequently, there is no evidence to warrant proceedings being taken for a contravention of the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act, 1912.

Is the Lord Advocate aware that according to the Home Office, Mr. Chipperfield, who owns the circus, was registered for the first time for the training of this act on 24th June of this year—the day before the incident took place? Does he agree that a day is sufficient time for the training of these two animals in this particular performance? Secondly, is he aware that Mr. Johnson, who is supposed to be the trainer, holds no certificate for training but only for exhibiting to the public. Thirdly, if he agrees that there is no cruelty in training these animals, has he investigated the type of weapon that is used, of which I have an example here?

Order. This is an abuse of Question time. Other hon. Members have Questions to put.

On a point of order. Surely it is perfectly legitimate and in order for me to put three supplementary questions which arise directly from the answer which has been supplied?

I have to protect other hon. Members from too long supplementary questions.

On a point of order. I have put three supplementaries to the Question which I have on the Order Paper. Surely I am entitled to an answer to those three supplementary points? I should like your Ruling on that, Mr. Speaker.

If the hon. Member would sit down he would probably get an answer.

I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for giving me an opportunity to answer this Question. None of the three supplementary questions arise out of the original Question, but if the hon. Member would be good enough to supply me with the offensive weapon and with any of the allegations which are made against these people, I should certainly undertake to investigate the matter.

On a point of order. Is it proper to bring a lethal weapon into the Chamber?

It is not proper to bring a weapon of any sort into the Chamber. I cannot tell whether or not the object which the hon. Member has is a weapon. I have ruled on the point of order. I cannot distinguish the instrument from here.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that quite recently at Craigend Castle Zoo, Milngavie, a boy, Henry McMurtrie, was severely mauled by a leopard and lost an arm as a consequence? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take the necessary steps to see that sufficient means are provided at this particular zoo to protect visitors from the possible attentions of these animals?

I have power to interfere only if there is a breach of a statute; but I shall certainly look into the case to which the hon. Member refers, and if there is any breach of the provisions of that statute of 1912 I shall certainly take up the matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of totally disabled ex-Service men who are unemployable; and the average weekly payment made to them.

The number of ex-Service men receiving from my Department pensions at the total disablement rate and also the unemployability supplement is 16,170; the average weekly payment made to them is approximately £6. This will shortly rise to about £6 5s. with the improvements about which I told the House on 9th July.

Can the Minister say how these figures are divided between the First and Second World Wars?

I am afraid I cannot do so without notice. The figure which I have quoted is the average of all pensioners in both wars. If the right hon. Gentleman will put down a Question I shall be very glad to supply an answer.

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether totally disabled men who have become temporarily unemployable through having to go into hospital for treatment for a few weeks receive a special allowance equivalent to the unemployability allowance?

No, Sir. The unemployability allowance is paid only for a protracted period of unemployment. When a pensioner is in hospital and unable to work he receives a treatment allowance equivalent to 100 per cent. and, if he is in receipt of unemployment benefit, I think that he also gets sickness benefit under the National Insurance Scheme.

In that case, how does his position compare with the others?

It would be better if the hon. Gentleman put down a Question on that point, because it is rather a complicated matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will now consider amending the existing regulations to admit of the provision of motor cars to disabled ex-Service men who have lost both legs below the knees having regard to the hardship caused to these men in getting to and from their places of employment.

I regret that in present circumstances I can hold out no hope of an extension of the existing arrangements for the provision of motor cars to seriously disabled pensioners. I am always prepared to consider providing the pensioners in question with motor propelled invalid tricycles if they are unable to use public transport in order to obtain or retain employment.

In some cases tricycles are completely inadequate for the purpose of getting to and from employment. Will the hon. Gentleman see whether he can exercise any discretionary power to see that when a motor car is the appropriate vehicle for the person concerned he shall be granted one?

Fortunately most of those with double amputations below the knee are fairly mobile, but if their injuries are such that they are to all intents and purposes immobile and have lost totally or almost totally the use of their limbs, they would be eligible for consideration for a motor car.

Would the hon. Gentleman look at this matter again? We know his generous approach to these matters. He will know that there are a number of cases which, because they do not conform to the regulations, although they are in fact immobile unless they wear special supports, causing great pain and discomfort, do not qualify for a motor car although they do for an all-weather car.

I should be delighted to look at any evidence which anybody can give me that our present arrangements are inadequate.

Is there still a waiting list for motor cars in respect of double amputees above the knee?

The numbers on our waiting list are just about equal to the number of motor cars which we expect to get in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of Her Majesty's Forces were, on 31st December, 1945, and on each succeeding 31st December, absent from their units; how many of these, though not proved to be dead, were then and are now unaccounted for; and how many have, and how many have not, been traced to civil life.

On 31st December, 1945, there were 17,317 men still unaccounted for who had deserted from the Army during the late war and 1,043 who had deserted since 31st August, 1945. On 31st December, 1951, the corresponding figures were 10,432 and 3,556. I will, with permission, circulate the figures for the remaining years in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does the Minister agree that the fact that so many men for so many years have remained unaccounted for is contrary to good order, and cannot he devise some means whereby these men can return as good citizens?

I have given this matter a good deal of consideration. The vast majority of the numbers referred to as deserters in the last war are either in Ireland or elsewhere overseas. The remainder have now settled down in civilian life, possibly under assumed names, and the fact that crime may be attributable to them is not borne out by the evidence available to me.

Does the Minister's answer mean that since the war there has been a reduction of some 4,000 in the number of deserters all told? In other words is it correct that 4,000 have been re-captured and recovered in some way?

Yes, Sir. My figures show a reduction of nearly 7,000 since the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of those members of Her Majesty's Forces now in prison were sentenced for crimes of turpitude and how many for Service offences; how many of these offences were proved to have been caused by domestic trouble in the lives of the offenders; and if he will take steps to review these cases.

The latest available figures show that, as a result of conviction by Army courts-martial, 83 men are now serving sentences of imprisonment in this country for offences of a purely Service nature, and 87 for other crimes. How many of the offences were caused by domestic trouble is to a large extent conjectural but, where domestic trouble is pleaded in mitigation of offences, special consideration is always given to the circumstances.

Does the Secretary of State remember the Army (Suspension of Sentences) Act of 1915 which, after the First World War, authorised the suspension of sentences and had a very good effect? Would he consider putting something like that into effect now?

All court-martial sentences are periodically reviewed, and in a large number of cases they are suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now reconsider and differentiate the cases of Her Majesty's Forces sentenced for crimes of turpitude from those sentenced for Service offences, during the war and since, by courts-martial; and if he will take steps to provide an amnesty in suitable cases, so that as many as possible of those persons may be restored either to the Forces or to civil employment.

All sentences awarded by courts-martial for crimes of a civil or Service nature are periodically reviewed and sentences are frequently remitted or suspended. As regards the latter part of the Question, I think the hon. and learned Member will agree that the suspension of a sentence on review is similar in effect to his proposal of an amnesty in suitable cases.

Does the Minister agree that a great many evils arise from the present state of affairs? Can he not devise some means whereby they can be obviated?

The present state of affairs arises from the committing of offences which are punished. I appreciate that it is important periodically to review the sentences, but I think that entirely to obliterate them would have a very unfortunate effect.

Can the Minister say why it is that Her Majesty's Government are now prepared to be so lenient towards ex-Nazis, many of whom they are releasing, and why they will not extend to our own people the same kindness and the same generosity that they are extending to our enemies?

The question of the treatment of ex-Nazis is outside my sphere of responsibility. I am concerned to see that men in the Army get a fair deal, both in courts-martial and when their sentences are reviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the amount of metal scrap left lying at the ex-War Office ranges at Holme and Titchwell; and whether any steps have yet been taken towards its salvage.

At both these sites there are two tank hulls and a small quantity of used anti-tank ammunition. It has proved impossible to salvage the two tank hulls at Titchwell owing to flooding by the sea. Removal of the remaining scrap is in hand.

May I take it that the salvage of this material has now been handed over to the Ministry of Supply? May I also ask my right hon. Friend, in view of the fact that it has taken over five years for this much-needed scrap to be salvaged, whether he will make sure that there is no other War Office scrap lying around the country which might be salvaged in that way?

We are doing our best to hand over all possible scrap to the Ministry of Supply for salvage. As a matter of fact, the salvage of this particular scrap was started some time ago, but was abandoned when the sea came in through the sea wall.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Commonwealth Division in Korea during the past month has been subject to any heavy enemy offensive attacks; and whether he is in a position to inform the House of the maximum weight of any such attack on any one day in terms of total number of troops used and total number of shells expended.

No, Sir. Between 22nd and 25th June there was a slight increase in patrol activity of platoon or company strength. In the last fortnight of June there was also an increase in enemy artillery and mortar fire, which reached its peak on 20th June, when about 507 artillery and 89 mortar shells landed in the Commonwealth Division sector.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent length of service is taken into account in the selection of Z reservists of the Royal Artillery for call-up for training.

The principle of last out, first back is always taken into account; but suitability for particular jobs and geographical considerations must often override this principle. Furthermore, the Royal Artillery is particularly short of younger reservists.

If the policy of last out, first back, is always taken into account, why is the Officer-in-Charge of Royal Artillery Records sending out letters to gunner reservists saying that it is not taken into account in the Royal Artillery on the ground that every Royal Artillery reservist will be required on mobilisation, and therefore it does not matter? Will he look into this question so as to see that the policy applies to the Royal Artillery as to other branches?

It does apply to all units in the British Army, and if the hon. Gentleman will show me any concrete evidence that it is being contravened I will put this right at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War the working hours of soldiers at the Central Ordnance Depot, Donnington; how much recreational time is allowed them a week; and how these conditions compare with those of civilians similarly employed at this establishment.

Those on clerical duties work 41¼ hours a week and those on industrial work 42½ hours. The corresponding hours of work for the civilian staff are 40½ and 44. Out of working hours, facilities for sports are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements exist for the treatment of British troops wounded in Korea.

The Commonwealth Division has the normal three field ambulances and one field dressing station for light cases. Casualties are then evacuated to a mobile Army surgical hospital. Thence, when fit to travel, they go by air to the 29th British General Hospital in Japan. From there, serious cases are brought to this country by air, while the remainder pass to a convalescent training depot before returning to duty.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in addition to that, where no facilities of our own are immediately available, it is advisable and feasible for American facilities to be called upon in an emergency?

Yes, Sir, that is indeed so and I should like to take this opportunity of saying that the British Forces in Korea owe a great debt not only to the Americans but to the Canadians, the Indians and the Norwegians for their co-operation in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make an inquiry into the whole question of military hospital buildings and hospital services in general, with a view to making improvements.

I am very well aware that much work is needed on hospital buildings, but there are many civil and other military claims on the limited resources available. The main problem in the hospital services is the recruitment of sufficient Regular R.A.M.C. officers, and I am examining this question.

While I fully appreciate the difficulty of the position, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not a fact that the last military hospital built, as such, was built in 1895? Is it not time that something was done in order to try to build a modern hospital for the military services?

We have plans in that respect at present. A hospital was built later than the date which my hon. Friend mentioned but I am well aware that, if the facilities were available, much should be done.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the establishment at Connaught Military Hospital now includes a dietician.

Yes, Sir.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether he has received any reports to show whether the diet at the Connaught Military Hospital has improved as a result of this step?

I cannot give my hon. Friend a categorical answer at present, but the object of the appointment is to that effect.

asked the Secretary of State for War the estimated saving to relatives of men serving in Korea and Malaya in postage, and air freight, for parcels delivered under the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute's gift scheme.

Relatives in this country save 2s. 3d. on a 4 1b. parcel that would normally be sent by sea to Korea: the saving on a parcel by sea for Malaya is about 9d. As against despatch at letter packets by air, the savings are three guineas and £3 1s. 6d.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that a great deal more money would have been saved by parents and relatives if a little more publicity had been given to this scheme by the N.A.A.F.I.?

I am anxious that this scheme should have all the publicity it deserves, and I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for having initiated it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many parcels have been delivered in Korea and Malaya, respectively, during the month of May under the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute's gift parcel scheme.

In May instructions for the delivery of 220 parcels were passed to Korea and of 59 parcels to Malaya. The totals up to 12th July were 749 and 245, respectively.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that I have no further supplementaries to ask?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that officers reporting for duty as Z Reserve officers at Lulworth Camp, Dorset, are instructed, in the absence of mess uniform, to wear dinner jackets in the mess; how far this order is general in all Z Reserve camps; and if he appreciates the embarrassment caused to officers who are not in possession of such clothing.

Existing instructions provide that on no occasion shall the wearing of a dinner jacket be obligatory for officers, and the commanding officer of this unit has been reminded of the fact.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these officers, an officer with distinguished service throughout the war in Burma, had to eat out at a local café every night to avoid embarrassment, and that another one was asked not to attend on guest nights lest the absence of a dinner jacket should create a ticklish position? Is it not rather ridiculous that any commanding officer should insist on this?

It applies to more than the Army.

I have been into this question, and six officers dined in the mess dressed as I am now at the present time. As regards the ticklish position, perhaps that referred to wearing battle-dress in hot weather.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are far more stuffed shirts in the Labour Party than at Lulworth Camp?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now dispense with the searchlight as a means of anti-aircraft defence.

We do not at present propose entirely to dispense with the searchlight since recent trials have shown that it still has a certain part to play in defence against low altitude attack at night.

In the light of that answer, will my right hon. Friend draw to the attention of the Under-Secretary of State for Air the necessity for having the right kind of aircraft for training, because he has already said that training for searchlights has a low priority?

Perhaps my hon. Friend's supplementary question will clarify the matter.

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that the whole method of operating searchlights would be more efficient if it were handed over to the Royal Air Force?

That is a subject for wider debate than is possible now.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made for the training of Light Aid Detachment personnel under the Z scheme.

The majority of the Light Aid Detachments in which Z reservists are being trained are carrying out their training with the units to which they are normally attached. A few detachments are being trained under Command arrangements by R.E.M.E.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the proposed new war memorial on Plymouth Hoe is to be constructed on that part of the Hoe which is held by his Department for military use; and what military use these acres have been serving in recent years.

The proposed new war memorial is to be constructed on that part of Plymouth Hoe which was leased to the Plymouth Corporation for 99 years. The bulk of the area occupied by the Army is used for a coast defence centre.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that the question whether this memorial should be proceeded with is entirely a matter for the Plymouth Corporation because his Department has nothing to do with it whatsoever?

My Department never had anything to do with this war memorial. The recommendation was made by the Admiralty to the I.W.G.C., who referred the matter to the Plymouth City Council, who agreed to the scheme, and the I.W.G.C., acting as agents on the Admiralty's behalf, is proceeding with the memorial.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement about the Government car service.

Substantial savings have been made as a result of instructions I gave on taking office to reduce the use of chauffeur-driven cars in London by Ministers and officials. Out of 712 such cars in the Government car service and other Departmental car pools in London and the provinces last October, 61 had been put down before the end of March. On 1st April my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works began to gather into one pool all chauffeur-driven cars except those used by the Post Office and the Foreign Office. This process, and the economies which will result from it, are not yet complete, but a further 75 civilian cars have been given up and the Headquarters of the Service Departments in London have returned 41 Service cars to their units. The annual saving to the taxpayer from these measures is over £100,000.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply makes complete nonsense of the ludicrous contention of the late Government that the provision of a private car and chauffeur for every Minister at the taxpayers' expense was an essential part of Government service?

Will the Prime Minister say whether any allowance is made for a Minister who uses his own car whilst on duty, and, if so, what? Any monetary allowance?

I gave a great deal of attention to this matter, but I really do not understand the point.

May I make it clear to the Prime Minister? If Ministers, having lost their cars—their official cars—use their own private cars in carrying out their duties, is any monetary allowance made to them for that?

I do not think so. It never occurred to me that such a thing—[Interruption.] It never occurred to me that such a practice would develop, but I will certainly inquire into it. I do not think it is so.

May I ask the Prime Minister, first, whether he could give details in the OFFICIAL REPORT of this saving of £100,000; second, whether account is taken of allowances which would be paid to civil servants who use other forms of transport if there is no car available; and third, whether he is aware and does not agree that this saving does not really give any criterion of the real saving effected—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—because it probably follows that hundreds if not thousands of civil servants waste their precious time travelling by other means which take them far longer so that their valuable time and the Government's is wasted to a considerable degree?

We have made a very considerable effort in this matter—admittedly, in a small scale—and it has caused a lot of inconvenience to those who have been directly affected by it. They have been glad to subject themselves to that inconvenience in order to enforce an attempt to curtail the rank, exuberant and wasteful expenditure that obtained under the previous Administration.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Prime Minister's reply, and in view of the fact that a special train was used by him at public expense during the General Election in 1945, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that 1,656 horses and ponies employed in mines were destroyed by the National Coal Board when brought up because of unfitness or old age in 1949; that 1,415 were destroyed in 1950; that these are apart from those destroyed as a result of accidents underground; what supervision by Government inspectors exists of the way in which these horses and ponies are slaughtered by the Board above ground; whether he will arrange this matter to be considered by the inquiry into the Rosebery Report recently announced by him; and whether the question of the provision of homes of rest for industrially-employed horses may also be included in the terms of reference of the inquiry.

I have been asked to reply.

In view of the fact that these young ponies are taken down the mines at a very young age and are there for 12 or 15 years without the light of day and amidst the dirt, darkness and heat, does the right hon. Gentleman not think they deserve some special consideration, rather than going to the knackers' yards as, in effect, they do now?

The Regulations under the Coal Mines Act were reviewed and brought up to date in 1949 after a very careful review by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Blyth (Mr. Robens), who consulted the Pit Ponies' Protection Society, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the National Equine Defence League, who agreed.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider laying a White Paper before this House again debates the economic situation, setting out the principal changes which it is intended shall follow from the recently announced policy of putting exports before defence requirements and, in particular, the estimated effect of this change of policy on home supplies.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) for postponing till tomorrow the similar Question which he had put down yesterday. I hope he will allow me to answer both Questions together.

In view of the fundamental change in policy which the statement of the noble Lord in another place last week indicated, does the Prime Minister not think that this House ought to have been simultaneously informed? Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that many of us welcome this return to economic sanity whereby economic solvency is put before military schemes?

It seems to me that the hon. Member has very little to complain of.

asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will move in both Houses of Parliament for the establishment of a tribunal to inquire into a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the behaviour and conduct of the Dean of Canterbury in furthering and disseminating the propaganda of persons engaged in hostilities with British troops and in claiming that he had proof of the truth of such propaganda.

The establishment of such a tribunal would, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, invest the activities of the Dean of Canterbury with an importance they do not possess.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that, while no one would seek to prevent the Dean from, as a private individual, expressing views which he has a legal right to hold, it is a cause of dismay to millions of people living behind the Iron Curtain to believe, as they do, that he speaks on behalf of the Church of England in this country, and that there lies the danger?

We all see those difficulties, but there are other difficulties in taking special action. The difficulties of setting up a tribunal upon an individual in these circumstances for exercising or abusing the right of free speech, which we are all resolved to defend, would be almost endless. We really must keep a sense of proportion and not add to the harm that has already been done.

Would my right hon. Friend consider sending this pathetic figure to a psychiatrist?

Does the Prime Minister further realise that the logical consequence of the pressure to which he is being subjected from the benches behind him would be a demand from the Church of England for disestablishment?

I think we might easily all get into depths beyond any that we wish to dabble in today by going further in this matter. Free speech carries with it the evil of all foolish, unpleasant and venomous things that are said, but on the whole we would rather lump them than do away with it.