asked the Minister of Labour if he will publish the list of occupational and employment categories which he has notified to the War Department so that Z reservists in these categories may be excluded from recall for training.

No, Sir. I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to publish these details now.

Will the Minister be prepared to give an estimate of the numbers who are exempted by this secret schedule of reserved occupations which is being operated?

If the hon. Member puts down a Question I will look into that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the termination of National Service legislation next year, he will take an early opportunity to acquaint the House with the Government's proposals.

Present conditions are not such as to enable me to hold out hope that call-up for National Service can be abandoned as early as the end of 1953. The Government's intentions will be announced as far in advance of that date as possible.

When will the Prime Minister be in a position to notify the House about this very important problem, which affects the lives of so many of our young people?

I certainly agree about the importance of the problem, but I cannot give a date at present. As soon as I can I will.

Is it not exceedingly important from the standpoint of the young men concerned, having regard to their plans and careers, etc., that the Government should announce their intentions at a very early date. What is meant by advancing the date as early as possible? Is not that very non-committal and ambiguous?

I should not have thought that there was any ambiguity in saying that we will announce it as far in advance of the date as possible. The date is the end of next year, and as far in advance of that as is possible we will announce our intentions.

May I ask the Minister if he will agree about the importance of not reducing the period of National Service so long as it is necessary to maintain the call-up of agricultural workers; and may I ask him also whether he will consider the desirability of making those agricultural workers who have been exempted from the call-up, or deferred, liable to service in either the Territorial Army or the Home Guard?

That is quite a different question, but I will consider it if the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper.

Does the Minister realise that the party opposite at the last Election declaimed that they would "set the people free," and that, unless this Act is allowed to lapse, they will still be imprisoning, against their will, something like 200,000 youths every year?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of divergent de- cisions by hardship committees on cases for postponement of National Service involving greater sacrifices on the part of some men than others, he will examine the position with a view to obtaining real equality and not paper equality.

Under present arrangements, which have been in operation since 1939, every determination of a hardship committee is examined and an appeal is made to the umpire in any case where a decision appears not to be in accordance with the principles which he has laid down. I do not think more could be done to ensure substantial uniformity of treatment.

In view of the fact that yesterday I was told that the information upon which my right hon. and learned Friend might have relied to give me an answer to my Question was not available, may I ask whether he examines the decisions of the various hardship committees, or has he just accepted the generally expressed view which, if I may say so, does not answer my Question at all?

The first thing I would say about this is that, in view of the number that come forward, I would not pretend to the House that I examine each one myself. They are examined in the Department by people upon whose competence I have reliance, but a good many come through to me, and then I study them myself.

asked the Minister of Labour when a call-up for National Service involves the sale of a business and a withdrawal of financial support to dependants, what guidance is given to hardship committees; and what limit is placed on their powers to renew postponement.

Hardship committees are provided with the relevant Regulations made under the National Service Act, 1948, and with the interpretation placed on these by the umpire in leading cases. There is no limit on their power to renew postponement for six months at a time, subject to the umpire's decision if the case goes to appeal.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that it was conveyed to me that there was a limit and that people could not be permanently postponed from serving; and if that information was incorrect, may I ask him to return to the cases I submitted to him in which a wrong interpretation of his powers has been given to me?

I am sorry to find my hon. Friend thinks that a wrong interpretation has been placed. What I said in my answer was that there is no limit on their power to renew postponement for six months at a time. That is, of course, postponement. It will still leave the man with a liability to serve before he gets out of his age.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that I quite realise the answer he gave to my Question, but I adhere to my supplementary question?

asked the Minister of Labour in how many cases of postponement for National Service he has appealed to the umpire for an increase in the period granted by hardship committees; how many for a reduction in the period granted; and with what result.

If a hardship committee has granted some period of postponement the man himself has the right to apply for renewal and there is no need for me to appeal for an extension. In the 12 months ending 30th September, 1952, I appealed in 22 cases against refusal of postponement and all of these were allowed. In the same period, I appealed in 158 cases against the grant of postponement and in eight cases for a reduction in the period granted: 135 of the former and all of the latter were allowed.

Then may I ask my right hon. and learned Friend if it is not a fact that the hardship committees have not really got the power which my right hon. and learned Friend indicated, and I still want to ask him if he can tell me how he secures that all parts of the country get the same treatment, because I am convinced that they do not?

I think that in accordance with those who preceded me, I do my best to secure conformity, but 30 years' experience in the law has shown me it is impossible to obtain it in all cases because of human frailty.

Do not these Questions addressed to the right hon. and learned Gentleman by the hon. Member opposite, and the existence of many other anomalies which must be known to the right hon. and learned Gentleman, justify a review of the National Service Acts, and would not the Government consider that proposal?

I am always ready to look into any anomalies brought to my attention, but I do not think the conclusion which the right hon. Gentleman has drawn is justified.

Will the Minister say what principle he goes on in making these appeals and what has been the effect on unemployment in Scotland?

To the second part of the question I shall not venture to make a confident reply. As to the first, the principle I try to adopt is this: I see what the umpire, who is the highest authority in this matter, has laid down, and I try to see that so far as possible his principles are consistently applied in the cases which come before me. If I see they are not, I suggest an appeal.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that for the Royal group of docks, average daily unemployment rose among dock workers from 1,022 in April, 1952, to 1,432 in September, 1952, an average of 1,175 during this period against an average of 369 for the corresponding period in 1951; what was the reason for this absolute increase of 806 from 1951 to 1952; and what action he proposes to take to bring about full employment among the dock workers in the Royal group of docks.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) why unemployment among dockworkers has risen from an average of 3,513 in September, 1951, to an average of 18,027 in mid-October, 1952; and what action he proposes to take to reduce this figure;

The rise in the average number of registered dock workers surplus to requirements is largely due to a decline in imports and exports. More regular employment in the docks is dependent upon an increase in trade, which it is the declared policy of the Government to promote by every means in their power.

I know the Minister is very concerned at this serious rise in unemployment. Has his attention been drawn to the leading article in this morning's "Daily Mirror," in which certain suggestions are made. It says:

"men should not have to sit around all day in cafes wasting their time and money, merely to be on call."

Will the Minister be good enough, before he changes anything in dockland, to take into consideration the views of the trade unions?

I should certainly do that. On the other matter, I am obliged to the hon. Member for West Ham, North for drawing my attention to the article he mentioned which—I think exceptionally—I have not seen, but I will pay attention to it.

Is not the real reason for unemployment in the docks the policy of restriction of imports, which inevitably means restriction of exports? Will my right hon. and learned Friend urge the Government to do away with those restrictions as soon as possible?

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers at Salford docks are registered as unemployed or are signing on under guaranteed wage agreements; and if he will make a statement on his meeting with the Dock Labour Board.

In the week ending 8th November the number of registered dock workers surplus to requirements at Salford docks was 269, or 10.9 per cent. of the local register. I have no statement to make about my meeting with the National Dock Labour Board, the purpose of which was to give an opportunity for an exchange of information.

Will the Minister be able to tell us when he can give us a report on what he discussed with the Dock Labour Board? Further, can he give us any indication on behalf of his right hon. Friends about when this matter of policy in regard to imports and exports is to be tackled by the Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is that I am still in communication with the National Dock Labour Board, giving them some information. I am anticipating hearing from them in the near future. As soon as I do, I will make known to the House what has happened. As to the second part of the hon. Member's question, as he will realise, that matter is not wholly within my province, but I do what I can.

Could the Minister tell us what increase in volume of imports and exports would be necessary to restore full employment in the dock areas?

I think I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a report to the House upon his recent discussions with members of the National Dock Labour Board.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to the hon. Member for Salford, West (Mr. Royle).

Will the Minister bear in mind the desirability of giving as much information as is possible of the discussions now going on about the policy to be pursued, in view of the general anxiety which is felt on this subject?

I can very well understand the anxiety of the hon. Member, which I share, but I think it would be better for me to make a statement to the House when the present discussions are concluded. I shall not delay it then.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the increased levy to be paid by the employers to the National Dock Labour Board must be passed on to the consumer and will therefore mean a rise in the cost of exports abroad, which is a very serious position?

The repercussions of the increased levy are very much in my mind.

Will the Minister make available to the House a copy of the reports of the port efficiency committees set up in March of this year and which no one has yet seen?

Perhaps I may be allowed to look into that.

asked the Minister of Labour for a statement as to the employment of disabled persons.

After consultation with my right hon. Friends, I have accepted the recommendation of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled that a further inquiry should be held into all aspects of the rehabilitation and resettlement of disabled persons. The composition and terms of reference of this inquiry are under consideration.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this will cause great satisfaction, and we hope the answer will soon be forthcoming? I also hope that my right hon. and learned Friend is aware that many of his local employment agencies, especially in the St. Ives division, have already been of great help in this matter.

Will the Minister consider including the special position of the house-bound in the terms of reference of the proposed inquiry?

That is one of the points which I think must be considered by anyone dealing with the question of the disabled.

Will the terms of reference include reference to the quota of 3 per cent. and whether it is high enough at the present time?

I think I had better say about that question that the terms of reference have to be arranged between myself and my right hon. Friends. They are being discussed at official level, and I shall make an announcement as soon as I can.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend give any indication of the types of people or of the organisations he intends to invite to serve on the committee, or has that not yet been decided?

No, Sir. That is the very point which has not yet been decided. It has to be considered not by me alone but by some of my right hon. Friends also.

Is the Minister aware that those of us who are concerned about the employment of the disabled are very worried about the Home Secretary's decision to increase the working hours in prisons, as we know the competition which exists for work in Government Departments as between prisoners and Remploy employees? Is the Minister sure that this will not adversely affect Remploy?

I think that is a different question, but I will certainly pay attention to it.

asked the Minister of Labour what reductions in the number of labour attachés to British consular offices in the United States of America have taken place during the last 12 months; and what steps are being taken to fill existing vacancies in labour attaché posts.

One assistant labour attaché, who had to relinquish his post in Chicago owing to ill-health, has not yet been replaced. The question of appointing a successor is under consideration.

Is the Minister aware how valuable the services of these officers are, and how important it is to maintain a full complement in view of the work they do in improving for example, the relationship between trade unionists in both our countries?

I do my best to impose that point of view on my colleagues. I am obliged to the hon. Member for giving that support.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the unemployment figures for the borough of Lancaster for each month over the past six months;

asked the Minister of Labour the number of adult males and females and the number of juvenile males and females who are unemployed at the Durham and Crook employment exchanges, County Durham.

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

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

asked the Minister of Labour the number of workers engaged in the manufacture of women's outerwear who were unemployed or on short-time during the week ended 27th October, 1951; and how the figure compares for the week ended 25th October, 1952.

I cannot give figures separately for the manufacture of women's outerwear but only for the tailoring and dressmaking trades as a whole. In these trades there were on 15th October, 1951, 7,929 wholly unemployed and 11,007 temporarily stopped. On 13th October, 1952, there were 5,402 wholly unemployed and 2,516 temporarily stopped—a total decrease of 11,018.

Would my right hon. and learned Friend not agree that although these figures are not wholly satisfactory they show a considerable improvement over those of last year and will bring considerable encouragement to the textile industry, which was neglected by the previous Government?

Can the Minister say how long it took the hon. Member to find one industry in which unemployment has decreased?

I can only say that if he had asked me I could have given him several.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to encourage the entry into the trade of slaughterhousemen in the increased numbers likely to be necessary under Her Majesty's Government's policy of moderate concentration of slaughterhouses in Great Britain; and what arrangement he is making for training such men.

While it is too early to say how the new policy for siting slaughterhouses will affect the number of slaughtermen required, the Joint Industrial Council for the industry has recently drawn up an apprenticeship scheme for young workers entering the industry.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the National Farmers' Unions of England and Scotland are developing a tentative marketing scheme to take over from the Ministry of Food; that two prerequisites of that are sufficient slaughterhouses and sufficient slaughtermen; and that there is a shortage of both at the present moment. Will my right hon. and learned Friend deal with the slaughterhouse question?

So far as the slaughterhouse question is concerned, the policy statement already made in this House does not involve a very large reduction in the number of slaughter points now being used by the Ministry of Food. But it does mean that there will be a considerable reduction on the pre-war figure of the number of slaughterhouses. It is too soon at present to know whether we shall need more than the scheme of which I spoke.

Would the Minister consider grouping that answer with the answer to Questions Nos. 29 and 30?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the dispute concerning the employment of members of the Aeronautical Engineers' Association at London Airport.

I am informed that as part of a plan for re-organisation, British European Airways intend to transfer to London Airport the maintenance and repair staff now employed at Northolt. This has given rise to certain questions affecting the arrangements at London Airport and I understand that these are at present under discussion on the appropriate panel of the National Joint Council for Civil Air Transport. In these circumstances, I would ask the House to excuse me from making any further statement.

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for his reply, may I ask him if it is not a fact that these discussions took place yesterday; and is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that that was the reason why I hoped he would be able to make a statement today?

There was a meeting yesterday, but discussions are to be resumed at a later date. I do not want to say anything which would prejudice the outcome of those discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet considered, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour and the President of the Board of Trade, the recommendations in the recent Cairncross Report; and with what result.

This Report is being carefully considered by the Government.

Does not the Secretary of State realise that Professor Cairncross and the Scottish Council have put into his hands a lifebelt to prevent him from being submerged by the growing unemployment in Scotland, and why will he not use it immediately for that purpose?

I realise that this is a most valuable Report. It opens up questions of long-term policy, including capital investment limits. I would also refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to the statement by the President of the Board of Trade in this House on 29th October, which is relevant.

Is the Secretary of State aware that this Report was published about five months ago and that one of the recommendations was that there should be some diversification of industry in Central Fife? Can he indicate how long it will be before some positive steps are taken to enable women and girls in that part of Fife to get employment?

I recognise these problems. They are difficult ones, and we are pressing on with the discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the total expenditure on the National Library, Scotland, increased from £61,787 in 1951–52 to £87,654 in 1952–53.

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the increase in estimated expenditure on the National Library of Scotland for the year 1952–53 is due almost entirely to the progress that is now being made with the Library's urgently-required new building.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has recently made of the effect the call-up of agricultural workers for Her Majesty's Forces will have upon agricultural production in Scotland.

Because of the special deferment arrangements, it is not expected that agricultural production in Scotland will suffer to any material extent.

Is the Minister aware that that answer is in flat contradiction to the experience of the Ayrshire branch of the National Farmers' Union, and does he realise that there is growing disquiet in Scotland at the fact that men are being called up at the same time as farmers are asked to increase production? Can he say how that production will be increased?

The total call-up of agricultural workers in Scotland brings in 800 men in a year, which is a little over 1 per cent. of the total male labour employed in agriculture. The call-up affects not more than one in 20 farms. However, we are keeping the matter under most careful review.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Ayrshire Executive of the National Farmers' Union are convinced—and they have asked the Ayrshire M.P.s to bring this strongly to his notice—that crop acreage will be down in Ayrshire unless some regard is paid to this question of men being called up from agricultural work just when they are needed in an expanding economy for the provision of food supplies?

I sincerely hope that there will not be a decrease. As I have said, we are watching the position very carefully. The number of farms affected is not very large.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in setting up a Clyde River Pollution Board.

As I told the hon. Member on 17th June, I have sent draft proposals to the 21 local authorities concerned. Glasgow Corporation, who have the predominant interest, are taking the initiative in calling the various authorities together. I understand that the subcommittee responsible for the arrangements is meeting tomorrow, and I hope that a general meeting of all the authorities concerned to discuss the proposals will be held at an early date.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the progress which he has been able to announce, may I ask him whether he is aware that complaints against the pollution of the Clyde continue to be made and that as recently as last Saturday one appeared in the "Hamilton Advertiser" describing the river at Garrion Bridge as running as thick as tar? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the interests of anglers are seriously affected by this continued nuisance?

Will not the Secretary of State consider the fact that local authorities dislike river pollution and should not he set up a Clyde River "Non-Pollution" Board?

I think we might say that the meeting which is being convened will be dealing with "non-pollution," if that is the correct expression. I certainly realise the feeling on this subject which my hon. Friend has expressed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many school classes are now being taught in buildings other than schools; and what were the corresponding figures for a year ago.

I regret that precise figures are not available. Moreover, such figures by themselves would be misleading since they would not show whether a class was being taught in a building other than a school for the greater part of a school week or only for an occasional period, and I should not feel justified in asking authorities for special returns in the detail that would be necessary to bring this out.

Is the Secretary of State aware that in answer to a Question last week I got information that the number of local authorities using buildings other than schools had decreased? Does not he agree, therefore, that it would be a comparatively easy matter to ask those authorities who are now using buildings other than schools to say how many children are being taught in those buildings, because I think that the answer given last week was an attempt to mislead the House?

I hope not. I am not trying to withhold any information from the hon. Gentleman. I will give him all I can, but I am afraid that I have no information at the moment which I can absolutely guarantee to be accurate.

Is it not about time that the Secretary of State for Scotland had this information? How can he properly allocate building materials for school building unless he knows how many school children are being taught in huts, Army camps and—this happens in one case—model lodging houses?

Obviously, when a local authority applies for a licence to build a new school, all these matters are investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many adults and juveniles, respectively, were convicted in Scotland of crimes of violence in each of the three years preceding the coming into operation of the Criminal Justice Act, 1948; how many of them were sentenced to corporal punishment; and how many persons have been convicted of such crimes in each subsequent year; and

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the statistics of convictions of crimes of violence in 1945 and each subsequent year. The average for the years 1945 to 1947 is 662; the average for the subsequent period is 429.

As for 90 years we have had, broadly, no corporal punishment for adults in Scotland, would my right hon. Friend agree that, as long as the cases submitted to the courts receive the sentences they deserve, there is no need for corporal punishment?

Where are the floggers?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to announce the results of the Government's examination into the question of the supply of electricity in Scotland.

The examination is being pressed forward, but I cannot yet say when it will be complete.

Could the Secretary of State say whether or not the examination is comprehending the work of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board?

Certainly, Sir. As I told the hon. Gentleman on 4th December, that is the case.

Can the Secretary of State say whether or not it is proposed in any way to interfere with the purposes and duties of the Hydro-Electric Board?

I answered that on 4th December, when I said:

"I do not contemplate that any change in the present organisation of the electricity industry in Scotland would impair the special responsibilities for the Highlands and Islands placed on the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board by the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act, 1943."—[OFFICIAL REPORT 4th December, 1951; Vol. 494, c. 2199.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the lack of public halls in the Tradeston Division of Glasgow, he will now give permission for the restoration of Kingston Public Hall.

While I fully recognise the claims of this area for a public hall, I regret that, in view of the necessary limitations of capital investment, I cannot at present authorise this project, which is estimated to cost £45,000. I shall, however, reconsider the case as soon as circumstances permit.

Is the Secretary of State not aware that, quite recently, he has granted planning permission for the erection of a cinema in that part of my division, and how can he reconcile the erection of a cinema in a part of my division where there is no need for any further cinema with his refusal to grant permission for a hall where no hall exists?

Planning permission only has been granted up to date in the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I will certainly consider such cases as this as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Town Development Act, 1952, has not been extended to Scotland.

The reason is that the Scottish conditions differ in character and extent from those with which the Act is designed to deal. Suitable action will be taken in Scotland as the need arises.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in view of the difficult distribution of the population in Scotland, and particularly in view of the Report of the Advisory Council on planning our new homes, the Town Development Act, 1952, is particularly suitable and necessary to Scotland?

My advice is that we have no particular overspill problem in Scotland. The Act to which the hon. Lady refers dealt with overspill population.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that one half of the population resides in the Clyde Valley, that there is de-population in the Highlands, and a great need for overspill accommodation throughout the Clyde Valley; and that most urgent of all is the question of the money that is required? Why should England get the money, and Scotland be left without?

The Clyde Valley Regional Planning Advisory Committee has dealt with, and is considering at the present time, the problems of the Clyde.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to fill the vacancy for a district nurse at Roseneath and Clynder.

This is a matter for the county council, who, I understand, have decided not to fill the vacancy in Roseneath and Clynder, because they are satisfied that the two nurses in nearby adjacent areas, each of whom is provided with a car, can adequately cover the work between them.

Is the Secretary of State aware that there has been a district nurse in this area for the past 30 years, and that there is no district nurse available nearby? Could he use his powers to induce the county council to get an appointment made in this area?

As I have said, and as the hon. Gentleman agrees, it is a matter for the county council, and they are of the opinion that the provision of cars makes the additional appointment unnecessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has come to a decision on the claim by the probation officers in Scotland for an increase in salary.

I am informed that the probation officers have asked my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour to refer their claim for an increase of salary to arbitration. Until the result of the arbitration is known I can take no action.

Is the Minister aware that probation officers in England and Wales received an increase in salary many months ago, that Scottish probation officers have put in an application for the same rate of salaries, but that up to the present this has not been granted? Can the Minister give an undertaking that when the recommendations are made he will ensure that probation officers in Scotland do not receive a lesser salary than that received by probation officers in England and Wales?

I am afraid I cannot say anything while this matter is being considered. It is at present under arbitration.

Cannot the Minister at least give an undertaking that when the recommendations are put forward he will not accept anything less for probation officers in Scotland than that received by probation officers in England and Wales?

That is a different question. I must first see the result of the arbitration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the repair of flood damage to the Loch Quoich and Loch Garry hydro-electric works; and whether any further damage has occurred.

I am informed by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board that work on the repair of the damage done to the contractors' temporary structures at Loch Quoich is still in progress, but that further high flows have hampered operations. At Loch Garry no repairs were necessary because other arrangements were made and no further damage has occurred.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what opportunity is afforded to local authorities to decide the type of non-traditional permanent house they will build when extra allocations are offered them.

In ordinary circumstances, subject to the price and supply being satisfactory, local authorities are free to make their own selection from the approved types.

Is the Secretary of State aware that my Question deals with extra allocations, and that local authority representatives have told me that they are being offered only one type of nontraditional permanent house, and that the price of that house is much in excess of what they can get by open tender in their own area? Is he also aware that they are disturbed about it and would like freedom to select the type of house which they want to build in their own area?

In so far as it is possible, and taking into account the use of scarce materials, price, etc., local authorities are not restricted to one particular type of house.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will furnish details regarding the extent of the housing problem in Scotland.

The Scottish Housing Advisory Committee estimated in 1943 that 500,000 additional houses were needed in Scotland. Since then, nearly 168,000 new houses have been built. A close estimate of the present position could be obtained only by means of a detailed survey, and I hesitate to put such a burden on local authorities at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is many year's since that survey was taken, and that there is now a great need for a proper survey to be made? Would he not agree that he should set in motion machinery that would allow us to gauge properly the real extent of our housing problem in Scotland in order that we may make long-term plans to solve it?

In 1950, local authorities were approached about this particular matter, but they were unanimous in saying that they did not think the time was opportune. As we know, the fact is that there is a great deal of housing to be done. Still, I am glad to say that it is being accomplished more rapidly, and I think our energies would be best directed if used to this end.

Will the Secretary of State make sure that houses are being built in the proper areas in order to meet the industrial needs of Scotland? Is he aware that a survey would enable houses to be built to meet the needs of the workers in the places where they are needed?

All the houses that are being built are needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to indicate the number of rent tribunals operating in Scotland; and the number of cases they have dealt with up to the last convenient date.

There are 29 rent tribunals in Scotland. The total number of cases referred to them up to 30th September, 1952, was 4,701.

Is the Secretary of State aware that these rent tribunals have been doing excellent work in Scotland, and that they have put an end to a great deal of exploitation in many areas in the cases of people who were living in sub-let accommodation? Will he give a firm pledge to the House that he will continue these rent tribunals, and also see to it that greater publicity is given to them in certain areas in Scotland where they are not given enough work to do but which, I think, they would have if these rent tribunals were more widely known?

All local authority areas are served by these tribunals at present, and I have not expressed any intention of discontinuing their appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why additional allocations of new council houses to tenants of privately-owned houses fails to affect the total number of houses available for letting.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my hon. and gallant Friend gave to her on 11th November. I have no reason to suppose that the total number of privately-owned rented houses being sold approaches the total annual addition to the letting pool by local authority building, but if the hon. Member has any figures on the subject I should be glad to have them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is an astonishing reply, along with the one that I received last week, and shows that the Secretary of State and his assistants are totally unaware of the position in Scotland whereby every empty house is put up at exploitation prices to the highest bidder? Is it not time that we sent the Secretary of State and his Under-Secretaries to Wales?

On balance, there has been a considerable increase in the number of houses completed for letting purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities publish to tenants and owners the information available for them in terms of the Rent Restriction Acts.

The information asked for is not available, and could be obtained only by means of a special return.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information is available for all local authorities in England, and that I do not see why it cannot be available for Scotland, unless it is the case that there is no interest, at a high level in Scotland, in getting such information?

Was the information available during the six years of Socialist Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many building workers were employed by the East Kilbride Development Corporation on the first day of each month in the year 1952; and what is the number of houses which had been completed by the corporation by the same date.

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

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the number of building workers has increased by approximately 100 per cent. over the past year and whether, at the same time, the tempo of the rate of increase of housing completions, of site preparations and of putting houses out to contract has not increased by more than 15 per cent.?

My hon. Friend will see the figures. There has, of course, been an increase in the labour force, but there has also been a considerable increase in houses completed and under construction.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will take steps to ensure that financial stringency will not prevent the equipment of his regional and district offices with adequate and suitable furniture and amenities in the interests of the health and efficiency of the staffs.

I can assure the hon. Member that everything possible is being done to improve, where necessary, the equipment of my offices in order to secure reasonable working conditions for the staff.

Is the Minister satisfied that everything possible is being done, and is not he aware that in many of these regional and district offices the staffs are working in overcrowded conditions surrounded by open files—conditions which existed during and after the war—and will he make an examination immediately of a situation which is in deplorable contrast with the very fine improvement which has been made in the reception of pensioners in these offices?

The hon. Member will know the difficulties regarding accommodation which have obtained since the war, but I am satisfied that substantial and steady progress is being made. If he has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will write to me about it.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he has taken during 1952, and what steps he will be taking in 1953, in order to reduce substantially the administration costs of his Department.

Various measures for securing administrative economies have been adopted, including the closing of establishments, and improvements in internal processes. A reduction of nearly 2,500 staff has taken place in the last four years, including a reduction of over 600 up to date during 1952. Every effort will be made to achieve further economies during 1953, so far as may be consistent with the maintenance of the Department's services for the war disabled.

Does the answer given by my hon. Friend indicate that his Department was seriously overstaffed by comparison with its needs before the present Government came into power?

My hon. Friend will bear in mind, of course, that the number of pensions in payment is steadily reducing, and that has enabled us to produce the results I have mentioned.