asked the Minister of Food to make a statement on the position concerning pork supplies.

It is estimated that about 176,000 tons of pork will be distributed this year, compared with 103,000 tons in 1951.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has now been able to give further consideration to the freeing of controls on dried fruits; and with what results.

Yes. But the circumstances to which I referred in my answer to my hon. Friend on 7th July still preclude me from making a change in present arrangements.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of extra raw materials would be required to meet the estimated increased demand for margarine if rationing were abolished; how far those supplies are available; and Why the £12 million available for this purchase in sterling cannot be so used.

The 225,000 tons needed to end rationing could be bought, but not for sterling. As I explained on the 12th November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Major Beamish), dollars, or other non-dollar currency which cannot be afforded, would be needed.

asked the Minister of Food the value to an adult of food subsidies on the weekly rations, together with milk and bread.

Including eggs, about 11d. a week at current levels of distribution. This figure takes no account of the subsidies on animal feedingstuffs or fertilisers amounting to about £42 million in 1952–53, all of which have the effect of reducing the prices of home-produced foods to the consumer.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to a speech, a copy of which has been sent him, made by the Chief Scientific and Agricultural Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture, that this country could produce 20 times as much nutritionally satisfactory food if we adopted a meatless diet; and, in view of the steadily growing world population as well as that in Great Britain, if he will reduce his purchases of meat to enable greater quantities of other types of food to be produced.

The point made by the Chief Scientific and Agricultural Adviser was that "an acre of land under potatoes will give about 20 times as much food as the same acre used to produce beef and mutton." I assume the hon. Member would not advocate the adoption in this country of a diet consisting solely of potatoes.

asked the Minister of Food the price of bread in Glasgow, Stornoway and Berneray, Isle of Harris, respectively.

For the 1¾ lb. batch loaf unwrapped, the maximum price in Glasgow is 7½d. and in Stornoway and Berneray 8½d. For the pan loaf the price is ½d. more in each case.

asked the Minister of Food by how much per annum the Feeding Stuffs (Prices) (Amendment No. 3) Order, 1952, increases the margins of distributors.

It is estimated that the provisions of the Order will increase the gross margins of distributors of animal feedingstuffs by about £900,000 per annum.

asked the Minister of Food (1) the margin of profit that his Department now takes when selling meat to the butchery trade;

No profit is made by my Department on the sale of meat to butchers; in fact, there is a net loss which represents the meat subsidy. Periodical investigations carried out by my Department show the level of distribution costs incurred by butchers, and the wholesale prices of meat are adjusted from time to time by surcharges and rebates to allow the trade a reasonable profit after meeting these costs.

asked the Minister of Food, in view of the great wastage in the plum crop in Kent this year, if he will require jam manufacturers to include a higher proportion of fruit in plum jam next year.

As stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Faversham (Mr. P. Wells) on 4th December, I intend to review the minimum fruit contents of jam before the next jam making season.

asked the Minister of Transport when the unilateral waiting scheme for certain streets in the West End and elsewhere in London, announced some months ago, is likely to come into operation.

Early next year, I hope, as soon as the necessary signs have been delivered and erected.

asked the Minister of Transport when the principles of unilateral parking in congested streets was first considered; and why it has not yet been introduced in London streets where the one-way traffic system is not operating and the parking of cars on both sides of the street permits only one line of traffic in one direction.

The first Order for unilateral waiting under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, was made in 1932. On the advice of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, we propose as an experiment to introduce unilateral waiting on certain streets in the inner and outer areas of London early in the New Year when the necessary signs have been obtained and erected.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he is aware that many one-way roads and streets have no notice of this limitation at the entry end of the one-way section; and what steps he is taking to prevent prosecutions of road users who, having entered correctly such an undeclared one-way stretch, turn round and proceed in the opposite direction, thus unknowingly travelling the wrong way along a one-way street;(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that the existence of a one-way stretch of road is properly indicated at all entrances to the one-way section.

My right hon. Friend is aware that many one-way streets are not indicated as such at the entry end and he is at present considering the question of prescribing a sign in the traffic signs regulations. It is the present practice to indicate by signs all other entrances to one-way sections.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the stretch of road A 272 between Dellney Avenue and Colwell Lane, going east from Haywards Heath, is a busy thoroughfare with several dangerous corners; and, in view of it also being a built-up area for the purpose of the Road Traffic Act, if he will make it subject to a 30 m.p.h. limit.

The East Sussex County Council applied for the re-imposition of the speed limit on part of this length of road in 1948, but it was not then considered to be justified. If circumstances have changed since then and the County Council make representations now about any part of the road, they will have my right hon. Friend's careful consideration. Work is now in hand on improving the bends in the road.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider affixing the 30 miles per hour sign to the first half-dozen lamp posts when entering a 30-mile per hour road, thus drawing them more to the attention of motorists where the limit is in force.

The beginning of each length of road subject to the general speed limit is marked by "30" signs on both sides of the road and I have no reason to believe that these do not provide adequate warning to drivers.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that three persons were killed and others injured in a recent road accident in which a United States airman was one of the drivers involved, and that at the subsequent court-martial, particulars of which have been forwarded to him, this airman stated that he had not been given a copy of the Highway Code, nor told of the British speed limit on heavy lorries; and, in view of the assurance given in the House of Commons by the Parliamentary Secretary on 5th May last, that instruction in the Highway Code is given to United States service drivers, if he will state what steps are now being taken to implement this assurance.

I am informed by the United States authorities that the training of American drivers, including instruction in the Highway Code, to which I referred in my answer on 5th May, is still being carried out. The United States authorities have today communicated to us the results of their investigations into this matter. The authorities take the view that the allegations made at the court-martial to which the hon. Member refers should not be accepted as a reflection of their policy. Investigation has, however, shown that just before the date of the accident in question there were certain deficiencies in the arrangements for training drivers in the United States Squadron concerned. I am informed that the Squadron Commander and the Squadron Training Officer have been replaced and that any previous deficiencies have been completely corrected. No such deficiencies have been detected at any other United States base in this country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the public anxiety concerning the danger to pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike, by the inadequate traffic arrangements at the junction of Cowbridge Road and Lansdowne Road at Victoria Park, Cardiff; and whether he will make a statement.

The divisional road engineer has received representations from local residents in regard to this junction and I am asking him to discuss the question with the responsible highway authority, who have not yet approached us in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport why his Order, dated 11th November, 1952, stopping up a highway in the parish of Finchingfield, Essex, was made in such a form that it is not susceptible of discussion by prayer in Parliament.

This order was not required to be laid before Parliament because it was made under Section 2 (1) of the Supplies and Services (Defence Purposes) Act, 1951.

asked the Minister of Transport how many black spots on roads have been approved; and how much of the £1,500,000 has been taken up.

My right hon. Friend has given either final or preliminary approval to 1,038 improvement schemes to remedy accident black spots on trunk and classified roads. These schemes will absorb the whole of the capital investment provision of £3 million allocated for this year and next.

asked the Minister of Transport how many black spots on roads have been dealt with in the county of Dorset: how many are under review; and what has been the total grant for approved works.

Since April, 1952, my right hon. Friend has approved two schemes for improving black spots in Dorset. No more are under review as the grant funds have been fully allocated. The grants have amounted to £6,590.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the congestion of traffic along the Victoria Embankment and the limited number of omnibuses for which that part of the embankment formerly used by trams is now used, he will direct that the whole roadway be used to relieve this congestion.

I am advised that there would be considerable practical objections to, and dangers in, the use of the tram track by east-bound as well as west-bound omnibuses or by general west-bound traffic. The solution lies in the removal of the tram lines and the reconstruction of the carriageway. Plans for this have been prepared by the local authorities concerned, and I have decided to approve for immediate execution that part of the work which is on the Coronation route.

asked the Minister of Transport what his Department expects to spend on roads in the seven crofter counties for 1953.

I am unable to say until the Department's Estimates have been determined.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the dangerous state of the Loch Clash Lairg Road following on forestry and fishing industry development; and why the request of Sutherland County Council, either to raise the road to trunk status or make a grant to cover the cost of repairs, has been refused.

I am advised that the condition of this road cannot properly be described as dangerous. At the beginning of this financial year the Sutherland County Council received a grant allocation which fully covered all their estimated requirements for the maintenance and repair of their roads and they have recently been offered an addition of £8,000 to this general allocation, which it is for them as responsible highway authority, to distribute according to priority of need. My right hon. Friend does not consider that it would be appropriate to raise this road to trunk road status.

asked the Minister of Transport what mileage of streets in London have surfaces composed wholly or partly of wood blocks; what steps are being taken to ensure their replacement by a non-skid surface; and when it is estimated that the work will be completed.

I am making inquiries as to the first part of the Question and will write to my hon. Friend. Highway authorities replace wood blocks by non-skid surfaces as and when resurfacing is carried out. I cannot say when all such replacements will be completed.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans he has for improvement of communications between the Island of North Uist and Benbecula in place of the now abandoned scheme for a causeway across the North Ford.

The Causeway Scheme is still included in the County Development Plan, but in present economic circumstances my right hon. Friend could not approve it.

asked the Minister of Transport what applications he has before him from Inverness County Council for financial assistance towards the cost of road works in the Islands of Harris, North and South Uist and Barra, respectively.

None, at present.

asked the Minister of Transport what decision he has now reached on the future use of the Kingsway tram subway.

I have now considered the report of the Technical Committee on this question and should like to express my appreciation of the thoroughness with which they have dealt with this difficult problem. After examining various alternatives, the Committee have concluded that if the subway were to be used for traffic the most satisfactory scheme for this would cost about £1,200,000. The likely advantages of this adaptation, or indeed of any other alternative scheme do not seem to me to be commensurate with the cost. I am having a copy of the Committee's report placed in the Library.

asked the Minister of Transport whether Her Majesty's Government will assist the scheme for the preservation of the "Cutty Sark" as a national memorial to the Merchant Navy.

I have learned with interest of the formation of the Cutty Sark Preservation Society, whose objects are to refit the "Cutty Sark" and preserve her in dry dock as a national monument of the great ships of the days of sail. I am sure that these objects will command general approval and sympathy.The Society are not looking to the Government for financial assistance. The success of their venture will depend on public support and a public appeal for funds may be made in the spring. I understand that the Society has been formed in such a way as to comply with the requirements of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue so that it will rank as a Charity for Income Tax purposes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by former employees in the Tramways Department of the London County Council who retained their pension rights on being transferred to the London Passenger Transport Board in 1933, but now find themselves debarred from benefiting under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, because their service has been partly under the Council and partly under the Board: and whether he will exercise his power to make regulations to bring such persons within the scope of the Acts.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my written answer to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 21st November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that dipping equipment provided for motorcar headlights is either on the double-dipping system or on that of extinguishing one headlight and dipping the other; and if he will take steps, by regulation, to see that whatever system of dipping equipment is installed by manufacturers of cars for the United Kingdom it should be standardised.

No. My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that there is sufficient case for amending existing requirements in regard to headlights so as to preclude the use of either of the systems to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers or of other equally effective alternatives permitted by the current regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport the mileage of tram tracks in the London area at the end of the war; the mileage removed; and the weight and value of the resulting scrap metal.

There were about 185 miles of tram track in the Administrative County of London at the end of the war. Sixty miles have been removed to date. The weight of scrap metal recovered is 17,892 tons and the value based on current controlled prices is about £125,000 delivered at steel works.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress he is making with consolidating the orders for exemptions from the regulations prescribing the maximum width of vehicles; and when he hopes to present them to Parliament.

The hon. Member is no doubt referring to exemptions contained in the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order, 1941, and other subsequent Orders which authorise the use on the roads of special types of vehicles which cannot comply with the ordinary regulations as to construction, weight and equipment, as well as width.I am glad to say that consideration of a new consolidating Order is in its final stage and I hope that it can be issued before the end of the year. Under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, such Orders are not required to be laid before Parliament.

asked the Minister of Supply on how many occasions the Motor Advisory Council met during 1952; and whether he will publish their recommendations.

The National Advisory Council for the Motor Manufacturing Industry met three times in 1952. No report has been submitted to me by the Council. Their proceedings usually take the form of a general exchange of views between the industry and the Government. It would not normally be appropriate to publish an account of these discussions which are on a confidential basis.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will speed the deliveries of steel to Aberdeen shipbuilding yards in accordance with their allocations.

Yes. Arrangements to this end have been made. Deliveries in the current quarter will substantially exceed those made last quarter, and it is hoped to improve them still further in the new year.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress is being made to check abuses of the sick pay scheme operating in Royal Ordnance factories.

The operation of this scheme in the Royal Ordnance Factories continues to be closely watched. No case of abuse has come to light since I answered my hon. and gallant Friend's Question on 3rd March last.

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent the reduction of military aircraft orders will facilitate the quicker production of civil transport aircraft.

asked the Minister of Supply what effect the reduction in military aircraft orders will have upon the production of civil aircraft, and in particular upon the production of the Comet.

The reductions in certain parts of the defence programme will help to speed up the output of civil aeroplanes by releasing resources of aircraft firms and sub-contractors. However, as the House will appreciate, the scale on which production of civil types is planned depends primarily upon the volume of orders received.

asked the Minister of Supply how many, and which types of aircraft engines are now being manufactured under licence in the United States of America; and if he can give an estimate of the dollar receipts which will flow from the different contracts made.

Versions of two British aero engines, the Sapphire and the Tay, are at present in production in the U.S.A. and licences have been granted for other types. Up to date some 12½ million dollars have been received from these licences. Future receipts will depend on the number of engines which may be produced.

asked the Minister of Supply (1) the cost of manufacture of cathode-ray tubes for television sets;(2) the cost of the components used in the manufacture of a cathode-ray tube.

These inquiries could, I think, more appropriately be addressed to the industry.

asked the Minister of Supply what private firms, having during the last 12 months obtained contracts for the repair of guns, have done the work in such a manner that the guns were unfit for use and had to be sent for repair to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers workshops, Green-ford; and what sums were paid to such firms.

None.

asked the Minister of Supply the nature and the estimated cost of the development schemes, and the companies concerned, which have been approved by the Iron and Steel Corporation of Great Britain.

Schemes proposed by 46 companies, at an estimated cost of about £151 million, have been approved by the Iron and Steel Corporation of Great Britain. These schemes relate mainly to the construction of coke ovens, blast furnaces, steelmaking plant and steel rolling and finishing plant, together with associated ancillary plant and services.

asked the Minister of Supply if the word "Forging" in item 5 of the Third Schedule of the Iron and Steel Bill includes hot pressing.

The word "forging" is not intended to cover what is usually meant by "hot pressing." I am, however, at present engaged in technical consultations as to whether item 5 of the Third Schedule as at present drawn, may not go somewhat wider than is intended and, if so, how this can best be rectified.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the proportion of persons remaining in employment after the minimum pensionable age as at the latest available date.

I cannot at present add anything to the information given in the Third Report of my Ministry (Cmd. 8635) at page 23.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the total number of persons receiving supplementation of National Insurance benefits from the National Assistance Board as at the latest available date; and how many of these are retirement pensioners.

In September, 1952, about 1,108,000 regular weekly Assistance grants were being paid to persons receiving National Insurance benefits, of which about 837,000 were being paid to retirement pensioners.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will consider raising the 10s. non-contributory widows' pension, in view of the rise in the cost of living during the past six years.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the 10s. pension payable to certain widows whose husbands were insured under the repealed contributory pensions Acts. I would refer him to the reply given on 27th October to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale).

asked the Minister of National Insurance when he hopes to indicate the policy of the Government on the revision of maternity benefits.

I am not at present in a position to add to what was said on this subject in the Gracious Speech.

asked the Minister of National Insurance to give an estimate of the cost if voluntary contributors who failed to maintain a complete insurance record before 5th July, 1948, but have paid every contribution since, were to receive the same benefits as those who were not previously insured prior to the beginning of compulsory insurance in 1948; and what steps he proposes to take to remove this anomaly from the insurance scheme.

I regret no estimate can be made. On the second part of the Question, I cannot add to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's Question of 10th November.

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware of the hardship caused to miners by the loss of one or two days' pay a week over long periods whenever they require prolonged treatment involving attendance as outpatients at hospitals; and if he will amend his regulations so as to enable them to draw benefit under these circumstances.

Days on which a person is prevented from working because of medical treatment will generally be accepted as days of incapacity. But the Act does not enable isolated days of incapacity to count for benefit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the shortage of steel and cast-iron pipes which is retarding major projects of development of the East Midlands Gas Board; and whether he will make a statement on the position.

Yes, but the difficulty is a general one and I hope that the position will shortly improve.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the pension position of superannuated members of corporation gas departments who were transferred to the employment of the Gas Board.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now prepared to make regulations under the Gas Act, 1948, to give ex-municipal pensioners benefits equivalent to those conferred on retired local government officers by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1952.

No, not yet.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consult the Gas Council with a view to giving a general direction under Section 7 of the Gas Act, 1948, that whenever a domestic consumer is bound by the terms and conditions of supply to pay to a Board any deficiency of money in a prepayment meter arising from theft the Board shall not, without the consent of the consumer, install or maintain a prepayment meter outside the consumer's house.

I think this is a matter which is better left for settlement between gas boards and consumers. according to local circumstances.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will include county associations of parish councils in the list of bodies invited to make nominations to electricity consultative committees.

In making appointments to consultative councils, to which I assume the hon. Member refers, I already consult the national bodies representing county and rural district councils. I do not feel that it would be practicable, having regard to the size of the consultative councils, to receive nominations also from the county associations of parish councils.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what public response he has had to his release of nutty slack off the ration.

I have been told that there have been many inquiries for this coal but no figures are yet available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he can give an assurance that there will be no limitation of capital expenditure for the short-term and long-term plan of the mining industry.

I can assure the hon. Member that no limitation is contemplated in present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total amount of capital investment authorised in the mining industry for the years 1946 to 1950, inclusive: and for the years 1951 and 1952.

From 1947 to 1951 the National Coal Board spent £114 million on capital investment in collieries. For expenditure in 1952 I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 17th November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the New Forest (ColonelCrosthwaite-Eyre). Investment at collieries has not been curtailed by Government restrictions on capital expenditure.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent capital development in the Scottish coal industry is keeping pace with the plan outlined in the document, "Plan for Coal"; and what are the prospects for speeding-up development in the next few years.

I am informed that the position in regard to the development of the coal industry in Scotland is not markedly different from that of the rest of the country.As the House will be aware from the reply I gave on 17th November to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the New Forest (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre), the National Coal Board's capital expenditure has recently been below the level envisaged in the "Plan for Coal." The Board are, however, doing all in their power to accelerate their programme and have this year secured some improvement.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average monthly industrial consumption of coal in the first nine months of 1951 and 1952, respectively; and what are the future prospects for the rate of consumption in this sphere.

3.73 and 3.49 million tons, respectively. It, must be remembered that weather affects industrial consumption considerably, but, broadly, as industrial activity increases, coal consumption may be expected gradually to rise.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now give the retail price in each grade of coal, now being sold in the nine regions of the mining industry, to include the recent increases brought about by increased freight charges, etc.

Retail prices must have regard to the distance the coal is conveyed and the local costs of delivery and there are in consequence very many different prices within the nine divisions of the National Coal Board. The following is a sample price for a selected town is a sample price for a selected town in each division, but if the hon. Member requires any further information, no doubt he will communicate with me:The maximum retail prices of Group 4 coals, which are of average quality, are at present as follows:—

					Per Ton
					s.	d.
Glasgow		…	…	…	94	3
Newcastle-on-Tyne			…	…	85	9
Durham		…	…	…	81	2
Sheffield		…	…	…	91	0
Manchester		…	…	…	95	9
Nottingham		…	…	…	86	9
Birmingham		…	…	…	96	9
Cardiff		…	…	…	96	6
Deal	…	…	…	…	125	8

NOTE.—These prices include (1) the winter additions, under the summer-winter prices scheme, of 5s. Od. per ton in Deal and of 2s. 6d. per ton in the other places, and (2) the increased railway freight charges which came into operation on 1st December, 1952.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many British oil firms were involved in the oil cartel inquiry in the United States of America; and how many British firms were requested to give documents or records to the committee of inquiry in the United States of America. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd: I assume the hon. Member has in mind the proceedings of the United States Federal Grand Jury, and the current hearings in the U.S. District Court. According to my information, one British company has been served with a subpoena; five American subsidiaries of the Royal Dutch Shell group have received subpoenas; and at least one other British company has been mentioned by name in the subpoena served on its American parent. In addition, requests for disclosure of documents and records have been received by a number of British companies from their American parents who are under subpoena. 103. Mr. Harold Davies asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT copies of the letters sent by him to the AngloIranian Oil Company, Shell Transport and Trading Company and other oil companies requiring these firms not to produce documents for the American oil cartel inquiry.

Yes. On 2nd October, 1952, I addressed the following letter to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, and letters to the same effect to certain companies of the Shell Group:

"Her Majesty's Government understand that in connection with proceedings under the Anti-Trust Laws in the United States of America you have been or may be requested or required to produce documents, and your officers have been or may be requested to give information, relating to your Company's business.

Her Majesty's Government consider it contrary to international comity that you or your officers should be required in answer to a subpoena couched in the widest terms to produce documents which are not only not in the United States of America but which do not even relate to business in that country. Moreover, the disclosure of some of these documents or of information relating to business outside the United States may well, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, prejudice or endanger the economic, strategic or political interests of Her Majesty's Government and of the Western Powers.

For these reasons Her Majesty's Government require you not to produce any documents which are not in the United States of America and which do not relate to business in the United States, or to give information which does not relate to business in the United States without in either case the authority of Her Majesty's Government."

On 4th December and 8th December, I sent letters to the same effect to the Standard Fuel Oil Company, Ltd.; the Esso Petroleum Co., Ltd., and its British affiliates; the Eastern Gulf Co., Ltd., and Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd.

asked the Minister of Materials how many of the present part-time members of the Raw Cotton Commission have no connection with the cotton industry or with the trade in raw cotton; and how many members of the Commission, as it was constituted at 1st May, 1952, had no such connection.

The answer to both parts of the Question is: None.

asked the Minister of Materials the prospects of developing the commercial production of potash salts in this country.

I understand that the examination by the firms concerned of the extensive exploratory work on the North Yorkshire deposits is nearly complete. Until I know the results of this and there has been discussion with those concerned with the work, any expression of opinion about the prospects of commercial production would be premature and possibly misleading.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is yet able to make a statement on the proposal that the District Probate Registry, Bodmin, be closed and its work transferred to another registry outside Cornwall.

Not yet.

asked the Attorney-General the number of civil actions awaiting trial in the Northern circuit; and what steps are being taken to clear all these arrears.

There are at present some 520 civil actions awaiting trial at Manchester and 450 at Liverpool. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor hopes to be in a position to make a statement on the matter before the Recess.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Federal Government of Germany has yet approached the British Government concerning Dr. Adenauer's published official project of a Conference of European Premiers.

No. The hon. Member is presumably referring to a passage in a recent speech by the German Federal Chancellor. According to the reports available to me, Dr. Adenauer was referring only to meetings of the Prime Ministers of the six countries of the European Defence Community.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement in respect of discussions between the High Commissioners and the German Federal Chancellor on the future of the Krupp industrial concerns.

Since my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Lady the Member for Blackburn, East (Mrs. Castle) on 8th December, further discussions took place between the three High Commissioners and the German Federal Chancellor on 10th December, and negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions were given to the British delegation at the United Nations on the resolutions relating to Tunisia and Morocco.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 22nd October.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any proposal for an interim exchange of an equal number of prisoners of war from both sides in the Korean conflict has been considered by the United Nations.

Provision for a preliminary one-for-one exchange of prisoners electing repatriation was included in the proposals put forward at Panmunjom by the United Nations Command on the 2nd January, 1952, and later rejected by the Communists. The Communists also rejected a proposal put forward by the United Nations Command on 28th September allowing for the exchange of all prisoners of war desiring repatriation—an estimated 68,000 Chinese and North Koreans against 12,000-odd United Nations prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of difficulties accruing from the non-recognition of the Peking Chinese Government by the United States Government, whether Her Majesty's Government has considered, or would consider, proposing to the United Nations a direct approach by the Indian Government to the Peking Government on behalf of the United Nations, particularly in respect of the recently adopted Korean truce proposals.

The Indian's Government's resolution on Korea which has been adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations has been transmitted by the Assembly's President to the Chinese Government and the North Korean authorities. The Indian Government are in direct touch with the Chinese Government on this matter through their Ambassador in Peking.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reasons for delaying for over a year the publication of Sir Philip Mitchell's despatch of 16th November, 1951, in view of Sir Philip's request that it be published at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what dates he first sent a communication to the governors of Uganda and of Tanganyika and to the East African High Commission relating to the main proposals put forward by the then governor of Kenya in his despatch of 16th November, 1951; on what dates replies were received; and whether he will publish in HANSARD or put in the Library copies of the operative parts of the communications of the replies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what dates he referred Sir Philip Mitchell's despatch No. 193 of 16th November, 1951, to the Governors of Tanganyika and Uganda; and on what dates they indicated their assent to the proposal to set up a Royal Commission on economic and social problems in East Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what letters or other communication he addressed to Sir Philip Mitchell, the former Governor of Kenya, with reference to his despatch of 16th November, 1951; and whether he will arrange for copies of all relevant documents to be available in the Library of the House.

The despatch from Sir Philip Mitchell printed in non-Parliamentary paper Colonial No. 290 is not in fact his original despatch of the 16th November, 1951. It is a revised version, including in its penultimate paragraph reference to consultations with the other East African Governors which did not begin until this year. Unfortunately, owing to an error in Kenya which escaped notice in the Colonial Office, the printed copies of the revised despatch, which reached me on 17th April, bore the original date.Sir Philip Mitchell's original despatch of the 16th November was addressed to me solely on his own behalf as Governor of Kenya. He had not then consulted the Governors of Tanganyika and Uganda, although copies of his despatch were sent to them. On 31st December, 1951, I addressed a despatch to Sir Philip in his capacity as Chairman of the East Africa High Commission requesting him to arrange for his Kenya despatch to be considered by the East Africa High Commission at its next meeting in January, 1952. I am placing a copy of that despatch in the Library of the House. The three Governors accordingly discussed the matter at that meeting. In view of the complexity and political delicacy of the problem, they rightly felt that further consideration must be given to the matter in relation to Tanganyika and Uganda before their concurrence could be given to Sir Philip's proposal for the appointment of a Royal Commission.It was accordingly agreed that the matter should be discussed with me in February by Sir Philip himself on his visit to this country and then further considered at the meeting of the High Commission towards the end of March. These discussions took place, and at the latter meeting the Governors of Tanganyika and Uganda concurred in Sir Philip's proposal. His original despatch was accordingly printed with some minor alterations and with the addition of the present penultimate paragraph.In May, my colleagues in the Cabinet agreed to a submission to The Queen for the appointment of a Royal Commission and after further consultation with the three Governors, about some of the details, the submission was made and I was informed of Her Majesty's approval on the 5th July. Immediately after The Queen's approval was obtained, I began inquiries about a suitable chairman. It was inevitably a long and difficult task to obtain someone of the standing and ability required for this vital task, particularly in view of the length of time the investigation was likely to take and we were fortunate that in the upshot someone of Sir Hugh Dow's standing and experience agreed that his name should be submitted to Her Majesty for the appointment. Sir Hugh's agreement was given on the 28th October. The draft terms of reference were discussed with him, The Queen's approval for his appointment and for the terms of reference was obtained and both were announced on the 31st October. I hope shortly to be in a position to announce the names of other members of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to whom the letter, dated 22nd July, 1952, commencing "Sir," and concluding, "I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant, Oliver Lyttelton," set out in Colonial Paper No. 290, of 1952, printed in Kenya and published in London, was addressed.

It was addresed to the Officer Administering the Government of Kenya. Owing to a printing error which was unfortunately not detected in the proof stage the addressee was omitted from the despatch as published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in Command Paper No. 1922 of 1923 signed by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies setting out the general policy of His then Majesty's Government, it was made clear that Kenya was primarily an African Territory and that His Majesty's then Government held the considered opinion that the interests of the African natives must be paramount, and that if and when those interests and the interests of the immigrant races conflicted, the former should prevail; and if he will give an assurance that this still remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

For an authoritative interpretation of the policy enunciated in the Command Paper quoted in the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 73 of the Report of the Joint Select Committee on Closer Union in East Africa published on 6th October, 1931. The policy of Her Majesty's present Government, which is in its basic principles similar to that of their predecessors, is in no way inconsistent with that interpretation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many students from Tanganyika, Uganda and Kenya respectively, are now attending the East African School of Co-operation at Kabete.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th November, Vol. 507, col. 165], supplied the following information:The second course, which started in August and which will be completed in December, is being attended by 9 pupils from Tanganyika, 6 from Uganda and 5 from Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the publication of a statement by the Derbyshire Standing Joint Committee regarding the report of the tribunal which sat at Derby in September last, if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the letter which he sent to the Joint Committee regarding the report of the tribunal.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the findings of the tribunal which sat at Derby in September with regard to the truth of the allegations which formed the subject of the inquiry.

My object in appointing this tribunal was to obtain independent advice whether certain allegations made by a member of the Derbyshire county police force about the conduct of the late Chief Constable raised any question as to the efficiency of that force. The report was for my confidential information; but, I have thought it right to inform the Standing Joint Committee that the tribunal's recommendations do not provide any grounds indicating inefficiency in the administration of the county police force. The tribunal was of course in no sense either a court of law or a disciplinary authority and it was not within the tribunal's competence to determine finally any question involving guilt or innocence. In view of the death of the Chief Constable, I came to the conclusion that it would be unprofitable to pursue any further the allegations which had been made against him and I gather that the Standing Joint Committee agree.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory state of the waiting room of Stamford House Children's Court, Gold-hawk Road, London, W., and the condition of the furniture in it; and what action he proposes to take.

These premises which are adjacent to the London Remand Home are hired for court purposes for one day a week by the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District. The accommodation is limited and its standards admittedly not high. I have asked the Receiver to take up the matter again with the owners.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what losses have been suffered to date, in the present epidemic of fowl pest; and if he has made recent inquiries about the effectiveness and cost of preventive inoculation practised in some other countries.

Since 28th November about 67,000 birds and 168,000 hatching eggs have been destroyed; the compensation payable is about £82,000. My Department keeps in close and constant touch with developments abroad. Vaccination is only practised in countries or areas where fowl pest has virtually become endemic. In those circumstances, the use of an appropriate vaccine reduces the losses considerably but my right hon. Friend has no information as to the cost. In this country we are aiming at the complete eradication of the disease, and there is nothing in the experience of other countries to suggest that vaccination would help us at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what drop in acreage he anticipates will result from his decision to reduce the price of sub-standard potatoes by 55s. per ton.

I have made no such reduction. The previous Government announced on 29th March, 1952, that for the 1952 crop the price of sub-standard ware potatoes would be 55s. a ton less than for ordinary ware. For the 1953 crop the discount for sub-standard ware potatoes was left over from the price determination announced last April for separate negotiation before the planting season, on the understanding that the average price to producers for the crop would remain the same as that announced. Discussions are taking place and I hope to announce the result very soon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence the extent to which British aid has recently been given to the French forces in Indo-China; and to what extent such aid is to be increased.

Some equipment has been supplied. It would not be in the public interest to give details. The House may rest assured, however, that requests for equipment made by the French Government are given the most sympathetic consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence in what proportions of their original programmes the three Service Departments will be affected by the latest cuts in armament production.

The adjustments in defence production will take form in new programmes for the Services rather than in proportionate reduction of their previous programmes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Standards Institution has yet been able to agree standards for furniture with the trade.

Standards have not yet been finally agreed. A statement issued by the British Standards Institution on the 9th December shows the progress so far made. I am asking the Institution to send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what import restrictions were placed on individual countries of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation; and what easement has been made by recent orders.

Restrictions were imposed for balance of payments reasons in November, 1951, and March, 1952, on imports from the non-sterling member countries of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation and from certain other countries, of a wide variety of goods, nearly all of which had previously been imported freely from these countries under open general licence. For most of these goods, licences granted within the announced import quotas may be used, at the importer's discretion, for imports from any or all of the countries concerned. Under this system it is not possible to distinguish the restrictions imposed upon individual countries nor to estimate the probable effect upon the trade of individual countries of the recent easements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state, in tabular form, the import quotas of fruit pulp for the second half of 1953, showing the different varieties of pulp to be imported; and for comparison, if he will also state the actual or estimated quantities of each variety imported in each half of 1952.

The quotas for imports of fruit pulp in the second half of 1953 have not yet been decided.

asked the Minister of Works the original date on which licensing for the erection and repairs to buildings commenced.

Licensing of work of construction, reconstruction or alteration was introduced on 7th October, 1940. Repairs and maintenance were brought within the control on 1st January, 1942.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average deficit on dollar account of the sterling area, excluding Marshall Aid, for the years 1946 to 1951.

The figures my hon. Friend requires are given in Table 11 of Cmd. 8201 for 1946–48 and in Table 10 of Cmd. 8666 for 1949–51.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement about development since 1939 concerning the future of the High Commission Territories.

There were no developments during the years 1939 to 1947.When he was in this country for the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in 1949, the Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa referred to the matter in conversation with the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Derby, South (Mr. Noel-Baker), then Secretary of State. Dr. Malan restated the Union Government's view, of which the right hon. Gentleman took note. Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom understand that Dr. Malan has also referred to the matter publicly on several occasions since 1947.In addresses delivered to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Smethwick (Mr. Gordon Walker) during his visits as Secretary of State to Basutoland and Swaziland in February, 1951, the Paramount Chiefs of those Territories referred to their desire that their present constitutional position should remain unaltered. In reply the right hon. Gentleman reiterated the pledges that no decision would be taken until the inhabitants of the Territories had been consulted and the United Kingdom Parliament given an opportunity to express its views.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement as to the priority to be given to the proposed new hospital in Bangor; in particular, whether a site has yet been acquired; and where it is.

I cannot at present give any indication when it may be possible to build. Application has however been made for a site in Penrhyn Park, Bangor, to be designated for hospital purposes under Section 5 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons are being treated for tuberculosis in hospitals in Wales; and how many are awaiting admission to hospital for such treatment.

The respective figures are 2,551 and 955.

asked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, the price paid by the Kitchen Committee per lb. of sausages; how many sausages on average are contained in one lb.; and what price per sausage is charged in the Member's Tea Room.

2s. 4¾d. per lb.; average six to the lb.; price 8d. each.