asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking with hotels in London who have refused bookings from parties who have for the past two years had accommodation at the same hotels, although application for bookings were made last July and have been refused; and what recommendation is made by the Coronation Committee concerning the case of which the hon. Member for Rother Valley has sent him particulars.

I have written to the hon. Member about this case. It does not concern accommodation for the Coronation period, and therefore cannot appropriately be referred to the Coronation Accommodation Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how far it is the policy of his Department to support the efforts of export merchants and others engaged in the export trade who are not actual manufacturers.

It is our policy to support the efforts of all who are engaged in the export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to make a further statement on trade with Brazil. in the light of the barter agreement negotiated by the Raw Cotton Commission, and the possible effects of this on British exports to Brazil, both past and planned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to indicate what steps it is proposed to take to ensure an early settlement of the £40 million sterling still owing to this country by Brazil in respect of British exports to that country, and also to ensure the maintenance and development of Anglo-Brazilian trade on a satisfactory basis.

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave on the 25th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool. Walton (Mr. K. Thompson).

asked the President of the Board of Trade what facilities he provides for manufacturers who wish to undertake market research in Canada and the United States of America.

In addition to the general assistance which was described in the answer given to the hon. Member on 24th April, special facilities are available in the case of Canada and the United States whereby the Export Credits Guarantee Department guarantees a part of the cost of market surveys. Permission to remit the dollars needed to pay for such work is normally granted readily under Foreign Exchange Control regulations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amounts he is allowing next year for importing tobacco from the United States of America and Canada, respectively; and what percentage reduction this is on the previous year's figures, in each case.

No decision has been reached on the sums to be spent in 1953 on United States and Canadian tobacco.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that his Department are refusing to licence the export to China of electrical generators and electric motors of all sizes; and, in view of the fact that generators and motors of low capacity have no military use and that their export to China is permitted by other Western countries, whether he will permit low capacity electrical equipment, which has no strategic value and is required for normal civilian use, to be so exported.

Licences are being refused for the export of these goods to China because of their strategic importance. I do not agree that generators and motors of low capacity have no military use.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why licences to export from Britain diesel engines and diesel engine pumps of medium or low speeds, applied for by the China National Import-Export Corporation, were refused by his Department.

Licences to export diesel engines to China are refused because of their strategic importance. I will look into the question of diesel engine pumps if the hon. Member will let me have further details about the application that has been refused.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that his Department have refused export licences to China for stationary diesel engines on the ground that these were covered under the heading of transportation material in the Embargo List published by his Department in June 1951, he will review this interpretation so as to permit the export to China of material which is clearly of a non-strategic nature.

No. The export to China of these diesel engines is refused not on the ground that they are transportation material, but because of their strategic importance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason his Department have refused licences for the export of anti-biotic drugs, motor-car jacks and stationary diesel engines to China; and whether he is aware of the grave effect these decisions may have on our export trade, particularly in textile machinery.

Licences are refused for the export of motor-car jacks and stationary diesel engines to China because of their strategic importance. As I said in the House today in reply to Questions, exports of anti-biotic drugs are limited to normal civilian requirements. As regards the last part of the Question, export licences are freely granted for textile machinery except for components of strategic importance, such as certain power units.

asked the President of the Board of Trade his plans for encouraging the export of textiles and textile machinery to China.

It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage legitimate trade with China. This has frequently been emphasised to the authorities in China and to manufacturers and exporters both directly and through the appropriate trade organisations. Export licences are granted freely for textiles and for textile machinery except for components of strategic importance, such as certain power units.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of nylon stockings produced in 1951 and to 1st December, 1952; and what proportion of them was for export.

During the 53 weeks, 28th January, 1951, to 2nd February, 1952, 99.2 million pairs of nylon stockings were produced in the United Kingdom. The latest production figures available show that during the 26 weeks, 3rd February to 2nd August, 1952, 55.3 million pairs were produced. During these periods, 46 and 26 per cent. respectively of nylon stockings delivered by manufacturers were for export. Deliveries in the 13 weeks, 3rd August to 1st November, 1952, which is the latest period for which figures of deliveries are available, were at about the same rate as in the earlier period this year, but the proportion delivered for export increased to 31 per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total output of nylon yarn in Great Britain for 1951 and to the latest date on which figures are available for 1952; and what amount was exported.

Production of nylon continuous filament yarn amounted to rather more than 10,000,000 lb. in 1951. During 1952 production has continued at about that rate. Nylon yarn exported is not separately distinguished in the Trade Returns from other artificial silk yarn.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made towards the solution of the unemployment problem in North-East Scotland since 1st November.

Arrangements have now been made whereby the organisation of Scottish Industrial Estates Limited will be available for factory building in the Buckie-Peterhead Area, in cases where advances from the Development Fund can be approved for this purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to make available to the Western Isles the same facilities and assistance recently offered to the Scottish North-Eastern fishing areas, in view of the fact that unemployment is both heavier and of longer duration in the islands and arises from long depression in the local staple industry of herring fishing.

I am informed that, so far as their resources allow, the Development Commission will be prepared to consider on their merits proposals for schemes in the Western Isles, as well as for other rural areas, from applicants eligible under the Development and Road Improvement Fund Act, 1909, as amended.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what assistance by way of his Department's textiles orders has been offered to weavers and producers of textiles in the Western Isles, in view of the high level of unemployment and under-employment.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the accelerated Defence orders for textiles which have been placed this year. I am informed by my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Minister of Supply that no such orders have been placed in the Western Isles, since the goods required for the accelerated programme were not suitable for the textile producers in that area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the name of the firm taking over the large factory which is now being vacated by Vactric Limited at Newhouse Industrial Estate; and when they are likely to take over.

I regret that the company whose application for this factory was approved some months ago have now decided to withdraw from negotiations. Every effort will be made to find an alternative tenant as quickly as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken by his Department to arrest constant drift of industry from Lancashire to the midlands and the south, having particularly in mind the already inflated size of London and the growing unemployment and insecurity in Lancashire.

I do not agree that there has been a constant drift of industry from Lancashire. Our policy on location of industry is to restrict new development in London and other congested areas and to encourage it in areas most in need of new industry. As the hon. Member is aware, my right hon. Friend recently announced measures which should assist in promoting new industrial development in certain parts of Lancashire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consult with the local authorities concerned in Oban, Campbelltown, Inverness, Fort William, Brora, Helms-dale. Wick, Thurso, Kirkwall and Lerwick, with a view to scheduling them as development areas.

On this matter I cannot add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, after consultation with the Secretary of State for Scotland, on 29th October last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that unemployment at Hindley and Aspull, Lancashire has recently reached 11 per cent. and 16 per cent., respectively of the insured population; and what action he is prepared to take under the Distribution of Industry Act to bring greater industrial security to these areas.

The numbers of unemployed in Hindley and Aspull increased earlier this year, but have recently fallen and are not as high as the figures mentioned by the hon. Member. Action under the Distribution of Industry Acts has already resulted in new industrial development in the Wigan district, of which these towns form part. We hope that more jobs will be provided by further developments in this area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what answer he has given, or proposes to give, to the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation on the subject of its request that the United Kingdom should relax its import restrictions, with particular regard to French and Italian trade.

Her Majesty's Government were already aware, when they fixed the import quotas for the first half of 1953, of the reports which led to the official request to which the hon. Member refers. They made it known at the time to the Organisation that these quotas would provide in broad terms for nearly 20 per cent. more new business than did the present quotas and that some of the main increases of quotas were designed to benefit primarily France and Italy. It was, however, made clear that, in spite of recent current surpluses in the European Payments Union, the United Kingdom was still in heavy deficit with the Union and that any more general relaxation of restrictions would be premature.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the grave effect upon the export of textile machinery manufactured in Oldham which has been caused by the discontinuance of export credit guarantees to Brazil; and whether he will make a statement.

Although the Export Credits Guarantee Department were obliged last May to decline to assume further liability, it should not be overlooked that they have so far this year covered nearly £5 million worth of textile machinery, either actually exported to Brazil or at present being produced for export to Brazil. A further substantial volume of business could not be completed, even if E.C.G.D. were to grant cover, because the Brazilian authorities have refused import licences for it. The fundamental difficulty facing United Kingdom exporters to Brazil is that because of the high prices for Brazilian products Brazil has not been able to earn sufficient sterling with which to pay for United Kingdom goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the Government's intentions to assist the export trade in textile machinery.

Her Majesty's Government are always ready to give whatever help they can to encourage exports generally, including exports of textile machinery. The Government can clearly only assist to a limited extent, but we are keeping textile machinery well in mind in current trade negotiations, in providing information about markets, in making allocations of steel and, in so far as circumstances permit, in approving under Exchange Control extended credit terms to overseas customers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state, in tabular form, the import quotas of fruit, flowers and vegetables for 1953, and their dates of operation; and if he will also state, for comparison, the actual or estimated imports of these commodities in 1952.

The information is being prepared and will be sent to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as it is available and a copy will also be placed in the Library.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will discuss with the appropriate trade associations and those responsible, the possibility of arranging a Coronation British Industries Fair in the week following the ending of official Coronation celebrations, or as soon thereafter as would be practicable.

The British Industries Fair will be held shortly before the Coronation, from 27th April to 8th May, 1953. It would not be practicable to arrange another Fair in 1953.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to make a statement about the general conclusions reached by Sir Thomas Phillips and Sir Edward Gillett in their confidential examination on his behalf of the Board of Trade Development Area Organisation.

The main conclusions may be summarised as follow:

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make available the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Law and Practice relating to Charitable Trusts; and whether the Government accepts its recommendations.

I am making available to hon. Members in the Vote Office this afternoon the Report of the Committee under Lord Nathan's chairmanship which has been considering changes in the law and practice (except as, regards taxation) relating to charitable trusts in England and Wales.The Government are grateful to Lord Nathan and to the other Members of the Committee for undertaking this heavy and complicated task. The Report as a whole is receiving the careful consideration of the Government, who will announce their decision upon their recommendations in due course.The Government have, however, given urgent consideration to one aspect of the Report concerning imperfect trust instruments dealt with in Chapter 12, which is ancillary to the general problem, and have decided to introduce legislation dealing with it as soon as possible.Following is a statement of the purport of the proposed legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive the Report of the No. 2 Tucker Committee on Taxation and Pensions.

I understand that the Report is now being drafted, but I am still unable to say when I shall receive it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there will be any further financing of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in respect of non-military supplies under war-time arrangements beyond the £1 million provided in the current estimates.

We do not expect to make any further payments after the end of the current financial year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he accounts for the fall in industrial production in Britain in 1952 as compared with 1951; and what steps he proposes to take to enable Britain to raise her levels of production and exports.

This whole question was fully discussed in this House during the debate on the Gracious Speech, and I have little to add at present to the statements which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I made on that occasion. I am glad to see, however, that the provisional estimate for industrial production in October confirms previous indications that some recovery in production is now taking place, no doubt helped by a moderate revival of world demand for textiles and by the recent improvement in steel supplies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what official meetings he has recently had with the Scottish whisky distillers; and what representations were made to him.

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what conditions children's cowboy and Indian outfits are released from liability to Purchase Tax.

Such part of these outfits as consists solely of articles exempt as young children's garments or foot wear under the Eighth Schedule to the Finance Act, 1948, is free. Tax is payable at the appropriate rate on any other articles in the outfit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the absence of a medical prescription renders surgical appliances liable to Purchase Tax.

The absence of a medical certificate does not render liable to Purchase Tax an article which is clearly identifiable as a surgical appliance. In the case of certain articles which are not clearly so identifiable, the production of a medical certificate permits the benefit of the exemption to be given where this would otherwise not be possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what directions in the public interest affecting major policy have been given to Mr. C. F. Cobbold, Governor of the Bank of England, in relation to his visit to the Federal Reserve Board of the United States of America.

The visit of the Governor of the Bank of England is for the purpose of maintaining ordinary contacts. The question of directions did not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total of the advances made by the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee to industrial undertakings in the North-East Development Area in the 12 months ended 1st November, 1952; and what was the total in the corresponding period ended 1st November, 1951.

£124,565 and £110,100 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange for some part of the £300 million assigned for compensation in development charges to be used for repayment to people who have already paid their development charge on a private house that they have built for their own occupation.

No. The Government do not propose to repay development charges as such, but if a person who has paid charge holds an admitted claim on the £300 million he will be paid up to the amount of the charge with interest, provided that that does not exceed the claim. If he does not hold a claim, there may in certain circumstances be a balance due to him after the holder of the claim has been satisfied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that Purchase Tax is levied on postage and other delivery charges on the distribution of merchandise for resale; that this tax operates unfairly in the case of fixed-price goods as between traders in different parts of the country; and if he will take steps to see that this imposition is liminated so as to put all traders in different parts of the country on an equal footing in this respect.

This is one of the questions under review by the committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Frederick Grant, Q.C. who are looking into the rules for Purchase Tax valuation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the external financial liabilities of the United Kingdom at 31st October, 1951, and 31st October, 1952. respectively.

I regret that 1 cannot give the hon. Member the figures he requires. The explanation of the position is as follows:

The phrase "external financial liabilities" of the United Kingdom covers a variety of items.

By long-established practice, which I am unwilling to change, particulars of the sterling liabilities of the United Kingdom are published only for June and December each year and appear (on the basis there defined) in the half-yearly White Papers on the Balance of Payments. The last of these was Cmd. 8666, published in October last.

The total of the United Kingdom credit or debit with the European Payments Union is also published half-yearly in the Balance of Payments White Papers. Intermediate changes advised by the Union are published monthly in the Press.

Details of the debts of Her Majesty's Government payable in external currencies are published annually in the Finance Accounts, the last of which were in House of Commons Paper No. 203 of 1952.

Corresponding figures of non-Governmental debts due in external currencies are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who advises the Comptroller of the National Debt on investment policy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the function of the National Debt Commissioners; and when they last met.

The Comptroller General of the National Debt Office is advised by the Assistant Comptroller, who is also Actuary to the National Debt Commissioners, and the staff of the National Debt Office. This advice is given in the light of information provided by the Departments, which are responsible for the management of the Funds and have moneys to be invested, as to the purposes and requirements of those Funds. In many cases the Departments will have consulted the Government Actuary. Advice as to market conditions is given to the Comptroller General by the Government Broker.The main functions of the National Debt Commissioners are the investment of a number of public funds, including the Post Office Savings Bank, the Trustee Savings Banks, and the National Insurance Funds, and the application of Government Sinking Funds. They also grant and pay Government life annuities, and have administrative duties in connection with the Trustee Savings Banks.The Commissioners last met in 1860. Their functions have since been exercised by the Comptroller General of the National Debt Office, subject, where necessary, to the directions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Governor and Deputy-Governor of the Bank of England, acting as a quorum of the Commissioners under the National Debt Commissioners Act, 1818. The Comptroller General has direct access to them at any time when he requires their directions or authority.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that 474 persons employed in the motor industry in the City of Bradford have been dismissed from their employment in the past two weeks; and what steps he proposes to assist the motor industry in its present difficulties.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. R. Bell) on 27th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent, under his regulations, compensation paid to farmers who are forced to slaughter their stock owing to foot-and-mouth disease is subject to any form of taxation; and how it is calculated.

Where animals treated for tax purposes as trading stock have to be slaughtered the compensation represents a revenue receipt and as such is liable to tax. Where, however, a production herd is dealt with on the "herd basis" in accordance with an election under Section 473 and the Twentieth Schedule, Income Tax Act, 1952, compensation would normally be brought in as a receipt for tax purposes not at the time of payment, but as and when new animals were acquired in replacement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Mr. W. Somerset Maugham has been advised that he must obtain a licence to import two books sent to him as an unsolicited gift by an American publisher, and that the books would be destroyed if the licence was not obtained within 28 days; and what action he has taken in this matter.

Import licences are not required for unsolicited gifts of books from abroad, if they are clearly so marked. As this package was not so marked, the addressee was informed that a licence was apparently required.On receipt of Mr. Maugham's reply that the books were an unsolicited gift, the package was released for delivery on 25th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost to the Exchequer of work in progress remaining uncompleted as a result of the cancellation of defence contracts arising from the recent re-arrangement of the armament programme.

Until negotiations have been completed with the firms concerned, no reliable estimate can be given of the probable cancellation charges.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated yield in a full year of the tax to be levied on furniture under the D scheme.

The estimated yield of Purchase Tax on furniture (including domestic, office and garden furniture) after the introduction of the D scheme is £8 million in a full year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will suspend the operation of the D scheme for furniture until the Furniture Development Council has worked out voluntary standards which will safeguard the consumer against poor quality.

No. The scheme is already in operation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, to assist re-export trade and enable this country to compete with free port facilities available in Europe, he will amend the Customs regulations so that goods imported into this country and held in bond are not treated as imports unless duty is subsequently paid and the goods are entered for home consumption.

The Customs laws and regulations already provide facilities designed to meet the practical needs of the re-export trade, by means of the transhipment, bonded warehouse, and drawback, systems. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular case where difficulty has arisen, I should be glad if he would let me have details.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he has now found it possible to make suitable financial provision with the Australian Government so that Australia may be enabled to acquire sufficient capital goods from this country to enable Australia to produce primary products, particularly meat and wheat, to meet the needs of the United Kingdom.

I have nothing to add to the answer the Economic Secretary to the Treasury gave the right hon. Gentleman on 27th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will make a statement on the discussions that have taken place with the Canadian Ministers now visiting this country with a view to increasing the price of gold in terms of dollars to an extent which will enable Canada to re-open the many gold mines recently closed because the cost of production is higher than the present selling price of gold;(2) what steps he now proposes to take to obtain an increase in the price of gold in terms of dollars to an extent which will enable the many gold mines in the Gold Coast, closed because of the low price of gold, to re-open and so double the gold production in the Gold Coast.

The question of the monetary price of gold was discussed at the Commonwealth Conference, but I have nothing to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend on 27th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider issuing Empire certificates and bonds, for sale to the public on the lines of savings certificates and bonds, to assist in financing Empire development.

As stated in the communiqué issued after the Commonwealth Economic Conference the Government recognises that if we are to make our full contribution to Commonwealth development it will be necessary to sustain a high level of internal savings. But I do not think that a special certificate or bond is necessary for this purpose. I am satisfied that there are at present adequate facilities for National Savings and I commend these to all small investors who may rightly wish to play their part in Commonwealth development.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in view of the forecast in the financial statement of 11th March. 1952, that the Budget surplus above the line this year would substantially exceed that of 1951–52, the deficit above the line to date is £300 million greater than at the same time a year ago; and whether he is satisfied that his original estimate will still be realised.

I have at present nothing to add to what I said on these matters during the debate on the Address.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the report of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East; if he is aware that the economic position disclosed in the report appears to be below that anticipated under the Colombo Plan; and what extra efforts are to be suggested by the United Kingdom representative on the Colombo Plan Committee.

Yes, and I am fully conscious of the importance of doing our utmost to improve the standard of life in South and South-East Asia, which is the objective of the Colombo Plan. The programmes of the Colombo Plan countries are under continuous review in the light of the changing circumstances, but the pace at which they can be carried out is primarily a matter for the judgment of the individual countries concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the widespread dislocation caused in Asia by undue fluctuations in the price of primary products; and if he will instruct the United Kingdom representatives on the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, to press for greater stability of demand for the primary products of Asia.

Yes, perhaps the hon. Member would refer to the section of the communiqué issued by the Commonwealth Economic Conference which deals with commodity policy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many years it is expected to take before the Exchequer has paid off its liability for post-war credits.

If the present arrangements remained unchanged, it would take about 37 years to pay all the post-war credits outstanding.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among ex-Service men of the 1914–18 war who subsequently entered the Civil Service, due to the fact that they are permitted to reckon only half their temporary service as pensionable. although ex-Service men of the 1939–45 war who entered the Civil Service subsequent to 14th July, 1949, are allowed to count their temporary service in full for this purpose; and whether he will take steps to ensure equality of treatment to ex-Service civil servants in this matter irrespective of the particular war in which they fought.

The position under the present law is that, in the case of temporary civil servants who subsequently become established, temporary service between 1st January, 1919, and 14th July, 1949, reckons as to half for superannuation purposes and service after 14th July, 1949. in full. For this purpose, subject to certain conditions, war service during the same periods is treated as temporary serviceThis is now well settled and in present financial circumstances my hon. Friend will not expect me to re-open it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the plans for the proposed higher technological institution of university rank.

No, but I hope to be able to make a statement after the Recess.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give consideration to issuing private building licences direct through his Department in cases where applications have been refused by local borough councils who have failed to issue licences to the extent of their quota.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to his other Question today.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation that will give local authorities power to trace owners of property who neglect their responsibility to carry out the orders of the sanitary inspector to remedy defects in houses owned by them, where such owners have no known address at which they can be found.

I would refer the hon. Member to Sections 9, 167 and 168 of the Housing Act, 1936.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he has taken to ensure that the regulations prescribed by him under Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1936, relating to houses unfit for human habitation, are now being complied with, and the records kept up-to-date.

I am asking all local authorities to submit returns after the end of the year, as they were required to do before 1939. The requirement was dropped during the war, but many local authorities have continued to supply the information.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the shortage of housing accommodation, he will consider the introduction, as a matter of urgency, of a Bill to amend the Housing Act, 1936, in order to determine demolition orders made under Section 11 of that Act where houses, in respect of which such orders have been made, have been put into habitable condition.

No. Owners have already sufficient time to make a house habitable before a demolition order becomes operative.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made in the rehousing of the occupants of the hutments at Tytherington, Macclesfield; and what assurances can be given that this rehousing will be carried out as expeditiously as possible.

Ten of the 20 families originally living in these huts have now been rehoused, and three more have been allocated tenancies of houses at present nearing completion. The council are anxious to dispense with these huts, and hope to rehouse the remaining seven families before the end of March. 1953.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will bring forward legislation which will empower tenants to receive compensation from their landlords when they have paid rents since the 1920 Act, which included a percentage fixed for repairs and no such repairs have been effected.

No. If a house is not in a reasonable state of repair the tenant can obtain a certificate from the sanitary authority, serve a copy on the landlord, and withhold the increases of rent permitted under the Act of 1920.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what were the average house building costs per square foot in 1920, 1922. 1939 and 1952.

I would refer the hon. Member to the First and Third Reports of the Girdwood Committee on the Cost of Housebuilding.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how much agricultural land in Wales has been used for housing purposes in each year since 1946 to the latest convenient date;(2) how much agricultural land has been used for housing purposes in England in each year since 1946 to the latest convenient date.

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consideration is being given to the use of common land for major housing projects; and whether he is aware that its use would greatly decrease the steady loss of good agricultural land for housing purposes.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture stated in the House on 12th June and 27th November last that the whole future of common land is being considered.As was made clear by my right hon. Friend, while the object chiefly in mind is the contribution which common land can make to national food supplies, the possible use, where appropriate, of some common land for other purposes, such as housing, is not being overlooked.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations he has received from Metropolitan borough councils concerning the requisitioning of empty premises; and what reply he has made.

One or two councils have recently asked for permission to requisition empty properties for housing purposes. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply sent to these representations.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government approximately how many local authorities have made arrangements for reciprocal consideration of housing applications or have notified him of the need of so doing: how many have now no further land available for house-building purposes; and how many have acquired or are acquiring land for this purpose outside their boundaries.

I am not aware of any such arrangements as are referred to in the first half of the Question, but I understand that most authorities agree to exchanges of tenancies in suitable cases.As regards the second half, there is, naturally, a scarcity of suitable housing sites in some areas, but without detailed inquiry I cannot give precise figures.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities have decided to offer for sale houses they now own; approximately how many applications for this purpose have been made by prospective purchasers; how many licences have been issued during the past year for the building of houses to be let at a rental by local authorities compared with those for private erection for sale and to rent. respectively; and whether he will include such figures in his published returns.

The information referred to in the first two parts of the Question is not available.As regards the remainder, I would refer the hon. Member to Tables 2 and 3 in the published quarterly Housing Returns.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the cost to the Exchequer, for the last convenient 12 months, of the subsidy to local authorities on account of requisitioned properties held by local authorities.

According to the returns furnished by local authorities the estimated cost to the Exchequer of requisitioned properties held by local authorities in England and Wales for housing purposes for the 12 months ended 30th September, 1952. was approximately £5,480,000.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the Blean area or any other area adjacent to the City of Canterbury has been designated, or will be designated, as a new town site.

No such area has been designated and no such scheme has been submitted to me.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number of houses now constructed in the new town of Harlow; and the number of persons now resident therein specifying also the number of children of school age.

Following are the figures asked for:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the annual rate of demolition of houses before the 1939–45 war; and, of these, how many, approximately, were condemned houses scheduled for demolition.

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available.As regards the second part, the total number of houses scheduled and demolished as unfit between the inception of the Housing Act, 1930, and 31st March, 1939, was 237,345.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an estimate of the difference in cost of a typical council three-bedroom house built on suitable bombed sites in cities and towns, compared with one built on now open agricultural land.

The cost of the actual building would be practically the same. But a suitable bombed site would presumably already be provided with roads, sewers and other services, and the saving on these might amount to £150 a house or more. On the other hand, rural land costs on average not more than £20 a house, whereas urban land may cost a very great deal more.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an estimate of the number of houses that could be built on bombed sites in the major cities and towns which, if used, would avoid the necessity of using good agricultural land.

The information on which such an estimate could be based is not available and could be obtained only by a disproportionate amount of work. I have no evidence that local authorities generally are failing to use suitable bombed sites for housing

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take as a result of the report on the survey of gypsies and other travellers in Kent.

I shall shortly be writing to the county council about the report and will send my hon. Friend a copy of my letter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make inquiries into the nuisance caused to inhabitants of Prescot, Lancashire, by excessive smoke and noxious fumes unnecessarily caused by local factories; and whether he is satisfied that the Prescot Urban District Council which has protested against these nuisances has the necessary powers to deal with the interests involved.

I understand that the local authority are taking steps to secure improvement. They have the necessary powers.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the approximate area of industrial waste land and other derelict sites in England and Wales; and to what extent a survey has been made county by county to find out how far they can be improved, levelled or used for housing sites or other purposes and so save the heavy claims on agricultural land.

As regards the first part of the Question, I have not yet enough information to justify giving an estimate. Planning authorities have surveyed their areas in connection with their development plans and are recording the main areas of derelict land. Use will be made of this land where it is reasonably practicable to reclaim it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether some ex gratia payment can be made to those who suffered damage and loss through the flooding of Sheringham Road, Poole. in November. 1951.

I am not aware that the local authority have power to make such payments.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, when he is considering the break-up of the allocation of £2,500,000 to be made for war damage reconstruction in the year 1953, he will bear in mind the needs of Sheffield and the facts that Sheffield received no grants last year. except a blitz allocation, and that other towns received as much as £459,000 last year; and whether he will therefore increase the allocation to Sheffield to £580,000.

I have already distributed the whole of the £4,500,000 available for blitz reconstruction in 1953 in accordance with the principles set out in the reply to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Mr. Astor), on 18th November last. I cannot, therefore, increase the figure authorised to any city. In making my distribution I took into account, as best I could, the needs of all the cities concerned and the present position of their reconstruction programmer.On the figure authorised to them, Sheffield will be able to spend more on new work next year than most of the other blitzed cities.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take powers to re-imburse property owners for their costs when their objections are upheld at hearings held under the Town and Country Planning Act.

I think it better in the general interest to adhere to existing practice.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the names of the local authorities in the North-East Development Area who have been refused grants under Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945.

Bishop Auckland U.D.C.; Durham R.D.C.; South Shields T.C.; Sunderland T.C.; Spennymoor U.D.C.; Felling U.D.C.; Tees Valley Water Board; Seaton Valley U.D.C.; Newbiggin-by-the-Sea U.D.C.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the amount of Exchequer grants he estimates will be paid towards operations of national parks under Sections 12, 13 and 89 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949.

Detailed proposals under these sections have not yet been received and the information is, therefore, not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will cause a public inquiry to be held at an early date in order fully to investigate the reasons for the increased water rate at Carnforth and the hardship caused thereby.

I do not think any useful purpose would be served by a public inquiry.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government under what circumstances the water scheme approved for Gipsy Bridge, Lincolnshire, was altered by the responsible water undertaker without reference to his Department; what authority the council had for this action; whether those ratepayers who were injuriously affected by the change were informed and enabled to appeal against the decision: and what action he will now take to protect the interests of the ratepayers.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the letter sent him on 1st December. The council took no action for which they lack legal authority and no issue arises now in which I have power to intervene.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is prepared to take any action on the lines of the resolution passed by a meeting of water authorities held at Wombwell Town Hall on 28th May, 1951, and sent to him for his consideration.

No.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government from what sources additional to those of the Herts and Essex Waterworks Company a supply of water will be provided for the new town of Harlow; and the number of gallons per day which will be available therefrom.

The Development Corporation will be bringing additional supplies from new sources at Hadham and Sacombe, which they estimate will yield, respectively, ¾million gallons and 2½ million gallons daily. They are also prospecting for further sources.

asked the Minister of Works how much money was spent in the Festival Gardens by the 20,000 co-operators who went there on 11th October last.

In replying to the Adjournment Debate on 14th November I referred in error to the spendings of the Co-operative visitors to the Festival Gardens. There are no accurate figures to show how much was spent. I did, in fact, mean the gross revenue to the Company, which on 11th October was, for all visitors. approximately Is. 61d. a head.

asked the Minister of Works the cost of developing the site on the corner of Horseferry Road and Marsham Street, Westminster; when the decision was taken to acquire this site and build offices; and when the building will be ready for occupation.

The previous Government decided in 1946 to acquire the site bounded by Horseferry Road, Monck Street, Great Peter Street and Marsham Street for the erection of Government offices. The cost of the first section of the office building, to be erected on the part of the site nearer Horseferry Road, which has been acquired and cleared is provisionally estimated at £1,800,000. Work on the basement is proceeding but in view of the economic situation I cannot say when it will be possible to build the superstructure.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the reduction of unemployment among building trade craftsmen between December, 1951, and October, 1952, he will reconsider the raising of the unlicensed limits of building work to £500 and £2,000, respectively, in order to conserve the use of labour on housebuilding.

No.

asked the Minister of Works if his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory convection of the air in many portions of the Palace of Westminster, especially towards the end of a long Sitting; and if arrangements can be made whereby something more nearly approaching fresh air can be allowed to circulate throughout the building.

As I had received various complaints about the air-conditioning arrangements in the House earlier in the year, I sought the advice of the Medical Research Council. Their recommendations were adopted and seem to have resulted in improvement. There were, however, particular difficulties during the recent period of fog, when it was necessary to clean the filters of the air-conditioning plant each night instead of once a week. Even so the filters became dirty before the Sittings ended and the air in the House may then have been less fresh than usual. The air-conditioning of the Division Lobbies presents a particular problem when there is a series of Divisions, but the engineers do what they can to keep conditions steady.

asked the Minister of Works what arrangements are being made for the members of the staff of the Houses of Parliament to view the Coronation procession.

Officers of the Houses of Parliament will, I understand, share in the allocation of seats to Members. In addition it is hoped to arrange for some of the subordinate staff in the Palace of Westminster to have standing places on the pavement outside New Palace Yard.

asked the Minister of Works whether the special arrangements on the Coronation processional route for ex-Service men are limited to the British Legion or whether other ex-Service organisations will be honoured similarly.

It is proposed to provide facilities for members of several ex-Service organisations.

asked the Minister of Works how many seats on the Coronation route are to be reserved for old age pensioners; to whom individual pensioners should apply for such seats; and what is the amount to be charged for each seat.

No allocation will be made to old age pensioners as such. Applications for seats cannot be considered from individuals, but many old age pensioners will no doubt be members of those national organisations to which an offer of seats will be made.

asked the Minister of Works what he estimates will be the cost of taking up the turf and shrubs and the various other work which will be carried out in Parliament Square in connection with the erection of stands there for the purpose of the Coronation; and the estimated cost of the restoration work when the stands are taken down.

Five small trees will be removed and replanted. The amount of restoration work to the turf depends on weather conditions while the stands are being put up and in use. The total cost of all the work involved is estimated at £250.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the continued shortage of cement in South Wales which is holding up the building programme; that one firm has had to purchase English cement at 32s. 6d. a ton more than that normally supplied in Wales; that one contractor in Newport is only receiving eight tons a week to build 200 flats; and what action he is taking to augment the supply.

I am aware that there have been some local difficulties in South Wales recently, and I have asked the manufacturers to increase supplies of cement. No complaints about the cases quoted by the hon. Member have been made to my office for Wales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he is aware that unless some effective support is given by the Government, the arrangements for the publication of British Abstracts will be obliged to terminate at the end of December; and, in view of the importance of these abstracts to British and other scientists, what action it is intended to take in the matter.

My noble Friend has been informed of the difficulties that have arisen in the publication of British Abstracts. When the question was referred to his predecessor he asked for the advice of the Royal Society. Certain recommendations have recently been received from them, designed to ensure the continued publication of these abstracts. These recommendations are at present being examined as a matter of urgency in consultation with the chemical industry.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed at the Leyton and Waltham-stow employment exchange; how many of these are men and women, respectively; the number unemployed for over two weeks; and how many of these are engaged, respectively, in the making of furniture and in motor car manufacture.

994 men and 562 women at 10th November, of whom 655 men and 293 women had been on the registers for more than two weeks. The totals included 47 men and 15 women who were last employed in the furniture industry and eight men and one woman who were last employed in the manufacture of motor vehicles and cycles. An analysis according to duration of unemployment is not available for individual industries.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for deferment of Scottish agricultural workers have been received; how many deferments have been granted; and if he will give similar figures for Ayrshire.

Up to 31st October, 1952, the figures for Scotland as a whole in respect of cases eligible for consideration were 2,246 received and 1,896 allowed; the corresponding figures for Ayrshire being 151 and 126. In addition, some 200 Scottish cases were awaiting decision; I cannot say how many of these related to Ayrshire.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what publicity is given to the services provided by the rent tribunal in Dundee.

Full information about the services provided by the tribunal is available from the Town Clerk's Department, the Citizens' Advice Bureau and the office of the tribunal. I understand that the hearings of the tribunal are reported in the local Press.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to deal with the overspill of population from Glasgow.

This matter is being considered by Glasgow Corporation and by the Clyde Valley Regional Planning Advisory Committee on which the Corporation and other interested local planning authorities are fully represented. I look forward to receiving proposals from the local authorities as soon as these investigations are completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the acreage of areas of comprehensive development eligible for Exchequer Grant under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1947, which have been shown on development plans so far submitted to his Department.

So far no such areas have become eligible for the Exchequer Grant referred to. In the development plans submitted to me a number of areas have been defined as areas of comprehensive development, but I cannot say how much of this land will be eligible for grant until the local planning authorities have submitted their detailed proposals for its development.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the prejudicial effects of the recent decision of the Government of Iceland on Scottish fisheries and British fish consumers, what reciprocal action, in collaboration with other Ministers. he proposes to take to protect Scottish fishing grounds.

If the hon. and learned Member has in mind an extension of British exclusive fishery limits, I have nothing to add to previous statements on the subject. The Government have the general question under consideration. So far as I am aware, Icelandic fishing vessels do not fish to any extent off the coasts of Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the disparity of the remuneration between Scottish and English probation officers; and what steps he is taking to bring about parity between them.

The claim of the Scottish probation officers for an increase of salary has been referred to arbitration. Until the result is known I can take no action.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what teachers' organisations he has consulted while considering changes in the superannuation scheme.

I have consulted the Educational Institute of Scotland which, since the Secondary Education Association was incorporated in it in 1917, has been recognised as the representative body for consultation with the teachers of Scotland. I regret that a minority of secondary teachers broke away from the Institute and formed a separate association in 1944, and it is my hope that the two bodies may come together again. I am satisfied that any change in the existing arrangements for consultation would not promote that object.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can yet give the total number of claims from prisoners of war, civilian internees and widows he has received in connection with the distribution of Japanese assets: and what decision he has reached about widening the scheme to include parents of unmarried prisoners of war who died in captivity, or since, and also orphans.

About 40,000 claims have been received from ex-prisoners of war, civilian internees and widows, but a substantial number of application forms have not yet been returned. Firm information as to the total number of eligible claims should be available by the end of this month and I shall then be able to give further consideration to the inclusion in the scheme of parents and orphans.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that persons in Leicester now requiring new surgical boots have to send them by post to Nottingham and await sanction from there for a new pair; that this procedure means that while the boots are in Nottingham the wearer is deprived of a necessary surgical appliance and that in addition there is a much longer delay; and whether he will arrange for Leicester people to have their surgical boots inspected in Leicester.