asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the seven proposed schools in Clydebank will be commenced in 1953.

At the request of the education authority, 1st July, 1953, has been allotted as a starting date for a primary school for Protestant children at Faifley. Details of the accommodation to be provided in a junior secondary school at Drumry Road are being discussed with the authority and it is hoped to settle these at an early date, but it is unlikely that the authority will be ready to start this school in 1953. My right hon. Friend has approved in principle the erection of five other schools and is awaiting detailed proposals for them from the authority.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as a result of the outstanding success of the Labour local authority in building houses, it is imperative that the construction of schools and the allocation of permits for building schools be speeded up, and that one school will be quite inadequate, because in less than two years many of the children of Clydebank will be without educational facilities?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are helping in every way we can. Nothing we are doing is holding up the building of any of these schools. I should be very glad to discuss this matter with the hon. Gentleman if he so desires.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why only two of the nine schools on which building was planned to be started in Edinburgh during 1952 have, in fact, been started; when it is proposed to start building on the remaining seven; and when these schools will be ready for occupancy.

The main difficulties of the education authority have been over the acquisition of sites and the preparation of plans. In two cases plans have had to be modified because the estimated costs were too high. The authority hope to start five of the schools in 1953, and the remaining two in 1954. I cannot at this stage say when they will be ready for occupancy.

Is the Minister aware that the present rate of progress is quite inadequate for current needs and is more than inadequate to meet future needs? To what extent is the delay occasioned by the policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to capital investment and to their educational policy, and to what extent is it due to the failure, if any, of the local authorities?

I am aware of the urgency of the situation in Edinburgh. Indeed, I spoke about it not very long ago. I do not think it is true to say that the capital investment programme has anything to do with these schools which are under consideration. There are local difficulties, as I explained in my answer. I can only say that we are most ready to help, and that I am quite sure we are doing nothing to hinder the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the eight schools in the course of erection in Edinburgh at the beginning of 1952 have now been completed and occupied, how many partially completed and occupied, and how many are still uncompleted; and if he will state the reason for the delay in the completion of these schools, and when the uncompleted schools will be completed and ready for occupancy.

Two of the schools have been completed and occupied. Two of the remainder have been partially occupied. The authority expect that the other four will be partially occupied in March. and that all six schools on which work is still continuing will be completed and fully occupied before the end of the year. I understand from the authority that they have experienced no exceptional difficulties in making progress with these schools.

Will the Minister explain why there should be this long delay in the completion of these essential schools in the C'ity of Edinburgh? Wherein lies the difficulty? Is he aware that the Convener stated recently in his progress report that he expected these schools to be completed this year? What is the explanation for the delay?

I am not sure that I should say this, but it may be that the Convener was a little optimistic about these completion dates. I can only suggest that the right hon. and learned Gentleman should consult with the local authority. I am sure it is not the fault of the Scottish Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that 34 new schools will require to be built in Edinburgh during the next five years to meet educational needs; and if he will state the number of new schools at present under construction in Edinburgh and the number of new schools which he proposes to authorise to be started during 1953.

In January, 1951, my right hon. Friend's predecessor approved in principle the building of 34 schools in Edinburgh. One additional school has since been approved. The authority have recently proposed the addition of 13 schools to the list, making 48 schools in all. Two schools have been completed, three have been partially completed and opened, and five are under erection, but are not yet ready to open. The preparatory and planning work on 10 schools is proceeding; officials of my right hon. Friend's Departments are giving the authority all the 'help they can. and there should be no difficulty in authorising the start of any schools which are ready to start this year, though the authority cannot yet forecast how many will reach this stage.

Do not the figures indicate quite clearly that the number of schools required and the number of schools being built are entirely out of proportion? Is it not perfectly clear that this situation must be associated with the Government's present policy which is putting education in pawn for a decade?

With respect to the right hon. and learned Gentleman, I do not think that is true. I have looked very carefully into the matter of the Edinburgh schools. I think the answer is that, with the resources available in Edinburgh, it would probably not be possible to build more schools any quicker.

What is going to happen to the educational needs of the children of Edinburgh, many of whom are at present being accommodated in private houses and halls while others have to travel long distances in order to get accommodation in other schools? What is going to be the future of the educational needs of the children of Edinburgh?

I confess that I am most anxious about the situation in Edinburgh, and I repeat that we are doing everything we can to help. The education authorities are coping with the matter, and I do not think any children are going to be left in the position to which the right hon. and learned Gentleman referred. However, I do not disguise our anxiety, and we shall be glad of help from whatever quarter it may come.

How can the hon. Gentleman say that none of these children will be left in that position in view of the figures he has given which prove conclusively that the number of schools being built or in contemplation is out of all proportion to the needs of the community?

I think the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows that the education authorities have programmes which they seek to achieve. They may not be able to achieve them all, and, therefore, they must take steps to improvise. In the present circumstances we, like our predecessors, have got to improvise, though I am sorry that has to be so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total authorisation for capital reconstruction which has been made under the war damage allocation to the Burgh of Clydebank for the period 1953.

None, Sir.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the people of Clydebank feel a grave sense of injustice at the fact that the blitzed towns of England and Wales have been allocated sums of money varying from £50,000 to £400,000, when Clydebank suffered more damage, proportionately, than many of them? Clydebank has had many of its halls battered down and permission to construct new ones has been refused. Why cannot we get these things done when large sums have been allocated to other blitzed cities? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman use his influence with the Treasury to get an early allocation of money for the people of Clydebank?

I am aware of the situation, but the position of Clydebank is quite different from that of cities which have received additional allocations for the purpose of rebuilding— in that Clydebank had a large number of houses destroyed whereas the other cities, for which provision is being made, suffered from the loss of large shopping centres and similar amenities. The housing position is covered by the normal housing allocation.

Clydebank also suffered losses in regard to public buildings. The Clydebank Burgh Band—one of the finest bands in Scotland—lost their hall, which would cost only £7,000 to rebuild, and they cannot get it replaced. The workmen's hostel was destroyed, as were the Co-operative shopping premises. Many halls have been destroyed in Clydebank, and with our success in rehousing it is essential for an increased allocation to be made to enable the authorities to rebuild these other amenities.

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that these matters are all under consideration. I am sure he would not place the hall of the Clydebank Burgh Band in the same category as essential shopping facilities in other towns.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made during the last month with plans for improving Eyemouth harbour.

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, I met representatives of the Harbour Trustees on 16th January and discussed the position with them. As a result, I understand that the Trustees are considering revised proposals, and my right hon. Friend will be glad to examine them as soon as they are submitted to him.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the gale has worsened the position at Eyemouth? Will he authorise whatever temporary expenditure may be necessary to keep this channel open?

I am aware of the unfortunate results of the storm. The sand bank at the entrance to the harbour has caused some further trouble. I know the Eyemouth Harbour Trustees are employing a bull-dozer to clear the channel. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that anything we can do to help will be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what water schemes are contemplated for the counties of Roxburgh and Selkirk; what areas will benefit; and when work will commence.

For Roxburghshire, two local schemes to benefit the Denholm and the Newton St. Boswells and Eildon areas and a regional scheme to serve most of the landward area of the county, and possibly also the burghs, are contemplated. Work on the local schemes should start at an early date, but the county council have not yet submitted final proposals for the regional scheme. For Selkirkshire, the county council have proposed an augmentation of the Ashkirk water supply, but my right hon. Friend is not yet satisfied as to need and urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what grant it is proposed to make towards the proposed sewerage and sewage disposal scheme for the burgh of Kirkintilloch.

The local authority's application is under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, but in the present financial situation grants under that Act for the improvement of basic services are not being awarded.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this scheme was accepted, that the Burgh of Kirkintilloch were permitted to go ahead with it and have done a lot of preparatory work, and that they were held up by the previous Government in the period before the grants were being refused? In view of the fact that the seheme was accepted before the withdrawal of the grants, will the Minister consider making a grant?

No, Sir, I cannot do that because the Kirkintilloch Town Council were not committed to expend the money which would justify the grant being given.

Can the Minister say why the grants are not being made and whether this practice is general throughout Great Britain as a whole, or is just another illustration of confining it solely to Scotland?

Certainly not. It applies throughout the country, and in that connection I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Budget speech of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor on 11th March last.

Is the Minister saying that this is not a necessary sewerage scheme, and are we to understand that essential schemes of this nature are likely to be held up because of some false economy in refusing to make grants?

No, Sir. The burgh can go ahead with that portion of the scheme which in the meantime would be sufficient for their needs, instead of going ahead with the whole scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to reconsider his decision not to publish the second Report of the Scottish Building Costs Committee. in view of the fact that a draft report has been prepared and that the comparable committee for England and Wales has already issued three reports.

For the reasons given to the hon. Gentleman on 19th December last, the Committee did not submit a report, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to ask them to continue their investigation.

I am sure that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that the Committee has prepared a report, because I have it in my hand just now. The reason why it is not being published is that the Government desire to effect an economy of £400. This is the third Government Commission report that the Scottish Office has refused to publish, and I should like to know what is the mysterious policy behind all this that denies the people of Scotland the right to this invaluable information.

I really do not see much point in publishing material such as the Committee has handed over which in some respects requires revision and in others is already out of date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present re-imbursements made to persons who serve as members of tribunals under the jurisdiction of his Department; to what extent these conditions and rates have been increased or otherwise altered during the last five years; and in what manner.

The maximum rate of compensation for loss of remunerative time payable in the case of bodies closely associated with local authorities, as, for example, committees appointed under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, 1947, is 20s. a day. In the case of other bodies the maximum rate is 25s. a day. The first rate has not been changed in the last five years; the second was increased from 21s. in September, 1948.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the present rate is not at all comparable to the rise in the cost of living? Does he not think it would be fair to raise the remuneration to a sum which would be comparable to the cost of living, having regard to the fact that the people serving on these tribunals not only give their services but also have to incur certain expenditure?

I think that that is another question that should be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and not to me.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how these rates compare with the rates for similar tribunals in England and Wales?

I understand that they are the same.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the urgent demand for hospital service in the developing mining area of Midlothian; and if he will make a statement.

This area is served by Edinburgh hospitals, and I am afraid I cannot hold out any prospect of a new hospital in the area in the near future.

In view of the fact that 710 square miles of rapidly developing territory is served only by the City of Edinburgh, does it not seem strange to the Joint Under-Secretary that where we are building a new town, without the assistance of the New Towns Act, the same sort of incentive should not be applied to the county?

Yes, but the facilities in Edinburgh are very readily available for the particular areas to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and developments are taking place or will take place there.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that, in towns and cities in South-East Scotland, two persons are deemed necessary to staff an ambulance wagon, whilst in landward areas, the driver has to solicit casual assistance for the collection of stretcher cases; and whether he will make regulations to standardise the practice of carrying two persons throughout Scotland.

As I have explained in correspondence with the hon. Gentleman, I do not think it would be justifiable to incur the expense of providing an attendant in addition to a driver on ambulances in areas where loading operations occupy a comparatively small part of the time the ambulance is in use

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not consider it strange that cities should be offered two persons a waggon while in the counties—in one area alone, the Dalkeith and Newton-grange area, where they have now over 40,000 people who suffer from the same diseases and ailments as city people— the ambulance driver has to cadge assistance in order to collect stretcher cases?

Yes, but the circumstances are different in the Newton-grange area. There are not so many tenements as in the Edinburgh area.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the continuing depopulation from the Highland counties, what action he is taking to create greater opportunities for employment in the area, not only to arrest depopulation, but to achieve repopulation, and to reach a degree of Highland prosperity and development which could be an increasing asset to the whole of Britain.

The purpose of the programme of Highland development which is being carried out as quickly as the resources of the country allow is to encourage more people to live in the Highlands by making it possible for them to find there suitable and productive employment and to enjoy modern amenities

Is it the Government's intention to encourage industrialists to come into this area although there may not be the raw materials in the area for such an industry? Many industries which come into the Highlands do not need raw materials within the area.

Yes, of course. We want to encourage everybody who wishes and can be persuaded to come into the Highlands.

Is it not clear from the population figures for the Highlands that depopulation is still going on; is my hon. Friend aware that until we reverse this trend we cannot begin the development of which the Highlands are capable; and would it not be very much in the interests of the whole United Kingdom that we should begin this?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the growth of unemployment in parts of the Highlands, he will consider accelerating the programme of Highland development and making full use of the now available manpower.

Unemployment is, unfortunately, usually higher at this time of year, but we are pressing forward the programme of Highland development to the fullest extent consistent with the country's economic position.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that economy is the use of the labour available to the maximum extent; would he not agree that it is not economy to pay people for being unemployed when the same people are willing to do work for that money; is he also aware that unemployment in one district has reached over 30 per cent., and that it cannot be said to be seasonal employment but is probably due to more permanent causes; and are the Government prepared to see that their Highland development plan is put into effect as fast as labour becomes available in the Highlands in order not to have any wastage of labour, money or materials?

Yes, Sir, that indeed is our desire and intention.

On a point of order. In view of the fact that the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland has seen fit to answer Question No. 28 on employment and unemployment, could you tell me, Mr. Speaker, why it was that he saw fit to transfer to the Minister of Labour what is now Question No. 91, standing in my name, dealing with Scottish unemployment; and why the Scottish Office is not only reluctant but quite incompetent to tell me why that Question has been transferred?

I think the answer must be that Question No. 28 relates to the programme of Highland development.

Is it not the fact that there is really no development at all in the Highlands; and is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that in my own constituency 90 men, road workers, were paid off a week or two ago while a mass of roads remain in an unrepaired and dangerous state?

There is indeed a good deal of development going on.

Where?

In my hon. Friend's constituency. He is doing a good deal of it himself. I was not aware of the case of the road men to which my hon. Friend referred, and I will look into that immediately. It may well be that the had weather has made it impossible to do road work.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average load factor of all water-driven hydro-electric works owned by the North of Scotland HydroElectric Board during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1952.

I am informed by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board that the average load factor during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1952, in all hydro-electric works owned by the Board was 27.7 per cent. including Sloy, which was designed as a peak-load station, or 36.4 per cent. excluding Sloy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total financial sum vested as capital in the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board at 31st December, 1952; how much has been furnished, respectively, by the National Debt Commissioners or other public authority or agency; and how much from private or other than public sources.

The total issued capital of the Board at 31st December, 1952, was £62 million, of which £57 million of stock was issued to the National Debt Commissioners and £5 million of stock was a public issue.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cumulative sum vested in capital works for generation and distribution of electricity by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, including all works of an ancillary character, corrected to the nearest £1 million and to 31st December, 1952, or the latest convenient date; and the aggregate installed capacity expressed in megawatts at that date.

I am informed by the Board that their total expenditure at 31st December, 1952, on generation works, including hydro, steam and diesel generating stations, main transmission, works acquired at vesting date and works under construction, was £62 million, and the aggregate installed capacity at that date was 560 megawatts. In addition, expenditure on distribution works amounted to £19 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action has been taken by his Department to implement the provisions of the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland) Act, 1951, in the county of Ayr.

My right hon. Friend has sent draft proposals to the five local authorities concerned in the establishment of a river purification board for the rivers in the county of Ayr and neighbouring areas, and he is now awaiting their comments.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many members of angling clubs throughout Ayrshire are most anxious for this matter to be proceeded with as quickly as possible, particularly as we in Ayrshire think that other areas are being treated more quickly than the county of Ayr; and is he further aware that many farmers desire to have a clean water supply for their livestock, and to have equality with the rest of Scotland in the carrying out of prevention of pollution schemes?

Yes. Sir. I share the angling associations' anxiety, but the matter has been before the local authority since 2nd May, 1952, and we are hoping that an understanding and agreement is now almost in sight.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether any progress has been made as regards the Clyde?

That is not in Ayrshire.

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down that question. It is somewhat different from the one on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many building projects have been submitted to his Department by regional hospital boards; how many of these projects he has authorised; and how many will be actively commenced this year.

The provisional building programmes submitted by regional hospital boards for 1953 include 98 projects costing more than £10,000 each. All these projects have been approved in principle, and work had already started on 57 of them by the end of 1952. Having regard to the heavy programme of work on projects already begun and to the fact that final programmes have not yet been received from all the regional boards, I cannot yet estimate how many of the remaining 41 projects will be actively commenced in 1953.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the information he has given to the House will be most depressing to the members of regional hospital boards; that it is clear from his statement that none of the latter projects which he mentioned will be actively commenced this year; that the lack of nurses' homes, for instance, near or adjacent to our hospitals is having a very bad effect on the recruitment of nurses up to the number we want; and would he give that aspect his particular attention, and possibly allow some schemes of this nature to go forward this year?

I do not think it can be considered depressing that 57 out of 98 projects are already under way, and that another 41 are being actively considered at the moment.

How many of the 57 which have been started are major projects and how many minor projects; and of the 41 which have not been started how many are major projects and how many are minor projects?

All those started are considered major projects, exceeding over £10,000 each.

Oh, no.

Those are considered to be major projects. The others, of course, do not come to the Department.

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why Ayrshire is being given preference over Midlothian when Midlothian is a reception area receiving the transfer of redundant miners from Lanarkshire?

I was not aware that it was.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what Scottish local authorities received no Exchequer equalisation grants during the first year of working of the scheme; and what local authorities are receiving no grants for the year ending 31st March. 1953.

During the first year of the scheme—that is the year 1948–49—the counties of Bute, Peebles and Renfrew and the burghs of Aberdeen, Ayr, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth did not qualify for grant. In the current year, on the first provisional calculation the same areas, together with the county of Dunbarton and the burghs of Dumfries, Dundee, Inverness and Stirling do not qualify.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this information shows that the aim of the Exchequer equalisation fund to distribute money in relation to local needs is completely breaking down in Scotland, and can he assure us that he is hastening the Report of the Working Committee which is at present discussing this matter?

Yes, by every possible means.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure the House that the Report of the Working Committee on this occasion, and despite past practice in the Scottish Office, will be made available to Members of this House?

It will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what sum Dundee received in Exchequer equalisation grant during the year ended 31st March, 1952.

Dundee did not receive any Exchequer equalisation grant during the year ended 15th May, 1952.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any further statement to make regarding the measures to be taken to clear the fallen timber in Scottish forests, due to the storm of 31st January.

My right hon. Friend is of the opinion that he cannot usefully make any further statement at present but he intends to do so shortly.

I should like to ask two questions. First, when does the Minister expect the statement to be made, and, secondly, is he aware that leading members of the Forestry Commission have expressed the view that it will take at least two years with the present resources to clear this timber; and will he impress on his right hon. Friend the need for any action which the Government can take to see that this timber is cleared within a year, if it is not to deteriorate, because these are important national stocks of timber?

I cannot say exactly on what day my right hon. Friend will make a statement. I can only say that it will be very shortly. With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend is fully aware of all these considerations, and I think that it would be better if we were to await the full statement which he will make to the House.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the Forestry Commission have mobilised their manpower and mechanisation in order that this work may be quickly proceeded with?

Our most recent information is that the Forestry Commission are very quickly getting down to this job in every possible way.

Can my hon. Friend give the House any view as to the proportion of the fallen timber which comprises Scottish firs and other softwood, which is likely to deteriorate within nine to 12 months unless it is peeled and stacked.

I cannot give that information without notice. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put the question down.

Is the reason for his right hon. Friend having some difficulty about making a statement because of the delay in visiting these areas?

No, Sir.

Will my hon. Friend inform his right hon. Friend of the importance of planning now for this timber to be cleared from the woods within a year, whereas the subsequent handling of the timber and its conversion into sawn timber can wait for the second year?

My right hon. Friend is intensely interested in this tremendous problem, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all these matters are very much in his mind at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of patients who have transferred from doctors who refused to prescribe advertised proprietory drugs to other who will do so; and if he will take steps to protect doctors from this form of pressure.

No statistics are available. Various forms of publicity have emphasised that it is for the doctor, not the patient, to decide what is to be prescribed, and I look to the doctors to support one another in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amount was spent in prescriptions in 1950, 1951 and 1952, on slimming tablets; and what researches his Department has made to satisfy itself as to the value of these tablets in reducing obesity.

Detailed information is not available. I have no reason to think that doctors are prescribing drugs which are not of value, when taken under medical supervision, in cases where weight reduction is necessary on medical grounds.

Is the right hon. and

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Lady refers. I would inform her that the drug, dexedrine, to which she has referred, is quite an effective drug for slimming when used under medical supervision, and slimming is not the only purpose for which it is prescribed.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that many more people die from being too thin than from being too fat?

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the drug cannot be used except under medical supervision, so that his statement is rather superfluous? Is he aware that medical opinion is that the drug does not reduce obesity but merely curbs the appetite? Is not £400.000 an extravagant sum to spend for that purpose?

I have to rely on the medical advice given me, and that is that the drug is effective for slimming.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a statement on the proposals which the Government will lay before the forthcoming conference which will be held in London to consider measures for conservation of fish stocks in the North Sea.

I hardly think it possible in reply to a Parliamentary Question to provide the hon. Member with the full statement for which he asks. He may, however, be interested to learn that, as it will be impracticable in most countries for the new minimum mesh of nets to be introduced when the Overfishing Convention comes into force on 5th April, the conference due to meet in London on 4th March will be invited to consider the application of the fishing net provisions of the Convention with a view to allowing a reasonable period for using up stocks of existing nets. They will also be asked to discuss arrangements for setting up as soon as possible the Permanent Commission for which the Convention provides.

Is it the intention of the Government to make a statement at any time and give the House a chance to consider it? Besides the question of a map, will the conference consider restrictions on inshore waters? In other words, will the matter of the Moray Firth and the Clyde being closed to foreign trawlers be considered at the conference?

I am not sure whether that is so. I will find out and let the hon. Gentleman know. With regard to a full statement, it is not for me to say what should be done but I am sure that we shall take every opportunity possible to explain what is to happen.

Will the action of the Icelandic Government be referred to the conference?

I have no doubt that it will come up for discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what major land drainage schemes for Scotland are under consideration; and in what areas it is proposed to implement them.

My right hon. Friend is aware of a number of major land drainage projects which it would be desirable to undertake, but he is not at present in a position to carry them out. As he informed the hon. Member for Lanark (Mr. Patrick Maitland) on 10th February, my right hon. Friend is discussing with the interests concerned the lines of possible amending legislation to enable such problems to be dealt with.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether his right hon. Friend is also in close consultation with the Treasury on these matters?

At the moment we are discussing with the interests concerned the legislation that may be necessary. I would not commit myself to saying that we have yet reached the stage of approaching the Treasury.

Is the Minister aware that we have had this promise for a very long time and that there is great agricultural loss through ground being continually flooded? Can he give some promise as to when the necessary legislation will be brought forward?

I am aware of the potential reclaiming of many thousands of acres which we hope to get under a major scheme. But this is an extremely complicated piece of legislation involving long discussions and very technical questions. I can assure the hon. Member that we are getting on with it as fast as we can.

If it is a matter of finance, will the Minister consider, if necessary, changing over finance made available to certain schemes not of the same priority in favour of these very important drainage schemes?

That is a matter which would have to be considered with the Treasury.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much of the 400,000 acres of agricultural land which could be reclaimed in Scotland by a comprehensive drainage scheme has been reclaimed during the last 12 months.

According to the Report of the Duncan Committee, it is estimated that some 200,000 acres of agricultural land in Scotland could be improved by arterial drainage works. I regret that information as to the number of acres actually improved during 1952 is not readily available, but 156 voluntary schemes proposed by owners and occupiers of agricultural land, and affecting a total area of 9,000 acres, were approved during the year.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Secretary of State for Scotland told me about a year ago that there were 400,000 acres which could be reclaimed in Scotland by comprehensive drainage schemes? Is he aware further that by mechanical drainage it is possible to reclaim from 50 acres to 70 acres a day? Is he further aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said he would do his best to listen to the Secretary of State for Scotland in so far as Scottish developments were concerned, and would he approach my right hon. Friend to ask him to do his best in this respect?

The figure I quoted of 200,000 acres is the most recent official figure given to us by a committee set up to examine this question—the Duncan Committee. With regard to the second part of my noble Friend's supplementary question, we are very much aware of what can be done by major drainage schemes, and we are hoping to get legislation in due course to give us power to carry them out.

Could my hon. Friend say what co-operation there is from local authorities?

We have been consulting with the local authorities in regard to this question, and they have been very good in coming forward to give us their views.

Is it not a bit late for views now? Does my hon. Friend not agree that this is about the most important capital expenditure we can undertake? Is not 9,000 acres a miserable total in relation to the amount which he himself says could be reclaimed?

Of course, the 9,000 acres to which I referred really cover minor schemes. We require legislation to carry out major arterial drainage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reduce the losses on the agricultural trading services of his Department.

The trading services of the Department of Agriculture relate to labour, machinery and the farming and management of agricultural land. My hon. and gallant Friend has put down separate Questions on each of these services, and I shall endeavour to answer each of them fully.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reduce the losses on the agricultural machinery services of his Department.

The demand from farmers for these services has fallen in recent years. The services have been withdrawn from certain areas, and elsewhere operating staffs and machinery have been reduced to the minimum capable of dealing with the amount of work offered. Charges to farmers have been increased to meet the rising costs of wages and materials, The scope and strength of the services are under constant review. The net deficit fell from £161,636 for 1950 to 1951 to £106,825 for 1951 to 1952.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reduce the losses on the agricultural labour services of his Department.

The pool labour force employed by the Department of Agriculture for hiring to farmers was disbanded at 31st December, 1952. This will effect a substantial saving.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that these Questions are an indication of the poor thanks the farming community give to the State for the subsidies which are being given them in the way of labour and machinery to help them to do their job?

Is my hon. Friend aware that these Questions were put down in the interests of the national economy, which is of no interest whatever to the Socialist Party.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the public concern regarding the use of gin traps which cause unnecessary suffering both to rabbits and domestic animals; and what steps be is taking to introduce a more humane type of trap for use in Scotland.

My right hon. Friend is aware of the public concern, but he cannot, in the interests of food production, prohibit the use of the gin trap until an effective, humane substitute is readily available. Eight inventors have submitted 17 models for consideration as alternatives to the gin. Of that number, one —the "Imbra"—has given encouraging results on field trial, and one—the Miller "Killmore"—has shown possibilities which may be developed in later models. My right hon. Friend is arranging for further trials of the "Imbra" and of any other available types in the spring.

Can my hon. Friend say whether, when his right hon. Friend has had sufficient time to test these new traps, he has the authority to enforce their use once they have been approved?

Statutory powers exist under the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948, enabling the Secretary of State for Scotland to do what the hon. and gallant Member is asking.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many proposals for schemes under the Livestock Rearing Act have been received from Orkney and Shetland; and how many have been rejected.

Since the passing of the Livestock Rearing Act, 1951, 95 proposals for improvement schemes have been received from Orkney and Shetland. During this period 23 schemes have been rejected in these counties.

Will the Minister agree that it is most important to get on with this business of developing land in the far North? Is he aware that some of these schemes have been rejected on the ground that a quantity of eggs was being produced on the farms? Will he look into that matter, and, if that proves to be the case, will he give instructions that such schemes are not to be turned down on that ground?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me a note of these cases. A large number of cases are at present under consideration, and the reason is that the Livestock Rearing Act has not been in operation very long. We have had a spate of applications which we are trying to deal with as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with egg producers and packing stations in Scotland over the future marketing of eggs.

The Government have been in consultation with the National Farmers' Unions and representatives of the packing stations and other trade interests on this subject. Scottish producers and packers have taken part in these discussions, but there have been no separate Scottish consultations.

Does not the Minister think that it is most desirable there should be such consultations with the Scottish Office in view of the great importance of this industry in Scotland, and will he make sure that the Scottish interests are properly safeguarded?

The Scottish Office have been concerned in these consultations. I understood that the hon. Member was asking about other Scottish interests. As we are discussing a broad general question affecting the whole country, representation of all the National Farmers' Unions, including the Scottish, is considered to be appropriate.

Why has the Minister never discussed this matter with the Poultry Association of Great Britain, of which I am honorary President?