asked the Secretary of State for War why there is delay in releasing Regular and National Service men, who have completed their term of service from the Canal Zone.

Air trooping is running up to schedule, and delay should be quite exceptional. I shall be glad to look into any particular case the hon. Member has in mind.

May I thank the Minister for his sympathetic reply? Is he aware that one of my constituents has written stating that in the Canal Zone National Service men are still being kept even to the day when they are due to be demobbed in this country, and that Regular Service men are being kept sometimes three or four months later than their demobilisation date? Will he look into the general question?

Yes. If the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars I will certainly look into them. At the moment the complaint is very much a generalisation. My information and my knowledge of the Middle East show that trooping by aircraft is running punctually at the present time.

Is it not within the knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman that men are being delayed two or three months? Surely that information must be conveyed to him from time to time?

The right hon. Gentleman is quite right that some time ago, owing to operational necessity, aircraft were diverted, and then there was delay. Now aircraft trooping is running up to schedule, and I know of no delay which is caused by absence of aircraft from air trooping at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War what decision he has reached on extending expeditionary forces message telegram facilities, now available in Korea, to other theatres in which British Forces are serving, in particular, to Malaya.

Arrangements have been made for the Expeditionary Forces Message Service to be reintroduced on 18th May between the United Kingdom and Malaya. The cost of a message of three phrases and the address will be 3s. 6d. in either direction.

asked the Secretary of State for War what information he has of the circumstances under which Sergeant G. F. Fill of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in an ambush in Egypt on 27th April.

On 27th April Sergeant Fill was a member of a patrol in a Land-Rover which was covering the road between Tel el Kebir and Ismailia. At about noon the patrol was attacked by at least five armed Egyptian civilians travelling in two cars. I deeply regret that, as a result of this attack, Sergeant Fill was killed.

May I take it that the Minister is in close touch with the Egyptian authorities over this incident? Is he taking any steps to claim compensation on behalf of the family of Sergeant Fill?

Her Majesty's Ambassador has taken the matter up in Cairo. I would not like to go further than that, as the matter is at the moment under discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for War what requests he has received from the British Broadcasting Corporation for facilities for the televising of the Trooping the Colour in London and other military spectacles; and what facilities he is granting.

Full facilities for televising Trooping the Colour are being provided for the Corporation and I am always ready to help over other Army ceremonies.

Are the War Office receiving any financial consideration for granting these facilities? If so, will regimental funds be helped by transferring some of the money to them?

No, Sir. We are not receiving any financial consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the use, both in the Press and on hoardings, of pictures of famous regiments for the purpose of advertising goods for sale; and what contributions are made to regimental funds for such pictures.

I welcome the use of pictures of famous regiments in commercial advertisements, provided that the details are accurate. As far as I know no contributions are made to regimental funds.

Will my right hon. Friend not consider inviting contributions to regimental funds, as advertisers would no doubt be only too happy to make such contributions?

If we asked for that, it might act as a deterrent. These advertisements are a very useful form of free publicity for the Army.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Scottish whisky firms who exploit these regiments would be quite prepared to give a substantial sum out of their substantial profits if they were only asked for it?

I am not aware of that. Whisky firms exploit a lot of things, including dogs, and it would not be fair to expect a bonus from everybody who uses a soldier in an advertisement.

Every time a soldier is used for advertising a particular product does the Minister get a sample in order to satisfy himself of its quality?

That would be highly irregular.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a similar provision for registrants for National Service to claim conscientious objection to military service does not also operate in respect of any young man reaching the age of 18 years, who originally enlisted in boys' battalions at the age of 15 years; and, approximately, how many are now serving in the battalions.

The point raised in the first part of this Question was given long consideration by the Select Committee on the Army Act and Air Force Act and it is dealt with in paragraph 6 of their Second Report. The Committee recommended that a Member of the Army Council or the Air Council should deal administratively with any case that might arise. This in fact is already being done. There are at present 4,666 boys in the Regular Army, of whom 324 are in the Infantry Boys' Battalion.

I am aware of that, but does it not deprive citizens of this country of certain rights? In view of the fact that these lads join at a very early age and the number of conscientious objectors will be very small, is it not an unwise departure from a principle generally applicable to all young men of the country?

No such case has so far arisen in respect of young boys. On the question of legislation, the Select Committee found that the proposed clauses were of great complexity. They considered the matter carefully and I think that any case that arises will be dealt with, fairly and generously, administratively within the Department concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of battalions now raised for the Brigade of Gurkhas; and the locations thereof.

The Brigade of Gurkhas consists of eight infantry battalions all of which are employed in Far East Land Forces.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these eight battalions are up to strength and if there is any difficulty about further recruitment?

The question of recruitment has been a matter for negotiation and discussion between Her Majesty's Government and the authorities concerned. I should not like to go further than that at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements exist with the Egyptian Government regarding the repatriation of the bodies of British soldiers who die in Egypt.

Repatriation of the bodies of those who have died in Egypt since 1948 is allowed, but the Egyptian Health regulations do not permit movement to take place within 12 months of burial.

Is there any reason why that should be so? One could quite understand that they should not allow dead bodies to be brought into the country in case they brought with them a contagious disease. Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that not to allow the bodies of our own men, caught in an ambush by Egyptians, to be repatriated to Britain is something about which we should protest and take real action? Is it at all possible to obtain permission either for the bodies to be returned to Britain or for the bodies to be cremated and the ashes returned to relatives here?

This is a regulation that has been in being for some considerable time, and any bodies that have been repatriated previously have been repatriated within this regulation, that is after an interval of one year. I will certainly find out about the possibilities of cremation and will write to the hon. Member about it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what expense he has incurred in connection with the visit of Doctor Speidel to military establishments in Britain.

£4 14s. 7d.

Is the Minister aware that Dr. Speidel was stated by the Prime Minister to be spending a fortnight in this country. Does that £4 14s. 7d. just cover drinks? What is Dr. Speidel going to do at the Royal Aircraft Factory, Farn-borough? Will he be allowed to take photographs? How far have the Government agreed to the re-creation of a German tactical force and the reappearance of the Luftwaffe?

With regard to Dr. Speidel's fortnight's stay, he is staying in London at his own Government's expense. Travel to and from this country is also paid for by his own Government. As to photography at Faraborough, that question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air.

asked the Secretary of State for War what special recruiting measures he is contemplating to mark the occasion of Her Majesty's Coronation.

I am arranging, with the help of the banks, that every recruit, man, woman or boy, who enlists on a normal Regular Army engagement at a recruiting office during the month of June this year shall receive, as part of his or her first day's pay and allowances, one of the new Crown pieces.

asked the Secretary of State for War to make a further statement about the supply of uniforms to the 43rd County of London Battalion of the Home Guard; and when the second-hand shirts, which should not have been issued, were withdrawn and replaced.

In my reply to a Question about this unit last Tuesday I informed the hon. and gallant Member that 69 men of this unit had been completely fitted out. This was based on inquiry made at short notice and I now find that, although the uniforms were with the unit, they had not then been issued. I apologise to the hon. and gallant Member for having misled him. The shirts were returned by the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association direct to Ordnance and were replaced on 18th April.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for correcting at least one of the major inaccuracies in his reply last week, may I ask if he will try to deal with the fact that the number of jackets issued to this unit always exceeds the number of trousers, which is liable to create an embarrassing situation? Is he aware that they should be equal in number, and will he further consider the general issue of new shirts, because there is no reason why worn, second-hand shirts should be issued to these rather limited number of public-spirited men who volunteer for the Home Guard?

I am obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for his particular interest in this unit. At the moment they are short of an adjutant quarter-master; perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will offer to fill the post.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action has been taken to encourage employees in nationalised industries to join the Home Guard.

Industries, including the nationalised industries, are being invited to raise Home Guard sub-units for the defence of industrial installations of operational importance. The National Joint Advisory Council, with whom I discussed the matter, have agreed to this proposal and advised their constituent members: and I am grateful for their co-operative attitude.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has completed his survey of the development areas; and if he will make a statement.

I cannot yet add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 16th December last.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the great concern that was caused in the development areas as a result of the original statement? How long will it be before such a statement will be issued?

I think that the hon. Member has in mind the survey that must take place before any possible removal from the Schedule of the Act is considered. I think that he will agree that this is a difficult and complicated question which should not be prematurely decided. I would remind him that if there appears to be a case for the removal of an area from the Schedule, consultation would have to follow with all the authorities concerned.

For how long must consultation take place before any statement is issued?

I think that the hon. Member may have misunderstood me. I cannot tell how long these investigations will take but, if after investigation it should be decided that there was some case for the removal of an area from the Schedule, then consultation would take place.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether there are any actual investigations going on at the present time or whether the whole thing has been dropped for the time being?

Certain inquiries are going on.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions his Department has undertaken since August, 1938, under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, in respect of false trade descriptions as to material content of consumer goods, including the advertising of such goods to which false trade descriptions had been applied.

Six, Sir.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this very low number will have an important bearing on discussion of the Merchandise Marks Bill and that the trade associations are worried at the attitude of the Government towards prosecution under this head?

I do not think so. There has been no change in policy under Her Majesty's present administration. The same policy has been adopted over a long period and some guidance as to policy is indeed laid down in the statutes. I would remind the hon. Lady that the fact that only this number of prosecutions has been conducted by the Board of Trade does not mean that a much greater number of prosecutions has not taken place.

Will my hon. and learned Friend resist all blandishments from "meddlesome matties," wherever they be, to interfere with the normal process of British industry and commerce?

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what has happened to the Merchandise Marks Bill?

That is an entirely different question. It was passed in another place and it is due to be introduced in this House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for how long he is prepared to await the results of discussions in the film industry on the future of the Eady levy; and whether, if these discussions fail to produce voluntary agreement, he proposes to introduce legislation in this session.

As my right hon. Friend said in his reply to the hon. Member on 16th April, the industry must have a reasonable period for discussion; and to set a time limit at this stage would not help. If a statutory scheme becomes necessary a Bill will be introduced in good time before the present voluntary scheme comes to an end.

What does the Parliamentary Secretary regard as a reasonable time? The trade has already had nine months. Does it mean that they have another nine months, or a year? How long will it go on? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that if he allows the present scheme to expire in August, 1954, it means that any assistance to film production ceases 12 months before that happens?

It is because of the importance of giving the industry adequate notice that my right hon. Friend made his statement in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Nottingham, North-West (Mr. O'Brien). That statement served a purpose. It would not serve any useful purpose to set a time limit now, which would merely interfere with the negotiations which are taking place.

That statement was made two months ago.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will amend the present import arrangements and put bananas on open general licence.

Imports of bananas from the sterling area were put on open general licence at the beginning of this year. The arrangements for licensing imports of bananas from non-sterling sources were announced in March. We cannot agree at the present time to issue an open general licence for such imports.

Is the Secretary for Overseas Trade aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction in the trade about this system of importing bananas. Is he also aware that all other specific licences of goods not on open general licence have been issued on the basis of past trading figures? Why is that not the case with bananas?

We have informed the trade organisations that if they have substantial cases of hardship to put forward we shall give them sympathetic consideration.

Is my hon. Friend aware that Brazil will gladly take British motor cars and other equipment, provided we take bananas? Will my hon. Friend look into the matter?

Yes, Sir. We hope to take substantial quantities of non-sterling bananas, but for balance of payments reasons we cannot at present put them on open general licence.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether he has had any complaints from the barrow boys of Kidderminster?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to assist the development of trade traffic through the South Wales ports.

It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to promote the expansion of our external trade. I could not, however, take steps to direct trade to particular ports.

Does not the Minister agree that these ports—particularly Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Barry— were vital assets in time of war? Does he appreciate that their very existence is threatened by the conditions prevailing since the war, particularly the decline in coal exports? Will he therefore use every possible means to persuade trade and industry to use these ports, especially as they have enjoyed excellent labour relations during recent years?

My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Welsh Affairs made an announcement about West South Wales recently. The trouble is caused by the French balance of payments difficulties. The French Government hope to be able to get their imports of coal from this country back to the normal level before long.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what new steps he is taking to reduce the requirements of the Census of Production in order to secure economy of effort both in industry and in his Department.

My right hon. Friend has appointed a committee, including representatives of both sides of industry, to advise him about future policy in regard to the taking of censuses of production and distribution and to make recommendations. I am glad to say that Mr. W. R. Verdon Smith has agreed to be Chairman of this Committee, which will hold its first meeting in the near future. With permission, I will circulate the full membership of the Committee in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the Census as it is at present is a very real burden upon industry, particularly upon the small firms, and therefore any work of this Committee which is likely to result in any diminution in the requirements of the Census will be greatly welcomed?

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman also bear in mind that the information available to the American Government is far greater than that available to our own in these industrial matters? Will he make sure that, as a result of this Committee, we do not cut down still further the information available?

I think the two supplementary questions illustrate what I hope is the universal view of the House—first, that adequate statistical information is very important and, secondly, that it should be secured with a minimum of interference and with economy of effort on the part of both industry and the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet considered the quota for Cuban cigars to replace the agreement expiring at the end of 1953.

No, Sir.

The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the concern in the minds of the Jamaican manufacturers. Will he give an assurance that their point of view will be considered when this agreement is in course of consideration? Can he say how soon consideration will be given to it?

This agreement runs for another eight months. That is why we have not yet considered it. The views of the Jamaicans will most certainly be taken into consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many companies, firms or individuals were granted licences for imports of fully-fashioned hosiery machinery from the United States of America during the six months ended 24th April, which amounted in value to £42,000; and if he will state the value of the licences granted to Messrs. Howard Ford Limited;

(2) why the application made on 17th April by John Skelton & Son Limited, of Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, for a licence to import fully-fashioned hosiery machines from the United States of America was rejected on the grounds that licences were not issued at present to permit the import of these machines from the United States of America.

No licences are at present being issued for the import of fully-fashioned hosiery machinery from the United States except in special circumstances. The only licence issued in the six months ended 24th April, 1953, was one to a value of £42,000. This licence allowed the import of reconditioned machinery which was obtainable on attractive terms by a firm with an excellent record of export trade in nylon stockings. It was not in fact issued to Howard Ford Limited.

Is it not unfortunate that when answering my Question on this matter last week the hon. Gentleman gave that figure as the total imports for the whole industry, without any indication that an amazing preference was given to one firm at a time when no other firms in the industry can get licences?

I do not agree at all with my hon. Friend. We let this particular item in because of the export performance of the firm concerned. This was machinery which could not be made in this country. If we can make machinery here we certainly do not want to spend dollars on importing it, but if we do import we want to make quite certain that the machinery will assist our exports.

Is it not a fact that the particular firm named in this Question —which the hon. Member extracted from me with some reluctance as a result of his lack of knowledge last week—is being financed by the Government to build British machines to undertake this work? Why is it that they are being given this amazing preference to buy competitive machines from America?

Neither of the firms referred to in these Questions was given these licences. The firm concerned is an entirely different one.

May I ask my hon. Friend two questions? First, are any of these fully-fashioned hosiery machines being made in this country and, second, how much public money has been put into the production of this type of machinery here, and with what retsult?

I must see that question in writing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations have been made to Her Majesty's Government by the United States Government on the recently announced increase in trade between the United Kingdom and China; and what reply has been made.

No such representations have been made.

Has the Minister seen some of the reports in the Press, only this morning, that the investigating committee under the chairmanship of Senator McCarthy is asking the British representatives whether the sodium content of the recently announced increased exports to China will be of value in munitions, and that our representatives have given the reply that there was no possibility of it being used in that way?

I have answered the Question on the Order Paper. I do not think that the supplementary question arises from it, but if the hon. Member will put down a Question I shall see if I can answer it.

Is the Minister aware that the investigating committee under Senator McCarthy have made very scathing comments about this recently announced increase? Will he undertake to give an equally scathing reply to this very stupid man?

I shall give no such undertaking at all on the lines of that supplementary question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in raising the age of retirement in the Civil Service and whether, with a view to encouraging similar action in public and private industry and commerce, he will publish the relevant facts in a White Paper.

The instructions issued to all Government Departments early last year to employ all fit and willing officers of all grades for as long as practicable are now in operation. The best methods of encouraging similar action elsewhere are among the matters being considered by the National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Older Men and Women which my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour has set up for this purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far, in deciding the suitability of civil servants to discharge their duties, he takes into account adverse information as to their private and domestic affairs.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the general practice in respect of letters addressed to any Government Department asking for information or conveying complaints concerning the private affairs of civil servants.

This is a matter for Departmental discretion, and it is not possible to give a reply in general terms since circumstances will vary from case to case. I can, however, say that it is not the normal practice of Departments to give information about the private affairs of civil servants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that Civil Service careers are not ruined by threats to disclose purely domestic affairs to Departmental chiefs? In this connection, is he aware that a threatening letter from the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) that was sent to a Treasury official was the subject of severe judicial criticism in the Divorce Court last Thursday? Is it in the public interest that any Member of Parliament should be able to persecute any civil servant in this odious and meddlesome way?

I do not underestimate the anxiety that has been created, but I have the greatest difficulty in controlling Government Departments, and I should find it quite impossible to control hon. Members.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman personally deprecate this attempt to investigate private affairs of individuals who are serving our country? Therefore, will he not at least give some indication to the various Departments that inquiries of this nature are reprehensible?

The answer to that is quite clear. In so far as Government Departments are concerned I should like to give the assurance I did in my original answer, that it is not the normal practice of Departments to give information about the private affairs of civil servants, and in so far as my influence goes, which, I hope, is not too small, I shall do my best to see that the hon. Member's apprehensions are fully understood in this matter.

On a point of order. The matter now being discussed affects the action of an hon. Member of this House. Should it not be addressed to you, Mr. Speaker, rather than to a Minister of the Crown?

In general, the proper course when one is attacking another hon. Member is to submit a Motion to me on the subject. It is rather awkward to have these things sprung at short notice.

I made no implication against any hon. Member of the House in the Question I put down.

Further to that point of order. I informed the hon. Member for Orpington of my intention to raise this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government of Burma has now arranged settlement of its debt to Britain of about £27 million.

No, Sir.

Do the Government of Burma admit the validity of this debt, and is the reason why they do not repay it because of financial difficulties in Burma?

I should not like to comment on the particular difficulties of the Burma Government. Conversations have taken place with the Burma Government. We are aware of the importance of the hon. Member's Question, and we are still awaiting an answer from the Burma Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of tobacco vouchers at present issued to old age pensioners per week.

About 2,200,000 old age pensioners at present receive tobacco tokens, one for each week.

In view of the fact that there are some four-and-a-half million old age pensioners, does not my right hon. Friend think that this system of tobacco vouchers is unfair to non-smokers and open to misuse?

I should not like to refer to misuse in the question of smoking. I would say, however, that if there were any further concession, I calculate that something to compensate might well cost as much as £16 million a year, which would be a very heavy liability at present.

Is it not possible to find some means of giving tobacco vouchers to those pensioners who are not receiving the national old age pension? Many of them are living at a very low standard and are placed in an unfavourable position.

I am aware of the difficulties, but the trouble is that when an attempt is made, as has been made in the past, to help those particular old age pensioners, it is difficult to extend it without getting into further difficulties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what approaches have been made to him by the London Transport Executive to have included within the scope of the Pensions Increase Acts the former tramway employees of the West Ham, Croydon, Walthamstow and London County Council Tramway Corporations; and what was the nature of his reply.

No such approach has been made.

Does the Chancellor not agree that it is rather unfair that a group of old people such as these, who have given good service, should be deprived of the benefits of the Pensions Increase Acts which are received by their colleagues, with whom they formerly worked? Is it not unfair that they should be deprived of the benefits because of an apparent reluctance on the part of the London Transport Executive to make an application to his Department? Will the Chancellor make an approach to the London Transport Executive to see whether he can initiate some discussions?

The difficulty is that under the Acts to which the hon. Member refers the Treasury Regulations can only empower pension authorities to pay pension increases and cannot force them to do so. I do not think that the present Government, any more than their predecessors, would feel it right to use force in these circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentle-aware that a few of these people, who were compulsorily transferred some years ago, cannot get the benefits of the Pensions Increase Acts, whereas their colleagues, who have remained in the council's service, are receiving pensions increases? Does he not think that at least he could ask the London Transport Executive to make an approach to his Department for the purpose of bringing them within the scope of these Acts? Could he not suggest that?

Our position is that we would await an approach. That is why I said, in my original answer, that no such approach had been made. If the answer to this Question has any such results, it may have the required effect. Perhaps the hon. Member might himself have some effect.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an approximate estimate of the loss in revenue in a full year consequent upon giving equity to the linen trade by raising the D level for all Class C materials to 50 per cent. higher than that for Class B materials.

If my hon. and gallant Friend is thinking of a change of the D level for linen articles including clothing, the cost would not exceed £500,000. But such a change would have consequences elsewhere, the effect of which I cannot estimate even approximately.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Report of the Purchase Tax (Valuation) Committee, of which Mr. Frederick Grant, Q.C., is chairman, is expected to be published.

This Report is being printed and published very shortly.

Could the Minister say whether the Government propose to accept the recommendations of the Report and whether legislation will be required?

This Government always follow the very enlightened procedure of first publishing a report, then obtaining the public reaction of democracy to the report, and then deciding on the action to be taken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in making his calculations regarding total expenditure in the year 1952–53, what was the figure he allowed as the total expenditure on food subsidies during that period.

The revised Estimate for the Ministry of Food for 1952–53 assumed £309 million as the amount of the food subsidies. Adjustments in the timing of the retail price increases are largely responsible for the difference between this latter estimate and the outturn.

Is the Chancellor aware that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Food has now been good enough to give me the simple and straightforward answer, which said that last year he spent £332 million on food subsidies? As the Chancellor plans to spend only £220 million this year, does not that show that he is saving £120 million this year on food subsidies?

The strange part about it is that I have exactly the same figure in my portfolios as that which the Minister of Food gave to the hon. Member, which is correct. The difficulty in which the hon. Member finds himself is this: he will remember that during last year we had to go down from a very much higher figure for food subsidies to the figure which I promised the House and the public, namely £250 million. We came down in due course to that figure. As I told the hon. Gentleman in a previous reply, the public benefited by the fact that the increases in the price of food were more dilatory than we had at first intended. There is no mystery about this whatever. The reduction this year is due to the new policy concerning cereals and eggs.

I am in no difficulty at all. The difficulty is experienced by the Chancellor in explaining to the public that his tax concessions have been financed wholly out of savings from food subsidies.

May we take it that the price increases which may still be expected will be limited to the £30 million, namely the difference between £250 million and £220 million?

The right hon. Gentleman can accept that the position is that which has already been stated—namely, that there were certain estimates and there was a certain out-turn, and certain figures were given by me in my Budget statement; and, as far as we can see, that remains the position.

I am asking whether from now onwards we may expect price increases amounting to £30 million because of the difference between the present reduced subsidy of £250 million and the future reduced subsidy of £220 million?

That would be misleading because the policy of freeing cereals and eggs has already been adopted and does not look into the future. The figure I have given for the coming year is £220 million, or £221 million; and the round figure is £220 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to an official announcement by the Prime Minister of New Zealand that the recent Commonwealth Conference agreed to ask the United States of America virtually to guarantee sterling, so that partial convertibility would follow; and whether he has any statement to make.

Yes, Sir. I have seen reports of a statement by the Prime Minister of New Zealand. I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 17th March, namely, that there are essential pre-requisites to a convertibility operation—the adoption by all concerned of adequate internal and good creditor policies and the assurance of sufficient support.

Is it not very unsatisfactory that in a matter of this importance we should still have to rely for our knowledge of Government policy on Press reports from the other end of the world? Can the Chancellor at least confirm or deny the report that the American authorities have now reported unfavourably on his proposals?

I do not think anything is quite as simple as the right hon. Gentleman feels. The American authorities are giving close attention to all that we put before them. In certain respects there have been difficulties and obstacles, which have already been mentioned by Her Majesty's Ministers before the House. In other respects I think there is likely to be progress, but I do not think the situation is as simple as the right hon. Gentleman imagines. Secondly, if he wishes to take Her Majesty's Government's policy he should address himself to Her Majesty's Government's Ministers.

Will the Chancellor not tell us precisely what this plan for partial convertibility was? Is it not most unsatisfactory that we should only hear bits and pieces of it from other Commonwealth Ministers?

The right hon. Gentleman might find it difficult to understand, but I made a statement on 17th March which exactly represents our attitude towards the possibility of convertibility—namely, that first of all this country and other countries concerned have to adopt a right internal policy; secondly, that certain countries, including the United States, should adopt good creditor policies which improve the opportunity of trading with them; and thirdly, if there is to be such an operation, there should be adequate support. Not all of those conditions have yet been fulfilled.

They are too vague.

The right hon. Gentleman said there was some progress. Could he at least enlighten us by telling us what that progress is?

The progress is that the situation internally of the United Kingdom economy is very much improved on the situation when right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite were in charge. Inflation has been conquered and the general level of public expenditure has been tackled. Confidence in sterling and the internal policy is very much greater.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what gaseous elements in fog, besides sulphur dioxide, for example, nitric oxide, are analysed as a matter of routine in London.

Sulphur gases are measured at a number of London stations as a matter of routine; other gaseous elements are, in comparison, very small, and to measure them would be difficult and expensive.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what reduction in the current county borough of West Ham rates it is estimated would follow a complete repeal of the Derating Act.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what reduction in the current Dagenham rates it is estimated would follow a complete repeal of the Derating Act.

It would be quite impossible to make estimates of this kind in respect of particular local areas. In any event, I have no figures of what would be the effect of agricultural land ceasing to be derated. Nor could I estimate the effect on the system of equalisation grants.

In view of the fact that there is no agricultural land in West Ham, will the right hon. Gentleman try to get these figures, because I believe that if he makes an investigation he will find it is possible? If I put another Question down so far as West Ham is concerned, will he try to answer it, because I can assure him there is no agricultural land there?

I was answering two Questions together, and one of them did include agricultural land. I still say it is quite impossible to get these figures accurately, nor could I estimate the effect on the Equalisation Grant Department, but I will do my best to answer another Question if the hon. Gentleman puts it down.

If the right hon. Gentleman made application to the borough treasurer surely it would be possible for him, in conjunction with the Treasury and the local authority, to get the information?

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the Ridgeway Park Cemetery, Eastville, Bristol, which was the property of a limited company, now dissolved, is in a mouldering condition with no one responsible for its upkeep; and, in view of the distress caused to those with relatives buried there, what action he is taking to deal with the problem.

This cemetery presents a difficult and intriguing problem. I am considering how it may be resolved. If the hon. Gentleman would get into touch with me I would be glad to explain to him, so far as I can, the somewhat macabre situation.

While thanking the Minister for that reply—and I shall be glad to contact him on this "mouldering" question—may I ask him if he agrees that it is wrong for a limited company to pass on its liabilities as a burden to the local community after it has made a profit out of the cemetery?

This is a very extraordinary case. This cemetery did belong to a limited company, which is now dissolved. It then vested in the Crown under the Companies Act, 1948, as bona vacantia, but the Crown then disclaimed title, and the cemetery, therefore, belongs to nobody and nobody is responsible for its maintenance. It is a somewhat obscure problem which I am now trying to resolve.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the continuous neglect of this cemetery is bound to have a detrimental effect on the health of the people in the neighbourhood? Would he take it up with the Minister of Health to see what can be done?

I should like to take possession of it, and would do all I could, but it is a very curious and almost unique case. We are doing all we can.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is now able to announce a decision on future housing sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme so as to avert a breakdown in the house-building programme.

I cannot yet add anything to the reply which was given to the hon. Member on 28th April.

Does the Minister realise the extreme urgency of the decision? Does he appreciate that every week lost now in the preparation of housing sites means an inevitable drop in the housing programme of Newcastle-under-Lyme next year, because we simply have no sites, and have no housing sites for 1954 at all, and unless the Minister will give his approval to take over the sites for which Newcastle-under-Lyme has made application it is inevitable that the Newcastle-under-Lyme Council's plan to build more houses next year, because of the shortage of land, will be unable to be fulfilled?

Of course I appreciate this. I think the hon. Gentleman knows that I have a certain bias towards the building of houses, but I also have carefully to consider the effect of taking agricultural land, and I try to get all these matters settled with the Minister of Agriculture. It is very important that this procedure of give and take and joint settlement should continue.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that many rural district councils are using the agricultural works rent subsidy for purposes other than the benefit of tenants who are agricultural workers; and if he will take steps to prevent such misuses of the subsidy.

The agricultural subsidy referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is intended for small groups of houses in difficult and isolated sites. It is intended to prevent an undue rise in the rent owing to these special difficulties. I am sending him a copy of a circular in which these subsidy provisions are explained. If the circular does not meet the point he has in mind perhaps he will let me have particulars.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a strong feeling in East Anglia that the amount of subsidy for agricultural workers is rather diminishing today and is being spread over other people? They are losing something they previously had.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one local authority is promulgating this particular policy on the ground that the agricultural statutory wage is now more or less the same as the industrial wage, which is not correct? Will he look into it?

I will send a copy of this circular to the hon. Gentleman. Perhaps we could have a word about it together.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the prolonged absence of agreement between the Union of South Africa and the Ad Hoc Committee of the United Nations about South-West Africa, he will raise the matter at the forthcoming Prime Ministers' Conference.

Discussions with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers are, in accordance with well recognised custom, confidential. I am not prepared to commit myself on what particular subject I may or may not discuss with my fellow Commonwealth Prime Ministers during their visit. It is, however, well recognised that at Commonwealth meetings we do not intervene in matters which are primarily the concern of one individual country. Nevertheless, it is not possible to argue that South-West Africa is simply a matter of domestic concern to the Union Government. This Government and their predecessors have accepted an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice formally recognising that the United Nations have a direct and legitimate concern in the destiny of this former mandated territory. I do not think I want to say anything more upon the subject, and I do not commit myself at all in any way to any discussions which may or may not be raised.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the United Kingdom is not a member of the committee of the United Nations which negotiates this matter, the reason for which one has always presumed was that we thought it more useful to exercise our influence through our Commonwealth connections; and if he is now telling us that he does not feel he can on an occasion like this see any reason for using Commonwealth connections for the purpose, will he consider whether perhaps the United Kingdom ought to be a member of this United Nations committee, as it is a matter of very great importance to the Commonwealth, and as the Commonwealth cannot wash its hands of it?

I will certainly give important consideration to what the right hon. Gentleman has said.

asked the Minister of Works when he expects to be able to return 4, Cornwall Terrace, to its owner who is desirous of living in the house.

This house is one of a block occupied by the Monopolies Commission. It can be released from requisition only when the Commission can be found other offices. This may not be for some little time, and I regret that at present I am unable to give any date.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that that is a very unsatisfactory reply which tells me no more than I knew a few weeks ago? Surely a British subject living in the days of a Conservative Government is entitled to have his home returned to him.

My hon. and gallant Friend will know that we are steadily de-requisitioning properties, but I can only do it when I can find alternative accommodation for the Government servants who have been in them. The lessee of this particular house was offered another property but did not take it.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the property offered was a much bigger house and was quite unworkable; and will he look at this again and try to see whether he can give a firm date when the house can be returned?

I will look at it again, but I cannot promise anything.

asked the Minister of Works how much money was spent on 4, Cornwall Terrace to make it habitable when taken over by his Department, with the exception of main central heating for the building and a through corridor to adjoining houses.

Four thousand seven huD-dred and thirteen pounds.

Will my right hon. Friend have a real search into the accountancy of the Monopolies Commission and his own Department? My information is that the figure is more like £1,000. Will he look into the figures again?

As the replies to both this Question and Question No. 46 were most unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I shall raise these matters on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Works if he will erect a temporary fence around the Scotland Green site, Tottenham.

Yes, Sir. It is intended to enclose this site by a hoarding on the High Road frontage and by chain link fencing along the Scotland Green frontage.

asked the Minister of Works why the Post Office building in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, cannot be decorated for the Coronation; and whether he will issue instructions that flags and bunting may be used on this occasion.

The Government have decided to concentrate their expenditure on decorations on the route of the Coronation Procession where decorations will be seen to the best advantage. Outside London there will be some decoration of the more important Government buildings in connection with Her Majesty's visits, but I regret that the money available will not allow all Government buildings to be decorated even where local schemes of decoration have been arranged, such as at Cinderford.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of cement and bricks in the Bristol area; what is the cause of this shortage; and what steps he is taking to deal with the position and to provide a continuity of supplies for building purposes.

I have had inquiries made in the Bristol area, and I can find no evidence that building work is being held up by shortage of either bricks or cement. If the hon. Member will let me know the source of his information, I will have further inquiries made.

Is the Minister aware that my information is that there is a shortage, and the danger of a shortage in the future; and is he further aware that Bristol has a good housebuilding record up to the present time, and that if this shortage continues this good record will be lost?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of sites where materials are in short supply I will look into it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made of the distributors in the Bristol area? If he does I am sure he will be advised that the position now is more acute than at any time since the war.

I have made inquiries in the region and I have so far not got any information that there is an acute shortage. When I have that I will take action.

asked the Minister of Labour to state to the latest convenient date how many men and women, respectively, in Aberdeen are unemployed; in which trades; and how these figures compare with unemployment in the same trades in Aberdeen during each of the last five years.

I am having the available information extracted and will write to the hon. and learned Member.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that normally his figures do not snow the real state of unemployment, because there are many skilled workers who cannot find employment in their own trades who have to go into other trades and would he include those figures?

We are doing our best to give the hon. and learned Gentleman a very detailed set of figures. If he does not receive what he wants in them and gets in touch with me, I will try to get him some more if I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 677 houses built by private builders in Scotland in 1952 for letting were let in pursuance of a contract of service.

It is known that 142 of these houses were occupied by agricultural workers under contracts of service. No information is available about the letting of the remainder.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many science and technological graduates and persons of approximate standing qualify in Scotland per head of the Scottish population each year; and what is the number of vacancies filled in Scotland for persons with such qualifications.

The number who qualified in Scotland in the academic year 1951–52 is estimated to be one in about 2,500 of the population. It has been found by various committees which, since the war, have inquired into questions of scientific and technical manpower that information of the type asked for in the second part of the Question cannot be obtained with any accuracy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is generally conceded that there is still a reluctance on the part of Scottish industrialists to make the best use of scientific and technological graduates coming from these institutions; and would he do his best to encourage more use of them in Scotland for the future of Scottish industry?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that any such tendency would be very regrettable. I will certainly encourage what he asks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland, as in England and Wales, there is a considerable danger of a drying up of the supply of these people altogether because the sources are not being fed with enough science teachers?

It is very important that we should encourage this type of education, and I will certainly do all I can in that direction.

In view of the fact that Scottish enterprise in production is as fine as anything in the world, is that not a contradiction of the suggestion of the right hon. Member for East Stirling (Mr. Woodburn) that they are not making full use of technical and other expert opinion?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what negotiations are now being conducted for increasing the sale of herring to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make an announcement regarding the negotiations for the sale of cured herring to the Soviet Government.