asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to make a statement on the appointment he has made to fill the vacancy on the Kent Rent Tribunal, giving details of the experience of the new member in tribunal work.

I made the appointment which I considered the most suitable, taking into account all revelant experience and qualifications.

Is the Minister aware of the resentment which is felt at the fact that a retired civil servant without experience of tribunal work has been appointed? How does the right hon. Gentleman explain this away in view of his own letter of 27th February this year asking that more work should be given to reserve members? Why then was not a reserve member with experience appointed to this job?

I appointed this gentleman to the job because I thought he was the best man to do it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will take to encourage local authorities to provide sites for new houses by demolition of old properties; and what steps he will take to compensate such authorities for the extra expenditure so incurred.

As my hon. Friend will be aware, local authorities have powers of clearance under the Housing Acts. As to encouraging them to use those powers, I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. Member for Clapham (Mr. Gibson) on 28th April.

Does the Minister agree that many local authorities appreciate the desirability of this course, but they are somewhat held back by the question of extra expense?

I hope to be able to produce some plan with regard to this problem at a later date.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has now been able to formulate plans for the resumption of a slum clearance campaign; and whether he will convene a conference of local authorities to discuss the whole matter.

I cannot yet add anything to the reply given on 28th April to the hon. Member for Clapham (Mr. Gibson).

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what results were obtained at the conference called by his regional officer in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 22nd May on land for housing; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that as a result of the conference the borough council will be putting in a revised application.

While thanking the Minister for arranging the conference, which it seems may well produce some temporary easement of the situation, may I ask him whether he will instruct his officers to keep a continuous watch on the problem of housing site shortage in the county area of North Staffordshire, because the problem is likely to persist?

Yes, Sir. I have quite an interest in trying to make sites available for housing.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is now in a position to raise the limit of 1.000 square feet over which special licences have to be granted for those wishing to build houses.

The present arrangements only began on 1st January and I think it would be wise to see how they work out before deciding whether any change is needed.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that any modest increase which he either authorised or encouraged, so far as it led to people building their own houses, would be a good general contribution to the well being of all who want houses?

Yes, Sir, but I have confidence that the local authorities will operate this scheme in a sensible way. For instance, in the first quarter of this year 65 per cent. of the licences issued were for houses up to 1,000 square feet and 35 per cent. for houses between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the estimated gross cost per house, including land and connection to main sewers and water and light and power services, of the houses now being built in the county borough of Oldham; and whether he will state the detailed method of financing these houses, showing the respective burdens upon national and local expenditure.

I am not responsible for the detailed financial arrangements of individual local authorities; the standard annual subsidies per house are £26 14s. from the Exchequer and not less than £8 18s. from the local rates. For general information about the cost of house-building, I would refer the hon. Member to the Reports of the Girdwood Committee.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of house building has been going up continually since he took office and has now reached an unprecedentedly high figure, that in Oldham the size of houses has gone down as the prices have gone up, and that the burden now being placed upon the community is a very serious one indeed? Does he not propose to do anything about it?

The hon. Gentleman has made a speech. He has not asked a question. It would take a long time to reply to it in detail.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what report has been submitted by the official of his Department who has investigated the dispersal over a wide area of dust from the cement works at Padeswood.

My inspector last visited these works on the 5th March. His report indicated that effective steps were being taken to control emissions of dust, and that there was little cause for complaint.

As there have been widespread emissions of dust from the factory, can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that new mechanical methods have been adopted within the last few months?

These premises are fitted with electrical precipitators, but I will certainly send the inspector again if the hon. Lady thinks that it would be useful to do so.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the organisation and expenditure of local government in the Principality of Wales and Monmouthshire and to advise him on matters which may require different solutions than those appropriate in other parts of the United Kingdom.

These complicated problems are in the main common to both England and Wales and I do not think that it is necessary to appoint a committee such as is proposed by my hon. Friend.

Has my right hon. Friend noted the peculiarly small income from a 1d. rate in many of the Welsh counties? Will he examine that aspect of the problem?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the public apprehension caused by the proposal to erect an office block of 14 storeys to a height of almost 170 feet, near the east end of St. Paul's Cathedral; and whether he will make a statement.

I believe that the building which my hon. Friend has in mind is Bucklersbury House, about a quarter of a mile to the east of St. Paul's. Decision on the plans of new buildings is, in general, a matter for the local planning authority, and there is appeal to me only if approval is withheld. I understand that, after consultation with the Royal Fine Art Commission, the City Corporation have given planning permission for this project, and the plans do not, therefore, have to be referred to me.

May I ask my right hon. Friend two questions? First, is he aware that this building is to be nearly 20 feet higher than Queen Anne's Mansions and that it will be in the centre of the City which will, therefore, be dominated by it instead of, as at present, by St. Paul's. Is not that the most lamentable proposal? Secondly, is my right hon. Friend aware that the Royal Fine Art Commission has expressed disapproval of the scheme?

My information is that the Royal Fine Art Commission was consulted and did not disapprove, but I will look further into that. I must point out to my hon. Friend and to the House that it is not my duty. If a local planning authority prevents such an action and somebody appeals, then I have the right to grant the appeal. It is not my duty to go about stopping people.

Is not the Minister aware that any site within a quarter of a mile of St. Paul's Cathedral is of national interest? Even if he has no statutory powers cannot the Minister use his undoubtedly very great influence in this matter?

Yes, I will do that.

Is not it a matter for gratification that out of the troubles of the war at least one thing good has happened, and that is that St. Paul's Cathedral can now be seen? Should we not take every step to see that it is not hidden again like it used to be?

asked the Minister of Works whether he will consider the possibility of making Westminster Hall available more frequently for the holding of midday concerts, in view of the success of that held on 14th May.

Whenever the proposal is suitable and compatible with other activities in the Palace of Westminster I am always ready to consider applications for the use of Westminster Hall, in consultation, when necessary, with the other authorities responsible for the Palace. But I believe it to be the general view that permission to use Westminster Hall should only be given sparingly and on very important occasions.

While congratulating the right hon. Gentleman on a distinction which I think everybody feels to be well earned, may I ask him whether he is aware that the country will feel that it is doubly well earned if he takes every opportunity in suitable cases to introduce gaiety or colour into our everyday lives?

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind remarks. I would draw his attention to the fact that Westminster Hall is part of a royal palace which is used, for example, for the Lying-in-State of the Sovereigns of England. I do not think that we should turn it into a place of frequent entertainment.

If choirs such as those which have sung there once or twice were to do so, say on the first Monday of every month, they would give great spiritual refreshment to very large numbers of hard-pressed people. Cannot we tackle the traditionally minded folk who feel that this enjoyment should be withheld when it could so easily be given?

I am most anxious to get the feeling of the House on the matter. It would be a great departure to use Westminster Hall for entertainment.

asked the Minister of Works to make a statement giving the names, and the organisations they represent, of those appointed to the Committee to inquire into the method of tendering for contracts by building firms.

As I stated on 27th January in reply to the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. King), this review of tendering and contracting procedure has been undertaken by the industry itself, under the leadership of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and I am not responsible for the appointments. The Committee of Review initially consisted of representatives of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the National Federation of Building Trades Employers. I will circulate the names of the representatives in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is not there a place on this body for trade union representatives, because it seems as if all the vested interests are represented? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that suggestion?

The matter under discussion is how to get prices for work: it is not how to manage contracts. As I have said before, the appointments are not my concern. I think that it was open to the trade unions to ask for membership. My information is that they did not do so.

asked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to expedite the building of the Scottish National Library.

Special steps were taken two years ago to make better progress on the new National Library of Scotland building, when the contractors agreed to employ additional labour. The position at present is regarded as satisfactory by the Trustees of the National Library. I will keep the progress of this building under review.

In keeping the matter under review, will the right hon. Gentleman remember that this work was started in pre-war days, and that any further delay would be regarded very unfavourably by the people of Scotland?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Works how many building projects costing more than £50,000 have been licensed to commence in the last 12 months; and whether he will show separately the private and those on public account.

This information is not readily available, and I do not think that the work involved in obtaining it would be justified.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the refusal to sanction a project, details of which have been sent to him by myself, is seriously impeding a trade union organisation from improving its property in conformity with its extended activities?

I am always ready to look into any special case, and, if the hon. Member will talk to me about it, I will see what can be done.

asked the Minister of Works whether uninhabited as well as inhabited houses of outstanding historic or architectural merit will qualify for repair and maintenance grants under his latest proposals.

Yes, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend say when he proposes to introduce the Bill to give effect to this proposal?

No, Sir; I cannot at present.

asked the Minister of Works how many houses of outstanding historic or architectural merit in Scotland he estimates will qualify for repair and maintenance grants under his latest proposals.

It is not possible at this stage to say how many buildings of outstanding historic or architectural merit in Scotland will qualify for repairs and maintenance grants. Each case will have to be considered on its merits.

Will my right hon. Friend make some inquiries before the Bill is introduced in order to see that an adequate share of the very small sum of money which is available is given to Scotland?

My impression is that Scotland always has an adequate share.

If the Minister does not know how many houses are involved, how can he arrive at the amount to be paid out?

I was very grateful to receive the sum which the Chancellor of the Exchequer was willing to give me.

asked the Minister of Works whether ancient monuments not regarded by him as important enough for maintenance by him, but of outstanding historic or architectural merit, will qualify for repair and maintenance grants under his latest proposals.

No, Sir. The object of new proposals is to secure the preservation of buildings, and primarily of houses, of outstanding historic or architectural merit. My Ministry will continue to administer the Ancient Monuments Acts with the monies separately voted by Parliament.

Is not the Minister aware that there are some constructions, such as bridges, which are of historic importance, and which, though listed as ancient monuments, are not maintained as such? Would they be covered?

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise the limitations of the £250,000 a year. We must do the best we can with it, and I should think it would be the view of the House that houses should come first.

Will the Minister bear in mind, when considering the matter, the importance in Scotland of groups of quite small houses, none of which may be individually important, but which, taken together, are of great interest?

I am certain that the Advisory Council for Scotland will bring just that kind of thing to my attention.

In order to satisfy this disquiet in Scotland, would my right hon. Friend make sure that no less than the Goschen formula of eleven-eightieths will come to Scotland?

I am not very sure of my arithmetic, but, no doubt, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will look after that.

asked the Minister of Works why no seats to view the Coronation procession were made available for Mr. and Mrs. James Wood-bridge, whose son, Flight Sergeant Stanley Woodbridge, was posthumously awarded the George Cross after being tortured and killed by the Japanese.

The facilities reserved for holders of the Victoria Cross, the George Cross, the Albert Medal in Gold and the Edward Medal in Silver consisted of free chairs on pavements outside Buckingham Palace. Each living holder of these decorations who applied was given a chair for himself and one for a relative or friend. Lack of space made it impossible to give chairs to the relatives of those who were posthumously awarded these decorations, or died since the award.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many seats would have been involved if this rather generous gesture had been made? Does not he think that it is regrettable that a jarring note was introduced by the fact that seats for Mr. and Mrs. Woodbridge had to be provided by a Sunday newspaper when representatives of Japan were in the Abbey itself?

I appreciate the point. We did make available 686 chairs against only 14 in 1937. It was very difficult to know where to distinguish between one class and another.

asked the Minister of Works if, having regard to the visit to London on 5th July of large numbers of ex-Service men and their wives on the occasion of the Royal Review by Her Majesty the Queen, he will arrange for the Coronation decorations to remain until at least this date so that as many as possible may see them.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will reconsider his decision to remove the Coronation decorations on 22nd June next, in view of the increase in the number of visitors.

Certain minor decorations obstruct the light and air in offices in Whitehall. These will be taken down as soon as possible. Arrangements have been made to begin the removal of the main decorations on 22nd June. I will, however, reconsider this date in 10 days' time when the wear and tear can be seen. In any case, the arches and standards in the Mall and the poles in Hyde Park will be the last to go. Some of the stands in Hyde Park will be kept for the ex-Service men's Review on 5th July.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these people have written to me saying that they cannot afford to come to London twice, and, as they are coming at this relatively early date, will he do his very best to show them as much as possible?

Yes, Sir; I will, but I do not wish to show them shabby decorations, and I have no money for the replacement of either the decorations or the flowers.

Is the Minister aware that, with reasonable weather, the more durable decorations in the Mall, Whitehall and elsewhere will still be worth seeing even in July, and that there is a vast popular desire to have a look at these decorations which cannot possibly be satisfied within the next two weeks?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman seems optimistic about the weather, but I can assure him that the Ministry of Works has often been disappointed.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that concern is being felt among already hard-hit seaside resorts that, if his excellent decorations in the capital are left up too long, they may adversely affect the number of visitors to those resorts?

May I ask the Minister not to be advised by the hon. and gallant Member for King's Lynn (Commander Scott-Miller)? Will he remember that this is a unique occasion in the history of London and that there are many people in the provinces who want to come to London to see the decorations?

Yes, Sir; I have that in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour the increases in the prices of foodstuffs that caused a rise of one point in the cost-of-living index announced on 19th May.

The rise of one point in the Retail Prices Index between 17th March and 14th April was due to increases in local rates as well as to increases in the prices of certain foodstuffs. The principal changes in food prices were increases of about 9 per cent. for vegetables, 7 per cent. for fruit, 7 per cent. for fish, 16 per cent. for flour and between 4 and 5 per cent. for tea.

Is the Minister aware that, in an answer to a Question which I put to his colleague the Minister of Food, I was told that there has been no increase in the cheaper blends of tea? Why, then, has an increase in the price of tea been taken into account in the Cost-of-Living Index?

So far as the Cost-of-Living Index is concerned, I am concerned with getting the facts, and the facts are as I have given them. So far as the causes which give rise to these increases are concerned, I am happy to think that my interest is not matched by my responsibility.

Would the Minister of Labour agree that this is a satisfactory position, because, in 1952. the Retail Prices Index went up only 4½ per cent., whereas, under the previous Government in 1951. it went up by 13 per cent.?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will suspend the call-up of Mr. J. M. Thomas, No. W.M.S. 900/1953, of Cwmtydu Farm, in view of the need to retain him as a worker in an isolated farm; and why he has advised that workers from Shropshire should undertake the tractor work on this undermanned farm.

After careful consideration of all the circumstances of this difficult case, I agree with the hon. Member that the farmer could not reasonably be expected to revert to the arrangement under which the tractor work on this farm was carried out by workers sent from his other farm in Shropshire. In the light of this and other considerations, it has been decided to grant deferment.

I am very much obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the decision of the National Service Deferment Board to reject the application made on behalf of Mr. I. G. James, Breconshire, No. W.M.S. 830/ 1952, for the renewal of deferment on the grounds of the farm being an isolated hill farm with a hill farming scheme under the Acts; whether he is aware that there is no other labour employed on the farm; what steps he is taking to get a skilled substitute worker to take the place of Mr. James and find accommodation for such a worker; and whether he will suspend the call-up until such time as arrangements can be made for the sale of the farm and stock.

Yes, Sir. This application for extension of deferment has been considered by the Agricultural Advisory Panel three times since last November, and the panel, which had all the relevant facts before it, has unanimously recommended that further deferment would not be justified. This recommendation was accepted by the National Service Deferment Board, and I can see no grounds for disagreeing with it. I understand that no request has been received by my Department from the employer for assistance in finding a substitute worker, but I would point out that the view taken by the Advisory Panel is that the work of the farm could be carried on with the help of other members of the family.

In regard to the last part of the Question, it is still open to Mr. James to exercise his right to apply for postponement on the grounds of exceptional hardship and, until his application had been determined by the statutory authorities, he would not, of course, be called up.

Will the Minister kindly inquire into this case and come to the same conclusion as he did in the previous one, because this is an isolated farm in an isolated part of Wales, and there is no one left to carry on the work of the farm? Will he also inquire why the Advisory Panel takes into consideration matters beyond the functions of an Advisory Panel?

As for the last part of the supplementary question, I can only say that the inquiries I have made show that this Advisory Panel recommends a great many more deferments than it does to the contrary. I am sorry that the hon. Member is not satisfied with the partial success which he has already achieved.

To indicate my dissatisfaction, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment as soon as I possibly can.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the study being undertaken on his behalf by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine into the results of medical examinations of men called up for National Service.

The inquiry, to which the hon. Member presumably refers, was a statistical survey of some aspects of the medical conditions of a limited number of men medically examined for National Service. My Department made available some data, but the inquiry was not made on my behalf, nor have I any responsibility for its conclusions.

Is it not a fact that the inquiry has been widened, and will the right hon. and learned Gentleman, who has been approached by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, give full consideration to such an inquiry because this is one of the rare occasions on which the full data of the nation's health can be collected?

As the hon. Gentleman probably knows, this was a pilot inquiry and dealt with one medical board and one place only, and one of the consequences was that a wider inquiry was thought necessary. If that goes forward, we shall provide them with data as before.

In view of the importance of this matter, will the Minister consider instituting a fuller inquiry by his own Department?

When I see an inquiry competently conducted going forward outside, I am not inclined to intervene unless I think there is something wrong with it.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now able to make a statement regarding the appointment of a placements officer for blind persons in Scotland.

The inquiries to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 23rd April involve reference to local authorities and others, and will take some time to complete.

Is the Minister aware that this was the answer given to me by the Scottish Office in September of last year, when I was told that the Scottish Office and the Ministry of Labour were collating this information? Can the Minister give a good reason for all the delay which has taken place since then?

Yes, Sir. So far as the Ministry of Labour is concerned, as the hon. Member knows, a conference took place on 14th April. At that conference it was decided to make inquiries because local authorities under the relevant legislation have themselves produced schemes which make them in part responsible for the placement of the blind, and they, in conjunction with others interested, thought inquiries ought to be made. We have not a large staff to do it; it is going ahead, but I cannot say that anything before 14th April is my fault.

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the findings of that conference only repeated the decision recommended by the working party in February of last year? It does not seem to me to be a very good reason —and I am sure it does not to the Minister—why the blind people in Scotland have been denied the services of a placements officer when they are already employed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

On 14th April it was decided by the local authorities and those present that further inquiries ought to be made. These inquiries are being made, and if they result in a request for a placements officer I will do my best to supply one.

asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has made to the Trades Union Congress or to individual trade unions and to individual employers in cases where strikes have arisen or have been threatened because individual workmen have worked with exceptional energy and zeal; and if he will make a statement.

None, Sir. There have been very few instances in recent years where it has been alleged that strikes have taken place or been threatened for the reason stated in the Question.

While appreciating that this is a delicate problem, may I ask if my right hon. and learned Friend does not agree that tendencies of this kind, one or two of which have been recently reported, may be very injurious to the national interest?

One is always anxious to see tendencies of the kind suggested in the Question avoided, but it is not easy to say whether an allegation of that sort is proved or not. There has been only one case since I have been Minister of Labour, and I have not found it necessary to take any steps in this direction.

Would not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that he has had the utmost co-operation from the trade union movement generally during his term of office?

Yes, and, if I may add, from the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Labour what proposals for providing employment for unemployed workers on Merseyside are to be put into operation arising from the recent visit of his Parliamentary Secretary to this district.

The efforts which are made to increase employment opportunities in the Merseyside Development Area are continuous. The recent meeting of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary with the Merseyside local employment committees has enabled us to profit by their members' valuable local knowledge, and various possibilities suggested are now under consideration.

Is the Minister aware that his answer will not give very great satisfaction to the 26,000 people on Merseyside? Is he further aware that one of the urgent needs, particularly in Birken-head, is for modern factory premises, and that that request was urged upon his Parliamentary Secretary who, I understood, was to let us know the decision? Could the Minister tell us?

Yes, Sir. In answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I am happy to assure him that the figures are now reduced to 24,500. In answer to the second part of his question, that was the first of the suggestions which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary put forward to the Departments concerned for consideration, namely, the provision of a communal factory at Birkenhead to accommodate small firms.

Thank you.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has any further information relating to the points outstanding in the dispute of D. C. Thomson; and if he will make a statement.

The House will recall that, following the dispute last year, there remained outstanding the question of reinstatement of the men who had been on strike.

After the settlement of the main issue of principle when the firm ceased to insist on their employees giving an undertaking not to belong to a trade union, it was my hope that conditions would be created in which a mutually acceptable solution of the outstanding question might be reached. I was much encouraged in this by the action taken by the unions in lifting the ban which had been imposed on the firm's supplies and distribution. In the light of this action, I again expressed to the firm my hope that a way could be found to remove the remaining difficulty and offered the assistance of my Department to that end, but I was informed that their board remained absolutely definite in their view that none of the men concerned could be re-engaged. It was a matter of great regret to me that the decision of the firm made it impossible to explore further any means of arriving at an agreed settlement of the remaining issue.

I understand that of the 78 men originally concerned, four are no longer available for employment in the printing industry and the remaining 74 are in work of a temporary character.

First let me express my thanks to the right hon. and learned Gentleman. I appreciate the very full answer he has given, but there are one or two points about which I should like to question him if I may.

Is he aware that the ban on handling the firm's goods was lifted after conversations that created the understanding that to do so would lead to the return to work of some of the men concerned? Further to that, since that has taken place, the firm have completed their staffing. They have engaged a number of other men, and not one of the men previously employed has been re-engaged. Finally, can the Minister say if at any time the firm have applied to the local employment exchange for men to fill the vacancies?

In answer to the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, he will have seen from my answer that I did what I could to make further approaches to the firm when it became possible to do so, but they were fruitless. In regard to the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's question about the replacement of the men, it is true that further men have been taken on. They have been nominated—the right hon. Gentleman will know how that works under the Notification of Vacancies Order —but it was made clear to us that it was no good our putting forward people who had been employed there before.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that of the 74 men who were out, most of whom are in temporary employment, 17 or 18 of them have had to leave their home town in Scotland to find employment elsewhere? It seems as if the firm have not quite played the game in haying got the ban lifted and then punishing the men for joining the union which the firm now say they had no right to do.

So far as the attitude of the firm is concerned, I did my best to persuade them to take a different line, but, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is not within my power to do more than attempt to persuade in the matter. I can neither direct men nor employers in this case, and I am not asking for powers to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage of unemployment amongst tally clerks in the London docks for the most recent four months for which figures are available.

In the four months ended 30th May, 1953, the average daily surplus was 81 per cent. of the total number of tally clerks on the London Register.

Will the Minister watch the changing situation carefully, particularly in so far as alleged temporary shortages are offered as a ground for further recruitment? Would he or somebody else on his behalf inquire particularly as to whether the alleged shortages are not being aggravated, or even caused, by the curious habit of representatives of firms in the docks keeping men on pay even when they have no work for them to do?

As to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I am sure he knows that happens not only in this part of the labour field. As to the first part of his question, I am constantly watching the changes and during the three weeks ended 6th June last the percentage of men surplus to requirement dropped to 1·7 per cent. and in the last week of all there is practically no surplus at all. Nevertheless, I have to be careful to see that one is not misled by temporary changes either way.

Would not the position have been much better if the labour force had been fully employed, as it could be if there were discussions between the owners and representatives of the men in order to secure the better use of the men, before agreeing to further recruitment?

I shall continue to do what I can to ensure that such discussions take place.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the strong local feeling existing on the question, he will reconsider his decision to acquire Penninghame House, Wigtownshire, for use as an open prison.

No, Sir. This property has already been acquired for use as an open prison. I can assure my hon. Friend that I gave most careful consideration to the representations made by the local authorities and others concerned before I authorised the purchase.

While regretting the decision of the Secretary of State, a regret which I know is shared by many people in Southern Scotland, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will repeat the assurance which he gave to a delegation of Wigtownshire and Kirkcudbrightshire County Councils which visited him at St. Andrew's House recently, to the effect that no prisoner would be allowed out of this institution without an escort? The reason I do so is that representatives of the Scottish Office who visited the locality before Easter gave local authorities a different impression.

I assure my hon. Friend that prisoners working in the district outside the open prison will be escorted to and from their work, in the same way as in a number of cases elsewhere at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most people with humanitarian and social views regard it as a step forward that some useful purpose will be served by the labour of these men, instead of having the men shut up in boxes and being perfectly useless?

I assure the right hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend that these men are only first offenders. They are very carefully selected and are nearing the end of their term of imprisonment when they would in normal circumstances become free citizens in any event.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons that five farms, with approximately 300 dairy cattle, at Guiltreehill, Farden-william, Ballycoach, Carrington and Commonhead, in the Maybole district of South Ayrshire, have an insufficient water supply; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter.

These are private water supplies and the question of sufficiency is primarily one for the owners or occupiers. The County Council, propose, however, to introduce a public water supply for the area and I am prepared to authorise a start with the work as soon as the necessary pipes can be obtained.

Does this answer mean that there will be no economy coming into consideration of the matter?

The maintenance of an efficient supply is necessary and we shall do our best to provide it as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint a secretary from the Scottish Health Department as an additional secretary to the Committee of Inquiry into the National Health Service under the chairmanship of Mr. Guillebaud.

An experienced officer of the Department of Health for Scotland is being specially appointed to the secretariat of the committee to assist on matters specially affecting Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will specify precisely the nature and scope of the inquiries into Scottish conditions which are to be undertaken by the new Committee of Inquiry which has been set up to investigate the National Health Service; and what steps he intends to take to protect the interests of the Scottish people in this matter.

It is for the Committee themselves to decide, having regard to their terms of reference, the nature and scope of their review of the National Health Service in Scotland. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the Committee have invited memoranda from Scottish bodies and intend to hear oral evidence in Scotland, so that they will become fully aware of Scottish needs and circumstances.

In view of the widespread alarm which the appointment of this Committee in Scotland has caused, could the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the advantages which the Scottish people have enjoyed during the last six years will be in no way imperilled?

I can only draw the hon. and learned Gentleman's attention to the terms of reference which end by saying:

"… while providing for the maintenance of an adequate Service.…"

That is our intention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated acreage which could be brought into agricultural use if the land drainage schemes known to his Department were completed.

The report of the Land Drainage (Scotland) Committee, published in 1950, estimated that about 200,000 acres of land affected by inadequate arterial drainage should be drained in the interests of efficient agriculture.

Is the Secretary of State aware that his repeated pleas for better agricultural production would have much more effect in Scotland if the various areas that have these drainage problems continually thrown back were authorised to proceed? Could he give an assurance that there will be legislation to allow drainage to take place, instead of certain individuals being able to stop it because they are not prepared to pay the money necessary?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman, as I have done in the past, that I am very anxious to see this matter proceeded with. It has necessitated very difficult negotiations, and I hope to introduce legislation as soon as possible.

Is it not a fact that this is not only a matter of bringing agricultural land into use by drainage, but of saving agricultural land from lack of drainage?

I quite agree with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new schools were completed in 1952; and on how many of these schools construction was actually commenced during the period of the present Government.

Twenty-three new schools were completed in 1952, of which two were started during the period of office of the present Government.

Can the Secretary of State give us an assurance that the beginning of new buildings in 1952 is anywhere near adequate to the needs of Scotland.

I was not asked that Question, but I would again say that we shall do our best in the prevailing circumstances to provide as many places as possible. We added about 7,000 places, by additions to, or extensions of, existing schools.

Does the Secretary of State agree that a greater number was started under the previous Government, and is he aware that site acquisition and preparation of the number indicated were also started under the previous Government? Could he give some assurance to the House that site acquisition and preparation are being kept up to the high level reached under the previous Government, in view of the future educational needs of Scotland?

I should explain to the hon. Gentleman that, while it is agreed that the great majority of new schools were started under the previous Government—his Question asks only about new schools—in addition, 7,000 places have been provided by extensions to existing schools.

In any case, was not the term "under construction" used by the late Government to delude people into thinking that buildings would shortly be completed?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the plant established at Goettingen and elsewhere in Germany, of which he has been informed, for the production of methane gas from town sewage; and whether he will give consideration to this possible economic ancillary advantage from the removal of pollution from Scottish rivers.

A number of sewage disposal works in this country already use the methane gas produced in the course of treating domestic sewage and I encourage local authorities to adopt this practice wherever it appears to be of economic advantage.

In view of the fact that there are quite a number of drainage problems in Scotland needing urgent attention where pollution of rivers is taking place, will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the local authorities to the fact that they might make a contribution to the avoiding of pollution by making economic use of their sewage?

I am entirely in favour of that, and I will certainly encourage any such action.

May I suggest to the Secretary of State for Scotland that he might pay a visit to Croydon and inspect our sewage digestion plant, which has been producing methane gas now for many years?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Western Hospital Board not to renew the five-year contract to pay for orthopaedic treatment for tuberculosis patients at St. Andrew's Home, Millport; and if he will give an assurance that this hospital, which has 130 patients and an efficient staff, will be retained in an effort to wipe out this disease.

I am aware of the Board's decision. Only 27 patients are now left in this hospital, and I am assured that enough hospital beds are available in the Western Region to accommodate these 27 patients and all other patients suffering from non-respiratory tuberculosis who need hospital treatment. I am advised also that it would not be practicable to convert St. Andrew's Home, Millport, into a hospital for the treatment of respiratory tuberculosis.

In which hospital are these patients to be housed?

The Board are satisfied that there are sufficient beds in their own hospitals to treat all non-respiratory tuberculosis patients. Therefore there is no need to renew the five-year contract with St. Andrew's Home.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the letter, dated 21st April, from an Edinburgh company, which has been sent to him, reporting heavy cancellations of orders for Majestic seed potatoes and that they are unable to find any buyers who will pay the freight which British Railways charge to send Caithness seed to English potato growing districts; and if he will make a further statement.

I have made further inquiries and am informed that the sale of Scottish seed potatoes has, in general, been satisfactory this season, and that the letter from the company referred to does not reflect the general state of the trade. If the company consider that rail charges are unduly high, their proper course is to endeavour to negotiate a more favourable rate with the Railway Executive. Should they be unsuccessful in this, it is open to them to place the evidence before the Transport Users' Consultative Committee for Scotland.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that Caithness seed is wanted by the English farmers, but the trade cannot stand the penal freight rate from station to station, which is now £7 per ton? The result is that the traffic does not move at all, the British Transport Commission lose the freight, and the taxpayer loses £7 per ton, while the potatoes have to go for pig food.

It is not entirely due to that. There has been some cancellation of orders due to flooding. In addition, the potato acreage in England and Wales declined by 24 per cent. between 1950 and 1953, therefore, of course, causing some falling off in the orders.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that sometimes it is far cheaper to move these seed potatoes by sea to a port on the Wash, such as King's Lynn?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a statement on the negotiations for the sale of herring to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Negotiations are still proceeding.

Is the Minister aware that a statement has been published in the Scottish Press indicating that a £1 million contract has been signed? Could he give us any information about that?

I shall certainly inform this House at the first possible moment, but negotiations have been extended to cover not only herrings and we are not in a position at the present moment to announce the final agreement.

Does that mean that the contract includes not only herrings but also white fish?

I would not like the hon. and learned Member to take it that it includes everything that he wishes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now give permission to clear blown timber without the contingent requirement of replanting.

The representatives of the woodland owners have raised no objection in principle to the Forestry Commissioners' decision to require the replanting of the areas devastated by the January gales, and I do not think I would be justified in asking the Commissioners to reconsider their decision.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if he insists upon this replanting clause in issuing licences, undoubtedly a substantial acreage will not be cleared or be planted?

I cannot agree that that is necessarily so. I think that it is very important that the devastated areas should be replanted as soon as possible.

Whilst appreciating the importance of the point which my right hon. Friend makes, may I ask whether he is satisfied that his Department possesses the legal powers? Is he aware that there is no reference to blown timber in the 1951 Act? Why should a felling licence be issued in respect of timber blown down by an act of God?

I never completed my course at Edinburgh University in reading law and therefore I would rather not comment upon that, but I think that it still remains the case that devastated areas should be replanted.