asked the Minister of Education the extent of the variation in the number of children partaking of school meals since the rise in the price of such meals.

I have no information on this point. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 21st May to the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner).

Is the right hon. Lady aware that a daily newspaper which claims to have the largest circulation of any daily newspaper in the country recently stated that in urban areas there has been a reduction of 10 per cent. in the number of children taking these meals since the price was raised; and could she confirm or deny that statement?

I could do neither, because I have asked local authorities to get the number of children taking meals on a certain day in June and to let me have the returns at the beginning of July.

Is the right hon. Lady not aware that figures have already been published indicating that in the county of Berkshire the number of school meals has fallen by 25,000 in a month?

As I say, I do not know; I have no information, and I am waiting for local authorities to give it to me.

asked the Minister of Education when quarterly returns from local authorities of school meals were discontinued.

Local education authorities were informed in September, 1952, that a return of school meals would in future be required only once a year relating to a day in October.

Seeing that these returns are made on a single day and now only once a year, will the Minister consider asking for quarterly returns again, because it is necessary for the House to keep in close touch with the figures, and the return is a simple one for each teacher?

No, I do not think that is necessary, and I am anxious, and I have been asked by the teachers of many schools, to reduce the number of forms which they have to fill in. When I arranged to have the return once yearly instead of quarterly, I also had the form for the return simplified. I think that it is better to have it once a year and then call for a special return on a special occasion, such as I am doing this year.

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the need for the provision of grammar schools in Bexley and Erith so as to enable a reasonable number of pupils now in Dartford primary schools to be assured of secondary education in the borough in the next few years; and what action she proposes to take to deal with the problem.

The need to increase grammar school provision in North-West Kent as a whole has been apparent for some time. The Kent local education authority started work on the building of a new grammar school in Erith in October, 1952, and included in their 1953–54 building programme the first instalment of a new grammar school in Bexley. The Dartford and the Gravesend grammar schools for boys will each admit an additional 30 boys at the age of 11 next September.

Is the right hon. Lady aware that a much higher standard is required for boys and girls in the Dartford constituency than for boys and girls in constituencies in North-West Kent? Why should the boys and girls of Bromley and Beckenham, represented by her two right hon. Friends, get grammar school places with marks which would spell failure for boys and girls in the Dartford constituency?

The hon. Gentleman will realise that the provision we now have depends entirely upon the schools built or started by the last Government. We have started schools since then, and when these two schools in Erith and Bexley are finished they will provide 1,000 new places.

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the concern arising from the fact that the number of places available for secondary education in schools in the Dartford borough compares unfavourably with places available in other parts of Kent; and what action is to be taken to correct this tendency, which will worsen if no special efforts are forthcoming.

I understand that there has been some local demand for more places in selective secondary schools for children from Dartford. The education authority propose to enlarge the Dartford secondary technical schools for boys and girls in their building programme for 1954–55.

With regard to grammar schools, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his previous Question.

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the concern resulting from the developing practice in State schools of adopting unusual coloured and highly-priced uniforms and badges; and, in view of the need for economy in this direction, to draw the attention of schools to the introduction by the British Colour Council of a range of 16 shades which could be used for inexpensive school uniforms.

In leaving the provision of distinctive school clothing to the discretion of the responsible school authorities I have made it clear that I expect them to exercise the strictest economy and to avoid any unnecessary expense, either to public funds or to parents. I have no evidence that this discretion is being misused.

The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

Is there no one in the Ministry of Education who can advise school heads that bright colours necessitate pure wool being used instead of mixture wools? Is there not some ground for looking into this matter? Does the right hon. Lady not know that manufacturers and, particularly, parents would welcome a greater interest by the Minister of Education?

An administrative memorandum was sent to schools on 2nd January, 1952, but I left discretion to the school authorities as to the articles of distinctive clothing to be supplied; I urged that the strictest economy should be observed, and asked them to take the opportunity of reviewing the requirements for school uniforms so that unnecessary expenditure, both to public funds and to parents, should be eliminated.

That is not dealing seriously with the subject. The hard-pressed parents want more energy and advice given to some of the school heads In view of the unsatisfactory position, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Education the cost of the 64 acres of land known as Nonnington College, near Eastry, in Kent; the cost of the furnishing and equipment; the cost of repairs and improvements; the cost of the building known as Old Court House; how much of the cost falls on the taxpayers: how much on the ratepayers; and, in view, of the need for economy in national and local government expenditure, what steps she is taking to stop expenditure of this nature.

The costs are: purchase of Nonnington College £23,820; furnishing and equipment £18,400; later improvements £4,920; purchase and adaptation of the Old Court House £18,266. 40 per cent. of these costs falls on rates and 60 per cent. on taxes.

Is the Minister aware that the alarming increase in rates and taxes must increase our cost of production and impede or destroy our ability to compete in the markets of the world? What is the good of having children and teachers in schools if they have nothing to eat? Will she try to stop achieving the impossible by trying to make Socialism work?

This college building and the Old Court House were bought in 1951, so I have no responsibility for that. But I can tell my hon. Friend that part of the site is 54·7 acres, not 64 acres, that part of the land has already been let for agricultural purposes and that the local education authority intend to let more land as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Lady say what this college is being used for?

It is one of seven colleges which train women teachers in physical training education.

asked the Minister of Education the total of school places created by new building since 1st April, 1945.

Between 1945 and 1st February, 1953, 898,380 new school places were provided.

May I first ask the Minister whether she is still confident of reaching the figure of 1,150,000 by the end of this year, and secondly, in view of her well-known satisfaction with the higher rate of the completion of new schools but of the report of the Ministry of the worsened state of affairs in the primary schools, has the time not come to put back the projects which she cut out of the school building programme last year?

I am still confident that we shall get and, I think, get more than the 1,150,000 places by the end of 1953.

asked the Minister of Education how many primary and secondary schools were under construction at the latest date for which figures are available; and how these figures compare with those of 12 months, and two years, ago.

On 31st March last there were 681 primary and 361 secondary schools under construction. Corresponding figures for 1952 were 846 and 278 respectively, and, for 1951, 934 and 280.

In view of these figures, which show a reduction in the number of schools under construction now, and the fact that the right hon. Lady's Department have now issued a report saying that the school building programme is not keeping pace with the rise in the school population and, therefore, under her administration the situation has worsened, will she reconsider the whole programme and, in spite of her optimism or complacency, as the case may be, add some more projects to the school building programme?

The hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that we are providing more school places each year. In the year ended 1st February, 1952, there were 159,000 new school places added. The following year, ending February, 1953, the number had gone up to 218,000 and for next year we hope that by February the number will have gone up to 250,000.

Can my right hon. Friend say how many of these schools are to replace derelict or unsuitable existing schools?

All these schools which are being built at present are for the increased population or for the removal of the population to new housing areas and new towns.

asked the Minister of Education if she will initiate a national inquiry to discover how many local education authorities are at present unable to admit all children to school at the age of five years and to enable her to revise the school building programme so as to overcome this difficulty in the future.

No, Sir, At this stag; of affairs it is local action that is needed, and in the few areas concerned I am satisfied that the local education authorities are doing their best to find places for the small number of children still awaiting admission to school.

Is the Minister really satisfied with keeping herself and the House in complete ignorance of the situation concerning the primary schools while children are being refused admission and her Department and the local education authorities are not carrying out their statutory responsibility? How can she shape a proper school building programme without knowing where the real shortages are?

I reviewed the building programme on the information we received from the local education authorities as to the number of children for which schools will have to be provided and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, there will be the greatest pressure this year in the infant schools. At present, the children are going into school at five years, in some cases in the term after they become five and not the term before they become five.

asked the Minister of Education at which schools in Cornwall admission is now being refused to children who have reached the age for compulsory school attendance.

I am informed that all children in Cornwall who reached the age of five before the beginning of the present term have been found places in school, though in two areas children were not able to be admitted to the school of their first choice.

Will the Minister make further inquiries as to what the position is this term?

Yes. I have given the hon. Gentleman the up-to-date figures.

asked the Minister of Education how many new schools it is estimated will be built in Accrington in the current financial year.

None, Sir.

Is not that answer very unsatisfactory in view of the fact that many children in Accrington have to travel considerable distances because there is no room in the schools in the neighbourhood, and that some of the schools are in a deplorable condition, particularly one about which I have been in correspondence with the right hon. Lady's Department?

The local education authority have not asked for a new school to be included in their current building programme or in previous ones, but I am considering the authority's proposal to include a new secondary school in the reserve list for 1954–55.

Can the right hon. Lady hold out any hope as to when she feels there is likely to be any result, in view of her present economy campaign?

As we are building more schools than ever before there is great hope.

asked the Minister of Education in how many schools for the deaf and the partially deaf, respectively, there are vacancies for pupils; in how many there are waiting lists; and what is the overall position in regard to new admissions.

I have no detailed information about vacancies or waiting lists at particular schools. I understand that most schools for the deaf and partially deaf have waiting lists, despite a steady increase in the number of places available.

Is the Minister not aware that in some schools there is a very long list of empty places while in others there are long waiting lists? Will she examine this programme on an overall basis to see whether arrangements can be made between the various voluntary societies which run schools and the local authorities to see that there is a fair interchange so that no one shall be left without the necessary education?

I will certainly look into that.

asked the Minister of Education in how many schools for the blind and partially seeing, respectively, there are vacancies for pupils; in how many schools there are waiting lists; and what is the overall position in regard to new admissions.

I have no detailed information about vacancies or waiting lists at particular schools. I understand that there are vacancies at some schools for the blind, and that, in general, no serious delay occurs in the admission of children to schools for the blind or partially sighted.

May I follow up my supplementary question to the previous Question? The same principle is involved. There are schools with vacancies and there are schools with long waiting lists. Will the Minister call for returns from these schools for the partially seeing and schools for the blind to see whether accommodation can be made between those with surplus places and those with a long waiting list?

Certainly, but I would remind the hon. Member that some of the blind children whom it is difficult to place suffer from other handicaps, in addition to their blindness, and there is the difficulty of trying to get the children into exactly the right type of school we want.

asked the Minister of Education the membership and terms of reference of the committee which is to review the administrative and financial aspects of the Adult Education Service.

I have invited the following to serve on the Committee, and they have accepted my invitation:

Is a similar inquiry to be made in Scotland and, if so, who is to conduct it?

As far as I know there is no inquiry for Scotland. No doubt the hon. Member will address that question to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Will the right hon. Lady tell the House whether she thinks there is any serving local government member on that body?

I have not invited serving members of local authorities, or members who are serving in any of the associations, to take part, but I think it will be seen from this list that we have people who have experience in local government.

If the right hon. Lady holds to the decision that she objects to people who are serving with various bodies, why has she appointed a serving member of the T.U.C. General Council?

I thought that was quite essential. He is not serving as a member of any body which has responsibility for education.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many emigrants went from Britain to Australia during the years 1946 to 1952, inclusive; and how many British emigrants returned from Australia to Britain during the same years.

In the period mentioned 272,916 migrants of Commonwealth citizenship travelled direct by sea from the United Kingdom to Australia. The total number of immigrants into the United Kingdom from Australia for the same period is 47,585, but statistics of immigration into the United Kingdom do not distinguish between those who are emigrants from this country returning here and others.

In view of the importance of encouraging the migration of people between various parts of the Commonwealth, can the Minister say whether this subject received a prominent place on the agenda for the discussions between the Commonwealth Prime Ministers and whether a statement is likely to be made in the near future?

I cannot say.

Have we got rid of the considerable backlog which existed during the immediate post-war years owing to the shortage of shipping?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman take advantage of the visit of the Australian Ministers to this country to point out that there is a large and unfulfilled world-wide demand for emigrants from this country and that Australia will get her fair share only if conditions are made sufficiently attractive?

I do not agree with the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he can now announce details of the reciprocal social service and insurance arrangements arrived at between Australia and the United Kingdom.

As has already been announced, an agreement on social security between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Australia was signed by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Australia on Monday.

The agreement covers retirement pensions and widows' benefits, unemployment and sickness benefits, and family allowances on the United Kingdom side, and the corresponding benefits of the Australian Social Services scheme. It is hoped that the agreement will come into operation early next year. The full text will be published as a White Paper very shortly.

In view of the great benefit which this scheme will confer upon both emigrants and immigrants, will my hon. and learned Friend take every step to see that his announcement receives full publicity?

Yes. Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state, in terms both of quantity and value the amount of cotton textiles exported from this country to the Argentine in each year from 1946 onwards.

Since there are many figures in the answer, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that very helpful reply, may I ask whether he will not agree that the figures show that recently there has been a decline in these exports? Is he aware that there is a good deal of disappointment in Lancashire about the Government's failure to help industry in recent negotiations in the Argentine, and can he say whether the Government have any plans at all for arresting this decline in our exports to the Argentine?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will study the figures, which show that there has been a decline since 1949.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to implement the proposals in the Report of the Monopolies Commission, on matches and match-making machinery.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19th May to my hon. Friend, the Member for Shrewsbury (Mr. Langford-Holt).

Is it not a fact that the Board of Trade had this Report in their hands for nearly six months before publishing it and that another month has elapsed since publication? As the right hon. Gentleman is on record as having pledged himself to fight monopoly, can he explain why he is sitting on this Report and being so afraid to act?

This is a large and complex subject and it took the Monopolies Commission something like three to four years to give full consideration to it. I see no reason why I should not take four weeks after publication.

Is the Minister aware that the cost of matches has risen from 1½d. a box to 2s. a dozen boxes and that the rise in cost is not justified, according to the Commission? Will he take early steps to protect the public from such exploitation?

I think we have to consider the Report as a whole.

Does not the Minister's reply show again that the powers of the Commission at present are quite inadequate and that his own powers concerning monopolies also need strengthening?

I do not think it affects the powers of the Commission. Their Report on this matter is very full and certainly deserves serious and close consideration before any announcement on policy is decided.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Federal Association of German Industry has recently issued a West German export directory printed in German, English, French and Spanish, listing the names of firms and all their products for promotion of West German export trade; and, in view of the heavy public expenditure incurred in recent years by the statistics of trade sections of his Department, and their possession of all relevant data, if he will take steps to initiate a comprehensive British industrial directory for use by Britain's customers and prospective customers oversea, and comparable in scope to the West German publication.

No, Sir. There are already a number of trade directories published in this country; and I do not think it necessary, or appropriate to the functions of a Government Department, to take responsibility for initiating a new one.

My right hon. Friend will observe from the Question that I merely asked him to initiate such a directory. Has he seen this extraordinarily comprehensive and useful document which will add to the West German prospects of securing exports for their country very considerably, possibly with detriment to many British engineering companies' prospects, noticeably in Latin-American countries?

All I would say is that I do not propose to publish any such report myself. A number of directories of this kind are published by firms in this country, as my hon. Friend knows, and I think they serve a very useful purpose, but I do not think it is appropriate for the Government to publish them.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's refusal or inability to answer the last three Questions, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the conduct of his Department on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what date the licence was issued for the Regent Oil Company or Caltex Company to construct a refinery at Warsash; for what maximum period this licence remains valid before plans are presented; and what progress is being made towards some final definite plan of development for this area.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the Industrial Development Certificate which was issued on 25th June, 1951. This remained valid for 12 months. The company have not applied for another certificate, but I am informed that they have been proceeding with the purchase of land on the site.

Apart altogether from the pros and cons of this scheme, which I am satisfied can be ventilated adequately later, is my right hon. Friend aware of the uncertainty which has been created by the failure to go forward with this scheme to any extent even although the land has been provisionally acquired? Is he further aware that if this is to be put in cold storage indefinitely houses and schools cannot be built and a great deal of hardship will be inflicted locally?

All the responsibility that I have is for the issue of an Industrial Development Certificate. I have issued such a certificate which has now lapsed because the scheme has not gone forward, but if any further application is made I shall be very happy to consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what revised terms he will renew the agreement with the United States of America relating to the import of American films.

The Anglo-American Film Agreement runs till 30th September of this year. The arrangements after that date will be the subject of discussion between the parties later this year. I cannot say in advance of those discussions what proposals may be made by either of the parties to the Agreement.

Not having had very good value from this very substantial dollar expenditure in the past, will the right hon. Gentleman approach the forthcoming negotiations with the idea of not wasting dollars we have not got on films we can very well do without.

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that the actual dollar outgoings were reduced from $25 million to $20 million in agreement with the Americans only recently.

It is still too much.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the progress of the Anglo-Spanish talks on trade discrimination against Britain.

The review of the current arrangements governing trade and payments between Spain and this country will be resumed next week, when a Spanish delegation is visiting London.

Is the President prepared to give us an interim report on the progress of these negotiations, and will he either confirm or deny the rumours that they are in a very unsatisfactory state?

Their unsatisfactory state is a matter of opinion. I certainly should like to see the Spaniards issuing import licences more frequently for exports from this country. However, I do not think I had better pursue the matter in detail as these negotiations are about to start.

Would the President of the Board of Trade insist on the Spanish Government giving equal facilities for British traders as are given for countries on the Continent?

That is a factor which will be borne in mind in connection with these negotiations.

In view of the very unsatisfactory state of our Spanish trade, as the President of the Board of Trade himself has implied, does it not confirm the futility of the lifting of the ban on the selling of military equipment to Spain?

That does not enter into this Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restriction exists on the landing of foreign-caught fish in the United Kingdom; and in what countries there are restrictions on the import of British-caught fish.

Fresh and frozen fish may be imported into the United Kingdom under open general licence without quantitative restriction if taken and landed by vessels of Western European and certain other foreign countries or if consigned from those countries; landings of foreign-caught fish, like those of British-caught fish, are however, subject to the restrictions imposed by the Sea Fishing Industry (Immature Sea Fish) Order, 1948.

On the second part of the Question, I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind those Western European countries which are fairly easily accessible to our fishing fleets. Import arrangements in those countries vary considerably. Portugal and Switzerland admit imports of British-caught fish almost without restriction. Norway, France, Western Germany, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and the Irish Republic restrict imports in varying degrees.

In view of the difficulties with which the industry is faced at this time of the year, would the President look into the possibility of seeing whether our fishermen could get as fair a deal from other countries as we give to them?

This Question asks me to state factually what the restrictions are. I would be very far from agreeing that we should insist on exact reciprocity in all forms of quota and licensing arrangements on each item. That would make our trading very difficult indeed.

I am not asking for exact reciprocity. I am asking that our trade should get as fair a deal in other countries as we give to their fishermen and to their catches here. That is all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the prewar quotas imposed on the landing of foreign-caught fish in the United Kingdom and, in view of the glut of British-caught fish at this time of the year, if he will consider reimposing the pre-war quotas.

The pre-war quotas for foreign landings of sea fish are set out in Part II of the Schedule to the Sea-Fishing Industry (Regulation of Landing) Order, 1933, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

As regards the second part of the Question, it would be contrary to our international obligations to introduce restrictions of this kind on foreign landings unless at the same time corresponding action were taken to regulate British landings.

As international agreements can be altered, have been altered and, where they are unjust, ought to be altered again, would the President bear in mind that many of the crews get their wages according to the value of the catch, and since there is a slump now and they are not getting good returns will he look at this again and see that our people get a fairer deal than they are getting today?

My hon. Friend will realise that it would be a very major alteration in international arrangements if we were to start to use import quotas for protective purposes when they are designed to deal with balance of payments difficulties.

If the use of import quotas for that purpose is improper for the reasons which the right hon. Gentleman has given, how much more improper is it for the Government to allow a complete ban, as operates at the moment?

That raises an entirely different question. I am asked here solely about Government restrictions on the imports of fish.

Co-relatively, are there not unjust restrictions on sales of British-caught fish in Continental countries, and is it not time that that was reviewed in favour of the British fish industry?

Restrictions vary very considerably between country and country. If the hon. and learned Gentleman would like particulars of any special form of restrictions in any country perhaps he would put a Question down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of science graduates leaving universities and comparable establishments in 1952 entered the teaching profession, commerce and industry, and Government service, respectively; and what were the comparative figures in 1938.

Of the internal graduates of universities and university colleges in pure science in 1952 whose occupations are known, 11·1 per cent. entered the teaching profession (including universities, schools and colleges), 24·4 per cent. industry and commerce and 10·6 per cent. Government service, at home or overseas, or nationalised industry. A further 15 per cent. went on to undertake teacher training courses.

I regret that comparable figures are not available for 1938.

Is it not a fact that the number of science graduates now entering the teaching profession is deplorably low? Will the Minister consult the Minister of Education to see what can be done to improve the position?

My right hon. Friend is in constant touch with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is an important question, which has to be carefully watched.

Is not the real difficulty the disparity in salary between that for the graduates entering the teaching profession and that for those entering industry and commerce?

That opens up a number of very wide questions which it is not perhaps particularly convenient to deal with by Question and answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with representatives of other Commonwealth countries about further measures to be taken to restore the economic stability and to quicken the economic development of the Commonwealth as a whole; and if he will make a statement.

While the conference covered many and varied subjects my right hon. Friend had very useful discussions on economic matters, covering both the longer term and immediate future. The Prime Ministers endorsed the objectives agreed upon by the Economic Conference of last December. Meanwhile, the need for developing the resources of the Commonwealth countries and for removing restrictions on trade especially within the Commonwealth and the sterling area were particularly stressed, as is indicated in the communiqué approved by the conference.

As the Economic Secretary appreciates the enormous potential political influence of the Commonwealth, of which we had a glimpse in the last few weeks, is it not absolutely essential to back it up by solid progress in the economic field? Can he tell us whether we are to have a more detailed statement about the steps proposed to be taken?

I entirely endorse the hon. Member's view about the importance of the development of the resources of the Commonwealth, but I do not think that my right hon. Friend has anything more to add to the communiqué which has already been issued.

Can the Economic Secretary say whether it was pointed out to the Commonwealth Ministers, for example, to Australia, what an advantage it would be to build up in our favour sterling balances in Australia for the purpose of increasing capital equipment over there as compared with the absurdity of building up sterling balances in this country in time of war? Is not peacetime much more important than wartime?

All possible matters designed to stimulate trade between this country and Australia were discussed.

Can my hon. Friend say whether there were any further discussions about the restrictive clauses in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade at the recent conference, and if so, with what results?

Ask the Americans.

As I say, the discussions covered economic matters generally affecting the Commonwealth. I have nothing to add of a more detailed character on that point.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Strasbourg Plan, prepared by the Council of Europe, was considered by the Prime Ministers' Conference?

I cannot make a detailed statement on anything that was discussed, but certainly everything relating to the matters referred to in the communiqué was considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will place an export tax on whisky, in view of the fact that barley has gone up from £4 10s. to £21 a ton since 1939, and the export price of whisky only from 3s. 9d. to 7s. 2d. a bottle, whereas a bottle of whisky now sells in the United States of America at $6.01 compared with $3.28 in 1939.

No, Sir.

Am I to understand that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no comment whatever to make on the extraordinary position that the import cost of barley has gone up so much and the export cost of whisky is still so low? Has the hon. Gentleman even taken the trouble to examine the marginal profits made in America by the distributors of Scotch whisky? Has the matter been examined?

The Question asked not for comment but for an export tax. My right hon. Friend feels that this is the type of topic on which the judgment of the trade as to what the market will most conveniently bear is of great importance and relevance, and that the trade are at least as capable as anybody else of forming a proper view of what is a fair and sensible price, bearing in mind, of course, that excessive exploitation of a temporary shortage often has a very bad effect indeed on long-term markets.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that I have listened to all that sort of "baloney" for a long time and that it is not an answer to the question? Is he further aware that this is by far the most important export to America and that every competent business man outside the whisky trade considers that we are a set of fools. Will he not do something about it?

I am sorry if the right hon. Gentleman has heard it before and that the manifest common sense of this answer has not conveyed a proper impression to him. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that this matter has been looked at most carefully and that we have seen no reason whatever to take the measure he suggests or to override the considered judgment of people who know this business and have known it for many years.

Is the Minister aware that consumers of Scotch whisky will now know that he has added insult to injury, in so far as he is now trying to explain the fact that consumers of Scotch whisky who think the charge is too high are being asked to subsidise the American consumer?

I am casting no reflection on any consumers of that agreeable beverage.

Will the Financial Secretary ask the Chancellor to make quite sure that he really has examined the method of merchandising this commodity because, so far as I have examined it, it is in the hands of competitors in America and there is no sense in leaving our chief export in the hands of competitors on the other side?

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, questions of the method of merchandising are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. The Question related to a separate matter of taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the national wage bill increased in each year separately since 1945.

As the answer contains a table of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Without having those figures, may I ask the Economic Secretary whether he will continue to make it clear to the nation that increases in wages as well as increases in dividends, if they do not come out of increased productivity, must put up the cost of living in this country and make it difficult for us to sell abroad? Will he keep on saying that?

At the same time as he circulates those figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT, will the hon. Gentleman tell us the increase that has taken place in profits, dividends and interest during a similar period?

If that question is put down, I will do my best to give an answer.

Will the Minister inform the hon. Gentleman who asked the Question that there is something more than productivity. There is also the matter of distribution. Otherwise, the Government will get into the position of the man with a completely bald head and whiskers reaching to his feet—ample productivity, but a complete lack of distribution?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether buff official-paid envelopes may be used for correspondence between Members of Parliament, nationalised industries and local authorities.

The statement made by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer on 6th November, 1945, related only to the use of these envelopes for letters sent by hon. Members to Government Departments. They have never been authorised for use for letters to local authorities. The present rule also excludes their use for letters to nationalised industries, but this aspect of the matter has been drawn to the attention of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries.

Will my hon. Friend say why letters are not allowed to be sent in those envelopes to nationalised industries and local authorities?

So far as the nationalised industries are concerned, as I said in my main answer, the matter has been drawn to the attention of the Select Committee which is dealing with the relation of this House to those industries. The report so far received has not dealt with that matter. So far as local authorities are concerned, it has never been the practice so to authorise them. This is clearly a matter on which the Government would have to pay considerable attention to the views of the House. So far as I am aware, no very strong opinion has been expressed so far in respect of local authorities, nor do I think was it done when the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton) made what is the present ruling statement in 1945. If, however, there is any body of opinion that desires to express a view, I am sure that my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that his reply as regards nationalised industries is not in accordance with the practice, because nationalised industries receive and accept officially paid envelopes from hon. Members? Can he say whether they pay the postman 5d. on each, or whether they default?

That is a question which should be addressed to one of my right hon. Friends who is concerned with the specific nationalised industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to acquaint county agricultural committees with the limited extent of their powers, in view of the decision of the Somerset Agricultural Committee to issue to a master of foxhounds a certificate which would have deprived a widow of her cottage in order to house a hunt servant, and the strictures of the county court judge on the committee's abuse of its powers.

The Somerset County Agricultural Executive Committee were asked by a landlord for certificates in respect of two of his workers for whom cottages were required. One worker was a tractor driver and the other a huntsman and part-time farm worker. The committee decided to grant one application only, for the tractor driver, and to refuse the other. When the certificate was sent to the landlord's solicitors this was not made sufficiently clear. I am asking the committee to ensure that in future the certificate shows clearly the class of worker concerned. I do not consider that any further action is necessary.

Will the Minister also make it plain to other county committees that they must take similar steps?

Yes, but I do not think there is any chance of this recurring.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has studied two pamphlets, copies of which have been sent to him, issued by the Norwich and District Food Production Council, and especially the criticism of his policy on page 3; and if he will make a statement, in view of these pamphlets, as to what action he proposes to take.

I have read these pamphlets and I agree with their general thesis that the practice of food production in gardens and allotments is an economic and social asset of the highest value.

I cannot, however, accept the criticism that the Government are ignoring the domestic producer. The Government's policy is to work through local authorities and the voluntary organisations of domestic food producers. Financial and other assistance is being provided for these bodies, and the Government will continue to do everything in their power to help and encourage those who choose this healthy and most useful activity.

Broadly, will the Minister give an undertaking that all bureaucratic interference with the farming industry shall cease forthwith?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the possible loss of food production at Maesylade Farm, Breconshire, consequent upon the rejection of the renewed application of the only eligible farm worker for deferment upon this isolated hill farm; how much money has been, and is to be, spent on improvements on this farm under the Hill Farming Act; what is the acreage; how much is cultivated; and what stock is carried.

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 9th June by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service. The cost of the Hill Farming Scheme is estimated at £1,554; the farm covers 118 acres, of which 26 are arable; at the time of the latest available report there were 30 cattle, 281 sheep 2 horses and 120 poultry.

The Minister has not stated how this farm is to be carried on if no worker is to be employed when the man is called up.

Two periods of deferment have already been granted for the worker concerned, but an application for further renewal has been considered three times by the Agricultural Advisory Panel, who each time recommended rejection. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] They believe that the farm could be carried on.

What steps have been taken to supply a replacement? Have the Ministry of Labour been able to help? Is the Minister's committee helping or is he simply washing his hands of it?

The Ministry of Labour have not been asked to help. The Panel consider that if one of the sons of this farmer is called up, the farm will continue to be run by the rest of the family with no serious loss to production.

The people left on the farm are an old man aged 68 and his wife, who suffers from dropsy. How can they manage the farm?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a further statement on the experiments on the working of the humane rabbit trap.

Five thousand "Imbra" humane rabbit traps were sent to county agricultural executive committees in March and April. The trap shows that it will catch and kill rabbits humanely. The manufacturers have made a further improvement to the design and supplies of the modified trap will be sent to county agricultural executive committees. I shall receive reports from them when full-scale trapping is in progress following the harvest.

The Agricultural Departments have examined a number of other rabbit traps which are claimed to be humane. One of these, in particular, has shown possibilities on test in Scotland, but the tests are not yet complete.

When does my right hon. and gallant Friend expect that a final decision on this trap and its efficiency will be reached?

I do not anticipate that it will be before the beginning of next year. Owing to technical difficulties, the traps were not available before the spring of this year, which was the end of the last trapping season. The new trapping season will not start until after the harvest, and then I want a full report from all over the country as to whether the trap is effective for its purpose. I shall expect to get it soon after Christmas.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of the farms in each of the North Wales districts of the Merseyside and North Wales electricity area are supplied with electricity.

I regret the information is not available. The sub-areas of the Merseyside and North Wales electricity area, of which North Wales forms part, are not confined to North Wales. I am informed by the area board that on 31st March last, 4,963 holdings in North Wales were connected out of a total of 25,248. This is nearly 20 per cent.

Does the Minister not agree that that percentage is very low and that it is difficult for him, in these circumstances, to expect food production to increase? Will he not consider increasing the capital grant for rural electrification?

I accept that the percentage in this area is lower than over England and Wales as a whole. I am in close contact with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power on this matter, and we are trying to find ways and means of increasing and speeding up the supply of electricity. It must be remembered, however, that before farms can be connected with electricity it is necessary that the backbone and ribs of the electrical distribution system should first be created.

Can the Minister say how many connections were made last year or the year before?

Not without notice. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will introduce legislation so that in any future marketing scheme poll the views of the small farmers shall be adequately represented.

No, Sir. I see no reason to think that the present Acts fail to provide for adequate representation of the views of small farmers.

Is the Minister aware that in the recent fruit poll the views of the majority of farmers failed merely because the minority comprised farmers with the larger area?

No, I do not accept that. Only about 11,000 out of 17,000 registered producers voted. Had the small producers voted for the scheme in large numbers it would probably have gone through.

Would the Minister accept my supplementary if instead of "the majority of farmers" I said that the majority of those voting failed against a minority who voted because that minority had the larger area?

No, I cannot accept that. The present legislation on this point has been approved by all parties and I think it would be the greatest mistake to alter it. A two-thirds majority, in both numbers and acreage, is required in respect of any particular commodity. I believe that that is sufficient in the interests of all concerned.

Was not the real trouble with the recent scheme that even had it gone through it would not have been a marketing scheme, so it did not attract anybody's attention?