asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the obsolete and unsuitable character of many of the buildings at Catterick Camp; and what steps he is taking to improve them.

Yes, Sir. We are going to build four new barrack blocks at Catterick, starting in November, and I hope progress will continue.

What proportion of the camp will that account for? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a matter of concern to the parents of all National Service men—and Regulars too—that many of the huts in this camp were built as temporary accommodation before the 1914 war? Can he, therefore, say what proportion will be accounted for by this very welcome improvement?

I cannot say the exact proportion without notice, but I can say definitely that it will be well under half.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the obsolete and unsuitable character of Combermere and Victoria Barracks, Windsor; how soon he expects to be able to authorise the rebuilding or substantial modernisation of these barracks; and what the approximate cost of such works would be.

I well know the state of these barracks. Plans for rebuilding Combermere have been prepared and I hope that work will start towards the end of this year.

Again, is the Secretary of State aware—I am sure he is—that these barracks are really a disgrace to the Army and to the very fine regiments who are unfortunate enough to be housed in them? Can he say how long the work of rebuilding will take, because they are deteriorating rapidly and are, in fact, becoming, to use his own word, a slum?

I lived in these barracks for some time myself, and they have deteriorated since then. I cannot give an exact undertaking about how soon the work will be completed because that depends on various things, but we are hoping to go ahead fast at the end of this year and I think that very soon they will be very much improved.

Can my right hon. Friend say what rebuilding of these barracks was done under the previous Administration?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the blue walking-out dress will be issued to sergeants, corporals, lance-corporals and privates.

Issues to Regular sergeants are now being completed. As I stated in reply to the hon. Member's Question on 7th July, we are starting on issues to Regular corporals and I now hope that we may be able to complete them this year. I am most anxious to make progress with lance-corporals and privates, but this must depend on the funds we can make available for this purpose in future years.

Why should the lance-corporals and privates have to wait so long when this blue walking-out outfit would do so much to raise the morale and, above all, act as a recruiting sergeant, because it is so smart? Can I get an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that when that happy state of affairs is reached, it will not be destroyed by some of the men wearing deaf aids and groping about with white walking sticks?

Are we to understand that sergeants, corporals, lance-corporals and privates are now to be put into blue dresses? What is wrong with trousers?

The hon. Lady is under a misapprehension. It is "blue dress," not "blue dresses." It is only the Scottish regiments which have the hon. Lady's kind of dress.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is no relation whatever between the kilt and the skirt?

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date 22747580 Signalman K. F. Davis, 31, Cedar Road, Slade Green, Kent, was called up; how long he has been in hospital with rheumatic fever; when it is expected that he will be able to leave the Military Hospital, Catterick; on what date an Army medical board recommended his discharge from the Army on account of a severe degree of flat feet; and how far this physical defect developed during the three months Signalman Davis was in the Service before the medical board's recommendations were made.

This soldier was called up on 4th December, 1952. He appeared before the Army medical board which recommended his discharge on account of osteo-arthritis of the middle joints of his left foot on 16th March this year. He was in the Military Hospital, Catterick, suffering from rheumatic fever from 25th March this year until 9th July when he was discharged to his home. There is no evidence that his physical defect made any material progress during his service. He reported sick for the first time on account of his feet on 17th February this year and an orthopaedic specialist was called in and arranged for an X-ray photograph to be taken which disclosed this condition. Steps were therefore taken to invalid him from the Service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man went in wearing arch supports which were broken on a route march in the beginning of February, that since then he has not had any arch supports for his feet and has now left the Army without them? How can the right hon. Gentleman say that he was out on 9th July when from the War Office on 30th June I was told that:

"he is progressing slowly but has not yet sufficiently recovered to be able to get up."

The hon. Member is asking a supplementary question which is too long on this matter.

May I ask how it was that he was said to have developed rheumatic fever at his home waiting for discharge when he was out on exercise on 21st March and did not get rheumatic fever at home on a 36 hours pass?

So far as the diagnosis and when he developed rheumatic fever are concerned, I could not say. That is a matter for the medical specialists. Regarding the man's feet, I am quite prepared to take responsibility for everything to do with the War Office, but the actual admission boards for National Service are a matter for the Ministry of Labour. On their behalf I would say the man did not make any reference to any foot disability and men are entitled to do so.

How long is it after a class III man is called up that a full medical examination takes place in the Forces to check whether the examination by the Ministry of Labour is a fit examination meeting the actual case of the person concerned?

After he has been examined by the Ministry of Labour and graded every man is examined by the Army.

How long after?

I think it is in the first month; I could not say exactly.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment. Would you be sympathetic, Mr. Speaker, and help me to get one of the Adjournments on the day the House rises?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will agree to the release from the Army of Mr. D. A. Rose, of Balvraid Farm, Inverness, in view of the fact that his absence in the Service will necessitate his father having to sell the farm.

No, Sir. I have carefully reconsidered this case but, on the facts as I know them, I should not be justified in altering my decision.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this decision may vitally affect the whole future of this man and the N.F.U. have strongly supported the case for his release? Is he aware that a great deal of concern is caused locally because it is felt that a lot of other people have been released for less valid reasons?

There are two points. The farm was bought in May, 1951, when this man's father must have known that the son would be due for call-up. Secondly, when he came before the board he obtained deferment, but he never applied for subsequent deferment. I cannot see that any circumstances have arisen since which have altered the situation.

This is a family working their own farm. They are busy working all day and it is quite impossible for them to comply with all bureaucratic instructions. Surely they can be given consideration?

They complied with bureaucratic instructions once on the first deferment, but there was no second application for deferment and there has been no change in the circumstances since the man was called up.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether or not this family were employed in farming previous to taking over this farm?

I could not answer that without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. Peter R. G. Frostick, 51, Fitches Crescent, Maldon, Essex, Registration Number M.C.D. 3273, who was placed in Grade III at his medical examination on 9th April, 1953, has been posted to the Royal Artillery, Oswestry, with effect from 23rd July; and if, in view of the doubts expressed by an official of the Ministry of Labour, Ipswich, he will further satisfy himself that this man is fit for service in the Royal Artillery before he is required to undertake any military training or duties.

We do allot a limited number of Grade III men to the Royal Artillery because there are certain duties which can be carried out by such men. I understand, however, that Mr. Frostick's enlistment notice was not issued and that the Ministry of Labour are arranging for his physical fitness for Army service to be further reviewed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take particular care about this case, in view of the fact that the written reply given me yesterday by the Ministry of Labour contained a false statement, in that it said that no enlistment notice had been sent to this man? That was simply untrue; he was sent an enlistment notice and a travel warrant, but since these Questions were put on the Order Paper the Ministry wrote and asked for them back.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of Labour are having a number of complaints about National Service medical boards? Will he see to it that men are examined again immediately they join their regiments instead of waiting a period of time when they deteriorate as a result of neglect by the Ministry of Labour?

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Maryhill may expect an answer to his letter of 17th June, 1953, concerning an adjustment of pension for one of his constituents.

The hon. Member will now have received an answer to his letter.

Can the Secretary of State estimate how much longer I should have been required to wait had this Question not been put down? Does he appreciate not only that there has been delay in replying to me but that my constituent has waited nine months for a reply from the War Office to his application for a pension as he was wrongly assessed in 1948. What steps has the Secretary of State taken to overcome the back-log on these cases?

This was a complicated matter, as the hon. Gentleman knows. The staff at Chelsea have been overworked lately because of recent changes. I apologise for the delay and I will try to ensure that the man is paid quickly.

As functions are being transferred from the Ministry of Pensions to the Ministry of National Insurance, would it not be possible to have these pension cases dealt with by the Ministry of National Insurance? I am convinced that if these people had been visited by the welfare officers the delay would not have occurred.

On a point of order. Is it in order to ask supplementary questions about a matter which is not stated in the Question?

It is remotely connected with it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what efforts have been made to trace the civilian clothing handed in by 22864254 Private T. Morris, Royal Army Service Corps, at Blenheim Barracks, Aldershot, on 14th April last, for dispatch to his home in Manchester and which has not yet arrived; and with what result.

Inquiries were made at this soldier's unit and as a result it was discovered that this particular parcel had been handed in at the Post Office, Marlborough Lines, Farnborough, on 11th April. The General Post Office is trying to trace it. If it cannot be found, he will be compensated.

asked the Secretary of State for War why permission was given for the band of the Northamptonshire Regiment to perform at a political fete held on the recreation ground in Colchester which was addressed by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Lewis-ham, South, on Saturday, 4th July.

This request, made by the East Essex Co-operative Society, was accepted because the officer concerned did not realise that the Society or the fete were of a political character. I have drawn the attention of those concerned to the regulations which are very definite on this subject.

Is there not an obligation on those organising occasions of this sort to make certain that commanding officers are aware of the exact nature of the occasion before they agree that a band shall attend?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he became Secretary of State for War military bands have played at Conservative functions?

Since I have been Secretary of State for War there have been two mistakes; one in which they played for a Government fete and one in which they played for an Opposition fete.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this was not a political fete but a day of celebration held in connection with International Co-operators Day? Are we to assume that because politicians are present at a function it is turned into a political gathering?

I understand that the right hon. Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison) addressed the meeting and the programme included old-time dancing and a "stationary programme," whatever that might be.

asked the Secretary of State for War when his Department will derequisition the Fenham Militia Camp, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and return the land to its original use as part of the Town Moor.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he will reopen the public footpath across the portion of the Town Moor at present used for the Fenham Militia Camp.

This camp is used as a Territorial Army training centre. Every effort is being made to re-accommodate the various units which use the centre so that the camp can be derequisitioned, but I cannot forecast how soon this will be possible. I regret that, so long as the camp is still in use, the footpath cannot be re-opened.

Is the Secretary of State aware that this camp was first occupied in 1939 and not requisitioned until 1943, that the local authority were informed that the requisitioning powers would end in December, 1952, and it was not until April of this year that they were informed that the requisitioning would continue? Is the Secretary of State aware that there are various statutes governing this land which preserve the land for public use for all time? As it is so long after the end of the war, will the right hon. Gentleman use all his influence to end this requisitioning at the earliest possible date?

I am aware that this is a very complicated problem and I should like to move in the matter. We are now discussing this matter with the local planning authorities to try to find alternative sites. We do not want to stay there, but it is a difficult area in which to find alternative sites.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is considerable difficulty put on the local population in regard to footpaths? Could he consider the possibility of re-opening the footpath, even if he cannot yet make the land itself available?

I am informed that the footpath goes right through the huts, which would make it very difficult to do that.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent live entertainment is now being provided for British troops in the Canal Zone and the Far East.

So far this year four parties have toured the Canal Zone; two parties have been to Malaya and a third is there at the present time; and two parties from this country have been to Korea. In addition, of course, our men in Korea have seen parties from the other Commonwealth countries. Further parties to go out this year are three to the Canal-Zone, two to Malaya and two to Korea. The latter parties will also perform in Japan and Hong Kong. I would take this opportunity of paying tribute to the Combined Services Entertainment Advisory Committee who have given great help, especially in raising the standard of performances.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no falling off in amount this year as compared with the amount of entertainment provided last year, when there was a welcome boom?

The first thing to go for is quality and to send as many as we possibly can, but to send a concert party to Korea is a very expensive matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many claims for war gratuity and post-war credits were received after 1st January, 1953; and what is the total amount that has been disallowed.

3,450 claims have been received since 1st January, 1953: but their investigation has shown that more than 3,350 of the applicants had either already been paid or had no entitlement. The total amount disallowed is approximately £730.

As the amount involved is now very small, £730, is the War Office proposing, purely on a technicality, to deprive soldiers of this paltry sum? Why not pay out the lot and come clean?

We had to end the scheme some time, for we should otherwise have gone on retaining clerical staff, which would have been a great waste. This was trumpeted all over the country by means of the B.B.C., posters and so on. It was a series of announcements. Where there was a good excuse we considered it.

Is it not paltry when only £730 is involved?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers are now enrolled on the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve; and how many were enrolled during the past year.

3,679 men and 221 women are now enrolled. In the past year 265 men and four women were enrolled.

Is the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve still regarded as an active body, or is it being allowed to run down?

It is a useful list of individuals, some of them civilians and some ex-officers, who are prepared to do certain jobs in the event of war, and it is of value to us.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the recent decline in the number of recruits for the Army.

Last year's recruiting figures were the best we have ever had. One of the main reasons for this year's decline is that fewer men have been called up for National Service than last year and the field for recruiting has therefore been narrowed. There are many other factors which may have contributed, but their precise effect is hard to assess.

Is it not true that Regular soldiers are not re-enlisting as the Minister wished them to re-enlist, and National Service men are not re-enlisting, and that we shall not be able to get the men and will have to reduce our commitments?

The picture is not as gloomy as the hon. Gentleman paints it, but any assistance that he can afford me will be very welcome.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider it significant that a record low level of unemployment coincides with a record level of recruitment? Does not that belie all the fallacious Socialist propaganda that it requires unemployment to secure a high level of recruitment for the Regular Army?

There is nothing about employment in the Question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) is talking unmitigated nonsense and that the increase in the number of recruits in 1952, which everyone welcomed, was due to the fact that a number of National Service men were attracted by the differential in rates of pay, and to that reason only?

My hon. Friend's contention is borne out by past recruiting figures in relation to unemployment. Regarding present engagements, it is an undoubted fact that men joining for National Service are attracted by the higher pay for an extra year's service.

Can we have the facts presented to the House? Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that the increase in recruitment last year was due to the short service engagement coming into operation? Will he also agree that the real trouble is that the men who have now enlisted for short service engagements are not prepared to extend their engagements for longer periods?

We do not know about the extensions because no man has yet completed three years. It would be a little hazardous for me to express an opinion, but I have never denied that the increase in recruiting has been largely due to the short service engagement. I have always said so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, as from 5th September, 1953, textile and apparel imports into Australia containing less than 95 per cent. but more than 5 per cent. wool, must be labelled so that the percentage of wool is shown together with the names of other fibres in order of dominance; and, in view of the fact that this information is demanded also by the United States of America and South Africa and has to be supplied by exporters in this country, whether he will recommend similar information being available for British shoppers.

I am aware of the regulations to which the hon. Lady refers. As regards the second part of her Question, I would ask her to await the forthcoming announcement by the British Standards Institution to which I referred on 7th July.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that we have been awaiting this information for a very long time? Is he also aware that the shoppers and the retail trade have repeatedly asked for it? Why is it that the Government do not believe that the shoppers should know what is in the goods that they are buying?

The utility of the reform for which the hon. Lady has frequently pleaded is a matter on which different opinions are held. It would be in the interests of everybody to await the forthcoming statement by the British Standards Institution. I do not think the hon. Lady will have to wait much longer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking in conjunction with the British Standards Institution to raise the standard of the materials in gentleman's suits, flannel trousers, and sports jackets which now become threadbare after six months' wear.

The British Standards Institution expects soon to make an announcement about standard descriptions of wool cloth, and progress should then be possible in the difficult task of devising standards of performance. The Institution has already started work on such a standard for cloth for boys' knickers.

Could the hon. Gentleman say if a start will be made first with gents' clothing, because it is very important that the breadwinner's clothing should wear substantially well?

I think that at the moment boys' knickers have the priority.

Would the Minister agree that in such cases where there might be legitimate complaint against British goods, such complaints might be more appropriately dealt with elsewhere, and would he not agree that the crying of stinking fish in this House cannot possibly help the sale of British goods abroad?

I have great sympathy with the desire that prompted the supplementary question; I think it would be unfortunate if the impression were given, either in this House or outside, that British goods generally were not of good quality.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that at the annual conference of the International Wool Textile Organisation in Lisbon last month it was proposed that in all countries the percentage of non-wool fibres, in textile fabrics should be declared; that the leader of the British delegation spoke against this proposal, in view of the work being done by the British Standards Institution in this field; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on this question.

This conference had no Government representatives but, according to my information, its proceedings are not accurately described in the hon. Member's Question. The policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter is to encourage trade and industry to work out their own standards of quality in conjunction with the British Standards Institution.

While being sorry if the information in the Question is not correct, might I ask the Minister if he is aware that many countries are in favour of non-wool fibres in textile fabrics being declared? Why have the Government of this country steadfastly set their face against this being done?

It would be wrong for me to comment on the wisdom of legislation in other countries. As regards the position in this country I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement to which I have previously referred.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the details of the terms of reference to the Monopolies Commission for their inquiries into the subject of pneumatic tyres.

The hon. Member will find the terms set out in Appendix 2 of the Board of Trade's Annual Report for 1952 on the operation of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Inquiry and Control) Act, 1948 (House of Commons Paper No. 98, Session 1952–3).

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that recently a snooper of the rubber monopoly, disguised as a farm labourer, purchased a tyre for £7 6s. 8d. and had a penalty of £25 imposed on the shopkeeper by the motor trades association? In view of the opposition of hon. Gentlemen opposite to snoopers who go round to see that people do not charge too much, will he put this before the Monopolies Commission and forbid private monopolies to employ snoopers to ensure that people do not sell cheaply?

I do not think that supplementary question arises out of the Question on the Order Paper, but I have no doubt whatever that the Monopolies Commission will have noted what was said on this subject recently and today.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what approaches he has received from the Government of Ceylon for the export of a helicopter from this country; and what restrictions apply to such exports from Britain to Ceylon.

My right hon. Friend has had no approach from the Ceylon Government. Before a helicopter could be exported anywhere, an export licence would be required.

Because of the importance to Ceylon of fighting plant diseases, will the hon. Gentleman ensure that his Department gives all possible help to the Government of Ceylon in view of the most regrettable decision of the American Government to refuse an export licence for a helicopter for this purpose?

While I deprecate Bevanite or Communist attacks on the United States, I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that Her Majesty's Government will do everything they can to support the Ceylonese in this matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, despite his rather ill-tempered comments, the attacks on the United States for the refusal of this licence will have the support of hon. Members in all parts of the House? Is he also aware that most of the attacks which have been made on United States trade policy on this side of the House have been echoed after an interval by his right hon. Friends.

Yes, but I think the supplementary, which is quite obvious, might have been put in a written Question if the right hon. Gentleman had the guts to do so.

Oh!

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it would not have been possible to have asked the Government to take responsibility for the attitude of the United States Government, and that the only way in which this matter could be raised was to ask the hon. Gentleman what the Government were prepared to do about aiding Ceylon in this matter?

I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I have always treated him with the greatest courtesy—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—and I think he is simply following up the most unfortunate speech which he made in the country recently.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his forthright utterances, in true Tory style, will ensure his promotion to the Cabinet?

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, if he does issue a licence for the export of a helicopter to Ceylon for spraying purposes, he will not restrict the use to which the spraying apparatus can be put?

Yes, of course. Any approach made by the Ceylonese Government, who are members of the Commonwealth and very great friends of this country, will be received with the greatest sympathy by Her Majesty's Government.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, am I correct in interpreting the Standing Orders that for one hon. Member to make a reflection on another is out of order? That is my first question. My second question is this: Is it in order for the word "guts" to be used in the manner in which it was used, and may I have your ruling on those two points?

I deprecate all language of an inflammatory or exacerbating character, and always must do so, in this House. As to the word "guts," I have known it used in many innocent connotations. As to reflections by one hon. Member on another, I am afraid that is inseparable from the conduct of our debates, and it is in order as long as no false or hidden motive is imputed in the reflection.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume of Dutch tomatoes landed at Leith and Newcastle each day between 29th June and 6th July.

I regret that figures of daily landings are not available from the trade statistics.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which countries are exporting subsidised horticultural produce to this country.

As far as I am aware, the only directly subsidised horticultural products that are imported into the United Kingdom in any substantial quantities are citrus fruit from Israel and dried fruit from the United States and Greece. The use of multiple exchange rates and various forms of export incentives by a number of countries which export horticultural produce to the United Kingdom may, however, in some cases constitute an indirect subsidisation of exports.

Will the Minister take all possible steps to see that these exports, which are indirectly subsidised, do not compete unfairly with home products?

Yes, certainly, but, broadly speaking, as far as our information is concerned the subsidised exports are not in direct competition with our own producers. If the hon. Gentleman, or any other hon. Member, has any information which will help us in our fight to stop this subsidisation, I shall be glad to have it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement on the report of the Committee on Weights and Measures Legislation; and what action he is proposing to take arising out of it which will extend the prohibition of the giving of short weight and measure in retail sales as contained in the Sale of Food (Weights and Measures) Act, 1926, to wholesale dealings, particularly in fruit and vegetables.

As my right hon. Friend explained in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Cities of London and Westminster (Sir H. Webbe) on 11th November last, consultations are taking place with the various interests concerned on the many recommendations contained in the report. Those relating to wholesale dealings in fruit and vegetables will be started soon.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the great urgency of this matter and of the widespread complaint by retailers that certain wholesalers, particularly those importing from France, Spain and Italy, are complaining bitterly of short measure? In view of the urgency of the matter will he take steps to make sure that short measure, wherever it comes from, will be treated as an offence?

I am aware of the interest to which this matter is giving rise, and I think the hon. Gentleman will agree as to the complexity of this subject and as to its controversial nature. I think I had better not say anything about the merits while these discussions are proceeding.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why mechanically propelled road vehicles and chassis are included in the First Schedule to the Hire Purchase and Credit Sale Agreements (Control) Order, 1952.

The restrictions imposed by the Order are part of Her Majesty's Government's general economic policy and the First Schedule includes these goods with many other classes of goods frequently disposed of by hire purchase or credit sale.

Is the Minister aware that Smiths Electrical Vehicles, a firm on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, who produce mobile shops, are greatly hampered by the operation of this order? Does he realise that the person who buys a stationary shop is allowed 25 years to pay for it, while the person who buys a mobile shop is allowed only 18 months? Will he take steps to remove this anomaly?

I have given reasons for the inclusion of these goods in the Schedule. About the industry to which the hon. Member has referred, it has, of course, benefited greatly by the reduction in Purchase Tax in the recent Budget.

Yes, but will the Minister please explain how he can reconcile the maintenance of this Order, and in particular the inclusion of mechanically propelled vehicles in it, with the intention of the Government to stimulate investment?

Obviously we cannot indulge in question and answer on a matter more appropriate for discussion on the Finance Bill. This Order has been approved by this House.

The hon. and learned Gentleman defended the maintenance of this Order on the grounds that it was part of the policy of Her Majesty's Government. I ask how he can reconcile this with another part of the policy of Her Majesty's Government. I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that he had better try to reconcile his policy in the Board of Trade with that of the Treasury.

If we were now debating the general policy of Her Majesty's Government, an answer would be given to the right hon. Gentleman. What this Question asks is why particular goods are in the Schedule to the Order. The answer to that question has been given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to lay before the House the Order amending the Hire Purchase and Credit Sale Agreement (Control) Order, 1952, exempting from that Order's requirements hire-purchase agreements relating to the disposal of Road Haulage Executive vehicles.

My right hon. Friend hopes to make and lay the necessary Statutory Instrument soon.

Before his right hon. Friend proceeds with this Order, would the hon. and learned Gentleman draw his attention to the circular issued by Transport Unit Finance, which is operated jointly by the Road Haulage Association and United Dominions Trust, on the denationalisation of road transport, in which they are offering to purchase units from the Road Haulage Executive for resale on hire purchase? Does not that show that the purpose for which it is proposed to lay this Order has been completely undermined, as it will not help the small man but the large trust?

The merits of the Statutory Instrument can be more easily discussed when the Statutory Instrument has been laid. Then, if necessary, a debate will arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the instruction issued in his Department on 7th July, 1913, to the effect that the Board of Trade should initiate prosecutions under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, where the Minister considered that such action was in the public interest, has been carried out; and how many such prosecutions have been initiated since the end of the last war.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind Regulations issued in 1913 under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1891. These Regulations remain in force and the Board of Trade have instituted two prosecutions under them since 1945.

Is not the hon. and learned Gentleman at present engaged in trying to strengthen the law about merchandise marks? What is the good of doing that unless some attempt is made by the Board of Trade to carry out the law? Do not two prosecutions in 40 years show a disgraceful neglect of the public interest by the Board of Trade?

No, Sir. It is true that the enforcement of these Acts is important, but it is quite untrue that the Board of Trade are the only people to enforce them. There has been no change of policy between this Government and the last Government as regards what prosecutions are undertaken by the Board of Trade. The fact that there are few prosecutions by the Department does not mean that the Acts are not enforced.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman suggesting that there have been only two cases in the last 40 years in which it was in the public interest for the Department to prosecute where fraudulent or false trade descriptions were being used?

The hon. Member is wrong in thinking that 40 years have elapsed since the end of the last war. The Question refers to

"… since the end of the last war."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many of our stocking manufacturers in this country have not been allowed the dollars with which to buy suitable machinery for the making of more durable nylon stockings; that the purchase of such machinery would assist our export figures; and if he will take steps to remedy this.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the restrictions which are placed on nylon stocking manufacturers regarding the import of machinery which would enable them to compete with other countries in exporting a more durable, non-ladder nylon stocking.

Fully - fashioned hosiery machinery is available from certain non-dollar countries and may be imported from most of these sources under open general licence. For balance of payments reasons, machinery imports from the dollar area are strictly controlled, but it is expected that during 1952 and 1953 nearly 200 fully-fashioned hosiery machines will have been imported from the United States. In addition, my right hon. Friend has recently arranged for licences to be issued for the import of a limited number of fine-gauge machines over the next 12 months. I do not accept the implication that the use of American machines would make nylon stockings more durable and I am not satisfied that the expenditure of more dollars than are already being provided would give a compensating increase in our exports.

While thanking the Minister for that reply, might I ask him if he is aware that I really entered this field because I wanted to ask him if the Government would ask the manufacturers in this country if they would consider the possibility of manufacturing stockings with several different leg lengths to each foot size? Is he aware that many women have short feet and long legs or long feet and short legs? Would he recommend to the manufacturers that if we could have, say, three lengths of stocking to each size of foot both our export and our home markets would be helped?

I should like to discuss that matter with the hon. Lady.

Is my hon. Friend aware that whatever the position about legs, machinery or anything else, nylon stockings really could be improved? Will he kindly apply his mind to that so that we may have better quality?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the original Question.

I am not interested in that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a great reluctance on the part of British manufacturers to enter the fish-net, non-ladder stocking trade in spite of the fact the women of this country want that type of stocking——

Hear, hear.

—and would he, while attending to the long leg, short leg of the female stocking, also direct his attention to the same thing along the Front Bench in male socks—short leg, long leg, visible bare leg——

I should be very sorry to interfere with the hon. Lady's Friends. We have made a serious effort to help this important industry to produce and export more.

In view of the acceptance by the Minister that the volume of overseas production is superior to our own, would not he agree that British technical skill is in many respects superior to that of our foreign competitors? Would not he agree that British manufacturers should be asked to provide the necessary machines?

I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. As I understand it, we need to import only one or two specialised types of machine.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much whisky was shipped from Northern Ireland to the United States of America in 1952; and at what price.

None, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the tourist trade to the Highlands is being restricted for lack of sleeping berths on trains; and, in view of the importance of the trade to the national economy, what representations he will make to the British Transport Commission on this matter.

I propose to ask the British Travel and Holidays Association to consider, in conjunction with the Scottish Tourist Board, the extent to which present availability of sleeping berths on trains to the Highlands is restricting tourist traffic. The Association will then be able to make any necessary representations to the British Transport Commission. The Commission has a representative on the Board of the Association.

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations himself? He has only to go to the travel office in the Palace of Westminster to find proof of the statement in the Question. There are long, weary lists for all trains to the Highlands of people who want to travel and who can travel. Does he not agree that eight years after the end of the war it is wrong that there should be this shortage of essential equipment?

No Minister is responsible for that at the moment. I am responsible for doing what I can to help the tourist industry, and I will do so, but I might tell my hon. Friend that, having done so, I think it is about time that we had a little bit of North-South travel for a change.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds quota certificates were granted in respect of the films, "A Queen is Crowned," and "Elizabeth is Queen."

These two films are films to which the Cinematograph Films Acts apply and were registered as British and as exhibitors' quota films in accordance with the requirements of Sections 25 and 26 of the Cinematograph Films Act. 1938.

Is not it the fact that under Section 35 of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938 quota should not be granted to:

"… films consisting wholly or mainly of photographs which, at the time when they were taken, were means of communicating news …"

The right hon. Gentleman has accurately referred to the relevant Section of the Act for this purpose. My right hon. Friend is advised and believes that neither of these films comes within any of the exceptions set out in Section 35.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is much dissatisfaction in the film industry over this decision, and will he say if the matter was referred to the Cinematograph Films Council?

I shall have to ascertain that; but I think this is a matter on which, subject to the legal and other advice which he may be given, my right hon. Friend must take the decision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the advantages or otherwise of introducing a sales tax to take the place of existing Purchase Tax; and if he will make a statement.

The relative merits and demerits of various forms of retail sales taxes, as compared with the Purchase Tax, were considered before the inception of the tax and have been reviewed on a number of occasions since. I am fully satisfied that it would not be advantageous or practicable at this stage to replace the Purchase Tax with a retail sales tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the heavy and frequently abortive expenditure incurred in connection with claims for loss of development value under Part VI of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, he will instruct the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to treat such expenditure either as an expense which may be deducted from profits before taxation, or as part of a management expenses claim.

No, Sir. I am advised that expenditure in connection with a claim under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, for compensation for the loss of development value of land held as a fixed asset is not admissible as a deduction in computing profits or as an expense of management for taxation purposes.

Why not?

Because such expense is regarded as an outlay of a capital nature, and is therefore inadmissable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the name and age of the present chairman of the Joint Exchequer Board, which decides upon the financial relations between the Government here and that of Northern Ireland; what salary is paid him; and when the board met last.

The right hon. Lord Alness, G.B.E., is the present Chairman of the Joint Exchequer Board. Lord Alness is aged 85; he does not receive any salary as Chairman of the Board. The last meeting of the Board was held on 19th October., 1949.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I cannot congratulate him on his expedition in this matter? Is he also aware that the Northern Ireland Government do not want a report by the Board on the matter because it would show that they pay no contribution, but, in fact, on balance, receive a large sum in order to make partition work from the Exchequer here? Is he not also aware that, in actual fact, this Joint Exchequer Board is a ghost; we hear about it, but never see it?

The main function of the Board is to deal with disagreements in matters connected with the Northern Ireland question, and it has before it the question of the imperial contribution. The fact that there has not been disagreement has made it unnecessary to hold a meeting of the Board.

Is it not likely that there will be no expression from Northern Ireland on the point of disagreement which has just been referred to, as they are doing extremely well through their failure to make the contribution which they are called upon to make, and would not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the time has come when, if raids are to be made on the Scilly Isles, Ulster should be asked to pay its proper contribution to this community?

I would rather not go into the problems of Ulster at this stage. All I know is that they are having an exceptionally difficult time with their unemployment problem, and I should not like to make it more difficult for them.

Will the Chancellor confirm that, apart from a few very minor differences about the rates of transferred taxes, in Northern Ireland the taxation rates are the same as in other parts of the United Kingdom, and is he aware that Northern Ireland's imperial contribution aggregated over £250 million during the past 10 years?

I am aware of these facts, and also of the fact that it is the responsibility of the Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland to introduce his own Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in future he will make it a condition of his grant to the Arts Council that larger proportions should be allocated to Wales, Scotland and Ulster, respectively.

No, Sir. The Scottish and Welsh shares are for the Council to determine, and their Charter does not extend to Northern Ireland,

Is the Minister satisfied that the money has been sensibly spent? Did he note a recent report that a picture purchased by the Arts Council was hung upside down at Manchester for five days before the fact was noticed, and will he consider that, if he allocates a reasonable proportion to Wales, it will be used much more sensibly?

I think my hon. Friend's supplementary question is difficult to answer. I do not know, without seeing the picture, whether it is a reflection on the artistic perception of Manchester or on the nature of the picture itself; but, in reply to the other part of my hon. Friend's question, I am satisfied that there is an adequate grant for Wales.

Will the Chancellor resist pressure from his own benches to restrict or restrain in any way the proper free use of the judgment of the Arts Council?

I do not accept the reflection on these benches, but I will resist that pressure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the repayment of post-war credits shall in no case be twice postponed by the death of the holder prior to the age for repayment and by the subsequent death of his beneficiary prior to such age.

I regret that I cannot accept suggestions for further releases of post-war credits at present.

In his future consideration of this matter, will my right hon. Friend consider the analogy to death duties, where certain allowances are made if deaths occur soon after one another?

I have already stated in this House that the aspect of the post-war credit that is most difficult is this question of death supervening at a certain date, and, if anything ever can be done, that will be one of the first matters to be considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds he has decided that Mr. J. L. Bewick, who was a member of the Royal Army Service Corps, enjoyed military rank, wore military uniform, received military training and served abroad in a war theatre, is not entitled, for the purpose of Section 1 of the Superannuation Act, 1946, to be regarded as a former member of the Armed Forces of the Crown.

Since this decision was given, further facts have come to my notice. I am having them investigated and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I can.

Will the Chancellor bear in mind that this man, on demobilisation, was transferred to Class Z of the Army Reserve, in which he still is, and that it is, therefore, rather unfair to deny that he is a member of the Armed Forces of the Crown?

It all arose out of this difficulty of defining whether the R.A.S.C./E.F.I. was service in the Armed Forces, but I shall be writing to the hon. Member, after making a review.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will enter into negotiations with Governments of territories in the British Commonwealth, with a view to reaching agreements with them in anticipation of legislation in this country to make certain pioneer industry concessions granted in the territories concerned fully effective, in accordance with the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Taxation of Profits and Income.

I do not think it would be advisable to enter into such negotiations in anticipation of possible legislation on this subject. As my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary explained both during the Finance Bill debates and in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Braine) on 2nd July, I am going to consider this matter again when the Royal Commission have made their final report.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the only cinema in the mining small burgh of Sanquhar is about to close owing to the incidence of Entertainments Duty and that there are many cinemas in small burghs in a similar plight; and what action he will take to prevent this happening.

I am unable to confirm the information in the first part of the Question; in response to the second, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement that I made in the course of the very full debate that we had on this subject on 22nd June.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this is a matter of considerable urgency and that in a case where one cinema is free from tax and another cinema in a town very close does pay tax, the situation becomes unbearable?

I realise that, and of course we discussed this very matter. I cannot undertake to give an answer about the reasons why a particular cinema closes.

Is the Chancellor aware that when we sought to introduce a new Clause in this House that would have prevented this from happening, the hon. Member voted against it?