asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the long-term credits provided for British exports to South America are not as good as those provided by Germany and the United States of America; and if he will take steps to improve them.

My information does not suggest that the credit terms now being offered by United Kingdom exporters to customers in South America are generally less favourable than those offered by their German and United States competitors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in connection with the application of the National Farmers' Union for a revision of the United Kingdom tariffs on horticultural produce.

The examination of the application by the National Farmers' Union for a revision of the tariff on horticultural produce continues to make good progress. A considerable volume of work remains to be done, however, before the examination is completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why there has been a decline since 1949 in the quantity and value of complete tobacco pipes imported into the United Kingdom from Malta; and why Malta's share of total United Kingdom imports of these pipes has fallen from 11·5 per cent. in 1949 to only 5·4 per cent. in 1952.

I have no responsibility for the pipe industry in Malta, and I cannot, therefore account for its export performance. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that there are no restrictions on the number of pipes which may be imported from Malta and that there is a 20 per cent. preference.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the number of master tailors engaged in the ladies' mantle and costume industry in the London area and in the provinces, respectively;(2) the number of ladies' mantle and costume manufacturers having their own factories in the London area and in the provinces, respectively;(3) the number of outworkers in the London area engaged in the ladies' mantle and costume industry who receive work from contractors to be done outside the factories.

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to encourage pioneer industries in underdeveloped areas of the British Commonwealth by British firms, he will consider a system of tax remission for an initial period of five years.

The Royal Commission on the Taxation of Profits and Income made a recommendation on this subject in their First Report and it was fully discussed during the Committee stage of the Finance Bill. As I have explained, my right hon. Friend will consider the matter again when the Royal Commission have made their final report.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has any further statement to make about the use of official-paid envelopes for correspondence sent by Members of Parliament to nationalised industries.

Yes. This matter has been considered by my right hon. Friend in consultation with the Postmaster-General. In view of the fact that hon. Members have been encouraged both by this and the late Government to write direct to nationalised Industries in appropriate cases instead of to Ministers, I am glad to be able to announce that the use of official paid envelopes by hon. Members will be authorised as from today when writing either to the headquarters, or the regional, area or local offices of nationalised industries on matters arising from hon. Members' Parliamentary duties.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that development of heat, light and power services in Laindon and other residential parts of the new town of Basildon is being impeded as a result of protracted negotiations between the Basildon New Town Development Corporation

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he considers that it is necessary to insist on a copper being installed in every case where a grant-in-aid for improvements is approved under the Housing Act, 1949, in view of the fact that some people prefer alternative facilities for washing clothes.

My right hon. Friend does not insist on coppers being installed. He has the duty under the Act of 1949 to specify the requirements, i.e. the services, amenities and physical conditions, with which a dwelling should conform if it is to earn a grant, but he has also a power of waiver which he is always ready to exercise in appropriate cases.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) whether he is aware of the and the Eastern Electricity Board; and whether he will take the necessary steps to bring these negotiations to a speedy and effective conclusion.

My right hon. Friend is not aware that there have been protracted negotiations which have caused delay. There are, of course, areas where development by the Corporation will not begin for some time, but I understand that the proposed layout plans will shortly be available to the board.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many two, three, four and five-apartment houses, respectively, were built by local authorities during the year ended June, 1953, in England.

Following are the figures:concern expressed by housing authorities in the North-East Region at the action of his principal regional officer in directing housing authorities in that area to severely curtail their housing programmes; and what action he proposes to restore the curtailment of house building which is proposed;(2) what representations he has received from the Northern Regional Committee of the National Housing and Town Planning Council, about the proposed restriction on house building in that area during the remainder of 1953; and what reply he proposes to give to the representations which have been made to him.

I am aware from the Press that there has been some misapprehension about the action taken to steady the housing programme. This should now be removed by the statement I made in reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) and others on 14th July.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in restricting local authorities in their housebuilding programmes, he has given consideration to the needs of areas concerned; and whether he will, in particular, review the decision made in respect of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Yes. The Principal Regional Officer discussed this with representatives of the city council on 16th July and agreement has been reached upon arrangements for the phasing of their future programme.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in view of the fact that rent and rates are a determining factor in the cost of living and wage negotiations, he will set up a committee under an independent chairman to examine the bases of such cost and to make recommendations to be made available to hon. Members.

No. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the appointment of such a committee would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a further statement about the proposal to build Bucklersbury House to a height of 170 feet.

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement, but will do so as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of anxiety felt by certain development towns, which have reached provisional agreement with the London County Council to take surplus population from London, on the prospects of getting suitable industry to establish itself; what representations he has received on the subject from the Ashford Urban District Council; and, in view of the importance of this factor in the successful development of these towns, whether he will take steps to ensure that there is satisfactory liaison between his own Department, the Board of Trade and the London County Council.

The answer to the first and third parts of the Question is, "Yes." My right hon. Friend's Department and the Board of Trade have both had discussions on the subject with the urban district council and will continue to keep in close touch with them.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will give his decision on the Beaver Green site of 100 acres, required for the development of Ashford, which was the subject of an inquiry on 10th February, 1953.

My right hon. Friend hopes to do so in the near future.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will encourage local authorities to establish smokeless zones, in view of the experience of Manchester and Coventry.

Yes, where such a course is practicable.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what special representation is being arranged for Wales upon the committee to be established by his Department for investigating problems arising from smoke pollution of the atmosphere.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds).

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of persistent water pipe bursts in private streets due to the pressure of vehicles on pipes which are laid too near the surface, an example of which has been sent to him; and if he will bring forward legislation to enable him to make grants to local authorities for the proper relaying of water pipes in such cases.

My right hon. Friend is not aware that there are widespread difficulties and cannot contemplate legislation of the kind referred to.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce amending legislation to the Private Street Works Act, 1892, in order to empower local authorities to take full financial responsibility for the repair and maintenance of private streets.

No. Local authorities already have power to contribute the whole or part of the cost of works carried out under the Act.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will take to deal with problems of soil erosion in many coastal areas of Wales where adequate measures are beyond local resources: and if he will make a statement.

I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to coast erosion in Pembrokeshire. My right hon. Friend is prepared to consider applications by local authorities for grants under the Coast Protection Act, 1949. in aid of approved schemes for coast protection. Further, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is prepared to make grants to drainage authorities under the Land Drainage Act, 1930, towards expenditure on approved sea defence works necessary to protect low lying agricultural land and to ensure certain river outfalls.

asked the Minister of Works on what basis the two companies who were given permission to film the Coronation ceremony were selected.

I understand that the Earl Marshal selected the three principal British news reel companies wishing to make a colour film. As the Minister responsible for the work in the Abbey I can say that there was no room for more than the number selected.

asked the Minister of Works how large a staff is employed by his Department wholly or mainly for work at Osterley; how many directly by the Victoria and Albert Museum in connection with the care of the contents of the house; the total acreage of land in his care; how much of such land is let to tenants; and the total expenditure at Osterley over the last 12 months.

My Department employs 12 men wholly or mainly for work at Osterley Park, and I am informed that the Victoria and Albert Museum employs 15 for the care of the contents of the house. The total area of land is 140 acres of which just over 60 acres are let to tenants. Total expenditure during the 12 months ended 30th June. 1953, was £29,225

asked the Minister of Works why his Department has refused a licence for an office extension in London involving the use of granite to the extent of £12,000; and whether he will review the decision because of the severe depression in the Cornish granite industry.

I am unable to identify the particular case from the information provided, but if the hon. Member will give further details I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is yet able to make a statement about the future of the Festival Pleasure Gardens.

The House will be sorry to learn that the attendances at the Battersea Festival Gardens and Fun Fair are running well below the level at which a profit can be made. It is evident that the Company will not pay its expenses unless fresh capital on a substantial scale is invested.

asked the Minister of Works whether he has yet come to a decision to remove the plinth from Rodin's "The Burghers of Calais."

When I have the money I shall try to get agreement to moving the statue and placing it on a lower plinth.

asked the Minister of Works if, during the present shortage in the supply of bricks for general building purposes, he will regulate supplies and take steps to increase production.

The policy of the present Government is to encourage those who are prepared to expand the production of bricks, and the success of that policy is reflected in the increase of nearly 20 per cent. in production since 1951. I do not favour measures to regulate distribution

asked the Minister of Works if his attention has been called to the condition of deterioration in a picture of King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon just off the Central Lobby; and if he will take immediate steps to have this and other pictures restored.

Restoration of the picture of King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon is already in hand. My staff keeps an eye on the condition of pictures in the Palace of Westminster and, in addition, they are inspected quarterly.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that much of the surface of New Palace Yard is in a bad state, especially near the entrance to Speaker's Court; and if he will have it resurfaced during the Summer Recess.

I regret that owing to the need for economy it has not been possible to allocate funds for the work of repair this year. This matter will be considered when next year's Estimates are being prepared.

asked the Minister of Labour the established complement of Inspectors of Factories. Class II; the number of such inspectors now in post; how many of these hold university degrees in engineering, chemistry and physics, respectively; and how many have had more than 12 months industrial experience before being appointed.

The established complement of Inspectors of Factories, Class II is 101. The number now in post is 93. Of these two, five and four hold university degrees in engineering, chemistry and physics respectively, and 25 have had more than 12 months' industrial experience before being appointed.

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of employees of the cotton textile industry are now classified as being provided with the maximum possible protection against the incidence of spinners cancer, both by the provision of suitable overalls and the use of appropriate oils; and what further legislative provisions he has in mind as being necessary.

The information asked for in the first part of this Question is not available. But on Friday last, my right hon. and learned Friend published a draft of special regulations, to be made under the Factories Acts, with a view to prohibiting the use of cancer-producing oils for lubricating self-acting mule spindles in the cotton industry and to providing for the periodical medical examination of persons employed in the spinning.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases of spinners cancer reported in the textile industry for each of the last three years to the nearest most convenient date.

The numbers for the years 1950, 1951 and 1952 were 21. 13 and 24 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Kenneth Richardson, of Erskine Street, Liverpool, in receipt of a 50 per cent. industrial injuries disablement allowance, who was stated on examination on 29th May, 1953, to be likely to be disabled by reason of fracture of left femur and fracture of right tiba and fibula and considered to be unable to have full and unrestricted locomotion, has been called up for military service on 23rd July, 1953;

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the present and future activities of the Scottish Special Housing Association.

The Association have since the war been authorised to build about 30,000 houses for the general population in districts where the need for houses is greatest. In addition, they have undertaken a special programme of some 10,500 houses for miners and to a limited extent they build as agents for Government

The enlistment notice issued to Mr. Kenneth Richardson has been cancelled, and I am arranging for his medical re-examination.

asked the Minister of Labour how many chairmen of medical boards are over 70 years of age.

Twenty-five.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a detailed breakdown of the total capital investment allocation for education in 1953; and the comparable figures for each of the last four years.

Following is a table giving details of the actual capital investment in educational building in each of the years 1949 to 1952 and the estimated investment in 1953:Departments and local authorities. They have so far completed 21,864 houses and have 6,417 under construction.When further progress is made with the work already in hand the extent of their future activities will be considered and I am not in a position at present to make any statement on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has in connection with the promotion of national parks in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my noble Friend to the reply which I gave on 5th February, 1953, to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson), to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what conclusions have been reached as a result of the attentive examination which Her Majesty's Gracious Speech indicated would be given to the question of the supply of electricity in Scotland; and what legislation is contemplated.

Changes in the present organisation for electricity supply in Scotland require legislation, which I am actively considering in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power. As to the nature of the contemplated legislation, I must ask the hon. Member to await the presentation of a Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the cause of the delay in proceeding with the building of a new school at the village of Minishant.

The Scottish Education Department have been in correspondence with the education authority about whether the existing school could be modernised and extended or whether a new school should be built. It has now been agreed that a new school should be built and the authority have been asked to submit the plans for this.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the additional £1 million for Highland roads includes the cost of the St. Catherines-Strachur and Borgie-Naver Bridge roads, the cost of which was approved in 1950 and the work postponed by the economy cuts; and the estimated cost of those projects.

Yes. As I said in my statement on 14th July, it is proposed to include these two projects in the list of new road works to be undertaken in the Highlands. Tenders are now being asked for and until they have been received I should prefer not to attempt an estimate of cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what coordination there has been between the various Government Departments under his control in connection with the construction by the Forestry Commission of 643 miles of new roads in Scotland.

The roads referred to are internal forest roads required for the management of the Forestry Commission's plantations. They are not designed for public use and it is unnecessary for the Commission to consult my Departments about them, except in the rare case when they affect agricultural land. The highway authorities are, of course, consulted so far as access to public roads is concerned.

asked the Lord Advocate how far persons charged with criminal offences in Scottish courts, who are unable to defray the expenses of their defence, are provided with legal representation gratuitously by the legal profession; and to what extent there is evidence that the defence of persons so charged in Scotland is in any way subsidised by newspapers or other similar sources.

In Scotland, it has always been the practice for members of the legal profession, as part of their professional duty, to act gratuitously for any person charged with a criminal offence in the High Court or in any of the Sheriff courts in Scotland, if such person is unable to defray the expenses of his defence. Indeed, in such cases members of the Scots Bar and solicitors are out of pocket as a result of conducting such defences.There is no evidence whatever known to me that there is any subsidising by newspapers or by any other similar sources of the defence of persons charged in Scotland with a crime.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no notice has been taken of two medical certificates sent on behalf of 22420537 Private E. Southward, Cecil Street, Liverpool, who is to report for training from 9th August to 23rd August, 1953, stating that, in view of injuries, he is not considered fit to undertake training; and if he will inquire into the matter.

It is not the case that these medical certificates have been ignored. A medical board to review this soldier's fitness is being arranged and he has been informed of this. He will not, of course, be required to report for training unless he is found fit to train.

asked the Secretary of State for War the dates on which 2274780 Signalman K. F. Davis was home on leave in March; on what date after this he was on an exercise; and on what date he was admitted to the Military Hospital, Catterick, with rheumatic fever.

This soldier did not go on leave during March. He was on an exercise on 21st March and the date of admission to hospital was 25th March.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men with deaf aids have been taken into the Army since 1st January, 1952, up to the latest convenient date.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men have undertaken regular engagements during the past year.

In the year ending 30th June, 1953, 7,187 National Service men undertook normal Regular engagements in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now completed his inquiries into the survey conducted by his education department on the subject of backwardness and illiteracy amongst National Service men entering the Army with particular reference to recruits from Welsh-speaking areas; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The report gave in an appendix the percentages, based on tests set by my Department, of illiterate and semi-literate recruits for various enlistment areas, covering Wales as well as England and Scotland. The report deals with literacy so far as the English language is concerned. Understandably, the figures for Welsh-speaking areas are among the highest. But no comment was made in the report on the figures for Wales. I am, however, discussing this particular problem with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the present rate and prospects of recruiting of Gurkhas for the British Army.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for War where the British recruiting depot for Gurkhas is now situated; and whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for transit of recruits and the necessary staff.

The recruiting depots are at present at Lehra in Gorakhpur district and Jalapahar in Darjeeling district. There have recently been improvements in the staging and railway facilities and the arrangements for transit are now generally satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for War what complaints have reached him about delays in the delivery of mails to troops serving in Singapore and in Malaya; and what action he has taken.

There is no general delay and there have been very few individual complaints. I hope shortly to write to my hon. Friend about the particular case in which he is interested.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a further statement to the House on the investigation into the circumstances of the death of Private Harrison and as to what has been done to eradicate the possibility of a repetition of incidents that cast doubt on the efficiency of the service to patients at Moston Hall Military Hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a further statement on the case of Private Harrison arising out of the court-martial proceedings at the trial of Lieut.-Colonel Gleave.

This court-martial was not completed until last Thursday evening. The lengthy proceedings were taken down in shorthand and typing is being completed as rapidly as possible. As soon as I have an opportunity I shall make a careful study of the evidence; but, until I have done so, I have nothing to add to my replies to Questions about this case on 16th and 23rd June.

asked the Secretary of State for War why steps were not taken to discharge Private Harrison from the Army under the appropriate paragraph of Queen's Regulations in view of the serious disability from which he was suffering.

Private Harrison was found to be suffering from an incurable disease while in hospital and only four days before he died.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will place in the Library of the House a copy of the transcript of the proceedings at the court-martial of Lieut.-Colonel Gleave.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will place in the Library of the House the report of the proceedings of the court-martial on Lieut.-Colonel A. Gleave.

As soon as a copy of these proceedings can be made available, I am arranging, as an exceptional case in view of the considerable interest in the trial, for it to be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the contents of a psychiatric report on Private Irene Rosser were publicly disclosed at the court-martial of Lieut.-Colonel Gleave; at what date this report had been made; and whether such disclosures are in conformity with normal practice.

I understand that some parts of a psychiatric report dated 6th May, 1953, on Private Irene Rosser were disclosed at this court-martial, after argument as to their admissibility. This is not in conformity with the usual practice and I am looking into the matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what persons, and for what purposes, the contents of Army medical or psychiatric reports may be disclosed.

The general practice of the War Office is not to disclose the contents of Army medical records, including psychiatric reports; they are regarded as a confidential class of document for which privilege is claimed as a class. The Department will, however, exceptionally waive the claim to privilege, if necessary, in the over-riding interests of justice, in serious criminal cases and is prepared, in such cases, to make the records available both to the prosecution and the defence.Medical records of ex-Service personnel may also be disclosed, with their agreement in each case, to doctors to assist in treatment.Certain parts of a military psychiatrist's special report on the accused, but not other medical records, may be made available in confidence to the prosecution and defence at a military court-martial, to assist them in the conduct of their cases; and portions relating to character may be produced to the court in mitigation of sentence if the accused is convicted.

asked the Minister of Supply what licences he has granted to Japanese firms to make British rifles, anti-tank guns and Army clothing.

None.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Forestry Commission have constructed 643 miles of new roads in Scotland; and what co-ordination there has been with his Department.

Yes. These roads are internal forestry roads required for the management of the Forestry Commission's plantations. They are not designed for public use and it is unnecessary for the Commission to consult me. The highway authorities are consulted so far as access to public roads is concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport in how many streets in the West End of London double parking is now allowed.

Except in so far as no-waiting or unilateral waiting regulations are in force there is no specific prohibition of parking on both sides of the street or of parking alongside another vehicle on the same side, but the general law relating to obstruction may apply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated number of persons in the British Colonial Territories disabled by yaws; what is the estimated cost of treatment per head; how many persons are in receipt of treatment; and what steps are to be taken to make more treatment available.

These statistics are not at my disposal, but I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a report which contains much information about the incidence and treatment of yaws in a number of Colonial Territories. Costs vary widely according to methods and place of treatment and no simple estimate can be given. The disease is receiving full attention in colonial health programmes, an example being a two-year control campaign shortly to be started in Nigeria in collaboration with W.H.O. and U.N.I.C.E.F.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that large areas of land in the European Highlands of Kenya remain undeveloped; and what Her Majesty's Government's policy is for making these lands available for development by the African people.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Peter Freeman) on 21st January. 1953.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now completed his study of the United Nations specialised agencies pilot schemes for the prevention of malaria; how many such schemes are now in operation in the British Colonial Territories; and what extensions are contemplated.

I am not sure to what "pilot schemes" the hon. Member refers, but projects for the control of malaria are being undertaken by colonial Governments with the assistance of the World Health Organisation and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in a number of territories, including Grenada, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Jamaica, Bahamas, Brunei, North Borneo and Sarawak.An important pilot project will also be begun this year in Northern Nigeria.

asked the Minister of Food, regarding the 500,000 gallons of orange juice purchased by his Department in 1951, which was found to contain an unacceptable preservative, what action has been taken to tighten up the inspection of purchases made; what other steps have been taken to ensure no repetition of this occurrence; and what has this mistake in Government trading cost to date.

No purchase of orange juice concentrate has been made this year from Sicily, the source of the faulty concentrate purchased in 1951. The form of contracts for delivery in 1953 has been revised and a system of special inspection for the preservative found in the faulty concentrate has been instituted.I am not at present in a position to make a statement about the financial results of this contract. As I said on 8th July in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster (Mr. F. Maclean) it is not correct to describe a failure by the vendor to comply with conditions of a contract as a mistake in Government trading.

asked the Minister of Food the value of the present meat ration in terms of 1948 prices.

The ration of 2s. 4d. is roughly equivalent to 1s. 3d. The actual allocation of 2s. 6d. worth of meat is equivalent to about Is. 4d.

asked the Minister of Food if he will give details of the imports into the United Kingdom of the 84 per cent. of foods not of animal origin during 1952.

The details are as follow:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will appoint a committee to inquire into costs of coal distribution.

I do not consider the appointment of such a committee is necessary or desirable at present.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what plans his Department has for continuous pipe lines from Middle East oilfields to bring natural gas and petrol to Britain.

None.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will arrange for stocks of wood, peat and briquettes to be established in Edinburgh during the winter months in anticipation of domestic fuel shortage this winter.

Wood, peat and briquettes are uncontrolled and I think we can rely on the distributive trade to lay in such stocks of these and other fuels as they think necessary to supplement their stocks of coal and coke.