asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the aggregate amount of Exchequer subsidies for all houses built since 1919, divided in relation to the various Acts of Parliament under which the subsidies were granted.

The aggregate amounts for England and Wales for the years ending with the year 1952–53 are:

	£
Housing, Town Planning, etc. Act, 1919	187,172,874
Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919	9,498,156
Housing, etc. Act, 1923 (and amendments)	49,594,164
Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924	100,333,287
Housing Act, 1930	45,637,602
Housing Act, 1935	966,537
Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1938 (and amendments)	8,140,422
Housing (Financial & Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1946 (and amendments)	81,863,846
	483,206,888

The figures for the Housing Acts of 1930 and 1935 include figures for the relevant provisions of those Acts as now consolidated in the Housing Act, 1936. Where a statutory authority has been amended or re-enacted it is as a rule impracticable, except at disproportionate labour, to distinguish the amounts paid under the statute as first enacted from those paid subsequently under the statute as amended or re-enacted.The amounts estimated to be payable during 1953–54 are shown in the Estimate for Class V, Vote 2.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what sums have been authorised by his Department to be spent under the Private Streets Works Act in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme in each of the years 1948 to 1952 and to the nearest convenient date in 1953.

The amounts are as follow:

			£
1948	…	…	785
1949	…	…	2,708
1950	…	…	nil
1951	…	…	10,376
1952	…	…	nil
1953 (to date)	…	…	5,798

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he hopes to make a statement on the modifying of the control over the selling price of houses built since the war, subject to suitable safeguards against speculation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave earlier today to Questions by the hon. Member for Gravesend (Sir R. Acland) and others.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations he has received from the National Chamber of Trade about the setting up of a committee of inquiry into the whole problem of the operation of the Derating Act; and whether he will accede to the request so made.

The National Chamber of Trade has proposed that a committee be set up to examine the whole aspect of derating in relation to the modern needs of industry. I am not persuaded that the setting up of such a committee at this juncture is the appropriate way of dealing with this far-reaching question.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that Coventry Corporation had recently to stop taking water from the River Avon because it was poisoned with cyanide; and whether he is satisfied that there is no danger of such a state of affairs being allowed to develop again.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to an incident which occurred last April, in respect of which I consented to the taking of proceedings by the River Board against a local firm under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act 1951. I understand that the Board are satisfied the firm have taken adequate steps to prevent similar pollution in future.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the estimated number of staff officers, second grade, in the Department of the Permanent Under-Secretary of State is to be increased from 29 in 1952–53 to 34 in 1953–54.

One of the additional staff officers second grade was in substitution for a staff officer first grade. The other four were required for the Inspectorate of Establishments to provide a more frequent and effective check on Army establishments.

asked the Secretary of State for War the duties of the Progress Officer (Printing) (Temporary) in the Department of the Permanent Under-Secretary of State.

This official is responsible for ensuring that the military publications and Army forms and books on order from the printers are delivered on time.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the estimated number of chief executive officers and senior executive officers on the civil staff of the Department of the Permanent Under-Secretary of State is to be increased from 16 to 18 and from 63 to 65, respectively, in 1953–54.

Two additional chief executive officers were required to fill two principals' posts in which grade there was a decrease of three. The two additional senior executive officers were required temporarily for work connected with the Coronation arrangements and to deal with certain new financial problems in Germany, and they will not continue.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Service personnel are being employed upon the reconstruction of bridges which are the responsibility of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds; and on whose authority this work is being undertaken.

Two bridges over the River Barle, erected by the Devon and Somerset Staghounds by means of a public subscription, have been used for many years, not only by the Hunt but also by farmers, tourists and others, until the bridges were washed away in the floods last year. One of the bridges is being replaced by a Bailey bridge bought from civilian sources. Its erection was assisted by the local squadron of Territorial Army Royal Engineers. This task was performed during the weekend 19th–20th September and provided a most useful form of training

asked the Secretary of State for War what representations he has received from the League Against Cruel Sports as a result of a Bailey bridge having been built by Territorial officers and men of the Royal Engineers for the exclusive use of a West Country staghunt; and what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter.

It was represented to me by this body that there had been misuse of Territorial Army manpower in carrying out this work. The action I took was to find out for myself exactly what had taken place. This is set out in my reply to an earlier Question by the hon. Member for Rossendale (Mr. Anthony Greenwood).

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the harsh treatment, and subsequent court-martial and sentence, on 22288898 M. Brennan, I/R/Norfolks, B.A.P.O. 1, Hong Kong; and if, in view of this soldier's previous service, he will have a full inquiry made into all the circumstances of this case.

I have made inquiries and there is no evidence of harsh treatment of this soldier. He has recently been tried by court-martial and I should not like to say more until I have studied the proceedings.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider bringing to London a representative contingent of the Commonwealth Division, when these troops can be release from Korea, so that the people of London may be afforded an opportunity to welcome representatives of this formation.

I have considered this proposal most carefully, but I do not think that any decision can be made until the Commonwealth Division can actually be released from Korea. Proposals would then have to be considered, in consultation with the other Commonwealth Governments concerned, in the light of the situation which then obtained. There have been repeated changes in units in Korea and the assembly of a truly representative contingent would consequently present many difficulties. But I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that I will bear his very interesting suggestion in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will request the military authorities at Aldershot to see that effective instruction is given to military personnel under their command to respect railway property and to travel in compartments authorised on their travel warrants.

I am informed that neither the local military authorities nor the Railway Executive have received complaints on these matters in the past year. If my hon. Friend will let me have details of any incidents of which he is aware, I will have further investigations made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consult the British Transport Commission on the desirability of providing special trains for troops travelling to London on Fridays and Saturdays, and thus relieving the overcrowding of some ordinary trains at the week ends, which causes discomfort to both troops and, especially, the general public.

Ten special trains are run for troops travelling to London on Fridays and Saturdays.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for the year 1952 or the last completed year, the number of companies which have had to be reminded that they have not held an annual general meeting within the prescribed time; how many have been proceeded against; and whether he will consider including in the annual return form a request for the inclusion of the date when the last such meeting was held.

In 1952, 33 companies were reminded and proceedings were taken against two. I am advised that the suggestion in the last part of the Question would require legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now considered the memorandum submitted at his request by the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association on the subject of discriminatory tax reliefs in favour of the exhibition of British films; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in this matter.

My right hon. Friend has received a memorandum from the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association on this subject, although it was not submitted at his request. The question of tax relief is, of course, primarily the concern of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will give consideration in his review of taxation before the next Budget to the proposals in the memorandum. I should add that considerable difficulties, both of general principle and of commercial policy, appear to be raised by these proposals.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will confer with the other Ministers concerned, with a view to reducing the number of Government Departments whose approval has to be obtained before a new factory can be erected or an existing one extended.

My right hon. Friend and his colleagues constantly seek to improve the procedure for approving the erection of new factories and to make the administration of the remaining controls as simple as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue licences for the importation of Disston cross-cut saws.

A licence permitting the import of a Disston cross-cut saw from the United States would be issued only if it were required for a special purpose for which a British or other non-dollar crosscut saw was not suitable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about Anglo-Spanish trade.

As the right hon. Member was informed in reply to his Question on 7th July last, the trade and financial talks which were held in London during the summer were suspended in order that both delegations might report to their Governments. The talks were later resumed in Madrid and still continue. I regret that I cannot at this stage say more than that there are indications that agreement is near.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the work of the Anglo-Scandinavian Economic Committee.

I have been asked to reply. The Committee today concluded a meeting at which such subjects of mutual economic interest as the Schuman Plan, the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs and current policy within the Organisation for European economic co-operation were discussed.The next meeting will be held in six months in accordance with practice, but

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the annual total of salaries and wages paid to the 662,975 civil servants of Government Departments in posts on 1st July, 1953, as detailed in H.C. 8926; and if he will give similar figures at 1st January, 1952.

The cost of salaries and wages of the non-industrial Civil Service was £338·7 million for the 12 months ending 30th September, 1952. The average number of staff employed during this period was 682,508. The figures for the year ending 30th September, 1953, will not be available for some time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much foreign exchange was made available for organisations in this country to contribute financially to the French strikers' fund.

No remittances were authorised during the continuance of the recent strikes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will invite a panel of businessmen, to include the chairmen of the big five banks, Mr. Paul Bareau and Mr. S. W. Alexander, to advise him as to measures he could take to improve the national finances and economy in preparation for his next Budget.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an approximate indication of when the Report of the Royal Commission on Taxation will be completed.

I understand that the Royal Commission are engaged in considering the evidence submitted to them, but I am unable to forecast when their Report will be received.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered a communication from the secretary of the Scottish Football Association on the unfair incidence of entertainment tax on some outdoor sports, and, in particular, association football; and what is the nature of his reply thereto.

Yes. My right hon. Friend has informed the Association that their representations will be borne in mind in connection with the undertaking that he gave during the debates on the Finance Bill to watch the incidence of the duty on football in the present season.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will put in the Library of the House of Commons a copy of the list of drugs of no proven value which has been circulated to doctors by his Department.

A copy was placed in the Library on 23rd July, 1953.

asked the Minister of Health what action is being taken or contemplated to deal with the overcrowding in mental hospitals in Kent.

Hospital accommodation is planned on a regional and not on a county basis. The South-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board expect to begin work about the middle of next year on two mental hospital building schemes, one at Hellingly Hospital and the other at St. Francis Hospital, Haywards Heath. The new buildings, which will provide accommodation for 120 patients, should relieve overcrowding in mental hospitals in the Board's region, which includes Kent.

asked the Minister of Food whether all controls have now been removed on the importation of canned grapefruit segments coming from the Colonies.

I have decided to abolish the control of canned grapefruit, pineapple and mandarin oranges after the end of the year. My Department will make no further purchases. A statement about imports in 1954 will be made later.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has yet considered the Northumberland Report on the Slaughter of Horses; and to what extent, and when, the Government propose to implement its recommendations.

I am considering the Report in consultation with other Ministers concerned. I will make a statement to the House as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a full statement on recent events in British Guiana.

The hon. Member will have seen the statement published by Her Majesty's Government on 9th October. A White Paper is being published today and copies will be available in the Vote Office after 6 p.m. There will be a debate on Thursday, the 22nd, and I propose to defer any further statement until then.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in which Colonies the "Soviet Weekly" is banned; and why.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th June, 1953; Vol. 516, c. 66], supplied the following information:The "Soviet Weekly" is banned in the Federation of Malaya, in the Gold Coast, in St. Vincent and in Trinidad.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the greatly increased yields in the dry padi areas of Kelantan and Trengganu, Federation of Malaya, which have resulted from the methods of deep ploughing by tractors, what steps are being taken to extend the use of tractors; and, in particular, if any producer co-operatives are being organised to facilitate the use of tractors.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 8th July, 1953; Vol. 517, c. 1229], supplied the following information:There has not been a greatly increased yield in the dry padi areas of Kelantan and Trengganu as a result of deep ploughing by tractors. The increase in these States has been mainly in the wet padi areas as a result of the use of chemical fertilisers.Steps are, however, being taken to introduce mechanical cultivation with the use of tractors in dry padi areas, and the Rural and Industrial Development Authority has increased the number of tractors in Kelantan and is proposing to increase the number in Trengganu as growers of dry padi are persuaded of their benefits.There are no producer co-operatives in either Kelantan or Trengganu, but they have been established on the West Coast and the Commissioner for Co-operative Development is now examining the problem on the East Coast.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the desert has encroached on the territory of Kenya in the last 20 years.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st April, 1953; Vol. 513, c. 149] supplied the following information:No true deserts without vegetation exist in Kenya except in the Northern Province, and there is no evidence that these wastes are spreading. Semi-desert, which supports a certain amount of scrub, bush and grass is widespread throughout the Colony below the height of 3,500 feet, but within this area the vegetation varies greatly from place to place and from year to year because of the differing types of soil and the erratic distribution of rainfall. No scientific records or positive figures are available to show that any general permanent change is taking place: the average rainfall over the last 20 years has shown a slight increase over the previous average.These semi-desert regions are mainly pastoral, however, and in many localities near permanent water supplies the vegetation has shown a change for the worse because of heavy over-stocking during dry weather. Efforts are being made to repair this damage by reducing the number of livestock, by enforcing grazing control, and by providing fresh water supplies, but no rapid improvement can be expected.Elsewhere in the Colony there are extensive marginal areas under agriculture where during the last 20 or 30 years greater demands have been made on the land, and serious devastation has developed, both through over-stocking and through primitive methods of cultivation. These areas are mainly hilly; rainfall is erratic, and the soils are easily eroded. Though again no scientific records are available, personal observation has led many people to conclude that the climate has changed for the worse and that soil and air temperatures have risen.These conditions seem to be the inevitable result of the increasing denudation of the soil, and they can only be cured by a great improvement in African methods of land management. It is to this that the energies of the Department of Agriculture and the African Land Utilisation and Settlement Board have been devoted since the war, and with some success; and much has also been done to improve forest protection. But the problem of inducing primitive peoples to abandon their traditional ways and adopt good farming methods has not yet been solved, and in some areas very limited progress has been made.

asked the Minister of Works how many acres of land his Department has under requisition in the parish of Audley in the rural district of Newcastle-under-Lyme; and for what purposes.

None.

asked the Minister of Works, in view of the shortage of bricks in West Wales, what steps he is taking to encourage the reopening of the brickworks at Porthgain, Pembrokeshire.

This works has not produced bricks for nearly 30 years; the kilns have been dismantled, the machinery removed, and the buildings are derelict. Brick production in South Wales is increasing and I cannot say whether the considerable capital required to reopen this works would give as good a result as extensions elsewhere. I should make it clear that there are no public funds for the financing of brickworks.

asked the Minister of Works what further action he has taken concerning the future of the Festival Gardens.

After consultation with the London County Council I have made an Order under the Festival Pleasure Gardens Act, 1952, bringing to an end the statutory period during which the Gardens may be continued by the Company.The terms and conditions for the transfer of the site to the Council are now under discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that pneumatic road drills are fitted with silencers when used in built-up areas.

I am advised that the silencing of these drills presents practical difficulties and I can hold out no hope of legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce legislation giving powers to local authorities to exercise strict supervision over mock auctions.

I can hold out no hope that the Government will be able to find time to introduce legislation on this subject.