asked the Minister of Labour how the figures of average wages in industry and agriculture, published by his Department earlier this year, were assessed; and if he will state, to the latest convenient date, the average earnings of all persons employed in industry and agriculture, using similar methods of calculation.

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the figures of average weekly earnings in April, 1953, given in an article in the September, 1953, issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette. Details of how these averages were compiled are given in the article in question. The figures cover manual wage-earners in manufacturing industries generally and in a number of the principal non-manufacturing industries. Similar figures are not available for classes other than manual wage-earners.

The figures of average weekly earnings in agriculture published at the same time are based on information collected from a random sample of farms by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland.

Will the Minister reply to the second half of the Question, which asks for the present average earnings of all persons similarly employed, using similar methods of calculation?

The difficulty there is that it takes a long time to collect this information. We are now in the process of preparing the next set of figures, which will be ready for publication in March, 1954.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to report upon the financial position of Remploy, Limited; and how far their Bradford factory is likely in the near future to increase its intake of disabled workers.

Remploy, Limited, are publishing their annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1953, giving an income and expenditure account and the balance sheet, on 25th November; they are not contemplating any increase at the Bradford factory in the immediate future.

Is the Minister aware of the large number of disabled people in Bradford waiting at the employment exchange for an opportunity of employment? Will his Department make a special inquiry into the position at Bradford with a view to increasing the intake of this factory?

We do not need to do that, because I can give the answer now. The difficulty is that there has been a shortage of orders in this Remploy factory, which we are trying to overcome. If we can overcome it, as we hope, in the near future, we shall be able to take on more people.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that a fatal accident recently occurred at Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, when a woman operative was scalped by the rollers and shafting of a hop-picking machine; that Her Majesty's area factory inspector expressed to the coroner conducting the inquest the view that the position of a hop-picking shed and its relation to the Factories Acts is far from clear, and that a hop-picking shed is not a factory within the meaning of the Acts; and whether he will now consider the evidence and introduce appropriate legislation;

(2) Whether he will make regulations under the Factories Acts to assure adequate guarding and fencing of hop-picking machinery and periodical inspection and advice by Her Majesty's inspectors of factories, with a view to reducing the rate of accidents.

The question of making statutory provisions relating to the use of dangerous machinery in agricultural operations was the subject of a recommendation made by the Gowers Committee on Health, Welfare and Safety in non-industrial employment and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is in consultation with the agricultural interests concerned. As respects the fatal accident which recently occurred at Tenbury Wells, my information indicates that the Factories Acts had no application to the use of the machinery in question, but my right hon. Friends are consulting together as to the best immediate steps which can be taken to try and prevent further accidents arising from the use of the machinery.

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that a hop-picking machine is not a piece of machinery in the ordinary run of agricultural machines? It is a large and static machine which has to be installed in a shed, akin to the workshop which is generally catered for under the Factories Acts. Would not my hon. Friend, to prevent a repetition of this distressing accident, lay a Statutory Instrument before the House for covering only hop-picking machinery?

Before we did that, we should want rather fuller consultations with the interests concerned, but if my hon. Friend would like to come and see our Chief Inspector of Factories and discuss the matter with him we should be delighted to arrange it.

Yes, I will come.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to bring up to date the Wood-Working Machinery Regulations which were last revised nearly 30 years ago; and whether he will introduce legislation suitably to revise the existing factories statutes.

I am not aware of any ground for amendment of these Regulations. But if my hon. Friend has any such ground in mind, I will be pleased to consider it.

These Regulations were made 30 years ago. Is my hon. Friend aware that in that period of three decades, many new types of woodworking machinery have been invented and brought into widespread use and it is, therefore, urgently necessary to overhaul them in the light of 1953 conditions?

Section 14 of the Factories Act, 1937, still applies, but again, if my hon. Friend has any particular point in mind, we should be delighted to consider it.

Has the Minister had any complaint from any of the unions representing the workers in this industry about the inefficiency of the Regulations?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour how many building workers are unemployed in the London region; and what the corresponding figure was last year.

The number was 4,601 at 12th October, 1953, compared with 6,343 at 13th October, 1952.

While this reduction in the number of unemployed building workers is to be welcomed, does the Minister realise that even 4,600 unemployed building workers represents a bad waste of manpower in an essential sector of industry where productivity is of the utmost importance?

I also realise that it represents only 2·2 per cent. of the estimated number of male building employees in the area. Of course, the figure also includes the normal seasonal increase in the number of painters temporarily unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of investigators employed by his Department during the present year calling on selected households to ascertain household living costs;

(2) the amount it is anticipated will be paid to householders during the present year as a fee for supplying household living costs information.

No staff have been specially engaged by my Department to act as investigators. The collection of information is a part-time job and much of the work is necessarily done outside office hours. The number of staff in my Department who have acted as investigators during the present year is 1,119.

It is anticipated that £30,000 will be paid during the present financial year in fees to members of households supplying information on their expenditure.

Is the Minister satisfied that the method of selecting certain households for this information is an accurate picture, and what is the fee paid to each household?

I think we are quite satisfied. The hon. Member might like to know that the amount we are paying is rather larger than we had anticipated, because the inquiry has gone a good deal better than we expected. More households have been willing to co-operate and, generally speaking, the whole thing has gone very well indeed, as it should do, as two million workers' wages depend directly on it. I think that the fee paid is £1.

asked the Minister of Labour if the Chief Inspector of Factories has now completed his investigations into the use and effects of fibre glass and other synthetic materials used in increasing amounts in aircraft production and general engineering; what are the up-to-date results of the investigation; and what action is to be taken.

Microscopic examination of samples of the materials in question, about which my right hon. and learned Friend informed the hon. Member in reply to a previous Question on 7th May last, proved inconclusive and it has been found necessary to take systematic air and dust samples in factories where these and similar substances are being used. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to make a considered statement.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has studied the reports, details of which have been sent to him, which prove statistically that for a period of 40 years wages of highly-skilled engineers have worsened in comparison with other wages; and if he will appoint a committee to investigate and report.

I am not quite sure to which reports the hon. Member refers, but my right hon. and learned Friend and I try to keep ourselves informed of wage trends both generally and comparatively. Our studies have not led us to the conclusion that the appointment of a committee would serve a useful purpose.

Does that mean that the Minister and the Ministry do not accept what is contained in the Question: that during the past 40 years there has been a worsening in the relative position of the iron and steel engineers? Is it the intention of the Ministry to let things drift, as they are doing generally?

We do not for a moment accept that there has not been a considerable worsening, if one examines basic wage rates. But to show the complicated nature of the position, if one examines earnings, there is quite a different story. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] This is hardly a subject for examination by question and answer, but if the hon. Member likes to raise it on some other occasion we shall be delighted to go further into it.

Is the Minister aware that his answer is a direct repudiation of the assurances, given in industry during the past 30 years, that it was wages that mattered, and that if the men continued to work harder there would be no doubt about their earnings increasing? Now, we are being brought to the position in industry, supported by the Ministry of Labour in accordance with the hon. Gentleman's answer, that it is the earnings that count, and, therefore, no increases must be given, because the men have been working harder and quicker?

That is completely untrue.

That is what the hon. Gentleman said.

I first said that nobody who knows what he is talking about would deny that the relative position of the skilled man vis-à-vis the unskilled man had worsened over the years; the facts show it and we all know it. None the less, if one examines this complicated matter carefully, it will be found that some skilled men—in fact, the majority of them—are managing by their skill to earn well over £9 a week—and jolly good luck to them. But that is a different facet to the problem. We must leave it in this Question and answer as saying that the relative position has worsened. It is regrettable, but I am sure that the hon. Member does not want the Government to legislate on this.

asked the Minister of labour if he will consider taking special measures to arrest the rise in the unemployment rate in respect of disabled persons, especially those over 50 years of age.

The number of disabled persons unemployed fell steadily throughout the first seven months of this year. Despite some increase in the following three months, it is now lower by more than 9,000 that it was in January. This includes a substantial reduction amongst the older workers. We will certainly continue to do all we can to reduce the numbers still further.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how far his records show that firms engaged on Government contracts are employing the number of disabled persons required by the existing agreement;

(2) how far his regulations require sub-contractors to contractors engaged on Government contracts to employ disabled persons in the same proportion as the main contractor.

The obligation to employ 3 per cent. of disabled persons applies equally to Government contractors and sub-contractors and to all other employers who have 20 or more workers. Compliance is virtually complete and many employers have more than the obligatory 3 per cent. of disabled. I have no information to suggest that Government contractors or sub-contractors are failing in this respect.

asked the Minister of Labour if he consulted members of the National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Older Men and Women before publishing the pamphlet, "Age and Employment."

Yes, Sir, the Committee were fully consulted and approved publication.

Is the hon. Member aware that some of the material in this pamphlet is not at all helpful to those professional workers' organisations and the trade unions whose co-operation will be necessary if a change of opinion on this matter is to be carried through?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman is not aware that the National Advisory Committee has a very strong and able trade union membership. When I referred this pamphlet to the Committee, it was the Committee's unanimous view that it should be published. We cannot please everybody in this most difficult task, but I hope the hon. Gentleman supports the general object of the Committee, which is to give a better chance of employment to older men and women.

asked the Minister of Labour how many coal miners were idle in Lanarkshire in October, 1946, October, 1949, and October, 1953, respectively, or on any other comparable date.

Five hundred in October, 1946, 413 in October, 1949, and 132 in October, 1953. The figures exclude unemployed persons who were known to be unfit for employment in the coal mining industry.

Could the Minister inform us at what time of day these men were idle?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the figures of registered unemployed and the total and percentage at Stornoway Employment Exchange at the most recent convenient date.

A total of 1,183 males and 145 females at 12th October. The total of 1,328 represented about 24 per cent. of the estimated total numbers of employees in the area.

Recognising, as I am sure the Minister does, that this is the worst figure of unemployment in Great Britain, could he specify at all the measures which have been taken during the last two years to try to deal with this very urgent problem?

This is a most difficult and intractable problem, as the hon. Member, who fights so well for his constituency, knows. If we examine the figures over the past three or four years, they show no material change. I can only say that in co-operation with the Scottish Office and other interests involved, we are doing what we can, but I would remind the hon. Member of what I said in a recent debate, that the trouble in Stornoway is that we cannot bring the people to the work nor, unfortunately, can we bring the work to the people.

asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds William White, 6 Greenhill View, Newcastle, was passed for service in the Army in view of his unsatisfactory medical history since childhood and the fact that he was registered as a disabled person with his Department.

It has not yet been possible to examine all the relevant documents in this case. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as they are received.

Would the hon. Member be surprised to know that, after this man has suffered four months of torture, the War Office have decided that he will be discharged as unsatisfactory for Army service? In view of the fact that he was a registered disabled man and that he has had sickness all his life, is this not another medical board blunder?

One of the difficulties of examining these cases in this way in the House is that I must now tell the hon. Member that in reply to the specific question on the medical form, "Are you registered under the Disabled Persons Employment Act?", this man answered, "No." The hon. Member will appreciate the difficulties which this presents to the medical board. It was for that reason that my right hon. and learned Friend wanted to examine this case further. I will write to the hon. Member or see him when that has been done.

May I ask the hon. Member a question on general principle and not of an individual character? Why is it that these people who are graded below Grade I are called up for Her Majesty's Forces? Surely, in these days of peacetime, it is not necessary to call up men who are found by the hon. Member's own medical board to be not medically fit? Why call up Grades II and III?

That is a much wider question, and if the hon. Member will put it down I will give him the answer.

asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds Mr. R. W. Powell, "The Trailer Caravan," Maisons Bridge Road, Redhill, was recommended for Army service and placed in Grade 1.

Mr. Powell was called up for Army service on 5th February, 1953, because the National Service Medical Board that examined him towards the end of September, 1952, considered that, at that date, he satisfied the conditions laid down for Medical Grade 1. He is still serving in the Army in a lower medical grade.

Is the hon. Member not aware that I have a letter from the War Office which says,

"Private Powell suffers from hallux rigidus. This is a condition of the feet where the big toe cannot be bent upwards. As a result of this condition and of his defective vision, Private Powell is employed on general duties in a low medical category. Private Powell is excused guards and long marches and has been given R.A.F. pattern shoes to wear."

These are soft shoes. Can the hon. Gentleman justify the decision to call this man up? Why has this man been called up into the active Army at all as Grade 1? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that the N.C.O.s have testified that he is unfit to serve at all but that the medical officer has said that as long as he stands on two feet he will do his two years' Service?

This case dates back to 1952 and is one of the 20 cases to which my right hon. and learned Friend referred when he made his statement in the House on 27th October in answer to a Question from the hon. Member, who then said, if I remember correctly, that he thought my right hon. and learned Friend had done all that was possible in the circumstances. As for the question of Army treatment of this man, I think the hon. Member has a Question down to my right hon Friend the Secretary of State for War on that subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to abolish the county agricultural committees in Scotland.

The 11 agricultural executive committees established in Scotland under the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948, have many important duties to perform in the interests of agricultural efficiency and in the furtherance of the Government's policy of securing an expansion of home production. In present circumstances, I am satisfied that it is essential to retain them.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that there is a substantial feeling in the country that these wartime instruments have outlived their need, and in some cases, according to my information, have exercised dictatorial powers which have caused considerable resentment?

There are now only 11 of these committees in Scotland; the members give their services voluntarily and we will, of course, watch the position.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these county agricultural committees have rendered excellent service to the community and that the only people upset about them are the dud farmers?

I agree that they have rendered very good service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his discussions about land drainage with local authorities and farmers' and landowners' associations, and about new proposals to deal with the problems which have emerged from a review of his discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will initiate legislation with a view to tackling large drainage schemes in Scotland.

Discussions with interested bodies have not yet been concluded and I am therefore unable to make any statement at present.

Does my right hon. Friend recall his statement in this place on 9th June, when he said he hoped to introduce legislation as soon as possible?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is most important that we should get on with legislation of this kind? There are hundreds of thousands of acres to be reclaimed in this way for food production.

It is very simple to say that we should get on with legislation, but we must get some kind of agreement with all the interests concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present position with regard to the Spey Valley Drainage Scheme.

It is hoped that work on the Spey Valley Survey will be completed by about the middle of 1954. In the absence of comprehensive arterial drainage legislation, drainage work on the Spey could, of course, only be carried out by means of a voluntary scheme with the agreement of all the interested proprietors.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has received from the Hill Lands Commission in regard to beef production in the last 12 months; and what action the Government has taken.

The Hill Lands Commission have continued to assist me with their advice on the scope for cattle rearing in the Highlands. Recent increases in the hill cattle subsidy are the result of recommendations made by the Commission. I understand that the Commission are at present considering the terms of a general report but that before completing it they wish to take into account the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Crofting Conditions, which is expected to become available in the early spring.

Is it not the case that the Forestry Commission are still planting in certain areas which would be very suitable for beef production? Can my right hon. Friend either authorise the Forestry Commission to go into beef production or else stop them planting on this land?

I do not think that they should go into beef production. There is always apt to be a conflict of interest, but we do our best to see that suitable land is preserved for agriculture.

Would the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity to state what is the Government's long-term agricultural policy in relation to hill farming and beef on the Highlands, otherwise there is no hope of any Commission making any report that will give any confidence to Highland farmers?

I can hardly do that now.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any of these reports are to be published at all?

Certainly they are.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far the disease of myxomatosis has been reported among rabbits in Scotland; to what extent this disease is confined to wild rabbits; and what is the policy of his Department in the matter.

I have received no reports of outbreaks of this disease in Scotland, but the North of Scotland College of Agriculture are conducting experiments with the virus on a few small islands. I understand that myxomatosis may affect domestic rabbits and, perhaps, hares as well as wild rabbits. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I have set up a committee under the chairmanship of Lord Carrington to advise us on this matter.

Is the Minister convinced that this disease can be confined to an island and will not spread to the mainland?

That is the advice which I have received. I think that that is the case. I hope so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to increase the salaries of sheriffs-substitute.

The salaries of all sheriffs-substitute were increased by £500 per annum with effect from July, 1951. No further increase is contemplated at the present time.

Is it not the case that these judges have far wider jurisdiction than the county court judges in England and are paid less than those judges are? If any class of judge deserve an increase in salary, surely it is this class in Scotland, and will the Secretary of State recommend them to his right hon. Friend?

I shall bear in mind what the hon. Member says.

Is the Minister aware that these appointments are made nearly always from membership of the Scottish Bar; that membership of the Scottish Bar requires as a condition of admission not merely legal qualifications but the making of a cash payment amounting to more than £450; and is he aware of the strong objection in principle to increased expenditure of public money where there is such a high financial barrier to entering?

I shall take all these matters into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will implement the recommendations of the Cameron Committee on Highland Transport during the present Session.

I am unable to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 16th June.

Now that a new Session has started, can we not hope for a new spirit in regard to this matter which is vital for the whole Highlands? Can the Secretary of State indicate what the Government's general policy is in regard to freight charges generally?

The British Transport Commission undertook to consider this Report in framing their railway freight charges scheme under the Transport Act, 1947, and the Committee's recommendations relating to charges are primarily matters for the British Transport Commission.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) and some other Highland Members did their best to destroy any hope of flat-rate charges by voting for the destruction of the road transport organisation?

Is the Minister aware that the alteration of the set-up between rail and road transport has nothing whatever to do with this problem, that rail transport is not the only transport in the Highlands, and that my own constituents, for instance, are dependent on sea transport?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the detrimental effect that freight charges are having on trade in the remoter areas in the Highlands of Scotland; and if he will initiate further discussions with the British Transport Commission and the Committee on Highland Transport Costs on the practicability of a flat-rate for merchandise in the Highland areas.

I am aware that freight charges are a matter of concern to traders in the Highlands. The Committee on Highland Transport Costs were not in favour of railway flat rates. The Committee's recommendations relating to railway charges have already been brought to the notice of the British Transport Commission, who are preparing a draft Rail Merchandise Scheme for submission to the Transport Tribunal.

Can my right hon. Friend say when this is likely to be published?

In the future.

I am afraid that I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the piers listed as essential in the White Paper on Highland Development remain to be built; and when it is expected that the programme will be completed.

The list referred to contained proposals for 11 new works. Of these, two have been completed; one is in progress; grants have been offered or work approved in principle for five; two are under consideration; and no proposals have been received from the local authority concerned in respect of the one remaining. I cannot say when all these works will be completed, but all possible speed will be made.

Can the Secretary of State do anything further to speed up the procedure? Does he not agree that there is a very long time between the start of the initial procedure and the time that the work can begin?

I will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the letter from the Scottish Licensed Trade Defence Association regarding the Forth Road Bridge; and what reply he has sent

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what organisations have made representations to him in the last three months on the question of the Forth Road Bridge; and what was the nature of his reply.

During the last three months I have received representations from the Angus Burghs Association, seven other Scottish burghs, the Scottish Commercial Travellers Association and the Scottish Licensed Trade Defence Association. I have explained that because of the volume of other urgent and essential road works, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport cannot authorise the starting of the construction of a bridge this year or in the near future.

Will the Secretary of State, in view of all the representations, have another conference with the Minister of Transport on this matter; secondly, would he care to define what is meant by "the immediate future"?

I have constant meetings with my right hon. Friend and we often discuss this matter, but I cannot give any definite date. The best I can say at the moment—I do not wish to evade the question—is that in the near future we do not see a likelihood of being able to approve this.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable despair and despondency has been caused by some remarks of Ministers in recent time in regard to this project?

Is it not a fact that a panel of civil engineers has been asked to investigate the possibility of building a road bridge over the present Forth Bridge and, if their findings are satisfactory, I understand that there might be an estimate within the region of £20 million using light alloys? Could the Secretary of State therefore not give his approval to such a project if it were feasible?

As my hon. Friend has said, that is being examined, and we shall of course await the results.

Can the Secretary of State explain what representations he has made to the Cabinet, and what steps he has taken to draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the various political and economic interests that have made protests to him? It is quite clearly not a political matter, so would he make representations to that effect to the Prime Minister and within the Cabinet?

I should not divulge what takes place in the Cabinet. All I can say is that resources of money and materials have to be taken into consideration, and there are many urgent works required, both for improvement and maintenance, throughout the country.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to provide for the reciprocal enforcement of orders for aliment between Scotland and those Dominions, Colonies and Protectorates to which the provisions of the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920, have been extended by Order in Council.

I regret that the practical difficulties involved in making such reciprocal arrangements between Scotland and Commonwealth countries overseas have not yet been overcome.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what are the practical difficulties, what steps have been taken to overcome them, and if anything is to be done in the immediate future in relation to this problem?

I cannot promise immediate action. If the right hon. Gentleman would be good enough to refer to a more detailed reply which I gave on 11th March, 1952, to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes), he will find some of those difficulties specified.

Does the Secretary of Stale remember that, when he gave me that answer, he promised to get into touch with the Lord Advocate with a view to resolving those alleged practical difficulties? Does he remember that I drew his attention to cases of great hardship arising from the present state of the law, and does he say that he has done nothing to resolve those difficulties and hardships?

My information is that Scots law normally recognises only the jurisdiction of the court of the area where the defender is living. As I say, the matter is complicated and might require legislation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that in recent legislation that form of jurisdiction has been departed from in certain cases, and will he look at this matter again to see whether, if that is the only difficulty, the precedent which has been followed lately cannot be followed in this type of case?

I should be glad to look further into it, but we have done so and we have not overcome the difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has now been made with the scheme for improving the entrance to Eyemouth Harbour.

I understand the matter is still under consideration by the Harbour Trust who are examining possible ways of improving conditions at the harbour entrance.

Yes, but will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that money is constantly being spent on temporary dredging, and if there is anything he can do to speed up a permanent scheme, it will be very much to the advantage of the county of Berwickshire?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for bringing additional factories to East Kilbride, in view of the warning given in the Development Corporation's Report for 1952–53, paragraph 53.

Four industrial and commercial firms, including firms from Glasgow, are at present negotiating with the East Kilbride Development Corporation for sites in the new town which the firms wish to develop on their own account. Needless to say, the President of the Board of Trade and I will give every encouragement to private enterprise to carry out development of this kind in the new town.

Yes, but is my right hon. Friend aware that he now confronts a difficult dilemma: either he gets enough industry to the new town now or he has to stop building the new town, or he has to go back on his pledge to produce a balanced community?

We certainly hope to produce a balanced community, and I have no reason to think at the present time that the plans are not working out satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when last he had consultation with members of the Glenrothes Development Corporation on the need for new industry in the new town; and when he proposes to have further consultations.

Regular consultations take place between my Department and the Development Corporation on this and other matters and my noble Friend the Minister of State is having a further meeting with the chairman of the Corporation on 12th November.

Is the Secretary of State fully cognizant of all the peculiar difficulties in attracting new industry to this area? In the circumstances, will he consult further with the President of the Board of Trade to see what more can be done to attract new industry to this rapidly developing mining area?

I am aware of the hon. Member's very natural anxiety on the subject and I am glad to say that we have had a few tentative inquiries recently about the establishment of new industry in the area. The President of the Board of Trade and I will certainly do all we can to encourage this development.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to make known the formula on which the additional Exchequer Equalisation Grants will be allocated in Scotland.

I hope to lay a White Paper and introduce a Bill on this subject tomorrow.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate that the additional sum of £2 million which has become available will be allocated to the local authorities during their current financial year? Furthermore, since it is now admitted that the previous formula was wrong, will he undertake to make retrospective payments to the local authorities who have received nothing?

I cannot undertake retrospective payment. The present Government are not responsible for the error to which the hon. Member refers. I believe that the payment will operate from the beginning of the current year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much of the £1 million offered by Her Majesty's Government to the Highland local authorities in addition to all other spending and grants in aid for road work represented money allocated already in 1950 but as yet unspent.

I announced on 14th July that the local authorities concerned had been asked to take tenders for the St. Catherines-Strachur and Borgie-Naver Bridge roads, which were included in the 1950 programme. Their total cost was then estimated to be about £300,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—I rather doubt it—that in fact he said that this was a clear £1 million additional to all other grants in aid for roads in the Highlands? Is he aware that he grossly misled the House of Commons, the local authorities and the people of this country? Does he not feel that he owes an apology in all honesty to the House and to everybody concerned?

I had no intention of misleading the House. If hon. Members refer back to the original announcement I think that it will be seen that I did not do that, but if I did so I certainly apologise.

On a point of order. The right hon. Gentleman on 14th July did in fact make a statement in this House that Her Majesty's Government were allocating £1 million for roads in the Highlands additional to all normal expenditure. That statement was simply not true and he has had to admit that that is the case. I maintain that Her Majesty's Minister misled this House.

The hon. Member has disclosed no point of order.

Is it in order for the Secretary of State for Scotland to come to the House of Commons and make what is in fact a complete mis-statement?

If all matters of misstatement were to be raised as points of order we should have to spend a long time on them in this House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to stop the sale of single houses in tenement property.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that 1,500 houses, privately owned and previously occupied by tenants have been lying unoccupied for many months in Glasgow awaiting offers to purchase at high prices; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that these houses are made available now for letting.

I have no information about the precise number of unoccupied houses awaiting sale in Glasgow. While I am aware of the objections that have been raised to the sale of these houses, I do not consider that I would be justified in taking any such steps as are suggested by the hon. Members. I hope that the proposals in the White Paper on housing policy in Scotland will remove the existing difficulties which confront owners of rented houses—

That has nothing to do with it.

It certainly has if the houses can be put right. This, with the greater number of new houses being built to let, will increasingly meet the needs of the people who cannot afford to buy.

On a point of order. Can you, Mr. Speaker, indicate to me how Questions Nos. 23 and 56 can be taken together since Question No. 56 bears no relation to Question No. 23 and has been withdrawn?

If I may say so, I thought the hon. Member would prefer to have his question answered as I thought he might not get an answer if it awaited its turn.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I intend to raise this matter at the first opportunity

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated to the Clerks my intention to withdraw Question No. 56 and put it forward next week, I take it I shall be allowed to do so?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what suggestions he has received from the Building Materials Committee of the Scottish Council about the increased use of stone in house building, especially by means of standard-sized blocks cut at the quarry, and by designing house types which use stone for load-bearing, to permit the use of cheaper materials for those parts of the building which are free from stress; and what action he is taking thereon.

The Building Materials Committee of the Scottish Council reports direct to the Scottish Council and I have not yet received from the Council any suggestions or recommendations on this subject. When I do I shall give them careful consideration—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Well, I have not got them yet—in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works.

Yes, but is my right hon. Friend not aware that this question has dragged on for nearly two years, that the Scottish stone industry is now at its last gasp, and that instant action must be taken if it is to be saved from disappearing altogether?

I cannot express a useful or helpful view—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] When hon. Gentlemen opposite have finished, I will complete the sentence. I cannot express a useful or helpful view on a report which I have not yet seen.

Could the Secretary of State for Scotland explain to the House how he is to apportion time for consideration of all the questions which he has told us he will consider?

I can answer that easily because I have not received the report; to which I have just referred, so it takes no time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many repair certificates under the Rent Restriction Acts have been issued to tenants in 1952; and how many have been cancelled.

Repair certificates under the Rent Acts are issued by the local authority and the information asked for could be obtained only by calling for a special return.

Is the Secretary of State aware that these certificates are granted for houses which are not in a proper state of repair and that they enable the tenant to deduct 40 per cent. of the increased rent? In view of that fact, what justification is there now for proposing that another 40 per cent. should be added to house rentals if they are in a proper state of repair?

As I explained the other day, the justification is the fact that the cost of repairing houses has gone up three times since 1939.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann) is very important in relation to the new Bill for Scottish housing? Will he try to obtain figures for use during the debate on that Bill?

I could ask a few selected local authorities to give us a sample if that would satisfy hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent owners of houses awaiting demolition orders are selling such houses; and what steps he is taking to stop this practice.

I am not aware that there is any widespread practice of this kind, but I shall be glad to consider any information which the hon. Lady may submit to me.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman obtain this information from the local authorities? They know that there are houses which are unfit for human habitation—

The right hon. Gentleman has the information.

and those houses are being sold for a very high profit. Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that that was stopped?

The easiest way of solving this matter is to ensure that there are sufficient houses when, obviously, it will not be possible to sell the houses for high profits. We are building the houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish as a White Paper the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Scottish Building Costs Committee on the increase in cost of maintaining houses.

No, Sir. I have already arranged for copies of the published Report to be made available in the Library to hon. Members.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when he introduced his housing policy last Wednesday he referred to this Committee and, indeed, that his full case for increasing rents rested on this Committee's Report? Is he aware that no Member of this House had seen the Report and, in fact, had never heard of the Committee? Is he aware that this is a characteristic feature of the Scottish Office in recent years—that dozens of committees are appointed, reports are evidently made and those reports are not made available to Members of this House?

Reports have been made available in the Library. I have asked about this matter and I am assured by the authorities that there is nothing to stop a reference being made to the Report in debate in this House, just as I referred to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that tenants of abandoned properties, the owners of which cannot be found, are now being asked by local authorities for payment of owners' rates in addition to occupiers' rates; and if he will take steps to stop this practice until the Sorn Committee on Valuation and Rating has presented its report.

Under Section 349 (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1947, a local authority may demand the payment of owners' rates from the occupier if they are unable, after reasonable inquiry, to ascertain the name and address of the owner and if there is no known factor, agent or person drawing the rents. In such a case the occupier is not liable to pay any sum in excess of what he would have had to pay in rent, and the payment is deemed to be a payment to account of rent. The matter is not one in which I have any power to intervene.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this situation tenants are having no freedom of choice but are being made compulsorily owner-occupiers of dilapidated property for which they do not even hold the title deeds? Is he further aware that they are responsible not only for owners' rates and occupier's rates but property tax and repairs? Would he therefore consider the matter?

They are not asked to pay-more in rates than they normally would be asked to pay in rent. This is the law under the 1947 Local Government Act. I suggest that we should wait the report from Lord Sorn.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused the request, supported by the local county councillor and the building contractors concerned, of the hon. Member for the Western Isles for a full inquiry into the cause of delay in the construction of the houses at Knock, Isle of Lewis, for Ross and Cromarty County Council.

The progress being made with this scheme and any other question arising under the contract is a matter between the county council and the contractors, as contracting parties, and I am not prepared to interfere with the county council's responsibility.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—I think this time he is—that these houses were in fact started in the late summer of 1951 and are not due to be completed until the late spring, or early summer, of 1954? Does he not think that in the interests of the people on the waiting list, who are desperate for houses, he and the Department of Health ought to come into the picture somewhere and put pressure on these people? Secondly, does he not think, since he has the power and everyone wants it, that an inquiry is desirable?

I am quite satisfied that the county council are doing their best to get these schemes completed. Work has now been going ahead, and I do not think an inquiry would achieve much.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the official statement made by the Foreign Secretary of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that Russia would be prepared to enter into Four-Power talks at the highest level; and whether, as this coincides with the view of Her Majesty's Government, he will now approach the President of the United States of America, the Prime Minister of France and President Malenkov on the desirability of initiating Four-Power talks as soon as possible;

(2) whether he is aware that in recent weeks official declarations have been made by the President of the United States of America that he would be pleased to meet the British, Prime Minister for talks on international affairs, that Mr. Vyshinsky has stated that Premier Malenkov is prepared to take part in Four-Power talks; and whether, in view of these changed circumstances he will now make an approach to the leaders of the big Four Powers for a conference at the highest level for the purpose of trying to arrive at a peaceful solution to some of the world's problems.

At 2 p.m. G.M.T. I issued, as agreed with the other Powers concerned, the following statement from Downing Street:

It has been decided to hold the Three-Power Conference at Bermuda, which was planned for the beginning of July but had to be put off. President Eisenhower and Mr. Dulles will represent the United States: Monsieur Laniel and Monsieur Bidault, France; and I and Mr. Eden, Britain. It is hoped to meet from the 4th of December to the 8th of December and various matters of common concern to the three Powers will be discussed.

Is the Prime Minister aware that that statement will be received with warm appreciation by millions of people throughout the world? May we take it that it is the hope and desire of the Prime Minister that at this conference there will be an attempt to reconcile any differences of opinion there may be between the countries in the West in the hope of an eventual Four-Power conference, including Russia, at a later date?

The statement I have just read out was carefully concerted between the three Powers and I do not think I ought to attempt to add to it at the present moment.

Would the Prime Minister consider the suggestion made in another place, that if an opportunity presents itself he would consider addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations, on behalf of men and women in all countries, drawing attention to the present international tensions and the need for some attempt to ease the situation?

No, Sir, I do not feel I could add that to my labours at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if he will try to secure collaboration in invention of atomic weapons between the United States of America, Britain, Canada and Australia.

Her Majesty's Government have made it clear that they would welcome collaboration on atomic weapons with the Government of the United States of America provided it took place on a reciprocal basis, but the matter is governed by legislation in the United States. There is a free exchange of information between the United Kingdom and the Canadian atomic energy projects in the fields in which the latter is interested, but the Canadian organisation has no weapons programme. The Australian Government have also no atomic weapons project, but Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have received very great assistance from the Government of Australia in the provision of test facilities for atomic weapons.

In view of the fact that Western civilisation is in danger, will the right hon. Gentleman at the Bermuda Conference try to induce the United States to abolish the present absurd system by which the great Powers are not collaborating in this most important undertaking?

I think I had better not get involved in the agenda of the future conference.

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman in his speech last week that in his opinion one guarantee of world peace is the possession of this dreadful weapon by both sides, will he not consider whether the time has come for ending the system of international secrecy in matters of scientific development and advance?

I do not wish to add to the answer which I have given to the Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Prime Minister what was the purpose of Lord Cherwell's recent visit to Australia and the United States of America; how far his mission was successful; to what extent, following his visit, Her Majesty's Government can rely on future supplies of Australian and other Commonwealth uranium for the production of industrial power from atomic energy; and how progress in the industrial atomic field compares with the estimated progress in the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Lord Cherwell went to Australia at Mr. Menzies' suggestion. He saw for himself the arrangements made for obtaining scientific data from the atomic weapons tests. He also obtained first hand information about uranium deposits and production in Australia and had discussions with Australian Ministers and with the South Australian Premier on Commonwealth and State programmes for exploration and subsequent development. On his return journey through the United States he had discussions, in so far as this was possible within the American law, about atomic energy matters of common interest.

The military and industrial uses of atomic energy are so closely linked that it would not be in the public interest to answer the third part of the Question. As to the last part, Her Majesty's Government's information about progress in the U.S.A. is insufficient to permit any comparison of relative progress in the industrial atomic field. Her Majesty's Government have no information about the programme of the U.S.S.R.

Following the valuable experience of Lord Cherwell's tour, would the Prime Minister now consider treating the development of atomic energy for industrial purposes as a Commonwealth matter rather than primarily as a domestic matter, particularly in respect of the procurement of materials and exchange of information? Would he consider setting up a formal Commonwealth organisation for that purpose?

I will have the supplementary question which the hon. Gentleman has put studied in the Departments.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of public anxiety in this country and in the United States of America about the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic's officially announced explosion of a hydrogen bomb on 12th August; what progress has been made towards the interchange of atomic information among the Allies; and what communication he has had with Mr. Malenkov and President Eisenhower about the danger of an atomic arms race and method of controlling the production and use of atomic weapons.

We can none of us be unconcerned about the announcement to which the hon. Member refers, and as I have stated in answer to Question No. 46, Her Majesty's Government would welcome any exchange of information on atomic matters with the United States, provided it takes place on a fully reciprocal basis.

As to the last part of the Question, the need for international control of atomic energy is, as the House knows, one of the most important questions before the United Nations. Her Majesty's Government are second to none in wishing to eliminate weapons of mass destruction. This cannot however be achieved, without endangering security except as part of a comprehensive and effective system of international control. We hope that the Soviet Union will be prepared to give serious study to the constructive proposals made by the Western Powers or else to put forward realistic proposals of its own.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government still adhere to the proposals put forward by the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission in 1948? If so, in view of the change of regime in the Soviet Union, will he consider reviving them as a basis for discussion on the international control of weapons of mass destruction?

I think it would be an advantage if the hon. Member would put down that carefully thought out question so that it may be done full justice to in any answer that may be given.

As the time is now half-past three o'clock, I should explain that the Prime Minister asked leave to answer his remaining Questions in view of their public interest.

I thank the House very much.

asked the Prime Minister if the speech of the Minister of Education at Caxton Hall on 26th October criticising the principle of comprehensive schools represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Minister of Education at Caxton Hall, on 26th October, criticising the London Education Plan, represents the policy of the Government.

What my right hon. Friend criticised was, not the London Education Plan or the principle of comprehensive schools, but the large size proposed for some of these schools, particularly in London.

May I thank the Prime Minister most warmly for answering the Question? May I ask him if he has studied the speech of the Minister of Education, in which she deliberately incited the members of her audience to organise local petitions in London against changes consequential in the London Education Plan? Would the Prime Minister say if it is part of the function of the Minister of Education to go around organising local opposition to the plans of local education authorities which have received the approval of her Department, and which she is supposed to help to administer?