asked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent, up to the latest convenient date, subsidies to the agricultural industry are running in excess of, or less than, the amount estimated.

I cannot yet say what, if any, Supplementary Estimate may be required.

In the meantime, will the Minister look at the profits of millers and bacon factories to see how they have gained as a result of these subsidies over the past 12 months?

I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman can tell me how I can see the profits of these traders, or whether he has any advice to give me on that point.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made by the Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission with the farm survey in Mid-Wales; and when a report may be expected.

I understand that the Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission is making progress with its investigations and hopes to submit a report to me within about 12 months.

Will the Minister ask the Sub-Commission to publish a report far sooner than that, in view of the assurance given by the Minister for Welsh Affairs in the last Welsh debate on rural depopulation? Secondly, will the recom- mendations be in the form of a White Paper?

In reply to the first part of the question, the sooner the better from my point of view. But a detailed investigation is being carried out over an area of 300,000 acres, and I am sure that the Sub-Commission will not lose any time in completing its business. In reply to the second part of the question, I must wait and see what the recommendations are.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken to bring to the notice of farmers the provisions of the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act, 1954; and whether he will consider the desirability of issuing some simple explanatory memorandum with regard to the provisions of this Act.

My veterinary and livestock officers, who are in constant touch with the farmers, are aware of the provisions of the Act and are in a position to advise farmers. I am considering what further publicity might be given to its provisions and am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for his suggestion.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many farmers, particularly in the more remote areas, are unaware that this new law limits the number of operations which their stockmen can carry out without an anaesthetic? Will he, therefore, intensify his publicity as soon as possible?

I will certainly look into that point. I am very anxious indeed that all farmers concerned should know exactly what is contained in the Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with the scheme for establishing pig-litter testing stations throughout the country.

The Government's proposed scheme for progeny testing stations, for boars in Great Britain is under discussion with representatives of pig producers. I hope to be able to make an announcement soon.

Will my right hon. Friend pursue this matter as quickly as possible? There has been a rapid change in the kind of pigs demanded by the market, and this is a method by which improvement in our own stock can probably be brought about more thoroughly than by any other means.

I entirely agree with what my hon. Friend has said about the potential value of progeny testing, and I look forward very much to seeing these schemes in operation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what assessment was made of curing capacity and what consultations took place between his Department, the farmers' unions and the pig breeders' societies, before farmers were asked substantially to increase the numbers of bacon pigs.

No special emphasis was laid on the production of bacon pigs when the Government in recent years encouraged farmers to expand their production of pigs. Indeed, at the 1953 Review the prices of pork pigs were substantially increased to encourage production of pork. The production policy and price guarantees have been discussed with the National Farmers' Unions at each Annual Review.

Is the Minister aware that his reply was not sufficient, and that it is beyond dispute that there is a completely insufficient bacon curing capacity? Does he propose to remedy a situation, which is his personal responsibility, either by having the number of pigs reduced or by increasing the curing capacity?

I cannot agree at all with what the hon. Gentleman says. I do not know on what evidence he is so sure that the present capacity of the factories is insufficient. I would remind him that the proportion of top-grade pigs so far offered to the bacon factories is, at best, only about half of their present capacity.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that, if the curing capacity is expanded, the release of imported bacon will be strictly controlled in order that the market may not be spoiled?

I am afraid that that is too hypothetical a question to answer.

Is the Minister aware that many farmers are still being permitted to send only half of their pigs to the bacon factories? That, surely, is evidence of insufficient capacity?

No, Sir. I think that the question of quality, as well as of quantity, comes into this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether it is still the policy of his Department to increase the production of pigs for bacon;

(2) what price revisions he will make to encourage the production of more pigs for pork.

Now that fatstock and meat have been decontrolled, it is the policy of the Government to allow the market, as reflecting consumer demand, to determine what proportion of the pigs produced are used for bacon, for pork and for manufacturing. The price guarantees will, of course, be considered at the next Annual Review.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pig producers of this country have lost many scores of thousands of pounds? Will he be quite specific and say whether he wants twice as many grade A bacon pigs as there are at the moment, and does he believe that it will be possible to get any more porkers than there are at the moment unless he alters the price? Can we have specific answers to those questions?

No; the specific answers to those questions will be given by the consumer. I do not believe in detailed directions. What we have done has been to offer a guaranteed price——

And ruin the pig producers as well.

—and we must leave it to the market to decide what proportion of these pigs is required for other purposes.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the record pig population of this country at the moment is a manifestation of the success of the policy of this Government during the last three years, notwithstanding one or two minor difficulties following decontrol? Will my right hon. Friend not be deflected in any way from allowing the free market to dictate the demands of the consumer?

Is the Minister aware that pigs in Ashford Market in Kent a fortnight ago were sold for as little as £1 apiece?

It all depends on the size of the pig. If the hon. Gentleman looks at the market returns, I think he will find that the price of pigs for pork has been steadily improving every week.

Will not the Minister agree that over the past few months there has been a definite setback to pig production because of uncertainty all over the country?

I think that such difficulties as there have been on the re-opening of the market will grow less and less as we all have experience of the workings of the market.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in the preparation of an egg marketing scheme.

Discussions with the National Farmers' Unions have now been resumed and are continuing.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the producers are eagerly awaiting the establishment of a marketing board for eggs because it will mean a more level price for them and a better quality egg for the consumer? For the first time it will enable producers to advertise the higher quality of the home-produced egg above the imported egg.

I am anxious to enable producers to bring forward a scheme if they wish to do so.

How long are the discussions likely to take before a scheme is produced?

I cannot give an answer in terms of days or weeks but I am anxious that no time should be lost. I think that definite progress is being made in overcoming the practical difficulties that we see in allowing a board of the kind envisaged to be established.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount of home-produced wool in 1948 and 1954.

Production in 1953–54 is provisionally estimated at 45,600 tons in the United Kingdom compared with an estimated 33,200 tons in 1947–48.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a most satisfactory answer, and proves the progress that has been made in the sheep-rearing industry during the lifetime of the present Government?

I am quite sure that the whole House will be glad to see evidence of the steady improvement in agricultural output in the last few years.

Do not the figures indicate the real value of the guarantees given in 1947 by the Labour Government?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount of home-produced beef, veal, mutton, pork and bacon for the years ended 30th September, 1948, and 30th September, 1954.

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The figures for 1954 show in all cases very substantial increases over those for 1948.

I shall look forward to seeing those figures, but is my right hon. Friend aware that it does prove the amount of progress which has been made in the last three years under the present Government?

I think that it is a great tribute to the energy with which, in recent years, all our farmers and farm-workers have got on with the job.

Will the Minister also agree that it has also been due to the policy that was pursued by my right hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams)? Further, will he assure the House that, with the abolition of bulk buying, the progress will continue?

The right hon. Gentleman knows that very much of what the previous Government did in the agricultural field was done with our strong support.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he will extend to hill farmers in England and Wales, such as those in the Lake District, the special subsidies granted to certain Scottish hill farmers, in view of the special difficulties that have been experienced this year;

(2) if he is aware that hill farmers have in many cases lost their hay owing to the exceptionally wet season; and if he will consult the Hill Farming Advisory Committee with a view to ascertaining whether it will be necessary to help hill farmers, and the best way to do it during the coming winter.

Hill farmers in England and Wales already receive under the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing Acts, subsidies similar to those available in Scotland. My Department is keeping in close touch with the problems to which my hon. Friend refers and I will bear in mind his suggestion for consultation at the right time with the Hill Farming Advisory Committee. County Committees in upland districts have been reminded of their power to purchase fodder and supply it to farmers on credit; and have authority, in relation to the subsidies referred to, to waive the normal condition that part of the subsidy must be spent on improvements.

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the word "similar" means "the same"? Do hill farmers in England and Wales get the same amount of money?

In England and Wales they get at least as much as the Scots.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that two plots of building land at Peacehaven, belonging to Mr. E. B. Holdaway, are the subject of a compulsory purchase order by his Department at a price of £2 10s. each; for what purpose the land is required; and whether he will now release it so that it may be sold by the owner.

Mr. Holdaway's plots are part of a substantial area of requisitioned land at Peacehaven which is the subject of compulsory purchase proceedings in order to ensure its full and efficient use for agriculture. As I have said in reply to recent Questions, I hope shortly to make a statement about the future of the land in this area.

I thank my right hon. Friend for his promise of a statement. Is he aware that Mr. Holdaway's father purchased this land in 1916, on a prospectus which I hold in my hand, which says that a freehold in Peacehaven is a better investment than money in the bank? Does my right hon. Friend think that compulsory purchase at 50s. for each plot at the end of 40 years is a result which a citizen should have to contemplate when buying freehold building plots; and will he do his best to remedy this injustice?

I have always learned to regard prospectuses with a certain amount of caution, but I may say that, in addition to the price, which is the statutory limit I can pay in the event of compulsory purchase, I understand that Mr. Holdaway also has an admitted claim for £70 under Part VI of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Will the Minister get the name of the firm which produced that prospectus?

If the right hon. Gentlemen would like it, I will give him the prospectus, which is very well drawn up.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what special measures he is considering to assist in completing the potato harvest in view of the continued disastrous weather conditions, and the substantial acreage still waiting to be lifted.

Over most of the country, under arrangements made earlier by the Ministry of Labour and National Service in consultation with my own Department and the two sides of the industry, there has been enough supplementary labour to enable the potatoes to be lifted when the weather has permitted. In a few areas the weather has caused more serious delays, and we are watching the position there to ensure that all available local labour is fully and effectively used whenever it can get on to the land.

Will my right hon. Friend consider, if need be in consultation with the Services, the possibility of making available personnel of the Armed Forces where they can be of assistance?

We are watching the position and, of course, that can be done already, within limits, by local arrangements. Soldiers can volunteer in their own time, and can work at other times by local arrangements. The Minister of Labour and National Service has arranged for the harvest suspension for agricultural workers to be continued from 20th November until 1st January in the North and in Scotland, to enable them to help with the very late harvest.

Is the Minister aware that many very small farmers are suffering serious loss owing to weather conditions, and to their inability to lift the potatoes before they are already rotten? Is he taking steps to prevent a potato shortage in the market in a few months' time?

I do, of course, realise the financial effects which the weather has had on all farmers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, at this time of year, a certain amount of labour is available in some seaside towns—and certainly in my constituency? Will he seriously consider the possibility of using some of that labour?

I am quite sure that the employment exchanges of my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service are looking into all those kinds of possibilities, but solutions have to be found on a fairly local basis here.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in the light of the late season, what special consideration has been given to the difficulty of maintaining a reasonable cereal acreage for the 1955 harvest; and whether he will make a statement on his policy in this connection.

I am aware that the late harvest has considerably curtailed autumn sowings of cereals. But it is too early to reach conclusions as to the cereal acreage in 1955.

Does my right hon. Friend agree about the importance of maintaining a sufficiently large tillage acreage, and does he not think that there must be a substantial acreage of spring-sown corn? Will he look at the position regarding the availability of seed corn, particularly for spring wheat?

I agree with my hon. Friend, and I am quite sure that, in the interests of an efficient agriculture, it is important to maintain a high level of arable acreage. I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend said in the last part of his supplementary question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed in the county of Caernarvon; what percentage of the insured population of the county this represents; and how this percentage compares with that for the United Kingdom.

The number of unemployed persons on the registers of employment exchanges in Caernarvonshire at 11th October, 1954, was 1,955, or 5·3 per cent. of the estimated total number of employees. The corresponding percentage for Great Britain as a whole was 1·2.

Is not the Minister aware that these figures prove that the level of unemployment in Caernarvonshire is three times, or more, that in the United Kingdom generally? Is he not further aware that during the coming winter these figures will be still further worsened by the fact that two maintenance depots in Llanberis and Llandwrog run by the Royal Air Force are to be closed? Will he consult the President of the Board of Trade to see if some steps can be taken before the onset of the winter to improve the employment position in Caernarvonshire?

Throughout last year, and even before, I realised that the difference between Caernarvonshire and the country as a whole is of the order mentioned by the hon. Member, and I am in consultation with my colleagues, because this is a matter to which I have to give my special attention.

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman any particular scheme in mind, because I happen to know the area from personal experience, and I can say that there is serious concern, especially in view of the development mentioned by my hon. Friend in connection with the Royal Air Force?

Specific schemes are not a matter for my Department. This is a problem for which I do not see an immediate cure, and I do not pretend to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour the average weekly earnings of full-time agricultural workers in Britain and of industrial workers in Britain, respectively, taken over a year, to the last convenient date.

The latest available information about the average weekly earnings of full-time agricultural workers and of industrial workers in Britain will be found in the September, 1954, issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate average weekly inclusive cost of rent, food, rates, light and heat, to agricultural workers in Britain and to industrial workers in Britain, respectively, taken over a year, to the last convenient date.

I regret that the information desired is not available.

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that, if it were possible, it would be very helpful to have these figures, because one cannot make a sensible estimate of the difference between industry and agriculture without some such figures to go on?

None of the material for comparison exists now, but it is quite possible that the 1953 household expenditure inquiry, the result of which is on its way, will produce something from which a comparison of that kind, if necessary, can be drawn.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further statement to make on the strike in the ship-repairing industry.

I understand that the exchanges between the parties, to which reference has been made in replies to earlier Questions, are still continuing, and, in the circumstances, any further comment by me at this stage would be inappropriate.

Does the Minister appreciate that this strike is going on and on over a very small issue which is dividing the people concerned? If he cannot do anything at official level, is it really impossible for him or his advisers to take some action of a less spectacular kind to hasten a conclusion?

I am very anxious not to take any spectacular action, and while the parties to the dispute are having exchanges, I think I had better wait until either one or other of them calls on my services, which they know are available.

Is not the Minister aware that the men have receded quite a long way from their original position of "Last in, first out," and that only the pigheadedness of the employers is holding things up?

I do not think I shall achieve much if I attribute blame to one side or the other.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the recent London docks strike was caused by the Communist Party.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 10 to 13 of the Final Report of the Court of Inquiry which I set up to investigate the causes and circumstances of the dispute in the London docks. I have nothing to add to what is said there.

Is the Minister aware that, in this 24-page report about the dock strike, there is only a very minor reference to the Communist Party, and that, in the summary of conclusions, there are 13 conclusions and no reference to the Communist Party at all? Does he not think there is too great a tendency in this country to avoid discussing the merits and getting at the real causes of industrial disputes by introducing the Communist Party every time? Does he not think that it is over-estimating the rôle of the Communist Party?

I do not think it was I who brought up the question of the Communist Party, but I would point out that I have drawn the attention of the hon. Gentleman, and through him the attention of other hon. Members, to the specific passages in which the members of the court deal with this aspect. I think it is fair to summarise them in this way —that they do not suggest that Communists caused the dispute, but that they do suggest that they exploited it and expanded it.

Will the Minister himself consider publishing the information which he has concerning the influence of Communism in this field, so that good trade unionists may know how they are being led by the nose?

A good deal of the information which I have I should prefer not to publish.

asked the Minister of Labour to make a statement as to his plans for the development of industrial health services.

I am glad to inform the House that, following discussions with my Ministerial colleagues and consultations with industry through the National Joint Advisory Council and with medical and other organisations, I have now decided to take steps to stimulate the further development of industrial health services in workplaces covered by the Factories Acts. These services include the provision of good environmental conditions at the place of work, of protection against industrial disease, of adequate medical and nursing supervision, and first-aid.

To advise me on this development, I am appointing a standing Industrial Health Advisory Committee, and am inviting the appropriate industrial and other organisations to nominate members. I propose to circulate a list of these organisations in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Representatives of interested Government Departments will attend meetings of the committee.

It is my intention, with the assistance of this committee, to carry out a review to ascertain where industrial health services most need to be extended and to promote surveys and field investigations to determine the need for preventive measures or research. The general aim will be, in close co-ordination with the preventive and curative health services provided by statutory bodies, to develop industrial health services on a voluntary basis, but I shall also consider, in appropriate cases, and after full consultation with the parties concerned, making use of my statutory powers under the Factories Acts.

I welcome the work already done in industry, both voluntarily and under the Factories Acts, and I am sure that the further development of industrial health services fostered in this way can make a material contribution to our social and economic progress.

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for his statement, which we all welcome, may I ask him whether his plans have the support not only of both sides of industry but of the medical profession as well and whether he will use his best endeavours with the Leader of the House to see that we have an opportunity in due course properly to debate these matters?

From the consultations I have had I think I can claim that, while there are naturally differences of view as to how this problem ought to be tackled, all the organisations concerned, including the British Medical Association, regard this as a useful step forward and have promised to co-operate.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure the House that there is no intention to isolate the industrial health service from the National Health Service but rather to encourage the co-operation and coordination of these two services, in their very important work? Can he make a statement as to the possibility of a debate?

Nothing that has been done is more than a step forward. It does not prejudice whatever may be the final way of dealing with these matters on a national basis. I look for, and I know I shall get, the co-operation of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. The matter of a debate is hardly one for me to decide, but I shall do nothing to prevent it.

In carrying forward this scheme, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take care that there is adequate consultation with the joint industrial councils as well as with the established organisations on both sides of industry, and especially that contact is made with joint works committees of different kinds throughout the country, as this is the best means of getting co-operation?

Yes. I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I will certainly bear those points in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance was given by his Department to the United States authorities in the prosecution of Mr. Owen Lattimore; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the nature of the assistance given in Britain to the United States authorities in the preparation of a legal action against Professor Owen Lattimore; and why this assistance was given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance his Department has given the United States Government in collecting evidence against Owen Lattimore.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to give statutory authority to the arrangement whereby the police in this country give assistance to the police of other countries in making inquiries in criminal cases.

I would refer the hon. Members to the answers which I gave to a series of Questions on the subject on 28th October. I would only add that I see no occasion for the introduction of legislation in the sense suggested by the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Warbey).

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his answer to the previous Questions showed that on two separate occasions British police interrogated British publishers in order to secure evidence which could be used in the prosecution of Mr. Lattimore? Is he aware that the use of the British police to assist political persecution of this kind is very much disliked by the British public, and will he give instructions that this sort of thing is not to occur again?

The hon. Gentleman will see from my answer that instructions have been given by me which I am certain will make it impossible for this kind of thing to happen again.

The Minister said that this was an arrangement come to with regard to criminal cases. Surely the Metropolitan Police should have realised that it is not an ordinary part of police duty in a criminal case to ask questions of publishers to find out how many copies of a book have been published. Surely it is within the knowledge of any intelligent Metropolitan police officer that Dr. Lattimore was simply being used as a pawn in a political squabble in the United States of America. No action should have been taken in the first place.

I can only repeat what I said in answer to the previous Questions, that this was treated as a routine matter.

It should not have been.

That may be so, but it was treated as a routine matter. As a result, an instruction was issued which I think will make it impossible for such action to happen again.

May we take it that in this case the police officers concerned did not consult the Home Office or the Home Secretary, and is it not the view of the Home Secretary that he should have been consulted? Is it now laid down clearly that in cases of this character the Commissioner, or the officer of the Metropolitan Police concerned, is required to submit the matter to the Home Office for instructions?

I said in my original answer that the Home Office were not consulted in this matter at all, but I think I can say that the effect of the instructions which have been issued will be to make it impossible for this kind of thing to occur again.

While welcoming the tone of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer, may I ask whether he is aware that his previous answers have shown that British police officers assisted in collecting evidence against a man whose only offence is that he had different views about China from other people in America? Does he not agree that that is contrary to the spirit and tradition of the Home Office?

That point does not arise. The matter was treated as an inquiry into a case of perjury, but should have been referred to a higher level. I can only repeat that instructions have now been given, the effect of which will be to avoid this happening in the future.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman seen the excellent leading article in the "Manchester Guardian" calling attention to the difficulty of determining in regard to perjury and other cases whether these are genuine criminal cases or examples of political persecution? Would it not be better to have these matters defined in a legal document making clear the types of case in which assistance can be given and the exact procedure to be followed?

I am not a lawyer, but I imagine that that would be an extremely difficult document to draw up. I think it is best to leave the matter as it is now. Any cases of this sort will be referred to the Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what precautions are taken by the immigration officers of his Department to check the entry of obviously ailing persons who may be presumed to be coming here for free medical treatment, even though they offer another reason for doing so.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the entry of foreigners, as immigration officers' powers to control entry do not apply to British subjects. Any obviously ailing foreigner who seeks leave to land in the United Kingdom is referred by the immigration officer to the medical inspector appointed under the Aliens Order, and the decision as to the grant or refusal of leave to land, or as to the terms of the conditions to be imposed, is taken by the immigration officer in the light of any certificate issued by the medical inspector, and of the results of his interrogation of the alien and of any companions travelling with him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons from abroad seeking entry to this country for free medical treatment were refused permission by the immigration officers of his Department in each of the years 1949 to 1953 inclusive.

No separate records are kept of refusals of leave to land for this reason, but the total number is certainly small, and it is not thought that many foreigners attempt to come here solely in order to obtain free medical treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking, on the application made under the Protection of Birds Act, for special powers to deal with an alleged excess of oyster catchers in Morecambe Bay.

I am considering this application in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who has had an investigation made. When the results of this investigation are available I will consult the advisory committee to be established under the Act about the desirability of making an order authorising action against these birds in Morecambe Bay.

It grieves me very much to move against these beautiful creatures, but will my right hon. and gallant Friend nevertheless believe that there are half a million of them in Morecambe Bay, eating 10 cockles a day? [An HON. MEMBER: "Each?"] Yes, each. This is a grievous matter for the fishermen who catch cockles as well as for a great many people in Lancashire who eat them.

From examination of the investigation that has been made I am inclined to agree with my hon. Friend that extensive damage is done. As soon as the Act is in force on 1st December, I will consult the advisory committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in securing the cooperation of local authorities for the purpose of providing volunteer members of the Civil Defence Corps to be trained and equipped to take special measurements of air pollution should smog conditions, similar to those experienced in 1952, occur again this winter.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on behalf of the Lord President of the Council on 2nd November. I am glad to be able to inform the House that a more than adequate number of Civil Defence volunteers has come forward and will be ready to operate from the middle of the month. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the local authorities and the volunteers concerned for their ready cooperation in this matter.

Can the Minister state how many have come forward for this work?

I cannot give numbers but the relevant part of the answer is "more than adequate."

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give consideration to taking powers to place a ban on the printing and sale of horror comics, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Dartford, because of the possible ill-effect that can be caused to the morals of children and weak-minded adults.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will recommend the setting up of a Royal Commission to consider the prohibition of the publication or sale of comics and other literature which is harmful to children.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he has now given further consideration to the publication in this country of illustrated literature of a sadistic nature from imported matrices; and whether he will make a statement;

(2) whether he has now given consideration to the desirability of appointing an advisory council on the problem of obscene or sadistic illustrated publications such as might be commonly seen by children; and whether he will make a statement.

I am not yet ready to make any further statement on this subject, but I can assure the hon. Members that the suggestions referred to in these Questions are receiving very careful consideration.

Does the Home Secretary agree that public opinion has already gained a remarkable victory, in that three of the biggest British publishers have intimated that they are giving up printing these comics? But is he not aware that even if all the newsagents refused to handle horror comics, there are more than sufficient people who would be ready to carry on this profitable business, unless it is ruthlessly stamped out?

I share the apprehensions of the hon. Gentleman. There is no doubt that the most effective way of dealing with this matter in the long run is public opinion. It would be much more effective because, as the House will realise, there is a difficulty about legislating on matters of this kind. With regard to the question of people refusing to handle them, I have no more to go on than the Press reports. I was glad to see from one statement that it did not appear to be a very profitable business.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend been able to get into touch with the chairman of the committee in America which is investigating the publication of these undesirable comics?

No, I have not been in touch with him.

While I admit the difficulties, is it not the case that somehow the Home Office deals with extreme cases of obscene literature, and the courts pronounce upon them? Would it not be possible, either under existing law or under amended law, to be able to deal with these publications, which really are disgraceful? As some of them are imported, cannot the Board of Trade or somebody else stop their importation? Since we deal with obscene literature, on the whole I think rightly, ought we not also to deal with this beastly stuff somehow?

I entirely agree with the right hon. Gentleman. It is something which should be dealt with. He will appreciate as much as anybody that there are difficulties. First, as I pointed out, there is the difficult question of differentiating between what is objectionable and what is not objectionable. There are four or five publications which are quite unobjectionable—one produced by a parson. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that I have looked into this carefully. Tomorrow I am meeting a deputation from the Archbishop of Canterbury, and as soon as I have considered all the representations, I hope that something will be able to be done.

Does the Home Secretary accept that there is something to be said for the principle of trying to avoid legislation, and that a better method would be to have an advisory council which would publish its opinions from time to time and have on it representatives of other bodies and the trade? Also, is it true that, as we have read, he has been supplying the Prime Minister with horror comics? Will he tell us what reaction he has had from the Prime Minister?

I asked to see some specimens some weeks ago, but I have not yet had an opportunity to examine them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet received the deputation from the Archbishop of Canterbury in respect of the circulation of horror comics; and whether he is now in a position to state what steps he proposes to take to deal with this problem.

The deputation will be received tomorrow. I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter at present.

Before or after receiving the deputation, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the Minister of Education or the Board of Trade to see what can be done, because there is very grave concern about the matter?

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I share the concern. I shall be in consultation with all the appropriate people before any action is taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the resolution passed by the Education Welfare Officers' National Association at their annual conference earlier this year urging that the publishing and distributive trades should set up their own council to ensure that publications of every description conform to standards of decency and good taste; and if he is prepared to take action along these or similar lines to deal with the horror comics.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I will be interested to hear of any proposal on these lines which the trade associations concerned might see fit to put forward.

When the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is considering all aspects, will be consider this proposal? Will he consider it in the light of the fact that considerable quantities of comics are coming into the country via American troops? Will he get in touch with the American High Command to see what can be done to prevent comics being resold through American troops to retailers in this country?

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his suggestion. I will certainly do that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether next year he will prolong summer time for an additional three or four weeks in the autumn as was the practice a few years ago.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend the reply which I gave on 21st October to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. E. Wakefield).

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the greatest good of the greatest number in this case, and in view of the curtailment of sunshine, fresh air and exercise for millions of people, will he change his mind?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the National Farmers' Union before coming to a decision?

The right hon. Gentleman will not be surprised to know that I have done so. I am sure he will also not be surprised to know that there is no unanimity upon the point. Some people want the change and some do not. To make a permanent change would require legislation. There are many inconveniences, quite apart from these differences of opinion. The further north one goes one finds that the idea is not so attractive as it is in the south, and one has to take all opinions into consideration. There is also the very great difficulty, if changes are made year after year, experienced by those who work out timetables for the whole country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has yet succeeded in tracing the present whereabouts of Father H. Borynski, the Polish priest who vanished from his home at Bradford on the evening of 13th July, 1953; whether inquiries into his disappearance are still proceeding; and if he will make a statement.

I am informed by the Chief Constable of Bradford that Father Borynski has not yet been traced but I am assured that nothing has been discovered during the extensive inquiries which have been made since his disappearance to suggest that he was the victim of foul play. Any further information which may be forthcoming will, of course, be followed up by the police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the security measures taken in relation to the Polish trawler "Czajk," which grounded on the Norfolk coast on Saturday, 6th November.

It would not be in the public interest to describe security arrangements. I have received full reports on this incident and am satisfied that all action appropriate in the circumstances was taken.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that some people in Norfolk are a little concerned about this matter because the trawler came ashore in the early hours of the morning when there was no gale and visibility was a mile, and she came ashore at a very remote place? Her boat was supposed to have been washed away and that came ashore six miles away also at a very remote place. There is some feeling that our security measures might be strengthened.

If any suggestion is prevalent that something should have been done sooner, that is a matter for the Minister of Transport, who is responsible for the coastguards. My information is that the ship went ashore at about 1 a.m., and that the police and Customs had her under observation after seven o'clock. If there is any question of failure to report, my hon. Friend had better address a Question to the Minister of Transport.

What was the reason for the trawler coming ashore?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusion has been reached on the control of immigration from British overseas countries.

I regret that I am not yet able to add to previous answers on this subject.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say when we are likely to receive the Government's conclusions?

I cannot give a date but I hope to make a pronouncement soon. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this is an extremely complex and difficult subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the serious increase in the numbers of children taken into public care as the result of the break-up of families, he will consider introducing legislation to enable local authorities to provide funds for family case work directed towards this growing social problem.

While local authorities already possess some powers to undertake social case work with families, the ways in which existing methods might be improved are being kept under review in consultation with the Departments concerned. I have no evidence to indicate that there is a serious increase in the numbers of children coming into public care because of break-up of families.

While appreciating the valuable work done by those engaged in the adoption of children, may I ask whether it is not a fact that over many years there has been a large increase in the proportion of children who pass out of the care of their parents although both parents are still alive? Ought we not, therefore, to be careful to pay as much attention as we can to the maintenance of family and home life?

I entirely agree with the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question, but I can only say that my advice at the moment is that there is no evidence of any serious increase in the number of children coming under public care because of the break-up of families.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that this is a serious matter which should be dealt with in a comprehensive way to ensure that innocent people are not penalised?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the annual subscription from the United Kingdom to the international police organisation, known as Interpol, has doubled in the last two years.

The annual subscription of this country to the International Criminal Police Commission, which had remained unchanged since 1948, has, in common with that of other member States, been doubled for 1954. Previously, two of the member States had borne a disproportionate share of the expenses of the commission, which have increased as a result of the greater use made of the organisation and of improvements in its technical equipment.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend give us a little more information about the International Police Commission? What is its statutory power, who has access to its dossiers and what sort of democratic control can be exercised over it?

I cannot go into that now. This is an arrangement which is of immense value to the police of all member countries. In these days of quick transport I think the House will agree that it is of value to have an exchange of information between police forces for the prevention of crime.

Does not experience show that this great organisation is worth every penny that is paid for it, in view of the great service which it renders to the community?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will write to all police authorities requesting them not to pursue a claim for costs for contingent actions in a case where the defendant has been acquitted of a criminal charge.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will circularise police authorities discouraging them from seeking to recover costs where criminal proceedings against an accused have failed.

I am aware of a recent case which has received some publicity, but I have no authority to intervene in a matter of this kind, which is entirely one for the decision of the police authority concerned, and it would not be appropriate for me to offer any general advice to police authorities on the subject.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend please reconsider this matter, because it seems to be a case where some general instruction is required? Is he aware that in the case of Mr. Fletcher, particulars of which I sent to him, after a very long time police costs were pressed to an extent which made Mr. Fletcher eventually bankrupt; and does it not seem wrong that after a man has had such an experience, and after a long time has been acquitted, he should have to undergo bankruptcy proceedings on top of all the rest?

While I am naturally prepared to look at anything my hon. Friend sends me, I am bound to tell him that the question of whether an order for costs is enforced is entirely a matter for the standing joint committee in Norfolk, and it would be inappropriate for me to offer any advice to the committee.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us what is the practice in the Metropolitan Police, for which he is the police authority?

Not without notice.

Does not this disclose a very unsatisfactory position, because it amounts to a breach of the principle that a man is deemed to be innocent until he is proved guilty, and here is a man who, in the eyes of the law, was found innocent? Is it not unsatisfactory that he should have to pay any costs at all?

I am not arguing that at the moment. I am prepared to look at anything which my hon. and gallant Friend is prepared to send me. I can only say that I have no authority to intervene in a matter of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will conduct an inquiry into the circumstances under which all police authorities, whilst strictly enforcing the laws relating to betting and lotteries against religious, social and other organisations are failing to take cognisance of continued and open breaches of existing law by bookmakers and their employees.

No, Sir. This matter was considered by the Royal Commission on Betting, Lotteries and Gaming, who were satisfied that the police enforced the law relating to betting to the extent which their resources allow. I have no reason to think that this is not still the case.

Is the Minister really not aware that voluntary money-making ventures for worthy causes are being systematically closed by the same police authority which cannot, or will not, enforce the law against bookmakers, particularly in relation to street betting? Whilst appreciating the difficulties of the police, may I ask whether the Minister would not agree that it is time that the Government and the House made an honest attempt to improve a situation in which hyprocrisy is complete, corruption is not unknown, and the law is held in universal contempt?

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this is an extremely difficult matter. I said in answering the Question that the Royal Commission itself felt that, within their resources, the police were doing what they could. One of the difficulties has been the considerable growth in the number and size of lotteries promoted for religious, social and athletic purposes.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman himself considering bringing forward legislation to deal with the problem of these lotteries?