asked the Minister of Defence what changes have been made in the former arrangements for allowing free postage of Christmas parcels up to 3 lb. for delivery to members of the forces in Korea, Malaya and the Far East.

None. We are operating the same scheme as last year.

asked the Minister of Defence what information he has on the period of military service imposed in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

My latest information is that at present the normal period of whole-time compulsory service in the Soviet Navy is 48 months. Ordinary conscripts in the Army and Air Force serve about 36 months, although N. C. O s. and certain technicians may be required to serve an additional 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what facilities were available for the provision of defence counsel for the so-called Field-Marshal Kaleba and two men and a girl at their trial on charges of unlawful joint possession of a revolver and 13 rounds of ammunition, at the conclusion of which three of the accused were sentenced to death; and why none of the accused were represented by counsel.

The Kenya Government offered to assign and pay for defence counsel, but all three accused refused the offer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what procedure as to evidence and assessment of facts is followed by officers in charge of detention camps in Kenya when trying a detained person charged with an offence against prison regulations.

Military Orderly Room procedure is followed, i.e. an accused is charged before the officer-in-charge of the camp and witnesses are called in support of the charge; he may question them and produce witnesses in his defence; the officer-in-charge then assesses the evidence, gives judgment and passes sentence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to arrange for up-to-date copies of the "Kenya Official Gazette" and its supplements to be put in the Library of the House.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the offence of spitting committed for a third time by a detained person in Kenya renders him under the regulations liable for flogging.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, under the regulations, the third offence of omitting to keep his person clean by a detained person in Kenya makes that person liable for a sentence of flogging.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, under the regulations, a detained person who is punished twice for attempting to refuse to undergo medical treatment is liable to be flogged for his third attempt.

In the interests of camp health and hygiene and to prevent the spread of diseases. No detainee has been awarded corporal punishment for these offences. It will only be awarded in serious cases of repeated offences in circumstances likely to encourage the spread of, e.g., tuberculosis and typhoid, and then only after the detainee had been warned and the Commissioner of Prisons was satisfied that there was no effective alternative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many detained persons in Kenya have been flogged for a third offence of shouting under the Emergency (Detained Persons) Regulations, 1954;(2) how many detained persons in Kenya have been flogged for the third offence of quarrelling with another detained person.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many detained persons in Kenya have been sentenced to be flogged for a third offence of tampering with fixtures or fittings in a detention camp;(2) how many detained persons in Kenya have been charged with malingering for the third time in camps in Kenya and then flogged.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what section of the penal code the Kikuyu tribesman recently sentenced to death for receiving six pieces of cloth intended for the Mau Mau was charged; and whether he was represented by counsel.

He was not convicted under the Penal Code, but under Emergency Regulation 8F (1). He was represented by counsel.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what contribution is made by farmers in Kenya in return for help given them in reconditioning their farms by Mau Mau convicts under the supervision of agricultural officers.

In order to deal with a severe infestation of rhinceros beetle in certain coconut plantations, the Government are taking action to destroy dead and dying trees. Convict labour is being employed. The cost is recoverable from the plantation owners under the law.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision he has reached in his review of the regulations governing the application of the death penalty in Kenya.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 1st November to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to expedite the payment of gratuities to officers who have completed periods of service with the Government of British Guiana, in accordance with the terms set out in the pamphlet, "His Majesty's Colonial Service: Post-War Opportunities."

The pamphlet was designed to give a general picture of the opportunities for service in Colonial Territories. The information contained in it about conditions of service is of a general nature and does not constitute the formal terms of service for particular appointments. These are set out in the terms of appointment offered to an officer at the time of his selection. Gratuities are only payable when this is stated in the terms of appointment as communicated to and accepted by the officer concerned. I am not aware that any officer entitled to a gratuity has not been paid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what financial assistance is given by the Government of Jamaica to their citizens who wish to emigrate to this country.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Mr. John Knight, of St. Georges, Grenada, who retired from a post with the Legislative Council of Grenada some seven or eight months ago, has not yet had his superannuation payments settled; and whether he is aware that this man and his family are suffering financial hardship in consequence.

I understand that Mr. Knight has now received £1,266 on account of his gratuity, and has been offered an allowance of £20 a month pending the final settlement of his pension, which is dependent on the formal approval of the other Windward Islands Administrations. This is now awaited.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received the report of the Governor of Mauritius upon constitutional change in that colony and if he will make a statement.

No. I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 20th October on this subject. Consultations are going on, and I expect they will take some time yet.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken to help Colonial immigrants to settle in this country, to acquaint them with British laws and customs, and to help them with housing problems.

My Department and the local offices of other Government departments give all possible advice and help to Colonial immigrants who have arrived in this country and apply to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why a minimum price is fixed in Cyprus for raisins, but not for grapes; and whether he is aware of the hardship resulting to peasant growers from the low prices paid for this season's grape harvest.

The Cyprus Government have not sufficient storage space to enable them to extend to fresh grapes the arrangements whereby they buy raisins at a fixed price. I understand that only about one-eighth of this year's vintage is being offered for sale as fresh grapes, the balance being converted to raisins or grape alcohol, the prices of which are such as to offset very largely any hardship caused by the present level of prices for fresh grapes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the maximum statutory hours of work of lorry drivers in Cyprus.

The hours of work of lorry drivers in Cyprus are not at present limited by law, but the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Bill, which it is hoped to enact before the end of the year, makes provision for fixing rest periods and maximum hours of work. It is intended to make regulations on these matters as soon as the Bill is enacted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to give details of wage increases resulting from the salary revision scheme of the Nyasaland Government last year; and what effect those increases have had on wages of skilled and unskilled African workers in private industry.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Annual Report for 1953 of the Labour Department of Nyasaland, paragraphs 32–37 of which will, I hope, give him the information he requires.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to give instructions to authorities in Malaya to cease the practice of giving awards to terrorists for killing others before surrendering.

No. I have gone very carefully into this Question, and I am satisfied that the policy is right.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage of Malay seamen who form the deck crews on Malay vessels are suffering from tuberculosis.

As figures are not immediately available, I am consulting the Governor of Singapore and will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Malay officers were permitted to take charge of large vessels during the Japanese occupation and that they do so now when the European officer is incapacitated; and if he will take steps to remove the present disqualification on them in that they are limited to vessels of 75 tons.

Masters' certificates in Singapore fall into three classes—foreign going, home trade and local trade. There is no racial discrimination in the grant of certificates in any of these classes. Holders of the last are limited to command of small vessels. If the master of a vessel is incapacitated during a voyage, the next senior officer takes charge.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to state the proposed increases in the fees of English secondary schools in Malaya as percentages of the present fees for each of the various forms.

As a result of a committee under the chairmanship of the Member for Education, two proposals are at present under consideration. One is for increases in school fees of 200 per cent. for the lowest forms, 300 per cent. for intermediate forms and 400 per cent. for the highest. The other is for increases of 60, 100 and 200 per cent., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that their conditions of service and low wages are creating discontent among Malay seamen and that this is alienating the men from their traditional friendship toward this country; and if he will arrange for an inquiry into the conditions to be held by experienced men from Great Britain.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to provide an Asian hostel for seamen in the Port of Singapore.

A site has been selected, funds have been allocated and a Bill has been prepared providing for the incorporation of a Centre for Asian seamen and the appointment of a committee to prepare plans for a hostel and administer it when built.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take to protect the Gibraltarians from the discrimination that is practised against them by the Spanish Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the visit to Britain by representatives of Gibraltar.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the result of his conversations with the delegation from Gibraltar.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement as a result of the visit by a delegation of members of the Gibraltar Legislative and City Councils.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has already dealt with the question of discrimination. I regret that in recent months a number of restrictions have been imposed by the Spanish Government on the normal flow of trade and persons out of and into Gibraltar. The objects of the delegation in coming to London were, first, to assure Her Majesty's Government of the complete loyalty of the people of Gibraltar to the British Crown, and, secondly, to discuss the situation created by these restrictions.I was, of course, able to tell the delegation that no one in this country has ever had any doubts as to the complete and absolute loyalty of the population of Gibraltar and to repeat to them the assurance which I gave a couple of months ago that Gibraltar's integrity as a British possession was beyond dispute.I have also given the delegation an assurance that Her Majesty's Government have no intention of allowing future essential development in Gibraltar to suffer through no fault of the Colony. On the understanding that the Gibraltar Government will make the maximum possible use of their own resources, Her Majesty's Government will, subject to Parliamentary approval, be prepared to give such assistance as may prove to be needed for carrying out this development.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken in respect of the Boston Commission of Inquiry into the administration of French Bay College, Sierra Leone; and whether the college will continue to receive a Colonial Development and Welfare grant.

The Sierra Leone Government are satisfied that the College has made proper arrangements to remedy former shortcomings in its financial administration. It will continue to receive a Colonial Development and Welfare grant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what areas traditionally regarded as Masai lands have been taken for game reserves and what restrictions this imposes on the inhabitants.

In game reserves in Kenya and Tanganyika hunting and killing animals is prohibited except under licence. Game may however be killed either in self-defence or for the protection of crops or livestock. The authorities have discretion regarding entry and residence, may close any part of a reserve, and may control the movement of livestock.I am consulting the Governors on the first part of the Question, and will write to the hon. Member when I have received their replies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what free gifts have been made to British Honduras since the end of the First World War; and what additional grants have been promised or made this year.

The grants made to date total £3,743,749, a small proportion of which has not yet been spent. The grants promised total £1,373,217. The latter figure includes the £1,250,000 from Colonial Development and welfare funds promised this year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make a further statement on the future of the naval base at Simonstown as soon as the Admiralty Mission returns from South Africa.

The discussions by officials on naval co-operation to which I referred in the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 27th October have been concluded and study of the report on them will begin shortly. This will take some time, and meanwhile I have nothing to add.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the extent of the damage to the machinery of H.M.S. "Delight"; and how far this damage is attributed to sabotage.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Rochester and Chatham (Mr. Bottomley) on 16th November, 1954.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what additional security measures were undertaken on H.M.S. "Delight" after the discovery of the initial damage to her machinery.

Certain additional security measures were taken, but I do not think it would be wise to disclose their nature.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to an initiative test instituted recently at Portsmouth for the purpose of training whereby it was required to produce, inter alia, a cat and take it to H.M.S. "Vernon"; whether he is aware that a ginger cat was stolen from Michael Osborne which has not been returned to him; and whether he will give instructions that no such tests involving the stealing of animals will be repeated.

No tests are set involving the stealing of animals. An exercise to test initiative, included in a programme of serious drills, involved the search for a variety of objects including a cat, all of which were to be found in H.M.S. "Vernon." There was no intention that a search should be made outside the establishment; this was however misunderstood. The cat was returned, within half an hour to the place where it was found, but unfortunately did not return to its owner. I much regret any distress that has been caused; the owner of the cat has been good enough to say that he regards the matter as closed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he anticipates that the Royal Sailors Home Club, Portsmouth, now being built under Admiralty supervision, will be completed.

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that this club is being built under Admiralty supervision. It is a private venture belonging to, and managed by, officers and men of the Royal Navy. It is not therefore for me to express any view on the probable date of completion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the unemployment situation in Northern Ireland, he will consider the possibility of allotting additional work to the Royal Naval Air Yard, Belfast, and so do away with the need for the discharges which have been notified.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the approaching Christmas season, he will defer the present redundancies in the Royal Naval Yard, Belfast.

I regret that it has not been found possible to provide additional work suitable to the yard. The redundancies already declared cannot, therefore, be deferred. I should add that the number of men to be discharged is 31, which is under 5 per cent. of the present industrial strength of the yard.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will re-introduce staggered holidays for employees in Her Majesty's Dockyards for the 1955 holiday season.

Future arrangements for holidays in Admiralty industrial establishments are now being reviewed in the light of the experience of 1954. Further discussion with representatives of the employees is expected to take place early in December.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones are outstanding in Selkirkshire; and how the figures compare with the same period in 1953.

Thirty-eight applications are now outstanding, as compared with 69 a year ago. Nearly 200 lines have been connected in the past 12 months.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones are outstanding in Roxburghshire; and how the figures compare with the same period in 1953.

One hundred and twenty-two applications were outstanding a year ago. 323 have been met since then, this number including new and outstanding applications. The number now outstanding is 134, including 55 in course of provision.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is now able to make a statement regarding the establishment of a new telephone exchange at Cogsmill in Roxburghshire how far this scheme has progressed; and when applicants in that area may expect to have their telephones installed.

We are about to open negotiations for a site and we hope that a new exchange will be ready to give service to applicants in the Cogsmill area in about 18 months' time.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will arrange for priority to be given to the telephone extension to the Greenhill Housing Estate in Sheffield; and how soon this work will be completed in view of the fact that there is only one public telephone at Four Lane Ends which is 12 to 15 minutes' walk from the centre of the new estate.

Special measures will be used to instal a kiosk in Lowedges Road as soon as a site is agreed. Other kiosks will be put up on the estate as building develops.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will have a telephone kiosk installed in Craddock Street, Cardiff, in view of the need for this facility.

We hope to provide a new kiosk in the adjacent shopping centre in Wells Street in about six months' time; there are already three kiosks within half a mile of the centre of Craddock Street.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the need for the provision of a telephone kiosk at St. Lythans, near Wenvoe in the county of Glamorgan; and if he will take steps to ensure that one is installed there soon.

Yes. We hope to have one working at St. Lythans Downs by next April.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the estimated cost of altering the Tudor crown symbol on post-boxes, vehicles and other Post Office property.

None. The use of the St. Edward's Crown is confined to new buildings and equipment (including posting boxes and vehicles), and to existing vehicles when they have to be repainted.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will make immediate arrangements to provide post-box facilities in the new Greenhill Housing Estate in Sheffield in view of the rapidity with which houses are being completed in this area.

Three letter boxes are to be put up within the next few weeks and two more will be provided as the estate develops.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how far it is the policy in the Accountant-General's Department of the General Post Office to require retirement at an age earlier than 65 years; and for what reason.

The practice followed in the Accountant-General's Department of the Post Office conforms with the Government's policy, namely, that all fit and willing civil servants who are fully efficient shall be employed as long as is practicable.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will give an assurance that he will approve the applications of the Independent Television Authority for all necessary licences and facilities to enable short radio links and boosters to be operated by them, so as to ensure that the London commercial television programme is received in Brighton and other coastal areas of Sussex.

My noble Friend will keep this point in mind, but it is much too early to consider it in detail.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement giving details of the performance of the Bristol Sycamore helicopter in Kenya.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Major Anstruther-Gray) on 16th November.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the domestic water supply to Foxhold, Crookham Common, Newbury, has been destroyed in the course of draining the springs on Greenham Common airfield; and why no action has been taken since the matter was referred to his Department on 5th July.

We are drawing up a scheme for the provision of piped water to those houses whose existing supplies are said to have been affected by work on the airfield at Greenham Common.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air approximately how many Air Training Corps cadets went to camp for one week or more during 1954; and whether he is satisfied that the facilities were adequate.

About 24,000. In spite of the bad weather, the camps were very successful, and I know of no complaints about the facilities available.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he is taking in the interests of air safety to ensure that aircrew of civil airliners are not fatigued as a result of flying excessive periods on international routes.

My predecessor arranged for an intensive study of this subject some months ago, and I am expecting a report very shortly The present position, as my hon. and gallant Friend will know, is that responsibility is imposed by regulation on operators to establish such limitations on flight time of aircrew as will ensure that the safety of their aircraft is not endangered by crew fatigue.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what has been the result of his discussions with the British Transport Commission with regard to the arrangements affecting the airport for railway services between Gatwick Airport and London; and what extra facilities are to be provided.

Gatwick Racecourse Station will replace the present Gatwick Airport Station and will be served by four trains an hour to and from London. Two of these will be semi-fast with special two or four coach portions for the journey between London and the airport, and two will be slow trains. At present there are two slow trains and one semi-fast train with no special coaches.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the recent survey undertaken by his Department to find suitable roof-top helicopter sites in London, if he is yet in a position to indicate the routes of future inter-city helicopter travel so that the cities concerned may be making similar preliminary surveys.

No. It is for operators to decide in the first place which routes are likely to be commercially suitable for helicopter services.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects to be in a position to announce his decision upon the recommendation made by the Select Committee on the Rochdale Canal Bills in April, 1952, to the effect that the whole question of the future of disused canals should be dealt with by public legislation, following a general inquiry into the matter.

I am not in a position to make a statement on this subject. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a detailed investigation of this complex subject has been taking place.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects the final report of the Canal Commission in relation to that part of the Stockport Canal which runs through the Gorton Division of Manchester.

There is no such body as the Canal Commission. If what the hon. Member has in mind is the review by a board of survey appointed by the British Transport Commission to review the canals belonging to the Commission, the answer is that they hope to receive it shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent his plans for improving the trunk road from London to the north-east of Scotland include any material alteration in the road between Berwick-on-Tweed and Edinburgh.

Published plans provide for the improvement of the alignment of the stretch of road in 18 places. I have nothing further to say at present.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will replace the ugly temporary obstructions in Belgrave Square, London, S.W.1, by permanent islands, or if he will remove them.

The temporary islands in Belgrave Square are now to be replaced by permanent ones by the Westminster City Council. This will take three to four months.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what stage has been reached in the discussions between his Department and the London County Council concerning the flyover south of Hammersmith Broadway.

I am not able to make a statement about this.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation on what date work will commence to put in order the existing plant and equipment connected with the proposed Dartford—Purfleet Tunnel; and when is it expected to complete this so as to enable a resumption to be made on the construction of the tunnel.

I have nothing to add at present to my previous answers on this subject.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in what manner the proposed traffic plan will affect the Borough of Leyton.

If the hon. Member is referring to my recent reply to a Parliamentary Question on the subject of my preliminary proposals in respect of London traffic, the Borough of Leyton will be affected both generally by the general improvement which I hope to see in respect of traffic flow in the Metropolitan area, and particularly by the introduction of unilateral waiting restrictions in Belmont Park Road and William Street.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that flashing indicators now being used on the roofs of some taxicabs are very disconcerting to drivers of vehicles following the taxicabs, as these lights are directly on the drivers' eyelevel; and if he will prohibit the use of these flashing lights on the roofs of vehicles.

This type of indicator complies with the present law.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will ask the opticians who advised him on certain aspects of vision for driving motor vehicles also to consider and advise him on the dangers arising from inadequate road lighting and its effect on drivers' vision.

No. I already have excellent technical, including optical advice available on this important subject.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what are his regulations dealing with the issue of temporary driving licences for visitors from countries where different rules of the road obtain.

The present regulations made in 1950 enable any person not resident in Great Britain who is the holder of an International Driving Permit, or otherwise authorised to drive by the competent authority of a country other than Great Britain, to obtain a temporary British driving licence valid for not more than 12 months without passing the driving test.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when it is proposed to set up a Scottish Transport Council.

The Government adhere to the promises given during the debates on the Transport Bill and intend to implement them. The Transport Council cannot, of course, be set up until the Scottish Railway Authority is in being; but when that Authority has been constituted the necessary steps will be taken to set up the Scottish Transport Council.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give the completion of the scheme for railway electrification of Thanet the first priority for railway electrification in the Southern Region; what work is now preceeding upon the completion of the plans and costings; when such plans and costings will be completed for constructional work to start; and whether he will take steps to ensure the early completion of this scheme.

These are matters for the British Transport Commission, who, as I informed the House on 3rd November, hope to submit to me their plan for re-equipment and modernisation of the railways, including further electrification schemes, before the year ends.

asked the Minister of Education to make a statement giving the number of proprietors of private schools who have responded to the request made by his Department to supply lists of their staffs; and how many have not yet done so.

Three thousand two hundred and fifty-seven have responded. My right hon. Friend is making further inquiries of the 280 schools whose proprietors have not; about 80 of these are believed to have closed.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that an increasing proportion of school children will be denied secondary grammar school education, despite their ability to benefit by such training, as the bulge in school population reaches the secondary stage; and what emergency action he propose to take.

No. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the general position will be as suggested in the Question.

asked the Minister of Education the cost of the group of sculpture at the Kidbrooke Comprehensive School; and, in view of the need for national economy, why the money was not used for an essential service.

No sculpture has yet been commissioned for this school.

asked the Minister of Education to state the average total cost incurred in educating a child at primary and secondary schools from five to 16 years of age.

On the basis of the revised estimates of authorities for 1953–54, the average cost per pupil in that financial year was about £32 per primary school pupil and about £59 per secondary school pupil.

asked the Minister of Education (1) the results arising from the arrangement made five months ago with the Home Secretary that his Department be supplied with particulars of convictions for serious offences against young people committed by persons engaged, or likely to be engaged in the teaching profession;(2) in how many instances since 1st July, 1954, proprietors of private schools have notified his Department of the termination of a teacher's engagement on account of misconduct, grave professional default or conviction of a criminal offence; and whether he is satisfied that this arrangement is working satisfactorily.

Since 1st July action has been taken in the case of seven independent school teachers, four notified to my Department under the arrangements made with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and three notified by their employers. My right hon. Friend has so far been well satisfied with the way the proprietors of independent schools have co-operated with my Department in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people holding Northern Ireland driving licences have been convicted for motoring offences in Great Britain in each of the years 1952, 1953 and 1954 to date; and how many have had their licences suspended.

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, after consideration of the case of Mr. T. R. Young, of Lynemouth, Northumberland, brought to his notice by the hon. Member for Blyth, he has now decided to offer further advice to chief officers of police on the subject of greater care to distinguish between drunkenness and cases of illness.

Yes; I will take an opportunity of reminding chief officers of police of the desirability of taking precautions to ensure that there is no delay in seeking medical assistance where a person thought to be intoxicated becomes ill while in police custody.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider raising the retiring age for police officers from 55 to 60 years in view of the shortage of police.

Except for the more senior ranks, police officers may retire on pension at any time after completing 25 years' service, whatever their age. The relevant regulations prescribe a compulsory retiring age of 55 for the lower ranks, but the chief officer of police, or in borough forces the police authority, has a discretion to allow an officer who so wishes to serve up to the age of 60.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make arrangements to send representatives to Sweden and, in particular, to Stockholm, to inspect deep shelters and other methods of defence against atomic attack.

A member of the Home Office staff visited Sweden two years ago and was given facilities for studying Swedish civil defence plans. I do not think the time is yet ripe for a further visit, but Her Majesty's Government is kept fully informed of the progress of Civil Defence measures in Sweden. The physical conditions in the two countries are of course quite different.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds employees earning more than £2,000 per annum and all directors are excluded from participating in the Retirement Savings Scheme sponsored by the National Savings Committee.

The purpose is to secure that the scheme wholly qualifies as an excepted provident fund in terms of Chapter II of Part XVII of the Income Tax Act, 1952.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage trend of world prices and United Kingdom import prices during the years 1945 to 1954, giving each year separately.

The most appropriate index of changes in the prices of United Kingdom imports is the following index of average values:

1945	…	59
1946	…	63
1947	…	77
1948	…	86
1949	…	87
1950	…	100
1951	…	133
1952	…	129
1953	…	114
1954, January-September	…	113

This index, obtained by comparing the actual value of trade in each year with its estimated value at prices of a base year, gives only a rough measure of price changes from year to year, since it is affected by changes in the composition of trade. Index numbers originally published with 1938, 1947 and 1950 as years of reference are here shown in a linked series with 1950=100. I regret that no appropriate index of "world prices" exists which can reasonably be compared with the average values of United Kingdom import prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, under the terms of Statutory Instrument, 1954, No. 1088, a lower rate of interest is to be paid in respect of the balance standing to the credit of any company's account in the hands of the Board of Trade; and what organisations were consulted before making the reduction.

The rate of interest on the balance standing to the credit of any company's account in the hands of the Board of Trade was reduced by S.I. 1088 of 1954, from 2 per cent. to 1¼ per cent. in order to bring it into line with current market rates for short-term advances. It would not be appropriate to consult outside organisations in advance about changes in interest rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the funds available for loan by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development have been utilised.

At 30th September, 1954, the uncommitted funds of the International Bank amounted to about $250 million, or less than 14 per cent. of its total funds lent and available for lending.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the statement by the Master of the Rolls to the effect that the tax on clergymen's Easter offerings is the gravest case of misplaced fiscal enthusiasm; and whether he will bear this in mind in preparing his Budget.

Yes, and I will bear all that is relevant in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of low-priced textile fabrics have been imported from China since 1st January, 1954.

The trade returns do not distinguish low-priced textiles as such. 834,704 square yards of woven fabrics of all kinds, all of which consisted wholly or mainly of silk, were imported from China during January-October, 1954.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state the quantity of United States nylon pieces which have been imported since 1st January, 1954, via Holland.

Nylon pieces are not separately distinguished in the Trade Returns. So far as I can trace, no import licence has been issued for such goods originating in the United States of America and consigned from Holland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state the amount of tobacco that has been imported during the last 12 months from dollar sources and the dollar costs involved; whether he is aware that the Chinese Government are able to export tobacco and cigarettes for sterling, equally as good as Virginian and tobacco obtained from dollar sources; and whether he will, therefore, make inquiries with a view to licensing the import of Chinese tobacco and cigarettes, thus saving dollars.

During the 12 months ended October, 1954, 175,860,670 1b. of unmanufactured dollar tobacco were imported at a sterling cost of £44,971,473. The corresponding figures for manufactured tobacco were 269,298 1b. and £434,174. I have no knowledge or information about the comparative merits of tobacco from Virginia and China, but no obstacle is placed in the way of anyone who wants to import either cigarettes or unmanufactured tobacco from China.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state the total number of first-feature film quota defaults since October, 1951; and the total number of prosecutions against defaulters.

Cinemas which failed to achieve their prescribed first-feature quotas for the year to 30th September, 1952, number 1,043, and proceedings have been instituted in 15 of these cases. Proceedings have not yet been started in respect of cinemas failing to achieve their prescribed first-feature quotas for the year ended 30th September, 1953, which number 884. Details are not yet available for the year ended 30th September, 1954.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, when giving figures of film quota defaults, he will introduce a new classification so as to make plain the difference between exhibitors who have justification for failing to fulfil the quota and exhibitors who have not.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to now reconsider the membership of the Selection Committee appointed by him in connection with Section 5 (2) of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1948, in view of the fact that only one sectional interest in the industry is at present represented thereon.

The Selection Committee contains seven independent members and, at present, two members unconnected with the major circuits but experienced in exhibiting and booking films. I do not consider it desirable to add to the Committee representatives of producers or distributors who are, of course, the persons who make the applications upon which the Board of Trade is required to seek the advice of this Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he allows the import of new gold jewellery, while continuing to prevent British jewellers from obtaining new gold, apart from the small allowance for utility wedding rings.

The bilateral quotas for the year 1954 which permit the import of, among other things, gold jewellery, total £60,000. I do not consider that these limited imports are unreasonable, considering that United Kingdom jewellers have access to supplies of secondhand gold for the manufacture of jewellery for the home market.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of new factories under construction and approved, respectively, in Scotland in the years 1952 and 1953; what percentage change this shows; and how it compares with the same figures for England and Wales.

As explained in the Board of Trade Journal on 2nd October, 1954, the factory building

NEW FACTORIES AND EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING FACTORIES OVER 5,000 SQ., FT. IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
—	Approved in the year		Under construction at the end of the year
	Number	Area ('000 sq. ft.)	Number	Area ('000 sq. ft.)
Scotland:
1952	83	1,906	122	5,157
1953	143	2,679	136	4,027
Percentage change	—	Rise of 40·6 per cent.	—	Fall of 22 percent.
England and Wales:
1952	1,047	24,839	1,313	53,488
1953	1,825	36,373	1,400	51,925
Percentage change	—	Rise of 46·4 per cent.	—	Fall of 3 per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in conjunction with Scottish Industrial Estates Limited, he has now considered the desirability of establishing factory space at Newmains, Carluke and Forth, in the county of Lanark, in anticipation of the decline of colliery activity in that neighbourhood as forecast in the County Development Plan.

The problems created by the declining coalfields in these places and in other parts of North Lanarkshire are under constant review. The Board of Trade are continuing their efforts to introduce new industry to the coal-mining parts of North Lanarkshire, but they have no power to direct an industrialist to any particular place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Her Majesty's Government will implement the recommendations in paragraph 219 of the Report of the Royal Commission on Scottish Affairs that responsibility for allocating factories in the industrial estates and for the approval of capital expenditure should be devolved to the Scottish Controller of the Board of Trade, except in cases of special importance.

In view of the Royal Commission's recommendations, I am giving the Board's Scottish Controller substantially extended powers over the allocation of existing factory space and authority to approve capital expenditure up to £20,000 on any extension to a factory.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of dollars are now being spent on the import of coal; what dollar expenditure has been incurred for this purpose during the past 12 months; whether he is aware that the Chinese Government have an exportable surplus of high quality coal for sterling payment; and whether he will make investigations, with a view to obtaining stocks of coal from China.

About 1¼ million dollars a month, totalling some 2 million dollars during the last 12 months. The purchase of Chinese coal would be a matter for commercial negotiation by the National Coal Board.

asked the Minister of Food if he has received the letter from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, concerning the resolution passed by the West Ham North Constituency Labour Party, protesting at the rapid rise in the price of tea to almost twice what it was under the previous Government; and what is the nature of his reply.

The hon. Member will have now received a reply to his letter.

asked the Minister of Food if he will state what are the stocks held by his Department of Australian Lexia raisins and Thompson's seedless raisins; what was the average price paid for them; how he proposes to dispose of the stocks; and whether in doing so he expects to incur any loss.

My Department holds no stock of Australian Lexia raisins. It would be contrary to commercial practice to disclose the quantity of Californian Thompson's raisins still to be sold or the price paid for them. The raisins are being sold through the normal trade channels and, until the sale has been completed, it is not possible to state the results of the trading.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what representation his Department has on scientific bodies inquiring into weather modification generally and, in particular, into the artificial production over the sea of rain from clouds which otherwise would precipitate over this country.

My Department is not represented on the Meteorological Research Committee or on any scientific bodies carrying out the inquiries to which the hon. Member refers. It is. however, kept in touch with those inquiries through its representation on the Meteorological Committee which advises my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how far it is his policy that the South Downs should be used for grazing rather than be put under the plough, with a view to their preservation as an ancient beauty spot; and to what extent he has been able to implement such a policy.

Farmers are free to determine for themselves the type of agricultural production to which their land is best suited, and I have no powers which could be used to control cropping programmes with a view to preserving areas of natural beauty. I understand that there has been useful co-operation between farmers, landowners and amenity interests in this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give consideration to an early return to a national grading scheme for horticultural produce in view of the experiences of the Fruit Growers' Association in Kent regarding apples and pears.

National grades for apples and pears have been recommended by my Department, and many growers and associations of growers, including the Fruit Growers' Association of Kent, have adopted grades based upon them. I shall be very glad to encourage a further extension of the use of these grades in any way open to me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now reached a decision on the proposal that a beet sugar factory should be built in the southern counties to allow the more economical production of sugar in that area.

The following is the reply.

1. I have now completed consideration of the evidence which the National Farmers' Union and other interested bodies submitted at the Government's request, on the proposed erection of a sugar-beet factory somewhere in the south of England.

2. In so far as such a factory enabled the acreage of sugar beet to be increased in the southern counties, it would be a welcome assistance to the crop husbandry of farms there. But the savings in operating and transport costs it would produce for the British Sugar Corporation would be far from sufficient to balance the capital charges the Corporation would have to incur in raising the £3 million it would cost to build.

3. Moreover, the Government could not at present contemplate an increase in the sugar beet acreage. Home consumption of sugar will normally be covered by home production and imports from countries in the Commonwealth, whose economies are in many cases based almost entirely on sugar exports. Any further increase in the home acreage would, therefore, displace imports which the Commonwealth has been encouraged to produce under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement. The cost of home produced sugar would be of the order of £10 a ton more than the sugar that it would displace. In this connection it must be remembered that estimated production from the existing acreage in this country has increased by nearly 50 per cent. in a normal year over the past five years.

4. I have, therefore, reluctantly come to the conclusion that for these reasons the erection of a new factory there cannot in existing circumstances be justified. It is, however, intended to continue to use the county quota system to ensure that beet growers in the south may retain or even in some counties slightly increase their existing share of factory capacity.

5. I am placing in the Library a fuller statement of the reasons for this conclusion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what consideration he has given to the desirability of making a public announcement when he declares any tuberculosis eradication area; and what steps he is taking to ensure facilities for the sale of attested cattle in public markets.

It is the normal practice to give about two years' public notice of any proposal to declare a tuberculosis eradication area and to continue to give extensive publicity to the matter until the eradication area, and finally the attested area, has been declared. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 18th November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now announce his decision on the Report of the Agricultural Land Commission on land at Herne Bay and Whitstable.

The Government have given careful consideration to the Report of the Agricultural Land Commission, which will be published tomorrow, on an area of 6,000 acres at Herne Bay and Whitstable referred to them in 1950 for investigation under Section 84 of the Agriculture Act, 1947. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Commission for the care and thoroughness with which they carried out their task. The Commission recommended that some 870 acres of this area should be compulsorily purchased, but the Government have decided that, for financial and other reasons the acquisition of this land would not be justified.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is still proposing to acquire the land belonging to Mrs. Woollett at South Woodham, Essex.

Notwithstanding the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Mrs. Woollett in my favour, I have decided that in all the circumstances I will not proceed with the acquisition of her land.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the fact that only administrative difficulties delay the granting of an immediate increase in the basic old-age pension, he will undertake that in forthcoming legislation on this issue the increase in pension will be dated back to Christmas 1954.

No. I do not think that insurance benefits and pensions can be paid retrospectively without undermining the insurance principle on which the scheme is based.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to state the number of foundry workers, metal grinders and blasters, respectively, who

Occupation				1951	1952	1953	1954 (up to 30th June)
Metal grinding	…	…	…	4	8	9	4
Sandblasting	…	…	…	9	8	10	4
Steel dressing	…	…	…	101	89	113	62
Other foundry work	…	…	…	—	—	—	129
Iron moulding	…	…	…	51	43	81	—

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British possessions are still illegally occupied by South American Governments; and what recent action he has taken in the matter.