asked the Minister of Education if he has considered the new method of constructing schools prefabricated swimming baths; and to what extent he plans to have this method used in schools under the jurisdiction of his Department.

I am not aware of the method to which the hon. and learned Member refers. If he will let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a very surprising reply having regard to the resources at his disposal? Will he inquire from his own experts about this method, which is well-known and well-recommended for its efficiency?

The Ministry of Education is not perfect. We are grateful to the hon. and learned Gentleman. A prefabricated swimming bath sounds very interesting.

asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement showing what the results are of the consideration given to the recommendations of the Central Advisory Council for England in respect to the early leaving at grammar schools; and what proposals he has to make for increased maintenance allowances.

There are many recommendations in this report calling for consideration by many different bodies. I have discussed proposals for increased maintenance allowances with representatives of the local education authorities and of the teachers and hope to announce them before long.

While recognising the great difficulties, and thinking that "before long" is not too long, may I ask whether the Minister appreciates the tremendous interest there is in this matter? Can he give a little idea of how long is "not so long," if for no other reason than to obviate my having to put further Questions to him?

I agree with the hon. Member that the matter mentioned in the Question is one of the weakest links in the chain of education. I saw the local education authorities only this week, and we made good progress. I would not like to be definite about a date, but I should think it will be a week or two.

Will the Minister attempt to make the maintenance grants uniform throughout the country?

Yes, Sir. That is one of my intentions.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is now able to announce the results of his inquiry into those aspects of the conditions and amount granted for various professional purposes for further education which he had under review on 11th November, 1954.

Not, yet, but I hope to have some advice to offer local authorities on these matters when my review of university awards is complete.

asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in his discussions with his right hon. Friends representing the three branches of the armed Services, on the education of Service men's children.

I regret that I have nothing to add to what my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War told the House last Tuesday in the course of the debate on the Army Estimates.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that he told me in reply to a Question on 21st October last year that the discussions were going quite well? Can he at least say whether, after all these months, the principle has been established that the children of Service men shall not suffer unnecessary educational handicap because their fathers are serving in the Armed Forces?

I agree with what the hon. Gentleman says. The difficulty is that the scheme that we first thought was practicable has been found to require legislation, and we have therefore had to change our ideas about it.

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that children who have been ascertained to be educationally subnormal or maladjusted are being brought before juvenile courts as beyond the control of their parents and committed to local authorities as fit persons, because they need closer supervision than they can obtain at home while they are awaiting vacancies in suitable special schools; and whether he will seek powers to enable local education authorities to provide temporary residential accommodation for such children without the necessity of bringing them to court.

I will consider this matter with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

asked the Minister of Education whether his attention has been called to a recent case in which a boy lost an eye from an accident which occurred while at school at Ilford, and received no damages, compensation or costs, and a similar case at Tredegar, in which a boy was injured by a knife in his leg, which has since had to be amputated, and, although substantial damages were awarded, they were withdrawn on appeal, and he has had to find costs, amounting to about £300, to fight the case; and what action he proposes to take to secure that, while children are under the authority of an education committee, they are safeguarded against such contingencies by adequate State-aided insurance.

I know of the first case from the Press and of the second from the hon. Member and have great sympathy with the children and parents concerned. I am not aware that local education authorities could properly incur expenditure on the purchase of insurance cover in respect of accidents which give rise to no legal liability on their part. These incidents, though regrettable, are rare. Amending legislation could not be justified at the present time.

In view of the fact that I have received information about quite a number of cases since I put down this Question—cases of similar accidents in which children have been seriously injured for the rest of their lives through no fault of their own, and not in all cases due to negligence on the part of the local authorities; and since the children lose from two to three years of their school life, have no means of recovering anything as compensation or making a claim of any description and are handicapped for the rest of their lives for something which happened under the jurisdiction and care of the local authorities, should not the local authorities take some responsibility for such accidents in the same way as an employer does in business or a motorist does when driving his car? Would the Minister look into this matter again to see whether something can be done along those lines?

I am sorry about these accidents but, as the law stands, I am advised the best that we can hope for is ex gratia payments from time to time. It would require new legislation to permit local authorities to take out insurance policies.

Is the Minister aware that governors of private schools, which have the support of and draw grants from his Department, almost invariably take out a comprehensive insurance policy to cover nearly every liability which they might have? Surely this problem ought to be examined very much in the light of what my hon. Friend said.

I will undertake to examine it, but the question will turn on whether we can introduce legislation if the examination leads to the conclusion that such insurance ought to be taken out by local authorities.

asked the Minister of Education (1) what representations were made to his Department in 1953, 1954, and the present year, respectively, by the Governors of the Educational Foundation for Visual Aids, asking for financial assistance for the production of advanced science films; and what replies were made; and

In September, 1953, the governors asked for an annual grant of £50,000 for the production of science and other films. During 1954 they informed my predecessor, and later myself, that they intended to give priority to science films, four of which have so far been made at an average cost of £2,400 each. I have had correspondence and discussions with the governors, and I am shortly going to talk over with the local authority associations the whole question of the educational value of films.

Is it not the case that the local authorities are inhibited by the economies urged on them by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor from using these films on a scale which would make production commercially possible? Is it not, therefore, all the more incumbent upon the right hon. Gentleman to give the Foundation the help which it was originally led to suppose it would have?

I have looked carefully into this matter. The facts are that some people doubt the value of films, others would prefer more books and others would prefer laboratory assistants. I think I must examine the relative merits of spending money in one direction or the other.

Is the Minister aware that the four films to which he referred have been very highly praised by science teachers? Is he also aware that if a grant were made industry would be prepared to contribute and probably would double the value of the grant?

I have had the hon. Member's idea in mind.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will investigate the need for, and the high cost of, school uniforms.

Local authorities have already been asked to see that their schools do not require unreasonably expensive uniforms. I do not think an investigation is called for.

Is the Minister aware that the elaborate and expensive snobbery of school uniforms—[Hon. Members: "No."]—I repeat, the elaborate and expensive snobbery of school uniforms puts a heavy strain on the purse of many parents? If it is not possible to teach children to read or write without putting them in uniform first, will he at least see that the articles of uniform consist of articles which are in general supply?

I think most authorities have arrangements for assisting the parents of children for whom they are responsible with the cost of the school uniform in cases of financial hardship. I should have thought the hon. and gallant Member might see something in the "new school tie."

Is the Minister aware that those who are connected with schools find a great advantage in creating a team spirit, which is assisted by having a school uniform, while they appreciate that it is necessary for it not to be beyond the reach of parents—and it very rarely is.

Is the Minister aware that my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. G. Thomas) is wearing an M.P.'s uniform and is therefore prejudiced?

asked the Minister of Education if he will consult the British Transport Commission with a view to raising from 14 to 15 years the age limit at which school children can travel at reduced fares.

Arrangements already exist for children of compulsory school age to travel to and from school at half fares on the British Transport Commission's railways, London road services and on the majority of other road transport undertakings.

Is the Minister aware that in quite a number of cases children between the ages of 14 and 15 are penalised, compared with children under the age of 14? Is not this a casein which, in this respect at least, there should be uniform treatment of all children up to the age of 15?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring to my notice any case of children being penalised while going to and from school, I will be glad to look into it.

Will my right hon. Friend consider extending this facility to all school children, including those who go to denominational schools?

That is another matter.

asked the Minister of Education when he expects to be ready to make a statement on grants to university students.

Soon, I hope.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make this very soon, because we have been waiting for some time?

Yes, I will do my best, but the number of bodies who have made representations to me is extraordinary and I feel that I ought to take all those representations into consideration.

Will the Minister make his statement in such a way that students going to college and university at the next academic year will be covered by it?

Yes. I intend to start the new scheme, whatever it may be, in September next.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will make representations to the representatives of local authorities who are due to report to him on grants made to students in training colleges to expedite their report; and whether he will consult other educational bodies about their grants.

asked the Minister of Education if he is now in a position to give any information about grants to intending teachers in training colleges.

I have just received this report and hope shortly to discuss it with the local authority associations.

Again, having achieved the basic purpose of getting the report, will the right hon. Gentleman once more expedite consideration of this matter, because the situation is embarrassing local authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities are using the fact that the report has not been published for delaying any action about training college grants? Will he therefore regard it as a matter of very great urgency?

Yes, I will. But I have had only three days to look at the report.

asked the Minister of Education what steps Her Majesty's Government is taking to arrest the decline in average weights of school children under eight years of age reported by his chief medical officer as having occurred since 1950.

The report referred not to average weights throughout the country, but to a number of areas where the average loss of weight was only about ½ lb. The principal school medical officers are watching this point.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that this loss has to be set off against the increase which was shown between 1948 and 1950? Is it not a disquieting commentary on Government policy that, after we held the position right through the food shortage, the weight has now fallen?

The hon. Member should not draw too many conclusions from the loss of ½ lb. in weight. He might also consult Table V of the same report and the preceding report, from which he will find that the general condition of pupils has improved steadily from 1950 to 1953, the percentage categorised as "Good" rising from 39 per cent. in 1950 to 44·7 per cent. in 1953.

asked the Minister of Education if Her Majesty's Government will now accept the recommendation of the Burham Committee that the principle of equal pay for women and men in the teaching profession should be realised over a period of six years.

asked the Minister of Education when he hopes to make a statement on the recommendation of the Burnham Committee that equal pay should be introduced in the teaching service.

The Burnham Committee's recommendations for equal pay have not yet been submitted to me. They are at present being considered by the associations represented on the committee.

When they are submitted, in view of the acceptance by this House of the principle of equal pay and the promise of the Government that it would be applied as rapidly as possible, will the right hon. Gentleman consider shortening the period of six years which is now proposed?

I do not think it would be right for me to say anything until I have had the recommendations of the Committee.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will now make a statement on the training, salaries, and recruitment of teachers of scientific subjects.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will make a statement on the Burnham Committee's recommendation for increased allowances for teachers of advanced work.

I have today told the Burnham Committee that I approve their recommendations. I expect them to be fully carried out by all local authorities. The proposed increases in pay will greatly improve the career prospects for these teachers. No distinction is drawn between teachers of different subjects, but, as the House knows, the greatest anxiety is in the field of science and mathematics. The Government are therefore reviewing the whole question of scientists in the public service, so as to ensure that the best and most economical use is made of them in the national interest. Meanwhile, the Federation of British Industries is asking all its members to refrain from raising salaries in competition with the Burnham proposals, and to review the use they make of science graduates.

Whilst welcoming that answer, may I ask the Minister whether he expects those steps to meet the acute shortage in the near future? Can he say what action he will take to see that graduates in industry can give part-time service in the field of science education?

I can assure the hon. Member that that is one of the questions which the Federation of British Industries is bringing to the notice of its members. Undoubtedly it is very necessary that we should get as many part-time teachers from industry as we can.

In view of the reference of my right hon. Friend to science and mathematics, is he satisfied that boys are staying long enough at secondary schools to avail themselves of further education in order to qualify in those subjects and, thereby, fulfil the demands both of industry and the teaching profession?

No, Sir, I am not satisfied, and that is one of the reasons I am considering additional maintenance allowances for secondary school children.

In connection with the last supplementary question, has the Minister noticed a recent publication from which it appears that at comprehensive schools there is a tendency for pupils to stay longer at school than at non-comprehensive schools?

I think I know the publication to which the hon. Member refers, and I read it with great interest. I do not think the samples taken are of sufficient range to give very reliable information.

asked the Minister of Education how many extra secondary school places he estimates will be required in the next three years; and what plans he has for providing them.

The number of secondary school places required depends on the needs of particular areas as well as the total number of children over 11. The number of places now under construction is 195,000, and 250,000 more are programmed to start building in the next 12 months. By 31st December, 1957, the secondary school roll is expected to increase by about 330,000.

Whilst it will be necessary for me to consider those figures when I see them in writing, may I ask the Minister, since he sets his face against the comprehensive school, if he realises that there is a danger over the next few years that overcrowding will take place in the secondary modern schools and, therefore, the percentage of children proceeding to grammar schools will probably decrease? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that that will not happen?

It would be impossible to give a definite assurance about the proportion of grammar school places, but I thought my answer would give some comfort to the hon. Lady because the number of places I hope to see completed in the next three years is 445,000 and the increase in the roll is expected to be 330,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the report on the influence of cartel arrangements on oil prices submitted to him by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe; and whether he will introduce legislation in order to end these arrangements, so far as this country is concerned and to establish price control.

I have nothing to add to the answer given on 24th February by my hon. and learned Friend to a similar Question on this subject.

Are the Government really satisfied with the position in which we continue to pay Gulf prices for Middle East oil? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Report referred to says that some Middle East oil companies are making 400 per cent. profit on every gallon of oil? Will he do something to put an end to this costly racket?

I did say in answer to the previous Question that I was continuing to bear these things in mind.

Has the President really examined the matter yet? Is he aware that it costs only £1 a ton to put oil into a tanker in the Persian Gulf, whereas it costs nearly £3 10s. in the Gulf of Mexico and the result is that the price is kept up to £4 10s. a ton to keep the American oil companies in business?

I said that I shall continue to bear this industry in mind as a possible reference to the Monopolies Commission. Both I and, I think, the previous Government have shown good sense in not debating matters before reference to the Commission.

Does this not show the advantage which would accrue if the Report were made available to hon. Members? Will my right hon. Friend reconsider my original request to have the Report made available in the Library?

That is a question for the Foreign Secretary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is nothing in the Question about a reference to the Monopolies Commission? Can he confirm the statement published today, to the effect that this matter is to be referred to the Commission?

I think the whole question could be referred to the Foreign Secretary if there is no mention of reference to the Monopolies Commission.

Since the right hon. Gentleman introduced the question of the Monopolies Commission and it is now more than two years since he said that he was bearing this matter in mind, can he say when he will come to a decision about referring it to the Monopolies Commission?

No, Sir. I will take it into account with other matters suggested to me at the appropriate moment.

Are we to take it that the period of gestation of the Minister is like that of an elephant?

What the right hon. Member can assume is that we prefer on the whole to investigate the facts before announcing action on them.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment on Friday of next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a statement on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade recently concluded at Geneva.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the discussions at Geneva on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

I would refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on 8th March to similar Questions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether these agreements will tend towards a diminution of unemployment in, and emigration from, the West Indies—and particularly Jamaica?

I think that the hon. and learned Gentleman had better await the publication of the documents, so that he can study them for himself.

We have all seen the answer given by the right hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend earlier in the week, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very deep concern is felt by hon. Members on both sides of the House that, although he has produced one useful contribution in relation to the West Indies, he has thrown away many of the protections which this country has had in relation to quantitative restrictions and balance of payments? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell his right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal that when we have had a chance to study these documents we shall certainly want to debate them?

Without accepting any of the implications contained in the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I suggest that he may find it useful to look at the documents before we have a discussion upon them. That is why, as I said in my answer, I propose to publish a White Paper dealing with this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish as a White Paper copies of the speeches made by himself and other spokesmen on behalf of the United Kingdom delegation at the plenary meetings held at the beginning and ending of the Geneva discussions on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

No, Sir. I released to the Press my speech of 8th November last, in plenary session, and this was also printed in the Board of Trade Journal of 13th November.

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does it mean that the full text of that speech is available, or only a summary?

I think it is the full speech.

If it is the full speech, I think we shall want to study it, because some of us fear not only that some essential British interests have been thrown away in the matter of import restrictions, but that the President took a leading part in suggesting to the Conference that those restrictions should be eased in this way.

My speech has been available to hon. Members quite a long time now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the size of the staff of the United Kingdom Trade Commission in Canada in January, 1955, 1954, 1953, and 1952, respectively.

Eighty-eight, 84, 76 and 88.

In view of the alarming falling off in our exports to Canada, is the President really satisfied that the staff of the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner in Canada is large enough?

The falling off in our exports to Canada is due to causes other than the staff in Canada, which does an admirable job of work, and to whose efforts I have had tributes paid by many industries.

In view of the fact that these exports have fallen off, and the obvious importance of getting them back, will the President undertake to look into the matter again and see if the staff in Canada can help to restore the position?

The staff there certainly do help our export trade. Under all Governments they have done a very fine job of work. If I thought it necessary to increase their numbers I should do so, but I am not so satisfied at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will revoke the import licences of firms importing tea and other foodstuffs who withhold, or threaten to withhold, supplies from grocers who sell these foodstuffs to the public at prices lower than those fixed by the trade concerned.

No, Sir.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice which is going on is a scandalous one, and is artificially keeping the cost of living higher than it otherwise would be? Is he seriously telling us that he will spend two years considering whether to refer the matter to the Monopolies Commission, wait another two years for its report, and then decide whether to take action? Has not he all the facts in this case, and will not he take action now?

The right hon. Gentleman is suggesting that I should use import licences—which are supposed to be used for balance of payments reasons—as a method of enforcing decisions of the Monopolies Commission. I find it a remarkable suggestion, coming from him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I never suggested that he should do this to enforce the recommendations of the Monopolies Commission? I hope that he is not going to waste two years referring the matter to the Monopolies Commission. Is he aware that he has a responsibility to the public, and especially to the old-age pensioners, in this matter? Cannot we have some action from him at some time?

The right hon. Member knows the rules about import licensing, and he also knows that what he has suggested would be a most improper use of them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent he has been able to relax the restrictions on the imports of crawler tractors from Canada and the United States of America; and how many will be imported for agricultural use this year.

We are still unable to afford imports from these sources of crawler tractors for which alternatives offering roughly similar advantages are available without the expenditure of dollars. So far this year licences have been issued for 35 of the heaviest types of crawler tractors, but probably none of these will be used for agriculture.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are certain conditions in farming where a crawler tractor—especially one of American or Canadian make—is necessary for the efficient working of the land, and that farmers are having to continue to use the ones which they bought during the war, whose maintenance costs are unduly heavy? Will he look at the matter again to see whether agriculture can be given some small quota from the imports of these tractors?

These tractors are brought in under individual licensing arrangements. I am prepared to look at any individual case which my hon. Friend puts forward, but I have to take into account the question whether alternatives offering roughly similar advantages are available without the expenditure of dollars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet reached a decision about the collection of hire-purchase statistics from retail traders.

No, Sir. I am continuing to investigate the practical problems of collecting these statistics, but there are many difficulties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every commentator who has written about hire-purchase in recent months has referred to the complete absence of statistics here? Is he further aware that figures are available in the United States, and that he has left his right hon. Friend the Chancellor to take a very big leap almost completely in the dark?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is substance in the complaint that the statistics of consumer credit of this character which are available are inadequate, and I am looking into the situation with a view to seeing whether I cannot get better figures made available, without placing upon the traders concerned too great a burden in the way of forms and inquiries.

In trying to reach a decision upon this matter of the collection of hire-purchase statistics, will my right hon. Friend also try to institute some system by which he can learn what is happening in the check clothing trade, which also offers credit on a very large scale?

One of the difficulties is that the question of consumer credit covers a fairly wide field, but there is substance in the point that better statistics could be made available.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet consulted retail organisations in the matter, and, if so, has he had any answers?

I am consulting all the appropriate organisations upon this subject.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a sample investigation would probably give him the information he wants as to the trend of hire-purchase credit?

That may be so, and it is one of the possibilities that I am bearing in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on the last occasion when hire purchase was restricted the regulations were evaded by a system of rental agreements; and what steps he is now taking to prevent a recurrence of this practice.

The new Order, like the old, does not apply to simple hire. It contains, however, a new definition of hire-purchase agreements in order to avoid certain difficulties which arose last time.

Can the Minister assure us that under the hire-purchase restrictions the system of rental agreements which resulted in such vicious exploitation upon the last occasion is not going to be possible?

I have said that the definition is so drawn as to avoid certain of the difficulties which arose last time.

Will the President get some of his inspectors to check up upon the type of repayment book which is being issued in respect of hire-purchase agreements? There are cases where the only way a person can tell the difference between rental payment and hire-purchase buying is by a slip of paper stuck in the back of the book. Does not he think it is time that this matter was looked at in order to see whether a very definite distinction can be made between the type of book used for hire-purchase payments and the type used for rental payments?

I shall naturally use my best endeavours to see that the law as it stands is enforced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the numbers and values of leather, knitted and fabric gloves imported into the United Kingdom in the years 1953 and 1954.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these figures, which have been published in answer to an earlier Question this week, represent a very grave problem for this small industry? In considering the more general problems which were raised in this House yesterday, will be undertake to see that the present needs of this industry will not in any event be overlooked.

I shall certainly bear in mind the representations which my hon. Friend has made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to safeguard employment and production in the United Kingdom glove industry against imports from Hong Kong in view of the recent increase.

I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend on 9th December last.

In regard to the question of employment and production in this industry, will my right hon. Friend recall that a very large proportion of the work in the industry is done by outworkers, and that the unemployment figures are therefore wholly misleading? Will he bear in mind that at the present time both employers and workers feel a very considerable degree of anxiety about the situation?

I shall bear in mind all the relevant considerations, but among them I shall have to remember the fact that the United Kingdom sold about twice as much to Hong Kong as it bought from Hong Kong in 1954.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the prejudicial effect of the entertainments tax on football; and if he will now take steps to exempt football from this tax.

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the wide support there is for this urgent, practical and sensible reform, and will he take steps to implement it before the Government go out of office at the coming General Election?

I am not called upon to answer about forthcoming General Elections. I understand that some hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies have already been to see the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter, and that the Economic Secretary is to receive a deputation from the Football Association, and I have received another representing the clubs playing under another code. So the Government are not ill informed on the subject.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it very much better to have a tax on capital gains rather than such a severe tax on the most popular game in the country?

There is another Question on the Paper about that very subject.

In view of the very favourable effects on English cricket that followed the tax concession in that case, does the hon. Gentleman not think the same could be done for football?

I am grateful for that original tribute to the work of this Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to overcome the current dangers of inflation, he will take early steps to increase taxation on distributed profits and to impose a tax on realised capital gains.

The hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Yes, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor has already anticipated his Budget statement by the action he took a fortnight ago? Was not the main purpose of using the clumsy and inequitable weapon of a rise in the Bank Rate to enable him still to introduce a soft Budget for election purposes? Will not the hon. Gentleman advise his right hon. Friend to see that the burden of reducing consumption is put where it ought to belong?

I cannot say anything about the Budget that is coming. I thought the hon. Member would be aware of the distinction between a Budget statement and the raising of the Bank Rate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the hardship caused, he will reconsider the problems of retail shopkeepers which arise on every occasion when Purchase Tax is reduced; and if he will make a statement.

This problem was very fully examined only two years ago by an independent committee, but they were unable to devise a satisfactory and practicable solution. My right hon. Friend has previously indicated that he is ready to examine any further useful proposals for a solution which may be made, but all those suggestions which he has so far received have contained some fatal weakness.

Would my hon. Friend ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not possible, without achieving a perfect solution, that some approximate solution may be found?

An approximate solution not only might involve some loss of revenue but might open the door to the malfeasance of unscrupulous persons.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the retail trade is grateful for the consideration given to the schemes put forward by the trade but, nevertheless, retail traders think that a little more initiative by the Treasury itself might help to solve the problem?

This matter was examined by a very powerful committee which was unable to find a solution. When recent reductions of Purchase Tax have been made, retailers have appeared to be so grateful that they have not sent in to me complaints of an absence of a solution of this problem.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will transfer the operation of the Exchange Equalisation Account from the Bank of England to the Treasury.

I see no reason to alter the existing arrangements which have worked satisfactorily from the inception of the Exchange Equalisation Account.

In view of the well-known predilection of the Bank of England for convertibility, and in view of the fact that the new use of the Exchange Equalisation Fund may well lead to convertibility by the back door, does the hon. Gentleman not think that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had better keep a pretty close eye on the Bank in this matter?

I think that the hon. Member is under some misapprehension. Policy remains the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Bank of England, as agent, conducts the day-to-day operations of the Fund with a very high degree of technical ability.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fresh guidance he has given to the banks on the subject of the provision of credit to traders who finance and administer their own hire-purchase sale.

The guidance recorded in my right hon. Friend's reply of 25th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Farnham (Mr. Nicholson) applies to all forms of hire-purchase finance.

Will the Minister bear in mind that the small trader, administering his own scheme and knowing his own customers, is very often able to carry out the work more cheaply than hire-purchase firms can do and therefore is not obliged to demand such onerous rates of interest? Will he think of giving some special consideration to the small trader?

I think that the arrangements made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade are working out very satisfactorily to all concerned.