asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement regarding talks held with a view to decreasing the number of strikes.

Following the informal exploratory talks which the Prime Minister had this summer with the representatives of the British Employers' Confederation, the Trades Union Congress and the nationalised industries, my right hon. and learned Friend has had further discussions on industrial relations on the National Joint Advisory Council and the Joint Consultative Committee, which is a rather smaller body. The talks are to continue. There is agreement that the right approach to these matters does not lie in new legislation of a general nature. It would be a misconception to expect these talks to produce a general solution of problems which by their nature must be the particular care and constant responsibility of individual industries and establishments, but my right hon. and learned Friend hopes that the talks will result in giving valuable guidance on principles and methods for establishing and maintaining sound industrial relations.

Whilst much appreciating what is being done by the Ministry of Labour, by employers and by employees, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he agrees that, because we depend so much on export markets in this country, our people are injured so much more by strikes than are most countries?

Certainly I agree that our economy is more vulnerable than that of most other countries, and that is the reason the members of the Joint Consultative Committee are giving this problem such serious attention.

Does the Minister realise that the new increases in Purchase Tax and rents are likely to lead to industrial unrest?

That is quite another matter and not a subject which the Committee is discussing.

In order that we should keep this problem in its right perspective, would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that our record for industrial disputes over the last few years compares very favourably with our record in pre-war years, and also very favourably with those of most industrial countries in a comparable period?

Yes, the hon. Gentleman is entirely right; we have nothing to fear in comparison with other countries, but it still remains true that our economy is very vulnerable and that in the national interest we cannot afford the kind of stoppages that we have had on the railways and in the docks this year.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made towards the establishment of an industrial health service.

My right hon. and learned Friend has established an Industrial Health Advisory Committee to advise him on measures to further the development of industrial health services in work places covered by the Factories Acts. Four meetings of this Committee have been held. Priorities for action recommended by the Committee include the stimulation of voluntary medical supervision in a number of industries with serious health hazards; the substitution by industry of harmless or less harmful materials for those that are harmful; the protection of workers from ionising radiations; a campaign against dermatitis; and the intensification of investigation and research into industrial health problems. On the advice of the Committee, a pilot local industrial health survey is being carried out at Halifax, and a second pilot health survey is now being planned.

Whilst thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for his reply, may I ask whether he can state what it is envisaged will be done to bring in the general medical practitioner in the areas so that he can play his part?

The hon. Gentleman knows the composition of this Committee, which is a wide one. In these pilot surveys we hope to explore the kind of thing which he has suggested, and that will probably be done in Halifax and in the other centres.

May I ask the Minister whether in these pilot surveys special attention is being given to the dangers of dermatitis in the wood machinery industry, where at the moment it seems to be prevalent.

I said that dermatitis is one of the special problems which the Committee is looking at, and I will make a note to ensure that we do not miss it in these pilot surveys.

asked the Minister of Labour the net number by which employment in the cotton industry has fallen over the last year and the last four years, taking the latest month for which figures are available.

In the 12 months to the end of September, 1955, there was a fall of 29,000 and in the four years to the same date a fall of 60,000.

In view of these alarming figures, has the hon. Gentleman made any calculation as to how many more years of this Government will be needed for the cotton industry to die out altogether in this country?

If I may say so, that is the kind of supplementary question which does not help anybody, much less the cotton industry. I am trying to give the facts. I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that it is right that the industry and the country should know them, but another fact, which is at least of some consolation, is that my Ministry has found a job in some other industry for practically every man and woman who has been displaced from the cotton industry.

Is it not a fact that any fall in employment in the cotton industry has been more than counterbalanced by increased employment in those industries making man-made fibres? In addition, is it not a fact that any unemployment in the cotton industry has been immediately absorbed in other industries in Lancashire?

No.

The fact with which I am concerned is the employment position. As I have said, we are very glad, and I am sure the right hon. Gentleman is, that so far every man and woman displaced from the cotton industry who wants another job we have been able to place in some other industry in Lancashire.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any idea of the number of native Lancashire workers who have been forced to emigrate to other industries in the Midlands and other parts of the country? Is he aware that in such migration the position of middle-aged people in their fifties and sixties, whose lives have been invested in the native industry of Lancashire, is not an easy one to solve and cannot be dealt with purely as a matter of statistics?

I quite agree. I cannot answer that question without notice, however, and if the hon. Member puts it down I will do my best to answer it.

Do the Parliamentary Secretary's two supplementary answers and the question by the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) mean that the only policy that the Government now have for the cotton industry is to stand aside and see it decline so long as they can find work for the displaced workers in other industries?

The question of policy for the cotton industry is not for me but for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. I have given the information asked for by the right hon. Member as to the present unemployment position.

asked the Minister of Labour how many school-leavers registering at Merseyside employment exchanges for work as apprentices in the engineering industry have been unable to be placed by his Department.

Seventy, Sir, of whom forty-five are doing other work while waiting for vacancies. Sixteen out of the total are under submission for suitable vacancies.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Merseyside, where there is a growing shortage of skilled labour of various kinds, his own Department has had to confirm that not enough vacancies are being created by employers for these apprentices? The unions in the area are extremely concerned. Will the Parliamentary Secretary do his best with the employers to bring to their attention that it is an extremely shortsighted policy not to be taking on more apprentices at this time?

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. I did not realise that so many boys could not get placed in craft apprenticeship, and I will certainly look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to allow foreign miners to help solve the problems of the coal industry.

asked the Minister of labour what arrangements exist for recruiting Europeans in order to produce more coal from British mines.

My Department has standing arrangements for bulk recruitment of foreign workers which could be applied to the coal mining industry. I regret, however, that the National Coal Board has not been able to take advantage of these arrangements in the absence of agreement of the National Union of Mineworkers.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the grave widespread public dismay at what appears to the public, rightly or wrongly, to be a dog-in-the-manger attitude on the part of certain sections of the coal industry; and will he do his best to see that the considerations that weigh with the National Coal Board are given wide publicity? Will he, further, try to bring home to those concerned their share of responsibility for the national economy?

The position is, as I think my hon. Friend knows, that the Executive of the National Union of Mineworkers has deferred a decision on the recruitment of foreign workers until a detailed examination has been made into the labour force in the pits. Until that examination has been completed and a decision reached between the Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers, I am afraid that my Ministry's services, although available, cannot be made use of.

Does my hon. Friend not think that when it is understood by the miners that the importation of some of this Continental labour will help the country as a whole, they will surely agree to it?

I hope that that will result from the inquiry that is now taking place.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough to invite the hon. Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger) to do a bit of advertising for miners in his Ilford Parliamentary constituency?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a Joint Congressional Committee in the United States of America has been directed to study the effects of automation and technological developments on the financial structure of industry and labour requirements; and if he will consider directing a similar study by an appropriate body in this country.

I am aware of the inquiry referred to in the first part of the Question. As to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) on 7th July last.

Since I did not have the opportunity of seeing that reply, would the hon. Gentleman say whether he is of opinion that sufficient inquiry is being made into this matter?

Yes, Sir. Perhaps I may add that what was then said was that the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is carrying out a special study into the problems of automation; that is, on the technical side. On the side of the general attitude of employers and trade unions towards it, it seems to us at the moment that through the normal action in industry the question is solving itself quite satisfactorily.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that those inquiries are directed into too narrow a field, dealing more with the effect on the individual worker and with the technical matters involved? These studies concern more the whole aspect of the financial structure of the country. Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that that aspect of affairs is being inquired into?

A very proper place to discuss that, if any interested party wants to raise it, is in the National Joint Advisory Council.

asked the Minister of Labour what regulations are in force, designed to protect workers in factories and workshops against danger arising from the use of radioactive materials.

The Factories (Luminising) Special Regulations, 1947, prescribe the health precautions to be taken in factories using luminous materials containing a radioactive substance. Draft special Regulations for factories using radioactive substances for other purposes are in course of preparation.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that both at the point of manufacture and in their distribution a very special technique has been evolved in handling these materials? Will he assure us that the Inspectorate will be made completely conversant with all these matters so that the Regulations will take note of them?

I do not know whether the hon. Member has read our latest booklet on precautions in the use of ionising radiations. If not, I will send him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in September the price of eggs, bacon, coal, coke, cheese, sugar, sausages, tinned meats, lettuces and runner beans rose, but that the decrease in the price of potatoes and cooking apples still resulted in a fall in the cost-of-living index figure by one point to 149; and whether he will reconstruct the cost-of-living index in order to take the increased prices more fully into account.

The hon. Member's Question mentions September but it presumably relates to the fall of one point in the Retail Prices Index for August. In addition to substantial reductions in the prices of potatoes and cooking apples, there were also reductions in the prices of tomatoes, cabbage, other green vegetables and butter, and these reductions outweighed the price increases referred to by the hon. Member, causing the Index to fall one point. In September, on the other hand, the price increases reported outweighed the price decreases and the Index rose by one point. I am satisfied that the increased prices have been taken fully into account in computing the Index figures.

In view of what lies ahead as the result of the disgraceful Budget, I apologise to the Minister for bothering him about a mere one-point difference in the cost of living.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can yet make a statement explaining why Mr. Roy Robert Houghton was detailed to the Army despite an accident in which he sustained three fractures of the right ankle, necessitating the fixture of a screw to hold the ankle bone together, causing a permanent disability with pain and swelling from undue pressure on his right foot.

The medical assessment of this young man took into account the physical condition and functional capacity of his right ankle. Because of the fractures he was placed in medical grade II (a) feet. He first expressed a preference for the Royal Navy and later volunteered for Regular engagement in the Army. Perhaps for this reason he did not exercise is right of appeal against the decision of the medical board and he was then correctly called up for restricted service. I understand that at the request of the hon. Member the Army is looking into the case of this man again, and I note that the hon. Member has put a Question down to the Secretary of State for War.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not surprised to know that this young man, who was sent into the Army by the Parliamentary Secretary's Department, has been excused almost every duty expected of a soldier, wears canvas shoes and at present is home on sick leave? When will the hon. Gentleman stop defending this farce of sending into the Forces young men who ought never to be in the Forces?

What I hope that the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) and, indeed, any other hon. Member will do, is to remind more young men who go for National Service that if they are not satisfied with the decision of the medical board, they are clearly informed in writing that they have a constitutional right to appeal to my Ministry against the gradings. If more young men would do that, these cases would not arise.

I have sent a case to the Parliamentary Secretary. Does he not agree that if it is Government policy to reduce the Armed Forces, a beginning might be made by not taking into the Army people of obviously inferior qualifications and partly-crippled people? Is it not a waste of Government money to take them into the Army?

That does not arise from this case.

Owing to the very unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now received a Report from the Herring Industry Board on the working of the present share system in the herring fishing industry, the question of prices, and the financial structure of the industry as a whole, with particular reference to the burden of debt; what specific recommendations it contains; and what action he proposes to take.

Yes, Sir, my right hon. Friend has received a Report from the Board of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. Further copies are available in the Vote Office. The Report concludes that the share system is sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions, that there is no reason to suppose that the catcher is not getting his fair share of the price the consumer is willing to pay and that the general burden of debt is not unduly severe. It contains no specific recommendations but the Board will, with the co-operation of Government Departments, continue its efforts to promote the prosperity of the industry.

Will copies of the Report be available in the Vote Office tonight?

Yes Sir.

I thank my hon. Friend very much.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received, and from whom, proposing that he should establish one or more Scottish regional authorities operating with Government funds to co-ordinate development plans for Scotland and to seek a solution for unemployment in Scotland.

My right hon. Friend has received representations from Sutherland County Council, the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the local authorities' Hydro-Electric General Committee in favour of setting up a special authority with powers to plan the rehabilitation of the Highlands and Islands. This proposal was considered and rejected by the Royal Commission on Scottish Affairs.

Does the Joint Under-Secretary realise the importance of coordinating and publicising such plans? Has the Secretary of State any such plans of his own? Will he publish a White Paper on the present situation, having regard to its importance to industry in Scotland?

As the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) knows, there is now a large measure of co-ordination and there have been one or two White Papers on the matter. However, if he would like me to write to him more fully, I shall be happy so to do.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will promote legislation to prohibit the sale of explosive fireworks in Scotland except on a restricted number of days immediately preceding 5th November.

My right hon. and gallant Friend the Home Secretary and my right hon. Friend do not consider, having regard to the powers already available for controlling the use of fireworks, that new legislation of the kind suggested would be justified.

Has the Under-Secretary ever tried nursing a baby to sleep amid all the thunderflashes that have been going off during the whole of the last six weeks? Will he at least have a word with the police about restricting these things, without spoiling anybody's fun?

Under the present law steps can be taken when people are being obstreperous and a bit of a nuisance in the street, and, that being so, we do not feel that further steps are necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the basis of compensation for compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities is the existing use value plus so much of any unexpended balance of established development value as is appropriate to the interest being acquired whereas disposals of land by local authorities to private persons are on the basis of current market value; and, in view of the unfairness of this, what steps he will take to amend the law on this subject.

The basis of compensation to which the hon. Member refers was laid down in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland)Act, 1954, which came into operation as recently as 1st January, 1955, and it is too early to consider any change. Local authorities in Scotland do not normally use their compulsory purchase powers to buy more land than they need. When exceptionally they dispose of surplus land which may well have changed its character during their ownership they are required to get the best price they can. I see nothing unfair in this requirement.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that as a result of inquiries under the development plans of local towns, this real grievance has come to light? Will he not now set up a committee to collect evidence so that legislation, if necessary, may be introduced at a later date?

I am not fully aware of the point which my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Angus (Captain Duncan) has in mind, but if he will send me any particulars, I shall be very glad to look into them.

As my hon. Friend is not fully aware of the circumstances, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the increase in the provision of surgical beds in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital since 1948.

There are ninety-one surgical beds. There has been no change in this number since 1948, but a casualty block of twenty beds is in the course of construction.

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that the general hospital accommodation position in West Fife is thoroughly unsatisfactory? Is he aware that a simple hernia case in West Fife has, on occasion, to wait as long as three years, and that in the meantime further complications may well develop? Would he have a look at the whole position in West Fife with a view to giving us much more capital expenditure on hospital accommodation in what is, after all, one of the developing mining areas in which hon. Members opposite are so impatient to see progress made?

The hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton) will appreciate that the surgical facilities in the area have been considerably extended, with the greater use of the Bridge of Farn hospital for West Fife patients, that a considerable number of patients from Dunfermline are treated in the Edinburgh hospitals and the position will get better when the new block, which should be ready for use before the end of 1957, is completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Scottish local authorities in favour of the introduction of a Town Development Act in Scotland.

None, Sir. But my right hon. Friend has suggested to Glasgow Corporation and the Clyde Valley Planning Advisory Committee that such legislation is essential to assist in solving the city's overspill problem. Discussions are proceeding with the local authorities who might be willing to take overspill; and the Committee has undertaken to furnish its views on the lines the legislation might take.

As Glasgow is the only town in Scotland with an overspill problem, does the Under-Secretary consider it necessary to introduce legislation for one town? If he does consider it necessary, will he give us an assurance that subventions under the Town Development Act will not be drastically reduced or abolished, as in the case of housing subsidies?

The hon. Member for Glasgow, Central (Mr. McInnes) will understand that even for Glasgow town development is not possible without legislation. Without it no grant can be made to an importing local authority for sewerage; local authorities cannot make contributions one to another and one local authority cannot act as agent for another. So legislation in some form is essential. In reply to the second part of the hon. Member's question, in the forthcoming subsidy review the special needs of overspill and transferred industrial population, like those in England, will be taken into account.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that although Glasgow is only one local authority, it is the one exporting authority, and that the receiving authorities will require a "sweetener" in order to receive? Will he see that adequate compensation is made? No matter what the name of the Act or Bill, will he see that they are adequately compensated?

That is one point which will be taken into account.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) since the proposed new town at Cumbernauld is in the Development Area, how far arrangements are being made for the Scottish Industrial Estates Company to build factories concurrent with the building of houses by the development corporation;

(2) what proposals he has for the setting up of new industries at the proposed new town of Cumbernauld and also for the transference of existing industries from Glasgow to the new town.

The question of industrial development at Cumbernauld cannot be considered until my right hon. Friend reaches a final decision on the draft Designation Order for the proposed new town. This Order was the subject of a public local inquiry on 10th October, and my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to announce his decision soon.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the memorandum which was published along with the draft Order and which deals, in paragraph 22, with the industrial prospects of the proposed new town.

I take it that the hon. Gentleman is aware how essential it is that industries should be established current with the building of houses in the new towns?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend take into account the great concern in Scotland that there has been almost a cessation of "prior factory building" before occupation? In London, where during the period of office of the Labour Government there was a prohibition on industrial expansion under the town and country planning provisions, we find the position now reversed. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we see industrial planning and development going on in London, which is already over-populated, and a cessation of such development in Scotland, and that we are concerned about this trend?

The answer, and it is a very important point, is that Cumbernauld is in the Development Area, and it would be possible for the Board of Trade, under the Distribution of Industry Act, to arrange for the Scottish Industrial Estates Company to build factories for approved industrial projects. The Board's New Town Development Corporation, as and when set up, will, it is hoped, assist in securing the transfer of industry from Glasgow. The point about this question is that such action must await the approval of the plan for the development of the new town.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what local authorities have protested to him against the rises in interest rates on money borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board.

During this year protests have been received from twenty-eight local authorities, whose names I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. A protest was also received from the Ayrshire Burghs Association.

May we have an assurance that these protests will be given real attention, and that the Secretary of State will not be bound by the decisions announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Housing and Local Government in England?

These protests are from 28 out of about 430 local authorities, but the Secretary of State will give full weight to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will undertake a full review of all aspects of local government finance as part of the problem of local government reform and reorganisation similar to the review which is to be undertaken in England and Wales.

The review of local government finance which the Government have decided to undertake will cover Scotland as well as England and Wales.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, when the Minister of Housing and Local Government made this statement on 30th June, it was then intended to cover Scotland? If so, why was there not a separate statement for Scotland; or could the hon. Gentleman give the date subsequent to 30th June when Scotland was informed of such a review?

The statement made by the Minister covered Scotland. The Secretary of State's Department is taking part in the preliminary study of the problems involved. Talks will take place in due course with the local authorities' associations. These discussions will extend to the Scottish associations. The review of local government finance is not associated in Scotland with the reform of local government organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what contribution is to be made, respectively, by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board, to the policy of Her Majesty's Government in economising inessential expenditure and reducing capital investment programmes in the nationalised industries.

This matter is still under discussion with the two boards.

Yes, Sir, but it is three months ago that I first asked about this matter. Can my hon. Friend assure the House that these Scottish nationalised boards are not going to be sancrosanct in the matter of conforming with the Government's revised economic and financial policy?

I have no doubt that the Scottish boards will play their proper part in this national emergency.

But how soon can we have a statement?

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the very important factor that in many areas in Scotland where the Hydro-Electric Board is working there is no alternative employment, and that it is not true economy to stop work there and throw thousands of people on to the unemployment registers?

That is one of the many peculiar considerations that we have to bear in mind.

How soon can we have a statement?

If the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question to me next week or the week after, or even the week after that, I shall be very pleased to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what economies he has arranged in the promotional advertising expenditure of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board consonant with the policy of Her Majesty's Government in reducing expenditure of an inessential character by nationalised industries, and the reduction of £500,000 per annum in the promotional expenditure of the gas and electricity boards south of the Border.

For the current financial year the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board are reducing their expenditure on advertising by about 33⅓ per cent.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that his reply is totally inadequate, and that there is no alternative source of electricity supply in the area of the North of Scotland Board? Why should a State monopoly—

Guinness.

Guinness is not a State monopoly—find it necessary to spend the consumers' money on promotional advertising?

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Hydro-Electric Board has brought immense benefits to the people of this area, and that, as against Kidderminster, nothing but admiration and gratitude is felt for the expedition and efficiency with which the board has discharged its duties?

Will the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind—and perhaps remind his hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) of this—that hydro-electric boards generate electricity without atmospheric pollution, and should therefore be given the highest priority?

May I have an answer to my supplementary question, Mr. Speaker?

I have not seen any signs of an answer to that, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman may have better luck with Question No. 28.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost, per kilowatt installed, £/kwI., of the Constructional Scheme No. 31, Tummel Valley (Additions Project), as set out in Statutory Instrument, 1955, No. 1469; and how such a scheme compares in capital cost with standard oil-fired generators of equivalent capacity at today's average price of approximately £60 per kilowatt installed.

This scheme provides for 3,900 kilowatts of new plant and will enable 8,000 kilowatts of existing plant, at present idle, to be used. The estimated cost of the 11,900 kilowatts is £113 per kilowatt.

The estimated cost per unit of the 32·7 million units to be produced from the scheme is 0·53d., which is less than the cost of producing the electricity by any other means and about one-third of the average cost of generating from oil in the North of Scotland district.

Is it not a fact that this scheme was produced and put on to paper before the Government's plans for the amendment of capital investment were announced? As the capital investment cost of this scheme is markedly higher than that of alternative methods, cannot the scheme be reviewed before it is commenced?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that the system of hospital statistics in each of the regions for which he is responsible now provide complete information of the incidents of cases of cancer which come under their care, and that the follow-up of the results, for research purposes, is becoming more effective.

The completeness of the regional records is steadily improving, as also is the effectiveness of follow-up. In two of the regions the information is already sufficiently complete to enable some preliminary findings to be drawn from them, and I am sending to the hon. Member a copy of an article that has been published showing the kind of information that is becoming available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the information he has given today differs in no degree whatever from that given in the 1953 Report of the Department of Health? In view of the importance of this matter, will he impress on all those concerned with this business the necessity to see that all regions are covered in this respect?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to draw the attention of the Crofters Commission to the request of the crofters at Balmartin, Isle of North Uist, to have their holdings extended; and whether he will press for a speedy decision in view of the fact that several years have passed since their request was first submitted to him.

My right hon. Friend will draw the attention of the Crofters Commission to this request but he feels he must leave it to the Commission to judge in what order it should tackle the many problems which are before it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware—I do not blame him personally—that for the last four years the Secretary of State has completely ignored the situation here while one after another of the crofters are leaving? One has emigrated this week, and another has died leaving a widow and seven children to manage an unproductive patch of ground, while the Secretary of State stands up for absentee landlords without any consideration for the people and their feelings?

My right hon. Friend told the hon. Gentleman three years ago that he was awaiting the appointment of the Crofters Commission. The Commission has now been set up.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State has full power to tackle this problem by legislation already on the Statute Book, and has done nothing at all about it? Will he please reconsider pressing this matter with the Crofters Commission as one of real urgency?

I am aware that my right hon. Friend has full powers, but the Taylor Commission recommended that those powers should be used in accordance with the advice of the Crofters Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland from whom, apart from the hon. Member for the Western Isles, he has received representations regarding the proposal to establish a guided missile range and ancillary installations in the Outer Hebrides; and which of those representations have been in favour of the project.

My right hon. Friend has received in all some thirty-five communications mainly from private individuals. Broadly these consist either of representations against the proposal to establish the range or of requests for further information.

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend that the two main considerations that are worrying the local people—as distinct from all the people who speak from outside without much authority—are, first, the fear that there may be a large influx of people, which may cause a serious alteration in the whole social and cultural life of the island, and, secondly, that there may be a disturbance of crofters in respect of their land and their homes; and, further, that other considerations are relatively unimportant compared with these two?

As soon as the Government are able to formulate specific proposals there will be full consultation with all the interests concerned and the fullest opportunity for the lodging and consideration of objections.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in addition to the circumstances outlined by my hon. Friend, there has been a great deal of correspondence and agitation in Scotland on this matter which seems to have arisen from the fact that no proper explanation has been given of the circumstances and the need for this range? Will the hon. Gentleman advise his right hon. Friend and his colleagues in the War Office that there ought to be given to the public proper information on the subject which, if it proves that the range is absolutely necessary, might remove a great deal of opposition to it?

That will be done as soon as specific proposals are formulated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when work on the construction of the Eoligarry Strand Road in the Isle of Barra is to begin.

I am unable to say when the construction of this road will begin. It involves an existing classified road and has therefore been under consideration by the Ministry of Transport. I understand that it is unlikely that the Ministry will be able to authorise this work during the current year.

Is the Minister aware that this road is the first major reconstruction priority of the Inverness County Council? Is he further aware that it has been ready to start for goodness knows how many years, and that very recently only a question of a small technical adjustment between the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Agriculture was involved? Why has the work been set back now?

I cannot add to what I have already answered. This matter will come up for consideration again when my right hon. Friend takes over control of roads in Scotland next April.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that the programme of roads and piers in the crofting counties will be maintained in full.

As regards the programme of roads in the crofting counties, I would refer the hon. Member to the reference to the roads programme made by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his statement on 26th October.

As regards piers, works in progress will continue, and new schemes which are urgently necessary to meet the needs of the area will be considered as they arise in the light of my right hon. Friend's statement.

I hope that when these new schemes are considered the great need for piers will be kept very much in mind. As to roads, may I ask the Minister categorically to confirm not only that the schemes already approved will go forward, but that the amounts of money announced by the previous Government and by this Government as being available for Highland development are still available, and will be expended upon roads within the period already suggested?

As the hon. Member knows, what the Chancellor said was this:

"My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is going ahead with the roads programme which has been announced. …"—[OFFICIAL, REPORT, 26th October, 1955; Vol. 545, c. 218.]

As I understand it, the hon. Member was talking about what had been announced in one form or another. Therefore, I think he can take it that there will be no change.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland his plans to deal with the conflicting demands of the teachers, male and female, in respect of equal pay in the profession.

I have no evidence that there is any conflict between women teachers and the great majority of men teachers on the subject of equal pay in the teaching profession, but I hope to be able to refer to this matter in the course of the debate today.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his conciliatory reply, may I ask whether he will appreciate that it is rather disturbing for Scottish Members to receive constant demands from the female teachers for equality and constant demands from the male teachers for inequality? In his speech later today, will he refer to how we are to answer these somewhat conflicting groups?

I shall try to do my best.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in order to help in overcoming the shortage of teachers, he will consider the advisability of allowing those retired teachers who are prepared to return to teaching to draw the pension they have earned in addition to the salary to which they would be entitled.

This is one of a number of proposals made by the Educational Institute of Scotland which are being discussed with the Institute in connection with the proposed revision of the teachers' superannuation scheme.

Cannot the Minister do something? Would not he agree that this practice is a complete anomaly, and that if a person has earned a right to a pension, he should be allowed to enjoy it irrrespective of the employment in which he is engaged?

I am aware of that argument, the strength of which I recognise. I am hoping to meet the Educational Institute of Scotland, and no doubt that side of the argument will be presented.

Is it the case that the Treasury are the real opponent of this really necessary reform, and what is the hon. Gentleman doing to try to convert them?

The hon. Member cannot expect me to answer for the Treasury.

What is the hon. Member there for?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated credit balance in the Teachers' Superannuation Account (Scotland) at 31st March for each of the years 1954 and 1955.

The estimated credit balances are £37,120,000 and £39,260,000.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this credit balance is now 50 per cent. greater than that stated in the Actuary's Report for 1948, and in view of the consternation in the ranks of teachers that although there is a balance here there is yet a deficiency in the fund, will the hon. Gentleman take steps at an early date—even today—to give an explanation of why these contrary terms are used?

Yes, I will do that as soon as I get an opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Government's action in raising the loan charges on local authority houses from 3¾ per cent. to 5 per cent, has increased the ultimate cost of each £1,500 house by £963; and what action he proposes taking to relieve councils and tenants of this debt burden.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend made to the House on 27th October, when he said that he proposed to put in hand a comprehensive review of the housing subsidies in consultation with the local authority associations. This will take account of all relevant factors.

It will be noticed that the Minister does not deny the facts given in these Questions; and as these terrific increases in the debt burden are the outcome of the Government's action in increasing the interest rate, what hope can he offer to local authorities and tenants of relief from this appalling debt burden which the Government have placed on their shoulders?

When the present subsidies were fixed in 1952 the rate of interest was 4¼ per cent. When it subsequently fell to 3¾ per cent. no change was made in Scottish subsidies. The local authorities cannot always hope to have it both ways. Subsidies have necessarily to be fixed on a long-term basis and cannot be altered with every change in the rate of interest.

On the other hand, the Minister is bound to realise that no Government, except this one, has increased the rates four times in eight months, and how can any local authority carry on a housing programme when the Government have changed the interest rates in an upward direction so frequently as this Government have done?

The answer is that the investigations referred to by my right hon. Friend will take into account all the relevant factors, and I am sure that the associations will not fail to draw to his notice the point made by the hon. Gentleman.

But when the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend meets the local authorities, will he be open to be influenced or persuaded by them, or will he lay down the law to them?

My right hon. Friend never meets the authorities without listening to them with great care and taking note of everything that they say.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that interest charges on each house built by the new town development corporations costing £1,650 have been increased by £17 13s. per annum, equal to an increase in rent of 7s. 6d. per week, as a result of the Government's action in raising the interest charges from 3¾ per cent. to 5 per cent.; and what action he intends taking to reduce this increase in the cost of living to the tenants.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes." As regards the second part of the Question, the levels of subsidies for houses in new towns in Scotland will be dealt with in the forthcoming review of Scottish housing subsidies.

In the meantime, does the Minister think that the new town authorities have to go on increasing their debt burden, because of the changes in the interest rates, or must they pass on the total increase to the tenants? Is the Minister aware that if the rents are increased in this fashion, he will have great difficulty in attracting tenants to the new towns?

I have had no proposals from the corporations about increasing the rents, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that at the forthcoming subsidy review the new towns in Scotland, like those in England, will benefit by any higher subsidies provided for overspill and the transfer of the industrial population.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases in Glasgow increases in rents in accordance with recent legislation have been refused.

Up to 30th June, 1955, thirteen applications by landlords in Glasgow for certificates of repair to enable them to claim repairs increases in rents under the Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954, had been refused.

In addition, repairs increases in respect of 435 houses in Glasgow were suspended by the issue of certificates of disrepair. In 191 of these cases, however, the certificates were subsequently revoked on the landlord carrying out the necessary repairs.

Is the Minister aware that these figures are no indication of the vast number of cases in which the landlords have not even attempted to put into operation the provisions of the Act, and does he realise that, at least in Glasgow, the Act is failing completely in its purpose?

The Act is only in its first year of operation, and, as yet, it is too early to say how effective it will be. There are many properties in Glasgow in regard to which the Act has been and can be effective, but I appreciate that in the hon. Gentleman's constituency there are many bad properties where these provisions of the Act can never apply, and for which the only solution is to pull them down.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the need for local authorities to plan their long-term housing programme, he will consider stating the approximate date when he proposes to revise the housing subsidies.

My right hon. Friend proposes to open negotiations with the associations of local authorities shortly, but, as he indicated in the statement which he made to the House on 27th October, the legislation necessary to give effect to the revision of the subsidies will have to be deferred until after the Sorn legislation.

Is the Minister aware of the great alarm and despondency which exists among local authorities in Scotland about the various announcements of Government housing policy? If there are to be negotiations, will they really be negotiations in which the local authorities' demand for a continuation of the subsidy and no halt in housing progress in Scotland will be listened to?

Of course my right hon. Friend will listen to the representations made by local authorities.

asked the Minister of Works what plans he has in hand to improve the look of the Admiralty Citadel for those passing along the Mall or Horse Guards Parade.

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary announced in the debate on the Adjournment on 27th October, more Virginia creepers are to be planted, and the old gun emplacements will be removed.

Everybody will be grateful for what the right hon. Gentleman has said, but will he consider a little more variety in plants than just Virginia creeper? As an experiment—so that the sides can be covered more quickly—will he endeavour to plant a few creepers on the roof?

It is a hideous building, but whether it would be improved very much by trying to make it like an old-world tea garden, I rather doubt.

In view of the fact that the kind of bomb which is likely to hit the building is entirely different from the kind of bomb which it was designed to resist, will not the right hon. Gentleman look into the whole matter and perhaps chip bits off the structure so as to make it less unsightly?

asked the Minister of Works if he will take steps to ensure the preservation and repair of Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh.

Responsibility for the preservation of this castle rests with Edinburgh Corporation, who are the owners. I am ready to consider any request for financial assistance or advice, and the corporation has been so informed.

I agree that the initial responsibility rests upon the corporation, but is it not the case that the Government also have certain powers in regard to buildings of national importance, and should be prepared to exercise them, if necessary, in this case?

I think that an application will be made for assistance from historic buildings funds. I should not like to anticipate what will happen as a result.

asked the Minister of Works to make a statement regarding improvements to the road entrances and exits of Hyde Park.

I have agreed to an experimental roundabout inside the Park near the Victoria Gate. There are proposals for the Albert Gate and for a re-arrangement of roads at Alexandra Gate which I am considering. The Park Lane scheme is still under examination.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply is satisfactory so far as it goes, because the present waste of time, petrol and temper in Hyde Park is really intolerable?

I realise that there are traffic difficulties. On the other hand, it is important to remember that the parks are things of beauty and not only potential traffic roundabouts.

In view of what the Minister has just said about the parks being things of beauty—with which I entirely agree—will he give an assurance that before any messing around in Park Lane is done he will consider the alternative scheme which has been put forward, so that the alternative double carriageway up Park Lane can be constructed without any serious interruption of the internal park carriageway, which can be maintained immune?

The scheme and all the possible alternatives to it are receiving very careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Works when a start is to be made on the necessary thinning of trees in The Mall and Birdcage Walk.

asked the Minister of Works if he will make a statement about his proposals for the treatment of trees in St. James's Park.

It is generally agreed that our object should be to get fine avenues of well-grown trees in The Mall. This is impossible with planes planted only 20 ft. apart. The trees will suffer permanent damage if they are cut back much longer. I propose, therefore, in accordance with the recommendations of my Advisory Committee on Forestry, to remove alternate trees from the inner row on each side of the road during the coming winter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Londoners are very anxious to preserve as many of the trees as possible in their parks? Will he give an undertaking that he will not cut down any trees unless it is absolutely necessary, and then see if we can have others planted in their place?

We are in fact carrying out a big planting programme in the parks. The point about The Mall was that the trees were originally planted close together because they were small and, like any other avenue or wood, they have to be thinned in due course.

asked the Minister of Works how many buildings in London originally built as hotels are occupied by Government Departments; and the total number of rooms involved.

So far as I can ascertain there are twelve buildings in London formerly used as hotels which are now held wholly or partly by Government Departments. Of these, six are used as hostels or nurses homes. There are about 2,000 rooms.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the summer tourist season this year revealed a very serious shortage of rooms in London hotels—especially in the West End? Would it not be a more rapid and economic solution to this problem if he were to give up some of the buildings which he is occupying, rather than cause delay by building new hotels?

I believe that I should congratulate the hon. Member upon an auspicious family event. Apart from that, practically none of these buildings is on requisition. Many of the buildings have been held for 25 years, and if I gave them up I should have to put up new buildings, which I am not very willing to do at the moment.

asked the Minister of Works if he will cause the Orangery, Kensington Palace, to be put to better use than at present for the benefit of visitors to Kensington Gardens.

I am considering this.

Does the Minister agree that it is unfortunate that this fine building is not being put to some use? Will he consider approaching the Arts Council to see whether it would be prepared to hold exhibitions of contemporary art there? I am sure that that would be appreciated at that end of the gardens.

I quite agree that better use can be made of this building. I am advised that it is not very suitable for picture exhibitions, owing to the shape of the panels and the absence of proper heating, but I have some ideas for its use which I should like to discuss with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make arrangements to publish the fullest possible figures indicating the economic basis upon which the Government's plan for building atomic power stations has been drawn up; and whether he will include in that information an estimate of the value of the plutonium which will be produced in the atomic reactors.

The hon. Member will find the information for which he asks in the White Paper "A Programme of Nuclear Power" (Cmd. 9389). Information on the value of plutonium from atomic reactors is contained in a paper read to the recent Geneva Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy on behalf of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. I have had a copy put in the Library.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the British Association, Sir Robert Robinson said that the value of the plutonium to be produced would be nil and that, therefore, the production of atomic energy would not be economic? Would my right hon. Friend refute that idea?

I think my hon. Friend will find that the paper to which I have drawn his attention is very interesting. In this paper it is concluded that the minimum price of plutonium over the next 20 or 25 years will not sink below several thousand £s per kilogramme.

asked the Minister of Works the policy of Her Majesty's Government for the development of atomic energy for civil purposes in this country; and whether he will make a statement setting out precisely what scope there is and will be for private industry to participate in this field, and how far the development will be retained as a Government monopoly.