asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the new bread order which lays down the quality of a milk loaf is consistent with the Food and Drugs Act, the Merchandise Marks Act and the Defence (Sale of Food) regulations; and, in view of the doubts that have arisen, what steps he is taking to clarify the situation.

I am advised that there is no legal conflict between the Bread (Amendment) Order, 1955, and the statutes to which the hon. Member refers. In regard to the second part of the Question, I have no doubt that those concerned will take note of this Answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that under the law of the land it is in order to use skimmed milk powder to make a milk loaf and not whole milk or liquid milk?

I think the legal position is that there is no definition of milk as an ingredient in a composite food, and traditionally the milk loaf has been a loaf often made with milk without the fatty solids.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many outbreaks of fowl pest occurred during the first ten months of 1954 and for the same period of 1955.

During the ten months to 31st October, 1954, 630 outbreaks of fowl pest were confirmed in England and Wales. The corresponding figure for 1955 is 465.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long after the first outbreak of fowl pest in Norfolk in 1955 were effective measures of control over the movement of poultry established in the neighbourhood.

Confirmed outbreaks of fowl pest are immediately followed by local restrictions on movement. Standstill restrictions over a wider area such as those now operating in Norfolk are imposed as soon as my veterinary advisers consider that they are needed to prevent further spread of disease. It is not possible, however, to relate such restrictions to any particular outbreak.

Is the Minister aware that his chief veterinary officer in Norfolk has recently stated that he is not getting the co-operation essential for effective control in relation to this infectious disease? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the time has come, if we are to stamp out the disease, when we must take action as effective and ruthless as that in dealing with foot and mouth disease among cattle?

I shall certainly not shy away from any steps that I am advised are technically sound to deal with this disease, but we must remember that a single local outbreak is dealt with first by local steps. As soon as the position looks like being serious enough to warrant it, a standstill order is imposed.

When it is too late.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the last outbreak of scrapie disease in sheep occurred in England, Wales or Scotland.

Scrapie has existed among sheep in Great Britain for many years, but it is not a notifiable disease and I have no records of individual outbreaks.

Will my right hon. Friend consider making this a notifiable disease under the Diseases of Animals Act, not in order to adopt a slaughter policy, but in an endeavour to get rid of this disease, in view of the fact that it is affecting our export of sheep to Australia and New Zealand in particular?

I agree with my hon. Friend that this disease is a real nuisance. One trouble is that it is at present very difficult to diagnose it. The Agricultural Research Council is intensifying its research into the whole problem of scrapie.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what trends in pig production are shown by his Department's recent census; and if he is satisfied that the prospective supply of pigs for the bacon trade is adequate for consumers' demands.

The September census return for England and Wales showed a continuing decline in the pig population. My Department, however, undertook an experimental sample inquiry on a small scale early this month. In view of the experimental nature of this it might be misleading to rely to much on the results without more experience of the methods involved. But the indications from the inquiry are that the downward trend in the breeding herd has been reversed. This experimental survey also showed an apparent intention among producers to increase the numbers of breeding stock further. Consumer demand will continue to govern the supply of pigs to the various markets, including the bacon trade.

Will my right hon. Friend tell us whether, if we can get our pig breeding numbers established at about the level of the last June census, he considers that will be a fairly satisfactory level, and whether he intends to continue month by month this sample census, which seems to be very valuable?

As regards the first part of the supplementary question, I am not going to be a prophet in this matter. I said several months ago that I thought that the position disclosed in the middle of last summer concerning the pig population was not unsatisfactory. As regards the future, the next thing to which I am looking forward is seeing the December return, and I will then consider whether it will be useful or not to continue the monthly samples.

Is it not the case that the position of the pig industry has not been very satisfactory over several months past, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the observation of the Chancellor of the Exchequer a few months ago about Gadarene swine is to some extent responsible for the short supply to the bacon factories at the present time, and also for the high price which the housewife is paying for bacon?

I cannot say that I think that the trend over the past nine months has been unsatisfactory. A year ago we had the position in which we had too many pigs of the wrong quality, and the result was then that there was a very low market return and a very high liability on the Exchequer.

In the interests of economy and Government expenditure, could not these periodical censuses and tests of the markets be dispensed with, and the production of pigs left more and more to the law of supply and demand and price and market mechanism?

The essential thing is that the number of pigs required is being, and will continue to be, decided by the level of demand.

Is it because of the falling off in the number of pigs which are coming along this year that the right hon. Gentleman failed on T.V. last night to answer questions from the Somerset farmers about the price of pigs?

I am afraid that I shall not have another opportunity for some time of answering them on T.V.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of pigs on agricultural holdings on the latest available date; and the number on the corresponding date last year.

The latest quarterly census, on the basis of a one-third sample, was taken in September last. From this the total number of pigs on agricultural holdings in England and Wales was estimated to be 4,898,000. The corresponding estimate for September, 1954, was 5,693,000 pigs.

In view of those figures, will the right hon. Gentleman not seek an escape by referring to the pilot survey he has mentioned but realise that there is a muddle in the pig industry and that confidence has gone out of the industry because of the failure of the right hon. Gentleman set up an orderly market?

I disagree with both conclusions of the hon. Member. Although I say I am not putting too much value on the pilot test which is being carried out, it does indicate quite significantly a reversal of the recent trend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much agricultural land has been lost for food production in the 15 years 1940 to 1954 inclusive; and how much it is estimated will be lost in the 10 years 1955 to 1964 inclusive.

I have had prepared an analysis of such information as is at my disposal; owing to its length I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that the published figures show a rapid increase in the amount of land sterilisation? In view of the vital need there is for an increase in food production, does he not think that the time is now approaching for a national land policy, or does he think that there will be a sufficient increase in food production to more than offset the increasing loss of agricultural land?

No one dislikes losing one acre of agricultural land from agricultural production more than I do, but we must keep this matter in perspective. When my hon. Friend looks at the figures he will see that over the last 15 years there has been a loss of only 1½ per cent. in the total agricultural land. I shall be very disappointed indeed if we cannot make up that many times over from increased productivity.

Will the Minister also record in the OFFICIAL REPORT the area of land reclaimed over the same period?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would ask for that informa- tion separately, as I do not think that it will be included in these particular figures.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the finances of the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 17th November.

Will the Minister kindly tell us what proportion of this Organisation's 7 million dollar budget is the share of Her Majesty's Government?

I cannot answer that question without notice. We are the second biggest contributor.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is very disturbing to know that we have been voted off the Council, and that this seems to be a reflection upon our conduct at the F.A.O.? Will the right hon. Gentleman personally look into this matter to see that we maintain our good name in this very important international organisation?

I have no observations to make on the fact that we have not been re-elected to the Council. I have no apologies to make about our attitude to the F.A.O. We have been completely loyal to the Organisation, and have taken, and are taking, a most active part in its operations. What we, with many other countries, have tried to ensure is that its activities should be centred as far as possible on practical projects, rather than on the enlargement of its headquarters staff.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this subject on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated average yield per acre and the total tonnage of the 1955 potato crop.

The most recent estimate of the average yield for the United Kingdom is about 6·9 tons per acre, and the estimated production 6,044,000 tons.

Is the Minister satisfied that this production will be sufficient to avert the fears existing in some quarters of an acute shortage of potatoes? If he is not satisfied, can he say what arrangements he is making, in concert with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, to avoid such a shortage?

Yes, Sir. Within the next day or two I shall be examining the stock figures, which have just become available. If there are any doubts as to the adequacy of supplies, the Government will license imports.

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of the artificial restriction of acreage by the Potato Marketing Board? Will this not lead to further increases in price, with the result that consumers, on whose good will the producers ultimately depend, will eventually regard potatoes as a luxury which they cannot afford to buy?

The answer is that the Potato Marketing Board has been approved by Parliament.

Is it not the case that the Potato Marketing Board has had nothing to do with this year's crop?

It is perfectly true; the Potato Marketing Board has only recently resumed operations. But the fact remains that its operations have the approval of Her Majesty's Government and of Parliament.

Would my right hon. Friend say something to disabuse the minds of those who are under the impression that growers of potatoes are deliberately withholding their stocks at the present time? Does he know that that impression is fairly widespread just now?

I have no evidence at all that that is occurring.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether full reinstatement of coastal defences to pre-1953 flood conditions has now been effected by the river boards concerned; and by what date all new works designed to reinforce these defences will be completed.

I am informed that works of restoration have been completed except at Chapel St. Leonards in Lincolnshire, where it has been found necessary to add to the work originally carried out. In addition, very substantial works of improvement to give increased protection to land of high agricultural value, valuable industrial premises and compact residential areas are practically complete. It will be for the river boards to consider any further works of improvement that may be desirable.

Would my right hon. Friend convey to the river boards the general appreciation there is of the way in which they have tackled their task? At the same time, can he give an assurance that the sea defences on the East Coast will be adequate to withstand the effects of tide and surge, if they occur early next year on the same scale as in 1953?

I should certainly like to pay a tribute to the energy with which the river boards have tackled the very onerous duties which fell on them as a result of the floods on the East Coast. In answer to the second part of the question, I would say that I am satisfied that, in general, the defences are stronger today than they were at the time of the floods. I hope that as time goes on further improvements still will be carried out.

As one of the objects of the Coastal Flooding (Emergency Provisions) Act was to co-ordinate the effort of adjacent local authorities and coast protection authorities, can the right hon. Gentleman say how many combined authorities have been set up since the passing of the Act?

I cannot answer that question without notice but, since the Waverley Report, there have been a good many very useful consultations between the two kinds of authorities responsible.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the town of Jaywick is experiencing considerable difficulty in the upkeep of its privately-built sea wall? Will he see what help can be given by the river board to help the enterprising citizens of Jaywick who, since 1938, have subscribed £50,000 for their sea wall?

I am not aware of that fact; perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to write to me about it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up a research board to investigate basic problems of coast erosion and flooding, and to give advice to river boards and coast protection authorities on the type of sea defences most suited to their local conditions.

The Hydraulics Research Station and the Building Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research are already working on problems of this kind, and they are available to advise river boards and local authorities on sea defence problems. These establishments, together with engineers experienced in sea defence and coast protection problems, are represented on the Advisory Committee which has been set up on the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Coastal Flooding to consider what further research on sea defence problems is necessary.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the two institutions to which he refers are not very well known to local authorities, and that usually it is left to the initiative, and comparatively amateur knowledge, of county council engineers to erect these defences? In consequence, bad mistakes have very often been made, resulting in the loss of thousands of pounds to the local ratepayers. Could he not make more widely known to the local authorities by whom they will be applied the results of the present research?

I am surprised to know that local authorities with sea defence responsibilities are not aware of what these two bodies are doing. I was under the impression that they are being consulted quite regularly by local authorities, but if my hon. Friend has any case in mind I shall be glad if he will let me know.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how far Proctor barley has proved satisfactory for malting purposes; and how the yield per acre compares with the Archer-and Kenia-type barleys.

Proctor barley first became available in commercial quantities in 1955. The Brewers' Society has told me that small-scale malting trials with Proctor barley harvested in 1953 and 1954 and commercial maltings made so far this season have been satisfactory.

Will my right hon. Friend do his best to persuade growers to extend the use of this barley for malting purposes, because if they do so it will make available much larger acreages for the production of ordinary feeding stuffs barley?

I doubt whether there is much that I can do directly in this case, but I have no doubt that the producers and the maltsters together, who are in close touch, will deal with the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average market price for barley for the lower qualities unsuitable for malting, on which deficiency payments were made, in September and October, 1954; and the market price for similar barley in the same months in 1955.

The average market price of the lower priced barleys, not all of which are unsuitable for malting, as calculated for deficiency payment purposes relates to the whole crop year. For 1954–55 it was 20s. 11·92d. per cwt., at farm. No comparable price can yet be given for 1955–56. If the average market price had been calculated for the months of September and October the figures for 1954 and 1955 would have been 20s. 4·3d. per cwt. and 20s. 0·3d. per cwt. respectively.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that the lower price last year was said to be due to the bad harvesting conditions? Is he aware that this year harvesting conditions have been excellent and that there is a far better quality, which now results in a lower price? Does not that indicate that there is something wrong with the system of deficiency payments?

I do not think so. We have to remember that the higher yield, due to better weather, has produced more barley, and that must be related to the demand.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in his experiments designed to produce a satisfactory concentrated beer.

Practical trials have been made on equipment which could be incorporated in the design of plant for beer concentration, and studies of the storage characteristics of the concentrates have been continued.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure in these experiments that we do not lose sight of the fact that we want concentrated beer which tastes like beer?

There are times, when I have very difficult questions to answer, when I feel that I should be much stimulated by some concentrated beer. I understand that the only trouble is that in certain cases the concentrated beer is liable to develop old ale and caramel flavours, with which hon. Members may be more familiar than I am.

How much money has been spent on these experiments?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice. The object of the experiments was largely to see whether beer could be concentrated for convenience of transit to troops in overseas theatres of operation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the decrease in acreage devoted to allotments over the past ten years; to what extent the quantity and value of food produce from this source has decreased; and to what extent facilities for the provision of land for allotments are now being adopted by local authorities.

There are no reliable statistics covering the past ten years, but since 1948 the total acreage under allotments has decreased from 107,000 to 101,000, and in consequence the quantity of food produced from this source is now lower. The fall is due to a decrease of 9,000 acres cultivated under the emergency war-time arrangements, and of 3,000 acres cultivated as allotments on private land, which together have more than offset an increase of nearly 6,000 acres in the land provided by local authorities for cultivation as statutory allotments.

Does the Minister appreciate that there is a great demand for allotments, particularly in outer urban areas? What is he doing to stimulate local authorities to secure land for this purpose?

I agree with the hon. Member that we want to meet every demand we can for allotments. He will realise, however, how extremely difficult it is to find land in many cases, and I think it is very much to the credit of local authorities that they have increased the area of permanent allotments. I will do everything I can to encourage them to do so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his estimate of the loss in food production in this country due to lack of labour; what steps are being taken to remedy this, and to what extent the decrease in the number of farm workers is likely to continue during the next five years.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to check the continued drift of workers from agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his attention has been drawn to the continued drift of farm workers from the land: and what action he proposes to take to maintain and extend the present labour force engaged in agricultural production.

While on some holdings the decline in the number of agricultural workers may have caused changes in cropping, I cannot estimate the effect on output, since the total net output has shown a rising trend while the number of workers has been declining. The Government welcome this evidence of increasing efficiency in the industry. I cannot forecast the future trend of labour supply or demand. The Government will continue to play their part in providing facilities for the training and education of farmworkers and improving amenities and public services in the countryside.

Does the Minister feel that the wage rates have something to do with the decline? Is he aware that it is reported in many quarters that the departure of men from the land is accelerating almost every month? In those circumstances, will he not pay special attention to ways and means by which he can bring them back to the land?

I have no power to fix farm wages. Many factors enter into this matter. One is mechanisation and another is undoubtedly the pull of other industries.

In view of the fact that, according to the Minister's own figures, there are 26,100 fewer regular full-time male workers in agriculture compared with a year ago, does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that a critical stage has now been reached at which the drift from the land cannot be made up by the mechanisation to which he referred?

I am not sure that I agree entirely with the hon. and gallant Gentleman, because it is impossible to assess how much can be made up by mechanisation. The fact remains that the productivity in agriculture continues to increase.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the statement made by the General Secretary of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, who obviously knows much about this matter and who says he is very concerned about it? Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity to meet the general secretary of that union and discuss the whole problem with him? He may well be able to help the Minister in this question.

I have discussed this question informally several times with the gentleman to whom I think the hon. Gentleman refers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the most important steps which he can take to stop the drift from the land is to help to break down the cheap-food, 19th-century mentality which looks upon agriculture as the lowest form of life, with the consequence that the farm worker is on the lowest rung of the wages ladder instead of the highest?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of bacon and ham imported this year, to the latest available date; and the corresponding figure for 1954.

Between January and October this year 269,000 tons have been imported; the corresponding figure for 1954 was 266,000 tons.

Will the right hon. Gentleman watch this position carefully to see that we get the maximum imports? It is disturbing that we are losing supplies from the Commonwealth, because the present retail price is far too high and we must have the maximum imports. Home production is falling.

The first-hand price of bacon is moving downwards at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total number of places available to students in farm institutes in England and Wales; how many of these are now filled; how many students are the sons or daughters of farmers and farm workers; and whether he will make a statement about the future of farm institute education.

There are 2,176 places for students at farm institutes in England and Wales and of these 1,985 are filled for the current session. Of the students, 603 are sons and daughters of farmers or farm workers. I have decided that the time is approaching when a fresh independent review of the work of farm institutes should be undertaken. I have already put in hand in co-operation with local education authorities an inquiry into farm institute costs. When the results of this inquiry are available, in the latter part of next year, I propose to appoint a Committee to review the position generally.

Before my right hon. Friend appoints his committee, will he also consult the organisations representing farmers and farm workers, because they are the people, or their sons, who ought to be benefiting more fully from these farm institute courses?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend and I will take every opportunity of doing that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent bacon pig factories are operating below maximum production.

There has been an increase in the rate of slaughter of pigs for bacon production in Great Britain over recent weeks and output is now about 4,000 tons a week compared with an output of 3,250 tons a week last summer. The maximum output achieved in any week since the derationing of bacon was 4,900 tons.

Has the Minister no evidence to suggest that many bacon pig factories are working below the maximum level of production, and that that is brought about by the very substantial drop in the pig population? Is he not aware that, according to The Times agricultural correspondent, bacon factories are likely to be in serious difficulties in the New Year?

Of course it is no part of the responsibility of the Government to guarantee any particular level of output to bacon factories. The whole question is the normal commercial problem of relating production to a fluctuating demand.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that it is the wrong time of year to reduce prices of bacon pigs and that if he wants to encourage pig producers to do more he has to give them a fair wage? How is it that housewives are not getting the benefit of the lower prices now paid for bacon pigs?

It is purely a question of supply and demand, and the housewife is master of the situation.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the temporary shortage of pigs is wholly due to the muddle created by the present Government?

No, I strongly disagree with the right hon. Member. If I may repeat once more what I said—this is the crux of the problem—there is no muddle: it is purely a commercial problem. Any of us who has been in industry and commerce knows that one of the most difficult things to do is to relate production to a fluctuating demand.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the effect on the horticultural industry of the general instruction to the banks to reduce or restrict overdrafts.

I have no reason to think that there has been any adverse effect.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely (Major Legge-Bourke), chairman of his party's Horticultural Committee, said recently that the horticultural industry was well and truly "in the red"? In view of the dismal prospect of four years of Conservative Government, will the right hon. Gentleman now tell the House what are his plans for helping the hard-working members of this most depressed industry?

I cannot accept the view that our horticultural industry as a whole is a depressed one. I do not take a defeatist or depressed view of the future at all.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the remarks to which the hon. Member for Shoreditch and Finsbury (Mr. Collins) referred were related entirely to the special conditions of West Country growers, to whom I was speaking, and who have had an exceptionally hard time because of weather conditions in the last few years?

I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend. The weather has been awkward. Last year it was too wet and this year it has been too dry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement giving details of what action his Department have taken during the past twelve months to stabilise and reduce the price of food; and to what extent this has met with success.

Control was continued over prices of National bread, milk and potatoes of the 1954 crop. For the rest, the policy set out in the White Paper on Decontrol of Food and Marketing of Agricultural Produce, published in November, 1953 (Cmd. 8989), has been followed. Food consumption this year is running at a record high level.

Will the Minister answer the Question, particularly the last part, as to what success there has been on the question of prices? I am asking if he will state just how far stabilisation and reduction of prices has taken place. Is he not aware of the fact that he has not mentioned that at all? Prices have been going up and up and have reached the highest level ever in peace or war.

If the hon. Member suggests that it would be a good thing to restore price controls—

I am asking the right hon. Member to answer the Question.

—I would say that, though many hon. Members offer that as a solution, price controls would be completely ineffective. If supplies were short price control would drive them under the counter. If they were sufficient there would be no purpose in the price controls.

On a point of order. In view of the completely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the fact that the Minister has not attempted to answer the Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the expenditure of public money in the propaganda being put out by the National Milk Publicity Council; what is his Department's contribution to this body; and whether he will give instructions for it to be discontinued immediately.

My Department makes no direct contribution to the funds of the National Milk Publicity Council. During the current financial year, however, a sum of £85,000 for publicity is being allowed in the assessment of the marketing expenses of the Milk Marketing Board. The position will be reviewed in the normal way before the end of the financial year. An increase in liquid milk consumption is most desirable, and I consider the work of the Council most valuable.

Is the Minister aware that he will have the support of a very great section of the community if he will divert some of the money which he is spending on production of beer to the advertisement of milk?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Slaughterhouses in England and Wales.

I have not yet reached decisions on the Committee's recommendations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bestir himself on this question? Far more slaughterhouses were opened than ever we expected and his predecessors predicted, and the sooner something is done the better, as conditions in many of the slaughterhouses are most disturbing.

I entirely agree that it is a job which has to be done, but I received the Report only at the end of July. I at once entered into consultations with all the local authorities and other interests concerned. The advice that I have had—perhaps not surprisingly—is far from unanimous, and I must enter into further consultations before taking any steps in this very important matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is no need to restrict the erection of slaughterhouses so long as they comply with the sanitary requirements of the district concerned, and that if someone builds a slaughterhouse where it is not wanted that is his loss and not a loss to the State?

I will certainly take into account the views of my hon. Friend.

In view of the fact that there is completely inadequate inspection, is it not absolutely necessary to get on with the building of some decent slaughterhouses and to close these hole-and-corner places?

I do not dissent from what the hon. Member has said. I am very anxious to improve the inspection.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the Lowestoft fishing vessel "Tritonia" trawling off the southern Irish coast was fined at the Waterford Court on 11th August for illegal fishing and the owner and skipper heavily fined as well as the cargo confiscated; that the alleged infringement was due in large measure to the inaccurate markings on Close's Chart which is much used; and if he will take steps to advise all fishermen who regularly use these waters of the inadequacy of the chart, and at the same time publish an official chart of guaranteed accuracy.

I am aware of the circumstances of this case. The limit that British vessels must observe off the coast of the Irish Republic is the three-mile limit of territorial waters and not that of the Irish trawling byelaws, as suggested in Close's Chart.

While I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's sympathy and help, may I ask whether he is aware of the feeling of bitterness among British trawler men, on whom crippling, punitive fines are being imposed in foreign ports, whereas foreign vessels contravening this country's laws are let off with a nominal fine such as £5 as against fines of £1,000 imposed in other countries?

Yes, but I am afraid I could not interfere with the local laws of the countries concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that the aggregate farm income for the purposes of the Annual Price Review will continue to be made by agricultural economists on the same basis as hitherto; particularly, that such adverse effects of the summer drought as reduced milk yields and higher feeding costs in dairy herds will be set against the advantage in higher cereal yields attributed to the absence of rabbits due to myxomatosis; and if he will make a further statement on the effects of myxomatosis on cereal production this season.

I can give an assurance that the aggregate farm income for the purposes of the Annual Price Review will continue to be made by agricultural economists by the same methods as hitherto, which take account of all factors, favourable or unfavourable, affecting farm income. As regards the increase in cereal production due to myxomatosis, I said in reply to the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Parker) on 27th October that it is not possible to make an estimate based on statistics. My figures of £10 to £15 million were based on the observations of my Department's technical staff in every county, and represent the best estimate at present.

As there has been a certain amount of misrepresentation of what the Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have said about this matter, will my right hon. Friend please keep the lines of this Question and Answer very much in mind, and ask his right hon. Friend the Chancellor to do the same, when making any further references to this problem, because I think that my right hon. Friend has now got it right?

As regards my hon. Friend's last few words, I am not quite sure what he means exactly. I have said exactly the same thing on this subject ever since my original Press conference.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of our imports of maize from Roumania and from dollar sources during 1953, 1954, and the first ten months of 1955, respectively.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will these figures not show that we spend £20 million a year in importing American maize and about £1 million in importing Roumanian maize?

Our importers are, of course, free to import maize from Roumania, and, no doubt, will consider doing so whenever the price quoted is favourable.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of people unemployed in Wales and in the County of Glamorgan, respectively, at the latest convenient date; and the comparable figures a year previously.

The numbers of persons registered as unemployed in Wales and in the County of Glamorgan at 10th October, 1955, were 16,382 and 7,626 respectively. The corresponding figures for 11th October, 1954, were 20,439 in Wales and 9,884 in the county of Glamorgan.

asked the Minister of Labour how many notified vacancies there were at the latest convenient date, in Wales and in the County of Glamorgan, respectively; and the comparable figures a year previously.

The numbers of vacancies notified to employment exchanges and youth employment offices and remaining unfilled at 19th October, 1955, were 11,939 in Wales and 6,393 in Glamorganshire. The corresponding figures for 20th October, 1954, were 9,278 and 4,492, respectively.

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, may I ask whether, in view of suggestions made during the recent Budget debates that Government policy may lead to unemployment, he can assert once again that it is the object of the Government to maintain that level of employment which is commonly called full employment?

Certainly, Sir.

Can the Minister indicate what proportion of these unfilled vacancies are in coal mining, in iron and steel and in the other heavy industries?

I can do that if the right hon. Gentleman gives me notice.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were employed in Remploy factories at the latest date for which figures are available.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on Tuesday, 22nd November.

Is the Minister satisfied that he will be able to keep his undertaking to the House that the number of disabled persons employed in Remploy factories will not fall below 6,000?

It is my intention to resume recruitment to Remploy factories immediately in order to maintain the total figure of severely disabled workers at 6,000.

asked the Minister of Labour the increase in the number of young men entering the mining industry during the past six months; approximately how many of these have come from the London area; how many young men who have desired to enter this industry have been rejected for medical or other reasons; and how many have withdrawn or have been discharged as unsuitable after a few weeks' experience.

During the six months to the end of September, some 11,700 young men under the age of 18 entered coal mining, and 324 others who wished to do so were rejected on medical grounds. I regret that the other information requested could not be made available without a special examination of individual records.

Can the Minister say, in general terms, whether his advertisement campaign is having any result in the London and Greater London area?

Most of those recruited—the numbers are about the same as in the previous year—are from coal mining areas. That has always been the case. I could not without notice answer the hon. Member's question about London.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman's Department fully seized of the fact that even if all the sons of miners in miners' homes entered the mining industry, they would not balance the wastage? Is his Department therefore seized of the crucial fact that we must in future recruit from non-mining families also?

I am well aware of that. A widespread publicity campaign to encourage recruitment and to reduce wastage is being run jointly by my Department and the National Coal Board.

asked the Minister of Labour which industries are considered to bear serious health hazards for which the Industrial Health Advisory Committee has recommended voluntary medical supervision.

The Committee has recommended the stimulation of the further development of voluntary medical supervision in the steel foundry, iron and steel manufacturing, rubber and chemical industries.

Could there not be an extension to all industries in which noxious fumes and dusts are inhaled by workers? Will the Minister bear in mind that in foundries that are called copper smelting foundries, cadmium is sometimes used, and the fumes from it are now known to be quite deadly in their effect?

I will bring that to the notice of the Committee so far as the Committee is not already aware of it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will institute a pilot local industrial health survey in Stoke-on-Trent, in view of the past and present health hazards in its principal industries.

The question of further surveys is to be considered by the Industrial Health Advisory Committee, and I shall bring the hon. Member's Question to its attention.

Thank you.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many employers and workers still mistakenly believe that industrial dermatitis is contagious; if he is satisfied that the officers in employment exchanges are fully aware that there is no such possibility of infection; and what steps will be taken in the campaign against dermatitis.

I am aware that misapprehensions about industrial dermatitis may still exist among some employers and workers although the position is made clear in a poster issued by my Factory Department. I am satisfied that the officers concerned in employment exchanges with persons disabled by dermatitis are aware of the facts. The Chief Inspector of Factories has revised and re-issued a leaflet and a poster containing advice on prevention, and further measures to stimulate the interest of employers and workers in the need for precautions are now under consideration.

In view of the Minister's known intention to conduct a national campaign about dermatitis, has he considered the new information on a drug called hydro-cortisone, ointments of which, although, I believe, very expensive, are said to cure most of these lesions within a very few days?

I am obliged to the hon. Member for telling me about it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the possibility of unemployment in the printing industry in Manchester and Glasgow as a result of the newspaper purchases and amalgamations which have been effected and proposed; and what steps he will take to remedy this situation.

I understand that at Glasgow no change in production is contemplated and that at Manchester redundancy will not be significant.

Is the Minister aware that the amalgamations and closings such as are now taking place in Manchester may lead to unemployment, particularly among the more elderly newspaper workers, particularly journalists; and will he make representations to Lord Kemsley, who has now become, I understand, an ordinary printer, but whose reputation as a butcher of newspapers is assured, that out of his millions he should do something for these people whose unemployment he will have directly caused?

I thought it best to consult the unions principally concerned. I learn from N.A.T.S.O.P.A. that no redundancy amongst printing operatives is foreseen, and that, indeed, more staff will be required. As far as a few drivers are concerned, the Transport and General Workers' Union hopes that they will be absorbed in other work.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of honours graduates in science and mathematics who will be given deferment from National Service when they take up teaching in the session 1955–56.

The arrangements come into effect in January next, and the numbers deferred during 1956 are expected to be between 50 and 100.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the deferment of science men is causing a lot of feeling on the arts side of school staffs, who consider it unfair? Is this not one further argument for the abolition of the call-up?

It would be a very small one, because the figures for this deferment for any special case are so limited.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the call-up of engineers working on agricultural machinery hampers food production; and whether he will extend the system of exemption so as to include those mainly engaged on such work.

No, Sir. A great part of the engineering industry is engaged on work of national importance, and I am not prepared to single out one section of it for exceptional treatment.

Is the Minister not aware that the small farmer relies to a great extent upon the agricultural contractor for the repair of his machinery and the carrying out of various essential works, and if the small farmer is not to be penalised, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consult the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to see whether this small number of technicians can be exempted, as they would be if they were working for individual farmers?

I am constantly in discussion with my right hon. Friend and with the union and employers concerned on this matter, and we have gone as far as we can for the time being.

Would the Minister not agree that two years' conscription is in any case detrimental to production throughout the country? If so, will he impress upon the Government the necessity of reducing it to eighteen months, as a help to industrial production?

I think we all know the disadvantages of National Service from the point of view of using men who could be used elsewhere, but in answer to a question I could not commit myself.