asked the Minister of Labour the latest figures of unemployment in Sunderland.

Two thousand five hundred and fifty-six at 13th February.

asked the Minister of Labour to give an estimate of the approximate amount of money lost to the country by strikes for the period 1st January, 1955, to 1st January, 1956.

I am unable to estimate the effect of strikes in terms of money lost to the country.

asked the Minister of Labour to state the number of people unemployed as a result of the closing down of Hopkinson's Electric Company, Cardiff; and whether he will make a statement.

Four men and twenty-one women discharged by this firm were registered as unemployed at the Cardiff Employment Exchange on the 1st March. Over 200 workers have already accepted employment with the new tenant of the factory. Of those looking for work the Exchange has placed twenty-two and will endeavour to place other redundant workers in alternative employment.

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers have been stood off or placed on part-time working since 25th October, 1955; and which industries are affected.

In the week ended 26th November, the latest date for which comprehensive information for the manufacturing industries is available, there were 34,000 operatives on short-time. Since then the main changes that are known to have occurred are an increase of 20,000 in the manufacture of motor cars and accessories and a decrease of 6,000 in the cotton industry.

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage increase in annual wages in the nationalised coal industry since 1951.

Between the third quarter of 1951 and the third quarter of 1955—the latest quarter for which figures are available—average weekly cash earnings of all wage-earners in the nationalised coal-mining industry rose by about 29 per cent.

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage increase in annual wages since 1951 in the nationalised electricity industry.

Between April, 1951, and April, 1955—the latest date for which figures are available—average weekly earnings of manual wage-earners in the electricity industry rose by about 37 per cent.

asked the Minister of Labour to state the amount of wage increases that have been claimed and granted, and for which industries, since May, 1955; and to what extent this will increase the annual wage and salary bill for all industries?

Complete statistics of the amount of wage and salary increases are not available. Information about individual circumstances necessitates a table of figures which I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual expenditure required to maintain the buildings of Rosslynlee Mental Hospital, Rosslyn Castle, Midlothian.

An average of some £15,000 annually has been spent in recent years. Work on the eradication of dry rot, which is now nearly finished, has accounted for about half this expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Midlothian County Council is compelled to undertake undue expense through engagement of additional nursing staff for their residential homes; if he is also aware that this is a consequence of the failure of the regional hospital board to provide hospital treatment for aged persons in residential homes; and what action he proposes to take.

As I explained in reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Willis) on 21st February, local authorities are expected to afford such medical and nursing care as is necessary for residents in accommodation provided under Part III of the National Assistance Act for whom admission to hospital is not appropriate or immediately practicable. The Regional Hospital Board expects next month to increase the hospital accommodation for aged sick in Midlothian, by bringing into use for this purpose 28 beds at Loanhead Hospital which was formerly needed for tuberculous children.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in combating the pollution of those rivers in Midlothian which are within his responsibility.

The Lothians River Purification Board is engaged in a preliminary survey of the rivers in its area and is taking up individual cases of pollution with the responsible bodies. In addition, the county council's large sewerage programme is reducing pollution, especially in the Esk Valley, where all the burghs, except Penicuik, are likely to be connected up by the end of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of grant will be available to local authorities undertaking the building of local trades colleges as part of the programme of increased technical education announced by the Government.

Approved expenditure on the building of local technical colleges attracts grant at the rate of 60 per cent. under the Education Authorities (Scotland) Grant Regulations, 1948.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average annual loss of population from Scotland through emigration during the post-war years; and how far he proposes to take action to reduce it.

The estimated not average annual loss of population from Scotland through emigration overseas in the years 1946 to 1955 inclusive was 13,900. In addition there was an estimated net average annual loss of 12,700 to other parts of the United Kingdom. These losses are less than the natural increase, which averaged 33,400 a year over the same period, and the working population of Scotland is increasing. I do not accept the implication that emigration is itself an unhealthy symptom.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far it is the policy of the Government to continue the provision of rent tribunals in Scotland.

The position of rent tribunals in Scotland will be considered in the course of the forthcoming general review of the Rent Acts.

asked the Minister of Works what sum was paid in fire insurance as a result of the recent fire at the Admiralty.

None. It has for a long time been the practice for the Government to carry its own risk.

asked the Minister of Works when the ceiling of the Painted Chamber at Greenwich is to be cleaned of its accumulating dirt.

Exploratory work will begin during the summer vacation this year with the intention of carrying out cleaning and restoration during the summer vacation next year.

asked the Minister of Works when the Embassy at Monrovia last had any money spent upon its rehabilitation.

Extensive repairs and maintenance to the Embassy at Monrovia have been carried out over the last three years.

asked the Minister of Works haw much paint was ordered by, and delivered to, his Department during 1955.

During 1955, 22,000 gallons of paint were ordered for use by my Department on work carried out by directly employed staff. When contractors are employed by the Department they provide their own paint to prescribed specifications.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in future he will allow members of the Home Guard to retain their rifles in their own homes.

No. There are objections to such an arrangement, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that Home Guard rifles will be readily available in case of need.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is his intention to permit Somalis to take the Queen's Commission.

As from 1st January next there will be nothing to prevent the grant of the Queen's Commission in the British Army to any suitable Somali. So far no scheme has been worked out for the commissioning of Somali officers in the Somaliland Scouts.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent British military and other equipment and stores have been lost by theft or otherwise in the Canal Zone of Egypt.

Since the beginning of the withdrawal from the Canal Zone in August, 1954, there have been fifty cases of theft. Losses from other causes have been negligible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that whereas West German exports to Eastern Europe rose in value from £10 millions to £17 millions, comparing the first half of 1955 with the first half of 1954, British exports to Eastern Europe dropped from £6·8 millions to £6·4 millions in the same period; and what steps he is taking to draw the attention of British exporters to the importance of these markets and to assist them to sell their products there.

I am aware of the figures for West German exports quoted by the hon Member, but my information is that our own exports to the Soviet bloc countries, other than the U.S.S.R. itself, amounted to £6·1 million in the first half of 1954 and £6·5 million in the first half of 1955. The Board of Trade takes every opportunity, by the negotiation of trade agreements and in other ways, to afford to exporters every help in these difficult markets.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a shortage of small section mild steel in the engineering industry, particularly in vehicle building; and whether he will make representations to the Iron and Steel Board to see what can be done to improve supplies.

The Iron and Steel Board is aware of this shortage and for that reason certain maximum prices were raised last November to encourage producers to increase their output of small sizes. I am informed by the Iron and Steel Board that there is some evidence that supplies of small sizes are now improving.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures he proposes to overcome the shortage of steel plates and rolled rod steel at the Derby carriage and wagon works of British Railways, since this shortage is affecting output there.

I am informed by the Iron and Steel Board that the British Transport Commission are already in touch with them about the steel requirements of the railways.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Mansfield Town Council was unable to obtain the necessary steel for improvements to the Rainworth Waterworks Pumping Station; and if he will take steps to secure that supplies are available for this and other essential local authority works.

Notwithstanding substantial increases in output British producers are not able to meet all of the heavy demands made on them and imports are still necessary. Steel-making capacity is being further expanded, but I am afraid that until supply and demand are in balance, local authorities, like other consumers, will experience difficulties. I understand that the necessary steel has now been obtained for this pumping station.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to investigate the possibility of redevelopment of the tin and lead mines of Leadhills and Wanlockhead.

Exploration and development work on this property has been carried out on a normal commercial basis, and I understand that production of lead and zinc concentrates is expected to begin there before the end of the year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) to what extent the recently announced cuts on imports imposed by the Australian Government affect British cutlery;(2) if he is aware that the new restrictions on the export of cutlery to Australia is the third reduction since 1951 and a serious blow to the industry; and if he will make a statement as to the steps he proposes to take to assist the industry to avoid the consequences of previous cuts which resulted in a large loss of manpower.

Since restrictions were imposed in 1952 the quota applicable to cutlery including flatware, has been increased four times and reduced twice. The last announcement in Australia on this subject was on 1st October, 1955, when the quota applicable to imports of cutlery and other consumer goods from non-dollar countries was reduced by 25 per cent. The value of total exports in 1955 was nevertheless the highest since the war, and I cannot accept that any loss of manpower is solely attributable to changes in Australian import licensing policy. The services of the Board of Trade are constanty available to the industry to help them with their exports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what matters are expected to be discussed at his talks with the Australian Government, due to take place shortly; and if he will use the opportunity to seek an improvement in the level of permitted exports of cutlery to Australia.

No formal discussions with the Australian Government have been arranged. I am confident that the Australian Government will relax the import restrictions when their balance of payments situation permits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are his plans for extending trade between Scotland and the United States of America in the immediate future; and in which spheres of trade and industry, respectively.

Her Majesty's Government do not make any distinction between Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom in the measures by which they promote exports to the United States or indeed to any other countries. It is, of course, primarily for the firms in Scotland to make specific plans for expanding their sales abroad, but active help and stimulus is given to them by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), which is closely associated with the Dollar Exports Council. Scottish industries also share in the services offered by the Government to exporters to the dollar area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why imports of metalliferous ores and scrap metal from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics declined from 126,444 tons in 1954 to 118,826 tons in 1955; and why the import of manganese ore, 10 per cent. or more manganese, from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics declined from 126,170 tons in 1954 to 118,826 tons in 1955.

The imports from the U.S.S.R. of metalliferous ores and scrap metal consist almost entirely of manganese ore. This trade is in private hands and import licences are not required. The imports in 1954 and 1955 were much higher than in 1953, and I think there is no particular significance in the small decline in 1955.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage increase in wages in the nationalised coal, gas and electricity industries since 1951; the percentage increase in production in those industries since 1951; and if he will express the percentage difference in terms of money.

Total wages and salaries paid by all the public corporations increased from £1,018 million in 1951 to £1,201 in 1954, a rise of 18 per cent. These figures are taken from the summary operating account of all public corporations published in Table 32 of "National Income and Expenditure, 1955." Figures for 1955 will not be available until the accounts of the public corporations are completed. No statistics of the volume of output of the public corporations sector as a whole are compiled. Between 1951 and 1954 output of electricity rose by 22 per cent., of gas by 3 per cent., and of coal by 1 per cent.It will of course be realised that as a result of nationalisation and denationalisation the number and size of operating units within the public corporations sector changed from year to year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the imposition of Purchase Tax on industrial boots and shoes for men and women, sometimes described as safety footwear; and if he will now remove this tax.

Representations on this subject have recently been sent to me on behalf of the Sussex Industrial Accident Prevention Group. The tax is only 5 per cent. of the wholesale value, and I am afraid I could not make a

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what gifts of land and other property have been made by the Treasury to the National Trust in each of the last six years.

Since 1st April, 1949, 20 transfers have been made to the National Trust or the National Trust for Scotland of land previously accepted in satisfaction of death duties. There has been one such transfer of chattels.Details are as follows:special concession for safety footwear as such. The possibility of exempting all protective clothing and footwear from tax has been examined by successive Governments and found to be impracticable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the figures which prove that in the past nine or ten years higher import prices accounted for about one-fifth of the rise in prices.

The estimate relates to the period 1946 to 1954 and is based on a comparison of the statistics of output and imports, both at current and constant prices, given in Tables 1, 7 and 12 of "National Income and Expenditure, 1955". The estimate is no more

asked the Secretary to the Treasury why it has taken the 19th District, Inland Revenue Department, Manchester, over ten, and in some cases over twelve years, to notify a number of persons in Openshaw that arrears of tax would be collected from available post-war credits; and whether, in view of the delay, he will authorise payment of the credits in full.

The hon. Member has drawn my attention to two cases where, because the full tax for the year was not paid, the post-war credit is less than the amount shown on the certificate originally issued. In one the Inland Revenue lost trace of the taxpayer, so no action could be taken. In the other, the tax could not be collected at the time, and I regret that it was later overlooked until the taxpayer died and his widow asked for the credits to be transferred to her. I am afraid that I cannot authorise the repayment of tax that has not been paid.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the annual cost in dollars of authorising a basic travel allowance of £50 for British subjects visiting Canada.

It is impossible to give a precise estimate; but it might well be substantial.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on the Treasury if married persons' earned incomes were assessed separately.

Under Section 355 of the Income Tax Act, 1952, it is open to either partner to the marriage to apply for separate assesment, but this does not alter the total amount of tax payable by husband and wife together. If however, the law were changed so that a husband and wife who were both earning were taxed as two single persons the total tax payable in most cases would be increased. The net gain to the Exchequer might be of the order of £75 million but this would be reduced if the change led to a reduction in the number of married women in employment.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he has yet decided to issue a White Paper on his proposals for local government reorganisation.

Yes. The Government have decided to issue a White Paper on the subject of local government organisation as soon as practicable.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to make a decision on the question of sewerage in Windmill Avenue, Kettering, about which his inspector held a local inquiry on 11th January, 1956.

Very soon.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to have the model for the Elephant and Castle Reconstruction Scheme placed in the Library of the House for the information of interested Members.

The L.C.C. has agreed to lend this model, and I will have it placed in the Library.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to give the number of private caravan sites in Warwickshire for which he has given planning permission and the total number of tenants occupying these sites; and if he will give similar information for official sites opened, with his sanction, by the rural district councils for Warwickshire.

I have given planning permission, on appeal, for two private sites for single caravans and approved the provision by one rural district council of a site for eighty-nine caravans.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in order to assist his inquiries into the problem of burst pipes, he will obtain statistics of prosecutions by water undertakers for each of the years 1945 to 1955 concerning breach of their byelaws.

My consultations with water undertakers will cover the sanctions for byelaw enforcement and the extent to which they have been used.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that landlords can take the opportunity of a notice under Section 11 of the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, to evict a tenant instead of doing reasonable and necessary repairs; and if he will take steps to amend the law so as to make repairs instead of eviction compulsory in such cases.

I am aware of this; but I have heard of only one case in which the tenant was evicted. I shall watch the position; and, if it proves necessary, I will consider what action I should take.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that many families because of a change of residence, the effect of which they could not have forseen, continue to be excluded from the housing lists of all local authorities; and, in view of the hopeless condition of such people, whether he will renew his recommendations to local authorities about making provision for such cases.

I am, of course, aware of this problem. A good deal of guidance has been given to local authorities at different times on this subject, and I would hesitate to add to it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why our import of cereals and cereal preparations from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics fell from 2,318,604 cwt. in 1953 to 929,656 cwt. in 1955; why our barley imports fell from 1,523,378 cwt. in 1953 to 219,532 in 1955: and why, since 4,096 tons of animal feeding stuff was imported in 1954, none was imported in 1955; and whether he will take steps to increase this trade with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and thus save dollars and other hard currencies.

Traders are entirely free to buy Russian grain and I have no doubt that in 1955 they bought all that was offered to them at competitive prices.