asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the unemployment and dislocation of industry at the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company due to a shortage of steel; why this exporting industry cannot get adequate supplies of steel; and what action he is taking to deal with this situation.

I am aware of the company's difficulties, which have been caused by the breakage of rolls in two mills at the works of the company's main steel suppliers. Production from one mill is expected to start again soon, and arrangements have been made for suitable steel to be rolled shortly at another works until the second mill comes into production again.

While that may be true of the immediate difficulties, is the President aware that in fact there have been difficulties over a long period? In view of the important potentiality of this industry in the export trade, will the President please keep the matter under close observation, since some of us feel it certainly needs it?

:I will certainly keep an eye on it; but the real difficultly here is an exceptional one, due to the breakage of this roll.

Would the President say what steps are taken to see that the exporting industries in particular get the steel they require?

That is a rather wider question. In this case, steps are being taken to supply from another firm and to try to mend the roll which is broken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that shortage of steel is hampering work in the ship repair and other industries; and what action he proposes to take.

I am aware that there are shortages in certain industries, although the total supply of steel has improved. The Iron and Steel Board is in consultation with the steel producers and others concerned to see how supplies for ship repairs can be improved.

Are not overseas orders being lost at present in this and other industries as a result of shortage of steel? Is the President satisfied that he can put this matter right without control of inessential uses of steel at home?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have discussed this before. I do not favour the allocation of steel; but I can say this to the hon. Gentleman, that the Iron and Steel Board, on 11th May, stated that deliveries to the shipbuilding, constructional, and other engineering industries have been rising in March and were at the rate of 98,400 tons a week, as compared with 82,900 tons a week a year ago, giving a rise of 19 per cent., which is a very substantial performance.

Would the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, in spite of the remarks he has made, there is still considerable anxiety in the shipbuilding and repairing industry in regard to supplies of steel, particularly on Tyneside? Can he not do anything about it?

I am aware of anxieties in many industries on the subject of steel shortage.

Is the President aware that there are severe shortages of steel for country blacksmiths and agricultural engineers? Will he do what he can to improve the supply position for them?

I am aware of that, and I have answered a number of Questions on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under present conditions Great Britain is absorbing approximately 90 per cent. of Irish exports, whereas they are only placing about 50 per cent. of their import business with Great Britain, and that imports into Ireland from Germany, especially in respect of electrical equipment, are continuing to increase to the detriment of British producers; and whether in these circumstances he will now arrange for an early revision of the Anglo-Irish Commercial Agreement.

United Kingdom exports to the Irish Republic last year totalled some £114 million as against imports of only £97·6 million. These figures do not suggest that the present arrangements operate to our disadvantage. I am aware that imports from Germany into the Irish Republic increased last year, though the total—£9·6 million—is still small compared with our own exports. I do not know what type of electrical equipment my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, but imports into the Irish Republic of electrical machinery from Germany fell by roughly one-third in value in 1954 and 1955, while imports from the United Kingdom slightly increased.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the particular difficulties which are being faced by the pig and bacon industries of this country, which are greatly due to these large imports from Ireland?

I think that raises a different question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further consideration he has now given to the request of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions that the Governments should institute a complete inquiry into the state of the British motor industry; and what decision he can now announce.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 10th May to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson).

Does that mean that the President disregards the pressure of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, representing well over a million workers, the grave and deteriorating export position of this industry, and the persistence of mass redundancy right through the summer? Does he disregard all those things in the case of this industry, and is he proposing to do nothing? Will he at least call a meeting of both sides, leading trade unionists and leading manufacturers, under his own auspices, for a frank exchange of views on the whole situation?

This Question asked whether I would have a roving inquiry into the motor industry. That industry is composed of a number of individual manufacturers who are in keen competition, both between themselves and with overseas suppliers. I really do not think that a roving inquiry by Whitehall would improve that situation. At the same time, I have communicated that decision to the general secretary of the Confederation, and I told him that, if he wishes, and against that background, I would, of course, be happy to see him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties caused to British exporters to the Middle East by restrictions imposed by the Arab countries regarding trade with Israel; and whether, in consultation with the London Chamber of Commerce, he will consider what steps can be taken to defend the interests of British firms conducting legitimate trade with friendly countries.

I am aware of the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers. The Board of Trade give United Kingdom exporters all practicable assistance and keep in close touch on this matter with representative trade organisations, including the London Chamber of Commerce.

Will the President consider even closer relations with the London Chamber of Commerce, for the reason that the Chamber refuses to certify whether a firm is Jewish, has Jewish directors or shareholders, or is in any way concerned with Jews, but will not refuse similar information when asked whether firms are trading with Israel? The reason is that the assistance of the British Government is needed to offset the Arab boycott. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider with his right hon. Friends what can be done to stop this interference with the perfectly legitimate rights of British exporters to trade with a foreign country such as Israel?

Of course, I deplore this practice as much as the hon. Member does—there is no question about that—and I will examine what he has said. I have read a number of Questions and Answers, many of them addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary, on this point. I do not see any further course of action open to the British Government at present, but I will certainly look at any recommendations which the hon. Member makes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman yet in a position to say whether he is satisfied that these restrictions do not conflict with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade?

They would conflict if the Arab States were members of the General Agreement.

Is the President not prepared to consider at least whether it would not be possible to place restrictions on the importation of goods from the countries in question to Great Britain if they continue to exercise discrimination against British goods?

I doubt whether the answer to racial discrimination is counter-racial discrimination. We have got to look at it in some other way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of citrus fruits imported into this country from British West Indies, the United States of America and Israel, respectively, in 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955.

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

Whilst awaiting those figures, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether either the United States of America or Israel subsidises the export of citrus fruits either directly or indirectly?

That raises a different question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a fresh approach to the Norwegian Government with a view to increasing the quotas for British exports to Norway.

No, Sir. We discussed these quotas with the Norwegian Government as recently as March and, having regard to Norway's balance of payments situation, I would consider the quotas to be substantially adequate.

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that, taking into account Norwegian earnings from shipping, Norway has a substantial balance of payments in her favour; and having regard to this, would it not be a good thing if she took a few more of our goods?

In principle, it would always be a good thing if everybody took more of our goods. Norway is not, however, without her balance of payments difficulties. In fact, our bilateral quotas with her cover only a very small proportion of our total trade in that area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that redundancy in the factory of the Telegraph Condenser Company at Bathgate, together with further closures in in the shale oil industry and the pending closure of coal mines in the vicinity is creating a condition of probable heavy unemployment in West Lothian; and if he will expedite and strengthen existing efforts to attract new industries to the county.

Almost all the workers who have so far become redundant have found other jobs and there is at present little unemployment in the area. The Ministry of Labour and the National Coal Board will do everything possible to place any who become redundant in future. The opportunities for other work in this area are, however, limited and the Government will continue to bring the attractions of the area to the attention of industrialists with suitable new projects.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much horticultural produce was exported to North America in 1955 and 1956; and what steps his Department took to encourage this.

In 1955, £96,000; and in the first three months of this year, £31,000. Exporters to North America can call upon the full commercial services provided by the Government, and upon the advice and assistance of the Dollar Exports Council.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for that information, may we take it now that, in view of the great differences in the methods of marketing horticultural produce in North America. everything possible will be done to encourage the British growers to export there and all facilities will be available to them in selling their produce?

We certainly put all facilities at the disposal of these exporters, as of others also, in this important market.

Is the President aware that the Minister of State and myself were told that frozen strawberries were in demand in Canada? What help or encouragement does the Department give producers to sell them in this market?

I do not know that we actually mix ourselves up with the freezing of the strawberries. Our aim is rather broader and more all-embracing. What we can do through the aid of our commercial officers abroad, or through the Dollar Exports Council or other means, will be done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange that Premium Bonds may be made available to investors overseas.

The point will be covered when the detailed scheme is announced: but as at present advised, I see no reason why oversea investors should not buy the bond on the same terms as they can buy other National Savings securities.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this will give great satisfaction overseas, where there is already very great interest in this new form of investment in the United Kingdom, not least in the dollar area? I hope he will consider what can be done about exchange difficulties.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the special advertisement she is giving to this Government security.

Will the Minister consult the Presbytery of Aberdeen before he indulges in this scheme? Is he aware that the noble Lady's enthusiasm for Premium Bonds is not shared by the Church of Scotland?

I know that the Scots live in a different country, but I have yet to learn that they live overseas.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's Answer mean that the Government will be prepared to allow the prizes which may be won by overseas investors, if that is the right word to use, to be remitted overseas? Will the right hon. Gentleman give that undertaking, and will it include remittances in dollars?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will await the actual terms of the scheme. I was today giving a preliminary answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of persons holding post-war credits on 31st March, 1956; and what was the total amount owing to them.

The number of holders of post-war credits at 31st March, 1956, is estimated at about 9½ million, and the amount of credits then outstanding at about £523 million.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that many holders of post-war credits were disappointed that the Chancellor made no mention of these credits in his Budget statement? Is he also aware that many people are disappointed that the Government have made no announcement of lowering the age from 65, which means that it will take over 25 years to repay these post-war credits?

Yes, Sir. I am aware from my own correspondence that numbers of people were disappointed. My right hon. Friend considered this matter very carefully this year, but he came to the conclusion that this was not the time when he should take a step in the direction of releasing more purchasing power.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value in United States dollars of the sums authorised by him for remittance to the United States of America, for the years 1954, 1955 and to the latest convenient date in 1956, by United Kingdom proprietary pharmaceutical manufacturers producing under private licence from United States patent holders.

I regret we have no figures either on the basis of authorisations or of actual remittances to the U.S. which distinguish payments by U.K. pharmaceutical manufacturers in respect of proprietary rights.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I had a similar Answer from the Minister of Health? Is he also aware that, during the debate on the Guillebaud Report, alarming evidence was provided from both sides about the increase in the prescribing of these drugs, which are manufactured under licence in this country, but for which dollar remittances have to be made? Will he look into the matter?

If the hon. Member likes to send me any information, I will, of course, look into it, but we have no official figures.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average increase in tax on pipe tobacco expressed in terms of increased tax per ounce.

About 2d.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the price of popular brands of pipe tobacco has gone up by 3d. an ounce since the Budget? Has he any information whether there has been an increase in the retailers' margins at the same time as the increase in the tax?

My information is that the price has gone up by 2½d. in some cases and by 3d. in other cases. I understand from statements which have been made that the new prices include at least ½d. additional margin for retail distributors.

Would not the tobacco companies also make a large profit on the stocks bought at the old prices?

This Question solely concerns the retail prices.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to enable members of the teaching profession to be granted appropriate tax concessions in respect of books and journals needed and purchased by them on terms similar to concessions made to members of all other professions.

The same expenses rules applies to teachers as to other employees assessable under Schedule E. My right hon. Friend is not proposing any change in this position.

Is it not a trifle unreal and unreasonable that a tax concession allowed to accountants, solicitors, clergymen and others, should be withheld from members of the teaching profession? If we really wish to encourage teachers to keep abreast of contemporary opinion, ought we not to instruct the Inland Revenue to alter this practice?

These are matters which could properly be discussed in debates on the Finance Bill. I think my hon. Friend is incorrect in suggesting that there is any difference here between the treatment of teachers and the treatment of clergymen.

Is not the real difficulty the anomaly as between Schedule D and Schedule E taxpayers? Is it not time that the Chancellor had a good look at the problem in view of the way in which Schedule D taxpayers are allowed generous expenses and Schedule E taxpayers are not? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that a very large number of employees in certain professions, and Members of Parliament and others, are not allowed to charge expenses which really are necessary in the performance of their duties, whilst, under Schedule D, a very wide range of expenses can be allowed?

As the right hon. Member is aware, the Royal Commission made certain recommendations about Schedule E. My right hon. Friend has given very careful consideration to that, but he decided not to include any changes in the law in that respect in this Finance Bill, which, of course, we shall be debating at length.

Is the Minister aware that, after receiving evidence from the National Union of Teachers, the Royal Commission did recommend such a tax concession as is asked for in this Question? Will he give it his consideration when we reach the Committee stage of the Finance Bill?

I think I made it clear that the Royal Commission made recommendations, but my right hon. Friend decided not to include any proposal for changing the law in this Finance Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what special taxation concessions are given in respect of private woodlands.

Income Tax in respect of the occupation of woodlands is assessable under Schedule B on the basis of one-third of the annual value, except where an occupier of woodlands managed on a commercial basis and, with a view to the realisation of profits, elects once and for all to be charged under Schedule D instead of under Schedule B.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a noble Lord who is in another place has written a book entitled "Profitable Forestry"? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter again to see whether it is really necessary to continue these subsidies to land owners?

I do not see any subsidy to land owners arising here. It is quite true that the Royal Commission recommended the abolition of Schedule B, but the present situation I described in answer to the Question originates from an amendment accepted by Sir Stafford Cripps in 1948.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what special concessions on Death Duties are made in respect of private woodlands.

Under the Estate Duty law, growing timber is not taken into account in determining either the value of the land passing on the death or the rate of duty. If such timber is subsequently sold, duty becomes payable at the rate already fixed in connection with the last death on which the land passed. Timber sold standing is chargeable on its value at the last death; timber sold felled is chargeable on the net proceeds of sale.

In view of the financial stringency which prevents the Chancellor granting post-war credit concessions to disabled people, will the right hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to look now at this concession to the owners of woodlands?

I am very willing to look at anything to which the hon. Member draws my attention, but I cannot see any substantial concession here.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which sections of public servants employed at London Airport are paid the London rate for their work; and by what Government Departments they are employed.

Industrial staff at London Airport, employed by the Air Ministry and Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, receive London rates of pay, for the reasons explained in my Answer of 22nd March to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) Telephonists employed by the Post Office also receive London rates.

Why is it that non-industrial workers employed by the State do not receive the London rate when non-industrial workers employed by private concerns, like the banks—even American air companies and others—get that rate? Ought we not to set an example on this question of non-industrial workers?

The answer is that all these different arrangements are subject to agreement with the staff. I think the staff associations look after their members well, and I would deprecate Parliament giving a lead.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the salaries of Members of Parliament were increased to £1,000 per annum; what was the depreciation of the purchasing value of £1 from 1945 to that date; and what has been the further depreciation of the purchasing value of the £ sterling since the salary was increased to £1,000 per annum.

The salaries of Members were increased to £1,000 per annum with effect from 1st April, 1946. Taking the purchasing value of £1 as 20s. in 1945, the figures for 1946 and March, 1956, are 19s. 5d. and 12s. 6d. respectively.

Is the Minister aware that many junior Ministers are very dissatisfied with the present position? Is he further aware that many Members of Parliament are dissatisfied with the position, particularly hon. Members opposite, and that it has been suggested that the Tory Central Office is putting some of them on to make up their incomes as guinea pig directors? Can we have an assurance that the Government also deprecate that and that the Treasury is not in any way assisting that?

I do not see anything in this Question either about guinea pigs or junior Ministers. The hon. Member is entitled to his own views in this matter, but other people hold the view that this is a time when Parliament should set an example of restraint.

That is all very well, but, leaving aside guinea pigs and their kith and kin, does not the Financial Secretary realise that hon. Members of this House are worse paid than any other hon. Members in the whole of the British Commonwealth? How does he justify keeping people on this ridiculous rate of pay, which no equally responsible person in civil life would endure for a single moment? Is it not really obnoxious just because the right hon. Gentleman is backed up by a lot of rich men on the other side of the House?

When I look in front of me I can see some rich men also.

Before my right hon. Friend commits himself to an irrevocable reply, will he carefully consult the election addresses of hon. Members on both sides of the House on this important and burning topic?

Would the right hon. Gentleman treat this matter seriously? Will he make representations to his right hon. Friend indicating that there is considerable dissatisfaction on this side of the House, and to some extent on the other side of the House, about the salaries paid to hon. Members? Will he have taken into account the depreciation in the value of the £? Will he also indicate to his right hon. Friend that there are many of us who are not afraid to go to our constituents, or anywhere in the country, to make a plea on behalf of hon. Members who, having regard to their position, are entitled to much higher salaries?

I hope nobody will imagine that I treat this matter lightly. I was a Member of a Select Committee which examined the question some years ago, and so I am fully seized of it. I shall certainly, as the right hon. Gentleman suggests, draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what has been said on both sides of the House today.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated total expenditure on advertising allowed against tax in the financial year 1955–56.

I regret that this information is not available.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not feel it is highly desirable that some estimate should be made of this expenditure in view of the very high cost to the Treasury, and also in view of the fact that this expenditure is directly contrary to what we understand to be the Government's policy of restricting home consumption?

It is certainly not the Government's policy to close down all advertising. The Inland Revenue Department possesses a great deal of information, but I am afraid that the precise information required to answer the hon. Member's Question could not be obtained in any practicable way.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not seen estimates made by the Advertising Association, quoted by the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade in November, 1954, when the total expenditure was over £220 million? Since that figure is now probably more like £300 million, will he not admit that the Treasury is losing a great deal of important revenue by this concession?

I have seen a number of unofficial estimates of the total amount spent on advertising, but I would not like to give the House estimates for which I cannot vouch, and I can only say that it is not possible to state to the House with any precision the expenditure on advertising which has been allowed against tax.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that no one is suggesting at this moment the complete prohibition of advertising, but merely that the Exchequer should not pay for it?

If the hon. Member looks in the OFFICIAL REPORT at his previous supplementary question, I think he will see that that is just what he was suggesting.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what terms, particularly as regards interest and repayment, loans for capital purposes will, under his new policy, be lent to the nationalised industries.

The rates of interest on the advances will correspond broadly to those appropriate to Government credit for a comparable period of years. Precise details of the arrangements, including the appropriate terms for repayment, are at present under discussion with the authorities concerned.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether these loans are to be longterm loans and whether the Atomic Energy Authority is now to be charged interest on advances made to it?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman, if he kindly would, to wait until we reach Clause 34 of the Finance Bill, when, I promise, a Treasury Minister will make a full statement on all these matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange for regular returns of applications granted or refused to be made by the Capital Issues Committee.

I will consider this suggestion, but I doubt whether there is enough general interest in such returns to justify their publication.

Surely this Committee, which has had its terms of reference widened, should make some report to Parliament, which is ultimately responsible for what it does?

I can only repeat that my right hon. Friend has not closed his mind to the suggestion, and I shall, of course, convey to him the view which the hon. Member has expressed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give details of the number and grades of civil servants who have not received an increase in salary since June, 1954; and the average percentage increase in the wage or salary scale of the remainder since this date.

There was a general increase in most Civil Service salaries as from 1st July, 1954. Since that date, increases have been given to all grades up to the level of Under-Secretary. The number of officers above that level who have not received such increases is about 180, excluding the Foreign Service. The increases given to the rest of the Service have varied considerably in percentage terms from grade to grade: the overall average is of the order of 10 per cent.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that, in view of the very warm and sympathetic reply he gave to my previous supplementary question, I do not intend to ask him one on this?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many agricultural advisers and agricultural attachés appointed by him are now serving in the Dominions and foreign countries; and which appointments have been terminated in the past year.

There are at present six agricultural and food advisers and attachés serving abroad. During the past year, officers serving in Ottawa and in Washington have returned to this country and have been replaced. The officer who was serving in Copenhagen has returned to this country. A successor is being selected.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance he gives to the planting of timber other than national forests.

The full range of assistance and advice available to private woodland owners from the Forestry Commission is set out in the Forestry Commission's free booklet entitled "Grants for Woodland Owners." I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him if it would not be a good thing if he conducted a full-blooded campaign to induce landowners to do what their forefathers did in the eighteenth century, that is, to plant timber? We need it badly. Will the right hon. Gentleman secure a copy of the book shown to him a few moments ago by my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Hayman) and circulate it to all members of another place and to all landowners in the United Kingdom?

Yes, and I should very much have liked to have asked the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Hayman) a supplementary question about the book because I have not seen it, though I am looking forward to knowing what it is about. I agree with the hon. Member that the proper maintenance and improvement of our national woodlands is very much in the national interest. We are doing everything we reasonably can to provide incentives and encouragement with that object.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the recommendation in paragraph 109 of the Oake Committee's Report, that, whenever practicable, veterinary surgeons should be appointed as senior inspectors responsible for groups of non-veterinary meat inspectors, he will take steps to acquire the necessary powers to insist on such supervision by veterinary officers of meat inspection in the case of slaughterhouses towards the cost of which the Government agree to make a financial contribution.

No, Sir. Local authorities are responsible for meat inspection, and the kind of supervision and the officers required are matters best left to their discretion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all local authorities are not equally progressive in these matters and require some lead from the Government? What is the good of the House passing legislation about clean food, and so on, if we do not go to the root of the problem?

I do not want the hon. Member to have any doubt in his mind. I assure him that I am very anxious to do everything I can to make sure that the inspection shall be as satisfactory as it can be; but the way in which that is carried out, and the type of officer by whom it is carried out, are matters in which we ought to give a great deal of discretion to the local authorities.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many local authorities would very warmly welcome any assistance that can be given to them by veterinary surgeons?

I agree with my hon. Friend on that, and he will agree with me that there is at present a shortage of veterinary officers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that in this matter we lag behind most of the continental countries, certainly those most advanced in this matter of meat inspection? Would it not be a good thing if we employed veterinary officers for this purpose of inspection?

I agree. I think there is quite a bit of progress still to be made in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what acreage of land has already been sold as surplus to the requirements of the Forestry Commission;

(2) whether a final decision has yet been reached on the total acreage of land to be regarded as surplus to the requirements of the Forestry Commission and to be sold.

It has so far been decided to sell about 28,000 acres, 643 acres of which have been sold.

Has my right hon. Friend reviewed the Government's policy relating to the retention of land by the Forestry Commission for a strategic reserve as the result of recent developments in nuclear energy? Will my right hon. Friend speed up the sale of all land under his control which is not likely to be used for forestry purposes?

The general overall policy is always under consideration, and under consideration in the light of the matter to which my hon. Friend has referred. As to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, we are anxious to release for sale all land which is not going to be required for planting and which is not so intermixed with forestry land as to make it impracticable. There is another thing that I would ask my hon. Friend to remember, and that is the utility of holding a certain number of small, unplanted holdings in the vicinity of the plantations for the use of part-time forestry workers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from trade associations and consumers with regard to the suspension of import duties on vegetables.

One trade association and two Housewives' Leagues have written to me proposing the suspension of tariffs on imported vegetables.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that answer, may I ask him if he is aware that the Co-operative movement, representing 11 million consumers, is deeply disturbed about the existing high prices for vegetables? Is he further aware that the Swedish Government, faced with similar difficulties, have suspended their import duties on potatoes? In view of the forecast that there will be a shortage for some weeks yet, will the right hon. Gentleman do something about this matter?

Tariff changes are, of course, a matter for the President of the Board of Trade. My right hon. Friend has recently explained that it is not a sensible thing to do to make changes in tariffs to meet short-term difficulties in supply.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the short notice given of his decision to close the Government grain silos next month, he will allow their use for the 1956 harvest, maintaining the drying and storage facilities until 30th October next, by which time farmers' co-operative societies and other groups should be able to decide whether to lease them.

At a time when economy in public expenditure is a paramount consideration, the Government would not be justified in continuing this service in view of the further substantial loss that would be incurred in the interests of relatively few producers.

While fully accepting what my right hon. Friend has said, would it not be common sense to keep these grain silos and grain-drying facilities available for use in the 1956 harvest in case we get a return of the abominable weather of two years ago, when we shall be very sorry that grain is rotting because we have no way of getting it dried? Should it not be done in time for this harvest?

I agree that that is an important point. If there should be a very wet season and the risk of crops generally being spoiled, I would consider what I could do in an emergency of that kind.

Are these silos kept on a care and maintenance basis so that they can be used in that way?

They can be used at comparatively short notice. They will be either on a care and maintenance basis or used for storing the national food stockpile.

asked the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food in which districts which were clear of rabbits last year they are now becoming re-established in considerable numbers; and to what extent farmers are co-operating to exterminate them in the rabbit clearance areas which he has designated.

Although a sprinkling of rabbits is now to be found in most areas, nowhere are they yet becoming reestablished in any considerable number. In statutory rabbit clearance areas, farmers generally, I am glad to say, are showing their willingness to co-operate in dealing with this pest.

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that his information is up to date? In the last three or four days I have heard of 12 rabbits being shot in North Hampshire and some more being run over by a motor car in Suffolk; it seems that they are coming back rather fast.

I think the numbers referred to would come within the definition of "sprinkling". At the same time, I am very anxious that I should know of any adverse developments in this matter, because, of course, the next few months will be of very great importance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if there is anything more cruel than the wilful introduction of myxomatosis, it is the wilful re-introduction of rabbits so that they may be destroyed ultimately by myxomatosis? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that that wilful re-introduction is not taking place?

I should be sorry to know that it was taking place on a considerable

scale. I agree that we must do everything we possibly can now to ensure that the rabbit population does not build up.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the general inquiry into farm institute education has commenced; and when he expects to issue a report.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 24th November last, in which I explained that I do not propose to appoint the committee of inquiry until the latter part of this year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is considerable feeling in the countryside about the number of empty places in the farm institutes and that this form of agricultural education is being neglected?

I deplore very much the fact that, as the hon. Member said, there are vacancies in the farm institutes. The vacancies are much greater in number in some parts of the country than in others, but for the reasons which I gave in the Answer to which I have referred, I believe that the right time to hold this inquiry will be to appoint a committee towards the end of the present year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the present stocks of potatoes in the country.

Any statistical estimates of this kind would be unreliable; but for the time being there are plentiful supplies on offer at reasonable prices.

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that 150,000 tons of potatoes were imported in the middle of April just to avoid the Dutch embargo and that most of these are still available on the market for consumers?

There were very heavy imports during April.

All going bad.

I do not think I can go beyond what I have said—that at the moment there are plentiful supplies available, but during the last two weeks imports have been at a very low level indeed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, on the basis of inaccurate and out-of-date figures, he misled the public into believing that there was a real shortage of potatoes, whereas the shortage was quite artificial, as the recent importers of Dutch potatoes have found to their cost?

On the contrary. What I said has turned out to be exactly true. I advised the public to show restraint as long as the price remained very high. Now that the price has come down substantially, I have no doubt that the public will decide that the potato bought at its present price is good value.

Is the Minister aware that the "Fruit Trades Journal" says this week that a threat of price control would burst the bubble of high prices without damage to anybody?

I have given my answer to that on previous occasions.

l asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average wholesale price of potatoes immediately before 14th April, 1956, and what is the present average wholesale price.

Information is not available to ascertain a single average price covering all markets, varieties, and quantities of imported and home-grown main-crop potatoes. Since 14th April, wholesale prices of home-grown potatoes have declined by up to £5 a ton; and of sound imported potatoes by up to £15 a ton.

Is not this fall in price largely attributable to the prompt action of the importers, at their own considerable risk of loss, in importing large quantities of potatoes before the foreign export market was closed down?

I think that those critics of the middle-men should remember that this is an instance where the merchant and middle-man, in the performance of his proper duty in ensuring as far as he can supplies to the consumer, does so sometimes at considerable financial risk.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a firm assurance that no public money will be used to subsidise importers who have burnt their fingers in so importing?

I do not think that that is likely to arise.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that after a strike lasting for more than six months, it has now been decided in the Cammell Laird shipyard who shall fix the metal sheets in the insulated spaces of ships under construction there; and if he will now indicate what steps are being taken to resolve the second part of the dispute, namely, as to who is to drill the holes in the sheets, so that work on the construction of the ships may finally proceed.

With regard to the first part of the Question relating to the fixing of metal sheets an award was recently made by an Arbitration Court appointed by my right hon. Friend. With regard to the second part of the Question relating to the drilling work, this is being dealt with under the industry's 1912 Agreement, as recommended by the Committee of Inquiry appointed by my right hon. Friend in March.

Has my hon. Friend been able to find out the reasons why this apparently straightforward dispute has been able to be spun out for so many months? Is it not clear that if a dispute of this kind has proved so difficult, the problems of automation in this field may prove to be insurmountabe?

I can hardly agree with my hon. Friend's description of this as a straightforward dispute. On the contrary, it has been most complicated and difficult. I deplore as much as anybody the strike and the effect it has had, but it is no use imagining that this sort of dispute can be resolved in any other way than by agreement.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he proposes to take to see that industrial disputes of the kind which have arisen in the Standard Motor Company, Coventry, are avoided in the future.

My right hon. Friend has already said that the best way to avoid friction over the introduction of new machinery and new methods of working is for firms to consider in their planning from the beginning how this will affect their workers and bring them into early discussion. The personnel management advisers of my Ministry are available to help firms with advice on questions of consultation, planned recruitment, labour budgeting, re-training and transfers.

While I admit that the Standard Motor Company is a non-federated concern and that their policy has been equivalent to repudiation of the national agreement between the national engineering employers and the trade unions, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that clause 12 of that agreement states that when a depression in trade takes place a systematic short time shall be worked, where practicable, in preference to discharging men?

In view of the fact that we have had full employment for 15 years and all our fellow-countrymen have been making a great contribution, should it not be the duty of the Ministry to see that clause 12 applies in order that available employment may be spread over all those who have played a part in full employment?

It has long been the policy of my Ministry, under successive Governments, to allow these matters to be settled by the proper industrial machinery and by joint consultation between the two sides. I am not prepared to comment on the rights or wrongs of the discussions which are now going on at Standards, and I am sure that the whole House is glad that work has been resumed.

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that the conclusion to be drawn from this incident is that we must have a far greater degree of industrial planning in areas such as Coventry and Birmingham, where one great industry is now beginning to contract? Does he not also agree that from this angle it is not sufficient to say that there are so many vacancies on the books, but that rather we must look at the industries which we can put into an area where a big industry is contracting?

As my right hon. Friend has emphasised several times recently, and as his predecessor did also on several occasions, we believe that early consultation between the trade unions and employers is essential.

And the carrying out of agreements.

Certainly, and the carrying out of agreements. That is the basis of our industrial relations in this country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the Report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on Automation.

The Report was published yesterday and copies are available in the Vote Office. We hope it will receive wide_ spread and careful study. As my right hon. Friend stated in answer to questions on 8th May, he intends to discuss the question of automation, in the light of the Report, with the National Joint Advisory Council.

Whilst thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he will, through the National Joint Advisory Council, encourage higher wages and shorter hours to absorb the vastly increased output from automation, and to avoid redundancy, as urged by the engineering unions? Also would he agree that the one thing these wonderful new machines cannot do is to buy a plate of fish and chips, a suite of furniture or a suit of clothing, and therefore that purchasing power must be increased?

I would rather allow all sides on the National Joint Advisory Council to express their own considered views on this Report. I am sure that they will be wise ones, and I am sure that with that consultation the new changes can be introduced into this country to the great benefit of all sections of the community.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that although we all wish to congratulate the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on its fine technical Report, it does not really deal with the social and economic aspects of automation, which are the main consideration of Parliament? Could the Minister say whether there is likely to be a further inquiry by the Ministry or the Government in an attempt to give us a lead on the type of policy which the Government now propose to bring to us for dealing with the economic and social aspects of the coming automation?

I would like to join with the hon. Gentleman in his congratulations to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. As he will know, at the end of its Report there is a list of subjects which the Department recognised should be further investigated. Some of those are being looked into already, and when the National Joint Advisory Council considers the Report at its next meeting, no doubt further thought will be given to any action which may be necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now introduce legislation to facilitate the transfer of shares to employees in order that they may derive the fullest possible benefit from the development of automation.

No, Sir.

If there is to be cooperation between employers and employees in the development of automation, is it not reasonable that they should have every possible opportunity of sharing in any increased dividends that may accrue therefrom? Secondly, is the Minister aware that under certain provisions of the Finance Act there are undoubted discouragements to the transfer of shares to employees. Will he, therefore, consult his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to introducing necessary Amendments in order to remove these obstacles to co-partnership?

The Government certainly wish to see the extension of profit sharing and co-partnership, but we believe that it must be done on a voluntary basis by the agreement of both sides. We think that recent events have shown that companies are able to do it without any further legislation.

Will the hon. Gentleman, at least in the case of bonus share issues, consult the Chancellor with a view to the introduction of legislation to provide that a proportion of any bonus share issue goes to the workers in the industry concerned?

That is rather different from the Question on the Order Paper.

Will my hon. Friend make it clear that the benefits of automation, before they are shared out, have first to be obtained by selling the products of automation in foreign markets at lower prices and with better quality?

In giving consideration to the proposal made by the hon. Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Wade), will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are millions of people in occupations which cannot gain the benefit of automation? Many of us feel that it would be unjust and unwise to foster the idea that those who employ automation should benefit from its profitability to the detriment of those who cannot make use of it.

It should certainly be the objective of any scheme of co-partnership or profit sharing to ensure that the benefits are shared properly, not only with the workers, the owners of the capital and the management, but also with the consumers.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is still the rule that Members of Her Majesty's Government should not hold any other paid appointment whilst enjoying the pleasure of Her Majesty's Seal of Office.

The general principles governing these matters have been well known for many years. They were last formulated by my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) in this House on 25th February, 1952.

Yes, but can the Prime Minister say whether or not that would apply to such questions as the Foreign Secretary holding the Recordership for Wigan and the hon. and learned Gentleman the Solicitor-General holding the Recordership for Huddersfield and Hull, both of which carry, according to an Answer I received this week, salaries of £210 and £400 a year, respectively? Surely it is wrong that Ministers of the Crown should hold Recorderships, and receive payment for them, in addition to their Ministerial positions?

I do not know where the hon. Gentleman got his information. I have ascertained that my right hon. Friend and my hon. and learned Friend, who held Recorderships, relinquished them immediately on assuming Ministerial office.

Can I, in explanation, Sir, say to you and the House, that the Attorney-General said in reply to my Question, "appointments held". From that reply I naturally assumed, as my Question asked whether they were held, and the hon. and learned Gentleman said "They are held", that the Ministers concerned were still holding the positions.

I hope that now, in view of my answer, we can all live happily ever after.

asked the Prime Minister if he will broadcast a statement on international events during the Whitsun Recess.

It is my earnest hope that there will not be any international events during the Whitsun Recess.