asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the type of hire-purchase agreement criticised as improper by Judge Clothier in April and of which he has been informed.

The judge described the clause denying any warranty or guarantee in the goods sold as grossly improper and as an attempt to avoid the protection given to the public by the Hire-Purchase Act of 1938. He ruled that the clause had no legal effect. At the Board of Trade's request, the Hire-Purchase Trade Association has now circularised its members, drawing their attention to the relevant provisions of the Hire-Purchase Act, 1938.

In view of the previous conviction against this firm, when it and its associates were each fined £5,000 with 150 guineas costs in respect of dummy rental agreements, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be useful if the Hire-Purchase Act were amended so that it would be an offence to insert invalid clauses in hire-purchase agreements?

The insertion of an invalid clause has no effect at all. The Hire-Purchase Trade Association has warned its members that this is so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of pairs of rubber footwear imported from Hong Kong this year up to the latest convenient date; and what were the comparable figures for 1951 and 1955.

There were 9·9 million pairs in the first five months of 1956, compared with 1·7 million and 6·0 million in the corresponding periods of 1951 and 1955, respectively.

In view of the tremendous increase, will the right hon. Gentleman state whether there is any limit with regard to the importation of this type of footwear? Is he satisfied that the footwear was produced in Hong Kong?

The Question refers to footwear produced in Hong Kong, and so does the Answer. With regard to a limit, it is not our practice to impose quota restrictions against a Colonial Territory—and we have a very favourable balance of trade with Hong Kong.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cotton shirts have been imported this year up to the latest convenient date; and what were the comparable figures for 1951 and 1955.

In the first five months of 1956, 4·5 million men's and boys' woven shirts of all materials were imported, compared with 1·0 million and 2·5 million in the corresponding periods of 1951 and 1955, respectively. Cotton shirts are not separately distinguished in the trade returns.

Even though we have a very good trade balance with Hong King, is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some concern exists about the greatly increased importation of cotton shirts? Will he at least say whether he is satisfied with the situation?

So far as we can judge from the figures, which is difficult when we do not have the precise details available, it looks as though these imports represent less than 5 per cent. of the United Kingdom production. Although there may be some concern about the matter, I cannot regard these as conditions in which I should take some action which was inconsistent with our commercial policy.

Will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity of informing the British public that neither these cotton shirts nor the rubber boots referred to in an earlier Question compare at all well with similar products produced by British manufacturers in this country?

It is not for me to express an opinion as between different manufacturers, but there is no doubt that Lancashire produces goods of very great quality, and that they are commanding the overwhelming majority of the home market today.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why this substantial increase in imports of these cotton shirts has occurred between 1951 and today?

Because more people wish to buy them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the quantity production manufacturers in the motor car industry are demanding that agents selling their cars give up all other products; that many small country town garages are being given ultimatums; that franchises are renewable on 1st August; and if he will now refer this matter to the Monopolies Commission.

I have received no representations on this matter, though my information is that exclusive sale arrangements are becoming more common in the motor trade. I see no grounds at present for a reference to the Monopolies Commission.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the big five, in other words, Ford, the B.M.C., Vauxhall, Rootes and the Standard groups are now demanding that their agents should give up the sale of all other types of cars? Is he further aware that the small town agents, having laid in large stocks of tools and spares, stand to lose money by this? Is he prepared to do anything about it?

Sole agency arrangements are not an unusual feature of English commercial life. I should be quite prepared to consider the matter, and in certain circumstances it might be appropriate for reference to the Monopolies Commission, but I should not be announcing that in advance in any event.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the statement sent to the Government by the British Motor Corporation concerning the trading difficulties of the motor car industry which has necessitated discharging 6,000 employees; and what action he proposes to take to obviate the difficulties specified.

I have read the Press accounts of the statement made by the British Motor Corporation. I agree that the future of this industry depends on its success in developing export markets. This demands quality products at the lowest possible costs.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the difficulties facing the Austin Motor Company is that it is unable to export spare parts for Austin trucks exported to Turkey owing to exchange difficulties, and, in consequence, spare parts are being manufactured by Germany and exported to Turkey? Is this not an intolerable situation for the manufacturers, and will not the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?

I am always ready to look into difficulties of this kind regarding any exporting industries, but my feeling is that the difficulties of the British Motor Corporation go a good deal wider than this.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consult the National Advisory Council of the Motor Industry concerning the present crisis in the motor car industry; and if he will make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now call together the leaders of the motor car industry and launch a new campaign, supported and assisted by the Government, to recapture the export markets lost in the last three years.

The present situation in the motor car industry was discussed at the meeting of the Advisory Council on 27th June, at which I presided. The proceedings of the Council are confidential. I am satisfied that the leaders of the motor car industry fully appreciate the importance of increasing their exports.

I appreciate the fact that at long last the President himself has met this Advisory Council. Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in present circumstances, it is reasonable to expect him to make a statement to the House about how far he can assist this industry after the representations made from both sides?

An extensive debate on this matter took place only recently.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that I am trying to help him by my questions and to urge him on? Whatever he may have done in the past, would he not agree that, in present circumstances, he should take some major initiative?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would indicate what it is.

Regarding the promotion of exports, can my right hon. Friend say whether any progress is being made about getting our vehicles into China?

The export of ordinary motor cars to China is altogether free from strategic control.

If the President has to ask the Opposition what to do, why cannot he do what Sir Stafford Cripps did in the years after the war?

I hardly think it would be wise to pursue in too much detail the activities of the Socialist Government in the post-war years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the value of all imports on which protective duty was imposed on an ad valorem basis during 1955 shown separately under the relevant Import Duties Acts; and if he will give the amount of protective duty received under each Act which was charged on an ad valorem basis.

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade to give separately the value of protective import duties on food imported into the United Kingdom in 1955 chargeable on a specific basis and an ad valorem basis; and the import value of such dutiable food.

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps he has taken since the visit to this country of Marshal Bulganin and Mr. Khrushchev to increase the volume of Anglo-Soviet trade;

A delegation of Russian experts will arrive in London this week-end to discuss the Soviet purchasing programme submitted during the visit of Mr. Bulganin and Mr. Khrushchev, and I hope that these discussions will result in an increase in our export trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very welcome increase in some of the figures of Anglo-Soviet trade for the first quarter of this year, particularly in re-exports? Will he do everything to speed these negotiations to a successful conclusion, bearing in mind that in this sphere the abandonment of some controls might be a useful step forward?

The trade which we are seeking to do is outside the strategic controls. We welcome this visit, which will help to clarify the discussions which took place during the visit of Mr. Bulganin and Mr. Khrushchev, and I hope that it will result in an increase in trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the growth of public concern at the restrictive practices being put into effect in petrol distribution; and if he is now in a position to make a statement on the reference of this matter to the Monopolies Commission.

I have nothing to add at present to the Answer given to the hon. Lady by my hon. and learned Friend on 17th April.

That does not get us very much further. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a questionnaire was issued to the public recently by the Motor Accessories Manufacturers' Association, and that 81 per cent. of the people who replied said that petrol should not be sold as a product of just one company? Is the Minister prepared to do something about that?

We debated these matters at some length a short time ago, when I said that this particular range of practices of petrol companies was probably a matter which would be referable to the Monopolies Commission and would fall for consideration when a reference was made—but we do not announce references in advance.

In his first reply, the Minister said that he is not prepared to do anything at the moment. Are we to take it from that that he is considering doing something at a later date?

I am always considering these matters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences he intends issuing for the importation in 1956–57 of strawberry pulp; what will be their total value; and

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many first feature films were under production in Britain at the latest date for which figures are available; how this compares with the number under production a year and two years ago, respectively; and if he is satisfied that production is sufficient to enable the present quota to be maintained.

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

I am sure that my hon. Friends will consider these figures most carefully. Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is concern in certain parts of the country, particularly in my constituency, at the slow take-up of the present strawberry crop due to the build-up of the old crop and the prospect of too many imports which would depress the price to the home grower?

What is "strawberry pulp", and for what is it used?

I believe it to be pulp made of strawberries used for jam making.

No record of films under production is kept. First-feature film quotas were fixed on the advice of the Cinematograph Films Council, and I see no reason to doubt this advice.

Will not the President make some inquiries into the position? Is not he aware that figures have been published recently in the cinema trade Press showing a serious drop in film production, and also that some companies are taking their films out of the country because of the lack of studio facilities owing to so many studios having gone out of business? Will he not make some inquiries, because this trend would seriously jeopardise the maintenance of the quota system?

I am making a number of inquiries at the moment into the whole question of film policy, as the hon. Member knows, and I should prefer not to add to my answer at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the number of first-class hotels in London is now inadequate to cater for the needs of overseas tourists visiting the United Kingdom; and what steps he is taking to see that adequate hotel facilities are available to meet the growing demand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the increase in the number of overseas tourists and United Kingdom visitors to Wales has revealed the inadequacy of suitable hotel accommodation in the Principality; and what steps he is taking to facilitate the provision of adequate hotel accommodation to cater for the increasing demand.

My Department will be as helpful as it can to anyone who is interested in providing additional hotel accommodation anywhere in Great Britain, which is intended primarily to cater for overseas visitors.

In view of the continued shortage of hotel space in London, will my right hon. Friend consider calling the attention of American capitalists to this very useful contribution which they could make to our economy?

I have been in touch with a number of Americans, some of whom, though not all, were interested in investing capital in this way.

What powers has my right hon. Friend to help? He said that his Department would be "helpful". Will he bear in mind the Empire Games and other events which are taking place?

My powers certainly do not include putting up public funds for the provision of hotel accommodation.

Cannot representations be made by the right hon. Gentleman to the Minister of Works so that hotels and buildings of this kind can be provided rather than new petrol stations and other inessential buildings?

Naturally, the Minister of Works and I keep in contact at all times.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is still the policy of the Government to restrain expansion of industry and employment in the Greater London area; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. I have nothing to add to the reply made to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton) on 22nd November last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recent figures of factory approvals have raised anxiety that the Government may be weakening on what we thought was the non-party policy of restraining the expansion of London, and, if that is so, it will make insoluble the housing situation in the Central London area?

On examination, I think the right hon. Gentleman will find that many of these approvals are extensions of industries which have proved successful in the area. It is difficult, and indeed may be wrong, to refuse industrial development certificates in that situation.

Does not the President realise that almost all new factory building is extension, and that if he carried out his doctrine to anything like 100 per cent. we should lose control? I hope he realises that, as I am sure he will if he examines the figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that British exports are suffering unfair competition in that tweed cloth made in Germany is being sold in Scandinavia bearing the description, "Woven in the Highlands", in English on the selvedge; and if he will make representations to the West-East German Governments to have this unscrupulous practice brought to an end.

I was not aware of this practice, but if my hon. Friend will let me have details, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

Has not the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to the recent statement by a Bradford manufacturer at the Bradford Round Table that he had actually seen on the selvedge of merchandise made in Germany the words in English, "Made in the Highlands" and that these efforts to imitate such well-known quality articles as Harris tweed cause a great deal of concern to those who manufacture them?

If I could be given full details of the whereabouts of this cloth and who are the manufacturers, I shall be happy to look into the matter.

Will the President also have a look at the alleged "Scotch whisky" made in and exported from Japan?

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what percentage exports of textiles from this country to India have increased in the past 12 months.

By 41 per cent. in the 12 months ended May, 1956, compared with the previous 12 months.

I welcome this increase, but does it not indicate that, given a fair crack of the whip, Lancashire can still make headway in the textile markets? Will he impress this thought on our Indian friends at the present time?

I certainly consider these figures to be encouraging and to indicate that Lancashire can produce quality goods and command these markets. I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion and the course of action he proposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish in HANSARD a list of the persons employed in his Department who have to meet the cost of their postage, secretarial expenses, telephone charges, living away from home, and all other expenses wholly and necessarily incurred in carrying out their duties on behalf of his Department from their State salary.

There are none, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the reply I anticipated? Is he further aware that I am very pleased that he does not treat his staff as shabbily as the Chancellor of the Exchequer treats Members of Parliament?

So far as I am aware, I am the only person in the Department who has secretarial expenses and telephone charges and has not the advantage extended to Members of Parliament of being able to charge them against my Income Tax.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many reductions in the quota for tiles exported to Australia from Britain have been made during the past 12 months; what is the permitted value for the next annual period as compared with 1950–51; and whether he will make representations to the Australian Government on behalf of the British tile industry for an increased quota.

There have been four reductions in the quotas for floor and wall tiles and two reductions for other kinds of tiles. Quotas are licensed to importers individually, and comparison with 1950–51 is therefore impracticable; but the quotas have in both cases been reduced by some 60 per cent. over the past 12 months. These cuts, which apply to imports from all sources, have been made necessary by Australia's balance of payments difficulties and, much as we regret it, we cannot reasonably question the Australian Government's decision to take such action.

Does not the President agree that even the 1950–51 period was a poor year for exports of tiles? Is it not possible to make representations to our friends in Australia, who, after all, provide our best market?

As the hon. Member knows, I am at present in conversation with the Australian Minister of Commerce on the whole question of our trade relations.

Is not the real fact that the Treasury, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the rest of the Government have a completely "phoney" idea of the use of credit?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fall in the volume of exports of domestic pottery for the first five months of 1956 as compared with the corresponding period in 1955, what steps he will take to stimulate an improvement in these exports.

My Department continues to give all the assistance it can to the domestic pottery industry in export matters, but success must depend in the main on the efforts which the industry itself is making to obtain more export business.

Will not the President at least inform the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the savage imposition of 30 per cent. Purchase Tax has meant that fine bone china is not being exported to the same extent that it was; that it has disappeared from home consumption; that workers and craftsmen are leaving the industry, and what the motor car industry has suffered is what we in the pottery industry are now suffering?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of Cyprus potatoes were imported into Scotland in June.

The trade figures for June are not yet available.

Has the Minister no consideration or sympathy for Ayrshire farmers whose crops are increasing this year but whose markets have been ruined by imports from Cyprus. They want to know why the right hon. Gentleman is subsidising terrorism in Cyprus and Imperialist deportations to the Seychelles?

The only case I am sustaining is that the figures for June are not available.

What are the figures of imports from Cyprus for May? How much was imported in May?

The total of new potatoes imported was 93,000 cwts. in May, 1956.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to find alternative industry for the factory in Shotts which will be vacant as a result of the decision of Francis Sumner and Company Limited.

No definite decision has been conveyed to me by the tenant. But, on the assumption that the factory may shortly be vacant, we are doing all we can to interest prospective tenants in it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, on Monday of this week, I had a letter from the firm saying that it had decided to terminate the lease? Surely that decision would be given to the Minister's Department in Scotland. Will the Minister give me an assurance that from this moment, now that he knows the decision is taken, every step will be pursued to find alternative employment?

I had already started to take steps before the information reached me. The letter has not reached me, but steps are in train at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will instruct the Brighton tax collectors not to issue a distress warrant in the case, particulars of which the honourable Member for Brighton, Pavilion, has forwarded to him, in view of the fact that more is owed by the Government in this case than is claimed by the Inland Revenue; and whether he will amend his regulations so that where a person owes less in income tax than the amount of post-war credits he holds but cannot cash, no proceedings shall be taken against him.

No, Sir. The possibility of distraint arose because of the taxpayer's failure to respond to an invitation to call at the collector's office to discuss his debt of some £10, which dates from 1950. My hon. Friend has perhaps not realised that the course he suggests would enable millions of post-war credit holders, by withholding payment of tax, to obtain the equivalent of immediate cash for their credits.

Does my right hon. Friend realise, as I did not realise, until the publicity given to this matter in the Press, how many very small people owing very small amounts of money are being brutally pressed by Income Tax collectors? Does he not think, since all Governments have not done their duty after the war with regard to post-war credits, that either these credits should be impounded and taken against money owing to the Government, if it is less than £45 post-war credits, as in this case, or whatever the sum may be, or that it should in some way be used as a credit and that nothing should be done against the person if he is proved to be in financial difficulties?

I have pointed out to my hon. Friend the difficulty in his suggestion. As to the taking of undue action against this particular taxpayer, when a man leaves a tax debt of £10 outstanding for six years, the collector must do something.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated annual saving to the Treasury would be if, similarly to Members of Parliament, all civil servants and State employees had their wages or salaries frozen at their present level and the cost of their postage, telegrams, telephones, stationery, travel, living away from home expenses, secretarial expenses and all other expenses necessarily incurred by them in carrying out their duties to the State were met from their State or Civil Service pay.

The hon. Member's Question reaches out into realms of hypothesis where I find it impossible to frame any reliable estimate.

Is the Minister aware that again I rather thought that would be the sort of reply I would get. Can he explain why there is this differentiation between the Civil Service and Members of Parliament and why, out of all the millions of people in the country, the only ones whom the Government insist should be treated in this way are Members of Parliament?

The hon. Gentleman has a later Question, Question No. 52, which bears on this matter.

On a point of order. The Minister says there is another Question, which may or may not be reached. Is he entitled to say that he will answer a Question which may or may not be reached in answer to a question I have just put to him? Surely he should answer this question.

There is nothing out of order in that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that many Members of Parliament were formerly employed in the service of the Crown and may not return to this service while still maintaining their Parliamentary position and salary; and since an increase in Members' salaries has been refused if he will introduce legislation to enable Members to return to their previous employment under the Crown while still maintaining their Parliamentary position and salary.

No, Sir. I can indeed perceive difficulties if an individual's duty required him as a civil servant to advise Ministers in private and as a Member of Parliament to criticise them in public.

I also appreciate the difficulty. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been said that Members of Parliament should go out and find other income? While that may be all right for hon. Members who can find employment as company directors, lawyers and the like, it is impossible for miners to go out and dig coal, even if it were physically possible for them to work in the two jobs. If the right hon. Gentleman cannot give the right to go back to their former jobs, will he do something to give an adequate salary to enable hon. Members to carry on this job?

I admire the ingenuity of the hon. Member in framing this Question, but I do not think it is the best way of solving the problem of Members' salaries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to minimise the delay in deciding on applications to the Capital Issues Committee.

Everyone who handles these applications is anxious that they should be decided as soon as possible, and about half the cases are considered by the Committee within ten days of the application being received.

Would my hon. Friend look at the case, details of which I sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the other day, in which application has been made for a short-term loan for five months, yet it took six weeks to get the reply? Does he realise that this reduces the whole machinery to a complete mockery and is earning nothing but disrespect for it?

Yes, I looked most carefully into this case, and I am sorry about it. I am writing to my hon. Friend about it. The trouble was that two Government Departments had to be consulted first.

Is the Economic Secretary aware that many people in this House think that the Capital Issues Committee has rather lost its head so far as the motor car industry is concerned?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the Government's policy in regard to the project of a common market in Europe, at present being considered by representatives of Germany, France, Italy, and the Benelux countries.

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the Answer he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Aberdeenshire (Sir R. Boothby) on 19th June.

Is the Economic Secretary not aware that the Government have had plenty of time to think about this problem, and does he not agree that it would be quite disastrous if Europe were to move towards a common market and leave this country isolated outside?

This is a most important matter, as I think the hon. Member will agree, and too important to debate at Question Time.

The subject is being raised tonight on the Adjournment, I understand.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider establishing an independent committee, along the lines of the Capital Issues Committee, to which could be referred applications for the sale to foreign companies of British companies which produce raw materials.

My right hon. Friend has considered this interesting proposal, but has come to the conclusion that no useful purpose would be served by such a committee. He is satisfied that present arrangements secure for him all the advice he needs in making decisions in these cases.

Would it not be best to have an independent committee looking at these applications from British companies using raw materials and wishing to sell out to foreign companies, particularly having regard to the fact that there is another company, the Trinidad Petroleum Development Company, that is coming forward? Is he also aware that, if the Russians came forward with a big offer of gold for our Malayan rubber fields, I would have no confidence that the Treasury would turn it down?

Reverting to the question on the Order Paper, my right hon. Friend has considered this proposal carefully and thinks that the weight of advantage is against it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the take-over of British companies by United States concerns is assisted by the Profits Tax concessions made available under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1947; and if he will amend those provisions.

Section 39 of the Finance Act, 1947, gives relief from the higher Profits Tax rate on distributions made by a United Kingdom company to a foreign company which controls not less than half its voting power. This relief is in fact the counterpart of reliefs given to United Kingdom companies in corresponding circumstances by the United States and other countries under double taxation agreements. I do not think that its withdrawal would be justified.

While the taxation provisions may be reciprocal, the economic arrangements between the two countries are hardly of a parity today. In view of the fact that in the case of the Trinidad Oil Company about £200,000 of last year's taxation would not have been paid by the American holding company, does he not think that this advantage makes it possible for companies in the United States and elsewhere to make these bids? Does he not think that in the present circumstances there is a case for looking at this matter again?

With respect, I do not think that this would make a substantial difference in the taxation position of the Trinidad Oil Company. I was aware of this point before the hon. Member put it down as a Question and I have given a considered reply, but I grant that it is a matter on which there might be differences of opinion.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that this is another indication that the general level of taxation in this country is too high?

When the right hon. Gentleman talks about reciprocity in the law between the two countries, can he tell the House of any instance of an English company which will profit by such reciprocity? Does he know of any English company which proposes to take over any United States concern in the way in which the Trinidad Oil Company was taken over? If so, will he tell us which are these companies?

If I may say so, this Question has very little relevance to the case of the Trinidad Oil Company. There are many United Kingdom companies which are benefiting from the reciprocal arrangements. I would point out to the House that this difficulty would entirely disappear if the Chancellor of the Exchequer were at some time to accept the recommendation of the Royal Commission about having a flat rate of tax instead of a differential tax, and that question is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange that Premium Bonds can be marked to enable owners who do not wish to receive publicity to state their desires.

I would ask the hon. Member to await the further details of the scheme which my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General hopes to make public in a few weeks' time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on football pools entrants can mark an X if they do not wish to have publicity? Would it not be a pity if certain people who purchased these bonds changed their minds and later on found that they had won a prize and were subjected to publicity?

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion, which seems to have intriguing features.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the tender consciences of hon. Members opposite?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further proposals he has to make for protecting the sterling area's gold and dollar reserve and preserving the exchange value of the £.

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend's Answer of 12th June and speech of 3rd July, to which I have nothing to add.

Will not the Chancellor of the Exchequer be taking a grave responsibility if he drifts on into the difficult autumn months without taking the power recommended this week by the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire (Sir R. Boothby)? Have the Government power to introduce building licensing without further legislation?

The right hon. Gentleman knows the answer to that Question very well. It has been discussed on many occasions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many elderly people living on small fixed incomes are spending their savings to meet the present cost of living; and, in view of his desire to encourage saving, what steps he proposes to take to give these people an equal chance with those who have money to save to take advantage of the incentives to save.

My right hon. Friend is very conscious of the difficulties which many such people are experiencing and we have included in successive Budgets specific measures to help them. The best way to help them, however, is to safeguard the stability of the national economy, and that is the main object of our present economic policy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that does not answer my Question? Could he give me a specific answer how people who are now spending from savings are to get savings in order to gain the incentive which present-day savers can get? Is he aware that the whole treatment of small-income groups in the past is monstrous? When is he going to take some action about it?

I feared that my hon. Friend would be at me with her hammers.

Jolly good ones.

The Government have twice done something for people with small investment incomes and have also raised the income limit for small-income relief. Safeguarding the stability of the economy is the best service we can render them.

Is the Economic Secretary aware that he is not answering any question at all? As it is due to Government policy that the cost of living is rising, will he not give a satisfactory answer to the hon. Lady behind him?

I thought I gave very satisfactory details.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask for your guidance as to how I can give notice to raise this matter on the Adjournment, as it includes legislation and we are not allowed to discuss legislation on the Adjournment?

The hon. Lady can give such a notice, but if the matter does include legislation her notice would be ineffective.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the difficult economic situation, if he will make a statement in respect of the increase in bank overdrafts by £24 million between January and May of this year; and what action he proposes to take to deal with the matter.

My right hon. Friend studies the position closely. The total of bank advances in May, 1956 (including of course those to the public utilities) was £205 million less than in May, 1955, and the increase of £24 million between February and May of this year compares with an increase of £95 million in the same period last year. My right. hon. Friend has noted the smaller total increase over the quarter in the face of seasonal trends; and also the signs of a contrast in treatment between, for example, personal overdrafts which fell by £66 million over the year, and the rise in advances to the engineering industries.

Does not the Minister appreciate that the credit squeeze is dealing very harshly with small business men? Is it not also obvious that the big boys, in accordance with Tory tradition, are getting away with it? How much longer is this miserable policy to be continued?

My impression, and that of my right hon. Friend, is that bank managers have carried out a difficult task with great discretion and skill. The figures I have given today show that it is not true to say that productive investment has taken the brunt of this. On the contrary, personal advances have been squeezed heavily.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a report in the financial columns of a leading newspaper states that one very large manufacturer in the last few months has been able to double his company's overdraft for the mere purpose of holding stocks because of a shortage of sales in the recent credit squeeze? Is it right that bank overdrafts should be used to hold stocks rather than cutting prices to get rid of stocks and allowing overdrafts to people who want to do some productive development?

It would not be right for me to comment on an individual case, least of all without notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the results achieved by the Streets Groups Organisation of the Liverpool Savings Committee, he will take steps to ensure that the methods of the Liverpool organisation are studied, with a view to their wider application in other parts of the country.

Yes, Sir. The National Savings Committee has arrangements by which knowledge of successful methods of organisation are quickly brought to the notice of leaders of the movement in all parts of the country. I am glad to recognise the great value of the work done by the keen and energetic savings workers of Liverpool.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the undertakings given by the boards of nationalised industries that they will not increase prices and charges for a certain period, if he will now issue an appeal to the private sections of industry to take similar action.

The attitude of the Government in their talks with both sides of industry was defined by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his reply on 19th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne). My right hon. Friend does not propose to supplement this with specific appeals.

Is the Economic Secretary aware that we can end inflation and lower the cost of living only provided the private sector of industry follows the example of nationalised industry and stabilises prices over a definite period? Will he press that on his right hon. Friend?

I fully recognise the sincerity of the hon. Member in these matters, but if he looks back to the Answers of the Prime Minister, I think he will find the answer to that question.

Will the hon. Gentleman at least see that the Government, which own a considerable number of shares in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, use influence with that company to stop it increasing petrol and oil prices within the next 12 months?

That is not the Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received regarding the desirability of amending Section 6 of the Finance Act, 1908, so as to impose upon county councils an obligation to send out postal reminders to dog owners of the impending expiration of dog licences; and why he has not taken action as a result of such representations.

Very few, Sir. I think the issue of such reminders should remain within the discretion of the local authorities, who collect and spend the money.

Is it not a fact that benches of magistrates have criticised the procedure and a number of prosecutions have taken place which were quite unnecessary? Is it not a fact that reminders are sent about driving licences, television and wireless licences? Could not that be the common practice in regard to dog licences?