asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the results to Scottish trade of participation of Scottish firms and industries in the International Fisheries Trade Fair in Copenhagen in September, 1957; and whether it is his policy to promote a similar international fisheries trade fair in Scotland in 1958.

My right hon. Friend has no doubt that the display of products sponsored by the Aberdeen Fishing Vessel Owners' Association at last year's Trade Fair in Copenhagen has served to draw attention abroad to the high quality of Aberdeen fish, but he cannot say whether there has been any expansion in trade as a result. My right hon. Friend has passed on to the Scottish Council (Development & Industry) the suggestion that a similar Fair might be promoted in Scotland.

While thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask if he realises that Scottish fish, particularly Aberdeen fish, is sold in Africa, Canada, the United States and even in mid-European countries, and an international fair such as I suggest would do much to enlarge the trade, which at present is not as much as it might be?

Yes, I agree with the hon. and learned Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many old people in Scotland, and of what ages, will be secured in their homes by his proposed amendment to the law affecting landlord and tenant; and for what periods he estimates they will be so secured.

My right hon. Friend has no means of making an estimate of this kind. Under the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Bill, it is for the sheriff to decide the period for which an order for possession may be suspended. The maximum periods are nine months on a first application and six months at any one time on subsequent applications.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that he is not giving sufficient attention to what is a very urgent social problem? These old people need full and careful attention. Will his Department give attention to this matter to see that these people are properly provided for?

The Bill now being discussed in Committee does just that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the discussions he has been having with various interests regarding grey seals have now been completed; and whether he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot yet add to the Answer he gave to my hon. Friend on the 21st March.

While thanking my noble Friend for that reply, may I ask, if I put down another Question after Whitsuntide, whether he will be able to deal with it?

I cannot say when we shall be able to go any further, but I hope it will be very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will adopt the English practice in Scotland of paying grant-aid for drainage, water supplies and similar work direct to contractors and thus relieving small farmers of the burden of finding the whole cost of such improvements, part of which is repayable by grant to them at the present time.

It is the normal practice in Scotland to pay the grant to the farmer, but at his request it may be paid direct to the contractor.

Would it not be a very great help to the small farmer if the payments could be made in all cases to the contractor as that would save the small farmer having to raise the capital, pay for the full cost of the improvement and get it back afterwards? Does my noble Friend recollect that in the Farm Prices Review the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said he would do something for the small farmer? Might this not be one of the things he could do?

Yes, Sir. This point, among others, is being considered in that context.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the official proposals by the Prime Minister of Canada for the encouragement of reciprocal trade with Great Britain; and what steps he is taking to ensure that Scotland shall secure its due proportion of Canadian trade.

The proposal made by the Prime Minister of Canada is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will continue to keep in close touch with him, and also with anyone else who is working for the expansion of Scottish exports to Canada.

Why does the Minister try to shove this on to the President of the Board of Trade? Does he realise that the Prime Minister of Canada is here handing him an unrivalled opportunity for developing the trade of Scotland and he is neglecting it? Is it not a disgraceful attitude for him to take? Will he try to mend his ways?

The answer is that it is the constitutional responsibility of the President of the Board of Trade and not of the Secretary of State. It would surely be undesirable to duplicate the very comprehensive organisation of the Board of Trade by setting up Scottish Departments parallel with it.

Would the Secretary of State, in his responsibility for the oversight of Scottish prosperity, call the attention of the Board of Trade to the close connections between the populations of Scotland and Canada and to the fact that more use should be made of this reciprocal friendship in binding the trade of the two nations together? Not enough has been done to utilise the latent reserve of friendship which comes from these sources. More might be done to promote trade between Scotland and Canada, independently of what may be done in the rest of the United Kingdom.

I am quite certain that the President of the Board of Trade is well aware of that. If he had not been aware of it, he would certainly have been made aware of it after his visit to Canada last week.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the recent report from the United Nations World Health Organisation showing an increase in the number of deaths from lung cancer during the last eight years, he will take steps to intensify the campaign showing the relationship between this disease and smoking.

Local health authorities and education authorities were asked in June last year to consider taking steps to bring effectively to public notice the opinion in the Medical Research Council Report on Smoking and Lung Cancer. My right hon. Friend is taking steps to assess the results before considering whether further measures can usefully be taken.

Meanwhile, can the hon. Gentleman say how the Scottish figures of deaths due to lung cancer compare with those produced by the World Health Organisation? Are they higher or lower? Further, can he indicate how many Scottish education authorities are utilising the films which, I understand, are available on this subject?

On the hon. Gentleman's first point, I would ask him to put down a separate Question. On his second point, I understand that education authorities were asked to inform the Department of the measures taken, that several have made inquiries about films, and that a B.B.C. film is being made available.

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware of the campaign now starting in Edinburgh, following the examination of the population of that city for tuberculosis? He may be aware that those examinations have revealed a number of cases of lung cancer, and that Edinburgh is starting a dramatic campaign on this very subject. Could he not give a little more prompt encouragement to the other authorities to follow suit, because this disease is increasing at a really alarming rate?

I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's concern, but my right hon. Friend feels that we need more information and the views of the local authorities before he decides what more should be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which sanatoria the regional hospital boards in Scotland have decided to close; and what use they intend to make of them.

In the light of the improved tuberculosis position, regional hospital boards are now considering the future use of those sanatoria which are no longer required for their present purpose. When the necessary local consultations have been completed, my right hon. Friend hopes to make a comprehensive statement on the subject.

When giving consideration to these matters, will the Secretary of State make certain that any sanatorium that might become vacant will be used for such purposes as the care of the old people, rather than sending them to mental institutions, or for care of those mentally defective children for whom, at present, there is no institution at all?

This is primarily a matter for the boards to decide. They must decide how the resources which are becoming available in terms of staff, finance and buildings can best be used in the future. I appreciate the hon. Lady's concern, which, I think, is shared by all of us. In the present financial situation, it seems likely that boards may find it necessary to place at least some of these sanatoria on a care-and-maintenance basis for the time being.

But, surely, would it not be dreadful to place any of them on a care-and-maintenance basis, when so many old people are spending their last few weeks in mental institutions and so many of our children in Scotland badly need institutional care?

The hon. Lady will realise, I think, that for the aged sick small and isolated hospitals are not always so suitable as beds associated with the general hospital, with all its facilities, which may also become available.

May I support the hon. Lady the Member for Lanarkshire, North (Miss Herbison) in making a plea for the provision, wherever possible, and even for short periods and on a temporary basis, of some kind of accommodation for old people, who greatly need it at this time?

And may I plead with the Joint Under-Secretary to bear in mind that a few years ago, when there was great need for accommodation for tuberculosis sufferers, arrangements were made to have them treated in Switzerland? There is no longer that need, nor is there the same need for so much accommodation for those suffering from tuberculosis in Scotland, but there is need for hospital accommodation for many other categories, and for these old people, particularly those who are handicapped in some measure. If that be the case, surely it is for the Secretary of State to take the initiative in seeing that the available accommodation is properly used, rather than to leave the matter to the hospital boards, who might well be limited by finance?

I have no wish to be obstructive or unsympathetic in this matter, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a matter for the regional boards in the first place. As I have said, my right hon. Friend hopes to make a comprehensive statement on the subject in the fairly near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation which will prevent landlords resuming possession of land without giving reasonable notice.

No, Sir. Resumption in pursuance of a stipulation in a lease is governed—and must, in my right hon. Friend's view, continue to be governed—by the contractual agreement between landlord and tenant.

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that a farmer in my constituency recently received a notice for resumption of two of his best fields—ten acres—and that, on the same day, the landlord ploughed up the land for trees? Does he think that that is right?

It would be wrong of me, I think, to express any opinion on that case. An arbiter having been called for, the matter is really sub judice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in conjunction with the other Ministers concerned, he will now take steps to enable ocean-going liners and large naval ships to berth at Princes Pier, Greenock.

The present berthing facilities at the Princes Pier are the responsibility of the Greenock Harbour Trust. It is for the Trust to formulate any proposals for their improvement.

Will not the hon. Gentleman consider acting in this matter as an economic catalyst, in bringing together all the various interests who might be able to find the money for this work? Is he aware that the last estimate for the work was only £70,000–3d. per head of the population of Scotland—which would repay itself twenty times over if this were done and an added stimulus given to the tourist trade thereby?

I will convey to my right hon. Friend what the hon. Member has said, but I would point out that, under existing legislation, the pier, not being an industrial undertaking, is not entitled to aid.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that only a few years ago the whole matter was being considered by the Admiralty and others concerned; and that what is required is the blowing up of a rock which at present prevents these ships approaching the Princes Pier at Greenock? This would be of the greatest service both to ocean-going liners and to naval craft, which could then line up at the pier?

That is a slightly different point from that in the Question. As I have said, I shall convey to my right hon. Friend what the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend have said.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that the Committee appointed to consider the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act, 1949, will, by way of public advertisement, invite evidence from appropriate organisations and individuals.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the Committee has itself taken the necessary action, both by communicating with particular organisations likely to be interested in the inquiry and by issuing a Press notice offering to consider evidence from any other body or person who might wish to give it.

Is not the Joint Under-Secretary aware that that method is rather circumscribed in its operation and denies to tens of thousands of small shopkeepers who may not have observed the Press advertisement the opportunity of submitting evidence on this very important matter?

Not only was there a general advertisement, but invitations were issued to local authority associations, legal societies, chambers of commerce, the Scottish Trades Union Congress, numerous associations of traders and a number of other bodies. However, if anybody feels they would like to give evidence, they should communicate with the Secretary of the Tenancy of Shops Committee, Room 370. St. Andvew's House, Edinburgh.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider recommending the appointment of a Royal Commission or other responsible independent committee to examine the possibility and practicability of alternative sources of local taxation.

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not think that any useful purpose would be served by instituting a further inquiry into this matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the last inquiry into this matter took place over thirty years ago? Why does his right hon. Friend now consider that that evidence is applicable to today's situation? Surely he is fully conscious—though, perhaps, that is somewhat doubtful—of the situation that exists as a result of Government legislation. Does he not agree that, when local authority revenues are being diminished year by year, it is absolutely essential that they should have some other form of revenue, such as would be likely to result from the recommendations of a Committee like this?

No, Sir. The Government consider that every inquiry has already been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings have been held by the special committee established by him to assist the tourist industry in Scotland; and what suggestions and recommendations it has made.

One meeting has been held, at which nearly a dozen Government Departments in Scotland, transport interests and the Scottish Tourist Board were represented; and it is proposed to hold further meetings at regular intervals.

The questions discussed included the improvement of transport facilities for tourists and of standards of accommodation; the further development of tourist attractions, such as bus tours, angling and pony-trekking; and the promotion of such tourist aids as sign-posting of beauty spots and the provision of lay-bys.

We are grateful for that reply, but might not the matter raised in Question No. 12 today by my hon. Friend the Member for Greenock (Dr. Dickson Mabon) be a suitable subject for placing on the agenda for the next meeting?

My right hon. Friend will give consideration to that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the meagre contributions of some local authorities to the Scottish Tourist Board; and whether he will help to extend its work by encouraging reasonable contributions from each council.

My noble Friend the Minister of State drew attention to this matter in his address to the Tourist Association of Scotland on 25th April. My right hon. Friend trusts that local authorities will note what my noble Friend said.

I welcome the noble Lord's contribution in this matter, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish Tourist Board is working on a mere bagatelle compared with, let us say, the Isle of Man, which spends on advertising the Isle of Man about six times what the Scottish Tourist Board has to spend? Should not a country which has some of the most beautiful tourist facilities in the world spend some money, and would it not be a good investment to make the tourist attractions of Scotland better known? Will the hon. Gentleman try to get some additional help for the Tourist Board in this good work?

I am sure that we are extremely grateful for the right hon. Gentleman's strong support in encouraging local authorities to make more generous contributions to the Scottish Tourist Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the wide range of services given to Scotland by the Scottish Tourist Board; and whether he will enable this work to be extended by additional grants for their work directly or indirectly from public funds.

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is very well aware of the valuable services given to Scotland by the Scottish Tourist Board. The Board receives payments from the British Travel and Holiday Association for overseas publicity work which it undertakes for the Association, but it is an independent body and has never sought direct financial assistance from the Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the reason that there is an independent body is that, in publicity abroad, it would probably be tied down to the Goschen formula, which, in this case, is not acceptable? Will he agree that Scotland has quite special offerings to make in the tourist trade, and that these things ought to be done in a friendly competitive spirit between Scotland and England?

Further, is he aware that the Travel Association is making no grants at all towards film publicity for the beauties of Scotland, and that that would be one of the best ways to make Scotland attractive abroad? Is he aware also that we are indebted to private enterprise in this connection for producing some very beautiful films of Scotland, but that a great deal more ought to be done, especially for the Tourist Board?

I should like to associate my right hon. Friend with what the right hon. Gentleman has said about the films produced. Again, however, I think that it would be most unwise to attempt to duplicate the network which the Board of Trade has abroad by special Scottish representation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that private landlords are increasing the rents of houses by more than 800 per cent., even when such houses are under £40 rateable value; and if he will introduce legislation to limit such increases to reasonable proportions.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to houses in Prinlaws. I can only repeat that, if they have not already done so, the tenants concerned should take legal advice on the question whether the Rent Restrictions Acts apply to their tenancies. The matter is not one in which my right hon. Friend has any standing to intervene.

The hon. Gentleman is quite right; it is Prinlaws about which I am concerned. How can he possibly justify colossal increases in rent of this nature on houses which are well over a hundred years old, which have no amenities whatever and are being operated by some of the biggest scoundrels in the business? Will the hon. Gentleman not just sit aside and say that it is a matter between landlord and tenant? Does he not realise that the tenants have had to take collections at the pit heads in order to collect money to fight the cases in the courts? How can the Government possibly stand aside if they believe in social justice at all?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, both my right hon. Friend and the local authorities have watched this matter very closely——

That is all they have done.

—but the issues are not for my right hon. Friend to pronounce upon. What is involved is a matter between landlord and tenant which may have to be decided in the courts.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the reasons which guided him in deciding not to sanction another new town in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply of 4th March to the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. T. Fraser).

Is the Joint Under-Secretary not aware that, since then, another voice has spoken and given a different decision? Is he not aware that the Minister of State has declared that there will not be another new town in Scotland? If that is the case, does he not appreciate that Glenrothes plus the tiny rivulets of overspill promoted under recent legislation will not solve Glasgow's housing problem in a hundred years. Is that what the hon. Gentleman wants?

I am afraid that I must correct the hon. Gentleman. We all speak with one voice in Scotland. My noble Friend the Minister of State has had very recent discussions with the Glasgow Corporation on this subject, and he then reaffirmed the Government's view that a further new town for Glasgow overspill is not excluded but that now is not the appropriate time to initiate another project on this scale.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Can you tell me the difference between what I said and what the Minister is now saying?

I am not concerned with those differences.

In view of that, I must give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the additional number of recruits necessary to bring the health visitors service up to required strength; and when he will announce his decisions in respect of the recommendations of the Working Party Report.

At the end of 1957, the staff employed in Scotland on health visiting duties corresponded almost exactly with the number recommended by the Working Party. Other recommendations are still being considered in consultation with the bodies concerned, and my right hon. Friend is not yet able to announce decisions.

The hon. Gentleman is aware that this Report was tendered to the Government two years ago. Is he aware of the growing volume of opinion in medical circles that a strong health visitor service would go a long way to help the prevention of mental illness, which is now one of the principal problems confronting the Health Service?

Yes, Sir; this is an important matter, and we shall try to complete the consultations as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take to assist local authorities following his consideration of the serious problem of turf commission agents' shops being used for illegal betting.

I am afraid that my right hon. Friend has so far been unable to discover any action that he can usefully take. He will be glad to consider the matter further in the light of any representations he may receive from local authorities, and my noble Friend the Minister of State is arranging to discuss one aspect of it with representatives of Dunbarton County Council at an early date.

In a previous Answer, the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend stated that the seriousness of the problem was recognised. Is it right that the time of public officers, such as police officers and health officers, should be squandered in visiting places of this character before licences are issued in respect of premises which are going to be used for illegal purposes?

Planning permission, of course, is given on planning grounds. Whether the premises are to be used for illegal purposes would have to be considered on its merits.

But, surely, the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends are aware that, when applications are tendered, it is known for what purposes the premises are going to be used? Is it not the duty of the Secretary of State for Scotland to find some way of helping local authorities to control this sordid business?

Not all turf commission agents are carrying on an illegal business. The matter has to be considered on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consult local authorities and other interested organisations with a view to making disabilities associated with old age notifiable to the local health department so that remedial action can be taken.

I believe that notification would involve a degree of supervision that many old people might resent. But my right hon. Friend is constantly seeking ways to improve their situation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the opinion of the medical officer of health for the County of Fife in which he stated that it would be in the old people's interests and the community's interests at large if it were the responsibility of doctors, for example, merely to pass on information to the voluntary organisations or to the local authorities that some old people were in need even of company or visitation or advice? Too many cases are left to sheer chance to be found out by the public.

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that this is a very serious problem. My own feeling is that this is a great national problem in which we all, as neighbours, friends, voluntary helpers, paid visitors, doctors, officials or Government, should play our part. I believe the solution lies in co-ordinated action by all concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further measures he is taking to stimulate the extension of sandwich courses in technical education.

The central institutions have been encouraged to expand all their advanced courses in science and technology, both sandwich and full time. In the last two years the number taking sandwich courses has increased from 800 to 1,000.

In view of the fact that in England the number taking these sandwich courses has doubled in the past two years and there are now in England plans on foot for the quadrupling of the present number of courses and students, will the Under-Secretary ensure that we do not fall any further behind England than we are at present in this respect?

But we are not behind England in this matter. We had a long start on England, and proportionately there are far more sandwich courses in Scotland than in England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nursery schools run by voluntary organisations receive grants from local education authorities; and where these schools are situated.

There are eight nursery schools run by voluntary organisations which receive contributions from education authorities. Six of these schools are in Edinburgh, one in Fife and one in Moray. There is also a nursery school in Banffshire which receives both grant from central funds and a contribution through the local authority.

Is the Minister aware that most of those schools cater for children from the poorest homes economically, and will he ask his right hon. Friend to reconsider the decision that has been made in the light of the information which he himself gave us in Committee last week?

My right hon. Friend has already given an undertaking to the right hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn) to reconsider this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many lecturers in central institutions have been called up for military service during the last twelve months.

I am asking each of the central institutions for the information and I shall write to the hon. Member.

Is the Minister aware that in Dundee Technical College a lecturer in mathematics has been called up despite all the efforts of the governors of the college to prevent it? Is it not absolutely ridiculous that lecturers in mathematics and science in technical colleges should continue to be called up when we desperately need more technicians and technologists?

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with the hon. Gentleman on this matter and has explained that the first priority must be to reserve teachers for secondary schools, which form the basis of further technical education.

Is it not ridiculous to cut off the source of these teachers? If the tuition for these teachers does not exist, it will not be possible to keep the flow of teachers going to secondary institutions. Surely this is a ridiculous situation.

Graduates in mathematics, science or engineering who take posts in central institutions are eligible for deferment if they hold first-class honours degrees, or hold second-class honours degrees and have subsequently taken higher degrees.

Can the Minister say whether there is a shortage of mathematics and science teachers at technical colleges? If there is, will he review the previous decision of the Government and take steps to release these people from military service?

The arrangements for deferment are reviewed annually by the Minister of Labour's Technical Personnel Committee.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will prepare plans so that the provisions of the Distribution of Industry Bill may be used to assist the extension or establishment of businesses in the Highlands and Islands which will give employment and use local resources;

(2) if he will make it clear that public bodies which have the necessary powers and operate in circumstances where the Distribution of Industry Bill applies should prepare to use its provisions for the assistance of local industry in the Highlands and Islands.

My right hon. Friend is asking my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to bear in mind the needs of the Highlands and Islands in connection with the Bill. I am sure that public bodies and others interested are following the course of the Bill in Parliament and will make their plans accordingly.

Whilst being grateful for what the Minister is saying to his right hon. Friend, may I ask him whether he is aware of the great difficulty which small firms have had in the past in taking advantage of the established ways of getting capital, and if he will ensure that the procedure is such that they will benefit under the Bill? As far as public bodies are concerned, would not this be an admirable chance for giving some of these bodies the powers and finance that they need to start them on development work, which is so much needed in the Highlands today?

I think it would be inappropriate for me to deal in detail by question and answer with the effects of a Bill now before the House, but we will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a further statement concerning the response made by manufacturers to proposals made by the Consumer Advisory Council of the British Standards Institution on standards of quality.

There have been no important developments since the hon. Lady raised this matter in February, but I understand that current discussions with manufacturers are proceeding satisfactorily.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that my information is not the same as his with regard to the satisfactory proceedings? Might I ask him what he thinks the B.S.I. should do in view of the fact that shoe manufacturers have completely refused co-operation with the Institution over this matter of children's shoes?

I understand that the hon. Lady visited the headquarters of the B.S.I. this morning, when I hope she was able to put these points to the officials concerned.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary—who is obviously as well informed as I am—stop evading the issue? Are the Government prepared to give the B.S.I. the power when an industry refuses co-operation on a matter of consumer standards'? Will he agree that the B.S.I. should state publicly in newspapers which manufacturers will not co-operate?

That is matter for the B.S.I. to decide for itself.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the formal discussions which have taken place between the British Standards Institution and the Consumer Research Association on the proposed merger of the Consumer Advisory Council and the Consumer Research Association; and what effect the result will have on the Government grant given to the Consumer Advisory Council.

I understand that the two bodies have decided not to pursue at present the suggested merger; the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

While being glad that the merger did not arise, because I do not think the time is opportune, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he agrees that the time has now arrived when the whole future of consumer work in this country should be reconsidered?

I think that consumer work is receiving very adequate consideration by these bodies at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has further considered the suggestion that guarantees and certification marks advertised to the public should be registered and adequately inspected; and if he will make a statement.

The registration of guarantees would in itself neither help a purchaser to enforce a contract nor ensure that they were of positive value, and it would be impracticable for the registrar to decide by inspection the merits of any guarantee.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that each Answer today has made it obvious that until we get rid of this Government we shall not make any progress in this matter? Is he not aware that a lot of these seals which are exhibited on various merchandise are entirely meaningless? Would it not be better if those seals were not allowed to be exhibited except under certain inspection and safeguards?

I think that the buying public is more intelligent than the hon. Lady possibly realises.

asked the President of the Board of Trade with what organised bodies in the film industry and cinema trade he has had consultations about the future of quota legislation; and what proposals he now has under consideration.

Since the list of bodies consulted is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. My right hon. Friend is considering a substantial number of proposals of varying importance which bear on nearly every section of the Cinematograph Films Acts, 1938 and 1948.

These consultations and considerations have been going on now for over twelve months. Most of the proposals of the organisations are well known and it is a question of the Government making up their mind. As film quota legislation is now long overdue, will the Parliamentary Secretary state when the Bill will be brought forward?

No; I cannot make any such statement at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will bring forward proposals to continue and amend film quota legislation.

Legislation will need to be introduced not later than the 1959–60 Session.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary state definitely whether it will be introduced this Session, or has a decision been taken to postpone it to the eleventh hour and introduce a quota Bill next Session?

It will be introduced at the appropriate time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that unemployment in Newcastle-under-Lyme is substantially higher than the national average; and what steps are being taken to provide more opportunities for work.

I am aware of the present unemployment position in the area. The facilities for establishing new industry in the area and in North Staffordshire generally continue to be brought to the notice of industrialists.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary and his right hon. Friend recognise that the high level of unemployment now in Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire generally is due to the de-dine in the building trade, the contraction of the pottery industry and the closing of the Swynnerton Royal Ordnance Factory, all of which are due to Government policy? Will he, therefore, consider whether some positive action should be taken by the Government in order to bring employment to those whom the Government have displaced?

My right hon. Friend is keeping a close watch on the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the largest limestone quarry in the Weardale rural district, County Durham, employing some 70 men, is to close down, and that 25 men at the Wolsingham steel works in the same area have been given notice; and, with no prospect of other employment in the area, what arrangements he is making to bring additional employment into North-West Durham.

I understand that some of the quarry workers have already found other employment. No special action is proposed to bring additional employment to the district.

Is the Minister aware that this is the problem area of the North-East Development Area and that Professor Dayhish, of Durham University, has spoken of the declining opportunity in industry, both for young people and adults, in mining, in quarrying and in the steel industry, from which people are now on short time or are signing on at the employment exchange? How long are we to wait for the Government to do something? Must we wait until somebody else like my right hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton) can attend to the area?

The position is not as black as the hon. Member has indicated. In fact, employment opportunities in the area as a whole are satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a further statement on his investigations into the trading practices of certain hire purchase and personal credit firms in Scotland; and whether any prosecutions have yet taken place or are contemplated.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted in Scotland in regard to certain personal credit transactions. The case is at present before the courts and will come up again tomorrow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further action he is taking to relax strategic restrictions on the export of copper wire from the United Kingdom to China.

Since the beginning of this year, limited quantities of copper wire have been licensed for export to China. The Chinese authorities have been informed that further limited quantites will be authorised in July against firm orders.

From his own industrial experience, does the Minister of State really believe that these restrictions are really necessary?

Our only obligation at present to our partners in the Paris Group is to watch how the trade is developing. If at the end of the review we consider that no further form of embargo is necessary, we shall, of course, remove our restrictions.

If it is reasonable to allow limited quantities of copper wire, why should not larger quantities be allowed?

If in due course, in July, the right hon. Gentleman puts down a Question, he may find that the "limited" is not quite so limited.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, as a result of his examination of the particular examples submitted to him, if he will now make a personal study of the extent to which retailers are passing on reductions in Purchase Tax to their customers.

I have considered the examples which the hon. Lady has sent. In at least one case the complaint seems to be due to a misunderstanding, because Purchase Tax is levied on the wholesale value of the goods and a reduction of 30 per cent. of the tax will lower the retail price by a very much smaller percentage, which depends on the size of the retail mark-up.

In other cases, it appears that the price reductions which have been made have not reflected the whole of the reduction in Purchase Tax, possibly because the manufacturers have taken the opportunity to make increases in price which would have had to come anyway because of higher costs. I have seen nothing to suggest thet action of this kind has been widespread. The hon. Lady's examples were confined to the products of some half-a-dozen firms. If the public consider that firms which act in this way are giving them worse value than their competitors, they will no doubt follow the example of one of the hon. Lady's correspondents and stop buying the products of these manufacturers.

The Parliamentary Secretary has said nothing at all about retailers passing on these reductions. I now want to ask him whether he approached the Daily Mirror to say that he was accepting my offer to go shopping. Did he arrange that the Daily Mirror should negotiate with me to be accompanied by a reporter and a camera and Press men? If all this was done without informing me in any way, is it not contrary to Parliamentary practice for the hon. Gentleman to act in that way?

I did ring up the newspapers, because it criticised my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade for his apparent failure to accept the hon. Lady's invitation. I rang up the newspaper, mentioned that the President was on the point of leaving for America, and said that I was willing to accept in his place. Needless to say, I intended no discourtesy to the hon. Lady, and I am sorry that I did not telephone her first.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will exempt films made to be shown to children from import duty.

The Board has not received any request to exempt children's films from import duty. If a request is made it will be considered.

Will the Minister take it that the request is being made by this Question? A limited number of excellent children's films are being made in various countries, but children's film shows are short of really good material. All who are keen about the welfare of children would support this request that the Minister should exempt from import duty the special children's films made in foreign countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further action he is taking about New Zealand butter imports.

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations informed the New Zealand Deputy-Prime Minister on Thursday last, this matter is being given urgent consideration by the Ministers concerned and a statement will be made as soon as possible.

In the light of the unfair dumping which is now taking place, is not this continued dithering by the Government another gross betrayal of Commonwealth interests and of our loyal friends in New Zealand, whose help we are only too glad to obtain in time of war but whom we are at the moment treating very shabbily?

The hon. Member might take his cue from the very helpful and characteristically generous statement of the Prime Minister of New Zealand on 1st May, in which he said that there was no truth in the report that the trade negotiations were being broken off. He showed a greater awareness of the difficulties and complexities of the situation.

When will the Government do something?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the revenue received during the year 1957–58 on musical instruments, the estimated revenue during the year 1958–59, and the estimated revenue in a full year.

Receipts of Purchase Tax on musical instruments, excluding gramophones, radio-gramophones, record players and records, were about £750,000 in 1957–58; and the estimated receipts for 1958–59 and for a full year at current rates of tax are £500,000 and £400,000, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue he estimates he will receive from the Purchase Tax on electric and gas fires and oil heaters; and how much of this he estimates will be obtained by the tax on oil heaters.

About £4½ million in 1958–59 of which oil heaters account for about £1½ million.

Is the Chancellor aware that the proposed tax on oil heaters will fall chiefly upon those hardest hit by inflation and rising prices and those who cannot afford the ever-increasing cost of coal, gas and electricity? Could he not look at the tax on oil heaters again to see if he could help that deserving section?

The object of this was to remove anomalies and the discrimination against electric and gas heaters, but we shall have an opportunity shortly of discussing all these matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, in a full financial year under his new exemption limits for Income Tax for the aged, would be the Income Tax due from a married couple whose sole income was from investments which equalled £450, and their age was 65 years; and what would be the Income Tax due where the sole income was the same from investments but they were only 50 years old.

Five pounds and £42 7s. 6d., respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, in a full financial year, would be the Income Tax due from a married wage earner with an income of £450.

Eighteen pounds, twelve shillings and sixpence if both the taxpayer and his wife are under 65; and £5 if either is 65 or over.

Is the Minister aware that in these new regulations he is making the worker who is earning the same amount of money is worse off to the extent of nearly £40?

I think the hon. Gentleman will know that the intention of these concessions is to treat the small incomes of elderly people as if they were pensions and, therefore, as earned income.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, in a full financial year, under his new proposals, will be the Income Tax due from a married couple aged 65 years whose only income is £810 from investments; what will the Income Tax be for a married couple aged 50 years whose only income is £810 from investments; and what would be the Income Tax for a wage earner married with the same income.

One hundred and eight pounds, eight shillings and tenpence, £182 5s. and £105 15s., respectively.

Is the Chancellor aware that when we are taking these matters into consideration we must recollect that the worker has to pay £26 in insurance, that he has wear and tear of clothing over and above other people, and, therefore, to that extent, we are really making the pensioner better off than the worker receiving the same amount in wages?

Again, I think we shall have an opportunity shortly of discussing these matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that there is now an opportunity to halt and reverse the trend of rising prices, whether he will now make a specific appeal to manufacturers and others to reduce prices wherever possible.

I shall continue to urge all concerned to seize the present opportunity of keeping down the level of our costs and prices.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since I put down this Question one of the chief shoe manufacturers in the country has announced that the prices of its products in the shops will be reduced by between 10 and 20 per cent., and that this is part of a general trend? Is there any way in which my right hon. Friend can bring this to the notice of other manufacturers?

I am very glad to hear of the instance which my hon. Friend quotes, and I hope the example will be followed on as wide a scale as possible. I will consider the point he has mentioned, as to whether there is any further opportunity I can take of calling the attention of industry generally to this very desirable trend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new proposals he has to make concerning the compensation of British subjects for the losses incurred by them when they were expelled from Egypt in 1956; and what are his intentions with regard to the release of Egypt's sterling balances following the agreement between the Egyptian Government and the Suez Canal Company.

I have no new proposals to announce at present. The Egyptian Government are still considering proposals put to them in February and March of this year. No question of making a special release from Egypt's sterling balances will arise until the present negotiations with Egypt for the settlement of claims for compensation for British citizens have been concluded.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these people have shown a patience almost as great as the losses and hardship they have suffered, and I am sure he will be aware that they are looking to him still with some hope that their very just claims will be met as soon as possible?

I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind the claims of those officials, formerly employed by the Egyptian Government, who were dismissed in 1951?

I will take that into account.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also recognise that a large Egyptian market has been lost which has caused a volume of unemployment in the country, particularly in the steel industry?

I will take all relevant factors into account.

asked the Prime Minister what developments have taken place recently which are likely to bring about the United Kingdom joining Euratom.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 22nd April to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason).

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is a definite bias in Euratom which is not in favour of the United Kingdom? Does the Prime Minister not agree that it is time we displayed more interest in this organisation and appointed a representative to it?

No, Sir. This is a somewhat complicated matter. As I explained, we have at present bilateral agreements with all the members of the Euratom combination. We are studying whether we could make a further association with them collectively.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the apparent deadlock in the Malta negotiations and the rapidly deteriorating feeling which may lead to serious disturbances, he will recall the Round Table Conference to consider the position or invite an outside body to arbitrate on the position.

No, Sir. As my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary has said, the constitutional process must now be allowed to work itself out.

Is the Prime Minister aware that we have had some serious storms in Malta recently and that each storm seems to get worse than the one before? Mutual recrimination will lead us nowhere. Will the Prime Minister appoint an intermediary to come between the Colonial Secretary and the ex-Prime Minister of Malta, so that we can come to a settlement in this dispute on the island?

No, Sir. I do not think that that would be a useful procedure.

asked the Prime Minister (1) what restrictions have been made on the use of air space by foreign aircraft in the area of Christmas Island during the current series of British nuclear weapons tests;

(2) what warnings and notices have been given to foreign countries in connection with the current series of British nuclear weapons tests on the high seas; and what orders have been given by Her Majesty's Government in regard to action to be taken if foreign ships or aircraft enter the area of the high seas when the tests are being made;

(3) what areas of the high seas in the area of Christmas Island are not open to foreign shipping during the carrying out of the current series of British nuclear weapons tests; and for how long.

All foreign diplomatic missions in London were informed on 24th April that an area of approximately 200 nautical miles square around Christmas Island would be dangerous to ships and aircraft on account of nuclear weapons tests from 26th April until further notice. Representatives of Commonwealth countries and the High Commissioner Western Pacific were also informed. Shipping and aircraft were also warned direct by Admiralty and Air Ministry announcements on 24th April. The notice was withdrawn on 3rd May.

In addition, permission for ships unconnected with the test to enter the territorial waters around Christmas Island is suspended. Similarly permission is not granted for aircraft unconnected with the tests to overfly Christmas Island and its territorial waters.

A careful search is made within the area before a test, for any shipping or aircraft which might inadvertently have entered it and be in danger. If any were discovered they would be advised to leave the danger area at once.

Is last Saturday's lifting of our ban on navigation in the Christmas Island area permanent or only temporary? If it is permanent, does it mean that the Government have decided to abandon further nuclear tests, and in view of the temporary abandonment—at the very least—of that prohibition on navigation, is this not an appropriate moment for the British Government to say that they will suspend further nuclear tests, at least until the taking place of the summit talks?

That is another question. As I have explained, the notice was given on a certain date and it was removed on 3rd May. This was because that test was completed.

Mr. Shinwell.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I have three Questions on the Order Paper on this matter. May I ask the Prime Minister—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

In the circumstances, if the hon. Member has another Question, I will allow him to put it.

I am much obliged, Sir. Does not the question I have asked, as to whether this raising of the ban on navigation in the area is temporary or permanent, arise directly from the terms of my Questions Nos. 51 and 52, and is this not a most important matter for the Prime Minister to make a statement upon?

Of course, it is an important matter, but I think I have answered the Questions. The Questions are specific; I have tried to answer them specifically, and I have given the facts. If by any mistake I have not done so, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down another Question and I will do my best to answer it.

asked the Prime Minister whether an hydrogen bomb of British manufacture is now in the possession of Her Majesty's Government.

Yes, Sir.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether it would be possible to ascertain, or, perhaps, I suppose he would not care to tell me, whether we have more than one hydrogen bomb, and, if so, whether those bombs are operationally available?

I think the right hon. Gentleman, with his great experience, knows what goes on. I must make the choice that I would rather make no further statement than answer the Question.

asked the Prime Minister, whether he will now state, further than his statement on 23rd July, 1957, what measures have been taken to secure more effective co-ordination between the three Services in the central administrative organisation of defence.

I have no statement to make at present.