asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will explain the relatively high figures for the Stoke-on-Trent area in Tables 9, 10, 11, 12, and the small numbers in Table 13 of the Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics, 1957.

The hon. Gentleman will recollect that my right hon. Friend discussed a like point regarding Tables 9 to 12 of the 1956 Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics in his letter of 16th July, 1958. The 1957 Digest broadly follows the earlier pattern and the same kinds of consideration still apply. I am afraid it is not possible to apportion the effect of the various influences referred to in that letter, e.g. the growth in the area of an awareness of the risk of the disease; how freely, and when, applicants are prepared to come to the board, and the continued programme of mass radiography taking place in the West Midlands.With reference to Table 13 in the Digest, the reasons which prompt a man

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will provide in tabular form more detailed statistics than those contained in Table 5 of the Digest of Penumoconiosis Statistics, 1957, showing for the Stoke-on-Trent area, the number who suffer from pneumoconiosis, pneumoconiosis associated with bronchitis, pneumoconiosis associated

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will give in tabular form such as is given generally in the Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics, 1957, particular information for the Stoke-on-Trent area, showing applications received, examinations made, awards made for total disablement and partial disablement for pneumoconiosis, bronchitis and emphysema, respectively, setting it out separately for coal-mining, the pottery industry and the foundries.

The following table gives the information in respect of cases under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act so far as it is available. The figures relate to cases dealt with by the Stoke-on-Trent Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel. Figures for the Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Scheme for the Stoke area are not available as the Board does not keep statistics on a geographical basis.with emphysema, and pneumoconiosis associated with both bronchitis and emphysema, respectively, in coal-mining, the pottery industry and the foundries, giving the numbers per 50,000 employed both nationally and in each industry.

The following table gives the information so far as it is available. The figures quoted relate to certificates given by the Stoke-on-Trent Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider introducing into the Post Office Savings Scheme a book in which it would be possible for the clerks to enter in writing the amount of each withdrawal.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, if he will set out in tabular form information for the Stoke-on-Trent area similar to that contained in Table 7 of the Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics, 1957, and give the same statistics separately for mining, potteries and foundries.

The following table gives the information in respect of cases under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act. Figures for the Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Scheme for the Stoke area are not available as the Board does not keep statistics on a geographical basis.

To do as suggested would increase work at Post Offices and call for bigger books. No commensurate advantage would result because already the receipt given by the customer can be referred to if there is any doubt. If, however, my hon. Friend has some particular case in mind I should be glad to look into it.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there are a number of villages and hamlets in the Forest of Bowland area of Yorkshire without public telephone kiosks; and what allocation of kiosks has been made for this area for 1959.

While I could not justify the provision of a kiosk in every hamlet, there are already twenty-three in the Bowland Rural District Council area. The programme for the coming financial

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish the latest proposals made to the British Government by the Commission of the European Economic Community for reconciling the Common Market with the rest of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation countries.

No proposals have been made to us. The European Commission is, however, due to make proposals to the Six Governments in the near future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the further representations made to him regarding the imposition of Pur- chase Tax on wholesale transactions in second-hand gem jewellery; and if he is now in a position to make a further statement on this matter.

I have now received and am considering representations made by the associations representing all sections of the jewellery trade and by the London auctioneers about the decision to collect Purchase Tax on these transactions.On the evidence at present available to me 1 can see no practicable alternative to withdrawing the second-hand goods concession from gem jewellery in view of the evidence of widespread malpractice disclosed by the investigations of the Customs and Excise.I recognise, however, that the notice given of this step did not give traders much time to adjust their business to the new conditions. I have accordingly asked the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to defer its operation to 1st May.