asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he will state the approximate size of the domestic apple crop this year, the percentage of this crop absorbed into the home market and the average retail price.

We now estimate the 1960 dessert apple crop in England and Wales at a record 320,000 tons and the cooking apple crop at 346,000 tons. Estimates of marketings of the home crop can only be very approximate, but we reckon that about two-thirds of the crop had been sold by the end of December. It is impossible to give any worthwhile estimate of the average retail price of home-grown apples.

Does not that reply reveal the danger of a shocking waste of this crop? What are the Ministry doing about improving the distribution of the crop at a lower retail price? In particular, what assistance is the Minister's Department giving in research into improving the storage of the fruit?

Research is looked after by the Agricultural Research Council's laboratory at Ditton and is continuing. Under the horticultural improvement scheme, opportunities have been given bath to individuals and to co-operative marketing groups to extend common facilities to members, including storage, which is important. In all marketing problems the Department is naturally interested in helping those who will help themselves, which in a crop like this would clearly work out in the interests of both the consumer and the producer.

Is the Minister aware of the increasing demand among the apple-growing sections of the industry for a new marketing scheme and a new marketing board? Can he give any assurance about definite assistance towards helping the growers in their problems of grading and co-operative marketing?

We are indeed aware of the interest among growers, and the Government are always ready to consider schemes submitted under the Agricultural Marketing Acts. There is, however, a prescribed procedure for this, and it would be wrong of me to Say anything which would anticipate that procedure.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many standing orders he has made since June, 1960, for urban zoos in respect of the importation of animals and what was the cost of preparing, printing, and issuing the order of 2nd December, authorising the landing of one sitatunga, six Maxwell duikers, and a red river hog.

No standing orders for urban zoos have been made since June, 1960. The cost of the Order of 2nd December, which was not made for an urban zoo, was about £14.

Does not the Minister think that it is time that he had something in the nature of a letter, or something of that kind, to deal with the situation, instead of wasting money? Can he tell the House whether he thinks that the Orders which have been made in respect of the following animals—kudu, kob, huanaco, guacharo, nylghaw. gerenuk and lechwe—have been understood by any Member of the House other than those who take a special interest in the subject? Does he realise that probably I am the only person in the House who looks at these Orders, and that I do so with the purpose of seeing that it should not be a waste of money?

These are very important animals. [HON. MEMBERS: "What are they?" I The hon. Member realises the importance of guarding against the introduction of disease, and that is the basis of this system of control. I do not like to disappoint the hon. Member, from the point of view of his not being able to ask these Questions in the future, but we are considering whether it is possible to make a general Standing Order to cover all importations of animals for recognised zoological collections. There were difficulties in the way, but we think that they can be overcome.

In view of the satisfactory nature of the reply, I do not propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the losses caused to shell fishermen of Porthleven by the action of Her Majesty's Government in prohibiting fishing in a specified area of Mounts Bay in June, 1960; what he proposes to do to secure full indemnity for these fishermen; and what action he will take to prevent such losses in future.

Yes, Sir. The Admiralty has agreed to settle the fishermen's claim for damage to gear caused by Her Majesty's ships, but I am afraid that those for loss of earnings could not be admitted. Naval exercises inside territorial waters or in known fishing grounds are discussed beforehand with local interests, particularly the fishermen, in order to ensure that the least possible damage and inconvenience is caused. This procedure was followed in this case.

Will the Minister bear in mind that the Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee considers this attitude of the Admiralty, and indeed of himself, to be very retrograde, because nothing is being paid for loss of earnings, and indeed only two claims for damage for lost gear have been allowed and in each case the amount claimed has been drastically reduced? Will he consider this again with the Admiralty and stand up to the Admiralty for the benefit of the fishermen?

We supported the fishermen's claims to the Admiralty for loss of gear. The position on the other aspect, loss of earnings, is well understood, and it has been going on for a long time. Her Majesty's ships have to do their exercises in home waters, and when they do we take full steps to ensure that the least possible inconvenience is caused.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this matter has been raised previously with regard to compensation? Is it a fact that the Admiralty has cut down the compensation claims by 50 per cent. in each case?

I am afraid I cannot give an answer to that supplementary question without notice. I will certainly look into it.

On a point of order. I give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity, because I consider the Minister's attitude and the Admiralty's attitude completely unsatisfactory.

I must ask hon. Members to adhere to the traditional formula.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to replenish the funds available to the White Fish Authority for loans and grants for the construction of new fishing vessels.

An Order to increase by £2 million the funds available for grants is awaiting approval by the House, and a Bill which will increase the limit on loans by £5 million has been presented and will shortly be discussed.

Whilst thanking the Minister for both the Bill and the Order, may I ask him whether in future he will try to avoid the awkward interval which occurred between the White Fish Authority finding out about it and the new Bill, as this created a great deal of uncertainty about the industry's building plans?

As soon as the Authority came to us we put the necessary legislation in hand but, as the hon. Member knows, it takes some time to prepare legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why, and under what regulations, horses cannot be imported from Russia to race in this country; whether these regulations apply to the whole of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if he will review them to see if they are still necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the nature of the difficulties which prevent his Department agreeing to Russian horses competing in this year's Grand National at Aintree; what discussions have taken place on the matter between his Department and the interests concerned; what advice has been given; and if he will state the evidence available to his Department concerning the incidence of horse sickness in Russia.

The Order which was made last September under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950, prohibits the importation into Great Britain of horses from a number of countries, including the U.S.S.R. The advice at that time of an international organisation concerned 'with animal diseases was that these countries either had African horse sickness within their borders or were dangerously close to affected countries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that Answer will give general satisfaction? It is all the more welcome because Russian horses have already been run in the United States. Further, does he not agree that visits of racehorses to other countries do more to promote good international relations than do visits of politicans?

I am all for horses coming from other countries to participate in races and such like in the country. On the other hand, this is a very serious disease. It could be catastrophic to the bloodstook industry if it ever came here. We must make sure that full protection is given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many people who are rather puzzled about all the fuss that was made, until the meeting last week? France and America welcomed Russian horses long before this meeting. Why is it that we seem to be trying to create an iron curtain against Russian horses? Is the right hon. Gentleman interested to know that a knowledgeable gentleman has written asking me to recommend to him that he should put £1 each way on the Russian horse "Epigraff."

There is absolutely no question of creating an iron curtain. Last summer this disease was very rife and spreading very rapidly. It had spread well outside the Middle East countries and into countries bordering Russia, particularly Iran and Afghanistan. On requesting advice from the international organisation, we were told that Russia was among those countries to which there was a danger of it spreading. In fact it did not reach Russia.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Fleck Report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Fleck Report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the extensive unemployment in the trawler building industry, and the important contribution which the Fleck Report can make to the problems of unemployment and shipbuilding especially in Aberdeen; and if he will take urgent steps to implement the relevant recommendations of that Report.

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Sir Alexander Fleck and the members of his Committee for the valuable and lucid Report that they have produced.

Does not the Minister think that so authoritative and constructive a Report as the Fleck Report should have immediate attention, especially in view of the unemployment in the shipyards and the needs of the fishing industry? Will the Minister take those observations into account with a view to having the Report implemented at a very early date?

Yes, indeed. The Committee took three years to produce its detailed and very valuable Report, and I am anxious to give the industry full time to consider it.

Does the Minister realise that, although the recommendations may be widely accepted, they have caused much alarm in small communities which depend to a large extent on inshore herring fishing?

I do not wish to commit myself at this stage by commenting on the Report itself, because I wish to consider it and the views of the associations.

Among the organisations which the Minister will consult, will he include the trade unions concerned so that the workers in the fishing industry —those who fish and those who build fishing vessels—may make their views known through their respective organisations?

I will take into account what the hon. Gentleman says.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the advisability of using pure fresh milk instead of skim milk to which vegetable fats have been added, what action he proposes to take to ensure that in cafes, restaurants and canteens the public is adequately informed when skimmed milk is used in beverages instead of fresh milk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that many caterers serve skimmed milk fortified with vegtable fat in circumstances which lead customers to believe that it is full cream fresh milk; and whether he will make regulations under the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, to prevent this.

I am not aware that at the present time many caterers serve skimmed milk with non-milk fat. The Skimmed Milk with Non-Milk Fat Regulations which come into force next September will prevent the use of the word "milk" without appropriate qualification in the name of any drink containing skimmed milk. Where "milk" is not used in the name of the drink, the best safeguard for the customer who wants whole milk is to ask for it.

Is it not a fact that progress has been made and that when skimmed milk to which vegetable fats have been added has been used in advertisements and on labels, it has to be declared? Why, then, is it not done for customers of restaurants, cafés or canteens? The right hon. Gentleman said that few restaurants will use it. Is he not aware that if Ile made this obligatory none would use it? Why should not the public know this? It is important.

These Regulations flow from the Food and Drugs Act, the purpose of which is to protect the consumer and to ensure that when he asks for a certain product he gets it and not an ersatz one. Under these Regulations, if the customer asks for milk, or for any drink with milk in it, he will have to get a drink consisting of whole milk, or the firm concerned will commit an offence. It would be extremely difficult —and I doubt whether it would be wise —to devise Regulations intended to ensure that if a customer does not ask for milk he should still get it.

Is the Minister aware that my Question refers to the prevention of possible misleading? Is this not a clear case where both the producer and the consumer should be protected by the Government? Is the Minister aware that our Prayer against these Regulations is bound to have the support—which has been declared publicly—of many dozens of his hon. Friends?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Answer will give general reassurance that the Regulations in question afford a proper measure of protection to the consumer?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of dealing with fowl pest during 1960; and how many birds have been destroyed.

Just under 6 million birds were slaughtered during 1960 and £3,800,000 paid in compensation. The cost of disinfection and other expenses amounted to £673,000.

Is not this a rather dismal tale of ineffectual endeavour? I realise that the Government have appointed another Committee to look into this matter, but will the hon. Gentleman say what progress is being made in vaccine research to cope with this disease?

Far from being a rather dismal tale of ineffectual endeavour, it shows that very brisk action is being taken to deal with a disease which has threatened our poultry industry very extensively. Research into vaccines is going on all the time, and my right hon. Friend's predecessor was not slow to appoint a very distinguished Committee to go into this development when it became apparent that the disease was still increasing in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the recent case of underpayment of vegetable and fruit growers and other horticulturists by commission salesmen, he will now implement the recommendations contained in the Runciman Report on this subject.

The Runciman Committee's view was that most firms already submitted accurate and honest returns to growers and that the best safeguard against dishonesty would be a code of business conduct drawn up and enforced by the trade themselves. This possibility is at present being discussed within the trade. One of the recommended changes in the provisions of the Horticultural Produce (Sales on Commission) Act, 1926, has already been made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been some striking cases recently of underpayment of vegetable and fruit growers, some of which have come before the courts'? Is he aware that in the main it is the small growers who tend to suffer from underpayment? In view of this, would it not be desirable to implement the recommendations of the Runciman Committee, particularly the recommendation that Section 1 (4) of the Horticultural Produce (Sales on Commission) Act, 1926, should be amended?

A most important feature of the recommendations of the Runciman Committee was that a code of conduct should be drawn up. It may well be necessary for Ministers to refer these matters to the Horticultural Marketing Council, but it would not he appropriate to do so until deliberations by the wholesale trade have progressed further. I am not aware of a number of recent cases of deception and fraud. I know of one, which went to the courts, but I do not think that the practice is as widespread as the hon. Gentleman seems to think.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in tackling swine fever; and if, for compensation purposes, he will consider treating this disease on the same lines as foot-and-mouth.

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to a slaughter policy, which, as I announced on 20th December, the Government have decided in principle to introduce. Working out the details of such a policy and consulting the interested organisations is bound to take some time but we are getting on as quickly as possible. The basis of compensation for animals compulsorily slaughtered is fixed by the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Can he give a target date when he hopes the entire country will be clear, bearing in mind that Scotland, most of Wales, and Northern England are now clear?

I am afraid that I cannot at this moment give a target date. Indeed, we still have to work out the details of the scheme, but we will get on with it as quickly as we can.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that one of the largest dairies in the south of England now delivers all milk in cartons instead of in bottles; and what he is doing to encourage this method of distribution in view of the fact that it is cleaner and quieter and involves the transport of fewer heavy loads.

I welcome the enterprise of this firm in trying out a new method of milk distribution. The question of its wider use must, however, be one for the trade itself to decide.

Is the Minister aware that one of the reasons why dairies are reluctant to convert to this technique is because of a ring in the carton manufacturing industry? Will he have investigations made into that?

That had not been drawn to my attention. I believe that there is a considerable difference of opinion within the dairy industry as to which is the most suitable form of distribution, bottles or cartons. I had not heard of the aspect to which the hon. Gentleman refers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his talks are proceeding with countries likely to be affected by the importation of Charollais bulls into this country.

I regret that I am unable to make a statement at present. I will do so as soon as I can.

Is not the situation becoming ridiculous? Has the Minister seen the results of the test for live weight yield of these animals in America, where they beat all other breeds, the Hereford being a bad second? Has he noticed the interest in this breed from all over the world, 1,000 of them going to Russia? Is it not time that he ignored the views of the rather conservative-minded breed societies and gave the British farmer and the British housewife the benefit of this breed?

It is not a question of ignoring anything. When I answered a Question earlier in the winter I said that I was anxious that we should be able to do the experiment with Charollais cattle. I am also anxious to preserve an important export trade in livestock.

How important is this trade—less than half a million pounds out of a total agricultural export figure of £180 million. It is surely far more important to have these animals than that?

Perhaps I am trying to get it both ways.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the average monthly value of British exports to East Germany which is being lost as a result of a refusal of travel documents to East German buyers and their representatives who wish to come here to negotiate and place orders.

None, Sir. It is questionable whether in fact any trade has been lost. East German businessmen are, of course, no longer prevented from visiting the United Kingdom.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that, when the allied travel bureau refused to give permission to East German buyers and other businessmen to come to this country to place their orders, those gentlemen went to West Germany to place their orders, because 'the West German Government have no objection to trading with the East German Government, despite their ideological differences? Should we not be considering our trade and not be concerning ourselves so much with the quarrel between East and West Germany?

The facts I have do not support the hon. Gentleman's contention. Our exports to East Germany last year were nearly double what they were in 1959 and there was no sign of any decrease in the latter part of the year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the allied travel bureau in West Berlin places no obstacle in the way of obtaining the facilities required to travel to this country? Are not restrictions still in operation?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman did not see the Answer to a Question yesterday concerning restrictions. My point is that, whatever the nature of the restrictions, they have not affected our trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will appoint to the European Export Council someone with knowledge of the special conditions and problems of the British coal export trade.

Appointments to the Council have been made by the Council's Chairman, Sir William McFadzean. I will, therefore, refer the hon. Member's point to him. The Council's mandate is directed to expanding all our exports to Europe, including coal.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, which gives some encouragement. Will he stress to the Chairman of the Council the particular needs of development districts, some of which would benefit from an increase in the coal export trade?

I will certainly do that. The hon. Gentleman may be pleased to know that all the missions going from the Council to various European countries in the near future have been fully briefed on coal exports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he received last month from the Advertising Inquiry Council regarding misleading advertisements for television sets and domestic appliances which are secondhand or over three years old; and what reply he has made.

I have received representations that it is misleading to offer television sets for sale as "free from Government restrictions" without at the same time disclosing that they are more than three years old. I have brought this suggestion to the notice of the Newspaper Proprietors Association which is, I understand, considering the matter this week. When I have received the Association's report, I shall write to the Council.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will press the Joint Copy Committee of the Newspaper Proprietors Association and the Newspaper Society, which has shown great reluctance to do anything about these clearly fraudulent advertisements, which make great play with the cheapness of the weekly rentals without stating that these sets are all over three years old? Will he ensure that the result of these talks is effective action to stop this misleading of the public?

I do not think that I should comment until I have received the Association's report, but I will certainly not lose sight of the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what response he has had from retail trading associations in returning the questionnaire he sent out on resale price maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the replies received.

Nearly 2,000 replies have been received from retailers. The inquiry is continuing and I have no statement to make at present.

As my right hon. Friend has received only 2,000 replies to the 5,000 inquiries which I understand he sent out, does he intend to pursue this matter further and ask a wider number of retailers for their opinion before making a decision?

I should have thought from the way these things go that 2,000 replies to 5,000 questionnaires is a very good average.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to find out public opinion on resale price maintenance.

I am keeping the interests of the consumer public well in mind during the inquiry. Among other steps, I have considered a social survey of consumers' views, but I do not think this would yield the information we need.

Will my right hon. Friend consider this matter very carefully? I understand that the Consumers' Advisory Council was available and willing to undertake such a survey. Is it not imperative, in the interests of the consumer, that the individual's views and interests in this matter should be thoroughly considered?

We have been in touch with several consumers' associations, including the Consumers' Advisory Council. I agree that it is obviously essential to take into account the view of consumers on these matters, and I am sure that they will be well represented in this House when we come to discuss the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has now been made, under the Local Employment Act, in bringing new industry to the North-East.

As my hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Pentland) on 20th December, it is too early for the effects of the Local Employment Act to be gauged. There are, however, about 9,000 additional jobs in prospect in the development districts in the North-East. and the rate of unemployment in these districts has fallen from 5·3 per cent. in March, 1960, to 4·6 per cent. in December, 1960.

When my right hon. Friend talks of new jobs becoming available in development districts, can he say whether it is as a result of new industry coming in or of existing industries redeveloping and re-expanding?

It is normally a mixture of the two. The figures I gave are based on applications to us for industrial development certificates. I think that on the whole it is the healthiest thing for any area to have new jobs arising from both sources.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that the North-East is very much the Cinderella in regard to the work of this Act? Is he satisfied that the Board of Trade Advisory Committee is giving full help to firms in the area that are seeking to expand?

I should very much like to get more firms to the North-East. On the other hand, in some ways the employment experience has been better than at one time I feared it might be, but I am very well aware of the requirements and difficulties in the North-East.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us there are getting fed up and tired of hearing of the disadvantages of the North-East, and that we are more keen to advocate the advantages of the North-East?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Parliamentary Secretary has reported on his visit to the North-East; and what action he now intends taking on the industrial requirements of the area, and in particular the new 'town of Peterlee and the adjoining district.

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the industrial problems of the North-East, and the Board of Trade will continue to do all it can to encourage new industries to set up in the development districts in the area, including Peterlee.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that the planning committee of Durham County Council takes such a gloomy view of the prospects of the area contiguous to Peterlee, in particular the township of Haswell, that it refused to allow the Easington Council to build houses in the area? Will he correct that impression by informing those concerned that he is serious in his intention to promote industry in that district?

I am sorry to hear of this pessimism. I wish that I could change the attitude of the authority by informing it of my intentions, but I know very well, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, that the only thing to produce results is results. I am trying to get them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new industries have been given financial help and established themselves in Plymouth under the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee or Board of Trade Advisory Committee schemes since 1958; and from what areas these industries have come

Four firms new to Plymouth, one each from London, Birmingham, Surrey and Sussex, have received financial assistance since 1958. In addition, seven firms already in Plymouth have been offered financial help in expanding their activities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new industries have been given financial help and established themselves in Cornwall under the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee or the Board of Trade Advisory Committee schemes since 1958: and from what areas these industries have come.

Three firms new to Cornwall, one from Surrey, one from Devon and one new project, have received financial assistance since 1958. In addition, nine firms already in Cornwall have been offered financial help in expanding their activities.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, as his Answer to my previous Question showed, although Plymouth is now in a much happier position, Cornwall is suffering from an unemployment problem? I hope that the figures he has quoted will underline that in his own mind and in those of his right hon. Friends.

I believe that the problem in Cornwall is particularly difficult because of the distance from the main centres of production, and also because of the seasonal nature of the unemployment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty that is being caused by reason of the refusal of the Companies Registrar to register a new company without a certificate that the name proposed is not merely not a registered trade mark but does not resemble any registered trade mark; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Yes, Sir. New instructions are being issued so that the statement to which the hon. Member refers will no longer be required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to increase trade and promote exports. he will invite the British motor manufacturers to combine in the manufacture of a standardised popular car in a single model, comparable with the Volkswagen

No, Sir.

But is it not the case that the continuing strength of the Volkswagen in the world's markets arises not from any superiority in German workmanship but from principles of production which, this year. will result in a million standardised cars being produced? Will the President of the Board of Trade not just brush aside new ideas about the industry, but put the idea to the Motor Advisory Council which he himself consults?

I do not think that this is a new idea. I am not sure that the success of the Volkswagen is necessarily attributable to the scale of its production alone. I think that the firm's salesmanship and after-sales service have been remarkable. There certainly are people who argue that in this industry one can quite early reach the limit of the economies of scale production. But these are essentially matters that should be left to the industry itself and to its commercial judgment.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that some manufacturers have large expansion plans that will come to fruition in a year or two, for the development and production of new and what are hoped to be popular models, and that it would be extremely difficult to impose on top of this another new factory to make another model?

This question of standardisation and diversity is very difficult, but I do not think that we should forget the very large degree of standardisation of components in the British industry, which is an important development.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what advice he has given to the motor industry in connection with a future readjustment of the industry's labour force.

None, Sir.

Did the President of the Board of Trade, during a recent meeting with the motor manufacturers, propose to them that a proportion of the existing labour force of the motor industry should be made redundant and, if possible, diverted to other industries? If he did, how would that square with his present intention to expand the motor industry and create new jobs in other areas?

I certainly did not make any such proposal. It is true, of course, that there is a considerable shortage of labour in the Midlands in many branches of the engineering industry, but, so far as I am concerned, I hope that the motor industry will employ all the labour it needs and no more than the labour it needs. It is, of course, for the industry and not for me to say how many that should be.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what recommendations have been made by the Export Publicity Council and its three study groups.

The Export Publicity Council is an advisory body, the main task of which is to give expert advice on publicity in support of British exports, rather than to make formal recommendations. The discussions of the Council are of continuing value for my Department's work in this field.

But is not the President of the Board of Trade able to give any indication of the sort of advice and recommendations that the Council has given? Does it not give the impression that this is a pretty low rate of productivity for a very high-powered Council that has been in existence for fourteen months, especially in view of our critical export situation? Will not he consider his Answer again?

The point is that the Council is not there to make formal recommendations, but all such matters as trade fairs, literature, pamphlets and the like are put to the Council, and we are constantly getting advice from it. This is not a question of formal recommendations but general day-to-day advice on the quality, design and purpose of our export publicity.

But there are three study groups—there must be something they are studying. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give some indication in detail of the work that is being done?

Well, the Council deals with liaison with overseas correspondents in London, publicity in the developing countries of Africa, publicity in the Free Trade Association, and that sort of thing. It is not a question of formal recommendations at all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the firm of Thorn Electrical Industries Limited to induce it to reconsider its decision to transfer the radio industry from Spennymoor to the London area.

The firm has told my Department that it has reached this decision reluctantly, but that it is satisfied that the concentration of its radio production into two factories near London is necessary for reasons of efficiency, and not least in the interests of the export trade. I am assured that the firm plans to expand its output of other types of product manufactured at Spennymoor and that it will in time increase its labour force substantially.

Is the Minister aware that the picture here is not quite so bright as was painted earlier; and that, as a result of the transfer of this factory, approximately 500 people will lose their jobs? Is he aware that many of those people have had this kind of training in radio assembly and are now becoming redundant? Can he give any assurance whatsoever as to whether these people will be placed when the transfer takes place?

I think that this is a temporary difficulty. I understand that the women to be discharged are leaving to take jobs in the woollen industry, but there is certainly the problem of alternative jobs for the men. As I say, the firm has told me that over a period it expects to expand its total employment at Spennymoor to a level higher even than it is at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions, since 1954, industrial development certificates have been refused to firms wishing to establish factories in Ashford, Kent.

On one occasion.

Does it seem altogether satisfactory to my right hon. Friend that he should have powers—and on this occasion a very big firm was involved —to prevent, under the Town Development Act, an industry from entering a town, but apparently has no influence at all over such a decision as that taken by Tube Investments, which will involve the closing in the town of one of the principal sources of employment?

We have refused one application since 1948 and we have in fact approved thirty-nine applications, so I think that the record in Ashford is reasonable. But we cannot possibly force a firm to stay in business. Although hon. Members would often like us to do so, I think that the House has to recognise that we have not, and could not possibly possess, powers to compel any private enterprise to continue in business when it thought that it was not economically justified in doing so.

Is my right hon. Friend consulted?

Not necessarily, no.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what reasons his Department's industrial premises at Keb Lane, Oldham, remain unoccupied; and what efforts are being made to obtain a suitable tenancy.

I understand my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation, whose Department owns these premises, has been negotiating with an intending purchaser but that, unfortunately, the negotiations have broken down. My Department, however, is now in discussion with three other firms who have shown an interest in the factory.

While appreciating the right hon. Gentleman's Answer, may I ask him to bear in mind that the early letting of this factory will lead to two desirable consequences; first, greater employment in Oldham and, secondly, an intake of approximately a thousand people at Christmas-time described as unemployed or partially unemployed?

We shall certainly let it as soon as we can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage increase in 1960 over 1959 in United Kingdom imports of food, raw materials, partly manufactured goods, and wholly manufactured goods, respectively.

The increases are 2 per cent., 14 per cent., 38 per cent., and 38 per cent. respectively.

Do not these figures clearly show that our present balance of payments difficulties are due, not solely to increased imports of raw materials and industrial materials, but to premature decontrol by the Government of our imports of finished consumer goods?

In fact, they show exactly the opposite—[Hors. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—yes, because percentages can be misleading. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Of the wholly manufactured goods, only one-third were consumer goods and two-thirds were machinery and tools for industry, and the increase in imports of finished consumer goods between the two years was £45 million out of a total increase of £573 million.

asked the President of the Board of Trade haw many applications for help for industries in the Falmouth and Camborne constituency have been received since 26th July, 1960; and how many of these, and of applications then under consideration, have been granted.

Eight further applications for assistance under the Local Employment Act, 1960 have been received from this area since 26th July, 1960. All of these and one of those received before that date are under consideration. Of the remaining three received before 26th July, one has been withdrawn and two rejected.

Did one of the two which were rejected come from a firm which would have brought a completely new industry to my constituency and would eventually have employed 400 people? Will the right hon. Gentleman have that case looked into again, because there is still a very serious unemployment problem in my constituency?

If the hon. Gentleman will write to me with the details, I shall be very glad to look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if. following the visit of the Parliamentary Secretary to South-West Durham, he is proposing to take any new measures to encourage industrialists already in the area to expand their output and plant.

No, Sir; I do not consider any such measures are called for at present. As a large part of South-West Durham qualifies for assistance under the Local Employment Act, industrialists in the area already have considerable encouragement to expand their output.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to his hon. Friend the appreciation of the four district councils in my constituency for the courtesy and diligence he showed when he visited the area? Further, will the President of the Board of Trade note that most of my constituency business during the Recess was concerned with moans from business people, and will he therefore advise the Advisory Committee to take a rather more lenient or generous view of applications from local business people for loans and assistance for development?

I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's remarks about my hon. Friend. I know that the Board of Trade Advisory Committee often turns down applications, but its purpose as an independent committee is, in a way, precisely that—to safeguard the public purse against applications which are not reasonably justifiable. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular case in mind, I should be very glad to look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade who is to perform the opening ceremony at the British Trade Fair in Moscow.

The organisers of the Fair have invited me to perform the opening ceremony, and I have had much pleasure in accepting.

I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on the choice which has been made, but may I put to him the thought that there would be widespread public support for the suggestion that, as the Duke of Edinburgh performed the opening ceremony at the British Exhibition in America, he should be invited to perform a similar function in Moscow?

I do not know what other ideas may or may not have passed through the minds of the people concerned. I can only accept what invitations are passed to me.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now prepared to propose a time and place for further meetings with Mr. Khrushchev for the purpose of discussing the Soviet Union's four-point disarmament proposals

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler) on 24th January.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is still speculation in certain foreign countries about the position of the Soviet Union and the proposals made by its leaders in relation to disarmament and control? Is it not time that the British Prime Minister and his Government took the initiative and made certain proposals which are workable and acceptable by the other Powers?

As regards disarmament, we have made our proposals, and they stand. I hope that there will soon be an opportunity for getting to grips with this matter among all the Powers concerned.

asked the Prime Minister what representations he made to President Eisenhower concerning the resolution on colonialism sponsored by forty-three Afro-Asian nations at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

There are many subjects on which I exchange views with the President of the United States. These consultations are confidential.

Does the Prime Minister appreciate how fatal it is from the point of view of the influence of this country and the West that any pressure should be brought to bear upon America on these colonial issues before the United Nations? Is it not just playing into the hands of the Communist countries throughout the world?

No, Sir. What each country has to do is to vote according to what it believes to be right. I believe, and I think that the House as a whole believes, that the record of this country in the development of the territories for which it is responsible is one of which we have a right to be proud.

I agree very strongly with the earlier part of that reply, but is not the Prime Minister aware that it has been widely reported in the United States that he persuaded the United States delegation to vote against its opinions on this issue in December? Does he realise that there is no more certain way of destroying the Western Alliance than to insist that all its members vote the same way on every issue in the United Nations, irrespective of their real views? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no more reason to expect the Americans to support us, or the French position on colonialism, than there is for us to support their position on China?

I am asked to say what consultations I have had with the American President. If I were to say what they were, they would cease to have their value as private consultations.

The Prime Minister cannot be allowed to get away with that. Is he aware that there is a widespread impression that he persuaded President Eisenhower to instruct the United States delegation to abstain on the anti-colonial resolution? Further, does he realise that it is precisely because of our admirable record in converting a former colonial empire into a free Commonwealth that we ought to welcome and support anti-colonial resolutions in the United Nations, and that to fail to do so inevitably gives the impression that we still support colonialist régimes?

It depends upon how the resolutions are drawn. I honestly believe that, if the right hon. Gentleman had studied the terms of the resolution, he would not and could not have brought himself in honour to vote for it.

I have indeed studied the terms of the resolution. In my opinion, it would have been much wiser, while saying, perhaps, that there were certain phrases with which we would not wholly agree, to have said that we were in general agreement with the spirit of the resolution and to have supported it rather than abstain and give the 'impression that we were taking the side of Portugal, South Africa and the Dominican Republic.

The House and the country must judge. I shall arrange for the text of the resolution to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and hon. Members will judge for themselves.

Will the Prime Minister tell the House when he first became converted to the idea that it would be a good thing for each nation in the United Nations to vote according to what it independently believed to be right? Is it not the fact that the proceedings of the United Nations for fifteen years have been bedevilled by opposition to that idea and by the adoption of the contrary practice, that each of the mutually hostile blocs should arrive with agreed opinions and support those at meetings of the Security Council and the General Assembly?

That does not do justice to the work of the United Nations. There is very often a very great effort made by the various delegations to see whether they can reach agreement upon the terms of proposed resolutions, and that work of conciliation is one of the purposes for which the United Nations was set up.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that National Service is now coming to an end, he will now consider the formation of a youth service for overseas help, which would enable the youths of the United Kingdom to direct their energies to useful and constructively peaceful purposes.

The end of National Service was one of the factors which led 'the Albemarle Committee to propose a major expansion in the Youth Service. The Government accepted its main recommendations, and energetic measures are being taken to develop the Youth Service in this country for young people between the ages of 14 and 20. The Government recognise the value of providing opportunities for constructive and useful service overseas on the part of young people, particularly in the Commonwealth, but they consider that over most of the field this can best be achieved through the voluntary agencies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as I know, this proposal originated from President Kennedy and that it would seem to be an extremely valuable subject to take up with the new President when the right hon. Gentleman meets him? Is he not aware that there is a considerable desire among our youth to get rid of excess energy and that this would seem to be a very imaginative proposal by which they could do so?

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for calling my attention to this matter. Perhaps what has been said today will help to serve what he and I regard as a good purpose. I am glad that the hon. Member has tabled the Question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the United States do a great deal more to encourage their young people than the Government do to encourage British young people to serve overseas, and that the Government have turned down a request for help from the main organisation concerned with this matter?

No, Sir. I think that the main organisation which we have tried to help is called the Voluntary Service Overseas and that that is the organisation which is the most useful one for the purpose.