asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to institute special teaching of languages for staffs of firms who are engaged in exporting.

My right hon. Friend attaches great importance to the provision of language courses to meet the needs of industry and he is in close consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Education and Science and the Secretary of State for Scotland. They are encouraging the provision of courses at technical colleges and colleges of commerce designed to enable industrial and commercial staffs to become fluent quickly in the oral use of foreign languages. Courses of longer duration are also widely available.

I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. He is aware, as we all are aware, of the barrier sometimes presented to exports from this country by the fact that our people have taken a somewhat insular attitude to the learning of foreign languages. I am sure that his Answer will give satisfaction to many people in business in that these courses will be more and more widely available.

The hon. Gentleman no doubt realises that we are glad that someone has gathered the scattered remnants of the Government here by 2.30. Does he realise that, at the Woolwich Technical College, there is a degree course which specialises and has a specific side for languages? Would he look into encouraging a greater use of these courses, which are, at the moment, under-subscribed?

I am not aware of the details of the specific case to which the hon. Member refers, but, in view of his observations, I should be very happy to look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of British exports of manufactured goods in 1951 and 1964 respectively, expressed in terms of 1951 prices.

£2,167 million and about £2,900 million.

Will the Minister of State agree that these figures, which show a considerable absolute increase in British exports over this period, are much more significant and creditable to this country than the other statistics which can be contrived to show a relative decline in the British share of total world exports, with which his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is so fond of making play, to the detriment of this country?

The figures given, of course, imply an increase in the volume of exports between 1951 and 1964 of about one-third. It is right to acknowledge the achievements of British exporters in producing these results, while at the same time urging that, obviously, this country needs to do that much better.

In view of the fact that exports for May of this year were less than they were in May of 1964, 12 months ago, and that imports in May were an all-time record, does the hon. Gentleman agree with the Chancellor's observation a week ago that we are turning the corner, or does he think that it was a little premature to say that?

I would regard any one month's figures as an insubstantial basis upon which to establish the long-term trend. If we take a view over the first four months of the year, we can take an encouraging view of the prospects for the future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the sale of pharmaceutical goods has been registered with the Registrar of Restrictive Trade Agreements.

On the assumption that the hon. Member is referring to registration under the Resale Prices Act, I understand from the Registrar that the answer is "Yes".

Do the Government intend to take any action to ask the Registrar not to investigate these goods, in view of the fact that they voted against their inclusion when the Resale Prices Act was being debated? How can the right hon. Gentleman square this with his attitude only a year and a half ago?

If the hon. Gentleman has any familiarity with this Act, he will realise that the matter is now in the hands of the Registrar and the courts and that it is not for me to interfere.

But could not the right hon. Gentleman stick to his convictions and introduce legislation to exempt them, if that was why he voted against their inclusion in the Act in the first instance?

I am bound by the Acts of Parliament as passed by this House and, under the existing legislation, this matter is now in the hands of the Registrar and the courts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has had regarding the effect of migration on industrial development in Scotland; and what measures he proposes to take to assist development in areas which at present do not qualify for designation as development districts.

Some local authorities have drawn attention to the effect of migration on industrial development in Scotland. The Government's national and regional economic planning is designed to establish where serious problems occur and to propose appropriate remedies where these are called for.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really appreciate how serious this problem is? Is he aware that while we wait, on account of the lack of decision in this matter, the development of existing industry which might otherwise take place is not taking place and, in the meantime, many young people are having to leave certain areas of Scotland?

Concentration on unemployment to the exclusion of migration as a criterion for action in the development districts was one of the many erroneous mistakes of the former disastrous Tory Administration. We hope to do better.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider supporting his right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology in his approach to the Treasury in trying to get the investment allowance position increased, which the present Finance Bill is decreasing to the detriment of these areas?

The Question is about migration from Scotland. Although, according to the legislation passed by the party opposite, in deciding on the development districts we are bound to take account of unemployment, nevertheless, in the grant of I.D.C.s, which are also important, it is reasonable to take account of migration also.

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the former Administration initiated an inquiry into the situation in south-east Scotland and the Borders and that the Government are now refusing to have the results of that inquiry, when they are received, published?

We propose to introduce, in due course, some further legislation—[HON. MEMBERS: "When?"]—to replace the Local Employment Act, which expires in March, 1967. The right hon. Gentleman will find that legislation much more sympathetic to this problem than that introduced by the former Government.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we in Scotland regard the principal defect of the Local Employment Act, which was passed by the former Government, to be the real curse of Scotland in so far as it has failed to help the counties of the Borders and the east coast of Scotland? While appreciating the efforts which my right hon. Friend is now making, may I ask whether he is aware that we have been waiting for over a decade for help in the depopulated counties? Can we rely on something more in the way of help being produced in the near future?

I assure my hon. Friend that we mean to do better than the previous Government.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations have been made to him by manufacturers' associations to increase productivity by abandoning monopolistic practices.

I have received no such representations.

Is it not about time that my right hon. Friend did?

That rests with the trade associations to which my hon. Friend refers rather than with me.

Is it not a fact that leading industrialists are co-operating with the Government to increase productivity in the discussions which are going on, particularly in N.E.D.C.? Would the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what representations have been made to him by trade unions on this matter?

Yes, Sir. That is quite true and that is why it is rather foolish of the Opposition to suggest that there is some feud between the Government and industry in this matter. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is also in consultation with trade unions on this issue.

Is not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has received no representations on this issue evidence that the allegation is unfounded? Is he not aware, from his own experience, that business is sick of being the football between the parties? Is he not aware that we want to leave business alone to get on with the task of exporting?

To some extent I agree, but what is desirable is not so much to leave business alone as to ensure cooperation between business and the Government to solve this problem.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to protect holidaymakers against the effects of bankruptcies in the travel trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will now take to ensure that prospective holidaymakers are not defrauded by capitalised travel agents or travel agent companies.

I have at present nothing to add to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend on 17th February.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is widespread concern among the clients of one or two travel agency firms in this country at the ability of those firms to see the summer through? Is he aware that the holidays of many people will be jeopardised as a result and that some legislation on this matter is urgently required?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of all that my hon. Friend has in mind, and legislation is being considered.

In the meantime, will the hon. Gentleman take every opportunity to bring to the notice of holidaymakers the danger of going to not very reputable travel agents?

I purposely made a statement in the House about two months ago drawing the attention of holidaymakers to reputable travel agents and the need to make very cautious inquiries. It should also go on record that the Association of British Travel Agents and the Travel Trade Association has started developing funds and accounts rules to protect holidaymakers in future and also to enhance their reputations.

Will we have this legislation this Session?

That is very doubtful.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make an investigation under Section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, into the financial affairs of the Freedom Group, which is acting in a manner oppressive of its shareholders, in view of the difficulties experienced by shareholders in obtaining repayment of loans.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the difficulties experienced by shareholders in obtaining repayment of money invested with the Freedom Group and of the fact that this company is acting in a manner oppressive of its shareholders, if he will cause an investigation to be held under Section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will appoint an inspector to conduct inquiries under Section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, into the financial affairs of the Freedom Group, which is acting in a manner oppressive of its shareholders, in view of the fact that shareholders are experiencing difficulties in obtaining repayment of loans.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make an inquiry, under Section 165 of the Companies Act, into the National Fellowship, the People's League for the Defence of Freedom, the Free Press Society and the Anti-Socialist Front, in view of the difficulties they are creating for shareholders in obtaining repayment of moneys lent in good faith.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that shareholders with money invested in the Freedom Group are having difficulty in securing repayment of their money; and, in view of this fact, if he will appoint an inspector under Section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, to inquire into the financial affairs of the Freedom Group, which is acting in a manner oppressive of its shareholders.

The Freedom Group, the National Fellowship, the People's League for the Defence of Freedom, the Free Press Society and the Anti-Socialist Front are not companies and Section 165 of the Companies Act does not, therefore, apply to them.

Is it not scandalous that, under the guise of higher moral values in politics and economics, Edward Martell has been able to persuade people to send him large sums of money by issuing a false prospectus and a personal guarantee for the return of loans on request at 14 days, which we now know has resulted in broken promises and a trail of dud cheques? In view of the details which have been sent to my right hon. Friend about the latest Martell dodge to escape repaying this money, can he not take some action to protect the public or warn them that this latest device is a blatant case of barefaced robbery?

My hon. Friend's Question asked about the Companies Act, and have answered it. He must take responsibility for the statements which he has made today about various individuals. Of course, if there are people who have been aggrieved or damaged in this way, the ordinary remedies of the law are open to them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have in my hand a thick dossier of cases of people who have tried to obtain the repayment of loans, of sums varying between £50 and £1,050, and that all that they have got have been evasions, lies and bouncing cheques? Since we are witnessing the decline and fall of the Martell empire, surely my right hon. Friend is able to suggest ways and means of protecting the public in future from this kind of racketeer whose personal guarantees are worthless?

Future legislation is, of course, another matter, but if the statements which my hon. Friend makes are correct—and I can neither confirm nor deny them—I advise those concerned to take legal advice.

Since Mr. Martell is now going to set up a limited liability company to take over his own debts, is it not time that my right hon. Friend protected the consumers in this case—persons who are being bilked—and stopped this latest Horatio Bottomley of the 'sixties?

I do not wish to answer hypothetical questions, but I think that I am safe in saying that if Mr. Martell or anyone else proposes to set up a company, then that would come under the provisions of the Companies Act.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have in my hand a letter from a firm of solicitors stating that one of its clients has loaned over £1,000 to the various groups presided over by Mr. Martell and that every effort to get the return of the loans has completely failed? Is it not a scandal that a political mountebank of this character can exploit credulous people, and even though they are ex-colonial blimps and ex-generals, do they not need some protection from this House?

I take note of what my hon. Friend says, but I must repeat that these people should take legal advice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I also have documents in my hand—[Interruption.] It would be a poor hon. Member indeed who did not have such documents—showing that Mr. Edward Martell, while preaching freedom, has been practising licence in the most scandalous possible way, and will my right hon. Friend initiate an urgent public inquiry?

Surely it is impossible to protect people from their own political gullibility? After all, many of them voted Labour at the last election.

If that were not so, of course, no one would ever vote Tory.

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

Further to that point of order. I also beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter—

Order. Even for the hon. Member I cannot perpetrate duplicity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of cotton yarns were imported into the United Kingdom from Malta in the year 1964 and in the first quarter of 1965; and what proportion of these quantities was produced in Malta.

851,000 lb. and 551,000 lb. respectively, all of which was, I understand, produced in Malta.

Were not these yarns produced from a single mill in Malta, which was built with financial assistance from the United Kingdom given on the strict understanding and undertaking that no such yarn would be exported to the United Kingdom until 1966? Why in those circumstances have Her Majesty's Government allowed the import of this yarn in flagrant breach of the undertaking given?

It is correct, as the hon. and learned Member said, that there is only one yarn producer in Malta and that he gave an undertaking in the terms suggested. Therefore, the firm has certainly exported in breach of the undertaking which formed part of the agreement to which the hon. and learned Member referred under which it received financial assistance from the Malta Government. Accordingly, licences have been refused for any further imports of Maltese yarn. The licensing arrangements did not come into operation, however, until 1st February. Since that date a licence was issued in respect of 270,000 lb. weight lying already in the United Kingdom for several weeks, but further licences have been firmly refused.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the people of Lancashire are very much concerned about the position in the textile industry and are most unhappy that the President of the Board of Trade seems to be doing no better than his Tory predecessor? When can we hope to see our own policy implemented?

I can only repeat that in this respect no further licences are being issued.

Why, when it was known that there was power to refuse these illegal shipments, were they not rejected at Liverpool?

They were contrary to the agreement, but they were not illegal. To have insisted on returning the quantities already lying for some weeks in the United Kingdom would have added very seriously to the already grave difficulties that the Maltese Government are facing in a serious unemployment problem. I think that in the exceptional circumstances the decision which was taken was right, but I add that no further licences are being issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on a global ceiling for textile imports from 1966 onwards; and what duty he proposes to apply in respect of low-price imports from Commonwealth countries.

It is our objective, in discussions with developing countries which export cotton textiles, to agree upon a total limit to our imports from them for 1966 and some years thereafter. I am not prepared to impose any duty on Commonwealth imports which at present enjoy duty free entry.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that textile imports are coming to this country even now at the rate of 33⅓ per cent. of the whole market production? Will he undertake to ensure that the negotiations he has in hand, or will have in hand shortly, will be really tough with our Commonwealth friends and more sophisticated countries? Will he be able to assure at least this side of the House that there will be a substantial instalment of our programme in respect of textiles during the summer months?

Yes, my hon. Friend may be assured that we have already embarked on these negotiations and the purpose is to set some agreed limit to textile imports from these countries over the years ahead to give an assurance of stability and security for the British industry. We shall conduct these negotiations in whatever way we think most likely to achieve the result for which my hon. Friend has asked.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of having a hard look at the position as it affects shirts? Will the Government constitute and avail themselves of the advice of a consultative body of people drawn from all sections of the textile industry?

We are in close touch with the Cotton Board on the whole issue, and it is getting advice from the management and trade union sides of the industry. We are willing to listen to advice from anyone else well-informed on the industry.

As the right hon. Gentleman has told us that these negotiations are now under way, can he give a little more information about whether they are individual bilateral negotiations with all the countries concerned, or are on a global basis with a quota, for example, a separate Commonwealth quota and a quota for the rest of the world? Does he feel confident that these negotiations can be completed by the end of the year which, I think, is the time when the existing arrangements will expire?

The negotiations are bilateral, although, as was stated in a public statement made after my recent meeting with the Cotton Board, we seek in future a global quota to give more assurance to the industry. I am hopeful that a conclusion will be reached before the end of the year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his policy on recruitment to the Board of Trade from industry.

Generally the Board of Trade relies on the normal methods of recruitment through the Civil Service Commission whose competitions provide opportunities for those who have worked in industry to enter the Civil Service. Some technical posts are normally filled by recruitment from industry, and one officer has been specially seconded for a period from an industrial concern to serve as a principal in the Department.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a large fund of knowledge and assistance waiting to be employed by the Board of Trade and other Departments? Will he find further opportunities for its use and employment which would be to the benefit of the whole Ministerial Department?

I agree with my hon. Friend. He will realise that we have a number of advisory bodies and draw on valuable advice for the industry, for instance B.O.T.A.C., E.C.G.D., and the British National Export Council, to mention only three. I agree that their advice is very valuable.

Has the attention of the President of the Board of Trade been drawn to the excellent pamphlet, "Change or Decay", which suggests among other things that it would be an advantage to industry and to Ministries if there were an exchange between civil servants and people in industry or even secondment to the Civil Service from industry in order to get experience to deal with each other's problems and provide a valuable force for the Board of Trade and other Ministries?

Yes, and I am very sympathetic with that idea.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the de facto implementation of the new Part IV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade has affected, and is expected to affect, the United Kingdom's trade with Commonwealth and other developing countries, respectively.

It will not be possible for some time to make any such assessment.

To what extent is the United Kingdom's undertaking to give preference to developing countries dependent upon like action to be taken by other developed countries? Will any additional preference be given to developing countries within the Commonwealth?

It is wholly so dependent. I am here in agreement with right hon. Gentlemen opposite, who made the offer previously at Geneva, that we would be prepared to give similar free access to developing countries outside the Commonwealth if other industrial countries would similarly give free access or preference both to developing countries within the Commonwealth and outside. That offer stands and that is our policy. I think it is beneficial to the Commonwealth and to developing countries as a whole.

What estimate has my right hon. Friend made of the effect on Commonwealth trade of the recent conditional acceptance of the new Part IV G.A.T.T. by Australia?

I think this is limited to increased trade with Australia by developing countries, but that is only one element in the matter.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne.

On a point of order. I am sure the President of the Board of Trade wanted to answer the second part of my question, which was whether if such preferences are given to developing countries the Commonwealth developing countries would get additional preference.

Yes, certainly the Commonwealth developing countries would gain great advantages from the achievements of non-Commonwealth developed countries. That is what we should like to see.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what answer he has received from the United States Government to his request that all tariffs on motor cars imported into the United States of America should be abolished, in order that the abolition of motor car tariffs bilaterally between the United States of America and Canada should be made consistent with Article 1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

The matter is still under discussion between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that five months is rather a long time for these discussions? Can he assure the House that the Government are not inhibited in pressing these discussions by the fact that they have been in breach of G.A.T.T. themselves for seven months?

Five months or seven months may be a long time, but I am sure that the hon. Gentleman realises that the United States have not yet put these arrangements into effect while the discussions are going on. We are in consultation with the United States Government and we hope that they will take account of the proposals which we have put to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied that pending industrial development in Fife will be adequate to provide enought male employment to absorb all those likely to be made redundant in the next few years in the coal mines in Fife; and if he will make a statement.

Industrial developments expected in Fife should provide over 2,700 jobs for men. I shall keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power about the future requirements for manpower in the coal mining industry.

Has my right hon. Friend made any estimate, or has the Minister of Labour made any estimate, as to the likely loss of jobs in this area in the course of the next few months? Does my right hon. Friend realise that most of the coalmines in the area are scheduled for closure in the next few years and, unless substantial male employment is provided over and above the figure he suggested, there will be redundancy and I fear there will be migration of the younger element from the area?

Yes. We realise that this is a major problem for Scotland and we are in constant touch with the National Coal Board to be sure that we are informed well in advance about future releases of labour. So far we are of the opinion that the new jobs in prospect will reasonably balance the redundancies from the coal industry which can now be foreseen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received the report from the inspector inquiring into the affairs of Travel and Holiday Clubs Limited.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet received the report from the inspector inquiring into the affairs of Fiesta Tours Limited; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the reports of the inspectors appointed by the Board of Trade to investigate the affairs of Fiesta Tours Ltd. and Travel and Holiday Clubs Ltd. When they are received, he will decide whether to publish them.

Why is there such a delay in the investigation into the private company named in my Question? Is my hon. Friend aware that there are four young people in my constituency who sent this organisation £50 in February of last year, expecting a holiday? They have had neither holiday nor their money returned. Will my hon. Friend ensure that this investigation takes place as soon as possible so that these people can know where they stand?

Yes, Sir. As a matter of fact, the investigation is nearly complete and my right hon. Friend expects to receive the report very shortly.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, although it is for his Department to decide whether to publish these reports, the decision must be taken to publish them? This is because many holiday makers are being misled at the moment in the same way as they were by Fiesta and other holiday firms last year. Valuable public information is likely to be contained in these reports. It is imperative that they be published quickly.

As I said initially, this is entirely in the discretion of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and no doubt he will have heard what my hon. Friend has just said.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to provide assistance to small firms on the lines of that provided in the United States of America through the Small Business Administration.

I am not convinced of the need for this. The services which the Government provide directly or through grant-aided bodies to help industry to improve its performance and efficiency are available to all firms, irrespective of size. In practice, it is often the smaller firms which are likely to benefit most from them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the proportion of industrial establishments employing over 500 people to total industrial establishments on Merseyside and in Greater London, respectively.

In 1958—the latest year for which the information is available—4·1 per cent. of industrial establishments in Merseyside and 2·0 per cent. in Greater London employed 500 persons or more.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that these figures show that, in areas where there are very many large companies but fewer ancillary industries, there is greater employment and there is a relationship that ought to be studied because of these figures?

The figures are interesting, though I am not absolutely sure that they show that. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is need for more employment in the Merseyside area and our policy is intended to secure that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to buy part of the large factories now vacant on Merseyside and to divide them into smaller units for rent, thus encouraging the expansion of feeder industries for the large industrial establishments operating in the area.

The Local Employment Acts already provide the necessary powers. I have inquired into the possibility of reconstructing and modernising the factories to which I believe the hon. Member refers; but I find that the cost would be likely to be disproportionate to the employment provided.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a lack of ancillary industries on Merseyside and, although there may be a large amount of vacant industrial floor space, this space is too costly for small firms, which badly want small factories which are not available?

I fully agree that there is a need for employment, though as a matter of fact on Merseyside now, as in most of the under-employed areas, unemployment is lower than it has been for a great many years. If factual information can be advanced which shows that these factories could be used economically, I should be very glad to look at it.

Would my right hon. Friend indicate whether the Government have decided to establish publicly-owned industries on Merseyside and whether the factories of which the hon. Gentleman has spoken could be used in this capacity?

We are intending to build two new advanced factories on Merseyside, as my hon. Friend knows, for which we are now looking for land. We are exploring the possibility of establishing new Government enterprises also.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that the conversion of an existing factory would take much less time than the building of a new factory? Although unemployment certainly is less on Merseyside than it has been for many years, it is still almost twice the national average. We want speedy action, although we appreciate all that has been done since last October.

That is what one would naturally think a priori, but investigation of these factories by my officers suggests that it might be more economical to build new factories. I remain open-minded on this.

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say in answer to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer) that he was considering the establishment of publicly-owned industries in this area?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress about the siting of a new tinplate mill; and what reply he sent.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress expressed the hope that sympathetic consideration would be given to any request by Scottish steel interests for support in beginning tinplate manufacture. Under the present organisation of the industry, it rests with individual companies to make proposals for such a development. I understand that no plans have been submitted to the Iron and Steel Board by any Scottish firm.

Should my right hon. Friend receive such representations from the industry for a certain type of development of tinplate and galvanising in this country, may the claims of Scotland, and of Lanarkshire in particular, which has a very special knowledge of the subject, receive very favourable consideration?

Yes, certainly, though I think that the main responsibility here would be with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power.

Would the President of the Board of Trade agree that a new tinplate mill would be a natural development of the highly successful diversification and expansion of Scottish industry which has taken place over the last few years? Would he at least give an assurance that the incentives he would be prepared to offer would be adequate to discount the effect of the reduction in the value of investment allowances approved on Tuesday?

Yes, Sir, but, since a new tinplate mill is apt to cost about £100 million or more, we must be satisfied that there is a demand for the tinplate before we embark upon such a scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of misleading advertisements put out by estate agents concerning houses for sale; and if he will introduce legislation to ensure that all such advertisements are accurate descriptions of the properties to be sold.

I am considering with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether or not advertisements for houses should be brought within the new legislation on trade descriptions which I am preparing.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that this is probably the most extravagant form of inaccurate advertising in the whole field of consumer goods, and will he consider the desirability of putting into the hands of the local authorities the advertising of houses in their area for sale below a certain price? If this were done, would it not save many people lots of time, lots of money and lots of travelling which they undertake unnecessarily now as a result of false advertising?

I should not rule out action such as my hon. Friend suggests. If he will supply to me any evidence of these practices, I shall be very glad to look at it.

But will not the right hon. Gentleman be a little more forthcoming? Does he not know that the Minister of Housing and Local Government let slip the other day that he intended to produce legislation to enforce intending vendors to employ local councils as their agents, and is not this a ruse to let local councils discover what is ripe for compulsory purchase?

What I am concerned with is legislation to protect the consumer. This deals with consumer goods, and I very much doubt that that question arises.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate has been made of the dollar cost of replacing Rhodesian supplies of tobacco.

It is estimated that the additional import cost of buying tobacco from dollar sources would be relatively small.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what decision he has reached about the reconsideration of the "Californian" incident.

My right hon. Friend expects to reach a conclusion shortly.

Is it not true that the "Californian" was probably 30 miles from the "Titanic" and that two other vessels neither of which was the "Californian", were sighted to the north when Captain Rostron of the "Carpathia" was picking up survivors, which makes it highly improbable that the "Californian" was the villain of the piece, as history has now seemed to grasp? Will the hon. Gentleman do something to try belatedly to clear Captain Lord's name?

One of the reasons why the inquiry is taking so long is that there is conflicting evidence on this point, and the navigational aspects of the case to which the hon. Gentleman has referred are receiving particular examination.

Will my hon. Friend take it that the petitioners in this case are by no means dismayed at the amount of time being taken and they regard it as an indication that the question is being given every consideration? All we hope is that, when a decision is made, it will be the decision for which many hon. Members on both sides are hoping, namely, that my right hon. Friend will be able to make arrangements for a public inquiry to clear the captain's name.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement on the use to be made of land occupied by Associated Chemical Company Limited at Ruther-glen, and on the effect it has on employment in this development district.

I understand work has started on the part of the property being developed for industrial purposes by Taylor Woodrow Industrial Estates Ltd. I hope that this welcome development will provide some useful employment in the area.

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but is he yet aware of any decision to use the remainder of this valuable site?

I could not say so at this moment, but I agree with my hon. Friend that it is essential to use the site and provide more employment in the area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will make a statement on the concentration of production of electric turbo-generators in order to achieve greater standardisation of design and improved efficiency of manufacture; and what proposals he has for the further rationalisation of heavy electrical plant production.

My Department is in close touch with the firms concerned and with the Central Electricity Generating Board on these matters. I naturally welcome any steps which will lead to improved efficiency in manufacture.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it has been a constant criticism by the Central Electricity Generating Board, which is in a good position to know, of the electrical manufacturers of this country that they will not rationalise their production of heavy electrical plant, and will he take steps to see that they do so?

As my hon. Friend knows, proposals in that sense are now coming forward. I agree with him that there is a strong case for further rationalisation in this industry.

Has the President of the Board of Trade any evidence that these firms will not rationalise? Are they not, in contact with him, quite willing to take these steps if they can be properly arranged?

Yes, Sir; I think that consultations between the C.E.G.B. and the firms are now bearing fruit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now authorise an advance factory to be built at Whithorn in Wigtownshire.

Whithorn's total population of about 1,000 does not seem likely of itself to justify an advance factory, but the claims of the Newton Stewart development district, of which it forms part, will be borne in mind, with those of other development districts, when future programmes are considered.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware of the very high rate of unemployment in this town, that there is a town development plan going forward, and that it would help the town greatly if an advance factory were set up? Second, will he look again at the possibility of publishing the South-West of Scotland Plan?

I agree that there is a problem in this area, and we shall certainly take it into account when future advance factory programmes are worked out.