Written Answers of 15 May 1946

FOOD SUPPLIES

  Milk Delivery
  Mr. Peter Freeman
  asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many citizens in Newport are unable to obtain a daily supply of fresh milk for their children from the Cambrian Dairies, Limited; to what extent this failure is due to the shortage of manpower; and what steps he is taking to provide for a satisfactory delivery.

  Sir B. Smith:
  I am pleased to say that the company is now making a daily delivery of milk, and has undertaken to continue to do so.

  Colonel Stoddart-Scott
  asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, when Messrs. G.&A. Hudson took over North Ives Farm, Horsforth, persons registered for milk who were members of the cooperative society were able to transfer to the society; why has this society facilities to increase their business, which are withheld from other traders, and if he will consider granting permission to people who are dissatisfied with the cooperative milk distribution to change to other distributors.

  Sir B. Smith:
  I am aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The transfers were carried out in accordance with the Ministry's general practice in such cases which has been agreed with the trade as being equitable to all concerned. The arrangements, which operate in the reverse direction when a cooperative society purchases a milk business, do not confer any special privilege on cooperative societies; they are designed to give consumers a limited measure of choice of dairyman whenever a business changes ownership. I regret that I cannot consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member so long as milk deliveries are rationalised

  Australian Produce (United Kingdom and India)
  Lieutenant H. Hughes
  asked the Minister of Food what steps have been taken to divert supplies of foodstuffs from Australia to India; and what quantities of food have been sent from Australia during the past nine months to India and
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  Great Britain respectively, giving details of same.

  Sir B. Smith:
  Of the cereals exported from Australia during the first four months of 1946, over 80 per cent. of the wheat, amounting to more than 160,000 tons, was shipped to India, together with some 23,000 tons of flour. The remaining supplies went chiefly to countries in the Indian Ocean area, particularly Ceylon and Malaya. India's requirements of other foodstuffs from Australia are relatively small and every effort has been made to meet them in full. As detailed particulars are asked for in the second part of the Question, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

  Following is the statement:

  According to the figures published by the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, the quantities of foodstuffs supplied from Australia to India and United Kingdom respectively during the nine months from June, 1945, to February, 1946, the latest period for which data are available, were as follow:

  Commodity

  India.

  United Kingdom.

  (Million lbs.)

  (Million lbs.)

  Dairy Products

  Butter

  2.1

  12.2

  81.6

  93.0

  F.C. Dried Milk

  0 9

  4.5

  Malted Milk

  0.2

  –

  Cheese

  9.0

  6.9

  Eggs

  –

  18.1

  Meat

  Beef

  25.3

  35.4

  46.9

  113.1

  Veal

  2.3

  1.0

  Lamb

  –

  31.0

  Mutton

  3.9

  10.7

  Pork

  –

  22.0

  Bacon

  1.0

  0.5

  Sausages

  2.9

  1.0

  Cereals

  Wheat

  21.0

  21.0

  –

  7.0

  Wheat Flour

  –

  7.0

  Rice

  –

  –

  Dried Egg
  Mr. Peter Freeman
  asked the Minister of Food when the next allocations of dried egg will be made, and the probable amount.

  Sir B. Smith:
  I hope to be in a position to make an announcement about future issues of dried egg during the next few days.

  Flour (Stocks)
  Mr. W. J. Brown
  asked the Minister of Food what steps he has taken to equate the supplies of flour to the shifting population which will occur during the summer season.

  Sir B. Smith:
  Reasonable stocks are maintained in all areas and these should be adequate to meet the shifting demands which may occur during the summer season.

  Egg Box Fittings
  Mr. Willis
  asked the Minister o Food why the pulp formations used for the protection of eggs despatched in bulk are extracted and destroyed by whole salers before the return of the boxes on the instructions of his Department; and, in view of the shortage of this material if he will take steps to avoid this wastage.

  Sir B. Smith:
  My Department has not given instructions for egg box fittings to be destroyed, but the re-use of fittings would require storage space which we are being pressed to release for other purposes. An undue amount of labour would also be entailed in the return, grading and reconditioning of the fittings. Whilst these factors necessitate the use of new fittings, there is no reason for used fitting to be wasted as traders should dispose of them through the salvage collection service for re-pulping.

  Early Potatoes (Cornwall)
  Commander Agnew
  asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that adherence to 15th June as the closing date this year for free loadings of Cornish early potatoes will result in heavy offering of immature potatoes with consequent loss of food to the nation, he will postpone the date for a fortnight.

  Sir B. Smith:
  I do not consider that it is necessary to prolong the period during which growers in Cornwall an adjacent districts are compelled to sell all their new potatoes to my Department. After 15th June Cornish growers will be able to market their potatoes freely. Moreover, the Ministry will continue to buy sufficient Cornish potatoes to meet consumption needs, and will take reasonable steps to assist the orderly marketing of first early potatoes and the clearance of land for essential following crops.

  Strawberries
  Mr. B. White
  asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that French and Dutch strawberries are being imported in appreciable quantities and, being subject to no price control, are being sold at prices ranging from 10s. to 20s. per pound, whereas early English strawberries are price controlled at 2s. 3d. to the grower; and what steps he is taking to correct this situation.

  Sir B. Smith:
  The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part of the Question Orders controlling the prices of both home grown and imported soft fruits are in preparation and will be issued in the next few days.

  Gift Parcels (U.S.A.)
  Colonel Clarke
  asked the Minister of Food whether there are any restrictions on the amount of gift food parcels from the U.S.A. and, if so, whether he will give details of them.

  Sir B. Smith:
  Individuals in this country may receive gifts of food from abroad provided that the gifts are not solicited, are not received more frequently than once a month, and provided that the weight of foodstuffs in any one parcel does not exceed seven lbs. of which not more than two lbs. may consist of one commodity. These conditions apply to gifts from all parts of the world.

  Fresh Fruit
  Mr. Erroll
  asked the Minister of Food if he will now approximately estimate the amounts and kinds of fresh fruit which will be available for the general public during the coming season; and what proportion of the crops will be diverted to jam and preserve manufacturers.

  Sir B. Smith:
  I have consulted my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, and I fear it is too early yet to make even an approximate estimate of this season's fresh fruit crop.

  Coffee Essences
  Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison
  asked the Minister of Food whether he will give an assurance that no import licences for the importing of coffee essences will be

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  granted at a date earlier than 12 months after the restriction on the supply of raw materials to home manufacturers has been withdrawn.

  Sir B. Smith:
  Licences for the import of coffee essence would be granted, if at all, by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on my advice. I have no present intention of recommending him to do so, but I cannot give any undertaking in regard to future policy.

  Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison
  asked the Minister of Food whether he will give an assurance that, when imported coffee essences are permitted, they will be required to comply with the stipulations of the Food Standards (Liquid Coffee Essence) Order, 1945, and the Labelling of Food (No. 2) Order, 1944.

  Sir B. Smith:
  Yes, Sir.

  Maize
  Mr. York
  asked the Minister of Food whether the Food Control Board has been informed of the total maize yield in Argentina of the 1945 harvest; how much of the crop was available for export; and what proportion of the supplies available for export were imported into this country.

  Sir B. Smith:
  The Argentine Government have officially announced that the total yield from the maize crop harvested about April, 1945, was approximately 2,925,000 tons. No official statement of quantities available for export or of actual exports of maize from Argentina during the year, April, 1945-March, 1946, has been issued, but I understand that trade estimates of exports range from 755,000 tons to 793,000 tons. Shipments of maize from Argentina to the United Kingdom during the year April, 1945-March, 1946, were 251,590 tons.

  EXTRA SOAP RATION (COAL TRIMMERS)
  Mr. Peter Freeman
  asked the Minister of Food whether he will allow coal trimmers an extra ration of soap, particularly in view of the fact that they do not have access to pit-head baths.

  Sir B. Smith:
  Arrangements already exist whereby extra allowances of soap are made available for coal trimmers. Where no washing facilities exist such
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  extra allowances are issued to employers for redistribution to the men. If my hon. Friend has knowledge of any instance in which difficulty is being experienced I should be grateful if he would let me know.

TRADE AND COMMERCE

  German Timber (Imports)
  Mr. Spence
  asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the approximate monthly tonnage of timber now being imported into this country from the British occupied zone in Germany.

  Mr. Belcher:
  Approximately 3,600 tons of wood and timber were recorded as imported into this country from Germany during March, 1946, imports prior to that month being negligible. Imports from the British occupied zone are not distinguished from imports from other parts of Germany.

  Requisitioned Industrial Floor Space
  Mr. S. Shephard
  asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of industrial floor space released and returned to industry during February and March, 1946, and how much still remains in Government possession.

  Mr. Belcher:
  18.1 million square feet were so released and 102 million square feet still remain in Government possession.

  Motor Vehicles (Sales, U.N.R.R.A.)
  Mr. Spence
  asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of new motor vehicles supplied to U.N.R.R.A. during March and the total value of all vehicles supplied to U.N.R.R.A., including war surplus, reconditioned and new vehicles during the same period.

  Mr. Marquand:
  Sales of new British motor vehicles to U.N.R.R.A. during March amounted to 100 cars, worth £43,800. No British war surplus or reconditioned vehicles in the United Kingdom were sold to U.N.R.R.A. during this period. Figures are not at present available of overseas sales to U.N.R.R.A. of British war surplus vehicles for this period. The following numbers of British vehicles were delivered to U.N.R.R.A. in

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  the United Kingdom during March in respect of orders placed previously:

  256 new load carrying vehicles worth £120,000 approximately, and

  333 load carrying vehicles and 14 passenger vehicles worth approximately £94,000 which were either from war surpluses or were reconditioned.

  Utility Upholstered Furniture
  Mr. S. Shephard
  asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that holders of priority dockets for utility furniture are now having to wait more than six months for delivery; and what steps he is taking to increase production.

  Mr. Belcher:
  I am aware that delays of six months in the delivery of utility upholstered furniture are, unfortunately, still not uncommon, but the average delay for all articles throughout the country is about two months. Production is now nearly four times as great as it was a year ago, and we are continually trying to improve the supply of this furniture by the allocation of increased quantities of raw materials in the industry, including surplus stocks of textiles, and by the increased use of metal and other substitutes for wood.

  Development Area, South Wales (Press Conference)
  Mr. Watkins
  asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the purpose of the conference convened by his Department in Cardiff, on 29th April; the number of trade union representatives present; how many Government Departments were represented; and whether Welsh Members of Parliament will in future be sent copies of any statements relating to Wales given by his Department to the Press.

  Mr. Belcher:
  As a preliminary to a three-day Press tour of the South Wales Development area, a conference was held to give representatives of the national and local Press a current picture of what is being done to attract new industry to South Wales. The Conference was attended by officials of the Board of Trade, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Supply, Ministry of Fuel and Power and Central Office of Information, together with three members of the Regional
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  Board, of whom one was the chairman, one a trade unionist and one an employer of labour. In reply to the latter part of the Question, it is not customary to send copies of Press statements to hon. Members and I do not think that such a practice would be convenient.

  Perambulators
  Mr. Osborne
  asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in December, 1945, perambulator manufacturers were only permitted to produce 40 per cent. of their 1939 output; what increase has since been granted; and how many perambulators have been produced in the months January to April, 1946, inclusive.

  Mr. Belcher:
  The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." No restrictions have been placed on the number of perambulators that manufacturers may produce, and the allocations of materials in December, 1945, and subsequently, have provided for a larger production than they were in fact able to achieve. Figures are not yet available of the number of perambulators produced in April but the number in the first three months of this year was 117,800.

  Towels
  Mr. Osborne
  asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider making available at once an extra supply of towels to newly married couples.

  Mr. Belcher:
  No, Sir. The number of coupons needed for towels has just been halved in order to allow more for everybody.

  Silk Stockings
  Mr. Osborne
  asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that fully-fashioned real silk stockings are offered in quantities around 7s. 6d. a pair in Italian shops; and what steps he proposes to take to make some of these available to the women of this country.

  Mr. Belcher:
  I know of no offers of Italian silk stockings to this country which would enable them to be sold at the price suggested by the hon. Member. For the reasons given in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Macclesfield (Air-Commodore Harvey), on the 8th May, I cannot hold out any immediate hope of

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  a substantial increase in the supply of pure silk stockings from any source for the home market.

  Jeeps
  Mr. Spearman
  asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department refuse licences for the import of jeeps from the Continent, which, subject to a permit, can be bought in sterling from the U.S. Navy.

  Mr. Belcher:
  In cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member, import licences are refused on exchange grounds. Payment made in sterling in the United Kingdom to representatives of the United States Government is equivalent to payment in dollars.

  China (Proposed Commercial Treaty)
  Major Digby
  asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to conclude a commercial treaty with China, similar to that now being negotiated by the U.S.A.

  Mr. Marquand:
  Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government hope to conclude such a Treaty but I cannot of course say how far it would be similar to that now being negotiated between the United States and Chinese Governments.

  Sports Equipment (Youth Clubs)
  Mr. Murray
  asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the hardship experienced by youth clubs, affiliated to the National Youth Movement, in obtaining football shirts, pants, hose, boots and gymnastic kit, coupons being required for all these articles; and why a league club down to a street club, affiliated to a county football association, is granted both permits and coupons through the secretary of the English Football Association, so long as they are not affiliated or registered as a youth club.

  Mr. Belcher:
  Great care has been taken to see that the organisations falling within the scope of the Youth Service are as generously treated as supplies permit; coupon facilities are available to them in respect of plimsolls and shorts either through the local education authority or the Ministry of Education, and they are eligible equally with football clubs for
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  the issue of coupons to obtain football clothing and boots from the English Football Association. The second part of the Question is based on a misunderstanding due to the fact that permits for sports equipment are issued to members of the Youth Service organisations by local education authorities while football clubs obtain them from the English Football Association.

  Radio Valves (Inquiry)
  Major C. Poole
  asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in a position to report on the manufacturing costs of radio valves.

  Mr. Belcher:
  I have not yet received the report of the Central Price Regulation Committee, but I am informed that the Committee have now completed their inquiries and will be submitting their report very shortly.

  New Factories, Newport
  Mr. Peter Freeman
  asked the President of the Board of Trade when each of the five new factories sponsored by his Department in Newport will be started; the principal products that will be manufactured; and the number of men, women, boys and girls who will be employed in each.

  Mr. Belcher:
  Under the powers conferred by Section 1 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, the Board of Trade have undertaken to build and allocate five factories at Newport, details of which are set out below:

  Production.

  Numbers to be employed (approx.)

  Starting date for building (approx.)

  Men's wear, mainly uniforms.

  1,000, mainly women.

  Aug., 1946

  Electric water-heating equipment.

  40 men and 90 women.

  June, 1946.

  Prefabricated woodwork

  500, mainly men.

  –

  Women's and children's heavy clothing.

  30 men and 70 women.

  –

  Sheet metal

  150 men and 150 women.

  –

  As final arrangements have not yet been completed it has not yet been found possible to fix a starting date for the building of the last three factories listed above, but it is hoped to make a start late in the year.
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  The first of the above factories is to be 35,000 sq. ft. instead of 50,000 sq. ft. as stated in the OFFICIAL REPORT for the 1st May.

  Manilla Rope
  Mr. Spence
  asked the President of the Board of Trade when supplies of manilla rope will again become available to inshore fishermen.

  Mr. Belcher:
  It is hoped that small quantities of manilla hemp may become available to this country shortly, but the limited supplies have to be reserved for the uses in which other fibres cannot be made to serve, and I regret I am not yet in a position to say how soon it will be possible to provide manilla rope for inshore fishermen.

  COLONIAL LABOUR DEPARTMENTS
  Mrs. Middleton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give an assurance that the proposed new appointments in the Labour Department in Kenya will be made from people who have a thorough knowledge and experience of working-class organisations.

  Mr. George Hall:
  It is my intention in making appointments to Colonial Labour Departments to pay full regard to the qualifications mentioned by my hon. Friend. One trade unionist has already been selected for the Kenya Labour Department as recommended by my Labour Adviser, and another for the Railway. In Colonial conditions, however, it will be necessary for some time to provide also for the appointment of officers with direct and intimate knowledge of the local peoples.

AFRICAN COLONIES

  Tanganyika (Mineral Rights)
  Mrs. Middleton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what mineral concessions have been granted to private companies in Tanganyika during the past year, and how far it is proposed to grant any in the future.

  Mr. George Hall:
  One mining lease and 324 claims were granted in 1945 in
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  Tanganyika. Mining operations have played an important part in the development of that Territory and I am anxious to promote that development in the future to the greatest possible extent. Suitably qualified persons for licences will be required to agree that arrangements are made to secure for the Territory proper compensation for the removal of natural assets through mining, to prevent the destruction of other natural resources and to ensure adequate labour and welfare conditions.

  Nigeria (Government Policy, Publicity)
  Colonel Wheatley
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the speech by the Governor of Nigeria in the budget session of the Legislative Council commenting on the irresponsible conduct of the local Press; and what steps he proposes to take to correct misrepresentations of Government policy in Nigeria.

  Mr. George Hall:
  My attention has been called to this speech. The Nigerian Government is fully alive to the need for ensuring that the people of the country are informed about Government policy and that misrepresentations are corrected. Many channels of publicity for this purpose are being developed, including Press conferences, information centres, lectures, cinema displays, and so on.

  Corporal Punishment
  Mr. Sorensen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases of corporal punishment have been administered to persons in West Africa during the past year.

  Mr. George Hall:
  I regret that returns are not yet available, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend when they are received.

  Cameroons (Ex-German Plantations)
  Mr. Sorensen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement respecting the activities of the United Fruit Company in the Cameroons, with special reference to the profit it derives, the wages of its employees, and the prices paid for produce purchased.
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  Mr. George Hall:
  The United Fruit Company do not operate in the Cameroons. Elders and Fyffes, a British subsidiary of United Fruit, took over the shipping of bananas from the ex-German plantations under agreement with the Custodian of Enemy Property in 1939, but only one shipment has taken place since 1940, namely in March of this year. The ex-German plantations in the Cameroons are at present administered by the Custodian of Enemy Property.

  Northern Rhodesia (Copper Royalties)
  Mrs. Middleton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take regarding the royalties from the Northern Rhodesian copper mines now being paid to the British South Africa Company; and whether he is aware of the demand in Northern Rhodesia that these royalties should be retained by the Northern Rhodesian treasury for the benefit of the country.

  Mr. George Hall:
  Yes, Sir. I am aware of the views expressed in the recent debate in the Legislative Council. I propose to discuss this question with the Governor of Northern Rhodesia and two unofficial members of the Legislative Council during their visit to this country next month.

  PALESTINE (DANCING ESTABLISHMENT)
  Mr. Edelman
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Lido cafe, a dancing and swing music establishment on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, belongs to a German Nazi, named Grossmann, who fled to Germany at the outbreak of war; that the property is at present administered by the Government custodian of enemy property through Arab managers; and whether he will end this offence to good taste and religious sentiment.

  Mr. George Hall:
  The establishment to which my hon. Friend refers belonged to a German Christian named Grossman who fled to Germany before the outbreak of war. It is now leased by an Armenian company. I have noted the statement in the Report of the Anglo-American Committee that this establishment offends the sensibilities of many Christian people and I have already been in communication
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  with the High Commissioner, who is giving the matter his personal attention.

  COLONIAL EMPIRE (CURRENCIES)
  Mr. Dodds-Parker
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the increase in air travel and for general convenience, he will consider, in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, having a uniform system of currency notes and cash for this country and its Colonies.

  Mr. George Hall:
  The advantages to travellers are in my opinion much more than offset by the objections to uniformity between currency arrangements in this country and the Colonies, which include the strong preference of Colonial peoples for currencies associated with their own territories, the difficulties of fair distribution among so many Governments of the profits arising out of the issue of currency, and the great difficulties of initial adjustment arising out of the present wide diversity of Colonial currency units. It is, however, established policy to aim at reducing the inconvenience of the present arrangements to travellers and others by reducing to a minimum the cost of conversion between sterling and Colonial currencies, and by promoting Regional arrangements for the use of common currencies such as already exist in West Africa and East Africa and are now in contemplation between certain of the West Indian Colonies.

  NORTH BORNEO (STATE BANK BALANCES)
  Sir P. Macdonald
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when arrangements will be made to un-freeze balances with the State Bank of North Borneo; and whether, in view of the hardship imposed on ex-internees who have such balances, he will arrange for their unfreezing to be expedited.

  Mr. George Hall:
  The question of payment by the State Bank of North Borneo in respect of pre-Japanese occupation accounts is primarily the concern of the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company. I understand that as soon as it has been found possible to reconstruct the accounts of individual depositors,

  237
  which were largely destroyed as a result of the war, payment in respect of those accounts will be considered subject to any official regulations then in force. In the meantime, claims in respect of such accounts should be submitted to the company.

  GIBRALTARIAN EVACUEES
  Sir R. Glyn
  asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is in a position to make a statement concerning the present conditions and future prospects of 2,440 Gibraltarian evacuees now accommodated in 10 camps and one hostel in Northern Ireland; in particular, on what vote the cost of these British subjects is borne; what is the total sum involved to date; and to what extent are these individuals precluded from earning a living.

  Mr. George Hall:
  With regard to the first part of the Question, I am assured by my hon. Friend, the Member for North Bucks, who at my request recently paid a visit to the evacuee camp run by the Ministry of Health and Local Government of Northern Ireland, that as far as material conditions are concerned the evacuees are well cared for. The evacuees are supplied with fuel and in addition to the ordinary food ration receive a supplementary ration of oil. As to their future prospects I am afraid that the majority must expect to stay where they are until substantial progress has been made with the housing schemes now in hand in Gibraltar.

  With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, the cost of maintaining these camps was borne until 31st March last by the Ministry of Health; to that date I am informed that it amounted to £792,605. Since 1st April it has been borne on the Colonial and Middle Eastern Services vote. With regard to the last part of the Question, while opportunities for work in the immediate neighbourhood of the camps are limited, the evacuees are free to take any work they can find in any part of the U.K., provided that they are prepared also to find their own accommodation. There are certain types of employment, such as agricultural work or shoemaking, which might be available in the camps, but in which the evacuees refuse to engage. I am looking into the possibility of bringing young evacuees over
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  to this country for training in various trades but no statement on this can yet be made.

  U.N.R.R.A. (HORSE PURCHASES)
  Mr. Vane
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many horses have been purchased by U.N.R.R.A. in this country; and how have they been disposed of.

  Mr. P. Noel-Baker:
  U.N.R.R.A. have so far purchased 400 horses in the United Kingdom for shipment to Poland. They hope soon to buy some more; negotiations are already in progress.

  DISPLACED PERSONS, EUROPE
  Mr. Stokes
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the urgency of settling the final disposal of the displaced persons in the camps in Europe; and whether, in order that they may reach their new homes before the winter, he will bring the matter for settlement at the forthcoming meeting of the Economic and Social Council of U.N.O.

  Mr. P. Noel-Baker:
  Yes, Sir. I am aware of the importance and urgency of the problem of the displaced persons and other refugees in Europe today. At its second session, which begins next week, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations will consider a report on the matter drawn up by a Committee of which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State has been the Chairman. His Majesty's Government have made, and will continue to make, every possible effort to ensure that the most effective measures shall be taken, for which agreement can be secured.

  POLES, UNITED KINGDOM (REGISTRATION)
  Major Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Provisional Government in Warsaw have decreed that all Poles must register at the Provisional Government Consulate in London before 30th April, 1946, otherwise they will lose their nationality and become Stateless nomads;

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  and what representations is His Majesty's Government making to the Provisional Government in Warsaw on the subject.

  Mr. P. Noel-Baker:
  No such action as that described by the hon. and gallant Gentleman has been taken by the Polish Provisional Government. On 28th January the Polish Consulate-General in London issued a notice to the Press stating that they were arranging for the registration between 1st February and 30th April of all Polish citizens resident in the United Kingdom, except those on active military service. No mention was made of loss of nationality and other penalties for those who failed to comply. A Government is entirely within its rights in seeking to compile a register of its nationals through its consulates abroad. In view of these facts, therefore, no representations to the Polish Government are called for, and none have been made.

  U.S. BASES, SOUTH PACIFIC (DISCUSSIONS)
  Mr. Warbey
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the negotiations with the U.S. Government concerning the use of island bases at present under British or Dominions sovereignty.

  Mr. P. Noel-Baker:
  As my hon. Friend is, no doubt, aware the United States Government spent large sums during the war on the construction of bases in certain island territories which are now administered, wholly or in part, by Governments of the British Commonwealth. Most of these islands lie in the South Pacific area. During recent months the United States Government have made proposals for the future use and status of these bases. The discussion of these proposals is still going on, and I hope that it may lead to an agreement satisfactory to all concerned. There have, of course, been the closest consultations throughout with the Dominion Governments concerned.

ROYAL NAVY

  Courts Martial (Procedure)
  Mr. Nield
  105, 106 and 107. asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if, at naval courts martial, prosecutors and defending officers are required to be officers
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  with legal qualifications; and, if not, whether it is customary to select officers with legal qualifications to prosecute and defend; (2) if, at naval courts martial, a judge advocate normally sits with the court; and if the judge advocate is required to be an officer with legal qualifications; (3) if, at naval courts martial, the judge advocate advises the court on questions of law; if he sums up in open court directing the attention of the court to the legal principles involved; and if such summing up is recorded so that any misdirection as to the law may be the grounds for an appeal or petition against the finding of the court.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  The prosecution at Naval courts martial is ordinarily conducted by the captain or executive officer of the ship to which the accused belongs. The convening authority, however, may appoint any competent person to undertake the duty, and since 1939 considerable use has been made of the services of legally qualified R.N.V.R. officers. The choice of someone to assist him at the trial rests primarily with the accused. If he does not himself obtain assistance, an officer is detailed for the purpose, if possible one with legal qualifications. Judge Advocates are appointed to officiate of a branch who receive special training in legal matters but, generally, with the exception of R.N.V.R. officers who are barristers or solicitors in civil life, are not lawyers. They do not sum up in open court, but it is their duty to advise the court on questions of law, and their advice is recorded if they or the court desire it.

  Fishing Vessels
  Sir T. Moore
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many small craft suitable for fishing vessels have been disposed of since V J-Day; and whether priority of disposal has been given to ex-Servicemen.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  Since VJ-Day the Admiralty has sold about 150 trawlers, drifters and motor fishing vessels. Apart from these, the Department has sold some 2,000 small craft, comprising both pulling and power boats, a small number of which would probably be suitable for inshore fishing. The Admiralty normally sell surplus craft by competitive tender. In accordance with the general policy in

  241
  respect of disposal of surplus Government stores no priority is given, in such sales, to ex-Servicemen.

  Establishments, Scotland
  Sir W. Darling
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many permanent naval establishments there are in Scotland and where they are located.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  I regret that it is not at present possible to state which of the numerous naval establishments in Scotland will be permanently retained. The answer will depend on many questions yet unsettled, but I can assure the hon. Member that the Admiralty will in its considerations bear in mind the claims of Scotland to a fair share of the employment which naval activities provide.

  Leave (Shore Establishments)
  Major Digby
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what leave is given to naval ratings serving in the R.N.A. Hospital, Southport, and how this compares with other naval establishments.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  The normal standard of leave for Naval ratings in shore establishments at home is nine days every four months, and three interim periods a year of 48 hours or long week-ends; that is a total of 33 days a year. The leave granted to the staff at the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, Southport, has recently averaged slightly more.

  Dockyards (Discharges)
  Mr. Medland
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of work-people who have been discharged from His Majesty's dockyards since 1st January, 1946, and, in particular, the number of men and women discharged from Devonport dockyard, respectively, in that period.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  During the 16 weeks ending 27th April, 1946, 2,932 workpeople are recorded as having been discharged from the four professional departments of H.M. Dockyards at home. This figure includes 103 deaths, 402 discharges on the grounds of age or infirmity, and 1,372 discharges "at own request." In the case of Devonport, 487 men and 278 women were discharged during this period, including 42 men and one woman
  242
  who died, 121 men discharged for age or infirmity, and 260 men and 91 women discharged "at their own request."

  Naval Review
  Mr. Janner
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether before too many ships of the wartime Navy are laid up, arrangements can be made to hold a naval review.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  I regret there is at present no prospect of holding a naval review.

  Writers
  Major Bruce
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recruitment since November, 1945, of special service writers has been successful in making up for the deficiencies in numbers in this branch resulting from the failure to recruit long service men during the war years.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  Since the temporary suspension of the open competitive examination, the number of writers entered on Special Service Engagements has been just sufficient to meet requirements, but the shortage of experienced Writers will persist for some time.

  Abinger Magnetic Station (Masts)
  Mr. Touche
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered a communication from the Surrey County Council regarding masts erected in a field, which is the property of the council, adjacent to the magnetic station at Abinger; and what action he is taking regarding it.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  This matter is receiving consideration, and I will let my hon. Friend know the position as soon as possible.

  Schoolmasters
  Mr. G. Thomas
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps are being taken to bring the release of naval schoolmasters more in line with the general rate of release in the R.N.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  Three methods have been, or will be, used:

  First, fresh recruiting either by promotion of "hostilities only" ratings or by entries from civil life. In the year since V.E. Day, 70 officers have been entered

  243
  in this way, which represent 16 per cent. of the number of "hostilities only" schoolmasters employed on V.E. Day. Plans to attract schoolmasters to come into the Navy for short service are included in the new conditions of service for the branch now under consideration.

  Second, by employing suitably qualified officers of other branches on full time educational work in connection with the Educational and Vocational Training Scheme.

  Third, an Admiralty Fleet Order will be issued shortly inviting those serving for "hostilities only" to transfer to the permanent list.

  Devonport Dockyard (Employees)
  Mr. Lambert
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers employed in the dockyard at Devonport during the first week of May for the years 1935, 1945 and 1946, respectively.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  The numbers of industrial workpeople employed in the professional departments of Devonport Dockyard during the first week of May for the years in question were respectively 9,803, 12,988 and 12,889.

  H.M.S. "Fifeness" (Court Martial)
  Major N. Macpherson
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what disciplinary action has been taken against the officer or officers responsible for the administrative blunder whereby accommodation destined for officers travelling as passengers on H.M.S. "Fifeness" from New York to the United Kingdom was labelled native quarters, thereby provoking an act of disobedience by 15 officers of the R.N.R. and R.N.V.R.; and whether he will review the sentences passed upon these officers on 24th April with a view to mitigation.

  Mr. Dugdale:
  The proceedings, findings and sentences of this as of other courts martial will shortly be reviewed by the Admiralty and the circumstances under which these notices were posted and the failure to remove them are being investigated in connection with this review.

  LEASEHOLD ENFRANCHISEMENT
  Mr. Hector Hughes
  asked the Attorney-General if he will, in the case of urban houses, introduce legislation to eliminate all interests intermediate between the occupiers and the freeholders, and to determine on such elimination what would be a fair sale, purchase or redemption price for each such intermediate interest; and what would be a just rent for the occupier to pay and the freeholder to receive in each case.

  The Attorney-General:
  The proposals made by my hon. and learned Friend, in so far as they involve the extinguishment of leasehold interests, raise the subject of leasehold enfranchisement. The question whether persons who, by themselves or their predecessors, have voluntarily entered into contracts upon a leasehold basis, should, without the consent of the other contracting parties, be enabled to secure a different and larger interest in the land concerned or to occupy it on different terms is a complicated, controversial and difficult one, and as I have indicated in previous answers during the past few months, it is quite impossible in view of the Government's heavy reconstruction programme to introduce legislation at present interfering with the results of contractual relationships in this way. I regret therefore that I can add nothing to my previous statements about the matter.

ROYAL AIR FORCE

  Aircraftman Cymbalist
  Mr. Driberg
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the case of Aircraftman Cymbalist has now been considered by the Air Council; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Strachey:
  Yes, Sir. The Air Council has now considered the case of Aircraftman Cymbalist. In doing so, the Air Council had to take into consideration not only the exceedingly grave crime of incitement to mutiny of which Aircraft-man Cymbalist was convicted by court martial, but also this airman's Service record, which must be a factor relevant to his sentence. I must inform the House that Aircraftman Cymbalist was in

  245
  January, 1943, convicted by district court martial on a charge of stealing £24 from a fellow airman and was sentenced to six months' detention. He was again tried in May, 1944, on a charge of using insubordinate language to a superior officer and received 28 days' detention.

  On the other hand, the term of his sentence—ten years—was undoubtedly long and the Air Council has decided to reduce it to five years.

  In this connection I should inform the House that instructions were sent out to all commands in the Royal Air Force on 10th May to the effect that all sentences imposed by courts martial for purely Service offences and at present in execution are to be specially reviewed when one third of the length of the sentence has been served, with a view to the remission of part or all of the remainder of the sentence, if recommended by the prison governors and approved by the Air Council.

  Mutiny, India (Methods of Investigation)
  Mr. Driberg
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many airmen in India have been detained as a result of the recent R.A.F. strikes; how many have been tried by court martial and how many are awaiting trial; if he has now fully considered the evidence submitted to him by the hon. Member for Maldon and other hon. Members concerning third-degree methods used by the S.I.B. investigators, despite the assurances given by responsible officers that there would be no victimisation of men who returned to duty; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Strachey:
  Fourteen airmen who were due for release or repatriation were at first held back in India but only two of them are still being held there: one of these is being tried and the second is awaiting trial. In addition three airmen who are not due for release or repatriation have been placed in arrest. The first of these has already been tried, the second is now being tried and the third is awaiting trial. The above does not include the one airman in Malaya, Aircraftman Cymbalist, who has already been tried.

  The complaints which certain hon. Members have brought to my notice about the investigations which were carried out
  246
  by R.A.F. Service Police fall generally under two heads:

  that a breach of faith has been committed in pursuing the investigations at all; it is alleged that promises were made that no further action would be taken, or that there would be no "victimisation" to quote the phrase generally used;

  that the methods used by the Special Investigation Branch of the R.A.F. Police were contrary to the regulations and amounted to intimidation.

  As regards the suggestion that the investigations should not have been undertaken at all, no statement has been made by the Government or the Air Ministry that no prosecution of ringleaders would follow the outbreaks of indiscipline in India in January, 1946. However, the rules barring the trial by court-martial of a person whose offence has been condoned are very specific; and a number of cases have been abandoned because some C.Os. and other commanders unwittingly made statements which could reasonably be interpreted as meaning that no disciplinary action would be taken if their men resumed duty.

  The suggestions that intimidating methods were used fall under the following heads:

  that the investigating N.C.Os. concealed their identities or represented themselves to be working for the Foreign Office or Intelligence Service;

  that men were placed in arrest without being charged;

  that men, when questioned, were threatened and were told that their release and repatriation would be delayed and that they would get up to ten years if they failed to give information.

  It was only to be expected in the circumstances that allegations of this nature would be made. The complaints have been carefully sifted and I can give the House the following definite assurances:

  that Service Police N.C.Os. invariably disclose their identities before interrogating airmen. The fact that they have always worn the ordinary uniform of R.A.F. Police during this investigation should in itself dispel any suggestion that they misrepresented themselves;

  247

  that Section 45 of the Air Force Act requires that a person taken into custody shall be charged and paragraph 1199 of King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions requires that an account of the events alleged shall be delivered in writing to an accused person in custody within 24 hours of the arrest. I am satisfied that there have been no breaches either of the Act or of this regulation;

  Police interrogation is always liable to be a somewhat alarming experience to anyone who may be in any way connected with a serious offence. But the N.C.Os. carrying out these particular investigations have categorically denied that they used other than accepted police procedure in questioning witnesses, and no substantiation can be obtained of statements to the contrary. One at least of these N.C.Os. has had long experience in the civil police and all of them are fully conversant with the proper and recognised methods of questioning and were fully aware of the importance of adhering closely to them in this particular investigation.

  Requisitioned Land, Berwick-on-Tweed
  Lieut.-Colonel Thorp
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how much agricultural land his Department has requisitioned in the constituency of Berwick-on-Tweed; and how much has been handed back, up to the nearest convenient date, for agricultural purposes.

  Mr. Strachey:
  Altogether the Air Ministry requisitioned approximately 2,150 acres of agricultural land in this area. At the end of April some 1,900 acres had either been derequisitioned, or handed over to the agricultural executive committee for farming.

  Personal Case
  Lieut.-Colonel Byers
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the refusal to release Flight-Lieutenant R. E. M. Orledge, an education officer at Cosford, to take up the duties of headmaster and warden of the new county camp at Carey, Wareham, Dorset, has dislocated the educational arrangements which have been made, including the abandonment of a preliminary teachers' training course;
  248
  and whether he will make every effort to have this man released immediately so that he can take up his duties before school parties arrive at the camp on 21st May.

  Mr. Strachey:
  I have gone into this case and I think the officer himself is mainly responsible for all these difficulties. He has known since the end of last year that he would not be free until next month and he actually told the Air Ministry that he did not want to be released when his turn came. He should not, therefore, have applied for this job in the first place in view of the conditions which he knew attached to it. However, he is now due to go next month and allowing for his leave, we should be able to let him take up his new job by Whitsuntide.

  Victory Parade (Flying Training Command)
  Mr. Ward
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why aircraft of Flying Training Command have been excluded from the types which are to fly past the saluting bases as part of the Victory Parade on 8th June; and whether he will take steps to correct this omission.

  Mr. Strachey:
  We should have been glad to have had aircraft of all commands taking part in the Victory Parade. But practical problems, such as rendezvous, timing, and control, set a limit to the size of this combined operation with the Fleet Air Arm, and we felt it would be right to choose the best known war types. This is in no sense a reflection on the achievements of Flying Training Command, which, with all the other commands, will of course be represented in the marching column.

  Demobilisation
  Colonel Ropner
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that by the end of June, G officers of the W.A.A.F. will be fifteen groups behind other groups in the Service in the release scheme; and if he will take steps to speed up the release of these officers and bring their groups more into line with the others.

  Mr. Strachey:
  I cannot at present add to the reply I gave last week to the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Wing-Commander Hulbert).

  Siam (Complaints)
  Mr. D. Jones
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the complaints coming from the camp occupied by 684 Squadron in Siam, about the delay taking place to men due for repatriation, in some cases amounting to more than five weeks; that the food served up to the men is badly cooked, lacks variety and in some instances is unfit for consumption; that it is prepared by Siamese cooks who do not understand European methods and tastes; and what steps he proposes to take to have these complaints put right.

  Mr. Strachey:
  We have asked the Command for a detailed report and when this has been received I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

  Cottesmore (Married Quarters)
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many cottages are standing empty on the aerodrome at Cottesmore, near Oakham; how long they have been unoccupied; and whether he will take steps to see that there is no wastage of housing accommodation on the aerodrome.

  Mr. Strachey:
  I think my hon. Friend's Question refers to the married quarters at Cottesmore, and we shall certainly make full use of these buildings. They have all needed repair after their wartime use. Fifty-three of them are unoccupied only because the work has not yet been finished. Seven have been ready for a fortnight, and airmen's families will be moving in as soon as possible. Eight are already in use.

  Prestwick (Catering Contract)
  Mr. Emrys Hughes
  asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the sum paid by the Air Ministry to Scottish Civil Aviation, Limited, for the catering at Prestwick airport during the war.

  Mr. Strachey:
  This Air Ministry wartime catering contract was mainly concerned with the messing of airmen stationed at Prestwick. From July, 1941, until the end of the war the total payments amounted to some £245,000.

CIVIL AVIATION

  Continental Services (Vikings)
  Mr. W. Shepherd
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is expected to begin operating the Viking aircraft on the B.O.A.C. continental service.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  It is planned to put the Viking aircraft into service on routes to the Continent in the course of this summer.

  Air Services Agreement, Ireland (Eire)
  Sir W. Smiles
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is aware that in the Agreement made on 25th April, 1938, between the Government of the United Kingdom and Eire, the name "Eire" only is used, but in the Agreement on Air Services, signed on 5th April, 1946, the name "Government of Ireland (Eire)" is employed; and what is the reason for this change.

  Mr. Neill
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why, in the White Paper on the agreement relating to air services, the words "Government of Ireland (Eire)" are used to describe the 26 counties known as the Irish Free State, in view of the fact that this description has never been used before in official documents.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  The designation in the Air Services Agreement was used in order to comply with the provisions of the law of the United Kingdom and of Eire respectively. In the English language, the country in question is properly described by one of the signatories as Eire and by the other as Ireland, and the designation adopted recognises this position without creating misunderstanding about the territory concerned.

  Professor Savory
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether, under the new air agreement with Eire, British companies, plying between Great Britain and Ireland, will be permitted to pick up and set down passengers in Dublin, on the same terms as those granted to the Eireann company to call at Belfast en route between Dublin and Liverpool or Crewe.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  The Agreement provides that, except by agreement between

  251
  the two Governments, the joint company Aer Lingus, in which both United Kingdom and Eire operators participate, should operate all scheduled air transport services terminating in the territories of the United Kingdom and Eire. This joint company will enjoy cabotage rights between Dublin and the Shannon similar to those permitted between Belfast and Liverpool and Belfast and Crewe.

  Switzerland
  Mr. Marples
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is proposed that British aeroplanes will be operating between this country and Switzerland.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  It is planned to put Viking aircraft into service between this country and Switzerland in the course of this summer.

  Aerodromes and Routes, Scotland
  Sir W. Darling
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will name the aerodromes in Scotland from which civil air traffic is now permissible and the range of such services in the United Kingdom and overseas.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  Nineteen aerodromes are available for civil air services. Scotland is served by 14 routes within Scotland and the Islands and five routes to points outside Scotland. A total of 162 services a week operate on these 19 routes. The total daily route mileage on the services serving Scotland and operating within the United Kingdom is approximately 6,700 miles. Below are particulars of the aerodromes and routes referred to.

  The operation of civil aircraft is now permissible from the following 19 aerodromes in Scotland:

  Aerodrome and Type of civil air operation permitted.

  Aberdeen (Dyce)—Scheduled services only.

  Balado Bridge—Charter and club flying.

  Benbecula—All types.

  Dumfries—Charter aircraft.

  Inverness—Scheduled services only.

  Islay (Port Ellen) —Scheduled services only.

  Kintyre (Machrihanish) —Scheduled services only.

  Kirkwall (Hatston) —Scheduled services only.

  Leuchars—Charter aircraft.

  Lossiemouth—Scheduled services and charter aircraft.

  Macmerry—Club flying.
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  Perth (Scone) —All types.

  Prestwick—All types.

  Renfrew—Scheduled services only.

  Stornoway—All types.

  Sumburgh—Scheduled services only.

  Tiree—All types.

  Turnhouse—Scheduled services and charter aircraft.

  Wick—Scheduled services only.

  As Dumfries, Leuchars, Lossiemouth and Turnhouse are under the control of the Service Departments, landing at these aerodromes is dependent on prior permission being obtained from the Station Commander.

  The air routes in operation which serve Scotland, are as follow:

  Scottish Airways, Limited

  Number of services per week.

  Inverness—Kirkwall

  6

  Inverness—Kirkwall—Sumburgh

  6

  Inverness—Wick—Kirkwall

  6

  Inverness—Stornoway

  6

  Glasgow—Inverness—Kirkwall—Sumburgh

  6

  Glasgow—Tiree—Benbecula—Stornoway

  6

  Benbecula—Barra

  6

  Glasgow—Tiree

  3

  Glasgow-Stornoway

  9

  Glasgow—Campbeltown

  18

  Glasgow-Islay

  12

  Glasgow—Belfast

  30

  Railway Air Services, Limited

  London—Glasgow

  6

  Allied Airways (Gandar Dower), Limited

  Aberdeen—Sumburgh

  6

  Aberdeen—Wick—Kirkwall—Sumburgh

  6

  Aberdeen—Kirkwall

  6

  Scottish Aviation, Limited

  Prestwick-Belfast

  12

  British Overseas Airways Corporation

  Prestwick—Gander—Montreal

  2

  Prestwick—Rineanna—Gander—Montreal (Westbound)

  5

  Montreal—Gander—Rineanna—Hurn—Prestwick (Eastbound)

  Trans-Canada Air Lines Corporation

  Montreal—Prestwick

  5

  Renfrew Airport
  Mr. Rankin
  134, 135 and 136. asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (1) the length of the proposed third runway at Renfrew airport; and what progress has been made towards commencing its construction;

  (2) if he will state the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents at Renfrew airport since its inception; and the number of days in the last two years on which it could not receive aircraft owing to adverse weather conditions;
  253
  (3) if he is now prepared to state in detail his plans with regard to Renfrew airport as an air link in the internal and European development of Scottish civil aviation.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  The intention of my Noble Friend is that Renfrew Airport should be an important operational and maintenance base of British European Airways. It is already the centre of a network of air lines and expansion of services is planned which will connect Clydeside with the main centres of population in the United Kingdom. Services to the Orkneys and Shetlands and to the Western Isles will be maintained and extended. Services are also planned to connect Renfrew with the Continent directly.

  There have been only two days in the past two years in which the airport was closed to air traffic. There have been since 1939 two accidents to civil aircraft, resulting in one case in slight injuries to the occupants. Between 1933 and 1939 there were six recorded accidents; one person was killed and another injured.

  Before the war Renfrew was a comparatively small grass aerodrome. It was greatly extended during the war, and now has two hard runways 1,950 and 1,300 yards long. To permit safe and regular operation by the larger and faster aircraft now coming into production, a third runway with a length of 1,350 yards is considered desirable. The approach to this runway would have interfered with a proposed extension of the Hillington Industrial Estate, but I am happy to say that the Housing Committee of the Glasgow Corporation have recommended the Corporation to concede an alternative area to the estate. The need for restricting the height of buildings in the approaches to the existing runways has given rise to some difficulties, but I am hopeful that as a result of negotiations now proceeding they will be settled with equal satisfaction and enable my Department to make Renfrew an airport fully worthy of the great city which it serves.

  Catfoss Aerodrome
  Commander Pursey
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when Catfoss aerodrome is likely to be available for the Hull area for internal and continental flying; and
  254
  what amount of service is likely to be provided.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  I am not able to say when Catfoss aerodrome will be available. Before the aerodrome could be made suitable for use by scheduled civil air services, the existing buildings would have to be substantially modified and the necessary signals facilities provided. Representatives of my Department will visit the site during the present month to consider these matters.

  Southsea (Flying-Boat Base)
  Major Bruce
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement in regard to the proposal for the establishment of a temporary flying-boat base at Southsea, submitted to him by the hon. and gallant Member for North Portsmouth on 30th April last.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  The proposal to establish a temporary flying-boat base at Southsea is being examined by my Department and the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

  Cardiff-Bristol Services
  Mr. Peter Freeman
  asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will now state when the air services from Cardiff to Bristol and Weston will be restarted.

  Mr. Ivor Thomas:
  The aircraft earmarked for the service are at present undergoing extensive overhaul. Our objective is to start these services within the next two months.

  NATIONAL INSURANCE (NAVAL RATINGS)
  Mr. Willis
  asked the Minister of National Insurance the position of artificer apprentices under the existing health and employment insurance schemes; and whether any change is contemplated when the National Insurance Bill becomes operative.

  Mr. Lindgren:
  Artificer apprentices in the Royal Navy are treated in the same way as other naval ratings under the present health and unemployment schemes; no deductions are made from their pay in respect of these schemes.

  255
  but on discharge from the Navy they are treated as if they had been insured throughout service. Under the National Insurance Bill naval ratings will be insured persons like all other persons in this country. The detailed conditions governing their contributions and benefits will be dealt with in Regulations to be made under powers contained in the Bill.

  RAILWAY TIMETABLE CHANGES (PUBLICITY)
  Mr. Grey
  asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to many passengers on Durham station on Monday, 6th May, owing to lack of information of altered times of trains; and if he will ensure in future, that if any alterations are to be made, the company concerned gives sufficient notice both by Press and posters.

  Mr. A. Barnes:
  The alterations and additions to the train services which came into force on 6th May were very considerable and the work involved, together with staff shortages on the railways and in the printing trade, made it impossible to produce sufficient copies of the new timetable for distribution throughout the line before the date of operation. At Durham, in addition to considerable Press publicity, notices were posted at the station. I regret any inconvenience caused and am assured that the railway companies will make every effort to publish details as long as possible before the introduction of new timetables.

SHIPPING

  Pleasure Vessels (Safety)
  Mr. Medlicott
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements exist for examining the seaworthiness of pleasure craft in use at seaside resorts; and if he is satisfied with the adequacy of such arrangements.

  Mr. Barnes:
  I have been asked to reply. Under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts, all steam or motor vessels carrying more than 12 passengers must be provided with passenger certificates issued by my Department specifying the maximum number of passengers allowed, and for this purpose they are required to be surveyed at least once a
  256
  year by my Marine Surveyors. Having regard to the rarity of accidents to pleasure vessels of these descriptions, I am satisfied that the provisions for examining their seaworthiness are adequate.

  Other pleasure vessels have to be licensed by the local authority in whose district they ply for hire, if Section 94 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907, has been put in force, as it has been in most of the larger resorts. The Public Health Acts also provide for the making of byelaws by local authorities in respect of pleasure boats, but these are not primarily aimed at the seaworthiness of the vessels.

  Stranded Vessels, Irish Coast
  Sir W. Smiles
  asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ships have run aground between Ardglass and Donaghadee during the past seven years.

  Mr. Barnes:
  I have been asked to reply. During the years 1939 to 1945 inclusive, 25 vessels are recorded to have stranded on the Irish coast between Ardglass and Donaghadee, comprising one in 1939 (on 20th September), three in 1940, three in 1941, II in 1942, three in 1943, three in 1944 and one in 1945 (on 22nd March). The disproportionately large figure in 1942 is chiefly due to the fact that six Royal Naval vessels ran aground on 31st January of that year. So far in 1946 one ship has grounded. The period in question consists of war years when navigation lights were reduced in power or totally extinguished, and other wartime measures added to the difficulty of navigation. All navigational aids were restored to normal in this area shortly after V.E.-Day, and an additional navigational aid is to be provided in the shape of a radio beacon at Mew Island.

ROADS

  Severn Commission
  Flight-Lieutenant Parkin
  asked the Minister of Transport how much is now credited to the arrears of maintenance account of the Severn Commission.

  Mr. Barnes:
  The Severn Commission have overspent their permitted charge for maintenance and have no balance to the credit of their arrears of maintenance account.

  Wroxham Bridge (Traffic Lights)
  Mr. Medlicott
  asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the probable volume of summer road traffic in the Norfolk Broads area, he will state how soon traffic lights will be installed at Wroxham Bridge.

  Mr. Barnes:
  I do not think that the volume of traffic justifies the installation of traffic light signals, but I propose to consider with the highway authority whether better provision can be made for pedestrians.

BRITISH ARMY

  Anti-British Demonstration, Alexandria
  Mr. Molson
  asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a full statement regarding the attack on 4th March of an Egyptian mob on a military police post in Alexandria, the failure of both the Egyptian and British authorities to answer the repeated telephone calls for assistance, and the consequent murder of two British military policemen.

  Mr. Bellenger:
  Yes, Sir. At approximately mid-day on 4th March last, an anti-British demonstration occurred in Alexandria, and the assembled crowd took a provocative interest in a British military police post situated in the centre of the city. The garrison, which consisted of five military policeman, endeavoured to hold off the threatening crowd by firing shots overhead. These measures failed, and the garrison was forced to open fire on the crowd in its own defence.

  Both the responsible British military authorities and the Egyptian military and police authorities were acquainted with this development at an early stage. The former took no immediate offensive action, as to do so might have caused a much more serious incident than the one I am now reporting, and also because they had received the strongest representations from the Governor of Alexandria to adopt this somewhat passive attitude, together with an assurance that the Egyptian authorities had the situation in hand.

  For approximately one hour spasmodic British fire continued from the garrison,
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  and this ceased on assurances being given by an Egyptian Army officer that the crowd would be dispersed and the garrison safely evacuated. The local British Military Commander, however, had become anxious concerning the adequacy of the protection afforded by the Egyptian authorities to the British soldiers in the garrison, and in consequence he issued orders that a military flying column should stand by for action at short notice. The British Military Commander was reluctant to use this force in view of the strong representations he had received from the Governor of Alexandria not to do so, and the flying column, because of the uncertainty of the actual situation, and the assurances to which I have referred, never went into action.

  In the meantime, attacks on the post were resumed and the garrison was forced to take refuge in a cell; shortly afterwards the whole of the post was observed to be burning. The non-commissioned officer in charge gave orders to evacuate and run to an Egyptian cordon which was nearby. In this attempt, three of the soldiers managed to escape to a nearby hotel, where they were given protection by some Egyptians, but I regret to say that the other two soldiers were killed by the crowd.

  The British Military Commander had, shortly prior to the murder of the British soldiers, been incorrectly informed by the Governor of Alexandria that the British garrison had been successfully evacuated. He was placed in a very difficult position in view of the requests and the assurances received from the Governor of Alexandria, and in view of the risk that the use of British troops might be provocative and so lead to even more serious disturbances.

  Nevertheless, the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Forces, does not exonerate the local Military Commander from blame and has removed him from his appointment. The officer concerned has appealed to the Army Council against this decision and full consideration will of course be given to his appeal.

  Personal Cases
  Colonel Stoddart-Scott
  asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 14624054 Private E. Holmes, 2nd Battalion Green Howards, India Command, is a farm worker and has served three years

  259
  in the Army; that the Director of Recruiting and Demobilisation, in a letter dated 26th March, stated that his release under Class B had been authorised on 26th February, 1946; when will Private Holmes be offered Class B demobilisation; and when is he likely to be back in agriculture.

  Mr. Bellenger:
  I am awaiting a report from India on this case and as soon as it is received I will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

  Lieutenant William Griffiths
  asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet reviewed the case of 3455936 Trooper G. Burgess, East Riding Yeomanry, R.A.C., as promised to this soldier's wife in a letter dated 11th April, 1946; and what decision has he arrived at.

  Mr. Bellenger:
  Yes, Sir. This case was reviewed on 8th May, and it was decided to suspend the soldier's sentence. The necessary instructions are about to be issued.

  Relatives' Illness (Notification)
  Major McCallum
  asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider speeding up the arrangements whereby Service personnel serving abroad, whose presence at home is urgently required owing to the dangerous illness of a near relative, can be repatriated with the least possible delay; and if he will arrange that in such cases the Serviceman's unit is informed by cable, and not by letter, that the man's presence is required in this country.

  Mr. Bellenger:
  All urgent cases of this nature are notified to overseas Commands without delay, either by telephone in the case of B.A.O.R. or by cable in the case of other Commands overseas. Letters are never used for this purpose in urgent cases. The notification must be sent through the command headquarters and not direct to the individual or his unit, because there is no direct cable communication with units and because it is the command which must make the necessary transport arrangements. In an urgent case of this kind the highest priority would be allowed so that the soldier concerned travels by the fastest means of transport available. The time taken in any individual case will necessarily vary greatly according to the particular place at which the man is stationed and the transport facilities available there.

  NEW JURY LISTS
  Mr. Hector Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the new jury lists cannot be completed earlier than 1st January, 1947.

  Mr. Oliver:
  The date on which the new jurors books are to come into operation was fixed by the Elections and Jurors Act, 1945.

  KEW GARDENS (CLOSING HOUR)
  Mr. G. Williams
  asked the Minister of Agriculture why the entrance to Kew Gardens is closed at 7 p.m.; and whether owing to the enjoyment derived from the gardens by all sections of the community, he will extend the time to the nearest half hour before sunset.

  Mr. T. Williams:
  The gates at Kew Gardens, which are at present closed at 7.30 p.m., will shortly be kept open up to 8 p.m. until August. I have considered this matter sympathetically, but any further extension of the hours would cause great staffing difficulties and would also increase the strain on the evening transport facilities in the district. I have, therefore, regretfully come to the conclusion that I cannot accept the hon. Member's suggestion.

  S.E. COASTAL TOWNS (POPULATION)
  Lieut.-Colonel Mackeson
  asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give an estimate of the population of each of the coastal towns concerned, in March of each of the years from 1938 to 1946, respectively; and an estimate, based on rehabilitation plans, of their respective populations in 1947.

  Mr. Bevan:
  I have been asked to reply. It is not clear what localities the hon. and gallant Member has in mind but it is assumed that the Question relates to the 29 towns which were invited to be represented at the original Conference on the Rehabilitation of South East coastal towns which was held at the War Office on 1st November, 1944. The following table gives the populations during each of the years 1938–1946. I am not in a position to give an estimate on the basis indicated in respect of 1947.

  The following is the table:

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  262

  –

  Total Population Mid Year 1938.

  Total Population Mid Year 1939.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1940.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1941.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1942.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1943.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1944.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1945.

  Civilian Population at 31st March, 1946.

  Bexhill M.B.

  23,430

  23,760

  27,800

  12,560

  14,200

  13,730

  14,160

  17,040

  21,820

  Brightlingsea

  4,210

  4,246

  4,689

  4,244

  4,174

  3,935

  3,933

  3,955

  4,192

  Brighton C.B.

  146,500

  146,600

  161,400

  130,900

  124,700

  118,100

  121,300

  131,480

  143,800

  Broadstairs & St. Peters

  13,230

  13,130

  11,700

  4,626

  4,607

  4,733

  5,153

  7,574

  11,400

  Clacton

  23,410

  23,650

  22,040

  8,451

  9,597

  10,270

  10,790

  13,050

  18,930

  Deal M.B.

  23,420

  23,140

  22,610

  10,680

  12,230

  11,960

  12,220

  15,640

  19,570

  Dover M.B.

  39,950

  40,270

  35,640

  18,720

  18,080

  17,030

  17,630

  22,860

  28,860

  Eastbourne C.B.*

  56,770

  56,400

  65,480

  26,580

  31,670

  28,510

  27,140

  36,960

  47,890

  Felixstowe

  12,830

  12,920

  12,460

  6,621

  7,215

  7,320

  7,933

  8,918

  11,440

  Folkestone M.B.

  45,900

  45,260

  44,150

  17,870

  19,010

  18,330

  19,130

  24,790

  34,360

  Frinton & Walton

  7,318

  7,287

  8,285

  4,427

  4,273

  4,318

  4,476

  4,943

  6,427

  Harwich M.B.

  12,760

  12,760

  11,920

  8,876

  8,995

  8,815

  9,208

  9,676

  11,220

  Hastings C.B.*

  64,620

  64,400

  68,020

  36,020

  39,330

  37,590

  37,960

  46,460

  57,410

  Herne Bay

  16,140

  16,250

  15,262

  12,860

  12,520

  12,660

  13,320

  15,260

  16,640

  Hove M.B.

  58,790

  59,860

  71,560

  55,550

  54,510

  51,200

  51,410

  56,240

  63,660

  Hythe M.B.

  8,741

  8,666

  9,027

  4,319

  4,354

  4,088

  4,707

  5,756

  7,738

  Littlehampton

  11,340

  11,720

  13,820

  11,070

  10,460

  9,481

  9,590

  10,670

  12,020

  Lowestoft M.B.

  44,370

  44,230

  41,840

  28,960

  24,190

  25,180

  27,060

  30,170

  37,570

  Margate M.B.

  39,470

  39,200

  34,830

  15,120

  14,290

  14,710

  15,790

  22,220

  32,260

  Ramsgate M.B.

  34,390

  34,470

  32,070

  15,180

  14,850

  15,790

  17,730

  23,070

  29,680

  Sandwich M.B.

  3,913

  3,925

  5,769

  3,032

  2,992

  2,699

  2,894

  3,106

  3,337

  Seaford

  9,069

  9,270

  9,860

  5,125

  5,028

  4,763

  5,016

  6,007

  8,135

  Shoreham by Sea

  11,150

  11,570

  13,250

  9,424

  9,081

  8,751

  8,640

  9,312

  10,860

  Southend on Sea C.B.

  138,100

  137,800

  124,200

  63,920

  71,980

  77,920

  86,580

  100,300

  130,170

  Southwold M.B.

  2,658

  2,596

  2,490

  1,331

  1,231

  1,301

  1,458

  1,597

  2,139

  West Mersea

  2,370

  2,418

  2,675

  2,137

  2,067

  2,085

  2,127

  2,155

  2,251

  Whitstable

  15,590

  15,620

  15,560

  11,970

  12,360

  12,570

  12,940

  14,020

  15,780

  Worthing M.B.

  59,080

  61,210

  72,390

  56,310

  55,640

  52,760

  53,350

  57,970

  63,770

  Great Yarmouth C.B.

  53,780

  53,090

  51,250

  32,640

  25,200

  26,000

  27,200

  31,710

  41,400

  *Estimated Resident Population Mid 1938 as constituted after a change of boundary on 1.4.38.

  WAR DESPATCHES (PUBLICATION)
  Sir R. Glyn
  asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to publish the despatches of various commanders-in-chief on operations during the war; and if he is now in a position to indicate the order in which these documents will be issued.

  The Prime Minister:
  The publication of despatches will begin very shortly. Five despatches by Army commanders relating to operations in the early part of the war have been sent to press and will start coming out as Supplements to the "London Gazette" within the next fortnight or so. Thereafter further despatches, including some by Naval and Air Force commanders, will be published from time to time. The despatches of each Service will be issued in more or less chronological order. I cannot say how long the process will take, as the despatches relating to some of the later campaigns have not yet been received.

  GERMANY (COAL AND ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION)
  Sir R. Glyn
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much coal from the Ruhr mines has been obtained since the occupation of Germany; to what countries there has been export of coal; to what extent do neighbouring countries obtain the benefit of electricity from power generated in the British zone; and if the revenue from this production relieves the costs of occupation and administration of the zone now borne by British taxpayers.

  Mr. J. Hynd:
  About 38 million tons of coal had been produced from the Ruhr and Aachen coalfields up to the end of April. Exports of coal in that period were made to France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Austria. About 2½ per cent. of the total power generated in the British zone is supplied direct to Belgium and via that country to the Netherlands and Luxembourg as well as through the French zone to France. The proceeds of coal and power exports are used brought into the British zone and thus to offset the cost of essential imports relieve the burden on the United Kingdom Exchequer.

  TAXI FARES, LEEDS
  Colonel Stoddart-Scott
  asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Leeds City Watch Committee have declined to grant permission for an increase of taxicab fares on Class A vehicles and have suggested a 20 per cent. reduction, whilst on Class B vehicles they have suggested a 25 per cent. increase; that Leeds taxicab proprietors have not had an increase in their fares since 1940, in spite of increase in cost, maintenance, rent and wages; and if he will recommend that the Leeds City Watch Committee reconsider and amend their decisions.

  Mr. Bevan:
  I am aware that the City Council of Leeds, who are the responsible authority for fixing hackney carriage fares in the city, have not altered their table of fares since 1940. My function in the matter is, however, merely that of confirming authority for proposals put forward by the city council. If any such proposals are made I have to consider them and also any objections to them; it would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to express in advance an opinion upon the matter. I am prepared to consider proposals from the council, if made, and the hon. and gallant Member's Question will have the effect of calling attention to the present position.

  TEACHERS' TRAINING SCHEME
  Sir G. Fox
  asked the Minister of Education the reason for the increased delay in prospective teachers being able to start the Emergency Training for Teachers Scheme, which in some cases is nearly a year after the promised date; to what extent it is due to slowness in opening the colleges; and what efforts are being made to rectify the position.

  Miss Wilkinson:
  Emergency training colleges are being opened as fast as buildings can be found and converted. This training scheme has, however, always been intended to provide trained teachers to meet the needs of the schools over a period of several years and it has never been contemplated that all the additional teachers needed could be trained at one and the same time. As the great majority

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  of the candidates are becoming available for training this year, a considerable period of waiting will be inevitable, even when all the colleges have been opened.
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  I am not aware that any candidates have been promised admission to college at dates which have had to be postponed for nearly a year.