Mr Thomas Steele: There is one point I wish to raise. In connection with the settlement grants for the re-settlement in agriculture and horticulture of men and women released from war service, I am rather perturbed in connection with this because I have some knowledge of what has happened to men given smallholdings in Scotland, and I would like some information as to how this money is to be spent. I would like...
Mr Thomas Steele: In attempting to make a maiden speech on a Measure such as this, one probably has opportunities which are denied to other hon. Members. I feel that what has happened in this Debate is that we Scottish Members have had an opportunity to consider quite a number of matters connected with Scotland. I understand the tradition of a maiden speech whereby one should not be controversial, but I feel...
Mr Thomas Steele: asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Education in Scotland will be available.
Mr Thomas Steele: Is my hon. Friend aware that this answer will give a great deal of satisfaction, as this Report has been eagerly awaited?
Mr Thomas Steele: asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the congestion which arose in the streets and on all roads leading to Lanark at the last race meeting held at that town; and will he take the necessary steps to ensure that proper facilities for the parking of vehicles and the entrance of the public into the grounds are made before a licence is granted for racing on 31st May and 1st...
Mr Thomas Steele: On a point of Order. in view of the fact that we on these Benches never heard a single word and do not know what the statement is about, would it not be possible for the Government to consider issuing these statements to hon. Members at 2 o'clock before we come in and thus save the time of the House?
Mr Thomas Steele: Would the hon. Gentleman inform the House of the group number of this particular man because, as I understand it, even in the release of agricultural workers, the age plus service group applies?
Mr Thomas Steele: Is my right hon. Friend aware that a considerable amount of correspondence is being received by hon. Members in reference to an article which appeared in the "Daily Express"? That article may be the source of the rumour.
Mr Thomas Steele: I have no intention, much as I am tempted to do so, to follow some of the remarks made by the hon. and gallant Member for Forfar (Major Ramsay), in case I should be accused, as was my hon. Friend the Member for Berwick and Haddington (Mr. J. J. Robertson) of boring the House— accused, I may say, by the hon. and gallant Member for West Aberdeen and Kincardine (Colonel Thornton-Kemsley),...
Mr Thomas Steele: asked the Minister of Labour if members of the Polish troops who hold qualifications can be permitted to take up temporary appointments in civilian work until such time as a decision on their future is made by the Government.
Mr Thomas Steele: rose—
Mr Thomas Steele: First I should like to congratulate the Joint Under-Secretary on the most able manner in which he moved the Second Reading of this Bill. I am very proud indeed to do so, in view of personal circumstances of which he himself will be very well aware. I think all Members of the House have agreed that this industry is in a very bad way. The hon. Member for West Perth (Mr. Snadden) said that this...
Mr Thomas Steele: The hon. Gentleman will forgive me, but his hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Argyll (Major McCallum) also made the same admission.
Mr Thomas Steele: I am very happy indeed to take part in this discussion. I agree with the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir B. Neven-Spence) in what he said at the beginning of his speech. I also agree with the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) in the great tribute he paid to the farmers and farm workers of this country. I associate myself with that tribute and I leave it at that, because I...
Mr Thomas Steele: It will be in the Press tomorrow.
Mr Thomas Steele: The right hon. and learned Gentleman says that this policy of devolution has been the policy of the Tory Party for many years. Is he not aware that when the Railways Act went through in 1921, that was not so?
Mr Thomas Steele: I feel a deep sense of gratitude that in my first speech from this Bench I should be dealing with a Measure which has received the wholehearted support of the House—no doubt in the future I shall not be in the same happy position. In view of this fact, my task is easy, and I shall confine myself to short replies to some of the questions raised. The first, put by the right hon. Gentleman...
Mr Thomas Steele: We can really deal only with benefits; the other matter is outside the scope of the arrangements. Regarding the suggestion made by my hon Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. Austin) about the employment of these people in this country, arrangements have already been made and there is an office of the Ministry of Labour in Dublin. Anyone who wishes can make application to that office for the...
Mr Thomas Steele: As I have already informed the hon. Member by letter, the first three cases have already been satisfactorily cleared. The fourth, on which difficult issues arise, is still under investigation, and as promised, I will write to the hon. Member again when inquiries have been completed.
Mr Thomas Steele: Yes, I appreciate that. It is a difficult case, and we are making exhaustive inquiries to try to give it personal attention.
