asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the announcement by the new French Minister of Health, M. Heraud, that all the Ministry's Departments which had been evacuated are to return to Paris, he will inquire whether this announcement covers the evacuated Departments of all French Ministries, with a view to arranging in this country for a similar return of Government Departments to London?

I understand that Monsieur Heraud's announcement referred only to his own Department, the Ministry of Health. The position of Government Departments in regard to evacuation is kept under constant review by His Majesty's Government, which is satisfied that the existing policy is still necessary in the public interest.

asked the Prime Minister whether opportunity will be given to the House before the Autumn Recess to debate the war-time measures of the Ministry of Health?

I would remind the hon. Member that there will be opportunities in the normal course of business for the Ministry of Health Estimates to be debated.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, to what extent timber is being used in place of metal frames for windows in Government buildings; and why arbitrary sizes are being fixed for such windows when there is an ample supply of standard metal frames available?

I have been asked to reply. In buildings for which my right hon. Friend is responsible, timber is being used for window frames only to a very limited extent, and that mainly in buildings which were in course of erection at the outbreak of war. In war-time buildings, which constitute by far the largest proportion of his Department's building programme, timber is used only in cases in which metal is unsuitable because of the nature of the process to be carried on in the buildings. In general, metal windows of standard size are being used in his Department's war-time building programme. In a relatively small number of cases of buildings under erection at the outbreak of war, metal windows of special sizes are used to suit particular requirements or architectural considerations.

asked the Secretary of State for War what considerations govern the employment of military personnel as opposed to civilian staff on administrative, executive, clerical, and typing duties in the War Department?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Lady the Member for Dartford (Mrs. Adamson) on 4th March last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is intended to set up any special commercial organisation to encourage trade in areas where it is especially desirable, in the conditions arising out of the war?

His Majesty's Government have come to the conclusion that, as a contribution to meeting the difficulties attending the development of United Kingdom trade with certain neutral countries, it is desirable that a special trading company should be formed. They have accordingly decided to set up a trading company called "The English Commercial Corporation, Limited," whose function it will be to conduct trade with the countries in question. The capital of the company will be subscribed by the Treasury. The company will carry out its work as a commercial and independent entity, subject to general consultation with His Majesty's Government on the broad lines of its policy. It is intended not that the company should supplant existing channels of trade, but, on the contrary, that it should make use of them to the fullest possible extent. For the present the company will be primarily concerned with trade with Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Rumania, Turkey and Yugoslavia. It may, however, conduct business elsewhere if appropriate occasions arise.The following have agreed to serve on the Board of the company:The Right hon. Lord Swinton, G.B.E., M.C. (Chairman).Mr. A. Chester Beatty.Mr. G. St. Q. Beasley.Mr. C. P. Lister.Mr. G. A. McEwen.Mr. J. H. Hambro.Mr. F. H. Nixon, C.B.It is expected that the company will be registered on 15th April, and its address will be Plantation House, Rood Lane, London, E.C. From that date all inquiries should be addressed to the Secretary of the Company, Mr. G. H. Gunson.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the reason for not deducting Income Tax from the last payment of salaries made to Members?

There was no general departure from the practice of deducting Income Tax on the occasion of the last payment of salaries to Members.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has given consideration to the resolution passed by the Mansfield Education Committee, and supported by many other local authorities, to the effect that the various evacuation schemes have brought to view the necessity for the provision of clothing and footwear for children who are unable by reason of the lack of such to attend school; and whether he will consider making provision to empower local educational authorities to supply clothing and footwear to such children?

The question of the provision of clothing and footwear for evacuated school children has been dealt with in the Ministry of Health's Circular 1907, while, as regards local children, the policy of the Board is set out in paragraph 10 of their Circular 1450. I am sending copies of these documents to the hon. Member. It should be possible by means of the procedure indicated in these circulars to secure the provision of clothing and footwear for all children whose parents are unable to provide them, and it is not thought necessary or desirable to introduce legislation empowering local education authorities to make such provision.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the Lancashire County Mental Hospital at Winwick is sufficiently equipped with X-ray and other necessary apparatus to deal with the type of Service patients who have now been sent there?

Yes, Sir. X-ray and other equipment necessary to deal with the type of Service patient being sent to Winwick has been sent to the hospital.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that partly as a result of the reservation of beds, the number available for civilian cases, and, consequently, for teaching purposes, has diminished to one-third of the normal complement, with the result that medical education in London has been disorganised; and whether he proposes, in view of the reorganisation he has effected, to review the whole position in the near future?

The number of beds available for civilian cases in the London area as a whole is considerably greater than before the war, although the number available in the central part of the area has been reduced owing to war measures and the necessity of maintaining a certain number of beds for casualties. Some disorganisation of medical education has undoubtedly taken place, but, as the hon. Member is aware, the clinical education of students has been carried on at various hospitals, both municipal and voluntary, under the London sector scheme. The question of reopening further beds in the central area will certainly be reviewed in the light of experience.

asked the Minister of Health whether the decision to pay a smaller fee for notifications of measles and whooping cough than the fee normally paid for notifications of other diseases, was come to after consulting any body representative of the medical profession; and whether it was agreed to by any such body?

I consulted the British Medical Association, who represented to me that the fee should be half-a-crown. In fixing the fee at one shilling, I had in mind the large number of notifications likely to be involved and the necessity for avoiding undue increases of public expenditure.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the circumstances attending the fact that William Pearce, 75, Crownfield Road, Stratford, E.15, sent the necessary voucher for the renewal of his old age pension book on 8th February, but no book has yet been received by him?

Yes, Sir. I am making inquiries, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as those inquiries have been completed.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government have in mind any plans for the evacuation of priority classes, such as children of pre-school age, other than schoolchildren, in the event of serious air raids?

As regards children of pre-school age, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 21st February. As regards expectant mothers, arrangements already exist in London and elsewhere for the evacuation from time to time of those expectant mothers who desire it. I am arranging with the local authorities for the expansion of these facilities to meet the situation if bombing should occur.

asked the Minister of Health how many members of the honorary staffs of the voluntary hospitals in London have accepted part-time service up to date; what is the cost to the Exchequer of this reorganisation of the Emergency Medical Service; how many beds at the teaching hospitals have been reserved by his Department for casualties and at what cost?

In the London hospital sectors 519 whole-time officers of consultant or specialist grade in the Emergency Medical Service have elected to transfer to the arrangement under which they receive a salary of £500 a year for whatever services are required of them. This reorganisation has effected a saving to the Exchequer at the rate of £160,300 a year. The number of beds now maintained at the 12 London teaching hospitals for casualties is 1,946, for which an average weekly payment of £6,386 is being made on account, pending ascertainment of the actual cost properly involved.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the discontent which now exists by reason of the procedure adopted in connection with the medical treatment of evacuated children, not adequately permitting free choice of doctor; and whether he will review the arrangements so as to ensure satisfaction both to those in charge of the children and to the medical profession?

I am not aware that discontent exists as to the procedure adopted, which permits complete freedom of choice of doctor by the householder with whom the child is billeted; the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have asked him to exercise his powers to make possible the cremation of those persons killed in air raids who had expressed their desire for cremation at death; and will he accede to the request?

I have received representations on this subject from the Cremation Society and from 24 local authorities, and I am in consultation with other Departments concerned as to the best means of meeting the point raised.

asked the Home Secretary what answer he has returned to resolutions from the Durham County Education Committee relative to grants payable by the Government in connection with the provision of air-raid shelter accommodation and other air-raid precautions work for schools?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 21st February last to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall), the effect of which has been conveyed to the Durham County Education Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General, in connection with the forthcoming issue of the Franco-British stamps, to what stamps in value this will apply?

The Franco-British stamps will probably be issued in the more popular values up to and including the minimum letter rate in the international post. Their use for air-mail purposes is also under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary how many German motor cars are used by the police; and under what circumstances they were acquired?

So far as I am aware, no German motor cars are used by the police.

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions and convictions there have been in the Metropolitan Police District for exceeding the 20-mile speed limit in the black-out since it was imposed on 1st February?

The figures for March are not yet available. During the month of February 55 summonses for this offence were disposed of by courts in the Metropolitan Police District. In 51 cases the defendant was convicted, and in one case the charge was found proved but was dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give a list of the chairmen and members of the tribunals under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, revised up to the latest convenient date?

Following is the list:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to indicate whether any change will be made in the list of reserved occupations relating to publishing departments in newspaper houses?

This matter is still under consideration. As I have explained to the hon. Member, I am awaiting some further information which a deputation from the Joint Industrial Council agreed to supply.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what free transport facilities are available to naval officers and men returning home on leave; and whether it is possible to extend them?

Naval officers and men proceeding on leave are entitled to two free railway warrants in any period of 12 months. I am afraid it is not possible to extend these facilities, but on other occasions naval personnel can travel at single fare for return journeys.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider supplying blast-and splinter-proof shelters to trawlers and minesweepers for the protection of their crews when exposed to attacks from enemy aircraft while operating in the North Sea?

An order has been issued which requires owners of all British registered Vessels to provide protection for exposed personnel against machine-gun fire. Such protection will also be adequate against blast and splinters. Similar protection is being provided on minesweepers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many unemployed men of 20 to 22 years of age have been registered for His Majesty's Navy since last autumn; and will he arrange that these men be given an opportunity of serving without further delay?

Men who have registered under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act and have been provisionally accepted for entry into the Navy, and wish on account of unemployment to be called up as soon as possible, should apply for early calling-up to the Ministry of Labour Office at which they were medically examined.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval pensioners and reservists who joined the Reserve Fleet Supplementary Party under a short engagement are now eligible to be paid the full rates of naval pay and allowances as their conditions of service are now the same as all other general service naval ratings and they are required to serve wherever they may be required in His Majesty's ships and vessels and the Reserve Fleet no longer exists as such?

Reservists who joined the Reserve Fleet Supplementary Party ceased to be members of the Royal Fleet Reserve; they are being retained in accordance with the terms of their engagements and receive the normal pay and allowances of the rating in which they are employed. Pensioners of the Reserve Fleet Supplementary Party have, in accordance with the terms of their engagements, been granted the pay and allowances to which they would have been entitled if mobilised. Orders were issued early in August, 1939, giving the men the opportunity of transferring to improved conditions of service in the Royal Naval Supplementary Party. The outbreak of war prevented the transfer of some of the men who applied for it, but orders have recently been issued to enable these men to be transferred now.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what wages are paid to men engaged at observation posts; whether men of military age are exempted when so engaged; whether such men are employed full time or whether they are allowed to pursue their ordinary civilian occupations in addition; and whether he is satisfied that the existing organisation of this work is the most satisfactory and economical?

Members of the Observer Corps are paid at the rate of 1s. 3d. an hour subject to a maximum of £3 a week. Those of military age are not exempted from service with the Armed Forces by reason of their employment in the Corps. Approximately 92 per cent. give only part-time service and are free to pursue their civilian occupations when not on duty. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large number of building trade operatives at present unemployed, and the adaptability of these men for the production of munitions and aircraft, he will give consideration to their employment on such work?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Sir R. Blair) on 7th March.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what new industries have been established in Stalybridge, Hyde and Dukinfield during the past four years; and the numbers estimated to have found employment therefrom;(2) what were the numbers of persons registered as unemployed in Hyde, Stalybridge and Dukinfield on the last registration date; and how do these figures compare with one year ago and the last month before the war?

I am having the available information extracted and will forward it to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fear that has been expressed that waste products suitable for feeding-stuffs from the urban districts would pass on diseases to livestock, he will issue the necessary instructions showing the action which makes these products safe, and make such instructions available to this House?

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Boiling of Animal Foodstuffs) Order, 1932, provides that any foodstuffs which contain material of animal origin, or have been in contact with such material, shall not be fed to stock until they have been exposed for a period of at least one hour by any process to a temperature of not less than 212 degrees Farenheit—that is, thoroughly boiled.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many farmers do not like having to appeal for financial aid to the war executive committees as they do not like to submit their private affairs to local competitors; that the rate of interest they have to pay is too high; and whether he will consider making better arrangements for granting necessary credits through the banks?

I am not aware that there is any reluctance on the part of farmers to apply for assistance under the Agricultural Requisites Assistance Scheme on the grounds mentioned. As regards the rate of interest, I have already stated that the scheme is intended to supplement, not to compete with, existing sources of credit. To lower the rate would defeat this object. From the applications already forwarded to me, I do not think that farmers regard the rate of 5 per cent. at present charged as unreasonable. In the circumstances, I see no reason to consider making other arrangements through the banks; and I have every confidence that the banks will do their utmost to meet the needs of farmers under war-time conditions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of acres of grass ploughed up in the North Riding of Yorkshire; and whether there has been any difficulty in obtaining adequate tractors and ploughs for the purpose?

For the reasons I gave in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) yesterday, I do not think that it would be in the interests of the food production campaign to publish, at this stage, the information asked for in the first part of the Question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that very satisfactory progress indeed has been made in the North Riding. With regard to the second part of the Question, although the demand for tractors and ploughs has been very heavy and some delay in ob- taining supplies may have occurred, the supply of both tractors and ploughs should now be adequate for the needs of the North Riding.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department has reached any decision on the conversion of straw into a useful animal feeding-stuff by treating it with caustic soda; and whether any experiments with animals are being made?

Experiments to determine the feeding value of straw treated with caustic soda and the possibilities of using the process on ordinary farms are at present being carried on; they include trials with animals. These experiments have not yet reached a stage which would justify me in taking a definite decision on the merits of this process.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the breeding of heavy farm horses in this country is already beginning to decline; and whether, in view of the fact that agricultural conditions in this country will always require horse transport in addition to mechanical transport, and that the present expansion of agriculture is likely to necessitate increased transport facilities for many years to come, he can arrange to reconsider his recent decision to withdraw entirely the grants for heavy-horse breeding and setup an investigation into the possibility of evolving some other scheme for assisting this essential agricultural activity?

With regard to the first part of the Question, the Agricultural Returns for England and Wales for 1939 showed a decline of 2,209 (or nearly 6 per cent.) under the heading of heavy horses under one year old as compared with 1938. On the other hand, the total number of stallions returned as being used for service in 1939 showed an increase of 653 (or over 16 per cent.) over the corresponding figure for 1938. Any subsequent change in the position will be reflected in the Returns for 1940 to be taken on 4th June. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 14th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the report of the Bee Research Department, Rothamsted, endorsed by a unanimous resolution of the Bee Advisory Committee, he will introduce early legislation to confer legal powers for the control of brood disease in bees?

I am prepared to consider sympathetically the introduction of such legislation this Session if time permits and if general agreement is reached in the industry.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is much discontent at the recent increase in the retail price of coal in Romford; that the alleged increase in the cost of distribution does not affect the many merchants whose normal business is to sell in small quantities; and whether he will give authority to the local fuel overseer to restrict the increase in price when unjustified by increased costs?

I have received no complaints from consumers about the recent increase in the retail price of coal in Romford. The increased costs vary between different classes of merchants, but I am satisfied that the 2d. per cwt. authorized for the 2 cwt. per week ration is a fair average. I hope it will be possible to remove it very shortly.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to arrange for supplies of coal to be accumulated at various centres in the country during the summer months?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 19th March, to which I can add nothing at present.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the Government inspector in Edinburgh, following reports from workmen's inspectors in Fife, never acknowledges receipt of those reports or invites the workmen's inspectors to accompany him on an inspection; and will he take steps to see that the Government inspector acts in closer co-operation with the workmen's inspectors?

I will make inquiry on these particular points and communicate with the hon. Member, but in general I can say now that all reports by workmen's inspectors are closely examined by His Majesty's inspectors and that all matters which require their attention at the mine or which the workmen's representatives may wish to discuss are dealt with immediately.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, owing to the time required for the journey to their homes, he will arrange to grant soldiers from Great Britain stationed in Northern Ireland a period of leave which will enable them to spend seven days at least with their families?

Personnel serving in the United Kingdom who live at a long distance from their stations may, as an alternative to seven days' leave at intervals of three months, be granted 14 days' leave at intervals of six months.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that in many instances there is no proper surgery provision or facilities for an adequate and efficient examination of men; that in some cases the examinations take place in store-rooms or in the medical officers' living quarters; and whether he will effect some improvement;(2) whether he is aware that many medical officers consider that often no adequate facilities exist for the proper storage of dangerous drugs; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made and all necessary storage facilities to be provided?

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will cause investigation to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War why recruits in His Majesty's Army are not at present supplied with a second pair of boots until the completion of their recruit period of training; and whether, inasmuch as the single pair of boots now issued has to be utilised for parade and fatigue duties as well as when on leave, he will, in the interests of the health and comfort of such recruits, again authorise the provision of a second pair of boots so that they may be in possession of a change of footwear, instead of as in the recent inclement weather, being compelled to wear boots which are not dry?

The issue of only one pair of boots to recruits was due to an insufficiency of supply, but authority for the issue of a second pair in all cases is now being given.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the rates of pay of supervising officers and warrant officers I and II in the War Department; and to what allowances, special and general, they are entitled?

Supervising officers at the War Office are quartermasters, whose rates of pay and allowances are set out generally on page 314 of Army Estimates, 1939. In addition, they receive 3s. 6d. a day additional pay. The present rates of pay of warrant officers, Classes I and II (clerks), at the War Office are generally the tradesmen's rates set out in Appendix IV of Army Estimates, 1939. In addition, all soldier clerks at the War Office receive 6d. a day additional pay. In addition to pay, all soldiers receive in kind rations, accommodation and clothing or an allowance in lieu, and also family and dependant's allowance where the necessary conditions are fulfilled.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the considerations upon which he has approved the imposition by the Government of Nigeria of an Income Tax upon the pensions of retired officials of the Dependency resident in the United Kingdom; whether such a tax is in accordance with the conditions of service notified on their appointment; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding Dominion Income Tax relief, severe hardship results from the double taxation of these pensions; and whether, having regard to the practical impossibility, for reasons of health, of Europeans remaining in Nigeria after the expiration of a normal period of service, and to the fact that pensioners of the Nigerian Government resident outside Nigeria are without representation in the Nigerian Legislative Council, he will invite the Nigerian Government to review the position?

In 1939 the financial circumstances of Nigeria were unfortunately such as to make it necessary to bring within the scope of Nigerian Income Tax the incomes of individuals residing outside Nigeria in respect of that portion of their incomes derived from the Colony, including pensions. I have been unable to accept the view that pensioners should be exempt from Colonial Income Tax inrespect of such income derived from a Colony where Income Tax is in operation. This arrangement is in accordance with generally accepted principles, and there is nothing in it which is inconsistent with the conditions of service notified to officers on their appointment to Government service, and similar legislation exists in Northern Rhodesia, Ceylon, Nyasaland and Kenya. The administration of a tax on incomes in such a territory presents considerable difficulty. In order to simplify it in Nigeria it was decided to keep the rates of tax very low and to provide no allowances in respect of earned income or dependants. This arrangement has given rise to certain anomalies; but every case of alleged hardship has been referred to the Governor for consideration. I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that fresh legislation has already been introduced in the Nigerian Legislature which it is hoped will to some extent safeguard the position of pensioners.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many transport vehicles have been converted from the use of petroleum products to producer-gas; and what steps are being taken to quicken the process?

I regret that exact figures are not available, but at least 125 vehicles are now running. According to figures recently supplied by the manufacturers of producer equipment, however, some 750 producer-plants for transport vehicles have been constructed or are in course of construction. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on this subject on 20th March to the right hon. Member for Limehouse (Mr. Attlee).