asked the Secretary for Mines whether the mining industry will be able to produce the 270,000,000 tons of saleable coal per annum that he asked for at the outbreak of the war?

As the hon. Member will be aware, a Coal Production Council has been set up, under the chairmanship of Lord Portal, to deal with the question of production in all its aspects. I cannot at present give any figure of the output that may prove to be attainable.

In the discussions with the district organisations about increasing the production of coal, is the question of the absorption of unemployed miners into the industry being discussed?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines what immediate steps are being taken to increase the coal production of South Wales and Monmouthshire?

The chairman of the Coal Production Council has now arranged with the representatives of the colliery owners and mineworkers in South Wales for the establishment in that coalfield of a joint body to co-operate with the Council in securing an increase in production.

When does the hon. Member expect a decision?

This work is proceeding on a day-to-day basis, and I will inform the hon. Member when I am in a position to give him an answer on that point.

In view of the urgency of the matter, might I press the Minister to get a decision as speedily as possible?

So many concrete matters are being dealt with that I would prefer not to make a statement at the moment.

asked the Secretary for Mines the price paid for benzol to gas companies at the outbreak of war and the price now being paid; whether he is satisfied that this is a fair price; and what steps are being taken to increase the production of benzol?

Under pre-war arrangements, the price of benzol was determined on the basis of an agreed formula, which was not completed until a considerable period after the end of the year. The final figures in respect of the year 1938–39 have not yet been announced. The question of current and future prices is at present under discussion between the interested parties. As regards the last part of the Question, as I informed the House on 20th March, the Committee on High Temperature Carbonisation have already recommended methods of increasing the recovery of benzol, and these recommendations are being implemented.

asked the Secretary for Mines when he expects to begin to build plant to extract oil from coal in this country?

This Question involves a number of complex technical issues, which fall within the scope of the special inquiries about which I made a statement on 20th March. I hope to receive reports of these special inquiries shortly.

Will the Minister answer the Question? Will it be this year or next year, or will it be never?

It depends on the reports I receive.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the figures published of the value of coal exported in the first three months of this year as compared with the corresponding period of last year reveal that but little progress is being made in expanding the coal export trade; and what further steps is he taking to secure an increase in this trade?

The hon. Member will be aware that in the first three months of this year the production of coal was interfered with by weather difficulties to an unprecedented extent; and supplies for export naturally suffered as well as supplies for the home market. Output is now recovering, and the Coal Production Council, which has been charged with the duty of securing increased output, is fully seized of the importance of securing additional supplies for export.

How soon does the hon. Gentleman expect supply to catch up with demand in regard to export coal?

When it will be met in full, I cannot say. I am sure that great efforts will be made to increase production for that purpose.

asked the Minister of Shipping the number of ships waiting for coal last week in the ports of South Wales and Monmouthshire?

:The average number of ships waiting for cargo or bunker coal last week was: At Newport four, at Cardiff slightly under three, at Barry slightly over four, at Port Talbot there were only two days on which ships were waiting—two on one day and three on another. At Swansea one ship was waiting on each of three days.

Might I ask whether or not large numbers of ships now leave those ports in ballast because of the absence of cargoes?

I would not say that a large number do so; but it is a fact that there is close co-operation between my Department and the Ministry of Mines, and if there is likely to be delay in getting a cargo, deep-sea ships are bunkered and sent away in ballast, in order to avoid the holding-up of the ships that would be involved in waiting for coal.

Is it not true that a large number of ships could be liberated if the coal could be got?

The situation in the earlier part of the war, I understand, was that there was more coal than ships. At present there is a surplus of ships, and that is likely to continue for the next few weeks. Undoubtedly, if more coal could be provided at present, my Department could get considerably increased quantities of shipping.

Is there the necessary co-operation between the right hon. Gentleman's Department and the Ministry of Mines in order to get cargoes and to make the ships available for them?

There is the closest co-operation, but at present supplies of coal are inadequate for the demand.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of miners are unemployed who are willing to produce coal if they can get the opportunity?

That is really a matter for another Department than mine, but I should point out that the shortage of coal applies not only to South Wales but equally to the North-East coast.

Are there not cases of ships having been sent in ballast from South Wales to the Tyne exposing them to enemy attacks and unnecessarily risking the lives of our merchant seamen?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will investigate the circumstances under which a local fuel overseer for Hornchurch resigned his post and the local council refused to appoint a successor; whether he is aware that 35 cases of overcharging were reported to the divisional officer and that permission to prosecute was refused; and whether he has any statement to make on the report of the clerk of the Hornchurch Urban District Council made to that council, a copy of which has been forwarded to him?

Yes, Sir, I have made an investigation into the circumstances of this case, which are now the subject of correspondence with the local fuel overseer concerned. I will inform the hon. Member of the results of my investigations as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Member aware that there has been a great deal of disquiet in the area about the whole matter?

I think there has been some misunderstanding.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of oil sold and the amount already delivered to Japan during the period from September, 1939, to March, 1940, by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company; what are the holdings of His Majesty's Government in this oil company; whether such sales were made with the knowledge of His Majesty's Government; and whether any special price concessions have been involved?

I have ascertained from the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company that they are supplying certain quantities of Iranian oil to Japan on a purely commercial basis. Although the Government have a majority holding in the company, they have announced from time to time that their policy is not to interfere with the commercial activities of this company, and I regret that I am not able to give details concerning the supplies now being made.

Is the hon. Member aware that transactions of this kind create a very bad impression in the United States, where the action of His Majesty's Government, or of this company, is watched very closely?

Can we be assured that no supplies are going to Germany, either directly or indirectly?

Not without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, by forming groups of industries, it is the aim of the Export Council to employ export cartels for making collective bargains with foreign competitors and then to go further by quoting differential export prices, to be met by an accumulative cartel-fund based on home sales, and to accept the risk of retaliatory foreign dumping-duties?

Export groups will organise themselves in the ways best calculated to promote the export trade of their members. In considering action such as my hon. Friend suggests, export groups will have the advice of the Export Council on all relevant points, including the risk of retaliatory duties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that the multiple stores shall be prevented from making further inroads into the business of the little shopkeepers wherever practicable, in view of the additional hardships and difficulties that the small shopkeeper is facing since the outbreak of the war?

Although I appreciate the hardships and difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers, I am unable to introduce legislation of the kind he suggests.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the small shopkeeper is the backbone of this country and should have every possible protection and consideration?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the policy of the Government in making trade agreements with countries in South-East Europe and elsewhere to make clear to them that the new trade channels are in tended to remain in being permanently after the peace, and that the markets of the British Empire will continue to be available to them on mutually advantageous terms?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to a Question by the hon. and learned Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 18th April, when he said that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government so to develop their relations with these countries as to ensure, so far as possible, a lasting increase in commercial exchanges with them.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme is to be developed into insuring separate individual export transactions, under Command 6183, which are subject to variations in exchange, losses by bad debts, and the various war risks from British factories till delivery in a foreign country, or is export trade development to be the uninsured bearer of the above-mentioned risks of loss of capital?

Any exporter who is prepared to insure his overseas turnover with the Export Credits Guarantee Department against insolvency risks can obtain at his option cover against the risk of frozen credits in practically every market in the world, and he is free to select a particular country for this purpose. These transfer facilities cover the exporter against delay or loss in the transfer of funds from a solvent buyer, whether due to economic causes, or war, or other similar disturbances. Arrangements are under active consideration at the present time with a view to making this valuable form of protection of still greater service to exporters, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject shortly.

(for Sir Joseph Leech) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Export Council groups have secured any appreciable number of fresh customers in South Africa; whether they can undertake to deliver within a promised date, cotton piece goods, Kaffir sheeting and motor vehicles; and what is the Council doing to meet intensive competition in South Africa developed there by direct personal representation by competing foreign firms?

Our export trade to South Africa is being well maintained and on recent figures shows an appreciable increase in comparison with the corresponding period a year earlier. A special commissioner will very shortly be visiting South Africa and Rhodesia on behalf of the Cotton Export Group to investigate and report on the opportunities of the market, while the Motor Industry Export Group already has the full services of the South African office of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare the quantities of aluminium, tin, rubber, copper and molybdenum imported by Russia for 12 months before the outbreak of war; and what comparison those figures bear to the quantities of these same articles imported through Vladivostock for the seven months since the outbreak of war?

In the absence of official Soviet trade returns for any period later than November, 1938, it is not possible to give official figures for imports of the commodities referred to in the hon. Member's Question during the 12 months before the outbreak of war. The following figures extracted from the official statistics of exporting countries show the recorded exports to the U.S.S.R. during the period in question:

	Tons.
Copper and brass	62,400
Tin	7,890
Rubber	23,900

No reliable figures are available for aluminium or molybdenum and the above figures are not necessarily complete. Official statistics for exports to the U.S.S.R. during the seven months since the outbreak of war are not available, but according to my information exports to the U.S.S.R. of copper and rubber very considerably exceeded exports of these commodities during the previous 12 months and exports of tin and molybdenum were also very large. The whole of the exports of these commodities to the U.S.S.R. since the outbreak of war have been shipped to Vladivostock. Before the war no copper or tin was sent by this route, but a small proportion of the rubber imports probably passed through Vladivostock.

While thanking the Minister for that statement, can he say whether any portion of these materials going into Russia is going to Germany?

I have a good deal of reason to think that on statistical grounds, and also I have certain evidence that would indicate that some of these shipments have been sent to Germany.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the breakdown of international law as affecting neutrals as the result of German action throughout the war, he will give an assurance that appropriate steps will be taken to cut off completely the further supply of Swedish iron-ore to Germany by any route?

His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the importance of this Question, but I am sure that the hon. Member will realise that in present circumstances I cannot give such a far-reaching assurance as he suggests.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind in this connection the fact that the neutrality of Sweden is being daily infringed by large numbers of German aircraft which fly over Sweden?

The hon. Member will have noted the very definite statement by Sweden respecting the infringement of her neutrality.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now reconsidered the advisability of publishing the report of the Committee on Appeals from Courts-martial?

:I have reconsidered the matter in the light of the Debate on the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill, and it has now been decided to publish the committee's report.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any of the men who raided Ballykinlar military camp, county Down, on 10th February have yet been brought to justice; how many of the stolen rifles have been recovered: and what steps have been taken to prevent the recurrence of such a raid upon the camp?

No arrests have been made, and no rifles have been recovered. It would clearly not be desirable to publish the information asked for in the last part of the Question.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any prospect at all of these raiders being brought to justice?

That is a matter for the police authorities in Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that where a member of His Majesty's Forces is a widower and his sister is responsible for the care of his home and children, she shall be eligible for a dependant's allowance?

A case of this kind is normally met by the grant of family allowance at a special rate, which includes, in addition to the normal rates for children, an element in respect of the general expenses of maintaining the home. Where this allowance is insufficient to meet the needs of a particular

(for Mr. Garro Jones) asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take into immediate consideration the representations from the Scottish Counties and Cities Associa-

Would not it be fairer to treat the sister of a widower who is performing this service as a dependant in the proper sense of the term; and is my right hon. Friend aware that if, instead of having a sister, he had an unmarried wife, there would be no question of an allowance? I hope that he will reconsider the matter.

I am looking into the matter, but the position, obviously, of a sister in such circumstances is not exactly the same as the position of an unmarried dependant living as a wife.

Is it not wrong, and does not my right hon. Friend think it is far more important?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many claims have been made for dependants' allowances since the revised payments were made in March; how many have been admitted; and whether any regular soldiers have been granted claims?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on 14th March last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the arrangements for the issue of cigarettes to the troops are the same in Palestine and other theatres of war as in France?

A free issue of tobacco or cigarettes is made only in a theatre of active operations, and this does not apply to Palestine.

Is there any question of extending it to these other theatres of war from time to time?

If it is a war theatre, but Palestine is not at the moment such an area.

Are not things almost as active in Palestine as they are in France?

In view of the fact that we are receiving an increasing number of complaints, is it not possible to do something to mitigate them?

A great deal has been done, as I have explained to the House, through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. Soldiers can get cigarettes there at a very cheap rate.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that quartermasters of the Territorial Army who have now been embodied and are serving as full-time Regulars are not treated for promotion in the same way as Regular quartermasters; and whether he will rectify this anomaly which is the cause of hardship?

This question is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the position of young Norwegian and Danish nationals in this country who are being refused permission to enlist in the British Army and allow them by enlisting to help the common cause?

Norwegian and Danish nationals are eligible to enlist in the British Army under the same conditions as other aliens, subject to an examination of their credentials.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of Germans have landed in Scandinavia by parachute with the object of sabotage and destruction of Norwegian lines of communication; and whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made to counteract such an occurrence in this country?

I am aware of reports that German troops have been landed in Norway by parachute. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Has not my right hon. Friend heard on the wireless of the wonderful manner in which these troops were landed by parachute, with machine guns and collapsible bicycles; and is not he aware that in a large area there is nobody at all who could possibly deal with any such landing?

I have answered that. I said that I have heard of the reports and that arrangements have been made to counteract such landings in this country.

May I bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend that there are many areas where no arrangements have been made?

I would be delighted if my hon. and gallant Friend would, but, of course, he would not necessarily know the arrangements made by commanders.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is nobody within five miles' call from my house?

In these days of motor cars, my hon. and gallant Friend need not feel too frightened in being isolated at a distance of five miles.

Have not nearly all these German parachutists been shot down and their equipment used by those to whom they came?

asked the Secretary of State for War why many Army huts have been fitted up with plugs for the use of wireless sets, which can be hired cheaply by the occupants, as the commanding officers have in many cases stated that no application for permission for wireless sets consuming electricity would be considered?

If the hon. Member will send me particulars of any cases he has in mind, I will have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many commands exist in Great Britain; whether they are graded first- and second-class commands; and what is the status of the Scottish Com-Command?

There are now seven Commands at home. The differentiation into first and second class Commands is in abeyance during the war.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the personnel acting under those in command in Scotland is equal to that enjoyed by a first-class Command, and, if not, will he, in view of the importance and varied nature of the duties performed, see that this deficiency is rectified?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the removal of any suggestion of inferiority would be a greatly appreciated recognition of the part that this strategically important Command is playing in the present war?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any Army regulation which prevents private soldiers and non-commissioned officers when invited to dances, dinners and social gatherings in hotels and other premises where officers are billeted from attending such functions; and whether officers would be entitled to protest against privates and non-commissioned officers attending such functions in part of premises not wholly occupied by them but within which they have accommodation?

As has been previously stated, instructions have been issued making it clear that officers and soldiers are not prohibited from frequenting the same clubs, hotels or restaurants. If officers are billeted in an hotel and rooms are reserved for their private use, they would be entitled to protest if anyone other than members of the mess or their guests made use of them. If, however, entertainments are held in any of the public rooms of the hotel, the fact that some part of the building is reserved for officers does not modify the instructions laid down.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the recreation ground at a village in West Lothian, of which he has been informed, being vacated by the military unit which occupies it, seeing the village is now without any outdoor recreational facilities and there is other suitable accommodation for War Department purposes available?

The recreation ground was occupied by the military authorities in agreement with the local civil authorities, but it has now been possible to arrange for alternative accommodation, which it is hoped will be ready in about four weeks. The recreation ground will then be vacated.

Will it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to arrange that in future similar cases the civil authorities will not be dealt with in the high-handed manner that was the case in this instance?

My information, as I gave it in my answer, was that the ground was occupied by the military authorities in agreement with the civil authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further statement to make regarding the education scheme in the Army; whether any funds are available; and what kind of machinery has been adopted for the working of the scheme?

I have nothing to add at present to the statement which I made in introducing Army Estimates. The Committee to which I referred has not yet submitted its report, but I hope to receive it very shortly.

Can my right hon. Friend say what arrangements have been made for teaching the troops French, as it is very important?

Are the soldiers to be educated as to the cause of the war?

A number of people have already volunteered, and certain hon. Members of this House have, I know, given addresses on that subject. If the hon. Gentleman would like to join them, he should communicate with me.

If my education was what it ought to have been, I would willingly.

Would the hon. Gentleman tell us what he thinks is the cause of war?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been come to as to the form of expression of regret and appreciation to be sent to relatives of the forces killed on active service?

In addition to the Departmental communication which is made to the next-of-kin, a Royal Message of Condolence is sent in cases of death by enemy action.

Should there not be some more formal expression or certificate such as was granted in the last war?

That matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the printed acknowledgments now sent out, in some cases, by his Department, bear no indication of the matter or individual to whom they refer; and whether such a necessary indication may be included?

The ordinary printed acknowledgment forms in use in the War Office provide for mention of the subject. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will let me know of any particular cases where an indication of the subject has not been given.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that cards are frequently sent out—I have one here—with- out a reference or indication as to the individual concerned? Will he look into the matter?

I have said that a space is there to be occupied and should be filled in. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me any cases where this has not been done, I should like to look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions that Scottish banknotes shall be accepted as currency and without restrictions by all British paymasters and official or semi-official institutions with the British Expeditionary Force?

Instructions will be issued for Scottish banknotes to be accepted at their face value by field cashiers for exchange into francs for troops of the British Expeditionary Force, in the same way as English banknotes. I understand that the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and other organisations accept these note sat their face value.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many applications have been received for the release from their military duties of tenters and under-tenters, whom it is desired to re-engage in the jute industry; and how many of such applications have been granted?

I regret that the information asked for is not readily available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that employers have experienced great difficulty in this matter, and is he satisfied that in every case the special qualifications of men are being utilised?

I have devoted a great deal of attention in the last few weeks to seeing that skilled men in the Army are used in positions where special skill is available.

May we take it that any future applications from employers will be sympathetically considered?

Applications are always sympathetically considered, but I cannot promise that they can always be granted.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the labourers in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Department, Kinnegar, Holywood, County Down, who are ex-Servicemen, have received only 1s. per week increase in wages since the outbreak of war; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will consider the case of these men engaged in necessary work, and allow them a bonus similar to that given to Royal Army Ordnance Corps workers employed in Great Britain?

Labourers employed in the Ordnance Depot at Kinnegar have, in common with similar employés in the majority of Ordnance Depots in Great Britain, been granted an increase of 4s. a week as from the beginning of the pay week in which 22nd February fell. Instructions to this effect were issued on 5th April.

Can my right hon. Friend say the date on which the bonus of 4s. was granted? I have had a letter from a representative of these labourers stating that they, have received only 1s. a week since the beginning of the war.

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will send me the case. My information is that instructions were issued on 5th April and that payments were back dated to 22nd February.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been found possible to make arrangements that parcels, when consigned to members of His Majesty's Forces stationed in Palestine, may be delivered duty free?

:I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Nottingham (Mr. Markham) on 16th April, in which I stated that I was in communication with the High Commissioner as to the possibility of granting some duty concession on parcels sent to members of His Majesty's Forces serving in Palestine. I am awaiting the High Commissioner's views on the subject.

Am I to gather from that reply that my right hon. Friend is sympathetic to the idea?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better await the final decision when I have considered the circumstances as presented by the High Commissioner.

May we expect that the reply from the High Commissioner will be much speedier than usual?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the four highest ranks of the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service are titled ladies and how many not titled; and how many titled ladies there are in all higher ranks and how many not titled?

As regards the four highest ranks, there are two chief controllers, namely, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and Dame Helen Gwynne Vaughan; there are at present no senior controllers or controllers; and there are 26 chief commandants, of whom seven have titles and 19 have not. The only other senior officers are those with the rank of senior commandant, of whom there are 49, 13 with titles and 36 without titles.

Is the Noble Lady the Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor) one of them?

Is not it a fact that several of these ladies are only titled because of the recognition of their great services in the last War?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the assault committed on a photographer member of the National Union of Journalists at Waverley Station, Edinburgh, on 10th March, where he attended at the invitation of the Scottish Ministry of Information to take certain photographs, and where he was struck to the ground, suffering personal injury and damage to his clothing and camera; and, in view of the several incidents of violent resentment which have occurred in Scotland against Press representatives carrying out duties assigned to them, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that, when acting on the official invitation of the Ministry of Information, Service Departments, or in the course of their ordinary duties, such Pressmen will not be molested by Service, police, railway or other officials?

I have been asked to reply. My attention was called to the incident. I understand that an explanation and apology have been given by the railway authorities to the journalist concerned. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer to the reply which I gave on 10th April to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher).

Would the Minister take steps to consult with other Departments so that the card which is given to journalists, enabling them to take official photographs, will be recognised by all Departments, because there has been a series of unfortunate incidents of this kind which have caused great distress among Pressmen in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to be able to tell the hon. Member that negotiations are in progress now with all Departments concerned with just such an end in view as he mentions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of applicants for allotments is not as great as might reasonably be expected; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, to remedy this in view of the large number of unemployed still on the register?

While there is an increase of from 60 to 70per cent. since the beginning of the war in the number of allotments on land provided by local authorities in addition to an increase in the number of allotments on private ground, it is desirable that a further increase should be secured. I have recently appointed a committee representative of all interests concerned to encourage by all practicable means the production of food on allotments and private gardens. I have had the assistance of the Ministry of Labour's Exchanges in bringing the need for allotments to the notice of unemployed men.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to give effect to the recommendation for a full inquiry into the cause of the fall in the sheep-carrying capacity of Highland pastures, as suggested to him by the Scottish Land and Property Federation in their letters to his Department of Agriculture dated 30th January and 23rd February last?

A sub-committee of the Scottish Agricultural Advisory Council has been set up to consider and make recommendations regarding the stocking of hill grazings. This investigation covers not only the causes of any fall in sheep-carrying capacity but also the possible steps which could be taken to increase the stocking capacity of such lands. The whole question of pastoral improvement was also the subject of discussion at a conference this month convened by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and attended by representatives of the agricultural colleges in Scotland and other experts on this subject.

Can the Minister fix a time for this report?

No, Sir, I cannot fix a time. The committee have now been sitting for several weeks, and I hope they will be able to give me a report before long.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will inquire as to the number of voluntary collecting agencies operating in Scotland with the object of sending comforts and parcels to His Majesty's Forces; and whether he will take steps to require such organisations to publish their on cost charges in rent, wages, etc., and the value of the goods forwarded to the Forces?

It is proposed to introduce at an early date a Bill on similar lines to those of the War Charities Act of 1916 with the object of establishing control over all appeals to the public on behalf of war charities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will have the Bill?

In the course of next week.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many subsidised working-class houses were built and completed in Scotland in 1939, and of the total number, how many were poured or block concrete, and how many of timber construction?

19,170 subsidised working-class housese were completed in Scotland in 1939. Of these, 1,218 were of concrete, and 220 of timber, construction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department has experienced any difficulty in obtaining brick, cement or timber in the building of subsidised working-class houses; and, further, whether he can state the estimated cost of house construction by these materials, respectively, at the present time?

Present and prospective works essential to the war effort must have a prior claim on the supplies of the materials referred to and this consideration imposes especially rigid restrictions upon the extent to which timber in particular can be released for housing purposes. In present circumstances no accurate estimate can be made of the relative costs of house construction by these materials.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses completed in Scotland from 1st January,1940, to the last available date; how many houses are still under completion; and what were the comparable figures for 1939?

The information asked for is not yet available. I will communicate with the hon. and learned Member as soon as it has been received.

From the information which the right hon. Gentleman has, is he satis- fied with the progress that is being made, and will he keep in mind the continued shortage of houses in Greenock?

I am awaiting the information, and will let the hon. and learned Member have it.

Will the Secretary of State endeavour to make these statistics public as well as communicating them to the hon. and learned Member?

My intention was to allow the hon. and learned Member to have the information, as he has asked for it, and put a further Question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the possibility of the present conflict extending in other directions and the nature of the task involved, he has under consideration, while safeguarding the liberties of the people to the utmost extent, the organisation of the whole nation for the war effort, including the full mobilisation of labour and all other resources, the provision of adequate supplies, extended rationing and the curtailment of all non-essential consumption; and whether he will take the first available opportunity of informing hon. Members on the actual position?

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Prime Minister. The questions referred to are continuously under the consideration of the Government. A large number of measures for the purposes indicated have been already put into force, and further measures will be taken as circumstances require and our war effort develops. Many Government Departments are concerned, and Ministers are at all times ready to give hon. Members the fullest possible information consistent with the public security.

As the right hon. Gentleman has replied for his right hon. Friend could he indicate which particular item mentioned in the Question he has under his personal consideration?

The hon. Gentleman had better give me notice of that question.

Do I understand from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman requires notice in order to inform hon. Members of the task upon which he is employed at the moment?

No, Sir, but a full announcement was made on that particular matter a few days ago.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will examine the feasibility of raising revenue by collecting at repeated intervals of 15 years a notional equivalent of Death Duties upon the real and personal property of non-trading corporate bodies whose possessions, not passing at death, are not subject to Death Duties and whose beneficiaries therefore escape direct or indirect Death Duties as a contribution towards national expenditure?

I would remind my hon. Friend that bodies corporate or unincorporate not established for trade or business are already subject, where not specifically relieved, to Corporation Duty imposed by the Customs and Inland Revenue Act, 1885.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the total of the Imperial Contributions paid by the Government of Northern Ireland from 1921 to date; also the payments made by the Government to the Government of Northern Ireland, including grants in respect of the special constabulary and malicious injuries, the provision of new buildings, unemployment insurance and all other payments by the Imperial Exchequer?

As the answer is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether in any cases a charitable trust is used by a limited liability company to obtain remission of taxation on gifts given by the company for charitable purposes;

(2) what steps are taken by the Inland Revenue Commissioners to assure themselves that moneys given under charity trusts do in fact reach the charity named in the donor's draft;

(3) whether he is aware that there are persons with charitable trusts who, while professing to make gifts there out to genuine charities, and thereby obtaining the tax remissions in respect of such gifts, are in fact diverting the money from the genuine charities named in their drafts to other objects, not charities, within the meaning of Section 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1918; and what steps he is taking to prevent a continuance of this illegal practice?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any case in which a company has created or used a charitable trust for the purposes suggested by the hon. Member in his first Question. With regard to the exemption from Income Tax allowed to a charitable trust, he is informed that the Inland Revenue authorities assure themselves, in the first place, by examination of the documents establishing the trust that it is properly constituted for charitable purposes, and of course they obtain evidence by way of vouchers or otherwise showing the title of the trust to the income received by it and showing that the income has been taxed. Before repaying tax the authorities similarly require to be satisfied as regards the application of the income of the trust, but I may point out that the disbursement of the moneys of the trust in accordance with the terms of the trust is a legal duty which rests on the trustees and it is no part of the duties of the taxation authorities to supervise the administration of charitable trusts. Their duty is to satisfy themselves in connection with any claim to repayment of tax made by a charitable trust that the account of the trustees' expenditure is supported by proper evidence in the form, for example, of certificates by persons acting in an official capacity on behalf of a charity that the sums paid to them by the trustees have been or will be applied for charitable purposes.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of these trusts are issued through vouchers, as they are called, under which the money is supposed to go to certain legitimate charities but, in fact, goes to purposes other than charities; for instance, that loans for private persons are used for the purchase of goods and not for charity? What steps are being taken to stop this practice?

I am not aware of these facts. I have explained to the House what is the present position, but if the hon. Gentleman has any specific case he would like to send me, I will be glad to look into the details.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that I have already sent a large number of cases to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and that others are under investigation? I am asking what steps are being taken to stop it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that, during the period September, 1939, to March, 1940, over £10,000,000 of company profits was distributed by way of sterling bonus share issues; and whether he will take steps to prevent the avoidance of Surtax by wealthy holders by reason of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of such scrip is not returnable as income for Surtax purposes?

Precise statistics are not available, but I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend has the question of bonus shares in mind and it is not being overlooked.

While thanking the Financial Secretary for the answer, is he not aware that statistics can be obtained from the Stock Exchange authorities, and that an examination of the figures will show that the issue of bonus shares has grown to such proportions that it amounts to over one-third of the total issue made since the war? Will he take energetic steps to stop Surtax evasion on this widespread scale?

If the Financial Secretary is incapable of answering the Question, will he consider whether the issue of bonus shares to rich shareholders is not a disgraceful exhibition of war-time profiteering?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difficulties caused to Franco-British Commerce and intercourse by the present structure of the English monetary system; and whether, with a view to assisting easy conversion of the currencies of England and France, he will examine the possibility of converting the English currency to a metric system by increasing the value of the penny to one-tenth part of a shilling?

In my view no appreciable difficulties are caused to Franco-British commerce and intercourse by the fact that our currency is not on a decimal basis, and I am unwilling, particularly at the present time, to re-open the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that in certain cases of municipal borrowing contributions are made by Exchequer grants towards the annual cost of the loans, he will, pending general removal of the ban on conversion, have each case examined on its merits in order to reduce the expenditure for interest out of public funds?

I am aware that the Exchequer contributes towards the cost of certain services which were financed by municipal loans, but for the present wider considerations must prevail. On the general position of these loans, I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman on 2nd April.

If I send the Chancellor of the Exchequer some individual particulars, can I be assured that die right hon. Gentleman, when the immediate Budget is over, will consider them?

I am sure my right hon. Friend will do so, but if he has not the time, I will consider them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty experienced by many persons and organisations in becoming familiar with the terms of all the orders and regulations affecting themselves and the trades or callings in which they are engaged; and whether he will bring to the attention of the Departments principally concerned the desirability, when they issue new orders or regulations, of notifying all organisations whose members are likely to be affected, and also, where practicable, of consulting with such organisations before such orders or regulations are finally brought into force?

I think the hon. Member exaggerates the difficulty. Departments responsible for the issue of Statutory Rules and Orders already circulate particulars thereof as a general practice to the trade journals concerned, to the trade associations interested, and in many cases to individual firms. In addition, where the subject matter is of general interest arrangements are made for publicity in the general Press. Consultation with trade organisations also takes place wherever it is appropriate.

Is the Financial Secretary not aware that many organisations, particularly organisations of retail traders, find a great difficulty in keeping abreast of all the orders and regulations which affect their trade?

We do our best to deal with the matter, as I have indicated in my reply.

May I ask whether, in order to insure the information of the public, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will take into consideration the question of seeing that these orders and regulations are in print and available at the Stationery Office within a few days of their notification by the Government?

I think that is the case now. There was some difficulty in the early stages of the war, but I think it has been rectified.

Will my right hon. Friend also take steps to see that these orders are written in a language which ordinary people can understand?

"Ordinary people" is a very wide term.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Planet Properties Company, who have acquired land in the townships of Windle and Eccleston, have let it get in a derelict condition; that they have been notified by the Lancashire County War Agricultural Committee to put it in cultivation but nothing has been done; and, seeing the urgent need for all such land to be made use of, will he take steps to have it attended to?

:I am informed that the present owners of the land referred to have now arranged with the farmer who previously had the land, to plough it. One field has already been ploughed and prepared for sowing, and the rest will be ploughed as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the unsatisfactory state of educational facilities for school children in the elementary schools of the North end of the city of Liverpool, he will investigate the position, and, if possible, arrange adequate school time for these children?

The geographical position of the northern portion of the dockside district and the condition of some of the schools in it have presented special difficulties in a resumption of school attendance. As the result of a recent special investigation by a representative of the Ministry of Home Security, in consultation with the Regional Commissioner, proposals have now been made which should enable most of the public elementary schools to be reopened. Only seven schools, of which three are in the northern end of the district, are not recommended for reopening, by reason either of their specially vulnerable position or of their structural condition.

With the exception of the schools that are not to be opened, is it possible to reopen all the schools on dock-side which are able to give education to children?

I am anxious that every school that can be opened shall be opened.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the price of selected eggs rose on last Tuesday as much as 7d. a dozen and 6½d. for first-grade eggs; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

I am informed that the average increase of price in country markets on the date in question amounted to 3¾d. per dozen and in the London area to 3d. per dozen. With reference to the last part of the Question I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the announcement made yesterday that having regard to the present supply of home-produced eggs, there is no reason why retail prices should exceed 2s. 3d. per dozen for eggs of standard grade, and that if it should be found necessary, the control of prices of home-produced eggs will be reintroduced.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that every proper step is being taken to ensure that the 74,000 aliens in Great Britain do not contain any who are a danger to the internal or external security of our country?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the case of every German and Austrian in this country has been reviewed by the local tribunals, and a further review of certain categories of aliens is at present being undertaken by Advisory Committees appointed for each Civil Defence Region. The onus is on every person of German or Austrian nationality to show cause why he should not be interned, and the policy is to intern any German or Austrian if there is doubt as to his attitude and disposition towards the Allied cause.