asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the considerable dissatisfaction that exists among the fishermen of Kincardine at the ban placed upon the use of a boom net for white fishing between March and September, particularly as an exception is made in the case of one firm; and whether, in view of the urgent necessity of increasing fish supplies, he will communicate with the royal burgh of Stirling for the purpose of getting the interdict raised?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 2nd April to the hon. Member for Stirling and Clackmannan (Mr. Woodburn) on this subject, to which I am not yet in a position to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children and how many mothers from the original evacuation scheme are left in the reception areas; how many have returned home; and what are the age groups of the children in both categories?

The following table shows the position on the 8th January, 1940, when the latest returns were made by receiving authorities:

—	Estimated number remaining in the receiving areas.	Estimated number who have returned to the sending areas.
School children	30,972	78,501
Pre-school children	4,182	29,319
Mothers	3,043	21,226

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of householders in the reception areas who have agreed to accept children evacuees under the 1940 evacuation scheme, and the number of children registered by parents for evacuation from sending areas; and whether the latter are fully provided for, or whether the Government has any alternative to private billeting to ensure the success of the scheme in an emergncy?

Information about the number of householders who have asked to be placed on the roll of those ready to share in the work of receiving and caring for evacuated children has not yet been supplied by all the receiving authorities. The number of children registered by their parents for evacuation is approximately 23,000. The new plans, which would be put into operation only if air raids developed on a scale involving serious and continuing perils to the civilian population, provide for these children and such others as it is estimated would have to be evacuated in such, circumstances. If the plans were put into operation private billeting would be necessary but the accommodation available in private houses is being supplemented by the provision of camps and hostels.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Scottish Central Medical War Committee contains 12 direct representatives of the British Medical Association and none of the Medical Practitioners' Union; and whether, in the interests of smooth and efficient working, he will see that representatives of the union are appointed to that committee?

I have no reason to think that the Scottish Central Medical War Committee, as at present constituted, is not fully representative of the medical profession in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children are now receiving full-time education, how many part-time instruction, and how many of school age no education?

According to the latest information available, 445,000 children attending schools under the management of education authorities in Scotland are receiving full-time education; 263,000 children are receiving part-time education and 30,000 are receiving no education. These figures are only approximate as the situation is improving from day to day, and the number of children receiving no education is being rapidly reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is considering the representations from Scottish health insurance committees urging that arrangements should be made to provide medical treatment for dependants of insured persons serving with His Majesty's Forces?

Careful consideration has been given to these, and other similar representations, by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, and myself, in consultation with all the Departments concerned. The conclusion reached by the Government is that they cannot fairly distinguish for this purpose between dependants of men serving with the Armed Forces and dependants of insured persons in civil occupations. As the hon. Member will be aware, the question of extending medical benefit to the dependants of all insured persons is one which has been sympathetically considered from time to time, but the Government do not consider that in present circumstances they would be justified in proposing so far-reaching a development of social policy. The reply, therefore to the representations which have been received must be that the Government are unable to adopt the suggestion made. I should add that in the great majority of cases the pay and allowances provided by the Service Departments should be sufficient to enable the cost of medical treatment to be met and that the War Service Grants Advisory Committee have power to supplement such pay and allowances in cases of exceptional hardship resulting from the change brought about in the financial position of the family by reason of the man's war service.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed in the administrative county of Durham and the county boroughs of Sunderland, Gateshead, South Shields, Stockton, and West Hartlepool up to the man's war service.

The table below shows the numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges situated in the administrative county of Durham and in each of the undermentioned county boroughs at 11th March, 1940. Figures for the Stockton and Thornaby Employment Exchange (including the Stockton juvenile employment bureau), which serves Stockton and Thornaby municipal boroughs, are included in those for Durham administrative county, and are also shown separately below.

Durham Administrative County	32,280
Sunderland County Borough	10,924
Gateshead County Borough	5,342
South Shields County Borough	6,512
West Hartlepool Borough	3,345
Stockton and Thornaby (included in figures for Durham Administrative County above)	2,673

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners now unemployed in the county of Durham?

On 11th March, 1940, there were 6,571 insured men, aged 18–64, classified as belonging to the coal mining industry recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in the county of Durham.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the county borough of West Ham, through its treasurer, has recently investigated the circumstances of a ratepayer who had been called up for service with His Majesty's forces whose total allowances amount to 36s. a week, and therefore, the rent and rates cannot be met, and whose application to the War Service Grants Advisory Committee for a special grant has been refused; and whether he will consult with the War Office in order that the commitments of serving men shall be met?

I have no knowledge of the case referred to, but if the hon. Member will supply me with the particulars, I will have inquiry made and let him know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of the imports into Great Britain of automatic machines operated by coin-insertion for the first three months of 1940, together with the names of the exporting countries; and the total value of the same class of imports in the corresponding period of 1939?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Attercliffe (Mr. C. Wilson) on 16th April.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that under existing regulations, licences have to be obtained for the purchase of all spare parts required for International tractors; and whether, in view of the large number of these machines performing heavy duty at the present time, he will consider the advisability, in consultation with the Treasury and other Departments, of waiving the need for obtaining licences which at present are divided on an equal basis spread over a year, it being forbidden that in any one quarter of the year the laid down quota shall be exceeded, in view of the importance of doing everything to keep these machines in service rather than permit licensing regulations to jeopardise the agricultural expansion programme?

I have been asked to reply. I am not prepared to make an exception, in the case of spare parts for International tractors, to the general rule that licences are necessary for the import of all kinds of machinery and parts of machinery. Owing to exchange difficulties, it is necessary to regulate the rate of import of the spare parts, but the control is not being applied rigidly. Licences for these spares have been issued during the last six months to a value exceeding that of the imports during the whole of the previous year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are in use in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland between 10,000 and 12,000 International tractors; that users of this type of tractor are anxious to purchase replacements; that already orders for hundreds have been placed but that, owing to the necessity for obtaining licences and the exchange difficulties, farmers who consider this type of machine most suitable for their land are unable to obtain this essential machinery; and whether he will immediately review the position in order that some arrangement may be made with the International Harvester Company so as to overcome the difficulties of the sterling and dollar exchange?

I have been asked to reply. I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that the import licensing system should not be applied to tractors in a way that would hamper necessary agricultural development, but I cannot accept the suggestion that it is having that effect. My Department is in close consultation on all these matters with the Ministry of Agriculture. I would add that the objects which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind will be assisted by arrangements about to be made for the issue, subject to certain conditions, of licences under Section 10 of the Finance Act, 1932, to relieve track laying tractors imported for agricultural use from customs duty.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the committee, under Lord Bingley, to examine and promote facilities for marketing the goods of small producers has yet been set up and what is its composition; and whether the Rural Reconstruction Society is represented on the committee?

The Council whose establishment I announced in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 22nd February has been formally constituted as the Domestic Food Producers' Council and held its first meeting on 20th March. The Council, under the chairmanship of the right hon. Lord Bingley, comprises nominated representatives of the following bodies, together with representatives of the Board of Education, Ministry of Food and Ministry of Supply and five other members:Accredited Poultry Breeders' Federation.Agricultural Education Association.Association of Municipal Corporations.British Legion.British Rabbit Council.Chick Producers Association.County Councils Association.Horticultural Education Association.Institute of Parks Administration.National Allotments Society Limited.National Association of County Agricultural Organisers.National Council of Social Service.National Farmers' Union.National Federation of Women's Institutes.National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs.National Poultry Council.National Union of Townswomen's Guilds.Parliamentary Committee of the Co-operative Congress.Poultry Education Association.Royal Horticultural Society.Society of Friends (Quakers) Allotments Committee.Trades Union Congress.Urban District Councils Association.Working Men's Club and Institute Union, Limited.The Rural Reconstruction Association is not represented on the Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how the number of licences issued for heavy stallions up to 31st March this year compares with the number issued up to 31st March of last year?

Up to 31st March this year, 1,123 licences to travel for service had been issued under the Horse Breeding Act, 1918, in respect of heavy horse stallions, as compared with 1,332 licences issued up to 31st March, 1939. Licences are not required for stallions standing at home, comparative figures for which are not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that much of the present threshing machinery is worn out and costly in handling; and whether steps are being taken to provide adequate new threshing machinery for the 1940 harvest?

While it is true that some of the existing threshing equipment needs replacement, it is understood that manufacturers expect that sales of threshing machines this year through trade channels will be well in excess of normal. In addition, the Ministry is purchasing a number of machines which will be available through County War Agricultural Executive Committees. With these facilities, the threshing equipment in the country should be adequate to deal with the 1940 cereal crop.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to bring before the House the regulations and rules provided for under the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act, 1940?

I regret that I cannot give a definite date, but I expect to be in a position to submit draft regulations during the course of next month. Rules for the purpose of the Act do not have to be submitted to Parliament before they are made, but I understand that notice of intention to make them will shortly be given and drafts will then be available in the ordinary way.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will, when framing the rules and regulations under the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act, 1940, provide for the investigation of applications by widows for supplementary pensions by women investigators?

I am doubtful whether this is a matter which would be suitably dealt with by Statutory Rules or Regulations, but I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the Assistance Board.

asked the Minister of Health whether any county council or borough council has been authorised or given powers to appoint a medical officer in charge of air-raid precautions medical services and delegate to him the complete responsibility for such services in independence of the medical officer of health for the county or borough?

The precise relation to the medical officer of health of any medical officers appointed by a local authority in connection with air-raid precautions services is a matter for the authority, but it is generally accepted that the responsibility for the casualty services should rest with the medical officer of health.

asked the Minister of Health how many schoolchildren were still in the reception areas at any date for which he has the latest information?

The latest figures relate to the middle of March. The number of schoolchildren then in reception areas in respect of whom billeting allowances were payable was 347,000.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the number of cases of whooping cough reported since this disease was made notifiable six months ago is equivalent to an average of one case per practising doctor, that is far below the number known to have occurred; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure more accurate returns?

I am aware that the number of cases of whooping cough notified under the regulations is approximately at the rate of one case for each doctor in general practice but I have no reason to suppose that this number is less than the number of cases treated by doctors.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to arrange that the temporary war allowances granted to meet the increased cost of living, shall be excluded from the calculations of remuneration for National Health Insurance, and that the limit of income for compulsory insurance in respect of non-manual workers shall be raised from £250 to £400?

I have no power in the absence of amending legislation to adopt the suggestion contained in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to the hon. Member for Central Hackney (Mr. Watkins) on 20th February last. The decision then announced covers National Health and Contributory Pensions Insurance as well as Unemployment Insurance.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider appealing for the removal of redundant and ugly railings everywhere with the object of securing thereby a supply of scrap-iron?

As I informed the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 18th March, the Iron and Steel Control have already suggested in various quarters that unnecessary railings should be disposed of for scrap. Useful results have been obtained and the matter is being actively pursued.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will suggest to local authorities that mid-road railings of the kind now being employed on the Kingston by-pass should be taken up and used for scrap?

These railings are provided in the interests of public safety and it would be unwise to remove them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a Mrs. Ruth Fullerton, who was in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, was discharged from the Auxiliary Territorial Service by a medical board on 24th February and, although very ill, was the following day discharged, by ambulance to her home in Essex, from the general hospital, Leicester, and died on 1st April in Chelmsford hospital; whether he is satisfied that she was fit to leave Leicester hospital when she did; and whether it is the custom immediately to discharge from hospital members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who have been boarded out of the Auxiliary Territorial Service irrespective of the state of health they may be in?

I have ascertained that Mrs. Fullerton was discharged from the Auxiliary Territorial Service on 24th February, but was not moved from the civil hospital at Leicester till 21st March. A patient who is discharged from the service on medical grounds is not discharged from hospital if unfit to travel, but may be retained in hospital as a free patient until fit to travel. I am informed, however, that Mrs. Fullerton took her discharge from the hospital at Leicester at her own request, and against the advice of the medical superintendent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement clarifying the position with regard to sick leave, privilege leave, and warrant privilege leave for the home Forces and the British Expeditionary Forces, particularly with regard to the frequency of warrant privilege leave and the position of soldiers recommended for sick leave?

As has been stated in answer to previous Questions on this subject, in the case of personnel serving with the British Expeditionary Force, every endeavour is made to allow ten clear days' leave in the United Kingdom every six months with a free warrant. Personnel serving at home may, subject to the exigencies of the service, be granted either seven days' leave every three months or fourteen days' leave every six months. In addition, they may be granted week-end leave and embarkation leave. They may be given two free travelling warrants a year. Sick leave is granted on the recommendation of the medical authorities, and, provided that the sickness is not due to the patient's own fault and that the medical officer considers it necessary for the patient to go home, a free warrant is given additional to the two warrants mentioned above.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that Dennis Barnes, who died a month after vaccination, stated to his relatives that he was one of several men who indicated when paraded for vaccination that they objected, and that it was only because they were informed that they would lose pay if they were not vaccinated and became ill, and would be put on fatigues at once that they consented; and will he take steps to see that intimidation of this sort is put an end to;

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Ipswich may expect a reply to his letter of 27th March, concerning the death, following on vaccination, of No. 953092, Gunner William Barnes?

I have been definitely assured, as I stated in reply to a Question on 19th March, that no form of threat or pressure was used in this case. As I also stated, the decision not to hold an inquest was made by the coroner in the light of the pathologist's report. The soldier's death was not due to encephalitis, but to streptococcal infection. I sent a reply to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 20th April.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take the necessary steps to authorise assistant provost marshals to enter bottle parties in London?

I am informed that the Provost Marshal's officers in London experience no difficulties in entering bottle parties for the purpose of inspection, and I do not think it is necessary to take any special steps in this connection?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the treatment of serving ex-service men of 50 years of age and over; and whether any steps are being taken to see that these men are relieved of unnecessary drills, provided with better sanitary arrangements, and placed in depots as near as possible to their homes?

Every endeavour is made to post men of Home Defence Battalions as close to their homes as possible, so far as military requirements permit. I am making inquiries regarding certain complaints which the hon. Member has brought to my notice regarding training and accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints that, at a certain ordnance depot of which he has been informed, and at similar undertakings, it is the growing practice of contractors to suspend ex-servicemen over military age and to retain the services of young men of military age, who are instructed to apply for a six months' postponement of their calling-up on the alleged ground that their work is indispensable, whereas the real reason is they are paid a lower rate of wages than the older men; and whether he will institute an inquiry into practices of this kind with the object of preventing their continuance?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the total number of Post Office employés, full-time and part-time; and what number of adult male employés and adult female employees, respectively, are in receipt of pay of £2 10s. a week or less, between £2 10s. and £3, £3 and £4, £4 and £5, and over £5 a week?

The total number of Post Office employés, full-time and part-time, exclusive of sub-postmasters and caretaker operators, on 1st April, 1939, the latest date for which the further particulars asked for by the hon. Member are available, was approximately 259,000. This number includes about 21,800 part-timeemployés (16,900 males and 4,900 females) practically all of whom were in receipt of less than 50s. a week. The estimated numbers of adult full-time employés whose wages, exclusive of overtime and Sunday pay, fell within the specified ranges are set out below:

Wage ranges.	Men.	Women.
Under £2 10s. a week	9,800	7,600
£2 10s. and under £3 a week	33,400	9,400
£3and under £4 a week	81,600	12,000
£4and under £5 a week	23,700	3,000
£5 a week and over	21,800	2,200

The vast majority of these officers are on scales of pay and rise by annual increments to prescribed maxima. Most of those included in the first category above (under £2 10s. a week) are persons who by reason of short service or relatively low age have not yet earned a sufficient number of increments to bring their pay above £2 10s. a week.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a free warrant might be granted to all ranks proceeding on seven days' privilege leave four times per year, in place of the two free warrants at present permitted?

The arrangement under which members of the Forces in general are granted two free railway warrants per annum, in addition to the facilities for travel at half normal rates, was a recent concession, and I see no necessity for altering the present position.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, in view of the fact that last year it was proposed to put the Irvine Committee's report on training honours botany students for Colonial forestry services into operation, any similar scheme is operated or is contemplated in this country, or whether any honours botany students are normally recruited for the Forestry Commission's staff?

The answer to both Questions is in the negative. The quali- fication for the Commission's forest officers is a university degree in forestry or a university diploma in forestry.

asked the Minister of Information what action he has taken to avoid a repetition of the dangerous distortion of facts published by many newspapers during the recent invasion of Scandinavian countries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to the hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) on 17th April last.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any more precise information to farmers largely interested in fruit-growing as to what the position is likely to be with regard to sugar for preserving purposes?

Arrangements are being made for the allocation of sugar for preserving purposes to jam manufacturers, fruit canners and also to persons who wish to preserve soft or stone fruit grown in their own gardens or allotments. The position will be reviewed at a later date when the effect of these arrangements can be gauged.