asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the changed personnel of the membership of superannuation funds as a result of which many thousands of persons are being mulcted of Income Tax who are not liable for same, he will consider again revising the scheme which has been in force since 1921 and has not been revised since 1931?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the arrangements under which the trustees of a superannuation fund, which is approved for the purpose of Income Tax relief under Section 32 of the Finance Act, 1921, are required to account for Income Tax at a composite rate on the amount of any employés'contributions to the fund which are repaid to the contributors. As the hon. Member is aware, those arrangements are prescribed in Statutory Regulations made by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue under powers conferred by Section 32 and were last revised in 1931 after consultations with the Association of Superannuation and Pension Funds. The Commissioners of Inland Revenue are, of course, prepared to consider any suggestions for modification of the existing arrangements that may be put forward by the representative body.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increased postage, private members of the Forces may be allowed one free letter each week to their family and one in return, to mitigate the hardships of men on privates' pay and their wives on the present allowances?

No increased postage is being imposed on correspondence to members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas, and I regret that it is not possible to make any further concessions of the kind desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since men serving in His Majesty's Navy are able to purchase cigarettes and/or tobacco at a reduced price, he will, by the remission of taxation, enable men in the other Services to enjoy a similar privilege?

The privileges to which the hon. Member refers are of long standing and apply in peace as well as in war. They are confined to certain categories of naval personnel, namely, those serving in His Majesty's seagoing ships in commission. I regret that, for the reasons which I gave in the Debate yesterday, I could not contemplate extending these privileges to members of the Services serving at home.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any arrangements exist which make it unnecessary for traders to affix a 2d. stamp on bills that have been settled for amounts in excess of £2; and, if not, what action does he take, by inspection or otherwise, to see that the stamps are in fact affixed?

It is only in respect of an instrument which, in law, constitutes a receipt for £2 or upwards, that Receipt Stamp Duty is payable. Where such a payment is made, it is the payer who is the person primarily concerned to demand a legal receipt; but the Commissioners of Inland Revenue constantly take action upon reports of such demands being refused, or the Stamp Duty being evaded.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he can specify in detail the figures relating to the vehicles, including locomotives, ships and aircraft, imported into this country, listed under S in Table No. 3 of the import summaries, which have shown a decrease of £370,591 in the first three months of 1940, as compared with a similar period in 1939;(2) whether he will give details of the beverages and cocoa preparations listed under G in Table No. 1 of imports, in the trade accounts of the United Kingdom, which have increased by £2,146,829 during the first three months of 1940, as compared to a similar period in 1939?

As stated in reply to previous Questions, publication of particulars of our trade in individual commodities has been suspended since the outbreak of war.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present extreme shortage of newsprint and other kinds of paper and of the fact that Russia has a large reserve of wood pulp available for export, he will take immediate steps to ascertain on what terms an arrangement could be made, independently of any general trade agreement, to secure the required supply of paper-making material?

The possibility of obtaining supplies of wood pulp from the Soviet Union will be borne in mind, but I do not think it can be considered independently of other trade questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give any information in connection with the trade talks with Eire Ministers on Monday?

Trade relations between the United Kingdom and Eire are at present regulated by the Agreement signed between the two countries in April, 1938. This Agreement has worked satisfactorily, but since the outbreak of war new problems have arisen calling for further consultation. Discussions have recently taken place between officials of the two Governments on these trade questions, and, following upon these discussions, at the suggestion of the Government of Eire, arrangement were made for the visit to London of Mr. Lemass, Minister of Supplies, and Dr. Ryan, Minister of Agriculture, in order to have conversations with United Kingdom Ministers. Mr. Lemass and Dr. Ryan arrived in London on Monday, and discussions, which are continuing, began on Tuesday.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the application of No. 5376765, Sergeant Toms, for extra dependants' allowance was received by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee on 24th February, 1940, and that no award has yet been made; and when is it hoped to make an award in this case?

An award, with retrospective effect, was notified in this case on 17th April. The delay was due to difficulty in obtaining important information which had been asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are to be proceeded with in the Borrowfield housing scheme in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow; and when these houses are likely to be ready for occupation, in view of the housing conditions in this part of the city?

I am informed that 248 houses are now to be further proceeded with at Borrowfield. In present circumstances it is not possible to say when these houses will be ready for occupation, but I am assured that every effort will be made to have them completed at the earliest possible date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, for general public guidance and information, he will take any town of approximately50,000 inhabitants and analyse the recorded list of unemployed, showing the ages, type of normal employment, when last employed, and what form of work is now sought?

In view of the wide industrial differences between one town and another, I do not think an analysis of the unemployment position in any one town would be of value for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the course of unemploy-

asked the Minister of Labour what is being done, apart from the trading estates, to provide work for the large number of people now unemployed in the county of Durham, namely, 58,000?

As the hon. Member was informed on 20th March last by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply, certain new productive capacity is being planned in Durham County which will involve substantial additions to employment.

The table below shows the numbers of insured persons, aged 16–64,in the principal industries, recorded at the Greenock Employment Exchange as unemployed on 11th March, 1940, 12th February, 1940, and 13th March, 1939, and these numbers expressed as percentages of the estimated numbers insured at July of the previous year. In some of the industries referred to, considerable changes may have taken place, since July, 1939, in the total numbers of insured persons in the Greenock area, but the available information is insufficient to show to what extent these changes have affected the percentages of unemployment given in the table.Furthermore, in association with representatives of employers and workpeople in the coal-mining industry, reviews of the unemployed register are being undertaken in a number of mining areas in Durham where there is an unsatisfied demand for labour. The object of the reviews is to determine the extent to which men registered in mining occupations can be placed in mining employment and to assist the industry so far as possible in meeting its war-time labour requirements. The hon. Member will also be aware of the intense activity in various parts of Durham where factories and shipyards are working on Government orders. It is not possible at this date to estimate the full extent of the demand in the near future in Durham, but if strategic or technical considerations prevent full employment in the area, I am confident that all able-bodied unemployed who are not liable to compulsory military service will wish to take part in the war effort either by assisting in other areas where there are urgent demands for labour or by filling the demands for volunteers in the Forces that may be indicated from time to time. My Department will give every help to men desiring to take advantage of such opportunities.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the restrictions which have involved the suspension of the activities of juvenile advisory committees are to be relaxed?

Yes, Sir: these restrictions were relaxed some weeks ago. Meetings of these committees may now be held regularly, and instructions have been issued for the resumption of the choice of employment advisory services, including school conferences, wherever they are called for by the local circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men on unemployment assistance between the ages of 25 and 35, and between 35 and 45 on the most recent available date?

:On the basis of a 5 per cent. sample of cases taken on 8th January, 1940, it is estimated that there were then about 60,000 men aged 25 to 34 years and about 70,000 men aged 35 to 44 years in receipt of unemployment allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will send a representative from his Department to the Pontardawe Rural District Council area to investigate the number of tinplate, coal-mining and other industries that are now standing idle, and a very large number of skilled workers unemployed, with a view to taking remedial action?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the unemployment among workers in the tinplate, coal-mining and other industries in the Pontardawe districts, which is receiving the attention of the Divisional Controller. The local offices are making every effort to assist these workers to obtain employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether arrangements have been made to train women as omnibus conductors, railway porters and other occupations suitable for women in readiness for greater calls upon the country's manpower?

In the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend any necessary training can best be given by the employer, and I have no reason to suppose that it will not be so given.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he has fully considered the representations made by the Chamber of Coal Traders, including the Coal Merchants' Association of Scotland, that depot managers, or wharf clerks, motor-drivers and loaders should be reserved from military service from the age of 25; and has he any statement to make;(2) whether he has arrived at a decision regarding the age at which coal carters and carriers will be classified as reserved from military service?

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. E. J. Williams) on 11th April, the matter is under consideration. My right hon. Friend is in communication with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines and will announce the decision as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour how many complaints he has received regarding the conduct of persons serving on the Newcastle tribunal for conscientious objection; and whether he will take the appropriate action to prevent the members of this tribunal attacking individuals and criticising religions beliefs, which is no part of their duty?

Representations have been made to my right hon. Friend on two occasions with regard to remarks made by the chairman of the tribunal. On the other hand, he has received a number of tributes to his fairness and to that of the tribunal, in which he has every confidence.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of citizens of Eire ordinarily resident in this country who have elected to join the Imperial Forces; what percentage this represents to the whole number called up; and whether those who decline to serve have been or are to be repatriated to Eire?

I cannot give the statistics asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend. As regards the last part of the Question, if a British subject liable to service under the Act and resident in this country failed to comply with the requirements of the Act, the usual steps would be taken to enforce compliance.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men who have been discharged from the Army previous to the war as unfit for any form of military service have been called up under the Military Service Act, and how many holding such certificates of unfitness have been passed for service; and what steps he will take to see that such unfit men are not subjected to months of training which their disabilities make it dangerous for them to undergo?

The statistics asked for in the first part of the Question are not available. Men examined by a medical board and found to be unfit for any form of military service are placed in Grade IV and are not called up.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Allen Haigh, of 21, Thorp Avenue, Field-house, Holinfirth, was passed grade I at a recent medical Inspection in his area for men being called to the Colours in spite of the fact that he had been notified as tubercular in 1930 and had been under treatment for a number of years for myocardial weakness and valvular disease of the heart; and whether he will have this man re-examined?

I am making inquiries and will communicate the result to the hon. Member. I should add that if medical evidence is produced which suggests that a man has been wrongly graded, it is the practice to submit it to the chairman of the Medical Board, and where necessary the man is re-examined.

asked the Minister of Labour the factors considered in determining exempted occupations and ages; to what extent consultation is carried on; and who makes the final decision?

The factors primarily considered in determining the occupations to be reserved under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, and the ages of reservation, are the extent to which the occupations concerned are necessary for maintaining production or services required for our war effort, our export trade, and our vital civil needs, and how far the retention of men of military age is necessary for the purpose having regard to the skill and experience required. Another factor is the extent to which men in certain occupations are needed for the corresponding Service trades in the Armed Forces. These considerations are continually reviewed in the light of the need of maintaining a balance of man-power between the Armed Forces and industry. The responsibility for making, and altering, entries in the Schedule rests with my right hon. Friend, and he has the benefit of the advice of the Government Departments concerned, with whom regular consultation takes place. There is also frequent consultation with representatives of industry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the difference in the decisions reached by different hardship committees; and what steps he is taking to secure more uniformity in these decisions?

The final authority in this matter is the Umpire. Steps are taken to put suitable test cases to him on appeal, and to circulate for the guidance of the hardship committees his decisions laying down the general principles which they should apply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to appoint a senior woman medical officer in each Command in connection with the health services for women auxiliaries?

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements exist at the present time to ensure that as many as possible of the men in the Army who have special scientific or technical qualifications are utilised to the best advantage; and whether he will give an undertaking that from time to time arrangements will be made to ensure that such men are properly employed, and, if not, that they will be remustered and employed in a capacity where their services will be of maximum value?

It is the continuous and not the periodical duty of all commanders to see that the qualifications of men serving under them are used to the best advantage in the Army. It does not necessarily follow because an individual has certain qualifications that he can or should be immediately removed from his present work. Suitable vacancies are not always available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of the Cambridge honours graduate in physics and mathematics, aged 35, who is at the moment serving as a bombardier, and engaged in junior clerk's work; and what steps are being taken to avoid such a waste of manpower?

According to the record on his attestation paper, the soldier to whom my hon. Friend refers was a journalist in civil life. He is not at present up to the medical standard required for admission to an officer cadet training unit, but, if his medical state improves, he will be eligible for training in an officer cadet training unit subject to recommendation by his commanding officer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a Militiaman who, during the initial period of his training and before he can have accumulated a credit balance of pay, obtains special leave of absence to visit his home in case of serious illness there or the like, can be given a free railway voucher or some measure of assistance, such as free travel in so far as his fare exceeds 10s.?

A soldier who had not already exhausted his entitlement to free travelling on leave could be given a free warrant in the circumstances mentioned in the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any action has been taken in respect of the soldier fighting in Norway who, according to the War Office communiquéof 29th April, had given false reports of the campaign to an American newspaper correspondent?

No, Sir. No particular soldier was identified, and I think the hon. Member has read more into the War Office statement that it was intended to convey.

asked the Secretary of State for War the procedure to be adopted in issuing separate and detailed casualty lists regarding the British Field Force in Scandinavia?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the right hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Lees-Smith) on 30th January last. No separate lists, detailing North-Western Expeditionary Force casualties as such, will be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German combatant prisoners of war and captured merchant seamen, are now in British internment camps?

The hon. Member will, I hope, appreciate that the periodic publication of the figures for which he asks is not desirable.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the increased cost of postage, he will consider, in co-operation with the President of the Board of Education, the issue to evacuated children of postcards on the lines of the field service postcard used in the Army?

I regret that the difficulties involved would make it impracticable to operate such a concession. There is the further consideration that a concession in this case would evoke claims for similar treatment from other classes of the community who feel that they are equally entitled to special consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the moment has come to place the need for unpaid volunteers for air-raid precautions squarely before the public, he will simultaneously call upon local authorities to evolve some system of relay service under which these workers will be required to devote only a certain number of days each week to the performance of the duties in question; and whether he is aware that, unless some system of the kind is introduced, voluntary workers will not come forward in adequate numbers?

I have already drawn the attention of local authorities to the need for organising their duty shifts so as to avoid making excessive calls upon part-time unpaid volunteeers, and I think that local authorities generally already recognise that failure to establish a proper rota system would adversely affect recruiting. I shall, however, keep the position under review.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to make an order prohibiting aliens from living in or visiting the vicinity of aerodromes in Great Britain?

I fully recognise that the general precautionary measures taken with regard to all suspicious characters—in whatever part of the country they may be living and whatever may be their nationality—can properly be supplemented by certain special measures in districts which are declared under the Aliens Order to be "protected areas"; and in pursuance of this policy I have declared certain districts which are important naval centres to be "protected areas." It is, however, of the essence of this policy that the areas selected for such special measures shall be limited in number and extent. Any widespread use of these powers to include numerous places where there may be aerodromes, camps or munition factories, would tend to defeat the purpose of the provision, which is a localised intensification of precautions in specially selected places.

asked the Home Secretary whether His Majesty's Government are satisfied that subsidies from neutral States are not still reaching individuals and organisations in this country with the object of influencing opinion hostile to the conduct of the war by the Allies?

I am afraid that it would not be in the public interest for me to make any statement on this matter, beyond saying that the most careful watch is being kept with a view to taking action whenever the circumstances should warrant it.

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department are contemplating making arrangements for the better ventilation of tin and steel works during the summer months, in view of the fact that the black-out regulations, which prevent the full flow of air, if not altered, will have a detrimental effect upon the workers' health?

The problem of ventilation in these works, to which special attention has been given, is complicated by the requirements of defence, particularly in regard to the prevention of glare. I fully recognise the importance of securing that adequate methods of ventilation shall be combined with methods for the prevention of glare, and the factory inspectors will continue to give special attention to the possibility of devising means of improvement.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the unexpected course taken by the war, he is now able to modify the advice tendered by him to the schools of London Uni- versity last summer, acting upon which they evacuated their students from London; and whether, in consideration of the crippling cost to the schools of continued evacuation, he will sanction their return in the coming autumn?

I have already explained the general views of the Government in this matter at a deputation from representatives of London University which I received last week. In view of the second part of the Question, I should like to make it clear that no question of Government sanction is involved and that the decision rests with the responsible authorities of the university.

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements are being made in the London area for the evacuation of children, under five years of age, in the event of air raids; and, if so, whether these arrangements are in the hands of the medical officers of health of the boroughs?

The plans for the evacuation of children in school units in the event of raids do not extend to children of preschool age not in attendance at school. A limited number of children under five who are without parental care is being evacuated as and when vacancies can be found in the reception areas. A panel with which the Standing Joint Committee of the metropolitan borough councils, as welfare authorities, the London County Council as evacuation authority and women's voluntary services for civil defence are associated is assisting in the selection of applicants.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make about the redistribution of constituencies?

I am aware of the considerations which the hon. Member has in mind, but I am not in a position at present to make any statement.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication from the Rev. Arthur Wellesley Orr, of Kingston Hill, Surrey, relating to the case of Mrs. Theresa George, who was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for a breach of probation; and whether he proposes to review this case?

I have received the communication and am making inquiries about the case.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the growing practice in certain newspapers of reproducing photographs of members of the Criminal Investigation Department connected with police-court proceedings; and whether he will make an order or regulation prohibiting such pictorial publicity being given to officers whose duties involve secrecy and anonymity?

I agree with the hon. Member that this practice is objectionable, but I have no power to prevent newspapers from publishing such photographs.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity of the efficiency of the steel industry in time of war, he will consider setting up an inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, to inquire into the dismissal of Sir William Firth from the chairmanship of Messrs. Richard Thomas, Limited?

I have no reason to suppose that the efficiency of the steel industry in time of war will be adversely affected by a change in the chairmanship of this company, and I do not therefore propose to take action in the direction suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to make it known to each member of the Fighting Services of the Crown, whether of commissioned or other rank, that instances of injustice, maladministration, waste or other abuse impeding the prosecution of the war should be brought to the notice of his representative in Parliament notwithstanding Service regulations?

No, Sir. I see no reason for any departure from the regulations in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the speech of the British Ambassador to the United States of America, at St. Louis, on 19th April, which contains a constructive definition of Allied war aims to the effect that the Allies want to see Europe organised as a company of free nations united by some form of federal organisation backed by superior power; and whether this aim to establish a United States of Europe is now the considered policy of His Majesty's Government and the French Government?

I have seen Press reports of the speech made by His Majesty's Ambassador on this occasion. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements on international co-operation after the war which have from time to time been made on behalf of His Majesty's Government, and to which I have at present nothing to add. I cannot, of course, speak for the French Government, but my hon. Friend is no doubt familiar with the similar public statements which have been made on behalf of our French Allies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food details of the steps by which he proposes to see that old age pensioners and persons of small incomes will be assured of sufficient food during the war period?

The importance of the subject to which the hon. Member refers is fully appreciated. Large sums are already being expended by the Government in restraining the rise which would otherwise have taken place in the cost of living. Every possible effort is being made and will be made by the Ministry of Food to ensure that adequate food supplies are available at reasonable prices for every class of consumer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the shortage of animal foodstuffs and the comparative idleness of the mills all over the country, he will consider the advisability of limiting the import of flour and only allow corn coming into the country before it is ground, thus securing the offal for animal food?

Flour mills in the United Kingdom have been working at high pressure for many weeks past and are at present, generally speaking, fully occupied in meeting the normal demand for flour. My Noble Friend is not able to adopt the suggestion that flour imports should be suspended at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether all possible steps are being taken to ensure that the Norwegian civil population in the areas where British troops are operating are supplied with food?

This matter is already under active consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of complaints being received, he will consider the advisability of fixing maximum prices for mixed mashes and mixed corn, and of introducing legislation to prevent the adulteration of feeding-stuffs?

The prices of these products are already controlled by the provisions of the Order of 6th January, and the question of imposing a more detailed control of prices is under consideration. Legislation to prevent the adulteration of feeding-stuffs is provided for in the Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that uncertainty has resulted from the circular recently issued by him in regard to the supply of sugar for fruit preservation, in view of the fact that these forms had to be returned before 20th April, and that they appear to be inapplicable to those householders who purchase fruit and make jam; and whether the matter will be reviewed so as to ensure that an adequate supply of preserving sugar shall be made available for all persons who are in a position to make jam either from their own fruit or otherwise?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar Question addressed to me on 24th April by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore).

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the waste of time and money, and of the inconvenience, aggravated by war-time conditions of travelling, caused to witnesses attending courts of law on subpoena through the number of cases included in the daily cause lists being habitually far in excess of the number for which time is likely to be available; and whether he will consult with the appropriate authorities with a view to having more convenient arrangements made?

I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend an analysis of the figures of cases listed and heard in the King's Bench Division during the present sittings, from which he will see that the number put in the daily cause list for each judge on each day is not in excess of the time likely to be available, and that, in fact, but a small percentage of cases are not reached on the days on which they first appear in the cause list for trial. In the Chancery Division generally the lists are arranged with a view to meeting the convenience, so far as possible, of the persons concerned with the action, and if it should appear that inconvenience may be caused to witnesses, the judge will, on application to him, fix a day for hearing. It is impossible wholly to guard against the inconvenience which my hon. Friend describes, but those responsible for the lists are anxious that the inconvenience should be avoided as far as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education the num- ber of children in average attendance at the elementary schools in the administrative county of Durham up to date; and the number of children who are receiving free milk and solid meals?

:I have no exact figures of the number of children attending elementary schools in Durham County, but recent returns show that there are approximately 108,000. In March, 1940, 27,761 children received free milk, of whom 178 also received free solid meals.

asked the Minister of Health whether portable dwellings are used at the present time in connection with the housing of purely mobile labour; and, if not, whether he will consider introducing such buildings to save the transport needed for taking workmen backwards and forwards to neighbouring towns with a consequent waste of petrol?

I am not sure what class of labour my hon. Friend has in mind. It is common practice for contractors to provide temporary accommodation for their constructional staff in hutments which are often portable. If my hon. Friend is referring to labour engaged on process work, I think that any additional accommodation which is necessary in any locality should, as far as possible, be of permanent construction so that it will later serve a useful peace-time purpose.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is satisfied that the increased import of 8,351,708 pounds of copper into Switzerland was not wholly or in part destined for re-export for enemy use?

I am not certain to what period my hon. and gallant Friend refers. According to the Swiss official statistics, an extract from which is given below, imports of copper bars into Switzerland have markedly increased during the first three months of the current year as compared with the first three months of 1939, but exports to greater Germany are by no means abnormal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken to ensure that the Rats Destruction Act, 1919, is operated efficiently in all urban areas?

Powers to execute and enforce the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, in urban areas are vested in county councils, county borough councils and Metropolitan borough councils, and in such town councils and urban district councils to whom county councils have, with their consent, delegated their powers. My powers are restricted to cases in which a responsible local authority fails to carry out its duties under the Act, and I think that, generally speaking, the local authorities concerned have, in the past, carried out their duties efficiently. The question, however, of an intensive campaign for the destruction of rats during the present emergency in both urban and rural districts is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether conscientious objectors, with unemployed urban labourers, plus a small addition of skilled agricultural workers, will be formed by county committees into travelling groups to make good the scarcity of farm labour in the Fens, and Bedford and Cambridge areas?

I have recently written to County War Agricultural Executive Committees authorising them to organise mobile gangs of workers to assist farmers in their areas, and including suggestions on the lines indicated in the Question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to consider and, if necessary, modify the position of directors of com- panies and others holding offices liable to taxation under Schedule E upon the basis of the preceding year's emoluments, and who, in many cases, if they retain their offices and continue to discharge their duties may be liable to taxation in the current year upon fees or remuneration which they have no expectation of ever receiving, and relieve of taxation, for so long a period as they receive no fees or remuneration, directors or others so placed who formally waive their fees or remuneration for the current year but continue to discharge their duties?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not see his way to propose legislation to carry out my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. Where a director retains his office and continues to discharge his duties, but formally waives his remuneration or fees for a particular year, the reduction in emoluments is, under the preceding year basis of assessment, taken into account in computing the assessment for the succeeding year. Moreover, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend, as stated in his Budget speech, proposes that the provisions of Section 11 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1939, which authorises relief in cases where, owing to circumstances connected with the war, an individual's actual earned income for 1939–40 is materially less than his earned income as assessed, shall be repeated for the year 1940–41.

asked the Minister of Health what is now the estimated annual cost of feeding, clothing and housing an inmate of Rampton State Institution as compared with the annual rate of cost in August last?

I am endeavouring to obtain this information and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.