asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of his appeals to the building trade on 16th June and 6th July, when making his announcement on nth June regarding building trades operatives, he has taken into account the normal channels through which building contractors usually obtain their materials; and to what extent his announcement covered this complementary side of the building trade?

The appeals to which my hon. Friend refers were addressed to the operatives in the building and civil engineering industries, and the Essential Work Order announced on nth June applies to those industries. It is obviously necessary that adequate supplies of materials should be maintained, and this aspect of the matter is not being overlooked by the Ministry of Works and Buildings and my Department.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the distributors of building material have experienced great difficulty in getting the necessary labour, and can he give them some assurance that their needs will be met?

I should like information about where they are short.

Why should labour and material be wasted on the statue in Trafalgar Square?

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to invite representatives of the Scientific Advisory Committee set up by the Government to serve upon his recently-appointed Production Advisory Committee?

No, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that one of the best methods of dealing with any shortage of labour and material is by the application of modern methods of production, and will he see that he gets experts who understand this appointed on his Committee?

Experts and scientific people are working on research in the Departments.

Are there any representatives of skilled technicians or managements upon that Committee?

This Committee is representative of the Federation of British Industries, the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken in the munitions and building industries to reduce weekly hours of work to those, which experience shows, secure the optimum output; and whether uniformity of action is being secured for all Departments?

This is a matter which should be handled in detail by the production Departments through the managements of the firms concerned. It is impossible to get rigid uniformity, but steps have already been taken by the Ministry of Aircraft Production to reduce hours, and discussions are proceeding with the other production Departments.

Will my right hon. Friend answer the more specific part of the Question and say whether any Departments are not carrying out the recommendations that have been made?

In the case of the Ministry of Aircraft Production the matter has been disposed of, but in the case of the Ministry of Supply their production is so varied that you have to discuss industry by industry. There has been no refusal by any Department.

asked the Minister of Labour when the various schemes for the allocation of raw materials between the Supply, Service and Civil Departments were instituted; and what materials are covered by allocation?

All essential materials came under control immediately on the outbreak of war, and restrictions prohibiting non-essential uses were imposed wherever it appeared expedient to conserve supplies. The first allocation of raw material between the Supply, Service and Civil Departments took effect in October, 1939, and periodic allocations of other materials in sort supply have been made since that date as circumstances required. This system is applied to steel, including sub-allocations of particular kinds, timber (softwoods and hardwoods), cotton, flax, hemp, jute, paper, paper board, and leather. The allocations are made under the authority of the Production Executive. The actual work of allocation is done by an inter-departmental committee, over which my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport has presided continuously since the outbreak of war.

asked the Minister of Labour the names of the members of the appeal courts recently established in the mining industry?

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind appeals under the Essential Work (Coal Mining Industry) Order. No special courts have been established. Appeals are heard by the local appeal boards, approximately 300 in number, established under the Essential Work (General Provisions) Orders.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners unemployed in the county of Durham and also in Great Britain on the latest available date?

I regret that the figures desired are not available for publication.

Is not that something strange, as we have had these figures hundreds of times? If we have had them before, why cannot we have them now?

I announced to the House some time ago that owing to the transfer of labour and the movements from one trade into another the publication of figures under separate trades would cease. Since that time I have not published them.

Are there not thousands of miners unemployed? If there are, why cannot they be found work in the pits?

There is no reason for any miner who is capable of working not being back at the pit. There are people in the mining areas who are signing on as unemployed miners, but many of them are past working. I have established a committee to investigate the matter to see whether there is anything that can be done.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will authorise education authorities to instal in their schools the Ripplay Control Signalling System of air-raid warnings, seeing that the Minister of Health has approved the adoption by local authorities of this system for business and other premises; and will his department meet the cost of this installation?

After examining the hon. Member's proposal, I have come to the conclusion that, unless circumstances are very exceptional, schools are already adequately served by the public air-raid warning system.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many of the schools, particularly in the outlying districts, it is impossible to hear the warning on account of atmospheric conditions or the wind being in the wrong direction; that in many cases attempts have been made to meet the difficulty, and that this is the only adequate system; that it has been approved by the Regional Commissioners and could be installed at the cost of a few pounds; and that while much money has been spent upon air-raid shelters, they will be useless if the children do not hear the siren? Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter sympathetic consideration?

The hon. Member will realise that I have had very little time since taking up my duties to look into this matter, but my preliminary examination led me to the conclusion of which I have informed the House. I will undertake to make a further inquiry into what the hon. Member has said, but the system is rather expensive and uses rather important equipment.

It costs only a few pounds per school and could be installed by using the present electric cables.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the position of schools in rural areas where there are no sirens?

And no bombs.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that teachers, probation officers, doctors and social workers are generally anxious for the teaching of mothercraft to be given to schoolgirls as the best means of attacking juvenile delinquency; and whether he will arrange for such teaching to be given throughout the country?

A chapter of the Board's Handbook of Suggestions for Teachers on Health Education is devoted to mothercraft, and I shall continue to foster such instruction as is practicable for school children.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the national importance of this, in view of the fact that girls are being turned forth into the world at the age of 16 and have not a great deal of knowledge of what they have to face?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the report from the National Association of Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, urging the immediate need of the teaching of mothercraft to schoolgirls; and whether he will consult with the President of the Board of Education with a view to putting this recommendation into operation?

I have noted the report with much interest. Its recommendations fall mainly within the province of the Board of Education, but I shall be glad to consult with the President of the Board on the steps that it may be possible to take towards carrying them out.

Does the Minister recognise that this is a matter of national importance and not merely a question of health?

Yes, and that is why I gave the reply in the form in which it is.

Now that the right hon. Gentleman has got infants' and children's welfare under his Department and it is taken out of the hands of the Board of Education, will he see that more attention is paid to it?

The Noble Lady is not correct. It has not been taken out of their hands. What has happened is that we are making a great co-operative effort in this matter, and I have the advantage of knowing at the Ministry of Health that those who are responsible to the Board of Education are working with me energetically on this most important matter.

Is it not true that those are gentlemen who have never seen a nursery school or anything connected with it?

I should deprecate that statement.

But it is true.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made since 1st April with the clearing up, repair and reconstruction of bombed houses and business premises in the London area and provincial towns?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the repair of war damage by local authorities. At 1st April all but about 12 per cent, of the repairable houses had received first aid repair in London and the principal provincial towns which had suffered heavy damage. At 17th July, the latest date for which figures are available, there remained about 6 per cent. awaiting repairs. Considerable damage occurred between these dates, and the figures show not only that the arrears had been overtaken but that progress had been made with the repair of the damage occurring during the period. Local authorities are not responsible for the repair of business premises, and I am not aware of any statistics available as to the repair of this class of property by the owners.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask whether he can assure the House that everything is being done during the quiet spell and the fine weather to make the greatest number of houses habitable during the coming winter, both in London and in the provinces?

Certainly, and a number are in certain stages of repair.

Does it not depend upon the energy of the local authorities?

They are doing very well.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for evacuees to be moved from billets when room is required to enable workers engaged in work of national importance to live in the neighbourhood?

Difficulties arising in the provision of accommodation for war workers are considered by an interdepartmental committee. This committee submits recommendations as to the action to be taken which may include the removal of evacuated persons billeted in the area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the selection was made of a lady to go to the United States of America to represent the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service; with what object and for what duration the appointment is intended; whether it is at the public expense, if so, on what Vote; and whether the selection was made with the knowledge of the acting officer in charge of the London Ambulance Service?

The suggestion that a delegation of Civil Defence workers should be sent to America is still under consideration, and no final decision has been reached.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this appointment was published in all the newspapers and has caused a great deal of concern among those who were not consulted, but should have been consulted, in the selection of the person to go?

I saw those Press notices. I think they are the result of a misunderstanding, because the matter has not reached the stage of decision.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that no appointment is made without consultation with the appropriate authorities?

In any case I will take care of that, as I shall have to be consulted myself.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the person sent really represents this service?

Yes, I will certainly keep that point in mind, but no final decision has yet been reached.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of the Sydmouth Douglas Social Credit Association, as these are calculated to impair the war effort; and what steps he is taking to deal with this association?

My attention has been drawn to an anti-Semitic circular recently issued by the association referred to. It would, I think, on my present information, be exaggerating the influence of this obscure body to suggest that its activities could have any effect on the war effort, but I shall keep it under observation.

Are not the documents which I sent to the right hon. Gentleman anti-Government and pro-Hitler?

It is not necessarily an offence for a document to be anti-Government. Otherwise, from time to time we should be in trouble with parts of the House of Commons. On the last point, I am not satisfied that it is necessarily so, but I will keep it under observation.

Are not their statements actually libels?

I am not sure that that is a matter for me.

Does not this involve a great waste of paper at a time of paper shortage?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make on Civil Defence despatch riders?

I issued a circular at the end of June authorising the setting up of an outdoor Civil Defence messenger service in place of the less formal system which has hitherto prevailed, and the provision of uniform and equipment in appropriate quantities, materially in excess of those hitherto authorised. Regional Commissioners are at present in consultation with the various authorities in their regions with a view to settling appropriate establishments for the service. In the main, the service will, it is hoped, be recruited on a part-time basis from the younger members of the population, for whom the nature of the work has a special attraction.

Can the Minister give any idea of the number of people who are involved in this matter?

No, Sir, not without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the number and names of the new Deputy Regional Commissioners who have recently been appointed?

asked the Home Secretary how many additional Deputy Commissioners have been, appointed since nth June; and whether each region now has such a person responsible for all fire prevention and fire-fighting arrangements?

As the answer involves a number of names, I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information asked for by my hon. Friends.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he has included the names of any women in the list?

I have kept that point steadily in mind, but the list is not yet complete. I still should like to do so, but it is a question of finding suitable persons to do particular jobs, and the solution does not always work out that way. It has not happened yet, but I still go on hoping.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the second part of my Question, whether each region now has a person responsible for all fire prevention and fire-fighting arrangements?

Yes, Sir, that is being taken care of. One of the Regional Commissioners will probably take care of the matter, because they have officers suitable for the purpose.

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot find women who are suitable, will he not let some of us find them for him? Is it not true that unless women had protested against our not having a national fire service, we should not have it to-day? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman consider the women?

I have already informed the House how the matter stands. Any suggestion the Noble Lady would care to make I would gladly consider.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman proud to have a national fire service?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that one regional commissioner is sufficient for the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex?

asked the Home Secretary how many letters he has received from persons interned in the Isle of Man, under Regulation 18b, whose detention has recently been cancelled, requesting that their internment in that island should not be terminated during the summer, and expressing appreciation of the conditions and of the kindly treatment they had received?

I have seen one such letter, and I am sure that the conditions of treatment in the Isle of Man camps are appreciated by many of them who are detained there.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some hon. Members have received letters from foreigners interned in the Isle of Man asking that the British Government should be thanked for the wonderful free holiday they have been given?

I gather that one or two such communications have been received, but there are others of an opposite character.

While the internees fully appreciate the admirable conditions under which they are living, is it not the case that they would rather be out of internment, meeting the dangers which face the country, than be interned under the very best conditions?

Generally speaking, that is so.

asked the Home Secretary what is the total number of internees deported from Great Britain to Australia; how many of these were boys and youths between 16 and 19 years of age; how many have since been recommended for release; and how many of these have, in fact, been released from internment?

The number sent to Australia was 2,542. As no statistics dividing these people into age groups are available, I regret I cannot give the particulars asked for in the second part of the Question. The policy is to bring back to this country both those whose prospective release can be definitely authorised on the information already available, and others who appear likely to qualify for release subject to further examination after their arrival here. There is also a number of persons whose prospective release has been authorised with a view to their emigration to other countries. The total number whose future release has been definitely authorised is 480 of whom over 300 are prospective emigrants to other countries. There are on their way back to this country about 200 persons of whom 66 have been definitely promised release, and the remainder are returning with a view to consideration of their release.

Will my right hon. Friend give special consideration to the schoolboys and young fellows under 19 years of age, and particularly to those who are still at school?

They must, of course, be considered in relation to security, and obviously from that point of view they would probably stand a better chance. I will keep the point in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has been in communication with His Majesty's Government in Australia with a view to obtaining their consent to the release in Australia of those internees who have been deported to Australia from Great Britain and since recommended as suitable for release from internment, but for whose return to this country no shipping facilities are available?

No, Sir. These internees were accepted by the Australian Government on the specific understanding that those whose release might be authorised would be removed from Australia. Any exception to this principle is a matter entirely within the discretion of the Australian Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state the number of paid wardens between the ages of 30 and 41; and whether they are to be exempt from military service, or are to be called up in September?

There are approximately 5,600 whole-time wardens whose obligations for military service are deferred for varying periods ended 30th September. It is not proposed that there should be any further general deferment of wardens. Individual cases of key wardens will still be considered on their merits.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to make a statement on fire-watching relating to business premises, unoccupied houses and the organisation of fire-watching parties?

The first of these Questions is at present under discussion with representatives of the employers and the Trades Union Congress; the second is being dealt with by an Order which will shortly be issued under an Amendment to the Defence Regulations recently approved; as regards the third, further directions are being issued in the light of the experience which has been gained.

In view of the fact that nothing appears to have happened in this matter since December, could not the right hon. Gentleman speed up the three very important parts of this Service?

The hon. Gentleman has no right to say that nothing has happened since December. It is a misrepresentation and is not fair.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements are made to coordinate the work of Government Departments, local authorities and other agencies concerned with the welfare of the civil population during and after air raids?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with Mr. Speaker's permission, make a statement at the end of Questions.

I must first point out that the welfare of the civil population during and after an air raid is bound up with the restoration of the life of the community and depends upon a large number of services, extending far beyond the Civil Defence organisation as originally conceived. To give a few examples, let me mention evacuation and rest centres; emergency feeding; relief of distress; first-aid repairs to houses; road and rail transport; restoration of shopping facilities; salvage of furniture; restoration of gas, water and electricity supplies; clearance of sites which are a danger to public safety or public health. All these, and various other activities, directly or indirectly affect the personal welfare of the population. Many Departments are involved, but the examples I have mentioned are particular aspects of the work of five or six Departments, and they could not be dealt with in isolation from the work now carried out by those Departments under normal conditions.

As Home Secretary and Minister of Home Security, I have a general responsibility for seeing that the plans of the various Departments are properly coordinated, and that adjustments are promptly made in the light of experience. At the centre, co-ordination is achieved through the Civil Defence Committee of the War Cabinet and its Executive Sub-Committee, over both of which I preside. Under present conditions, the committee meets weekly and the Executive Sub-Committee meets at least twice a week; meetings are held daily if necessary. The Ministers immediately concerned meet under my chairmanship with their senior officers and advisers. Other Ministers including Ministers of the Service Departments, attend when matters arise affecting the work of their Departments. Oral reports are made by each Department represented, and immediate decisions are given where necessary. The Executive Sub-Committee is also a planning body and calls for reports upon particular problems which need detailed examination. I need hardly say that I meet the Regional Commissioners individually and collectively at frequent intervals for discussion of a wide variety of problems.

So much for planning and the settlement of policy. Then there is action to give effect to the policy in the regions and localities. This is done through regional representatives of Government Departments and local authorities, subject to co-ordination by the Regional Commissioners, who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all the interests concerned, including regional representatives of Government Departments and local authroities, make plans in advance and act quickly and effectively when the emergency arises. They also maintain close contact with industrial organisations and voluntary bodies. Thus the Regional Commissioner is the point at which all plans for dealing with the consequences of enemy attack are focussed. Power; on specific matters have already been delegated to them, and there will be no hesitation in extending such delegation as the need arises.

Experience has shown that after a heavy raid rapid and effective progress can best be made if the Regional Commissioner initiates arrangements for a conference at an early hour, at which the various agencies at work are repre- sented, including, if necessary, the military authorities. These conferences are called to enable the position to be appreciated in perspective and to initiate and co-ordinate remedial action, the general lines of which have been planned in advance. Every Department and agency places its services unreservedly at the disposal of the Regional Commissioner, and the regional representatives work as a team under the leadership of the Regional Commissioner. By the methods I have outlined, policy is quickly settled and plans are co-ordinated nationally, and in the regions lines of action are determined and preparations made in advance under the direction of the Regional Commissioner.

Will my right hon. Friend enlarge that very interesting statement in one respect? Exactly what is the Regional Commissioner expected by him to do if a local authority is not reaching the standard of efficiency in some respect which he expects of it, or if he is not receiving the co-operation which, in his view, he requires from the officers of some other Department, not the Ministry of Home Security?

In the case of the local authorities, the Regional Commissioners, subject to Ministerial authority, have powers of direction, if necessary, but, as the House will agree, it is far better to do these things by discussion and through good will, and very little difficulty is in fact experienced. With regard to other State Departments, if the Regional Commissioner finds he has difficulty with the regional representatives of another Ministry he can make representations to that Ministry through the Minister of Home Security.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is conflict sometimes between the Regional Commissioner and the Controller, and if there is a conflict between these two gentlemen who is the final arbiter?

Finally it would be myself. If I came to the conclusion that the fault was with the Regional Commissioner, I would have to deal with him. If I came to the conclusion that the Controller was hopeless, I would have the power to remove him.

Is there any co-operation with, or assistance from, Members of Parliament in the areas, or are they completely ignored?

As my hon. Friend knows, the Regional Commissioners meet Members of Parliament from time to time.

Very rarely.

I can only say that I think the whole of the Regional Commissioners have invited Members of Parliament—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]—and in a number of cases there have been several meetings. If any hon. Members have any feeling about that point in a particular region, I will certainly take it up.

They give two days' notice by telephone.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Do I understand that this policy has always been the policy that has been carried out from the beginning, or is it something new?

In principle, in many respects, it is from the beginning, but, as the noble Lady knows, it is very desirable.

Supposing a Regional Commissioner finds that local authorities are really not up to scratch, is it the duty of the Regional Commissioner to deal with them drastically?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker—

Notice has already been given that this matter is to be raised in a discussion on the Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of recent declarations made by the Communist party in support of the war effort, he is prepared to revoke his Order under the Defence Regulations prohibiting the publication of the "Daily Worker "?

No, Sir. At this critical period of the war, when extra effort is called for from all of us so that everything possible may be done to assist our Russian ally, the Government would not feel justified in relaxing a safeguard against a newspaper which systematically fomented opposition to the war effort. If the British Communist party are now. prepared to aid our Russian ally by giving to the war effort assistance which they previously were not willing to give to their own country, I welcome this change so far as it goes, and I hope it may lead to their accepting the principle that the aims of every party or faction ought to be subordinated to the common purpose of Britain and her Allies to defeat the Hitler regime. In view, however, of the changes in the professions of the leaders of the party, It would be premature and rash to treat the latest of these sudden conversions as proof of a lasting change of heart.

Arising out of that reply, as the paper was suppressed because the right hon. Gentleman held the view that it was damaging the war effort, and in view of the changed conditions and the declared policy of the leaders of the party that they are now anxious to support the war effort and to increase production as much as possible, is it not illogical in such circumstances to continue the ban?

One of the reasons for the suppression of the newspaper was that I came to the conclusion that the party and the newspaper had no fundamental loyalty to the British war effort. I am not yet satisfied that they have such loyalty, and until I am so satisfied, I do not propose to alter this decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in spite of the objections he has expressed to a Member on the Front Bench regarding misrepresentation, he has himself made a mass of misrepresentations of the Communist party and of the "Daily Worker," and is it not the case that he could not cite one issue on which the "Daily Worker" ever gave him cause for serious action? In view of the fact that the "Daily Worker" has always had the greatest influence on the best type of worker in the factories, is it not desirable that the "Daily Worker" should be allowed re-publication?

I am very sorry, but as I disagree with almost every statement of fact that my hon. Friend has made, I am afraid it would be impossible in the short time at my disposal adequately to cover the ground in answer to that question.

When my right hon. Friend speaks about desiring satisfaction in regard to the loyalty to the war effort of the people concerned, what does he mean—how does he desire them to express their loyalty? Does he want any precise declaration, does he want them to go through a period of probation, or what is in his mind?

What is in my mind is what I have said, and if my hon. Friend is trying to lead me to open up negotiations with the Communist party as to their terms of peace with the British Government, I do not propose to open any such negotiations.

asked the Home Secretary whether the sites of bombed properties are cleared of buildings and debris at the public expense, or whether the ground landlords contribute towards the cost of this demolition and clearance?

Reasonable expenditure; incurred by local authorities in the clearance of sites is reimbursed by the Exchequer. It is no part of the responsibility of local authorities to clear any site merely in the interests of the owner, but sites may have to be cleared in the interests of public safety, public health or salvage of goods or on the general ground of public interest. The question of subsequent financial adjustment with the owner or other interests concerned is a matter for the War Damage Commission.

Is it not a fact that ground landlords are not paying any contribution towards this expenditure, and is it reasonable and just that this generally prosperous section of the community should be permitted to escape such charges, particularly as they do not bear a proper proportion of taxation?

Any question of financial adjustment is a matter for the War Damage Commission, and not for me.

asked the Minister of Health the nature of the arrangement whereby the proprietors of Dartington Hall, Devon, receive or have received a monetary grant out of public funds in respect of attention given to evacuated children; and whether the parents of the children, the Home Office, the Devon constabulary, the Board of Education or the local education authority were consulted before any such arrangement was concluded?

The position is that part of the premises at Dartington Hall have been placed by the trustees at the disposal of the local authority for evacuation purposes. These premises are at present being run as a hostel for evacuated children by local voluntary workers and staff seconded by the L.C.C. The proprietors of Dartington Hall are not in any way concerned in the management of the hostel and no grant is payable to them in respect of attention to the children. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the rise in the cost of living, he will reconsider the existing income limits which govern the contributions to be made by parents for the maintenance of their evacuated children, since the present scale is causing considerable hardship in certain cases?

I am not satisfied on the information before me that a reconsideration of the present scale of assessment is called for. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would send me or the Secretary of State for Scotland particulars of the cases to which he refers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the event of Government acquisition of agricultural land under crops for the purpose of erecting buildings, or constructing aerodromes, farmers receive compensation for the loss to their general farm economy?

The basis of compensation in respect of the acquisition of land for defence purposes is contained in the Defence Acts, and compensation is assessable in accordance with the provisions of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919. If, however, the land is requisitioned under Defence Regulations the compensation is determined in accordance with Section 2 of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.

Who is responsible for making a valuation, and how long is the farmer kept waiting before he is given compensation for crops on land requisitioned?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall a case in Worcestershire which I put to him early this month, and has any action been taken?

I must have notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, as Minister of Agriculture, that farmers are not kept waiting? Owing to the fact that I could not hear the right hon. Gentleman's answer, and owing to the unsatisfactory supplementary answer, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the increased number of Allotments that have been applied for and granted since the outbreak of hostilities?

I am not in possession of detailed figures for the whole country, but on the basis of returns received from local allotment authorities it is estimated that the total number of war-time allotments provided in England and Wales from the outbreak of war up to 15th April last is 541,000. At the present time the total number of allotments in England and Wales, excluding railway allotments, is estimated at approximately 1,500,000.

Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman is really making some progress now in this matter?

Thank you.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the total amount of Treasury deposit receipts outstanding at 30th June, 1941; the amount that have been converted into long-term investments by the banks and the securities into which they have been converted and the interest paid thereon;

(2) whether, in view of the many hundreds of millions of Treasury deposit receipts that have been converted by the banks into long-term securities carrying interest at 2½ or 3 per cent., he will confer with the banking interests concerned with a view to a reduction in interest being made in this connection; and whether he has estimated the amount by which Income Tax could be reduced if the interest which was permitted was not to exceed 1 per cent?

The amount of Treasury deposit receipts outstanding on 30th June, 1941, was £519,000,000. The amount converted was £142,000,000, and the securities into which they were converted were National War Bonds carrying 2½ per cent. interest and Savings Bonds carrying 3 per cent. As stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend on 7th May, my right hon. Friend sees no reason to make any change in the existing arrangements. With reference to the last part of Question No. 50, no precise estimate can be given.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the result of this conversion is to put a burden on the tax-payers-in-perpetuity? Why is it that they have to bear this burden if it is a part of interest in the banks which is really cost less credit and is not subscribed for by the banks?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he realises the discontent caused by inequalities in the assessments for war damage, namely, a bungalow in Bilston cost £350, rate £9, Schedule A £18, is asked to pay £1 16s.; another in Wednesbury cost £625, rate £14, Schedule A £21, with allowance of £5 5s. for repairs, is assessed at £1 11s. 6d.; and will he consider a more equitable arrangement?

I would remind my hon. Friend that, although it was recognised that there may be anomalies in individual cases between the Schedule A values of different properties, it was considered essential in the circumstances of the present time to base the contribution on figures which are readily available. He will recall that in moving the Second Reading of the Bill my right hon. Friend explained that the Schedule A basis has been adopted on the ground that it provides, by and large, a substantial and adequate contribution from property owners as a whole towards the payments to be made in respect of war damage.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in order to save filling up of returns, he will take the necessary steps whereby a captain or commander in the Royal Navy, a field officer in the Army, or a squadron-leader in the Royal Air Force, can certify expenditure up to an amount not exceeding £50?

I am anxious to eliminate all unnecessary formalities, but I do not think I could accept so general a proposal. The question of delegation of financial powers within Departments is constantly under review, and if my hon. Friend will send me any suggestions for the simplification or elimination of specific returns, I will see that they are examined by the Departments concerned.