asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Greece is fighting on our side, any steps can be taken in regard to the policy being pursued by the Bulgarian Government in the Greek territory occupied by their forces?

The information in the possession of His Majesty's Government shows that the Greek inhabitants in the territory in Bulgarian occupation are being treated with great brutality. The Bulgarian Government are also making a systematic attempt to denationalise this Greek territory, and many of its present inhabitants are being expelled in order to make room for Bulgarian immigrants. His Majesty's Government regard as null and void any legislation or other acts by the Bulgarian Government which are aimed at Bulgarising the Greek territory which they covet. All these measures of expropriation and expulsion, for which the Bulgarian Government must be held responsible, will have to be undone at the end of the war.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his assurance will give great satisfaction to our gallant Allies, who are putting up a magnificent fight, not only with their forces outside Greece, but the population inside as well?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United States of America was invited to send representatives to take part in the discussions which took place prior to this country entering into a 20 years' Treaty of Alliance with Russia?

No, Sir. But the United States Government was kept fully informed of the discussions which led to the conclusion of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty.

Is it not in the view of the Government essential that America, Russia and the British Commonwealth of Nations should be in complete agreement on post-war economic and monetary matters?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that private reports received regarding the Stanley Camp, Hong Kong, indicate unsatisfactory conditions in regard to overcrowding, rations, shortage of drugs and instruments, books, bedding and clothing; and whether he will state the date of the latest report he has on the camp and the conditions as shown in it?

I am aware that very disquieting reports have been received in the past about conditions at Stanley Camp, Hong Kong. Nevertheless, according to the most recent report of the delegate at Hong Kong of the International Red Cross Committee, which is dated 25th January, the conditions in this camp showed steady improvement.

Have further reports been received from the Red Cross authorities? Are they sent regularly?

I have no doubt that we shall receive further reports. The International Red Cross makes periodical visits to the camp.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the desire of the Japanese Government to arrange the exchange of two more batches of Japanese against Allied nationals held in Japan; and whether any negotiations are taking place on the subject?

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hertford (Sir M. Sueter) on 24th February, the Swiss Government, as the Protecting Power, have intimated to the Japanese Government the desire of His Majesty's Government to arrange further exchanges of British nationals in Japan and Japanese-occupied territories against Japanese held in the British Empire, but no reply has been received from the Japanese Government. The position has not changed since then, and His Majesty's Government are still hoping to hear that the Japanese Government reciprocate their desire to arrange further exchanges.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a copy of Reuter's message of 26th or 27th February, which states that it was announced in Tokyo that the Japanese Government desire to carry out the exchange as stated in the Question?

There is no need to call for a copy of the statement, because I have already seen it. The statement was certainly made in Tokyo, but no approach has been made to us by the Japanese, and, as I say, so far they have not replied to the representations that we have made to them through the Protecting Power.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the arrangements made to exchange Royal Navy prisoners of war in Germany and Italy, the men who had been prisoners longest got priority; and whether a similar number will be taken from the Army prisoners of war in Germany and Italy?

The exchange to which my hon. Friend refers arose out of quite exceptional circumstances which are not likely to be repeated, and there is therefore no likelihood of any further exchange on these lines. Last summer His Majesty King Ibn Saud requested the Turkish Government to intervene with His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government in order to arrange by agreement the removal of some 800 Italian sailors who had been interned at Jedda, together with a small number of civilians by means of an exchange. We agreed to consider an exchange against a suitable number of British naval prisoners of war in Italian hands and to provide transport from Jedda. At that time it was understood that the total number of British naval personnel in Italian hands was less than the number of Italian naval refugees at Jedda. No question, therefore, arose of the length of captivity. When, subsequently, more British naval personnel were captured by the Italians it was felt to be inadvisable to make fresh conditions in order not to risk delay in reaching an agreement. It was also decided, in order to facilitate agreement, to offer to include some 40 Italian civilians, and also a smaller number of German civilians, mostly merchant seamen, who were also interned at Jedda, in exchange for an equivalent number of British. I am glad to be able to confirm that the exchange was completed at the Turkish port of Mersin on 21st March and to take this opportunity of publicly thanking the Turkish Government for the valuable help which they have given in this matter.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered one part of my Question. I asked whether the men who had been prisoners longest got priority.

I think I answered that. I explained that no question of priority arises in the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any explanation from the Swedish Government regarding the German aircraft carrying 19 German soldiers which made a forced landing in Sweden?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now satisfied that German transport aircraft carrying troops and unmounted machine guns have been passing over Swedish territory; and, if so, whether he will make it clear to the Swedish Government that these breaches of neutrality on the part of Sweden must inevitably react to her disadvantage in connection with any post-war settlement of political and economic problems?

My right hon. Friend has already communicated with His Majesty's Minister in Stockholm, who has been instructed to establish the facts of this case and to ascertain what is the Swedish Government's explanation of the incident. But I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement.

Surely the Government have power to do something to bring Sweden more into line. Her attitude ever since the beginning of the war has been pro-Axis. She allowed Norwegian and German troops to go through and refused permission for our troops to go through to Finland.

The first thing to do is to establish the facts, and that is being done.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what will happen to candidates who pass the first part of the examination envisaged in his proposals for the Reform of the Foreign Service but fail to qualify in the second part?

Candidates who fail to qualify at the second part of the examination will not become members of the Foreign Service. If still qualified as to age, they will be able to compete for the Home and Indian Civil Services. Those who are not so qualified or do not wish to compete will have had the advantage of 18 months' training abroad at the public expense, in seeking positions outside the public service.

As that may deter candidates from entering, would it not be better to admit them as members of the Home Civil Service as the result of the first part of the examination?

I do not think it would necessarily deter candidates from entering, and certainly we do not want to encourage into the Foreign Service particularly those who play for safety first.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has yet received the application of Corporal Ward for compassionate leave; and whether this application has been granted?

This airman's application for compassionate leave has been carefully considered. A sufficiently strong case has not been made out and in the circumstances the application has been refused.

Has this airman been told that if he makes a further application in the future for compassionate leave it will be refused? Will there be an opportunity for him to make a further application?

If there is any change in the circumstances, but I understand that the application is on the same ground.

Has he been told that if he makes an application for compassionate leave in the future, it will be refused?

Certainly, on the same ground, but if there is a change in the ground, the fresh ground will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the individual emoluments fixed by him for the members of the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether any such members are receiving additional remuneration under Section 1 (5) and (6) of the British Overseas Airways Act, 1939?

With the exception of the Chief Executive Member, the members of the Corporation have, from the beginning, given their services without remuneration. In accordance with Section 1 (6) of the British Overseas Airways Act, 1939, the remuneration paid to the Chief Executive Member is a matter for the Corporation to determine.

Has the Corporation in fact so determined, and, if so, what was the amount?

That is not what I am asked in the Question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put that down. I am asked for the individual emoluments fixed by me, and I have answered that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the serious food shortage in Kenya; and whether there is any system of rationing or price control?

Yes, Sir, I would invite the hon. Member's attention to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. E. Harvey) on 3rd March. A system of rationing for maize, rice and flour has been introduced and distribution boards have been set up throughout Kenya to control the issue of vital foodstuffs in accordance with minimum essential requirements. A controller of prices was appointed last year with power to fix maximum prices for all goods.

Has not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman seen the reports that are coming through as to the very unequal distribution that is taking place?

There are bound, of course, to be inequalities when there is such a short supply, but, within the limits that are possible to the Colonial Government, I am sure they are doing all that is possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the increase in retail prices in Palestine since the outbreak of war; and what measures have been taken by the Administration to prevent an undue increase in the cost of living and to meet such increase as has already arisen?

The general economic problem in Palestine is inseparable from that of the Middle East area as a whole, which was dealt with in an answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Fulham (Mr. Astor) on 17th March. The retail price of essential foodstuffs in Palestine has risen some 150 per cent. above pre-war levels, wages of the lowest paid classes of workers having risen accordingly. Steps taken and in contemplation by the Government of Palestine include the subsidisation of the cost of essential foodstuffs, the improvement of distribution by bulk purchase and rationing measures, extension of communal feeding, and, as in this country, the increase of taxation on those able to bear it, in order to absorb some of the excess purchasing power which is one of the aggravating factors in the situation.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that frequently rationed foods are not obtainable at the prices fixed and that the real earnings of workers are something like 25 per cent. less than pre-war? Will he ask the Administration to take measures to prevent that sort of thing?

I will certainly convey that. The Government there have had this matter under close review, and steps have been taken to raise the wages of the lower-paid workers.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the allegations that at Tel-Aviv prices are higher than elsewhere in Palestine, and will he inquire why prices should go up in that particular area?

Certainly, Sir.

If there is a shortage in Palestine, is it not desirable that wages and other costs should not be increased any further, otherwise there will be inflation?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the intention of the Government to offer to the Colonies of Trinidad and British Guiana similar changes in the Constitutions of those Colonies as are now being offered to Jamaica?

The Constitution of Trinidad has only recently been amended and the necessary legal instruments amending the Constitution of British Guiana will be ready very shortly. In both cases the changes in the Constitution are in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission and in both Colonies the question of the franchise is being examined by local committees. No further changes are at present contemplated.

Will copies of the changes in the Constitutions be placed in the Library?

I think that will be so with regard to British Guiana. With regard to Trinidad, I can give the hon. Member any information he desires.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate acreage of land which is provided under the schemes already approved for additional land settlement in Jamaica under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act?

Except for one training scheme, no land settlement schemes as such have been made for Jamaica under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

In view of the large number of unemployed in Jamaica, is it not desirable that special attention should be given to land settlement?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of insisting that subsistence crops must be grown on land provided for settlement so as to provide food supplies for the island?

We discussed the whole agricultural policy in the West Indies at great length last week.

Is not the Governor considering this matter, in view of the fact that undoubtedly there is a certain demand for land in this district? On inquiry it may be found that some arrangements are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any consideration has been given, not only to the question of reconstruction in Malta after the war, but also to its future political status and industrial economy, in view of increasing population and its poverty; and whether the money to be set at its disposal by the British Government is available both for reconstruction and new industrial development?

As regards the first part of the Question, the hon. Member will realise that the attention which can be given to these matters while the Colony is engaged in active warfare is necessarily restricted. As regards the second part of the Question, the gift of £10,000,000 which has recently been voted for the Malta Government is intended primarily to meet the expenses of compensation for war damage and of rebuilding. But any balance which may be left after paying these expenses will be available for other purposes beneficial to the Colony, including industrial development, and the Malta Government will also be eligible to participate in the funds provided by Parliament under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that in view of the ever-expanding population and the appalling poverty, something must be done to secure for the Maltese after the war a more reasonable standard of life?

I entirely appreciate that, but the hon. Member will also appreciate that Malta is still in the front line of the battle and that the amount of time the Government can give to the consideration of this question is necessarily limited.

I appreciate that as everybody does, but my Question does not relate to anything being done now but to future developments similar to what we are doing in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate number conscripted into the Nigerian tin mines; whether he is satisfied with the conditions of labour therein; and whether wages have risen proportionately to the cost of living?

At the end of December the number of workers employed on the tin mines in Nigeria under the Regulations for compulsory service in essential industries was 14,098, out of a total mines-field labour force of 70,802. As regards the second part of the Question, while conditions cannot be regarded as entirely satisfactory due to the attempt to attain the maximum production of tin in the shortest possible time, I am satisfied that every effort is being made to improve those conditions with the least possible delay. As regards the last part of the Question, the scales of wages compare favourably with those paid in the case of voluntary labour and it has recently been decided to award a bonus of 4s. a month to all mine workers who satisfactorily complete their four months term of service under the Regulations.

Will the wages with this bonus rise proportionately to the cost of living?

I think they will.

May I explain with apologies that, owing no doubt to my very bad writing, the word "Churt" in this Question should be "Christ," "Fornah" should be "Fourah," and "Yata" should be "Yaba"?

In the circumstances my hon. Friend will not be surprised that I am not clear to what institution he is referring in the first part of the Question; Fourah Bay College is still housed in the alternative accommodation which has been provided, but I am glad to say that the application for financial assistance to which my hon. Friend referred in his Question on 27th January, has now been approved. The return of the Yaba Higher College to its own buildings is at present under consideration, but I regret I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter.

While expressing my appreciation of the announcement about these two colleges, may I take it that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will look into the other matter now that he knows the right description?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consider allowing the owners of motor-vehicles to fix a small bell to the front of their motorcar, in order to give a warning of the approach of the vehicle to pedestrians and cyclists and thus help to decrease the large number of road accidents that occur during black-out hours and repealing any regulations that would prevent this?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend's proposal would not achieve the purpose which he has in view. It would add seriously to the noises in the streets, and would tend to diminish the efficacy of the warning bells required on ambulances, fire engines, and certain other vehicles for which the right of Way is essential. For these reasons, I regret that I do not think it would be wise to adopt it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the proposal is not for noisy bells like fire bells, but for bells that would not be heard more than 25 yards away?

In that case I am doubtful whether they would achieve their purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the London Passenger Transport Board has recently refused to display an advertisement for a meeting to be held under the auspices of the Independent Labour Party; and whether he will take steps to see that the advertising facilities of this statutory company are made available to all sections of the community without political prejudice?

I am informed by the Board that they rejected this poster on the ground that, in addition to announcing a meeting, it advocated a definite course of political action, and that it is contrary to their rule to exhibit posters of a political and controversial nature. They assure me that this rule is applied impartially to all political parties and other bodies?

Is the hon. Member aware that this was a meeting to be addressed by my hon. Friend the Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen), and that on the poster there was nothing except the place, time and subject? Surely it is not right that the activities of a political party should be at the mercy of the L.P.T.B.?

In the view of those who made this decision, the poster, in addition to announcing the meeting, contained two political slogans of a definitely controversial character.

In a democracy ought not an advertisement for a meeting to be freely allowed, and ought not the test to be, not one of political controversy, but whether the poster contains any seditious matter against the country? If they are free from that, should not the Passenger Board post bills in the ordinary way?

The Passenger Board have applied this policy ever since they were first established. They affirm with great conviction that they have applied it impartially to all parties, and I believe that in a dozen years this is the first difficulty that has ever arisen.

In view of the fact that the Prime Minister destroyed the electoral truce on Sunday, is there anything wrong in the London Passenger Transport Board being allowed to conform to that situation?

Is the Minister aware that a responsible official of the Board who was interviewed on this subject gave it as the reason that the poster contained a semi-attack on the Government, and are we becoming so totalitarian now that even a semi-attack on the Government is something that cannot be tolerated?

If that was said—and of course I accept my hon. Friend's assertion—I should myself regard it as a very unhappy way of defending the policy which the Board have followed, but I do not as at present advised feel at all disposed, and I do not think it would be right for me, to upset a practice which has been followed with success for so long a period of time.

Is the Minister aware that posters frequently appear in the London tubes bearing contentious matter?

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why the regional transport commissioner in Edinburgh does not follow the practice of Ministers and himself answer the letters addressed to him by hon. Members of the House dealing with matters concerning his office?

The Regional Transport Commissioner assures me that it is his practice to reply personally to letters addressed to him by any hon. Member of the House. Sometimes, however, he is unavoidably absent from his office, and it may then happen that in order to avoid delay, letters are signed for him by someone else.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is the second occasion on which I have addressed this officer and a reply has been sent by an assistant, and if my hon. Friend and his Noble Friend can find the time and the courtesy to reply to hon. Members surely this officer can do the same?

I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the Commissioner had no intention whatever of being discourteous to him, but his duties require that he must travel a great deal and cannot always know when it will be possible for him to get back to the office, and, that being so, he does ask assistants to sign for him in matters which he regards as perhaps rather urgent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how much of the profit from the sale of stone from the Houses of Parliament goes to the firm which is now circularising Members of Parliament and how much to the Red Cross?

I regret that the information required by the hon. Member is not available in my Department. The stone which has been damaged as a result of enemy action has been placed, free of charge, at the disposal of the Red Cross, who have made their own arrangements with the firm concerned for the manufacture of souvenirs and for their sale to the public on behalf of the funds of the Red Cross.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he intends that existing building Acts, by-laws and Regulations now in force shall apply to post-war construction, or to introduce substantial modifications to enable the new materials and processes evolved in recent years to be adopted?

My Noble Friend is aware of the desirability of taking all possible steps to make it possible throughout the country to adopt the best methods of construction and to make use of new materials and processes evolved in recent years. As soon as the present technical studies which my Ministry has in hand with the other Departments concerned are completed, consideration will be given to the need for action on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to be as speedy as possible in getting these Regulations issued to the public?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he is aware that the compensation payable for the loss of iron railings is insufficient to enable the owners to provide reasonable substitute protection; and whether he will arrange for such compensation to be dealt with through the war damage fund?

The compensation payable is governed by the provisions of the Com- pensation (Defence) Act, 1939, which does not provide for substitution. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

Is the Minister aware that it is not the intrinsic value of the railings which the owners have had to give up which concerns them, but the financial sacrifice imposed upon them for the good of all and which they alone have to discharge? Is there not some way of seeing that people as a whole provide compensation for something which is for their benefit?

The same point which the hon. Member is raising now has constantly been put up, but the Department is not in a position to say authoritatively what the amount of compensation payable may be. It is, of course, clear that the standard rate of 25s. per ton which is offered is inadequate to buy substitute protection. Defence Regulation 50B (8) makes it clear that substitution is not contemplated by the Regulations.

Does not a good deal of resentment still exist about this matter? Can we take it that the door is not closed against the possibility of the nation paying the reasonable cost of reinstatement after the war?

I am only able to interpret the law as it stands. I am not law-making.

Are not persons who are involved in heavy expenditure, by reason of the removal of their railings, entitled, quite apart from the value of the railings, to claim some compensation for the loss which they have incurred by reason of the removal of the railings?

That provision is already available to them, if they like to appeal to the tribunals.

asked the Minister of Production why a new appointment has recently been made of an officer in the Industrial Intelligence Division who has taken over the duties previously performed in an acting capacity by Mr. John D. Rodgers; what the age of the officer so appointed is; what post he held before he became a civil servant; and whether, in view of this appointment, the continued employment of Mr. John Rodgers in a capacity subordinate to that in which he has been operating for some time is any longer necessary having regard to his age?

As foreshadowed in my answer to the hon. Member on 9th December, 1942, I have since filled the post of adviser on industrial publicity, a post which, as I then indicated, I regard as one of considerable importance. The officer appointed is 38 years of age, and was joint public relations officer of the London Passenger Transport Board until October, 1941, when he was seconded to the Ministry of Supply for special duties in the offices of the Supply Council. I am satisfied that the continued employment of Mr. John Rodgers as deputy-adviser is necessary.

asked the Minister of Production what powers he possesses to compel firms manufacturing for the Departments which come under his Ministry, and which are operating out-of-date or inferior systems or methods of production, to conform to the best systems or methods practised by other firms, and, in default thereof, to allocate their machinery to other more efficiently conducted plants, thereby increasing production and diminishing cost to the taxpayer?

It is the normal function of the Supply Departments to ensure that firms fulfil their contracts efficiently and employ the best manufacturing technique practicable with the equipment available or supplied to them. Supply Departments and my Ministry are in regular touch on such matters, and adjustments of equipment are made between factories wherever appropriate to ensure fullest overall efficiency within the limits of the national resources and the necessary measures of dispersal. Adequate powers exist for the fulfilment of these departmental responsibilities.

asked the Minister of Supply why paper has been made available for the publication by Bombing Restriction Committee, of 49, Parliament Hill, N.W. 3, of a 16-page protest against the danger caused to German civilians by British bombing methods; and whether he will stop this waste of paper?

No paper has been specially made available for this booklet. I am having full inquiries made into the circumstances of the publication and shall communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman examine how it so often happens that a few cranks can obtain a liberal supply of paper while responsible organs are kept extremely short?

Without accepting those designations, I would reply that that is part of the inquiry which I am making at the present time.

Can the Minister give an undertaking that any censorship imposed by the Government will be through the proper channels and not through restriction of paper by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

No censorship will be imposed by the Ministry of Supply.

Is not the hon. Gentleman who put the Question one of the most notorious cranks in the country?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the term "crank" as used by the hon. Member could therefore be applied to Sir Gilbert Murray, and others [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear"]—that, of course, is the Tory mind—who agree with the purposes of this Committee? Can we have an assurance that Fascist methods will not be employed to suppress allegedly unpopular opinions?

I have already said that it is no part of the function of the Ministry of Supply either to suppress or to censor. Our business is to see that our conditions are complied with.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he has considered the protest sent to him by the Gloucester and South Midlands Area of Building Industry Distributors that, in the contracts for the construction of houses for agricultural workers, it is specified that certain materials are to be supplied by named firms outside the area; and, as this is unfair to local firms who have these materials in stock, will he amend the contracts so as to give local builders' merchants the opportunity to supply materials required in their areas?

I received yesterday the protest to which my hon. Friend refers. I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend in the course of the next few days.

Can the hon. Gentleman endeavour to ensure that local materials are used wherever possible? It will be very much appreciated all over the country.

While not anticipating the reply which I will give to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) I can assure the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) that local materials are being extensively used. I rather think this is a question of bulk purchases and of getting them into the locality and distributing them from the places of manufacture.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that volunteers for the Royal Navy are penalised in respect of the expenses incurred in connection with interviews for this purpose as compared to those who are called up; and whether he will modify the existing arrangements to treat volunteers as favourably as conscripts in this matter?

A man summoned under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act to attend at a combined recruiting centre for medical examination and interview is paid subsistence and loss of wages allowances, neither of which is payable to the man who voluntarily attends the centre for this purpose. The distinction arises from the fact that the former is not a free agent and cannot choose a time or place to suit his own convenience, and is common to all the Services.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the volunteers who anticipate the date of their calling up ought not to be penalised in this way, and that such petty financial restrictions are resented out of all proportion to the cost to the Treasury?

The volunteer has the advantage not only of stating his preference but is invariably posted into the unit of the Service which he prefers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is satisfied with the progress, so far made throughout the country, in the provision, with or without payment, of hot mid-day meals for elementary schoolchildren; whether the appropriate authorities are doing all they can to assist; how far progress is impeded by lack of suitable accommodation or equipment; and, having regard to the fact that many mothers are being required for part-time essential work, what steps he is taking to improve matters?

The progress made in the provision of midday meals for schoolchildren has been most encouraging, the numbers of meals provided daily having risen from 300,000 to over a million in the past two years. While a few authorities were rather slow in starting, the large majority have co-operated energetically and many have achieved remarkable expansion; shortage of labour and materials has inevitably caused delays here and there, but these difficulties are being considerably eased. In addition to progress already made, proposals providing for over half-a-million more children to receive meals are in hand. My right hon. Friend is continuing to exercise pressure where necessary, but generally speaking local educa- tion authorities are doing all in their power to expand and improve this service.

Do the figures which the hon. Gentleman has given include meals which are given with and without payment? Further, in view of the large numbers of mothers who are now coming into industry for part-time war work is he satisfied that that aspect is receiving proper consideration?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's Supplementary Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part we should not like to be satisfied with anything short of a complete cover, as was explained during the Debate on the Beveridge Report, but really the efforts of local education authorities in this matter are most praiseworthy and the number that have to be stimulated is refreshingly few.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the widespread feeling of uncertainty as to the availability of the labour supply for harvesting the ever-increasing acreage of land under the plough; and whether he can reassure food producers that he has plans in hand to prevent wastage of food through a failure of the supply of labour at the right time?

My Department and county war agricultural executive committees, with the co-operation of the Ministry of Labour, are making plans to ensure provision of the supplementary workers needed for harvesting this year's crops. These plans depend, of course, on the co-operation of farmers, who should notify their probable requirements well in advance to their employment exchange or county war agricultural executive committee.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the reason for the losses on the sugar beet crop last year was that the labour was not available at the right time? Is he not going to plan for that particular crop and for the potato crop this year?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every step that can be taken to assure farmers of an adequate supply of labour for these very special crops is being made.