National War Effort
Small Builders
1.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the position of small builders who, because of war conditions, were forced to close their business and who subsequently became liable for direction under D.R. 58A; and whether he can now allow them to leave their present employment in order to reopen their business.
I could not give any general undertaking to do this, as so much depends on the circumstances of individual cases, but in appropriate cases I would certainly meet such requests so far as that can be done without detriment to the national interest.
Will the right hon. Gentleman release builders, of the kind referred to in the Question, who have been directed from the North to London, as soon as circumstances in London allow?
They will all be released as soon as circumstances in London allow.
Metal And Engineering Industries (Accidents)
9.
asked the Minister of Labour why the number of accidents in the metal and engineering industries as between 1938 and 1943 has shown an increase at least 10 times as great as the proportionate increase in the number of women employed in those industries.
I am afraid I do not follow the calculations in the Question, but I am advised that, in spite of counter-measures, the number of accidents to women in these industries would naturally be expected to increase under war conditions by a substantially greater percentage than the percentage increase in the numbers of women employed, owing to a combination of accident-producing factors, such as have been referred to in the annual reports of the Chief Inspector. I am glad, however, to say that, as mentioned in the Report for 1943, there was in that year a fall in the accident rate for women employed in those munition industries which are the chief sources of accidents to women.
Has not my right hon. Friend seen the figures published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" this month, on which this Question is based?
I am afraid I have not read them.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that these figures are a reflection of the magnificent war effort of the women in the British engineering industry, and that some people in this House opposed the mobilisation of women at the time?
Retained Factory Workers
10.
asked the Minister of Labour if the Unemployment Insurance Fund is used to pay those employees who, although they have no work to do and are therefore unemployed, yet are retained and paid by their employers at the request of his Ministry.
As I thought I had made clear to my hon. Friend in reply to his Question last week, these men are not unemployed, and do not therefore qualify for payments from the Unemployment Fund.
Is the Minister aware that I asked a question in connection with unemployed people, who have no work to do but are retained on the books of firms? From what sources are these men paid when they have no work to do, and are, therefore, technically unemployed?
People retained in factories are retained in accordance will allocations made on the man-power side. As I explained to my hon. Friend last week, there are a number of young men who are waiting to be called up and are retained. They are not doing nothing; they are working for the firms.
Directed Mineworker
12.
asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. Cordrey has been a member of the ground staff in the R.A.F., having trained in the A.T.C. for three years and six months and passed all examinations and gliding tests, but has now been ordered down a coalmine; and, in view of the fact that this man is six feet six inches tall and has trained for so long, if he will take steps to excuse him from going into the pits.
If my hon. Friend will send me the necessary particulars of the man referred to, including his present address and his registration number under the National Service Acts, I will have inquiries made into the case.
I will try to do that.
Demobilisation
Students
3.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he is yet in a position to make any statement about the demobilisation of students who, owing to their service in the Forces, or other work of national importance, have been unable to complete their qualifying courses.
No, Sir.
Does my right hon. Friend anticipate that he will be able to make a statement soon after the House reassembles?
I am afraid not. The circumstances of the war are such that it will work out rather the other way.
Groups And Gratuities (Assessment)
4.
asked the Minister of Labour, in view of his decision not to count any period of men's temporary release from the Services for work of national importance for demobilisation purposes or assessment of gratuity, if he will state how, as these men are in fact Service personnel, they are to have their demobilisation groups and gratuities assessed.
Both their age and service release groups and their war gratuities will be assessed by reference to their whole-time service in the Armed Forces since 3rd September, 1939, which counts for Service pay.
What is my right hon. Friend going to do about those people who have been attached to the Ministry of Economic Warfare?
I must have notice of that question.
Is my right hon. Friend not aware that it is because of those people that I put down the Question?
There is no indication in the Question that the Ministry of Economic Warfare was referred to. I did not know what the hon. Member meant.
7.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an assurance that any Service personnel temporarily released for work of national importance while serving abroad will be entitled to have such service assessed for purposes of demobilisation and gratuity.
No, Sir.
Will my right hon. Friend relate Question 4 to that answer, and say how those people are going to have their gratuities assessed when they are not regarded as being borne on the War Office Vote?
If they are in civil employment, and getting civil pay, periods of release are not assessed for war service. Otherwise, they would be paid twice.
What is to happen to people serving abroad, who are temporarily released in order to do war work of that sort?
I understand that the hon. Member is asking about people who are temporarily in civil employment, and who are receiving civil rates of pay while they are so released. If they are getting civil rates of pay, periods of release are not assessed for war service.
Political Agents
8.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to give priority release to political agents serving with the Forces, in anticipation of a general election.
This question is under examination, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.
Does that answer imply that my right hon. Friend is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to this class of individual serving in the Forces?
I do not know about sympathy; I will try to deal with the matter practically.
Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these people are learning some very valuable things while serving with His Majesty's Forces, and that premature release would interrupt their political education?
Disabled Persons (Employment) Act (Advisory Council)
6.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet set up the National Advisory Council under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act; and if so, who are its members.
Yes, Sir. I have constituted the National Advisory Council under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944, and will, if I may, arrange for the list of the members to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the list:
- The Viscount Ridley, C.B.E., Chairman.
- † Mr. W. P. Allen.
- Lieut.-Colonel The Hon. J. J. Astor, M.P.
- * Brigadier General A. C. Baylay, C.B.E., D.S.O.
- † Mr. H. L. Bullock.
- Major Sir J. B. Brunel Cohen.
- Captain G. Crawshay, J.P., D.L.
- † Mr. A. Deakin, C.B.E.
- * Mr. E. De Ath.
- Chief Commander E. L. Dixon.
- Chief Petty Officer L. A. G. Faulkner.
- Professor T. Ferguson, M.D., D.Sc., F.R.C.P.E.
- * Lieut.-Colonel H. Rivers Fletcher, O.B.E.
- Mrs. M. K. Gartside.
- Councillor A. Gilzean.
- Mr. I. J. Hayward, J.P.
- Mr. R. A. Keys.
- Dr. R. E. Lane, M.B., B.S., F.R.C.P.
- * Mr. W. A. Lee, C.B.E.
- † Dame Anne Loughlin, D.B.E.
- * Major J. C. Poole, M.C.
- Squadron Leader W. Simpson, D.F.C.
- Chief Officer G. O. Snow, O.B.E., W.R.N.S.
- Major General R. N. Stewart, O.B.E., M.C.
- Dr. A. B. Stokes, D.C.H., D.P.M.
- Lieut.-Commander G. W. Style, D.S.C., R.N.
- Mr. C. G. A. Ward, D.F.M.
- † Mr. J. Watson.
- Mr. R. Watson-Jones, F.R.C.S.
- Lieutenant The Hon. R. F. Wood.
- Secretary of the Council: Mr. R. E. Gomme, O.B.E., Ministry of Labour and National Service.
- * Appointed after consultation with organisations representing employers.
- † Appointed after consultation with organisations representing workers.
Catering Wages Commission (Assessors)
11.
asked the Minister of Labour whether the assessors have access to communications passing between the Catering Wages Commission and his Ministry relating to matters in respect of which they have been appointed.
Assessors are appointed under the Catering Wages Act, 1943, to be available to the Catering Wages Commission in connection with any investigation or inquiry that the Commission may undertake. I understand that it is the Commission's practice to consult with assessors when their advice is required on specific matters, and it is, of course, for the Commission itself to determine to what extent assessors need to have access to documents for the purpose of discharging their duties.
May I assume that my right hon. Friend will have no objection, so far as his Department is concerned, to the assessors having access to such communications?
I am not going to be led up that garden. I do not interfere at all with the Commission. If I said that I had no objection that would be an influence one way, and next week, because I had said that, the hon. Member would suggest that I was interfering with the Commission.
Requisitioned Houses (Rents)
18.
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities requisitioning house property from other Government Departments are paying the same rents as existed in 1939; and whether, in all such fresh requisitioning, he will consider paying the standard rents of these houses together with the rates.
The possession in requisitioned property is the possession of the Crown, and transfers between Government Departments do not affect the continuity of the requisitioning. The compensation payable is assessed under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, and I have no power to vary the compensation while possession of the property is retained.
Does my right hon. and learned Friend think that this is fair treatment to the owners, many of whom would like to go back to their own houses after four years of enforced absence?
Any question of compensation is not a matter for me, but for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that when a house is transferred from one Crown authority to another, the new Crown authority complains about the bad condition, and not about the lower rent?
Medical Schools (Women Students)
20.
asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make a statement on the Goodenough Report, including the admission of women students to medical schools.
I hope to be able to make a statement early in the New Year.
Town And Country Planning
Advertising (Control)
23.
asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning when the Government propose to introduce legislation to protect country and town from disfigurement by advertisements.
The Government are considering whether further powers are necessary for the control of advertisements, but I am unable to say when any legislation which may be found necessary will be introduced.
I beg to give notice that, after the Recess, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Public Footpaths
24.
asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what progress has been made by his Ministry in arrangements to carry out the recommendations of the Scott Commission for the preservation and marking of public footpaths.
The matter referred to has been considered in conference between the Departments concerned, and I hope to receive a report at an early date.
In the meantime, as paths have been lost continually, would not the Minister consider communicating with local authorities, suggesting that they set up committees to go into this matter? It would cost nothing.
I will consider that.
India
Officers, Indian Army (Transfer)
26.
asked the Secretary of State for India, if he will give an assurance that officers who were compulsorily commissioned into the Indian Army will be enabled, if they wish, to transfer forthwith to the British service.
I am in correspondence with the Government of India as to the extent to which certain categories of officers can properly be said to have been compulsorily commissioned into the Indian Army. When the position has been clarified I hope to make a statement on the question for permission to transfer to the British service.
Political Prisoners
32.
asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now assure the House that renewed consideration will be given to the question of releasing those political prisoners in India who are still detained without charge or trial.
The authorities in India have constantly under review the cases of persons detained as a result of the Congress disturbances of 1942; and releases are made so far as is compatible with essential considerations of security. I do not think that present circumstances call for a revision of this policy, which has resulted in a large and progressive reduction in the number of those detained.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has said nothing about those who had not been charged or tried, but who were arrested before the disturbances took place; and may I ask him if he is aware that last week the Labour Party Conference asked for the release of these prisoners?
May I also ask whether, if the Minister is aware of the Labour Party decision last week, he will take note of the fact that the Labour Party decision expresses the view of a very large number of people in the country? Ought he not to give this matter reconsideration?
I will certainly take note of any decision taken at an important Conference like that.
May I ask if someone could not be placed in complete charge of these political prisoners with a view to reviewing the cases periodically, as many who were arrested are inclined to be forgotten?
I can assure the hon. Member that, on the contrary, these cases are reviewed by the Governor of the Province very frequently, and, in the course of this year, I have mentioned that the total number of those detained in the first six months of this year was reduced from 7,400 to 3,000.
How can the right hon. Gentleman expect the friendship of the Indian people and the effectiveness of their contribution to the war effort, if he persists in keeping men like Nehru and others in gaol?
I think the opinions of those who have been detained were by no means endorsed by the Indian people as a whole.
If the right hon. Gentleman is taking into consideration the opinion of the Labour Party on this matter, will he also take into consideration the fact that the Labour Party constitutes a small minority of this House?
May I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is a fact that a considerable number of these political prisoners could be released immediately if they gave the necessary guarantee of their good behaviour?
Yes, Sir, that is so.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the earliest opportunity.
Malaria And Cholera
33.
asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state the number of deaths due to malaria and cholera for each quarter from 1938 to the present time; the amount of anti-malarial drugs available during 1944; the total consumption of such drugs annually before the war; and the latest figures for death rates and infantile mortality, if possible distinguishing those due to malaria and cholera.
I am circulating the detailed information regarding anti-malarial drugs in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am asking the Government of India how far they can supply the remainder of the information asked for.
Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether malaria and cholera have decreased or increased in the last two years?
There was a temporary increase in Bengal after the famine period, and that has been very substantially reduced since. I could not give the figures for the whole of India.
Following is the information:
Of synthetic anti-malarial drugs 491½ million tablets were shipped to India in 1943. The shipments in 1944 to date total 632½ million tablets, in addition to 1,000 lbs. of totaquina. Quinine stocks in India in April, 1944, were 244,000 lbs. Indian pre-war production of quinine was 90,000 lbs. a year and is increasing. Pre-war consumption of quinine was about 200,000 lbs. a year and of synthetic antimalarial drugs negligible.
Chamber Of Princes
34.
asked the Secretary of State for India the nature of the dispute between the Indian Princes and the Viceroy.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 13th December last to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn). I am at present unable to add to that answer.
May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there has been any development since that time, and if he cannot give us some enlightenment on this interesting dispute?
No, Sir.
Provincial Governments
35.
asked the Secretary of State for India whether consideration is being given to the reintroduction of representative government in any of the provinces in which the administration has been Taken over by the Governor.
I can assure the hon. Member that the Governor of each of the Provinces concerned is constantly on the watch for a situation in which a Ministry could be formed with adequate support in the Legislature.
Can we take it that the Government would cordially welcome any proposals for the re-formation of such a Ministry by the competent parties?
Certainly, and on at least two occasions where opportunity has offered itself, the Government have taken advantage of it.
Civil Defence
Air Raid Warning System (Whistles)
36.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now able to relax the prohibition against the use of whistles and other forms of announcement by delivery vans in housing areas.
While my hon. Friend's suggestion involves various difficulties, and, as he will be aware, whistles are used as air raid warning signals, I sympathise with its object, and I am going into the matter with a view to seeing whether any relaxations Can be made which will not diminish the effectiveness of the warning system. I will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.
Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter and take into account the fact that, as far as one can judge, the air raid danger is not the same in all parts of the country now, and that, in Scotland and many parts of the North of England, it would be quite possible to relax many of these petty restrictions without any difficulty?
That is one of the points I will bear in mind.
British Subjects (Enemy Broadcasting)
42.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a Defence Regulation making it an offence to speak on an enemy broadcasting service.
I do not think that it would be possible to justify the making of a Defence Regulation declaring to be a crime such an act which involved no offence when it was done. As regards the future, I would not have thought that a Defence Regulation such as my hon. Friend suggests would serve any useful purpose, if only because at this stage of the war few British subjects are likely to be ready and able to broadcast on an enemy broadcasting service. Moreover, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has already explained to the House, broadcasting with intent to assist the enemy is an offence, which is punishable by death if the offender is convicted of treason or by penal servitude for life if he is convicted of an offence against Defence Regulation 2A.
Does the Minister realise that there is no suggestion in my Question that this penal provision should be antedated, and does he not appreciate that there is a strong feeling in the country that the enemy ought to be deprived of the assistance of British broadcasters, which he evidently thinks is valuable or he would not use them?
It is already an offence if it is shown that the person concerned had the intention to aid the enemy, and, at this stage, I do not think we are losing much by the existing state of the law.
If this broadcasting is, in fact, of advantage to the enemy, what does it matter whether the intention is to aid the enemy or not? How many of these other Regulations make an in- tention of aiding the enemy an ingredient of the offence?
There is plenty of variation in the Regulations, and I think my hon. Friend has raised a legal point which was dealt with in the Debate.
Is not the use of words on the wireless just as wounding as many a machine-gun bullet; and ought it not to be made an offence, the same as shooting?
Shelter Accident, Bethnal Green (Inquiry)
43.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now considered the transcript of the observations made by the Master of the Rolls when dismissing the appeal of the Bethnal Green Corporation against damages awarded against them in a lower court in connection with the air-raid shelter; and whether he is in a position to make a statement.
I have not yet received the transcript of the judgment delivered by the Master of the Rolls, and I do not therefore feel able to make a statement.
May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that it is over a week since I put that Question down, there has not been ample time to get the transcript of the observations of the Master of the Rolls in this case?
Well, I have not got it, and therefore I think it would be wrong if I should pass any comment on what has been said by the learned judge until it is available.
Channel Islands (Supplies)
37.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any further statement to make regarding supplies to the Channel Islands and general conditions there.
I am not at present in a position to add to the statement which I made on Tuesday, 12th December, except to say that the International Red Cross Committee, who control the ship which will carry the supplies, say that there have been certain difficulties which have prevented the ship sailing as soon as had been hoped.
Do I understand from that reply that the ship has not yet sailed?
There is a report in the Press that it was to sail yesterday, but I understand that that did not take place. It is hoped that it will have sailed this morning, but I am being a little cautious because I do not wish to create disappointment.
Questions To Ministers
The following Question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. LEACH:
40. To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he can make any statement regarding a further alleviation of the present black-out.
In view of the importance of this Question, would the Home Secretary answer it at the end of Questions?
Later—
On a point of Order. I think the House would be glad to have a reply from the Home Secretary to Question No. 40. He does not seem to be in his place. I was wondering whether you, Sir, could help us.
The hon. Member cannot on a point of Order ask another Member's Question.
If a Minister thinks in his wisdom that he would like to answer a Question which has not been asked, he has the right to do so. If the House desires to have a Question answered, can it not ask the Minister to answer it?
The matter rests with the Minister and not with me. I am sorry that I cannot help the hon. Member.
May I ask you, Sir, if your attention has been called to the large number of Members who have not been in their place to ask their Questions; and does not that cause great inconvenience to Ministers, and to the House?
I am obliged to the hon. Member for mentioning the matter. I regard it as somewhat discourteous to the House if one does not trouble to attend when one has put a Question on the Paper.
May I ask you, Sir, whether you will consider whether it is not possible to make some arrangements with Members that, if practicable, and if circumstances permit, when they have sufficient time, they should notify either yourself or the Minister responsible of their intention not to be present so that the Question may be taken off the Paper and other Members be able to put their Questions?
I will certainly consider whether there is any practicable way of doing that.
When a Minister replies to two Questions at the same time he always asks the permission of the two Members. If the first Member is not there to ask his Question, could not the Minister reply to the second?
As you, Sir, are being asked to commit yourself to a new policy will you consider that circumstances sometimes arise which prevent Members from being present? They have other work to do, sometimes committee work which debars them from coming to the House.
I can assure the hon. Member that I will not act hastily nor willingly make reflections on hon. Members which are unjustifiable.
Would it not be wise to keep in mind that the Minister of War Transport warned us about the difficulty of travelling in the holiday time and that many who represent distant constituencies have already left?
That should not have prevented hon. Members from withdrawing their Questions.
Would it not be possible to revive the pre-war practice of allowing a Member who cannot be present to transfer his Question to another Member? Would that not meet the difficulty?
I think this is a matter for the House and not for me.
As we expect Ministers—and they invariably respect the convention—to be in their place to answer Questions, surely Members should obey the same convention and be in their places to ask Questions. It is not a matter that is solely concerned with to-day. It has been going on for a long time.
Might I ask you to bear in mind, Sir, that the hour for Questions is not the only time for Members to attend the House?
I do certainly bear that in mind.
Parliamentary Machinery
45.
asked the Prime Minister if he will move to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the future of Parliamentary machinery and consider how it should be adapted to meet the post-war needs and while preserving the rights of private Members function with speed and efficiency.
I have no statement to make on this proposal at the present time.
Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Report prepared by the Committee on the Rebuilding of the House of Commons is a good one, and if so, is not the next logical step to take to set up a Select Committee to consider the machinery that is going to function in the new House, and will he also remind the Prime Minister that, when the last Committee was considering this, the right hon. Gentleman gave evidence before it of the character contained in this Question?
That is under consideration.
Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Parliamentary machinery is not the cause of the delay but that the delay occurs in Government Departments in drawing up Bills?
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the best things that could happen in connection with the Parliamentary machine is to free Members from the power of the outside power machines that are operating against Members of this House and constituency needs?
Afforestation
46.
asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the devastation of our already insufficient woodlands by the cutting down of trees during the present war to meet urgent national needs for timber; and what steps are being taken to make good this loss to the nation's security and health and increase our timber acreage from the lowest in Europe by planting some of the 7,000,000 acres of waste land which is unsuitable for agriculture.
Sir, I think it is one of the most important things in the life of our country. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will do his very best at any time to help it; but he asks my hon. Friend to wait for some abatement of the pressure of the war before making definite proposals.
Do the Government recognise the necessity of making an immediate start by the establishment of training centres for the training of men suitable for forestry work, so that there may be no delay in dealing with what, I am glad to hear, the Government consider to be a very important matter immediately after the war?
That is rather a different matter, and perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a Question about training.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that it has already been announced in the House that these woodlands and, indeed, the trunks of trees that are being torn down will be restored, and that it is only a matter of giving a decision; and will he bear in mind the fact that we have only a few rare clumps of trees in some industrial districts and that they are being taken away; and is it not necessary, for the purposes of amenity, to replace those trees?
I entirely agree with my hon. Friend.
But surely this is all part of the same question, and it is an urgent matter that these men should be trained now, so as to be able to take up the work immediately after the war?
I am not denying the point but only suggesting that, if the hon. Member needs a proper reply, he should put the Question down.
Industrial Injuries Insurance (Ministerial Responsibility)
47.
asked the Prime Minister whether the Home Secretary or the Minister of National Insurance will be in charge of the Industrial Injuries Insurance Bill; and which Minister will in future be responsible for the administration of the existing Workmen's Compensation Acts.
As the Industrial Injuries Insurance Bill will provide that the central administrative responsibility shall rest on the Minister of National Insurance, it has been arranged between the Home Secretary and the Minister that responsibility for the further work in connection with the Bill shall be transferred to the latter Minister. It is also proposed that there shall be at an early date an Order in Council transferring to the Minister the functions at present exercised by the Home Secretary under the existing law relating to Workmen's Compensation.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are very satisfactory consultative arrangements between the Home Office officials and the representative organisations engaged in industry, and is it the intention of the Government to maintain those arrangements under the new Ministry?
Oh, yes, Sir. All those arrangements will be retained.
Will the Inspectorate of Factories be transferred to the same Ministry, as it has a close connection with the matter?
That appears to be another question.
Oh, no, industrial injuries do occur in factories.
Liberated Countries (Elections)
48.
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the political difficulties involved in holding elections in liberated countries and of the importance of holding such elections with the least possible delay, he will propose the establishment of a United Nations commission to arrange and to supervise elections in those liberated countries which would welcome the commission's co-operation.
I can see no advantage in a general commission of the sort suggested by the hon. Member. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary informed the House yesterday that His Majesty's Government would be prepared to help in supervising elections in Greece and would welcome the co-operation of their Allies. We should no doubt do our best to give similar assistance elsewhere if conditions demanded it and if it were clearly desired and requested by the Government and people concerned. But I believe and sincerely hope that such exceptional measures, involving close intervention in the affairs of another State, will not prove to be necessary in other liberated countries.
Would not my right hon. Friend bear in mind the great success of the Saar Commission and similar experiments and international provisions?
My hon. Friend will remember that was ex-enemy territory under certain very definite conditions. It is quite another matter going into a country which has a Government of its own and one has to wait there for an invitation or request.
Is it not a fact that in the Question, I made it clear that we should have to wait for an invitation or request, but is it not probable that the Governments in these different countries would be very much strengthened if they had support from the Allies and that support, as far as possible, should be civilian rather than military in nature?
That is a matter for the Allies. I think I have answered my hon. Friend's Question and the answer shows our complete readiness to give assistance in all things where it is desired.
Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that we have already passed three Acts of Parliament, have had one Speaker's Conference, and that there are two more Acts in the background before we can arrange an election in this not very disturbed country?
Greece
Monarchy
49.
asked the Prime Minister if, with a view to restoring peace in Athens, he will invite the King of the Hellenes to state publicly that he has no intention of returning to Greece until after the question of the monarchy has been settled by free plebiscite of the Greek people, and that he is willing, meanwhile, that a Regent acceptable to all parties should be appointed.
I have nothing to add to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary yesterday in the course of the Debate.
Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, as the Foreign Secretary can confirm, he did not deal yesterday with the particular point in the first part of the Question; and, while there is universal agreement that there should be a free plebiscite on the question of the Monarchy, is there not a danger that that might be prejudiced by the premature return of the King?
Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Conservative candidate for Maldon will not be allowed to address his constituents until after the result of the election is known?
May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has taken note of the fact that last night a statement was made on the radio of the fact that M. Papandreou had declared that the decision to establish a Regency in Greece had been communicated to the King as a unanimous decision of the Greek Cabinet, and if that is true, what is the obstacle which stands in the way?
I am afraid I did not hear the radio and, therefore, I have had no time to consider that matter.
Is it proposed that the wishes of one man, the King of Greece, shall be allowed to stand in the way of a settlement of this problem?
May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the case, however desirable the objects which the hon. Gentleman who put this Question down may have in view, that to take the action he suggests would be a most unwarranted interference in the affairs of the Greek people?
It is unwarranted interference to foist this King on them.
Is it the fact that the King has never agreed to the unanimous demands of the Cabinet not to return to Greece until after an election has been held, nor has he agreed, as far as we know, to the recent demand of the Cabinet to appoint a Regency? May I ask whether these are the facts and, if so, is it not a time when His Majesty's Government could interfere with great benefit in the Greek situation?
A very full opportunity was given for a Debate on these matters yesterday. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] The Foreign Secretary made a statement and I really cannot go into these detailed arguments of the hon. Member at the present time.
Elections
78.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether with a view to promoting a satisfactory settlement in Greece, consideration will be given to the appointment of an international electoral commission to ensure fair elections and the proper representation of all parties.
As my right hon. Friend declared to the House yesterday, we shall be prepared to give any assistance in our power in the conduct of elections in Greece if we are invited to do so, and we should welcome the assistance of any of our Allies in this task.
In view of the fact that our Minister has already made valuable suggestions to the Greek Government, could he not make a suggestion for an international commission of this kind to ensure an impartial election?
A very full statement was made yesterday. I think the hon. Member should leave it there.
Could the Foreign Secretary use his very great influence and see if he could not secure a Christmas truce, so that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Stockton (Mr. Macmillan) can. get on with his work, unimpaired by ultimatums and bombs?
Air Operations (Historic Buildings)
(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Air, if he will issue an instruction that, in any air operations that may take place over Athens and other ancient Greek cities, the utmost care is to be taken to avoid causing further damage to the Parthenon and other monuments of special historic importance.
Yes, Sir, subject to the necessities of operations.
Agriculture
Tank Range (Land Restoration)
52.
asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken to prevent coast erosion at a tank range, of which he has been informed, where the sea wall has been shot out; whether steps are to be taken to remove live shells in the wall and nearby marshes; and whether the marshes are to be restored to their former state of growing wild white clover seed.
I understand that there is no breach in the sea wall, but that the Catchment Board have been prevented from gaining access to this wall to carry out maintenance work owing to the presence of live shells, and this has resulted in some erosion. The problem of removing explosive objects remaining after military activities is a difficult one and is engaging the urgent attention of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for War.
Could not action be taken against the people who suggested using good land below sea level for this purpose instead of using land above sea level which does not matter at all in the neighbourhood?
I should have thought that that might be a question for the Secretary of State for War.
Pigs (Feeding-Stuffs)
53.
asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now consider some increase in the ration of feeding-stuffs for domestic keepers of pigs.
No, Sir. Supplies do not permit of any such increase.
Is this policy reviewed from time to time as the shipping situation alters?
It is more or less always under review but I had better warn my hon. Friend that, should supplies become easier, I think first call would be from commercial pig producers and poultry keepers who have been kept on such low rations of feeding-stuffs for their stocks for a long time.
War Charities (Registration)
55.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider amending the War Charities Act, so that any society or person in reply to the statutory advertisement, giving information to the authorities as to why a proposed charity should not be registered, will be exempt from action for libel or slander.
Under the War Charities Act there is a statutory obligation to give public notice, as prescribed, of the intention to apply for registration of a war charity, and of the time within which, and the place at which, objections to the application may be made. I am advised that in such circumstances qualified privilege would attach to any objection made, and that there would appear, therefore, to be no necessity for amending legislation in this respect.
While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, is he aware that in certain circumstances it is practically impossible to prevent registration, and that the Act badly needs strengthening?
On the point in the Question, I think that if a person makes objection, without malice and in the public interest, he has nothing to fear. I do not think that the law is unsatisfactory in this respect.
Education
Aided Schools (Tuition Fees)
58.
asked the Minister of Education whether no fees are to be charged from 1st April next, under Section 61 (1) of the Education Act, 1944, in schools which are now in the category of aided, deficiency aided, schools, since these schools are in effect being maintained by the L.E.A.
Under the Education Act, 1944, tuition fees in secondary schools at present receiving their grant in the form of aid from local education authorities, will be abolished as from the date on which they become voluntary schools maintained by the authority. During the transitional period between 1st April, 1945, and the date on which they become so maintained, it is contemplated that local education authorities will assist them to the extent necessary under Section 9 (I) of the Act. Such assistance will require my authority and as one of the conditions of authorising it I propose to require that tuition fees shall be abolished in the school.
Secondary Teachers (Remuneration Scales)
59.
asked the Minister of Education whether, failing agreement with the secondary associations represented on the Burnham Committee, he will refrain from making an Order under Section 89 of the Education Act, determining graduate allowances, training additions and allowances for special posts, until after he has consulted the House of Commons.
When the Burnham Committee comes to submit scales of remuneration for teachers to me the information will be available to hon. Members, and it will then be open to my hon. Friend to take such action as he thinks fit to secure their consideration by this House. I would, however, remind him that the functions of the Minister under Section 89 of the Education Act, 1944, are limited to approving or disapproving the scales of remuneration submitted to him by the Burnham Committee and, if he approves them, to making an order requiring local education authorities to remunerate teachers in accordance with those scales. It was made quite clear when the Clause, which is now Section 89, was introduced in another place that it was so drafted as to leave no responsibility with the Minister for framing the scales or amending scales submitted to him.
May I now ask the right hon. Gentleman, if the House interferes in the manner suggested by the Question, whether it would not defeat the very purpose of the Section mentioned, and also destroy the very negotiating power that he himself has set up under the Act? Would it not destroy the Burnham Committee?
I do not think it is quite as simple as that. The important thing is that I shall take my decision as laid down by the Statute. I cannot regulate the proceedings of the House.
As my right hon. Friend abolished the secondary Burnham Committee, and the secondary teachers now find themselves in a small minority in the new general Burnham Committee, is it right that the secondary teachers should have their fate largely determined——
That is an argument and not a question. Mr Lindsay.
May I——
If the hon. Gentleman will ask his question properly, and not make an argument, it is quite all right.
Is it right that the secondary teachers should have their fate decided by the National Union of Teachers to which they do not belong?
A short answer to my hon. Friend is that "secondary" has a new application under the Education Act, 1944, and implies every form of secondary education that will be given. People will have to get accustomed to that definition.
Will my right hon. Friend tell us how soon after the Recess he is likely to be able to make a statement on this question on which, as he knows, there is extremely widespread anxiety among secondary teachers, and especially among university graduates?
I am, of course, aware of this anxiety, to which every attention naturally ought to be paid, but I cannot regulate the proceedings of this House which are in the hands of hon. Members and should be arranged through the ordinary channels.
Building Industry (Recruitment)
60.
asked the Minister of Education how many boys are now being trained for the building industry in junior technical schools and other comparable institutions; and how many recruits are needed annually for this industry.
In May last, the last date for which figures are available, the number of boys attending junior technical schools for building in England and Wales was 8,882. I am informed that the Building Apprenticeship and Training Council estimate that, assuming the wastage in the industry is made good exclusively by apprentices, the normal annual intake required would be 25,000 including Scotland.
In view of the fact that the school-leaving age cannot be raised for a year and a half, and that 90 per cent. of British boys leave school at the age of 14, will my right hon. Friend consider lowering the age of apprenticeship to 14 to fill this gap, and also see that some part day-time release is made possible for these boys?
I am ready to consider any proposal to increase the number of these courses, because they are much better than they were before, but I cannot give a definite undertaking at this stage.
Conference Of Allied Ministers
61.
asked the Minister of Education how many meetings of the Conference of Allied Ministers have so far taken place; what executive responsibility the conference has been given; what is the relation of the conference to U.N.R.R.A.; and which body is responsible for providing educational equipment to European countries where the needs are urgent.
The Conference has held 14 meetings and in addition its Executive Bureau has met on 25 occasions. Within the limits of its budget, the Conference has taken what steps it could to lay plans for assisting Allied Governments to restore their educational services and for promoting future co-operation in educational matters among the United Nations. U.N.R.R.A. has disclaimed responsibility for procuring or providing finance for educational materials or services, but will be kept in close touch with the work of the Conference. The responsibility for the supply of educational equipment rests primarily upon the Governments concerned, but the Conference took an active part in drafting the project for a United Nations Organisation for Educational and Cultural Reconstruction which will furnish a means of assisting in the provision of this much needed equipment.
In view of the initiative taken by my right hon. Friend, could he say how many nations are required to confirm the tentative draft constitution before it can become workable, and whether he will now give a second initiative by confirming it by His Majesty's Government?
The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is 20; the answer to the second part is that I think we can be very hopeful.
United States Forces (Duty-Free Parcels)
62.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will allow American soldiers on the Continent to send free of duty four parcels a year to friends in this country as he allows British soldiers to do.
Yes, Sir. This concession is already available to members of the United States Forces serving in Europe.
May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will look at a letter I have received from an American soldier, referring to five or six different ranks, in which it is said that they have been asked by recipients of parcels in this country not to send any more because the duty is so heavy that it is really a financial embarrassment to the recipient?
Perhaps I might relieve my hon. Friend's mind by telling him that the arrangement came into force on the first day of this month.
France (Currency)
64.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any approach has been made to the French Government in order to faciliate the conclusion of a currency agreement, which will enable that country to enter the sterling area.
No, Sir.
If not, why not? Is it not of the utmost importance that we should seek to bring France into the sterling area? Is it not, indeed, to our ultimate and financial advantage? Why has not such an approach been made?
My hon. Friend is very severe, but I think he is under a misapprehension. Negotiations for a financial agreement which will, I think, be to our mutual advantage are in progress, but that is a very different matter from enlarging the sterling area to include other countries; there are technical points arising in that connection.
I am obliged to my right hon. Friend. That is quite a different answer. If negotiations are proceeding with a view to the creation of some financial understanding, I am gratified, as it may ultimately include some arrangement for the sterling area.
Of course it would include some arrangement about the sterling area, but not the arrangement indicated in my hon. Friend's Question.
But will my right hon. Friend get his officials to answer Questions in a proper fashion?
I answered the Question.
Can my right hon. Friend say whether this tentative agreement will cover the question of double taxation?
No, Sir, that is a separate question.
Opencast Coal Production
67.
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what change is being made in the responsibility for opencast coal production.
For the last two years the Ministry of Works have been responsible for the processes of exploratory boring, extraction of the coal on approved sites and the provision of loading and treatment facilities, while I have been responsible for determining which sites should be worked and for disposing of the coal on the market. I have now arranged with my right hon. Friend that responsibility for all the work should be vested in one Department and that, as Minister of Fuel and Power, I should undertake this responsibility. It is proposed that the transfer should take place as from the end of the present financial year, and the Estimates of the two Departments for 1945–46 will be prepared on that basis.
Hair Combs (Shortage)
68.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of hair combs, which in many places are not obtainable; and if he will take steps to deal with this matter.
Yes, Sir. As my right hon. Friend said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth (Sir W. Edge) on 26th September, he is doing all he can to improve supplies.
But is not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a large proportion of the population no longer wear hats, and that under those circumstances a comb is essential to make seemly their disordered and frequently dishevelled locks?
Desirable as combs are, the labour and material for providing them are very short. Nevertheless, it has been possible in the last quarter to increase production by no less than half a million combs.
Can we ask the large number of hon. Members in this House who do not need combs, to give them up?
British Heavy Tanks (Manufacture)
69.
asked the Minister of Supply whether every priority is being given to the manufacture of a British heavy tank.
Yes, Sir.
Does that reply mean that the Government now recognise the importance of, and necessity for, a heavily armoured tank?
I do not think it would be in the public interest to give details of tanks, which are given priority.
My supplementary question was not in relation to any details. I asked whether the Government now recognise the need and necessity for a heavily armoured tank?
I think the hon. Member will find the answer in the reply to his main Question.
While not expecting the Government to furnish any details which might afford any comfort to the enemy, or in any way infringe the need for security, have they taken notice of the fact that the Germans, in their latest push, have been using tanks of very heavy calibre, much heavier than those at our disposal? Are the Government giving that matter their very careful consideration?
I do not think it will be wise to add to the answer I have given.
Can my hon. Friend assure the House, without giving away any definite information, whether any tank now proposed is better than anything which the enemy have?
Bacon Ration
70.
asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the fat American bacon used to make up the bacon ration in Swindon and district is rancid and in some cases uneatable; and what steps he is taking to see that this fat is properly used and not wasted and that other food is provided in lieu of bacon in view of the bacon shortage.
I should be obliged if my hon. Friend would supply me with particulars of the case he has in mind when I shall be glad to make inquiries. With regard to the last part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Robertson) on 13th December.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that many complaints have been sent by residents in Swindon and district to his food officer, and that he can get full information as to the difficulties described in my Question by consulting his officer there?
Supplies To China (British Air Transport)
71.
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any British aeroplanes are now taking supplies to China.
Yes, Sir, though in small quantities. The main supply programme to China is undertaken by United States aircraft.
Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us rather more detailed information? Do "small quantities" mean six, seven, eight or ten aeroplanes going in regularly, each week or month, and, if so, how much are they taking?
I do not think it right or proper to give details about these transport aircraft, but I can say that it was agreed that the Americans should bear the main burden of this programme as most of our aircraft are operating in Burma.
Are we not sending in supplies by our own aircraft?
Supplies are being sent to China, but the great burden of the transport is being borne by American aircraft.
Do British machines come back empty to India from China and, if so, would the hon. and gallant Member suggest to the War Office that they might be used to transport returning soldiers?
British Army (Disbanded Unit)
72.
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the representations made to him from several different sources since the beginning of October regarding the behaviour of men of a unit whose name has been communicated to him; and what action he proposes to take.
Yes, Sir. My hon. and gallant Friend will have received a letter about this matter. Owing to a reduction in strength it has been decided that this unit is to be disbanded and steps are being taken to send the men elsewhere.
Italian Prisoners Of War (Escape)
74.
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any state- ment to make regarding the escape of over 90 Italian prisoners from a prisoners-of-war camp in the West of Scotland.
Ninety-seven Italian non-co-operator prisoners escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp in Scotland during the night of 15th-16th December. Eighty-nine have so far been recaptured. A full inquiry into the circumstances is being made.
As these escapes are becoming disconcertingly frequent, is the Minister satisfied that security arrangements in prisoners-of-war camps are satisfactory?
I cannot accept the suggestion in the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question, but as regards the second part, the answer is in the affirmative.
Occupied Germany (Education)
75.
asked the Secretary of State for War what plans exist for the restoration of education in those parts of Germany from which the control of the German Government has been removed.
Very careful consideration has been given to this important question. It is clear that the first step to be taken before German schools can be reopened is a thorough purge of teachers and educational administrators and the elimination of Nazi text-books. When this has been done and sufficient acceptable teachers are available, schools will be progressively re-opened, as and when the military situation permits, priority being given to elementary schools.
While thanking the Minister for that helpful reply, may I ask him whether he will bear in mind the importance of getting United Nations' agreement on the curricula to be used in schools, because if there are to be different zones of occupation it is important that on such questions as the teaching of history, for instance, there should be a United Nations' curricula?
I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.
Are any steps being taken to substitute text-books for the Nazi text-books that are being or will be destroyed?
I shall require notice of that Question.
In view of General Eisenhower's recent broadcast, who is ultimately responsible for the policy which was announced in that broadcast?
I regret to say that I shall require notice of that Question, also.
Before directing attention to the re-education of the German people would it not be useful to re-educate some of the Tory Members of this House?
British Council (Inquiry)
76.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the scope and purpose of Sir Findlater Stewart's inquiry into the British Council; whether it resulted from the Public Accounts Committee's comments on the Council's overspending two years ago and implies any reflection on its work; when Sir Findlater Stewart's Report may be expected; and whether it will be laid before the House.
Sir Findlater Stewart has been appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and my right hon. Friend to inquire into the work and organisation of the British Council and to recommend what the future scope of its activities should be, how its purpose can best be fulfilled and what its relationship to the Central Government should be. The question of the future status and activities of the British Council has been under discussion between the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the right hon. Member for Mitcham (Sir M. Robertson) and my right hon. Friend since the early part of this year. Sir Findlater Stewart's appointment is the result of a decision by the Cabinet in June last that a full inquiry should be held under the joint auspices of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and my right hon. Friend. This decision implied no reflection on its work and is not connected with the report of the Committee of Public Accounts on the British Council's accounts for the financial year 1942–43. Sir Findlater Stewart has not completed his inquiry, and I am not in a position to say when he will present his Report. It is not intended that the Report should be published, but my right hon. Friend will in due course consider together with the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a statement can be made to the House about it.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is not suggested that the Report should be laid before the House of Commons, considering that the House is very deeply interested in the work of the British Council?
The investigation is very largely a Departmental one, which is likely to assist Departments in dealing with this very important branch of the Council's work.
Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's main answer, which in other respects is satisfactory, that the main object of the inquiry is concerned with policy for the future? If so, can he maintain that that does not concern the House of Commons, but is purely Departmental?
I am concerned with the House of Commons in connection with this matter, and I have no doubt that there will be a discussion on the work of the British Council some time in the future.
Arising out of the important statement made by the right hon. Gentleman, is it not most desirable that at an early date there should be a discussion in the House on the work of the British Council, of which many people in the country, and many Members of the House, are largely ignorant?
That is a matter which must be left for the decision of the Leader of the House.
If there is to be a discussion in the House, is it not as well that we should have a copy of the Report? If any intelligent discussion is to take place it is essential that the Report should be available to Members.
I can but repeat that the inquiry is almost entirely a Departmental inquiry to advise the Departments. A full statement will be made about it after consultation between my right hon. Friend and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
rose——
This appears to be developing into a question on Business.
Baltic Republics (Recognition)
77.
asked the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government still recognise the Governments of the Republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
His Majesty's Government have not recognised any Governments in the Republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania since the changes which occurred in June, 1940.
As these changes are in conflict with the principles of the Atlantic Charter and our agreement with the U.S.S.R., why have we left these people in the lurch?
I do not know that it can be said that they have been left in the lurch as, since 1940, no Government in these territories has sought, or indeed been granted, recognition.
Is not our treatment of these countries identical with the treatment of Czechoslovakia by Germany? What is the moral difference?
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Baltic States were only under Russian domination for something just over 100 years? Can he give us an assurance that that which is condemned in the case of Germany will not he condoned in the case of Russia?