asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what quantities of coal are at present being exported from this country to Spain; and for what purpose.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave last week to any hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, Central (Mr. G. Thomas). We receive from Spain certain foodstuffs and other commodities we need. The coal is of a quality for which there is little use in this country, and if we did not send small quantities to Spain our chances of obtaining these commodities might be prejudiced.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what figures his Ministry informed the Press, on 5th October, that coal output was higher than at any time since June and that manpower was still falling; and how the output figures compare with those at the same season in the last two years.

My Department has figures of the current rate of output and of man-power. Output in July, August and September this year was below the corresponding months of last year, and the published figures show that there was a decline of 3,000,000 tons between the latter period and the third quarter of 1943

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the position with regard to regional investigation officers now that prosecution for absenteeism has ceased.

Recently I decided to abandon the policy of prosecution of miners for alleged offences against Article 6 (1) of the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order, 1943. As a result of this decision, 6 Chief Regional Investigation Officers and 81 Regional Investigation Officers employed on this work have become redundant and their employment is being terminated with effect from 30th November, 1945. At my direction a letter has been addressed to all these officers acknowledging the valuable services they have rendered to the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what reduction or increase, expressed as a percentage, in absenteeism in the mines has followed the cessation of prosecutions.

I am not prepared to accept a suggestion that there is any short-term connection between the cessation of prosecutions and the trend of absenteeism in the coalmining industry. The long-term connection is another matter and I believe this will show favourable results.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give the figures for absenteeism in the coalmines in August and September of 1944 and 1945, respectively; and whether he intends continuing to issue these figures in the future.

Absenteeism figures for August and September will be included in the figures for the third quarter of the year to be published shortly in the Board of Trade Journal. Starting with the October figures, I intend to publish output and other key statistics at monthly intervals.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give the House an assurance that the publicity undertaken by his Ministry in respect to the amount of coal to be afforded to householders shall set out only the exact facts of the situation.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when will it be possible for coal merchants in North Wales to get the grades of house coal which they were accustomed to supply before the present system of allocation came into force; and when will it be possible for householders to change their registered fuel supplier should they so wish.

Shortage of supplies and difficulties of labour and transport make it essential to maintain the present system of allocation and control. I am not in a position to say when it will be possible to relax them.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many underground coalminers, released under the Class B scheme, were working in the coalmines on 1st October, 1945; how many underground coalminers in His Majesty's Forces had applied for Class B release by that date; and how many underground coal-miners released under the Class A scheme had not returned to work in the mines by that date.

By 15th September 3,239 ex-miners had been released from the Forces in Class A and 118 in Class B. From 18th June to 29th September some 1,450 miners released from the Forces were reported by collieries as having returned to their employment. I regret that the further information which my hon. Friend desires is not available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if steps can be taken to give an extra issue of coal to repatriated Far East prisoners of war during the winter months.

Local Fuel Overseers are authorised to grant any additional supplies which may be needed in cases of sickness vouched for by medical certificates, but I regret that no general allowance to repatriates from the Far East is possible.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the short supply of fuel to householders throughout the country this winter, he will make provision by utilising prisoners of war and the necessary gear to collect from the felled woodlands the many thousands of tons of lop and top that are now obtainable for the national fuel supply.

Arrangements were made some time ago for the employment of both military personnel and prisoners of war on the collection of wood fuel. A high proportion of the labour required for this work must be experienced and consequently the number of military personnel and prisoners of war that can usefully be employed is strictly limited. Within these limits the maximum use is made of available equipment.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is in a position to make a statement on the steps that are being taken to ensure that domestic consumers will be able, during the winter months, to purchase supplies of logs at reasonable prices; and whether, in view of the fact that the shortage of coal is likely to continue for a considerable time, he will take steps to encourage the production of wood-burning heating stoves, similar to those in use in Scandinavia.

With a view to ensuring as far as is possible that logs are made available to consumers during the winter, my Ministry has, with the assistance of local authorities, accumulated considerable stocks of logs in various parts of the country which will be used to meet emergency needs, and all possible steps are being taken to increase such stocks to the maximum extent possible with the limited labour available for this work. At the same time every effort is being made to increase the amount of wood fuel made available for current consumption through normal trade channels. The wood fuel will no doubt be burned in existing appliances and I do not consider that it is desirable at this stage to develop specialised appliances for the purpose; in any case such development could hardly assist the situation this winter.From past experience I am satisfied that the costs of converting waste timber into logs and of delivery to consumers are very high in relation to the fuel value of the wood. I am, however, aware of complaints that excessive prices are being charged and I am considering as a matter of urgency what steps are necessary to deal with this situation.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider allowing car owners who wish to do so to save up their basic ration coupons for a period of several months instead of, as at present, having to store the actual petrol.

The supply position makes it impossible at present to extend the period of validity of basic ration coupons beyond the two months already allowed.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the figures of the available supplies of oil within the sterling area; the volume of such production; the number of tankers at present available for normal functioning; and whether he will make a statement regarding the measures planned, or already in hand, to free tanker tonnage for normal use.

I am not prepared to publish figures of supplies available to meet military needs, and in any event figures regarding present availability and production would be misleading owing to the readjustments which are now taking place.As regards tankers, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of War Transport. I understand that tankers are being released from control by the United Maritime Authority as from 31st October, and further con-

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what consultations have taken place between the Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association and the Association of Power Companies on the future of electricity supply since July 1945.

Neither of these Associations has communicated with my Ministry since July, 1945, on the future of the electricity supply industry.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he is taking to meet the need of an electric generating station at Kepier, Durham, owing to the many industries and trades in the district and, in particular, to assist the North Eastern Electric Supply Company to erect such a plant in the mentioned area.

The North Eastern Electric Supply Company, in conjunction with the Central Electricity Board, are making arrangements for the provision of additional generating plant by extending their existing power stations.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by the agricultural community in Lanarkshire at the prohibitive cost of installing electric power for lighting and dairying purposes; and what steps is he prepared to take to ensure such installation at reasonable cost to the consumer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of power stations built by the Central Electricity Board during the period September, 1939, to January, 1945; where they are situated and by whom they are operated.

One station was built by the Central Electricity Board and five by electricity supply undertakings to the direction of the Board.

I would refer to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eye (Mr. E. Granville) on the 9th October.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will instruct the Central Electricity Board not to approve the installation of new boilers and generators in existing buildings, unless adequate provision is made for ventilation and the removal of dust.

Ventilation and removal of dust in power stations are dealt with under the Factories Acts toy my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, who will no doubt be pleased to investigate any case which my hon. Friend may refer to him.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider the possibility of reducing the present allocation of petrol to the Forces in this country in order to increase the amount available for civilian needs.

There is close contact between my Ministry and the Service Departments in regard to the supplies of petrol needed for military purposes. These requirements are kept under constant review and are reduced whenever circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether arrangements can now be made to increase the proportion of our petroleum requirements which we obtain from the sterling area and to reduce the proportion which we obtain from the dollar area; and whether there is any agreement, secret or otherwise, which obliges us to obtain a certain proportion from the dollar area.

Steps have already been taken to do what the hon. Member suggests in the first part of his Question, but as I explained, in reply to a question which he put to me on 9th October, there are deficiencies of products in the sterling area which can only be met by the purchase of oil from dollar sources. The answer to the second part of the Question is that there is no such agreement.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he has taken to explore the possibility of importations of petrol from Russia and Rumania and with what result.

Rumania is supplying a considerable proportion of her production of petroleum to Russia as reparations, and it is understood that Russia has also secured additional supplies under trade agreements. Endeavours have been made to secure, through British oil companies operating in Rumania, a share of the balance for export, but so far without success. In the light of this experience it has not been considered that it would be practicable to obtain supplies of petrol from Russia which, during the war, has imported considerable quantities of petroleum products from United States and British sources.

asked the Minister of Labour how many art students have been released to date under Class B scheme; and when it is expected that the remainder of the 3,000 will be released.

The number of arts students released in Class B who have resumed their studies up to 30th September, the latest date for which figures are available, was 168. The Service Departments are dealing urgently with all applications received, but it is not possible to say when the remainder of the 3,000 who are serving in all parts of the world, will reach their Universities. I should add that the Universities have agreed to accept students released under the scheme whenever they may become available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will relax the ban on employers advertising for personnel to the same degree as he has relaxed his powers to direct employees or to oppose a worker's desire to leave his employment through the labour exchange.

There is at present no general ban on advertising, but the Control of Engagement Order prevents employers advertising for men and women of the classes to whom the Control of Engagement Order, 1945, applies. I am considering the future operation of this Order in conection with general question of labour controls on which I hope to make a statement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been reconstructed under the Housing (Rural Workers) (Scotland) Acts in the counties of Perth and Kinross, respectively; and what is the total amount of grants paid since inception.

Since schemes under the Housing (Rural Workers) (Scotland) Act, 1926, came into operation, 2,593 houses in the County of Perth have been reconstructed or improved and grants amounting to £236,957 have been paid. In the County of Kinross the corresponding figures are 127 houses and £12,018.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to introduce legislation, based upon the Bal-four of Burleigh Report, on the hill sheep industry.

I hope that it may be possible to introduce during the present Session a Bill to give effect to the major recommendations of the Balfour of Burleigh and De la Warr Committees on Hill Sheep Farming.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when will the Report of the Neven-Spence Committee be published; and why has it not been published already.

I am informed by the Scottish Council on Industry who appointed the Committee referred to that arrangements have been made for their Report to be published as soon as it can be printed. The Council explain that it is one of many important Reports submitted to them on different aspects of industry in Scotland, each of which had to be carefully considered by the Council before their adoption for publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the number of houses in Edinburgh, derequisitioned by the War Office, that have been requisitioned by the Edinburgh Corporation.

:None of the 37 houses in Edinburgh notified as derequisitioned or about to be derequisitioned by the War Office, has been requisitioned by the Corporation because of assurances received from the owners that the houses would be resumed as dwellings for themselves, or

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the numbers of permanent and temporary houses, respectively, which it is estimated will be erected during the years ending 30th June, 1946, and 30th June, 1947, respectively.

The Government aim at having 20,000 permanent houses built or building in Scotland by the end of June, 1946, and 30,000additional houses a year later. Their target is to have 20,000 temporary houses completed by the first date and the remaining 14,000 of the Scottish allocation by the later date.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the number of persons employed and the expenditure of the Assistance Board for each year since its inception.

The following table shows the approximate numbers of persons employed by and the expenditure of the Assistance Board:

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will state, as on the last convenient date, the amount to the credit of the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

At 13th October, 1945, the balance of the Unemployment Fund was abount £348,600,000 on the General Account, and £10,100,000 on the Agricultural Account.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to introduce an age and length of service scheme for release from the N.F.S. so that each man will be in a position to calculate his prospects of discharge.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave on 11th October to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) and the hon. and gallant Member for Wallasey (Captain Marples).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men were in full employment in the Fire Brigade on 1st January, 1939; how many were serving in the N.F.S. on 1st January, 1942; and how many are so reserved to-day.

I regret that statistics are not available which would enable me to give the figure asked for in the first part of the Question. The figures asked for in the second and third parts are 95,000 and 33,000 respectively.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what response was received from the appeal for voluntary work during the harvest.

During July and August the response was very satisfactory. Outside the main holiday period the amount of voluntary help has naturally been less, but a good deal of valuable assistance has been, and still is being, given to farmers in many parts of the country. I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing the warm thanks of the Government and of the agricultural industry to those who have volunteered.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the damage to property, and erosion of land, caused on the North Welsh coast by recent storms, and the difficulty local authorities have in redressing present damage and securing the coastline against future damage and erosion; and whether he will consider ways and means of assisting these authorities to deal with the situation which has arisen and to guard against its recurrence.

:My right hon. Friend is aware of this damage. Local authorities, as distinct from drainage authorities, are not in general empowered to do works of sea defence except for the protection of their own property. In so far as such works are necessary my right hon. Friend will give sympathetic consideration to applications for consents to loans.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware of the delay in delivery of mail sent by relatives in this country to recovered prisoners of war in the Far East; and if he will ensure that all such mail is given priority delivery by air.

Shortly after the cessation of hostilities, correspondence for liberated prisoners of war and civilian internees was specially despatched by air from this country to the Far East with a view to its delivery by the military representatives who were first sent to make contact with the camps. The public were warned of the difficulties which might be expected in effecting delivery, but I understand that in fact a high proportion of this, correspondence reached the addressees. Subsequently, prisoners of war were allowed to send a free telegram which included an accommodation address to which future correspondence might be despatched by air for delivery en route to the ships conveying the repatriates to this country. In each case, the correspondence has been given the most expeditious transmission possible.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he can now make a statement with regard to the Report by Mr. A. H. S. Waters, V.C., on the scope and efficiency of the measures at present employed in the ironstone industry in Northamptonshire and adjoining counties for the restoration of land damaged by quarrying operations.

No, Sir. I am, however, fully aware of the importance of the report and will make a statement on the matter at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what is the present position in the negotiations regarding outdoor advertisements; and whether any agreement has yet been reached between the interests concerned as to the possibility of general legislation on this subject.

The whole question of the control of outdoor advertisements is at present under consideration, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many sites for temporary and permanent houses have been submitted to his Ministry for approval since 1st August and how many have received this.

My approval has been sought during the period referred to in the Question for the use of 263 sites for temporary houses and 780 sites for permanent houses, and during the same period 283 sites for temporary houses and 811 sites for permanent houses have been agreed by me. These sites will provide for 7,313 temporary houses and 29,155 permanent houses.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much value in dollars under the reverse Lend-Lease total of 5,600,000,000, came from the British Commonwealth and Empire; how much from the United Kingdom; and how much from all the rest of the Allies jointly.

Of this total $3,797,000,000 was in respect of reverse Lend-Lease from the United Kingdom and Colonies, $1,498,000,000 from the Dominions (not including Canada) and India and $305,000,000 from the rest of the Allies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent any common standard of costings has been agreed between the Treasury and the United States when determining the value for Lend-Lease services, in view of the fact that United States procurement agencies have been purchasing in the United Kingdom and Dominions, goods at prices considerably below the cost of similar articles in America.

No such common standard has been agreed, either for Lend-Lease or Reciprocal Aid. What is recorded is expenditure by each country on the provision of goods and services for the other under Lend-Lease or Reciprocal Aid, as the case may be. Thus the cost of identical goods furnished under Lend-Lease and Reciprocal Aid will differ in the respective records when prices differ in the two countries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value in pounds sterling of the investment of British funds in the U.S.A. in 1939, 1940 and 1941, to build, equip and operate factories for production of aircraft, A.F.Vs., ships and other forms of war munitions, subsequently taken over by the U.S. Supply Departments after the entry of the U.S.A. into the war; and at what valuation were they taken over.

Capital expenditure by His Majesty's Government in the United States in 1939–41 on the construction and purchase of factories, machinery and equipment for the production of munitions was about £43,000,000. After the United States entered the war a number of the major units which had been financed by His Majesty's Government at a cost of £20,000,000 were taken over by the United States Government, on the basis of cost less depreciation, for about £19,000,000. The disposition of the rest which, of course, includes the less valuable properties, is not yet complete.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes, in the near future, to amend the remuneration of Government employees to conform with the principle of equal pay for equal work.

I propose to await the Report of the Royal Commission which is examining this question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the association representing the administrative class of the Civil Service was consulted before the Treasury determined upon the revised rates of pay for higher posts in the Civil Service, announced in the recent White Paper.

No, Sir. But the chairman of the association was informed in confidence at the earliest possible moment of these decisions, which were taken by the Government on broad grounds of policy set out in the White Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make a statement about the return of civil servants who were evacuated to the provinces during the war.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparkes) last Tuesday.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will publish quarterly statements showing the number of civil servants employed and the total cost of salaries and wages in each department.

Regular returns to Parliament of civil staffs employed in Government Departments, which had to be suspended during the war, will be resumed as soon as practicable. I am con- sidering the form in which this information can most conveniently be presented. Figures of the total cost of salaries and wages will be available to Parliament as from April, 1946, when Votes of Credit will be discontinued and ordinary Estiates will be required from all Departments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that deficiencies in public subscriptions to savings campaigns necessitate the creation of additional bank credits, he will publish full details of the Thanksgiving Weeks subscriptions, making clear how much of the total was real savings in respect of which the lenders parted with their money; and how much was due to the creation of additional bank credit, in respect of which the lenders parted with nothing.

The total invested in each Thanksgiving Week is published at the end of the week. Later, when the results have been analysed, figures are published to show separately the amounts of the investment in each description of security. Subscriptions for all securities now on issue for the investment of national savings must be fully paid in cash. This rule has operated throughout the war savings campaigns. It is not possible to compile a return on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the urgent need for a reduction in public expenditure, he will revert to the practice of requiring full detailed estimates from all the spending Departments.

Yes, Sir, as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present amount of loans which have been made to the Treasury during the war, free of interest, and when these loans fall to be repaid.

The total amount is £72,500,000, of which £46,500,000 are now outstanding. As regards repayment I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Royton (Mr. H. Sutcliffe) on 23rd August last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of the loans made to the Government free of interest for the period of the war; and the date on which these loans will be repaid to the lenders.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to-day to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Bowen).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what arrangement he proposes to make regarding the payment of Income Tax post-war credits to women who have married Dominion or American troops and who wish to proceed overseas to join their husbands.

I must ask the hon. Member to await my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many tenants are being asked to pay tithes; and whether he will consider the desirability of abolishing such claims.

Under the Tithe Act, 1936, only owners of land, or holders of long leases at less than rack rent, are liable to pay tithe redemption annuities. If a tenant receives a demand in error, he should return it to the Tithe Redemption Commission, giving them the landowner's name and address.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is proposed to issue a uniform rate of War Service Gratuity irrespective of the rank of the recipient.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins) on 23rd August last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can inform the public as to when it is proposed to pay out war damage commitments, particularly in view of the anxiety that is being displayed by needy owner-occupiers and others of the small propertied class.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Members for Fareham (Sir D. White) and for Belfast West (Mr. J. Beattie) on 11th October.

asked the Minister of Food what measures he proposes to take to remedy the increasing complaints of housewives regarding queues and the food situation in many areas in this country.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 22nd August last to the hon. and gallant Member for Altrincham (Colonel Erroll).

asked the Secretary of State for War how many teachers are still in the Army; and what arrangements are now to be made for their accelerated release.

Approximately 9,740 teachers, recognised as such by the Ministry of Education, were still serving in the Army on 1st October, 1945. Like the rest of the Army, they will be eligible for Class A release with their normal age and service groups, unless they voluntarily elect to serve on. In addition, offers of Class B release up to the full quota fixed by the Ministry of Labour and National Service have been or are now in process of being made to the men concerned. Very considerable numbers are involved, the great bulk of which have already been dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the recent announcements that the release of officers both in the B.A.O.R. and C.M.F. will be retarded for an indefinite time were made with his sanction; and whether he is satisfied that all the officers in these theatres are fully employed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what the position is regarding bulk retention of officers with the B.A.O.R.; why accelerated release makes it necessary to hold back officers while men are being released; and why the length of retention cannot be stated and to which individual officers it will apply.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will direct that, in B.A.O.R. and all other commands, essential officers and other ranks are replaced with the same speed and efficiency as were casualties during the period of fighting, in order that the release of these men may not be unduly delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the concern felt by many officers serving in the B.A.O.R. at the recent announcement that their release from service must be held up indefinitely; and whether he will make a full statement on this subject, indicating the amended dates when the different age and Service groups of officers may expect to be released.

I would refer hon. Members to the statement made by me earlier to-day regarding the existing shortage of officers and the policy which has been adopted to meet the situation. As regards the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Balham and Tooting (Captain R. Adams) I can assure him that the system of replacement drafts from the United Kingdom which was in use during the war is still in force and that every effort is made to despatch replacements for individuals due or overdue for release. Overseas Commanders are co-operating to the full in dealing with this problem.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers are eligible for release in Class C on grounds of exceptional domestic hardship.

Yes, Sir. Men should apply to their commanding officers, giving full supporting evidence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the demobilisation scheme makes provision for officers and other ranks who gave many months' service in the Territorial Army prior to the war.

I would refer the Noble Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Major Boyd-Carpenter) on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that compassionate cases of release forfeit the right to 56 days' leave with pay; and whether he will have this rule amended since compassionate cases are those most requiring the financial assistance which 56 days' leave with pay affords.

Terminal leave is based on the broad principle that soldiers who leave the Army compulsorily require a period of leave to give them an opportunity of resettling themselves in civil life, but that no such concession is called for in the case of those who are permitted to leave to take up work of national importance or otherwise at their own volition. This principle is followed generally in the Release Scheme, except that the soldier released under Class B receives a comparatively short period of leave. The man who is released before his turn on compassionate grounds is given no leave, but he receives as soon as possible his war gratuity, post-war credit, overseas service grant (if relevant) and a civilian outfit. The hardship in compassionate cases is by no means necessarily financial and may be adequately met by release from further service in advance of the normal date. In certain exceptional cases where circumstances require the man's presence at home immediately before authority for his release can be obtained the unit commander is empowered to grant up to 28 days' compassionate leave.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many personnel in B.A.O.R. and C.M.F. commands, respectively, are to have the Class A demobilisation delayed beyond the published dates of their release groups.

It is not possible to say how many soldiers are or will be delayed, as delay may be occasioned by individual deferments under the operational necessity clause or by travelling difficulties. Every effort is made to restrict the number of such deferments to an absolute minimum. The number of actual deferments for military reasons is small. As regards officers, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a driver in the R.A.S.C., called up in 1940 at the age of 20 and whose help is urgently required by his father; and if, as the business which now has 1,500 customers registered for milk alone will have to close down, he will expedite the release of the son.

The application forwarded by the hon. Member is being investigated. If the facts are confirmed, the application will be forwarded to the appropriate authority in B.A.O.R. for decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, after consideration of the evidence sent to him, he is in a position to release 1116938 Gunner J. R. Beesley, 438/53 Field Regiment, R.A., at one time a student at Glasgow University, in order that he can resume his university course as quickly as possible.

I have no authority to decide individual applications for release under Class B. Approved names reach my Department from the Ministry of Labour and National Service. Gunner Beesley's name has not so far been received. In the case of university students applications should be submitted through the university authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a soldier whose period of overseas service already qualifies him for repatriation under Python, on returning to England for release forfeits the 28 days' leave with pay and allowances to which his period of overseas service entitles him, whereas a man whose release date falls a month or more after the date of his return under Python receives the 28 days' repatriation leave in addition to his release leave, and if he will reconsider this anomaly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will con- sider granting 28 days' leave to those officers and men who, because they become due for release before they would be repatriated under the Python scheme, are denied this privilege.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements are being made to ensure that personnel due for release but also entitled to privilege leave in respect of service overseas are granted such leave before release.

My hon. Friends are apparently referring to disembarkation leave, granted to men who are posted to the Home establishment from overseas, including those returning to the Home establishment under Python. The object of such leave, the amount of which varies with the period of overseas service, is to enable the soldier to resume home contacts and to take a holiday before returning to duty for further service. When a soldier returns to this country for immediate release, his release leave begins at once and the justification for additional disembarkation leave disappears. His basic release leave of 56 days is increased by one day for each month of overseas service. I realise that in some instances where release from the Army follows soon after return from overseas, the soldier may get the benefit of both regulations, if he is to be allowed leave at the time of disembarkation, but I do not think this provides any case for altering the general rules.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the recent decision to stop the dispatch of duty-free cigarettes to troops in Europe he will make arrangements for serving personnel to be able to buy at their local N.A.A.F.I. branch a limited further allowance of duty-free cigarettes to supplement the present personal ration of 120 per week.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for the City of Chester (Mr. Nield) on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what is the present ratio of medical officers in the Forces to Army personnel; and how this compares with the present proportion of doctors in this country to the civilian population.

The present ratio of R.A.M.C. medical officers in the Forces to personnel under their medical charge is 2·57 per thousand. All effective medical officers whether engaged on administration, hygiene, hospital work or attendance on unit sick, are included in the ratio. I understand that the present proportion of doctors of all kinds in this country to the civilian population is 0·74 per thousand. I should, however, point out that circumstances and conditions in the Army and civil life are so different that any true comparison is impossible.

asked the Secretary of Stale for War whether he is aware that many soldiers are desirous of obtaining special leave in order to undertake vital repairs to their homes; and whether, in view of the desirability of expediting such repair work, he will arrange for such leave to be granted in all reasonable cases.

:I do not think that any special arrangements are necessary. The ordinary leave allowance should now give ample opportunity in the normal case, and the special rule under which Commanding Officers can allow up to 28 days' compassionate leave for urgent private affairs should be sufficient to meet any really urgent case of the kind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men discharged from the Army before October, 1944, are not entitled to civilian clothing outfits; and whether, if it is still impossible to make the qualifications for these outfits retrospective, some arrangement can be made to issue those concerned with the necessary coupons to enable them to buy civilian clothes.

Men discharged from the Army before 16th October, 1944, received a suit, cap, collar and tie, which was the scale appropriate to that time. An optional cash grant in lieu, representing the wholesale value of the outfit, was offered. Coupons were obtainable under normal civilian arrangements, that is, through His Majesty's Customs and Excise, to enable the discharged soldier to raise his wardrobe to the civilian level. In the circumstances, and in view of the practical difficulties involved, I regret that I cannot agree to make the issue of the present scale of civilian clothing retrospective.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has yet had an opportunity of reconsidering the question of the free issue of clothing to officers whose terminal or notice leave commenced before 8th May, 1945; and whether he can agree to any concession.

Yes, Sir. It has been agreed to make certain concessions to temporary officers of all three Services (men and women) who came off Service pay on or after 16th October, 1944. Particulars will be announced at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has inquired into the case of a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers, particulars of which have already been sent to him, who was demobilised in mid-July and has not so far received any civilian clothing, due to the fact that he is outsize; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs.

I agree that there was some delay by the contractors concerned in this case, but all the garments should by now have been delivered. The normal period for delivery of special measurement garments is four weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a further issue of clothing to those Servicemen demobilised in the general scheme, in view of the difference in value between their issue and the present issue.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to the hon. Member for Southend-on-Sea (Mr. Channon).

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that substantial numbers of redundancy discharges are taking place amongst locally entered civilian non-industrial employees of his Department in Palestine at the same time as the staffs remaining are being compelled to work six hours overtime per week; and whether he will instruct the Palestine military authorities to revert to the normal peacetime working week, as laid down in staff regulations, before further redundancy discharges are made, especially as the hours worked in R.A.F. and R.N. establishments and by the staffs of the Palestine Government have been reduced to pre-war standards.

I am aware that about 90 clerks and seven typists were discharged as redundant between May last and the end of September. I am anxious to reduce the number of discharges of civilian non-industrial employees as far as is compatible with the reduction in the volume of work, and the possibility of restoring the normal working week is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the delays in granting the promised transfers of British officers transferred or commissioned compulsorily into the Indian Army; and what action he proposes to take to accelerate the procedure.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Sir J. Mellor) on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the necessity of attracting young men of high quality into the post-war Regular Army both as officers and as other ranks, he will arrange for an immediate reconsideration both of rates of, pay and of conditions of service in the Regular Army.

This question is already being actively considered, and I hope that we shall soon be able to announce new terms of service and revised pay for those who want to make the Army their career.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of excellent officers, warrant officers and N.C.O.'s who had been considering making the Army their career after the war have now decided not to do so because of the uncertainty of the conditions of service; if such a reduction in the number of officers and N.C.O.'s staying on after their release group has affected the speed of release in the Army; and when he intends making a comprehensive statement giving the conditions of service for the post-war Army.

In general, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to-day to other questions regarding the conditions of service in the post-war Army. As regards the specific point raised in the second part of the Question, the fact that a number of men have accepted release in lieu of joining the Regular Army has not had any material effect on the speed of release. The release scheme operates under a phased programme of age and service groups and the numbers involved in any particular group would not have been large enough to enable the phasing to be accelerated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now inform the House of his Ministry's proposals as to the size and conditions of service, etc. of the post-war Army.

I am not yet able to make an exact estimate of the size of the post-war Army. The problem is being closely examined by the War Office, but the hon. Member will appreciate that the ultimate establishment for the post-war Army will depend on our total strategic commitments and how these can best be met by the three Services. It is clear, however, that considerable forces will be required for some time to come. The question of terms of service is now under active consideration and, as stated to-day in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Major Boyd-Carpenter) an announcement will be made in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of houses still held on requisition by his Department in the boroughs of Kingston, Surbiton and Maiden, respectively, and in each case the number of such houses actually occupied by troops.

The number of houses still held under requisition by the War Department in Kingston is five, in Surbiton nine and in Maiden nine. All these houses are occupied, except two at Maiden, which are being relinquished by the War Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Denge Marsh area of Romney Marsh is still evacuated, and when he expects to be able to derequisition it so that the evicted fishermen may return to their homes and their fishing.

This area is in process of being derequisitioned, and it will not be long before the inhabitants are able to return to their homes and to their fishing.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Glenwood at Swindon, containing about six bedrooms, requisitioned for some six years as a military emergency reception hospital cannot be derequisitioned as there is hospital accommodation nearby at Stratton and at other hospitals in Swindon and the war in Europe is over.

:This house is in full use as a camp reception station for 20 patients, a central medical inspection room for the district, and as the dispensary for the provision of medicines and medical supplies to outlying medical inspection rooms. It is also the medical board centre for the district. These facilities are needed in Swindon to meet present requirements and although the local military authorities have made every effort, they have been unable to find suitable alternative accommodation. Camp reception stations do not fulfil the same functions as general hospitals and are required in addition to normal hospital accommodation which, in this instance, is in any event too far from Swindon. In the circumstances I regret that the property cannot be derequisitioned so long as existing conditions remain.

asked the Secretary of State for War in view of the shortage of places in secondary schools at present and the shortage of teachers, why it is necessary to retain Sherborne Castle for the Army, thereby depriving a considerable number of pupils of the possibility of education at Sherborne School for Girls where they could be taught without requiring extra staff.

Although the unit at present in occupation is likely to move out at the end of this month it is necessary to retain Sherborne Castle for re-accommodating a unit now occupying small dwelling houses in Southend, which will in consequence be released. The possibility of releasing Sherborne Castle will be kept under constant review.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that corporation land in Beechdale Road, Nottingham, chosen by the local A.A. command for a permanent gun site, is, in the opinion of the civic authorities most inappropriate for the purpose; and whether, seeing that the site is urgently needed for housing, he will order its immediate derequisitioning.

This site will shortly be derequisitioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can indicate the date of release of the land at South Foreland and St. Margarets-at-Cliffe now in the possession of his Department.

I cannot give a complete answer at present. Some defences have already been removed, enabling about 600 acres of land to be released. It is hoped to make further releases before the end of the year. Certain sites and heavy constructional works must be retained until future requirements are determined, or until arrangements for removal of the works can be made; the local mortar range is still in constant use for training purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of flats and houses at present requisitioned by, or on behalf of, his Department in the city of Portsmouth; the number at present unoccupied and the number it is proposed to derequisition as a consequence of non-occupation; and whether, in view of the grave shortage of housing in Portsmouth, resulting from exceptionally heavy air-raid damage and of the housing needs of returning Service men, he will take every step to ensure that his requirements in Portsmouth are reduced to a minimum.

There are no houses or flats in the City of Portsmouth remaining under my Department's requisition.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of houses in Edinburgh requisitioned by his Department during the war and the number that have since been derequisitioned.

I regret that the information could not be obtained without considerable research into past records. This work would fall on officers who are already busily engaged in the task of derequisitioning. There are at present 167 houses under requisition by my Department in Edinburgh, of which 49 are in process of being released. During the past six months 21 houses have been derequisitioned in this city.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the categorisation of Class A for compassionate repatriation in respect of parents suffering from incurable disease, and death likely to occur within a very short time, is limited to cancer cases.

Compassionate repatriation under this heading has not been restricted to cancer cases by regulation; but these cases often present particularly extreme and painful features and in view of the acute shortage of compassionate passages they have naturally figured more prominently among the successful applications than have those of other diseases. Under the present improved conditions it is hoped that it will be found possible to include a wider range of cases of this nature.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the auxiliary members of the War Department Constabulary joined the Forces as police officers, with the same privileges, powers and responsibilities as the Metropolitan Police force under the Metropolitan Police Act; that they have been used as soldiers in the various defence schemes that have been issued and trained in the use of firearms; and whether he will consider placing them on the same footing as members of the Police War Reserve, entitled to the gratuities and other rewards granted to that body.

I have looked into this matter but, for the reasons already communicated to my hon. Friend, I regret that I can see no reason to depart from the decision already given regarding gratuities and other terminal benefits.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the retail price of beer for troops in the India Command; and how it compares with that charged in other commands.

The retail price of imported beer for troops in India is 1 rupee 2 annas (1s. 9d.) per reputed quart. This compares with 1s. 6d. (sterling) per reputed quart in Ceylon and S.E.A.C.

asked the Secretary of State for War what representations have been made to him for the discontinuance of the anti-tank camp range at Harlech, Merioneth; and what he proposes to do in the matter.

I have received many representations on this subject and it is being considered in connection with the general question of the provision of facilities for the training of the post-war Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War what plans he has for a Territorial Army and whether a proportion of officers holding emergency commissions will be permitted to change them into T.A. or T.A.R.O. Commissions.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any plans have yet been made for the reorganisation and continuance of the Territorial Army.

As the hon. Members will have observed from recent Press statements, the question of the post-war Army is actively under consideration by my Department. I regret that I am not yet in a position to give further information on the points raised. As regards the particular suggestion advanced in the second part of the Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple (Brigadier Peto), I may say that this has not escaped consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the ammunition dump near Leith Hill, Surrey, is to be removed; and when the district is to be cleared of barbed wire.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the ammunition dump at Abinger will be cleared and the commons restored to their normal state.

The ammunition dump in question is one of a great many in England in the process of being cleared. In the general programme of clearance, all dumps in Surrey should be closed early in 1946. The barbed wire will then be removed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that troops in Malaya have been without mail for over seven weeks; that this is causing considerable dismay; and will he take steps to ensure a more frequent distribution and collection of mails.

I am not aware of any serious delays in the postal service to troops in Malaya, although some delay was inevitable for a short time after the Japanese surrender. Despatches of letters have been made daily as usual by air from this country to bases in India and Burma. Similar arrangements have obtained in the homeward direction. Any delays which occurred from India and Burma to Malaya were due to operational deployment and reorganisation taking place, though aircraft were used wherever possible. Since 11th September, however, the services have been stabilised by the provision of a daily air-link between Rangoon and Singapore.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what authority, by whose order and for what purpose have military police recently stopped and taken the registration numbers of all civilian motor traffic passing by night over the temporary bridge at Boroughbridge.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 14568413 Private A. Boardman, of the York and Lancaster Regiment, is serving in Italy a four years' sentence on a charge of one day's desertion, and that this sentence will debar the man till January, 1947, from resuming his interrupted apprenticeship to toolmaking; and whether, since the end of hostilities deprives the punishment of its deterrent value and in view of the distress caused to his relatives, he will grant an amnesty in this and like cases.

:I am aware of this case. In view of the circumstances in which the offence was committed the sentence of the Field General Court-Martial was not un- duly severe. No general amnesty is contemplated, but all sentences are reviewed at regular intervals by the superior authority concerned and they are suspended as soon as may be justified by the circumstances of the case and the conduct of the soldier. In view of the end of the war I have arranged for increased leniency in these reviews. Private Board-man's case will be reviewed as soon as possible. If and when his sentence is suspended he will become eligible for release from the Army under the Release Scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in the early and middle 20 release groups are being posted from this country to the Middle East in large numbers; and whether, in view of the waste of shipping involved, as the men will be returned to the United Kingdom in two to six months' time, he will take steps to prevent further such postings.

:The instructions regarding overseas posting are varied from time to time, to keep pace with the programme of anticipated releases, and to avoid uneconomical travel. Under a recent decision drafts for the Middle East and other of the more distant Commands are now confined as far as possible to men who are in age and service groups 32 or later or those who have volunteered to serve on. This is a general guiding rule, to which exceptions may be made, as previously. Where exceptions are necessary, selection is made from as late a group as possible. So far as officers are concerned, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made to the House to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the upper age limit for men to be posted overseas; and how many in the age-service groups up to 20, were sent overseas between 1st July and 30th September last.

As has already been explained to hon. Members, there is no rigid upper age limit for overseas service. Postings to distant theatres are restricted as far as possible to personnel not due for early release and are regulated, in general, according to age and service group. This system automatically limits the postings of older men. The instructions vary from time to time to keep pace with the anticipated programme of releases, and I regret that I could not answer the last part of the Question without very considerable re-seach and adminstrative work.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men held by the Army authorities on capital charges at the nearest convenient date, and also the average period from the date of the arrest to the date of trial and the conditions of their confinement, means of communication with next of kin and opportunities for securing civilian legal representation whilst awaiting trial.

I am afraid I could not state the number of men held on capital charges without first making inquiries of all Home and Overseas Commands. This would take some time. The period between arrest and date of trial necessarily varies with the nature of the charge, the conditions existing in the particular Command and the preliminary investigations required In general, all soldiers who are arrested for offences under the Army Act are brought to trial as quickly as possible. Soldiers awaiting trial for capital offences or otherwise are treated alike as regards conditions of confinement, communication with next-of-kin, and facilities for securing civilian legal representation. Such men are usually confined in the guard detention room of their unit. The normal means of communicating with their next-of-kin, or anyone else with whom they may wish to consult, are available. Civilian legal representation is allowed to an accused soldier except where such representation is not expedient or practicable in certain areas overseas or on active service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions that will ensure the immediate cessation of the explosions on Cliffe Marshes, Kent, which are causing damage to property, suffering to the residents, and danger in the village.

Instructions have been issued for the cessation of Army demolitions on Cliffe Marshes, Kent. The Royal Navy has also used this site on infrequent occasions. I understand that it may be necessary for the Navy to undertake further demolitions on Cliffe Marshes in the future, but these will be only isolated cases and even then only in an emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent conditions in Stakehill military detention barracks conform with the recommendations of the Oliver Report.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied with the administration of the Lakestone, Castleton, military prison.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the public concern expressed regarding conditions at Stakehill Detention Camp, he will institute an immediate inquiry to ensure that K.R.'s and A.C.I.'s are being complied with.

I am having inquiries made on the points raised by the hon. Members, and will make a statement when the results of these inquiries and of the inquest on the recent fatality are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to bring to an end the delay in his Department in answering letters from hon. Members.

The ending of hostilities and the coming into operation of the Release Scheme have resulted in a great public interest and anxiety as regards every aspect of release from the Army. This interest and anxiety are reflected in the volume of correspondence to the War Office in regard to these matters, both from Members of Parliament and from the general public. I have had certain figures taken out which indicate the vastly increasing volume of correspondence, and I am hoping to be able to carry into effect appropriate measures to ensure that correspondence is dealt with more promptly. I wish to say, however, that, though there may be some delay in the actual answering of letters, it is not therefore to be assumed that there is any lack of reasonable promptitude in taking action upon the various cases where action is required. The tendency is for correspondence to lag behind action.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any plans for the care and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in officers and men returning from overseas beyond that at present available in civil hospitals.

The possibility of treating Service tuberculosis patients in Service hospitals or Service wings of civil sanatoria is being examined with a view to minimising any delay between diagnosis and the institution of appropriate treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to ensure that the remaining period to be spent in the Army by men due for early demobilisation is not taken up by disciplinary routines which cannot have any subsequent value either to the men or to the Service.

I am not sure what my hon. Friend has in mind. If he is referring to routine duties, such as maintenance of cleanliness in and around barracks, care of equipment and personal clothing, and general fatigues, these are essential duties, properly shared by all soldiers of the unit. But routine duties occupy only a part of the soldier's time. Men awaiting release are made available for agricultural work, clearance of battle areas and other types of employment necessary in the public interest. The Army Education Scheme is also available to provide valuable instruction and occupation and under this scheme preference is given as far as possible to men who are due for early release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the existing rule stopping the allowances to the family of a soldier on the eighth day after his becoming absent without leave often causes hardship to innocent people, particularly in the case of a soldier overseas when the notification of absence is due to accident, travelling delays or clerical error; that the allowances are stopped before any court of inquiry has pronounced the soldier a deserter; and whether he will amend the rule to the effect that no soldier shall be treated as a deserter until a court of inquiry shall have had an opportunity of considering the evidence.

With regard to the first part of the hon. Member's Question, I am aware of the existing rule about stopping the allowances to the family of a soldier on the eighth day after his becoming absent without leave. This rule may in certain isolated cases cause temporary hardship to dependants, but in cases where the absence is not due to the fault of the soldier the arrears of allowances which have been stopped are at once paid to the dependant. Very little delay, in fact, occurs. With regard to the second part of the Question, a man cannot be declared a deserter until a Court of Inquiry has been held.

asked the Secretary of State for War if officers holding emergency commissions without pay and allowances are subjected to military law,

Yes, Sir, so far as emergency commissions in the Regular Army are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now abolish compulsory church parades and so allow religious worship to be a voluntary act.

Recent events do not seem to me to afford any ground for changing the present regulations under which all ranks are required to attend divine service unless granted special leave or prevented by military duty. No officer or soldier is obliged to attend the service of any religious denomination other than his own, as declared by him onjoining up.