asked the Prime Minister on what date, since the outbreak of war, the first broadcasts were made from the British Broadcasting Corporation in Polish, Czech, Serbo-Croat and Rumanian, respectively; and how frequently it is intended to broadcast in these languages in future?

I have been asked to reply. The first bulletin in Polish was broadcast on 7th September and in Czech on 8th September. No Serbo-Croat and Rumanian broadcasts have yet been made but arrangements for doing so are being made. The full schedule of bulletins provides for three a day in Polish and Czech and two a day in Serbo-Croat and Rumanian.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to those responsible for the administration of the British Broadcasting Corporation that we look for something rather more effective than his answer indicates, in view of the importance of influencing opinion in these countries?

I would not accept the assumption in the hon. Gentleman's question, but I will certainly look into the matter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, whether he will consider issuing the individual names and addresses of captured German units as they occur for transmission in the British Broadcasting Corporation's German broadcasts, in order that the maximum interest in these broadcasts may be assured?

It has already been announced in the B.B.C.'s German broadcasts that arrangements have been made to publish in these broadcasts, as particulars become available, the names of German prisoners and also the names of dead and wounded whose identity is definitely established, for the benefit of friends and relatives.

Would the Minister also think of including internees, as being a humanistic thing to do in regard to German subjects who may be disposed to think of us in that way?

I am not sure whether that would be wise or not, but I will convey the suggestion to my Noble Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether any inquiries have been made of the Turkish Government if permission will be granted to allow allied warships into the Black Sea should necessity arise?

The circumstances in which warships may pass through the Straits in every contingency are governed by the Montreux Straits Convention, of which His Majesty's Government are one of the signatories and to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to issue a further White Paper dealing with the whole grounds of Anglo-German relations over the last 12 months?

:Yes, Sir. Arrangements are being made for the issue of a further White Paper shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that no Member of this House volunteering for unpaid National Service has yet been accepted for service in the Foreign Office; and whether he can promise that this state of affairs shall not continue?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that certain Members of this House have offered their services without payment to the Foreign Office, and I can assure them that their offers have been very highly appreciated. This matter has, however, been carefully considered and the conclusion reached that it would be undesirable for Members of this House to be employed in a Government Department, even without salary, in a temporary civilian capacity. A Member of this House so employed would be at the same time a member of the Legislature and a servant of the Executive and it was felt that such a dual position might give rise to a conflict of responsibilty which might be embarrassing to all concerned.

Am I to understand that in no Government Department has any Member of Parliament been accepted for voluntary service?

Not as far as I know.

That being the case, is not this just another way of preventing us from getting any information, or even preventing the Foreign Office from getting any information?

Do I understand that the reply applies to every Government Department?

It applies to the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the policy of the Government to maintain and develop native welfare services in the British Dependencies during the war period; and whether he will give special care that this work is not prejudiced by military requirements and defence expenditure?

This general question is under consideration and it is not possible to make a statement on it at present.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will pre vent the premature closing of film studios, which might be of use for pro paganda purposes?

The matter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is receiving close attention and steps are already being taken to safeguard the position as far as circumstances permit.

Is the Minister aware that at Denham a very remarkable film is being produced by Mr. Alexander Korda, with the star Conrad Veidt as one of the actors; and that its value, at this moment, for propaganda and other purposes would be very great?

I have said that that is the very type of question which is under consideration.

While this matter is being considered will the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the value of the last Cinematograph Films Act with regard to conditions of labour and relations between employers and employés?

I think that is a question which ought to be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great use which is being made in Germany and other countries of the film as an instrument of propaganda?

That is just the kind of question which is very much in our minds.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, who compiled the message distributed by the Royal Air Force in Germany so that recognition may be given for a piece of work so greatly in the national interests?

Whilst I appreciate the hon. Member's commendation of this message, I am afraid that I cannot undertake to give the name of any individual concerned in its compilation.

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot tell us who the authors are, may I ask him whether he is aware how warm and universal is the approval of this kind of work, and can he tell us that it is the intention of his Department to continue it?

I would prefer not to give any undertaking, either negative or affirmative, on a matter of that kind. It seems to me to trench very much on the question of defence. I am, however, very much obliged to the hon. Member for his commendation of the work of those who are engaged in this task.

Will the Minister consider the distribution of a rather more constructive leaflet, instead of purely destructive ones?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is strong public feeling that Romford and the greater part of Hornchurch should become evacuation areas in view of their exposed position; and whether he will re consider his decision in this matter?

I regret I am not for the moment in a position to consider any further extensions of the list of areas evacuated. Should any further extensions become practicable the claims of the districts to which the hon. Member refers would be borne in mind with those of other areas.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is great discontent in the emergency medical services arising out of the fact that many nurses, medical students, doctors and others are expected to give their services voluntarily, or for purely nominal remuneration; and whether he will examine and rectify these grievances?

No, Sir, I am not aware of any such discontent. We have in this country a great tradition of voluntary service to those in need and those who give such service, whether in peace or in war, are rightly proud of it. Standard rates of payment have been arranged for doctors, nurses and nursing auxiliaries employed whole time in the service. With regard to medical students, I understand that in general they are most willing to assist in the treatment of casualties and I cannot believe that they wish to profit by the circumstances of war.

If I bring a number of grievances before the Minister will he undertake to look into them?

I will undertake to investigate any grievances brought forward by the hon. Member or by other hon. Members, but I think the general position is as I have stated.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a certain number of nurses who volunteered their services some time ago were put to expense in the provision of uniforms and other equipment and surely, when their services have been accepted, the State ought to provide them with the necessary uniform and equipment?

I shall be glad to look into any cases such as my hon. Friend has indicated.

Will the Minister consider whether these payments could not be made at more suitable periods, because inconvenience is caused by the fact that people have to wait a considerable time for payment and in some cases the amount of money which they have available may be very small?

I shall be glad to look into the matter if specific cases are brought forward.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why women who volunteered for nursing work have been informed that they must receive payment for it, although their circumstances are such that they can very well do without it; and will he tell us who has given instructions that voluntary workers must be paid, whether they desire to be paid or not?

I shall be glad to look into any cases such as the hon. Gentleman has mentioned but I should have thought that it was open to anybody to return any payments made to them which they did not desire.

Is it not true that this is happening in connection with A.R.P. work?

Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate this question?

I have already offered to go into any specific cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many survivors from the "Athenia" were received into hospitals on arrival ashore; into what institutions they were received; and how many are still receiving treatment?

My right hon. Friend understands that 30 survivors from the "Athenia" were admitted to hospitals in Scotland on landing. Of these 19 were admitted to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, two to the Victoria Hospital, Glasgow, and nine to the Royal Infirmary, Greenock. Thirteen are still receiving in-patient treatment. My right hon. Friend would like to express his appreciation of the prompt measures of assistance carried out by individuals and public bodies in Glasgow and Clydeside on the occasion of the landing of the survivors from the "Athenia."

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say anything about the survivors who were landed at Galway, Eire?

No, I am afraid we have no information on that.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the arrangements at Galway were very unsatisfactory and that British people from the "Athenia" were landed, many of them penniless and in scanty raiment and that no provision was made for advancing them money?

I have already said that we have no information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the list of goods, whose imports are prohibited except by licence, apples have been allowed unrestricted entry, while the entry of many other foreign fruits has been prohibited; and whether he can give a reason for this?

Yes, Sir; the list to which the hon. Member refers was limited to goods on which an immediate restriction of imports was considered necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state the Government's intentions on the creation of a Ministry of Shipping?

The Government intend to establish a Ministry of Shipping at an early date and plans for its establishment have been in existence for some time past. I am, however, satisfied that, at this moment, when the organisation to deal with shipping problems is being very rapidly expanded, there is much to be gained in efficiency by retaining that organisation for a further period within the Board of Trade, where it has the advantage of the existing legal, financial and establishment services and has not to dissipate energy in constructing a new machine to deal with these matters.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate the fact that it is easy to switch over the present machinery to a Ministry of Shipping; and is it not important to co-ordinate the whole of the activities of the Merchant Navy under a single head?

I think that, obviously, follows from what I said, that it is the intention of the Government to establish a Ministry of Shipping. What I endeavoured to convey was that there was a considerable process of expansion going on that would take perhaps a week or two longer, and that while that expansion is going on it is much better to keep it under the Board of Trade.

Will the Ministry include the fishing fleet?

I must have notice of that question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the increase in certain shipping shares, and will he give a warning to the investing public that there is to be no profiteering?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that in placing restrictions on normal production he will give sympathetic consideration to all forms of medical supplies and of supplies intended to relieve physical defects, including, in particular, high-tension batteries used in the latest implements for the deaf?

The right hon. Member will appreciate that it is not possible to give any guarantee as to the treatment of any particular class of goods, but I can assure him that every endeavour will be made to give due weight to every reasonable claim.

May 1 take it that sympathetic consideration will also be given to other parts, such as cords, condensers, and other things required for the implements?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether active measures are con templated for the extension of the market for British goods in neutral countries where, before the outbreak of war, British exporters were prejudicially affected by subsidised German com petition?

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in an answer to a question on Wednesday, 6th September, emphasised the vital importance which His Majesty's Government attach to the maintenance of export trade at the present time. Appropriate instructions have already been sent to Commercial Diplomatic officers and Trade Commissioners overseas, and the attention of these officers was specially drawn to the importance of seizing all opportunities for developing our export trade in the light of present circumstances.

Will my right hon. Friend keep in touch with the various trade organisations in this country which are connected with overseas trade and give them all the encouragement and co-operation he can?

Yes, Sir; that is what I am endeavouring to do.

Will the Government make it clear that if the manufacturers want to keep their export trade, they should not take advantage of the present position to raise prices unduly?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can give an assurance that vigorous measures are already in operation to prevent such commodities as tin, rubber and cotton reaching the hands of the enemy either by land or sea?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply what are the geographical areas that have been set up to secure increased productivity; the names of the people who are to be in charge of each area; is it intended to set up a national committee; and what are the arrangements that have been made to see that the national supply decisions are implemented?

:The country has been divided for the purpose mentioned into 13 areas, the boundaries of which conform generally to the areas of the Civil Defence regional organisation and other organisations, and area officers are in course of appointment. With regard to the third and fourth parts of the question, I hope to be in a position to make a full statement on these matters at an early date.

Is it intended to allow a certain amount of reasonable local responsibility within those areas, and is it intended that a policy of systematic decentralisation should be carried out, in order to avoid the mistake that was made in this matter on a previous occasion?

I think I am alive to the history of the Ministry of Munitions, and I think I understand what the hon. Member is asking, but I should prefer, if he will allow me, to make a full statement later, as I have a rather comprehensive statement to make very shortly.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps have been taken, or are to be taken, to increase the output of the most urgent supplies; on what basis is the organisation to be carried out; what arrangements have been made with the firms; is it intended to make certain firms controlled establishments; and what machinery has been set up with a view of securing the maximum output in the minimum of time?

All firms and Government factories engaged on munitions production have been asked to proceed on the basis of the utilisation of their full capacity. As existing orders are completed fresh orders are being placed with the utmost rapidity, and in the meantime firms have been instructed to proceed. Additional firms are being employed in accordance with allocations worked out in peace time. Steps are being taken to expedite the construction of factories and plant, and additional new factories are being undertaken. It is not intended to make certain firms controlled establishments in the sense in which that term was understood in the last War, but the hon. Member will be aware of the powers of control conferred by the Ministry of Supply Act. The whole machinery of the Ministry of Supply is devoted to securing the maximum output in the minimum of time, and I have in hand certain reorganisations of, and additions to, the staff of the Ministry designed to facilitate the attainment of this object.

So that the position is that it is intended to control the men and not the firms? May I also ask whether the Minister is aware of the difficulties in regard to priorities that already exist; and, arising out of the statement made by the War Cabinet, that it was essential that we should maintain our export trade, the manufacturers who are concerned about this have already had to give notice with regard to priorities; and further would the right hon. Gentleman assure the young men between 21 and 25 who are engaged in these industries that they are serving the nation in their present capacity as well as they would be in other ways?

The hon. Member's supplementary questions range over a very wide field. I do not agree that there is an idea of controlling the men and not the firms. The term "controlled establishment" had a very definite meaning in the last War, and what I have said is that the powers taken under the Ministry of Supply Act enable control of the firms to be exercised in a different way, and they will be exercised where necessary. With regard to priorities, an elaborate priority machine, which, I think, is beginning to function very successfully— certainly it has already dealt with a great number of difficulties and given satisfaction—is at work and is daily being added to. With regard to young men serving, that raises a great question, but I am sure the whole House realises that people engaged on work of national importance in munition factories are serving their country very well in the work which they are doing and that to disturb them unduly would not be in the national interest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large number of smaller plants that have a contribution to make, whose output is not being fully used?

A great many surveys of these plants have already been made. My postbag is very heavy with offers every day, and these are being considered to see whether some of the machinery and some of the skilled staff from a number of them could be grouped together in larger units and institutions. It is a little difficult to manufacture an immense programme by so decentralising that only very little is made in small places, but the idea is to recruit the best of the machinery and the best of the men and make a larger unit. That is under consideration, and where it is possible to subcontract on a component basis, that is being done.

Is my right hon. Friend recruiting women for munition factories, because in the last War women were put in the factories so as to let men go to the Front?

A large percentage of the semi-skilled work may ultimately have to be done by women.

In the last War, was not skilled work done by women, and did they not learn in six months work which some of the unions said could only be learnt in years?

Would my right hon. Friend consider the formation of a machinery pool so that machinery can be allocated to firms that are engaged on munitions supply?

There will be, if there is not already, a controller of machine tools, which will serve the purpose my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.

Does the speeding-up plan affect the Scottish contractors engaged on war-time service?

Sir Alfred Knox.

On a point of Order. Many Scottish contractors are engaged in war-time work, and surely a Scottish Member is entitled to ask the Minister whether Scottish firms are affected by any new scheme which the Government introduce. May I ask whether my supplementary was not in order?

We cannot have too many supplementary questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps have been taken to ensure that the Dominions shall receive from the theatres of war, with the least possible delay, the necessary information on which to base their own organisation, equipment and military effort?

This matter is having the close attention of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

Can my right hon. Friend state what is the channel of communication? Does the information go direct from the War Office through the High Commissioners?

The channel is Dominions Office.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the membership of Convocation of the University of London exceeding 17,000 graduates, he has considered giving relief by legislation to the authorities of Convocation from their statutory obligation of convening Convocation for the conduct of elections to the senate and other offices or for ordinary meetings during the present crisis?

A Bill is already before the House giving the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge a general discretionary power to make emergency statutes and this power makes possible the suspension of normal statutory obligations. The most convenient way of meeting the difficulty raised by my hon. Friend would seem to be that the University of London, perhaps in common with other universities, should seek similar powers.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether he can make a statement as to the present facilities for collection and delivery of letters; whether there will be any curtailment for the future; and give an indication for the guidance of the House and the public as to what departure from the normal there is or will be in the time taken for a given letter to reach its destination?

Postal work has been made more difficult by the calling up to the Colours of a large number of Post Office servants, by the rearrangements of train services and by the lighting restrictions. Some of the later deliveries and collections have been curtailed. In the London area the last two deliveries of the day have been combined into one beginning at 6 p.m. and night collections have been suspended after 7.30 p.m. The effect in the provinces is less marked. Until experience has been obtained of the working of the new railway time tables it is difficult to forecast the extent to which further rearrangements may be necessary, but I have no doubt that, while here and there some slowing down may be inevitable, it will prove possible to maintain generally a reasonably effective service. For instance, I would expect that letters posted in Central London before 5.30 p.m. will be delivered anywhere throughout England and Wales the following morning.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can offer any inducement in the way of increased grant to the local education authorities in connection with air-raid precautions work?

As the hon. Member is aware, this question was reviewed by the Government a few weeks ago. I do not consider that present circumstances justify any alteration of the conclusions which were arrived at after the fullest consideration on that occasion.

Is the Minister aware that the Board of Education have since issued a decree insisting that in neutral areas shelters and provision should be made for the children before the schools are reopened and, therefore, does not his promise to review this question in 1940 become of no value because of the expenditure having to be incurred prior to that date?

What I said was that I do not consider the present circumstances justify any alteration. It may well be the case that the financial relations between local authorities and the Government may have to be looked at from time to time, but I suggest that this is not the moment for making piecemeal adjustments.

May we assume that the reply does not mean that my right hon. Friend is not unwilling to consider detailed adjustments for specific purposes?

asked the Home Secretary whether all London Transport employés working in places where they are likely to be exposed in the event of airraids will be issued with steel helmets; and whether suitable supplies of mustard ointment could be made directly available for their use?

I understand that the London Passenger Transport Board are providing steel helmets for such of their employés as are required to work in the streets during an air raid without the protection of a vehicle or building. Supplies of anti-gas ointment are to be provided as part of the equipment of first-aid parties and first-aid posts, and in first-aid boxes in wardens' posts, for the treatment of anyone who has been contaminated by gas, and I understand that the board are making no separate arrangements in respect of their own staffs.

asked the Home Secretary whether local authorities will be advised, in overcrowded areas where there is an absence of adequate shelter, to make use of the playgrounds in empty schools, to provide air-raid shelters?

In areas where the children have been evacuated there is no reason why air-raid shelter should not be provided in school playgrounds, and I have no doubt that local education authorities will co-operate in this matter.

In view of the difficulties in distressed areas, which have not the money to provide playgrounds, should not some extra assistance be given?

That is a much larger question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to announce his decision with regard to extending the period of summer time?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has come to any decision as to the extension of summer time; and whether he will bear in mind the great advantage to shopkeepers and their staffs whose windows will have to be darkened, and to the general public, if they have the advantage of some extra daylight?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now reached a decision respecting the extension of summer time?

I am not yet in a position to announce a decision. If summer time is to be prolonged beyond 8th October, the question what should be the terminal date requires careful consideration, and inquiry into that question is still proceeding. I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

Will my right hon. Friend, in making up his mind, bear in mind the important psychological value that springs from artificially extending daylight at the present time?

That is the kind of ground for considering the question.

Before the right hon. Gentleman comes to any conclusion will he consult trade organisations, particularly the retail trade and business people in the cities, as to the advantage of this very desirable change?

There are many interests and many points of view that have to be considered, and consultations are proceeding as rapidly as possible.

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to come to a decision next week?

I said shortly, and I prefer not to add to that.

Will my right hon. Friend consult farmers?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of granting early permission for the reopening of the theatres and cinemas at any rate until black-out time, so as to afford that relaxation and entertainment to the people at present being provided only by licensed premises and the British Broadcasting Corporation?

As my hon. Friend is aware, it has already been arranged for places of entertainment in neutral and reception areas to open, subject to the power of the chief officer of police to keep any particular premises closed. As regards relaxation of the prohibition in the remaining areas, or in some of them, I have the matter under close consideration and hope to be in a position to make a definite statement before the weekend.

Will my right hon. Friend remember that cinemas are more fit for meeting places than public houses?

Does the Minister consider it desirable that police chiefs should completely prohibit the opening of cinemas in neutral areas, as is happening?

I think there may be local circumstances, not generally known, which make it desirable to take such action.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now reached a decision on the advisability of issuing an order for the early closing of shops in the national interest, the saving of fuel and light, and to enable assistants to reach their homes within reasonable hours?

As I stated last week, I am looking into this question, but I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Can the Minister give me any idea of when he may be in a position to make a statement?

Question 43 has been called.

I asked only one supplementary question and surely I ought to have an answer to that?

I do not think it is for me to decide a point of that sort when another question has been called; but I would explain, if I may have the leave of the House, that I did say in my original answer that the matter was being closely considered, and that I shall ensure, as far as lies in my power, that the decision is announced without unnecessary delay.

asked the Home Secretary what are the present powers and duties of the Regional Commissioners?

The Regional Commissioners have now been charged by warrant with the responsibility of ensuring that the Civil Defence plans of the Government Departments and local authorities are properly co-ordinated. Under present conditions they are not invested with specific powers, but they are in a position to use their influence to secure the completion of local Civil Defence preparations and the smooth working of measures already in operation. As was indicated in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones) on 7th February, in the event of a breakdown of communications the Regional Commissioners, in consultation with the Regional representatives of Government Departments, will exercise the powers vested in His Majesty's Government until communications have been satisfactorily reestablished.

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the present democratic system of local authorities will function until such time as there is lack of communication?

I understand that the normal system is working, but that it has been most usefully and valuably reinforced by the addition of an emergency organisation held in constant readiness to function in the event of any interruption.

Is it to be understood that the Minister has an overriding authority over these Regional Commissions?

Certainly.

Does not the Minister recognise the great confusion arising from the use of the words "Regional" and "Regional Commissioners," when the Minister of Health is always referring to the regionalisation of the Ministry of Health?

There should be no confusion. Regional Commissioners have been appointed, in circumstances which are well known to the House, for the 12 areas into which the country has been divided, and partly in consequence of that plan the arrangements by which the different Ministries concerned in Civil Defence carry out their local functions have been brought into line, so that the Ministry of Health and other Departments have a regional representative at the headquarters of each Regional Commission, and that makes for the elimination of delays.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government's proposals for the conscription of wealth in war-time, as already indicated by him, will be brought forward?

In his reply to the right hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence) on 7th September, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that he expected to make an announcement shortly on the subject of an emergency Budget. In the meantime I cannot make a further statement on the matters referred to by me in my statements on 26th and 27th April last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the principle on which non-Ministerial appointments for civil administration are made; and whether he can give an assurance that the sole qualification is ability, and that political opinions or support for the parties in the National Government will be ignored?

It is the intention of His Majesty's Government that appointments of the kind described should be filled on the principles indicated in the second part of the question.

How does the Prime Minister account for the fact that such a large proportion of chairmen of Conservative party organisations are appointed to these posts? In particular, may I ask whether he is aware that in Aberdeen the chairman of a Conservative party organisation and a large fishing employer by no means distinguished for his impartiality has been appointed —

rose—

With great respect to you, I desire to ask for what reason I am not to be allowed to put this question?

Question Time cannot be used for making derogatory remarks on individuals. They certainly would not be allowed in a question which was to be put on the Paper, nor can they be allowed in a supplementary question.

I respectfully suggest that you did not let me complete my question.

I had heard quite enough.

May I put it in another form, and I will endeavour to bring myself within the Ruling which you have just given? I wish to ask whether the Prime Minister is aware that in Aberdeen the chairman of a Conservative party organisation, who is a large fishing employer, has been appointed to superintend the whole of the fish trade operations of the port, including superintendence of a large number of fishing trade employés with whom he has been in antagonistic negotiation for many years, and does he think that that is an effective way of securing collaboration?

I know nothing of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but I will undertake to say that when this appointment was made it was not because the gentleman in question was a supporter of the Government.

Is the Prime Minister aware that reports are coming in regarding the alleged predominance of Conservative party appointments to posts of this kind, and will he give an assurance that no discrimination of that kind will be allowed?

I have already given such an assurance in my original answer.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are to be taken to increase old age pensions, in view of the national emergency and the fact that many thousands of pensioners are deprived of assistance from relatives who are now on active service?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can present a report on the investigation that was promised into the position of the old age and widow pensioners; is it intended to increase the pensions and, if so, from what date and by what amount?

As regards the first part of Question No. 48 I regret that the international situation last month and the subsequent outbreak of war made it impossible for the Government to complete the intended investigation. I am afraid that in this great emergency the question of any general increase in the rate of old age pensions must remain in abeyance for the time being. But I would point out that special machinery exists under which members of the Defence Forces may make allotments of pay to dependants and others, that in addition dependants' allowances are issuable from Service Votes under certain conditions, and that old age pensioners who can show that they are in need because they have suffered a substantial loss of other income owing to the war will be eligible for consideration under the national scheme for Prevention and Relief of Distress.

Does the Prime Minister not realise the great hardship imposed upon old age pensioners and does he not consider the circumstances of the national emergency warrant a general increase to all old age pensioners now?

That is the same question again. I said that the Government have taken into consideration the possibility of hardship to old age pensioners and have tried to meet it by the various provisions I have made, and I think the House will see that in this present emergency a general increase in the flat rate of old age pensions must remain in abeyance.

Is the Prime Minister not aware that the absolute necessities of these people have already increased in price by Id., 2d. or 3d., and that in view of that accumulation the old age people are heartbroken; and will he therefore reconsider his decision?