asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether there has been any modification made in the policy of the Board with regard to the opening of secondary schools in evacuation areas?

It has been decided to relax the rule which requires secondary schools in evacuation areas to remain closed, to the extent of permitting reopening where a school is situated on the fringes or in sparsely populated portions of such areas. Reopening will in such cases be conditional upon sufficient air-raid protection having been provided, and upon it being made clear to parents that the attendance of their children is entirely at their discretion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the uncertainty of some local education authorities as to the nature and extent of the conditions for the protection of students which the Board has in view, and the consequent delay in resuming the work of adult education in the evenings, he will give fuller details of the conditions which the Board desire to be fulfilled?

The question what constitutes adequate protection for students is one for the local education authority to consider in consultation with the local air-raid precautions authority, and is not a matter for the Board.

asked the Minister of Health why a differential figure is fixed for billet money for evacuated teachers on duty who receive 5s. weekly compared to the 21s. received by civil servants in like circumstances?

The householder on whom a teacher who voluntarily accompanies his school is billeted is only called upon to provide lodging. The teacher may remain so billeted during his stay. If a civil servant is billeted for lodging only the householder would similarly be paid 5s. per week. The payment to a householder of 21s. per week for a billeted civil servant compulsorily evacuated with his Department covers the cost of certain meals and lodging, and is subject to review after a limited period.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any arrangements have been made for the provision of school dental treatment for evacuated schoolchildren in reception areas?

The Board have made it clear in paragraph 10 of their Circular No. 1469, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, that the receiving education authority are responsible for the working of the School Medical Service (which includes the School Dental Service) for evacuated children. It is earnestly hoped that these children will be given the same facilities for dental treatment as are available for children who ordinarily attend schools in the receiving areas. The Board have under consideration the issue of a memorandum giving guidance in detail to local education authorities in the matter of dental treatment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the circumstances of hundreds of women teachers who have lost their employment in consequence of the evacuation of secondary and private schools; that in the case of some private schools teachers have not received either the usual notice or salary in lieu of notice; that many of these teachers are anxious to undertake work of National Service but are barred there from by their being in a reserved occupation; and whether he will take steps to have the regulations with respect to reserved occupations amended to enable these teachers to perform work of national importance and earn their living until they can be re-absorbed into their profession?

I have seen it stated that many women teachers in private schools have lost their employment in consequence of the evacuation scheme, but I am not aware that this is the case in grant-earning secondary schools. The hon. Member will be aware that women teachers may be accepted for nursing and first aid services, but the question of amending the Schedule of Reserved Occupations so as to enable them to undertake other duties is a matter for the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Minister of Health whether such pupils of schools in the evacuable areas that followed the Government's advice and remained in the district where they were on holiday can, on rejoining their schools, be billeted under the Government's scheme; and whether payment of the usual billeting allowance can be made in respect of them?

The advice of the Government was that school children who were away on holiday at the time of evacuation should not return home and could be billeted in the area in which they were then staying. Those who did not take this advice but returned home have been given an opportunity to come within the Government scheme by further registration, and arrangements are now being made for their further evacuation.Doubtless my hon. Friend has in mind the particular case of certain secondary school children who anticipated this arrangement and made their own way to the reception area. Although in this respect they departed from the procedure laid down, I am informed that the reception authority secured billets for these children, and that the usual billeting allowances are in fact being paid in respect of them.

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken to augment the number of health visitors in the reception areas; and whether any have been transferred from the service of the local authorities in the evacuated areas?

Steps for augmenting health visiting staff are primarily a matter for the welfare authorities in the different areas to decide upon, having regard to local needs. I propose very shortly to issue a circular giving advice to welfare authorities on this and other matters relating to the health of evacuees. I have at present no particulars showing to what extent health visiting staff have been transferred from evacuated to reception areas.

asked the Minister of Health whether any arrangements have been, or will be, made to provide boots for evacuated children whose parents are in receipt of public assistance and unable to purchase boots for their children?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 27th September to my hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth (Sir W. Edge). I am considering methods of organising voluntary effort to supply necessitous children with clothes and other equipment, and I hope to issue a circular to local authorities shortly.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider making an early public pronouncement on the problem of the premature return of State-aided evacuees to congested areas,

I have already asked local authorities to emphasise in their areas the danger of people returning to the areas from which they have been evacuated, and similar warnings have appeared in the Press throughout the country. I have also asked local authorities to make it known that facilities for evacuation cannot be made available for these people again. I should welcome the widest possible publicity that can be given to this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any special travelling facilities, not interfering with traffic of national importance, can be offered to those wishing to visit their wives and children in the reception areas?

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds cheap day railway tickets have been abolished; and whether the question of their restoration will be considered?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that hardship is caused to many women and children evacuated to reception areas by the withdrawal or absence of cheap fare facilities, thus preventing visits from husbands, parents and other relatives; and whether he will take all necessary steps to provide such cheap fare facilities?

I would refer to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Leyton West (Mr. Sorensen) on 20th September. I am sending the hon. Members a copy of that reply to which, as at present advised, I cannot add anything.

asked the Home Secretary how many free Anderson shelters the people of Rotherham and York are, respectively, entitled to; how many have been delivered in each place; what method of delivery was adopted; and whether he can give any information as to when delivery may be expected to complete the plan?

The particulars desired have been communicated to the hon. Member.

askd the Home Secretary whether he is aware that local authorities are designing premises as public air-raid shelters under the powers conferred on them by Regulation 23 of the Emergency Powers Defence Regulations instead of under Sections 2 and 3 of Part II of the Civil Defence Act, with the result that the owner has no right of appeal; and whether he will consider ensuring that such owners should not be deprived of all right of appeal in this matter?

Yes, Sir. The procedure under Part II of the Civil Defence Act was designed for peace-time, and on the outbreak of war it was thought necessary that local authorities should be given further discretionary powers to ensure that the most immediate use could be made of available buildings which would offer a satisfactory measure of protection. The possibility of making some provision for appeal will be borne in mind, but in present circumstances I should be reluctant to introduce any new procedure which might delay the work of local authorities in providing public shelters where they are urgently required.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain local authorities have designated the basements of chemists' shops as public air-raid shelters; and whether, as the public will run a considerable additional risk in being directed and going to premises stored with dangerous drugs and corrosives, he will, in the public interest, direct that shelters should not be designated in such places?

Yes, Sir. The question whether such premises are suitable for use as public air-raid shelters must depend on the circumstances of the particular case, and I do not think it would be wise to seek to lay down any general rule in this matter. I have no 'doubt that local authorities take into account the extent to which the presence of stores of the kind mentioned by my hon. and learned Friend may reduce the potential use of premises for shelter purposes, and I understand that, as it has become possible for them to bring alternative arrangements into effect, local authorities have in a number of cases cancelled the designation of chemists' shops for this purpose.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to indicate in the right quarters that it is the desire of the Government that in all branches of Civil Defence voluntary unpaid effort should be encouraged as much as possible; that when payment is made for services rendered it should not exceed that paid to men in the Services, with calculated allowances for board and lodging, and that if pay is drawn the recipient should sign an undertaking that it is financially necessary; and whether he is aware that in many cases voluntary effort is refused and patriotic individuals become discouraged by actions of this kind?

Local authorities have already been advised that the employment of persons on a whole-time paid basis for Civil Defence services should not be allowed to displace suitable volunteers who are willing to undertake duty without payment, and I am not aware that there is any tendency to disregard that advice. The standard rates of pay for whole-time paid personnel in Civil Defence were determined after careful consideration and with due regard to their relation to the pay and allowances of the rank and file of the military forces. It would not, I think, be possible to make the pay of whole-time volunteers depend on some form of means test as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Home Secretary what efforts were made to obtain voluntary air-raid precautions workers before paid workers were employed; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in many centres of population at what is thought to be the absence of system in engaging these workers; whether he is satisfied that the engagement of paid workers is beneficial generally, and that those who for far smaller remuneration do much more arduous work are also satisfied?

The whole recruiting effort for A.R.P. services was based on the principle that these services should rely to as large an extent as possible upon part-time unpaid volunteers. It has, however, always been recognised that under war conditions it would be necessary to maintain a proportion of volunteers on a whole-time paid basis if the services of Civil Defence were to be adequately manned. At the outbreak of hostilities it was essential to mobilise the Civil Defence personnel available, but I am now investigating what adjustments are desirable and possible for the effective organisation of these services over a prolonged term.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of active burning pit-heaps in Northumberland and the number extinguished during the past 12 months?

I have been informed by the Ministry of Health, whose inspectors visit these heaps, that there are at present 14 pit-heaps in the county of Northumberland which are burning; actively and six which are smouldering. During the past year three heaps have been extinguished and four other heaps have been reduced from active burning to smouldering and on these heaps there is now no open flame. Since the outbreak of war efforts to quench the flames on pit-heaps have been intensified with a view to securing further improvement as early as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that delay is being experienced by business people in securing copies of various orders being issued by his Department; and, in the event of such orders becoming operative before copies of the same are obtainable, will he allow a time lag between the making of such order and the liability of the trader for not carrying it out?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that delay is being experienced by business people in securing copies of various orders being issued by his Department, and in the event of such orders becoming operative before copies of same are obtainable, will he allow a time lag between the making of such order and the liability of the trader for not carrying it out?

Every effort is made to ensure that copies of the unavoidably numerous orders issued by my Depart- ment at the present time become available to the public without delay. Notice of such orders is given to the Press, and in appropriate cases also to the B.B.C., simultaneously with their issue. I am afraid that I could not make a rule as suggested in the last part of the question, since this might sometimes facilitate evasion of the objects of the orders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the statement sent to him by the Glasgow and West of Scotland Retail Hatters and Hosiers Association on 20th September, 1939; and has he any statement to make?

I have considered the letter to which the hon. Member refers. It has been made clear on several occasions and most recently in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Loftus) on 21st September, that material additions to charges on current sales cannot be justified by reference to the cost of compulsory insurance, and that for the great majority of goods the addition warranted on this account should be substantially less than 2 per cent. Inquiries are being made into the particular case to which attention was drawn in the letter from the association.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that unless a definite decision is arrived at in the immediate future in regard to the maintenance of adequate protection for the British film industry during the war period, valuable technicians who have been trained over a period of years will have to be dispersed, and will no longer be available; and whether, in these circumstances, he can take any remedial action in the matter;(2) whether he is aware that, as a result of the prevailing uncertainty in the production side of the British film industry as to his intention for its future protection from foreign competition, the making of films in British studios has virtually ceased; and whether, in view of the fact that the financial burdens upon this industry are such that it will have to close down in the near future unless some drastic change can be made, he will undertake to make a definite statement on the subject within the next fortnight?

I have already given an assurance to the British film producers that any necessary changes in the present Acts will only be made after further consultation with them and that there will be no avoidable delay in reaching a decision. I should hope to be able to make a definite statement within the next fortnight but there are various interests to be considered and I cannot promise to do so. In the meantime, as I pointed out to my hon. Friend on the 26th September, the Act of 1938 is still in force.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the improved economic situation in Spain, any special arrangements are in process for the development of Anglo-Spanish trade; and what representation the Board of Trade has established in Spain for the promotion of the sale of British goods in Spanish markets?

His Majesty's Government have already indicated their desire to enter into discussions, as soon as the Spanish Government are ready to do so, for the purpose of reaching a mutually satisfactory settlement of the various problems affecting trade and payments between the two countries. As regards the second part of the question, British commercial interests are represented by a Commercial Counsellor attached to His Majesty's Embassy at San Sebastian and by Consular Officers at the principal commercial centres of the country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the feeling of unrest at the changed prices of goods that are taking place; and will he take steps to get retail traders to show the prices on each article for sale so that the purchaser will know exactly what he will have to pay?

I am aware of numerous complaints about increases in the price of goods. The Government have given further consideration to the measures to be taken to deal with unjustifiable increases. Although it would be possible to proceed in this matter by way of order under the Defence Regulations, they have decided, in view of the importance and difficulty of the subject, to introduce a Bill. Certain tentative decisions have been taken as to the provisions to be included in the Bill, but these will be reviewed in the light of discussions that are now taking place with various responsible bodies. In this connection, the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the second part of the question will be kept in mind. It is hoped to introduce the Bill at a very early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the average market price at port of calcium carbide for each of the last five completed years?

The average value of the calcium carbide imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938 was 11.28, 10.98, 11.03, 10.88 and 9.57 shillings per cwt., respectively.

James asked the Home Secretary whether, in future annual returns of aliens granted certificates of naturalisation he will cause to be inserted in the third column, the added information of the aliens date of arrival in this country?

I doubt whether a mere statement of the date of arrival in this country would be informative, as there are cases where applicants for naturalisation have had broken periods of residence here.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state precisely the conditions that have to be fulfilled before an applicant can be granted naturalisation; and what steps are taken, and by whom, to examine the qualifications of applicants?

The statutory conditions are contained in Section 2 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act. Careful inquiry is always made to ensure that certificates are only granted to persons who in addition to possessing these qualifications are likely to prove worthy of the privilege of British nationality. When the inquiries have been completed each case is examined individually in my Department in the light of all the information available and all the relevant circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of existing relations between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Germany, the Government will take steps to prohibit and prevent the disbursement in this country of money by the Comintern or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, whether directly or indirectly?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to-day to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Well-ingborough (Wing-Commander James).

asked the Home Secretary whether persons appearing before aliens tribunals will be allowed to be represented; and, if not, what is the reason for this new procedure?

The whole procedure is new and is designed to avoid the necessity for any general measure of internment. It is desired to complete the review with the greatest possible expedition. This object would not be attained if every case had to be dealt with as though the alien were being tried in a court of law. It will be open to the tribunal to allow the alien to be accompanied by a friend or to bring such witnesses as in the opinion of the tribunal may be likely to assist the tribunal.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the present system of requiring travel permits and exit permits for travellers, tourists, and residents in or to the Isle of Man is causing considerable inconvenience to those legitimately passing backwards and forwards to the island and that it often takes as long as 10 days to get a permit; and whether he will take steps to facilitate the system which is causing dislocation and financial loss to the Manx community?

I regret that in the initial stages of the control some inconvenience has been caused. I am anxious to reduce this to a minimum, and I am now considering what steps can be taken to that end.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to increase the number of piers and landing stages in the tidal reaches of the Thames, the need for which has been urged repeatedly during the present year and abundantly demonstrated since the war began?

I have approved for the purpose of grant under the Civil Defence Act the construction of a pontoon pier at Putney and a wood pile jetty at Holehaven. I understand that the Port of London Authority have already given instructions for the latter work to be put in hand.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the recent fatal accident at the cross-roads in St. Clears, Carmarthenshire, and to previous accidents at this point; and whether he will now agree to put traffic lights at these cross-roads?

I learned with regret of a fatal accident on 5th September at the junction of the London-Fishguard Trunk Road with routes A.447 and B.4313 at St. Clears, Carmarthenshire. There are advance direction signs on the Trunk Road and "Halt" signs on the two side roads, and the due observance of the existing directions should make the junction safe. I am, however, having a special inquiry made into the causes of the accident to see whether further traffic control measures are necessary at this point.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the great potential danger in the barring of doors on certain suburban railway trains, he will now give orders for their immediate removal in the interests of public safety?

Bars are only placed across the windows of the doors on certain suburban trains of exceptional width to prevent passengers from leaning out of the windows and being injured owing to the small clearance at certain points on the lines. In the interests of safety I do not think it desirable that these particular bars should be removed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is able to indicate the terms upon which the railway companies will be compensated during the period of Government control?

I am not yet in a position to add to the answer which I gave on the 20th September to a similar question by the hon. Member for Clay Cross (Mr. Ridley).

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the prices charged to the rank and file of the services at railway refreshment rooms are regarded with dissatisfaction as being unduly high for men receiving pay on service scales; whether he is prepared, on request, to provide facilities at railway stations, much used by military, for canteens to be run by voluntary workers; and whether, pending the setting-up of such canteens, he will arrange that men in uniform are to be charged reasonable prices for necessary beverages and food during journeys?

No general expression of dissatisfaction has come to my notice; if my hon. Friend will give me details of any specific complaints I will certainly investigate them. The railway companies have agreed to give facilities for voluntary bodies to provide canteens for troops, and have in addition arranged to open, during hours when they would normally be closed, their refreshment rooms at the chief railway centres. They also provide, subject to prior arrangement, packed meals for parties of troops at reduced charges.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why it has been decided to close down local abattoirs and centralise the slaughter of meat in a few centres many of which are unsuitably placed; if he is aware that this change will cause inconvenience to thousands of towns, waste of time and of petrol and add greatly to the expenses of butchers, and thus raise prices of beef to consumers; and whether he will delay execution of this scheme until the necessity for it has been established and the details of the plans approved by those likely to be affected by it?

The details of the Meat Control Scheme which it will be necessary to put into operation as part of the rationing arrangements have not yet been finally settled. I cannot, however, accept the implications in the second part of my hon. Friend's question. I have already stated that control schemes will not be put into operation until consultation has taken place with the interests concerned. This applies to the Meat Control Scheme, but I cannot undertake to delay its operation until there is universal agreement.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can give an assurance that in making any substantial alterations in the emergency potato distribution scheme he will arrange to consult with all the appropriate trade bodies and in particular with the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades, Limited?

Yes, Sir. I can certainly give this assurance.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can give an assurance that before any arrangements are made to introduce an emergency Potato Distribution Scheme the various mistakes will be avoided which, in the Fish Distribution Scheme, proved a failure in practice; and, as the quantity of potatoes produced in this country is sufficient for home consumption and imports are negligible, he will avoid, as far as possible, any unnecessary interference with the normal channels of distribution of potatoes?

I can assure my hon. Friend that full weight will be given to the considerations to which he refers before any scheme of control for potatoes is put into operation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that, in connection with the scheme for fish control, men have been sent to Plymouth who have not been conversant with local conditions and whose arrival has caused local men to be displaced and so deprived of their means of earning their livelihood; and whether he will reconsider and reduce the rate of administration charges for the fish control and expedite payments?

The original scheme for the distribution of fish has been withdrawn. Every endeavour is being made to expedite the payments which fall to be made there under.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any organised measures have been introduced to prevent waste of fruit which might be made into jam or otherwise preserved, and if arrangements have been made for an adequate supply of sugar for this purpose?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he proposes to take to ensure, to allotment holders and the owners of gardens who have abundant crops of fruits, an adequate supply of sugar for the preserving of such crops?

I am satisfied that the makers of jam are well able to take care of any surplus of fruit provided they obtain an adequate supply of sugar and other materials. Every possible effort is being made to see that adequate supplies of sugar go to those who are able to use it for preserving fruit. A number of additional refineries have been brought into operation and in spite of transport difficulties refined sugar is rapidly being delivered to all parts of the country.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the serious dislocation of the livestock trade in Scotland and the confusion experienced in all markets as a result of the new regulations imposed; why Scottish- producers were not consulted in the preparation of these regulations and the fixing of prices; and what action has been taken, in response to the unanimous demand of the National Fanners Union of Scotland submitted to his Department on 22nd September, for immediate reorganisation of the present control system and adjustment of prices in consultation with the union?

The latest reports from Scotland do not bear out the statement of my hon. Friend in the first part of his question. Since the receipt of the representations made by the National Farmers' Union of Scotland on the 22nd September, prices have been adjusted by means of a new Order. On the introduction of full control the regulations will be modified in a manner calculated to meet in a large measure the points raised by the union.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why the old marketing town of Denbigh has been closed for the slaughter of animals and a seaside resort in another county substituted instead?

There is no slaughter-house in Denbigh with sufficient capacity to serve the needs of the district. It is now proposed that slaughtering should be done at Ruthin, an arrangement which, I understand, is satisfactory to the retail butchers' buying committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in future, at least one farmer will be included amongst those responsible for grading and estimating the weight of livestock in auction marts?

Yes, Sir. This is provided for in the control scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can make any statement as to the shortage of cod-liver oil, which is vital for modern rearing of young chickens; and whether steps are being taken to provide increased supplies?

I am not aware of any shortage of cod-liver oil. I am, however, looking into the question of future supplies and will bear in mind the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor -of the Duchy of Lancaster whether billeting arrangements for food control staff are made by male employ és; whether he is aware that in some instances the girls have to sleep three in a bed; and whether in future he will arrange for a female supervisor to have charge of billeting arrangements for women members of the staff?

I am not aware of the existence of the conditions stated in the question, but if the hon. Member will send me further particulars, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate regular supply of butter at reasonable prices for the civilian population?

Butter will be a rationed commodity and consequently supplies available will be equitably distributed. Maximum retail prices have already been imposed. Steps are being actively taken at the present time to ensure that adequate supplies will be available to meet the ration requirements. The hon. Member will no doubt appreciate that, for the reasons which I explained to the House on the 26th instant, it will not be practicable in the immediate future to maintain butter supplies at their normal peace-time level.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps, in the matter of rationing of shops, he proposes to take to safeguard the position of small shopkeepers?

When the scheme for the rationing of the consumer is introduced it will be necessary for everyone to register with the retail shops from which they intend to purchase rationed foods, and the supplies of rationed foods to the shops will be regulated in accordance with the number of customers registered with them. Supplies of commodities which are not rationed must be governed generally by the normal requirements of the shops as adjusted for any change in demand due, for instance, to a movement of population. There is no distinction between large and small shops in this or any other of the arrangements being made by my Department.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Wool Control Scheme is regarded by the trade as unworkable in Scotland; that the Scottish Federation of Wool Brokers and Merchants, which includes within its membership every wool broker and merchant in Scotland, has been refused opportunity to state its views to the wool controller; and whether he will re-examine the scheme in its application to Scotland with a view to substituting the plan carried out in the last war which worked satisfactorily?

It is proposed that before the control scheme for Scotland is finally settled further discussions shall take place between the controller and representatives of the Scottish Federation of Wool Brokers and Merchants.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are taken to ensure that when the controller of any material or manufacture has, until his appointment, been actively engaged in the production of that material or manufacture the consumers interests are adequately represented?

It would not be possible for me, within the limits of a Parliamentary Answer, to describe in detail the precise steps taken in connection with every Control. Broadly speaking, adequate representation of consumers' interests is secured through the Controller's Advisory Committees and Allocation Committees. Such Committees are, of course, established without reference to the question of the previous interests of the Controller concerned and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that all Controllers do, in fact, endeavour to keep in the closest touch with the consumers concerned. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind in which he thinks that inadequate attention is paid to the interests of consumers, I should be glad if he would communicate with me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of removing the distinction between officers and non-commissioned officers and privates in the granting to officers of the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross and to privates of the Distinguished Service Medal and the Military Medal, thus bringing the practice in the British Army into line with that of the French Army, in which there are no class distinctions in the granting of military decorations?

The ranks eligiblefor awards of the D.S.O., M.C., D.C.M.and M.M. are set out in the Statutes and Warrants of the distinctions in question.They are:D.S.O: Officers.M.C.: Officers not above the rank of Captain and warrant officers.D.C.M.: Warrant officers, non commissioned Officers and men.M.M.: Warrant officers, non-Commissioned Officers and men and women.The experience of the last war did not suggest that the principles on which the honours in question were awarded required any change.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any special arrangements have been made to cover cases where reservist soldiers recently called up are unable to pay the interest on their house mortgages?

Reservists are protected in regard to mortgage interest in the same way and to the same extent as other members of the public by the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1939.In addition, as has already been announced in the Press, there is the right of access to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee which is empowered to recommend financial assistance in cases where, by reason of his service, the applicant is unable to meet his liabilities, thereby sustaining hardship. The Committee is empowered to take into account, in assessing need, mortgage interest among other civil liabilities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain the position of reservist soldiers now called to the Colours who are unable to pay the interest on life insurances?

Reservists who were called to the Colours under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act, 1939, before general mobilization, were given a certain measure of protection by the Order in Council dated 23rd June, 1939, in the event of non-payment of life insurance premiums at the due date owing to their having been called up for service. This protection amounted broadly to an extended time for payment without interest accruing on arrears. The protection covered the period of service under the Act and a limited time afterwards.Service under the Act terminated with general mobilisation. A reservist called up on general mobilisation, or a reservist previously called up under the Act when his period of grace under the Order in Council expires, is in the same position as regards insurances as any other member of the public. No special protection is given under the War Emergency legislation in regard to life insurances. The reservist, however, has the right of access to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, which may take life insurance into account among other civil liabilities in considering any claim for special financial assistance on grounds of hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for War what offers he has received from ex-officers of the Army of 50 years of age and over who are skilled anthropologists; what decision he has come to on the matter; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the utilisation of their services, with a view to the most beneficial occupation of personnel?

Suggestions have been received from an ex-officer regarding an anthropometric survey of the Army. I am advised, however, that, though such a survey might be of scientific interest, it is impossible in present circumstances to carry it out, owing to the time which would be required for the purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the men serving at home to have reasonable leave as often as possible and, in particular, for those serving within a short distance from their homes; and can this be extended to anti-aircraft units?

Arrangements will be made for men serving at home to have reasonable leave, and this will apply to anti-aircraft units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are many cases of women with families, whose husbands have been called up for three weeks or more, but who have so far received no allowances whatever and are without means; and whether he will at once authorise the advance by the persons responsible of the allowances due pending the issue of the usual formal authorisation?

Non-payment of allowances has been due in some cases to delay by units in notifying particulars to the regimental paymasters, and in others to failure by soldiers' wives to notify change of address on evacuation. Instructions are being issued to all units to report cases where the necessary particulars have not been sent to pay officers, or where soldiers' wives are not in receipt of allowances, and immediate action will be taken on such report.As regards the suggestion in the last part of the question, if sufficient information is available for any payment to be made, the full allowance can be authorised at once. In any case of urgent need, application can be made to the nearest office of the Ministry of Labour for temporary assistance under the Government scheme for the prevention of distress.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the payment of an adequate flat rate for each dependent child of the soldier irrespective of the number of children in the family; and whether he will also institute a rent allowance for the soldiers' wife so as to relieve hardship in the homes of those on active service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) on Tuesday, 26th September.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to granting permission to the citizens of Manchester of Scottish descent to form a Manchester Scottish battalion?

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which was given to my hon. and learned Friend on 20th June last.

asked the Secretary of State for War within what period the Army will be able to absorb the Militia already called up; and whether he can assure the House that all these young men are, at present, receiving full training?

Militiamen became a part of the Army as soon as they joined, and all these men have received or are receiving training adequate for their arm of the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of the Territorial Army, now embodied, is undergoing field training; and whether he is in a position to state within what period such training is likely to be available?

My hon. Friend will, I hope, appreciate that it would not be desirable, in present circumstances, to publish information on this subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in some livestock markets store stock, particularly weaning calves, have been fetching higher prices than those fixed by the Government for the same class of animal when fattened for the butcher; and whether he is taking steps to deal with such anomalies?

I am aware that, it regard is had only to market prices per cwt., which in the case of fat cattle do not include the subsidy, store stock have been fetching higher prices than fat stock in some markets, but I would point out that this is by no means unusual when there is a strong demand for stores.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to suggest to the Wholesale Food Control that definite prices should be quoted for costs of poultry food since merchants at present are in a state of uncertainty?

An Order is being made by the Minister of Food fixing the maximum prices that may be charged for the principal feeding stuffs, including those normally consumed by poultry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that under the present procedure two separate bodies are dealing with the ploughing-up of grassland; that therefore occupiers of farms will be subjected to inspections of their land by two separate authorities, and will he consider, in view of the advantages both from an economic and administrative point of view, arranging for the inspections of both categories of grassland to be dealt with by the war agricultural committees to whom he has entrusted the food production campaign?

The only bodies responsible for giving directions with respect to the cultivation, management or use of agricultural land, including the ploughing-up of grassland, are the County War Agricultural Executive Committees, to whom my powers under the Defence Regulations have been delegated by the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1939. The payment of the Government grant of £ 2 per acre upon grassland ploughed up remains a direct responsibility of the Agricultural Department concerned, but I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no avoidable duplication in the activities of my Department and the Committees.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of acres of land exempted from control by the county war agricultural committees by reason of the fact that it is parkland?

I regret I have not the information asked for.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Durham County Council Agricultural Committee has neither been consulted, nor invited to be represented upon the War Emergency Committee on Agriculture for Durham county; and whether he will have this omission rectified forthwith?

In no case has a County Agricultural Committee, as a Committee, been consulted or invited to nominate representatives to serve on the County War Agricultural Executive Committee. The object has been to select a Chairman and members specially qualified to exercise as my agents the powers conferred on me by the Regulations made under the Emergency Powers Act and delegated to them. In this particular case I may say that five of the members appointed to serve on the Executive Committee are, as a matter of fact, members of the County Agricultural Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to ensure that in all reception areas there is sufficient personnel in the post offices to provide for the weekly payment of the allowances for evacuees without irritating delay?

Measures have already been taken to eusure that the additional work at post office counters in reception areas may be performed with smoothness and proper expedition. If my hon. and gallant Friend is aware of any particular case of difficulty I shall be glad to inquire into it.

asked the Postmaster-General what extra allowance is given to village post-mistresses to recompense them for the additional labour connected with the distribution of the weekly allowance for evacuees?

The extra remuneration to sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses takes the form of a flat rate payment based on the number of completed receipts obtained by the sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses for billeting allowances paid out by them. The basis of these payments has been agreed with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to continue the publication of unemployment figures as at present; and, if not, what changes are intended?

The principal statistics of unemployment will continue to be compiled and published, but it will not be possible for the present to give certain subsidiary figures such as the analysis according to duration of unemployment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that advertisements are appearing in newspapers for carpenters at certain specified places in connection with camps, etc.; whether consideration has been given to the undesirability of publishing the location of such sites; and whether any steps are being taken to ensure that the labour required is recruited through the Employment Exchanges?

Yes, Sir. The matters referred to by the hon. Member will receive consideration in consultation with the industrial organisations of employers and workers in the building trades.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the unemployment figures for the division of Stalybridge and Hyde at the present moment; and the percentage increase or decrease on August, 1931?

At nth September, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 2,899 unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of the Stalybridge and Hyde Employment Exchanges. This figure is 73.3 per cent. less than the number at 24th August, 1931.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the effect of the various categories of reserved occupations upon the Territorial Army; how many men are to return to civil life; and whether there is to be work provided, or are men so reserved to return to the live registers of the unemployment fund?

The figures asked for in the first two parts of the question are not available. With regard to the last part of the question, the men concerned are skilled tradesmen in occupations vital to the national effort and any who have not already been reabsorbed into employment may be expected to be reabsorbed at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether undergraduates at the universities will be allowed to finish their terms before joining up for training; and, if so, what course should they adopt to secure postponement?

The undergraduates who are at present liable to be called up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act are those who had reached the age of 20 and had not reached the age of 21 on 3rd June last. The postponements granted to them under the Military Training Act have been cancelled, but they will have an opportunity of applying for postponement on the ground of exceptional hardship when called for medical examination.I should add that all undergraduates are being given the opportunity to apply to the joint University recruiting boards for assessment of their suitability for commissions in the Armed Forces of the Crown. Following such applications they will be interviewed by the boards or, if they possess certain scientific and technical qualifications, by special technical committees attached to the boards, which will in suitable cases advise that they should be allowed to complete their University course.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the policy of allowing Scottish firms to tender for contracts at Bishopton Ordnance Factory is sill being pursued; and will Scottish firms be invited to tender for No. 3 factory and other subsequent contracts?

Many of the current contracts for work at the factory referred to in the question are held by Scottish firms and due regard will be paid to the claims of such firms in connection with any further contracts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (1) why the Ministry has undertaken the exclusive reporting of a visit of the King and Queen to a function of wide general interest connected with the war; is he aware that accredited newspapers and news agencies were refused permission to attend or to report; and what is the reason for this discrimination on an occasion of such importance;(2) whether he can give a clear statement as to the policy of the Ministry in respect to normal journalistic activities; and on what grounds it claims a monopoly of reporting certain functions of public interest?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in suggesting that the Ministry has undertaken the exclusive reporting of this or any other function of public interest. On this occasion, the reporting of the Royal visit was arranged by the War Office. With regard to policy, my Noble Friend is most anxious that all possible facilities, consistent with the over-riding necessities of war, should be given to the Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware that on the 19th and 20th of this month the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcast an announcement to the effect that certain firms of chocolate manufacturers did not intend to increase the price of their chocolate; and as there are other firms of chocolate manufacturers in the country who also do not intend to increase their prices he will take steps to prevent a repetition of this broadcast which was tantamount to a direct advertisement of particular firms, and as such contrary to the policy of broadcasting carried out in this country?

My Noble Friend is informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that the announcements to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, were broadcast on the 20th and 21st September, and that they were followed by a further broadcast announcement on 22nd September, making it clear that other important manufacturers, in addition to those previously mentioned, were also keeping their prices unchanged. My Noble Friend much regrets any difficulties that may have been caused to individual firms by the omission of their names from the broadcast announcements, and is bringing the matter to the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation who, he is sure, appreciate the consideration referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether his attention has been called to the reports of pro-German news broadcasts from Mexican commercial stations; and whether any steps are being taken to ensure the circulation in that country of news collected and distributed through British channels?

My Noble Friend is grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to the reports and is causing inquiries to be made. As regards the second part of the question my hon. Friend will appreciate that the position in regard to Mexico presents special difficulties at the present time. But the daily short-wave transmission in the British Broadcasting Corporation Overseas Service, including the News Bulletin in Spanish directed to Latin-America and the News Bulletin in English, are, it is understood, received in Mexico, and other measures are under active consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information why, on the occasion on Monday last of the King's visit to the headquarters of the coastal command of the Royal Air Force, the Ministry compelled the Central News Agency to hold back its censored report until the Ministry itself had issued its own version; why one of the chief phrases in the Central News report, which was eliminated by the censor, was incorporated by the Ministry of Information in its own report; and whether he can make a statement as to how long these methods are to continue?

The statement in the first part of the question is not quite correct. It was arranged that, in addition to the reporters of the Central News and other British agencies, an officer attached to the Empire News Division of the Ministry should attend as the representative of the Empire Press, and that all the reports should be released for issue simultaneously. This was done. The censored scripts of the reports have been examined and it is not clear to what particular phrase my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but, if he will communicate with me, I will gladly look further into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware that the London correspondents of newspapers printed or published in neutral countries are experiencing considerable difficulty in transmitting news promptly because of the British censorship; and whether he will take steps to effect an immediate improvement?

My Noble Friend is not aware that there is now any appreciable delay due to censorship in the transmission of the cables of London correspondents of newspapers in neutral countries; the average time taken in censorship of all outgoing Press cables during three consecutive days was found to be just over six minutes. In the past cases of delay have occurred, the majority of which were attributable, not so much to the censorship, as partly to the overloading of the lines with priority cable messages, and partly to mechanical difficulties, which have now been dealt with. My Noble Friend will gladly investigate any case in which it may be alleged that undue delay owing to censorship still exists.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to encourage and help the agricultural community, who act as hauliers as well as producers of food, he will authorise the proposed small petrol allowance to be increased, especially in view of the depleted labour position and the shortage of horses suitable for this work?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price).

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the retail petrol stations owned by the oil companies have been taken over by the Pool Board; and whether these retail depots are permitted to sell petrol for commercial vehicles at a cheaper price than the pool price?

No retail petrol stations have been taken over by the Pool Board. There are, however, a small number of service stations owned by the smaller oil companies which continue to supply commercial users only on the same conditions as before the pool was formed.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now make a further statement regarding the issue of supplementary petrol rations to doctors, especially in the case of doctors living in scattered country districts far from a hospital, where the population has been increased by an influx of evacuated persons?

In view of the varying requirements of some 45,000 doctors it was necessary to make a first issue of supplementary rations on a provisional basis. Individual cases are now being examined by the divisional petroleum officers in consultation with representatives of the British Medical Association with a view to ensuring that the essential requirements are met.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that with the proposed ration of petrol it will be impossible for farmers and local hauliers to carry out the work in future of conveying livestock, cereals, and fruit to the local markets, or to deliver the necessary quantity of feeding-stuffs and other farm requirements in return; and whether he will take steps to deal with this matter?

Special arrangements were made in order that farmers might obtain supplies of petrol for vehicles, engines, tractors, etc., engaged for purely agricultural purposes. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of a Press announcement which I issued on the 10th September and which received wide publicity. But in the case of private cars used by farmers and goods vehicles or lorries operating on carriers' licences or permits issued by the Regional Transport Commissioners, it was considered necessary that these should be dealt with in the same way as similar cars and vehicles belonging to other owners. In the case of private cars farmers can apply in case of need to the divisional petroleum officers for supple- mentary allowances and in the case of goods vehicles to the Ministry of Transport organisation.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the coal-rationing schemes will affect all consumers, including the men who get the coal in the mining areas?

The question of the supply of coal to miners and their dependants is dealt with in Article 9 of the Fuel and Lighting Order, 1939.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make a statement as to the effect of industrial activity, in connection with the war, upon housing generally in Scotland?

The large amount of building which is at present being urgently carried out in Scotland in connection with national defence must inevitably interfere with housing progress. 1 am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the circular which I issued on the 8th September recommending local authorities to restrict their housing activities to the completion of houses already begun.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are taken in Scotland to ensure that, in accordance with existing housing legislation, corporation houses at least are not overcrowded?

In order to prevent over-crowding local authorities are advised in letting their houses to allocate them according to the size of the family to be housed and, in addition, they are required to regulate the sub-letting of rooms. They have, however, power to relax the usual standards where there are exceptional circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether, in view of the wide public interest aroused, he will arrange for copies of his recent circular on evacuation and all similar circulars in the future to be pubished in the newspapers and circulated to Scottish Members of Parliament?

The Press is supplied with a full summary of all circulars issued by the Department, including those on the subject of evacuation. In addition I am arranging to place copies of all important circulars on this subject in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the case of people who are receiving evacuees, local authorities are still enforcing the regulations against overcrowding; and whether he will consider suspending such regulations during the duration of the war?

The standard of accommodation recommended to local authorities in billeting evacuated persons is generally more favourable than the over-crowding standard. I am not aware that there have been any general difficulties relating to overcrowding caused by the presence of evacuated persons but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have details of any particular cases he has in mind, I shall have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, with regard to the general scheme of evacuation, he can now state what arrangements have been made to ensure that parents shall contribute up to the full measure of their resources towards the up-keep of their evacuated children; how local authorities in the reception areas are to be recouped for expenditure incurred in various forms of public assistance required by evacuees; what steps are being taken to provide additional medical, dental, nursing and other staff to enable these authorities to afford essential health services to evacuees; whether the Department of Health is acting upon the repeated warnings of medical officers of health as to the dangers of epidemics in districts known to be seriously short of water and drainage supplies; and whether he can give an assurance that a substantial pause will be observed before any further evacuation takes place?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, to a similar question by the hon. Member for Blackpool (Mr. J. R. Robinson).

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a practice bomb released by a Royal Air Force machine crashing through the roof of a house and wounding two sleeping children, David and Trevor Thomas, who were evacuees from the Upper North Street School, Poplar; that Trevor, aged six years, died shortly afterwards; and whether he will, in future, prevent such practice over areas where so many young children have been sent from vulnerable areas for protection against air raids?

I deeply regret this unfortunate occurrence, the circumstances of which are now under investigation by a Court of Inquiry. I need hardly assure the hon. Member that practice bombing areas are most carefully selected with a view to reducing to a minimum the risk of accidents such as this.