Oral Answers To Questions British Army Waste Products 1. Sir Stanley Reed asked the Secretary of State for War whether, to prevent the waste of essential foods at military camps, he will consider immediately setting up a salvage corps, either to prevent waste or to turn excess rations to profitable use? The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha) Commanding officers are responsible for the prevention of waste, and recent inspections have not revealed that food is being wasted. The by products of messing are disposed of to the best advantage, and the proceeds, which are credited as part of the messing account, accrue for the benefit of units. The creation of a salvage organisation for the utilisation of other waste products is being examined in conjunction with the other Departments concerned. Mr. Macquisten Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the son of the late Mr. Hooley set up pig crays behind the camps and thus used all the waste, with great profit? Mr. James Griffiths Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in South Wales there is complaint of a shortage of food? Mr. Hore-Belisha The question on the Paper appears to indicate that the contrary is also the case and that extra rations exist in some places. Territorial Army (Reserve Of Officers) 2. Sir Henry Morris-Jones asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can indicate when the services of the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers will be required? Mr. Hore-Belisha These officers have been and are being called up as required. Overseas Service (Youths) 4. Mr. J. J. Davidson asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement with regard to youths of 18 and 19 years of age, indicating the position with regard to overseas service? Mr. Hore-Belisha It is not the policy to send overseas any man already serving until he has reached the age of 19, and it is not the present intention to call up men under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act to go overseas below the age of 20. Mr. Davidson For the sake of clarification may I ask whether the answer of the right hon. Gentleman means that a boy of 19 years of age who joined the Service voluntarily and was in his unit when the war was declared, is competent to go overseas and is being sent overseas? Mr. Hore-Belisha Yes, Sir. Mr. A. V. Alexander Is it not a fact that in some cases commanding officers are subalterns of 19? Mr. A. Reed What is the position of a young fellow of 18 who joined the Territorials before the war and has now been sent overseas? Mr. Hore-Belisha He will come back. Mr. Davidson Does this state of affairs coincide with the right hon. Gentleman's definite promise to the House when we discussed this position, and does he think it right that young men of 19 should be sent overseas when other classes will not be sent until they are 20? Mr. Hore-Belisha This meticulously follows what I promised to the House, as the hon. Member will see from the Debate. War Communiqu É S 6. Sir George Broadbridge asked the Secretary of State for War when it is intended to issue fuller communiqués regarding the Western Front operations, in lieu of the laconic ones at present being sent out, and thus save the public having to rely on versions given through the Press correspondents of other countries, which information is not known to be accurate? Mr. Hore-Belisha The French G.Q.C. issue regular communiqués concerning operations on the Western Front. When the British Expeditionary Force is in action against the enemy, communiqués will be similarly issued. National Defence Companies 11. Colonel Ponsonby asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the high payments to air raid precautions personnel and the low rates of pay offered to the older men who comprise the National Defence Companies, recruitment for the latter has been most unsatisfactory; whether he will lower the age limit to 41 and remove the higher age limit so as to include fit older men who now come under no category; and whether he will make any statement as to improved conditions so as to ensure increased personnel for these companies and relieve Territorial units now guarding vulnerable points? Mr. Hore-Belisha I have in contemplation a change in the present method of manning vulnerable points. Accident 12. Mr. T. Williams asked the Secretary of State for War why no reply has been sent to the National Union of Agricultural Workers to letters dated 1st August and 16th August in connection with an accident which occurred on 13th May to one of their members; and when a reply is to be expected? Mr. Hore-Belisha I have been unable to trace the letters from the particulars given, and the hon. Member has been asked for some additional information, on receipt of which I will have further inquiries made. Mr. Williams While apologising to the right hon. Gentleman for not getting the information to his Department as quickly as possible, although I did write yesterday giving particulars, may I ask whether, if I put down a question next week, the right hon. Gentleman will be able to give me an answer? Mr. Hore-Belisha There is no need to apologise at all. There is no trace of the letters in the registry, but as soon as I receive particulars from the hon. Gentleman I will do my best to give him an answer. Members Of Parliament 13. Mr. Henderson Stewart asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions have been issued to commanding officers, and what transport facilities have been arranged, to enable Members of Parliament serving in the Army to attend meetings of Parliament, visit their constituencies, and otherwise, so far as practicable, perform their Parliamentary duties? Mr. Hore-Belisha I propose to answer this question more generally. The right of a Member of Parliament to attend upon the House cannot be impugned; but if such right were unreasonably or inappropriately invoked, it might become impossible for the military authorities to allow the Member in question to continue to serve with his unit. Normally these matters can readily be arranged between the serving Member and his commanding officer. Members can be trusted to judge rightly in the discharge of their obligations; and their services in the armed forces in time of war have always been highly valued by this House from the earliest days of Parliament. In these circumstances, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has arranged that serving Members will, in appropriate cases, receive similar transport facilities in the United Kingdom, to and from their units for the purpose of attending Parliament, to those which they now receive when travelling to and from their constituencies. Mr. Davidson What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "Members serving in the United Kingdom in appropriate cases "? Does that mean that any particular selection will be made? Mr. Hore-Belisha No, Sir. The request for leave must be appropriately related to the intention for which these facilities are to be made available. Mr. Henderson Stewart No doubt my Tight hon. Friend will recall that an order was issued to commanding officers before the war broke out with regard to the attendance in Parliament of Members serving in the Forces; does that order apply to war conditions? Mr. Hore-Belisha I was not aware that any order was issued; but, obviously, the facilities available in time of peace are not so easily made available in time of war. I think I have shown the intention of the Government in this matter. Chaplains 15. Sir Reginald Blair asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that services of chaplains are not available to many of the new Army; whether he is satisfied that sufficient chaplains have been appointed; and whether there is any prohibition of parochial clergy rendering service in such cases, when requested? Mr. Hore-Belisha A sufficient number of chaplains has already been appointed to meet existing requirements, and there is an adequate number of accepted candidates to meet requirements for some time to come. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. Scotland Evacuation 17. Captain W. T. Shaw asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the prospect of the war continuing for years, his Department will immediately consider the taking over of large houses and other suitable premises presently unoccupied, and equipping and staffing them as institutions for housing and educating children thereby relieving householders from bearing their present burdens for any prolonged period? The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville) I have already indicated to local authorities in receiving areas that I shall be glad to consider any proposals which they may make for housing evacuated persons in large empty houses or other suitable premises. I would, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that it would not be possible to provide accommodation for more than a relatively small proportion of the evacuated persons in this way, both on account of the limited number of large houses available and on account of the difficulty of securing adequate numbers of suitable persons to staff large boarding establishments for children. Mr. W. Roberts Will the right hon. Gentleman especially consider making houses available, not for children but for adults, and especially for mothers evacuated in the countryside? Mr. Colville Yes, Sir. We are taking that matter into account. The question refers to Scotland, and I can deal in my answer only with that area. Special Areas 18. Mr. Mathers asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement of Government policy regarding the Scottish Special Areas; and whether he can announce the appointment of a new Commissioner? 25. Mr. Robert Gibson asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, seeing that the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland has taken up active duties in the Royal Air Force, what provision has been made for the carrying on of the work of that office? Mr. Colville The Government's policy regarding the Special Areas was stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 21st September. In the absence of the Commissioner of the Scottish Special Areas on military service, the work of the office is being carried on meantime by the Assistant Commissioner. The question of a new appointment is under consideration. Mr. Mathers Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Labour declined to reply to points relating to Scotland? May I refer to that answer now and ask whether the work in the Special Areas is to go on, as far as it may, in present conditions? Mr. Colville The answer which the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour gave referred to the Special Areas in the whole country. He could not answer specific points about the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland, but if the hon. Member will read the answer I think he will see that it covers the question which he has raised. Alcoholic Liquor (Sale) 19. Mr. Macquisten asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that to enable prosecutions to be instituted for breaches of the no-treating regulation in the last war, it was the practice of the police to spend their Saturday afternoons in plain clothes in licensed premises to order beer and claim the cost thereof from the chief constable, who was advised of the practice, thereby committing breaches of the no-treating regulations; that this practice and all prosecutions ceased on public exposure in the court and Press; and will he see that no resurrection of any such regulation takes place now? Mr. Colville I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that if further restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcoholic liquor become necessary the experience gained in the course of the last war will be borne in mind. Mr. Macquisten Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this is a very grave matter; that two constables visited 44 licensed premises and bought 44 half-pints of beer; that in Leith the following week there were 15 visitations; that most of the witnesses were busily engaged in aircraft instruction and were very indignant at having their time wasted upon a trivial matter of this kind, and that they were asking whether the Government were mad? Married Women (Employment, Perth) 20. Mr. Hunter asked the Secretary of Staete for Scotland whether he is aware of the indignation that has arisen in Perth in consequence of so many married women whose husbands are fully employed being employed in Government offices since the outbreak of the war; that the Employment Exchange has on its lists unmarried women suitable for these positions; and will he take steps to replace these married women by unmarried women who are meantime drawing unemployment benefit and so reduce unemployment? The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown) I have been asked to reply. This matter has not previously been brought to my notice. Immediately the local office at Perth became aware that women were being engaged by the Royal Army Pay Corps at Perth for employment in that office, arrangements were made for female applicants on the register to be considered for any vacancies arising. Since then 20 single women and five married women have been engaged, the married women being in receipt of unemployment benefit. No opportunity will be lost of securing the submission of the remaining female applicants on the register, so far as they are suitable. Housing, Glasgow 22. Mr. McGovern asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the strong feeling amongst Glasgow's houseless population at his instruction to Glasgow Corporation to suspend all preparations for new housing schemes until further notice and that no further commitments should be entered into for the building of houses; and as large numbers have no houses, as families of eight and nine persons per room are living in Glasgow and 60,000 names are registered for houses, will he cancel his instruction? Mr. Colville I am fully aware of the need for further housing accommodation in Glasgow to replace unfit houses and to end overcrowding. I regret, however, that I am not in a position meantime to relax the recommendations made to local authorities in the recent housing circular which I sent out. I sympathise with the natural disappointment which this circular must have caused to many people in Glasgow and in other areas, and I can assure the hon. Member I shall keep the whole position under constant review. Mr. McGovern Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the tremendous number of people's claims which are unsatisfied as a result of the last war, and does he tell this House that he is satisfied to set aside the building regulations in Glasgow when there are 60,000 names down for houses? Are we to have another five or seven years' suspension of building, during which these people will have no houses at all? Mr. Colville I can only say that the decision was arrived at after very careful consideration of the present situation. The hon. Gentleman will bear in mind the shortage of materials, which is a matter of great difficulty. Mr. Buchanan Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider this matter? In view of the fact that there is a certain amount of unemployment in the building trade and that certain materials are now available, could not discretion be given to the local authorities to build when they can? Mr. Colville I said that I would keep the matter under constant review, but I might tell the hon. Member that a deputation from the town council recently waited on my Department on the question of materials, which has been a real difficulty already. Mr. McGovern In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply and the grave consequences of this decision, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter in this House as early as possible. Schools, Edinburgh (Re-Opening) 23. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a resolution from a meeting of headmasters in Edinburgh asking that the schools be reopened; and what action he proposes to take in the matter? Mr. Colville Yes, Sir. These and other representations on the subject have received careful consideration. It has been decided that in evacuation areas, subject to certain safeguards which have been communicated to the school authorities, the secondary departments of schools providing five-year secondary courses may be reopened for all purposes. As regards primary schools and other schools not included in the previous category reopening may at present take place only for the purpose of providing medical inspection and treatment for small groups of children and in order to prepare a roll of the children remaining in the area. Mr. Davidson Does the opening of those schools depend on the amount of air-raid protection provided for the children? Mr. Colville That is a factor to be taken into account. When I mentioned safeguards I had that in mind. Mr. Davidson Is it the main factor to be taken into account by the local authorities? Mr. Colville That and the location of the schools. Workmen's Tickets 24. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in view of the fact that many factories in Edinburgh and other places are arranging, during the winter months, to start work at 9 a.m., he will introduce legislation to amend the time in the morning for the issue of workmen's tickets in Scotland? The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Bernays) I have been asked to reply. Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland nor I have any knowledge of the arrangements to which the right hon. Member refers, and, so far as I am aware, no difficulty has arisen regarding the regulations governing the issue of workmen's tickets in Scotland. Tractors 26. Mr. Davidson asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the Government's reserve of tractors have been, or will be, available to Scottish farmers? Mr. Colville On the basis of present estimates of the requirements of agricultural executive committees, it has been arranged that 300 tractors will be made-available to committees to assist in the work of increased food production in Scotland. About half this number are already available, and the remainder will be ready for use when the exact requirements of the committees are known. Mr. Davidson Have they been taken up with enthusiasm by Scottish farmers? Mr. John Morgan Will they be accompanied in each case by a set of agricultural implements? Mr. Colville I believe so. Mr. Neil Maclean Are any attempts being made to clear parts of Scotland which are being used for agricultural purposes from the bracken that is there? Mr. Colville That is another matter, but I should be glad to discuss it with the hon. Member. Food Production (Agricultural Executive Committees) 27. Mr. Davidson asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many county committees have been formed in Scotland for the purpose of increasing food production; and whether he can make a statement with regard to progress made? Mr. Colville In Scotland 40 agricultural executive committees were appointed on 4th September, the day after the outbreak of war. All these committees are at work, and up to the present have been mainly concerned with matters of organisation and with making plans for the performance of their duties during this autumn and the coming winter. Mr. Davidson Do the powers of those county committees include power to take over land which was not cultivated previously but is capable of being cultivated? Mr. Colville Wide powers rest with the Secretary of State, who may use the committees in connection with the exercise of these powers. Health Services 28. Mr. Henderson Stewart asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how, in view of the large sums spent on health services in the cities of Scotland and the repeated assurances that these services were adequate and efficient, he accounts for the serious bodily condition of so many of the persons recently evacuated; and whether, in order to allay public concern and safeguard public health, he will order an immediate inquiry into the health services of the cities of Scotland, and take urgent measures to act upon the findings of such inquiry? Mr. Colville I have been making inquiries, and, while I think there has been a tendency to exaggerate the position, it is the case that a proportion of evacuated children were suffering from skin diseases or were in a verminous condition. I do not, however, consider that an inquiry such as the hon. Member suggests would serve a useful purpose in present circumstances, but I have arranged that the local authorities of sending areas will make a thorough medical inspection and give whatever treatment is necessary before any further children are evacuated. I should add that the evacuation took place in conditions of urgency, at a time when the possibilities of supervision of the children were necessarily curtailed because of the school holidays. Mr. Stewart Does my right hon. Friend, then, seek to ignore the fact that this unsatisfactory condition reflected by the evacuation is a must serious reflection on the social services of Scotland? Mr. Colville I do not ignore the fact; also I do not ignore the difficulties. I do not think that an inquiry of the type suggested would, under war-time conditions, serve a useful purpose. Mr. Maclean Is Scotland the only place where these allegations have been made? Mr. Buchanan Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his decision to-day to stop building houses in Glasgow will make this much worse than it is already? Civil Defence Regional Commissioners 21. Mr. McGovern asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the Regional Commissioners and their deputies; the salary paid to each individual; the names of those who are accepting salaries and those offering themselves without salary, and, in the case of those giving voluntary service, the amount of expenses paid per day; and whether Members of Parliament are permitted to serve without resigning their seats? The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson) I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 18th April to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby). In addition to the names then announced, the following appointments have been made: — To be Regional Commissioner for Scotland, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Western Division of Stirling and Clackmannan (Mr. Johnston); to be Deputy Regional Commissioner for the Northern Region, the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson); to be Deputy Regional Commissioner in Wales, the hon. Member; for Wrexham (Mr. Richards). As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House on 1st September during the Second Reading of the Regional Commissioners Bill, when I gave particulars of the maximum salaries payable to regional commissioners and deputy regional commissioners. I then indicated that, in the Government's view, the wish of any gentleman appointed to receive no remuneration should be respected. The question of the remuneration, if any, to be accepted within the maxima allowed is one which rests with the commissioners or deputy commissioners themselves. In these circumstances, I believe that the House would not wish me to enter into any further particulars. I may, however, state that the Members of this House who have accepted appointment have in each case declined to accept any personal salary. With regard to the expenses to be paid to regional and deputy regional commissioners, these will have regard to the disbursements likely to be incurred by them in the course of their duties. In reply to the final part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Regional Commissioners Act, which enables Members of this House to retain their seats on accepting these appointments. Mr. McGovern When discussions take place in this House affecting the Departments or work of hon. Members who are regional or deputy regional commissioners, will they be free to take part in the discussions and defend the work carried out by them and answer any questions, or must the reports come through their chiefs, the Secretary for Scotland or the Home Secretary? Sir J. Anderson I have made it clear on previous occasions that the responsibility of Ministers of the Crown for the work upon which, or in connection with which, these gentlemen will be employed remains unimpaired. Mr. McGovern The question that I have asked has not been answered. Will Members of the House who hold these posts be expected, or free, to defend the work with which they are associated and reply to criticism of it, or must criticism be directed to their chiefs holding Ministerial posts? Sir J. Anderson Criticisms should certainly be directed, in the ordinary constitutional way, to the Ministers responsible. As regards any contribution which any of the hon. Members in question might wish to make to the Debates in this House, that is a matter which must be left, I suggest, to the discretion and good sense of the Members in question. Mr. McGovern Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that these Members will not be compelled to take part in debate from the Government side of the House, but will be free to keep up the illusion of being members of the Opposition? Mr. George Griffiths Is this the green eye of jealousy down there? 66. Sir Irving Albery asked the Home Secretary whether there is included on the staff of regional commissioners any officer especially appointed to deal with finance and economy and for liaison purposes with the Treasury? Sir J. Anderson Yes, Sir. There is on the staff of each regional commissioner an officer appointed by the Treasury to represent that Department. Sir I. Albery In that case may I ask how it arises that there is so much difference in the ratio of expenditure in different districts? Sir J. Anderson That is a different question. Personnel 62. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox asked the Home Secretary the number of salaried personnel employed in civilian defence; what is the cost to the State weekly; and what number of men and women have given, and are giving, their services without remuneration? Sir J. Anderson In reply to the first and second parts of the question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees on 21st September (Mr. Harold Macmillan). I regret that I am not at present in a position to answer the last part of the question. Sir A. Knox Is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to effect some economies in his Department by taking on more voluntary workers? Sir J. Anderson A large number of voluntary workers are engaged in Civil Defence, and I hope that nothing will be said in any quarter to discourage that form of service. Mr. Buchanan Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a rising feeling of indignation due to the fact that while there is a great volume of unemployment people are being paid wages who, at the same time, are earning large sums of money? Sir J. Anderson I am not aware of that. Air-Raid Shelters 63. Mr. Brooke asked the Home Secretary whether householders in vulnerable areas, desiring Anderson steel shelters but not within the classes of persons at present entitled to free distribution, are to be required to wait for them until the free distribution has been completed throughout less vulnerable areas? Sir J. Anderson No, Sir. As I intimated in reply to a question on this subject on 1st August, I had hoped that sales of these shelters might have begun this month. Owing to difficulties of production due to the outbreak of war the scheme for placing these shelters on sale has not yet been put into operation; but I hope to be able to bring it into effect early next month. 64. Mr. Cocks asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that very few Anderson shelters have been supplied in Nottinghamshire to the urban district councils of Hucknall, Kirkby, Arnold and Eastwood, and to the rural district council of Basford; and when the requisite number of shelters will be provided? Sir J. Anderson Yes, Sir, but in view of the demand from the more exposed areas to which distribution is now proceeding I am afraid that it will be some time before supplies can be allotted to areas which are regarded as less liable to attack. Mr. Cocks Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that Hucknall is a dangerous area? Sir J. Anderson I am not in a position to give a direct answer to that question. Air-Raid Precautions 67. Mr. Sorensen asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the provision of an inhalor or apparatus designed for the immediate treatment for the lungs of sufferers from a gas attack; whether he is aware that inhalors have been prescribed; and whether he intends to recommend its inclusion in official air-raid precautions outfits? The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry 0! Health (Miss Horsbrugh) I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is arranging for supplying to hospitals inhalor apparatus for those suffering from lung conditions whether caused by gas or otherwise. Mr. Sorensen Are they to be supplied to institutions other than hospitals? Miss Horsbrugh At present we are supplying these inhalors to hospitals where the treatment would be under these conditions. Mr. Sorensen Is there merely one type of inhalor? Miss Horsbrugh Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Order Paper. Lighting Restrictions (Government Departments) 68. Major Milner asked the Home Secretary what steps have been taken by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to ensure compliance by Government Departments, and the War Office in particular, with the lighting regulations; and why, having regard to the repeated complaints of his officers and the fact that legal proceedings are being generally taken against the public for similar offences no such proceedings have been taken against the responsible authorities of the War Office? Sir J. Anderson Every possible step has been taken to impress upon the occupants of rooms in Government offices the importance of seeing that the special blinds which have been provided are drawn, before sunset, in such a way as to prevent any light from showing on the outside. As regards prosecutions, it is the practice of the Commissioner of Police to institute proceedings in cases where the Lighting (Restrictions) Order is deliberately or repeatedly infringed after warning has been given; but the infringements which have occurred in Government Departments have not been of this character. Major Milner Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many warnings have been given to the War Office, and why there should be any differentiation as regards Government Departments? Sir J. Anderson There is no differentiation. Major Milner How many warnings have been given by the Metropolitan Police to the War Office? Sir J. Anderson I do not think it is left to the Metropolitan Police to give warnings to the War Office. Major Milner Have any warnings been given to the War Office? Sir J. Anderson I do not know of any warnings that have been given by the Metropolitan Police. Colonel Nathan Will the right hon. Gentleman walk round the Horse Guards Parade and look at the Government offices with a view of ascertaining whether it is not the fact that practically every Government office on the Horse Guards Parade shows lights, which in the case of private individuals would involve a prosecution? Sir J. Anderson Inquiries and representations have been made to the Departments concerned. Petrol Rationing 29. Mr. Graham White asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to secure that the rationing of petrol does not prevent the completion of public air-raid shelters and other essential air-raid precautions? Mr. Bernays I have been asked to reply. I am informed that adequate supplies of petrol are available for work of this kind. If the hon. Member has knowledge of any case where difficulty has arisen and will let me have the necsessary particulars, I shall be glad to have inquiries made. 30. Mr. Harold Mitchell asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider granting an extra petrol ration to firms who have had some of their lorries requisitioned to enable them to utilise their remaining lorries as far as possible, and thereby minimise the present in equality of sacrifice as between individual firms? Mr. Bernays Extra petrol in addition to the basic ration is available for necessary work. A firm which has had part of its fleet of lorries requisitioned is likely to have more of such work for the remainder and, therefore, to receive additional fuel for them. 31. Mr. Simmonds asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is proposed to issue vouchers for petrol supply to industrial organisations in units larger than five gallons? The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd) Yes, Sir. Coupons to the value of 10 units, 50 units and 100 units are available and have been issued to those who use petroleum for industrial purposes. Where such users have storage for bulk supplies a single permit for the necessary quantity has been issued in a number of cases. 32. Mr. Simmonds asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is intended that motorists shall be required to continue to make application for their allotment of petrol every other month or whether pro vision will be made for longer intervals? Mr. Lloyd New ration books will be issued to motorists with effect from 23rd November, but I am not yet in a position to fix the period which will be covered by the second issue. Mr. Simmonds Will my hon. Friend try to make this as long as possible because the staffs in the divisional petroleum offices are very large and unnecessarily so, and they are also working very long hours, and any extension of the ration period before the issue of the books would greatly assist the staffs? Mr. G. Griffiths Will the hon. Gentleman, when rationing next time, consider the doctors, who are very short of petrol and therefore cannot visit their patients? Mr. Lloyd Instructions have been given to divisional petroleum officers that they should give special consideration to the case of doctors. As regards the question of my hon. Friend, I think that the staffs are not unduly large having regard to the great volume of work at the initial period. Mr. Maxton Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread opinion among users of motor vehicles that, if the quality of spirit were substantially improved, a greater mileage could be secured? Commander Sir Archibald Southby :Will my hon. Friend consider extending the ration of petrol to people like commercial travellers in view of the necessity of keeping the trade and industry of this country going? Mr. Lloyd That is already under consideration. Trade And Commerce Exports 36. Mr. Shinwell asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the Government's proposals for the maintenance of our export trade? The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley) As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris) on 6th September, His Majesty's Government will use every effort to ensure that this country's exporting capacity is used to the best advantage, consistently with the satisfaction of essential home requirements and overriding war needs; and they have under constant consideration the means that may be necessary to secure the fulfilment of this policy. Mr. Shinwell Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is constant contact between his Department, the Ministry of Supply and also the Ministry of Economic Warfare in relation to the production of materials available for export? Mr. Stanley Yes, Sir; there is constant daily interchange between these three Departments. Foreign Fruits (Import Restrictions) 37. Mr. J. Morgan asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the grounds on which restrictions are imposed on imported fruits, with the exception of apples, at a time when glut conditions prevail in the home apple crop? Mr. Stanley I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 13th September to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Jackson). Mr. Morgan Is it not the fact that apples are being allowed in and other fruit excluded when the home yield is so plentiful? Mr. Stanley I said in answer to the previous question that the import of apples was not so urgent a question; they come in at a later date than the other fruit. They are excluded at the moment in order to give an opportunity for discussion with the importing countries. Baltic States And Finland 38. Sir Patrick Hannon asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any arrangements have been made for the continuity of trade between the Baltic States and Finland and this country; and whether British official trade representation in these countries will be maintained during the process of the war? Mr. Stanley I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government are anxious that trade between this country and the Baltic States and Finland should continue so far as the circumstances of war permit; and arrangements to this end are being made. British official trade representatives are still at their posts in these countries and it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to maintain them there. Sir P. Hannon May I ask my right hon. Friend whether that reply would apply generally to the export trade? Mr. Stanley Yes, Sir. Mr. Shinwell Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in relation to the export trade with these countries and to other countries, he is taking steps to see that the price level is not unduly raised? Mr. Stanley That, of course, is one of the most important aspects. Mr. A. Reed Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the greatest difficulties in trading with Finland and other Baltic countries is the excessive war risks insurance, and will he look into that matter again, as 20 guineas per cent, is the usual rate on the London market? Mr. Stanley I will certainly consider war risk insurance, but I think my hon. Friend will realise that in the case of Finland and the Baltic States there are other practical difficulties in the way. Film Industry 39. Sir Adrian Baillie asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the maintenance of the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938? Mr. Stanley I am not yet able to announce what: arrangements will be made for the regulation of the cinematograph film industry to meet war-time conditions, but I can assure my hon. Friend that in considering this matter I shall keep fully in mind the importance of maintaining the production of British films during the war period. Meantime, the Act of 1938 is still in force and its provisions will not be modified without further consultation with the interests concerned. Sir A. Baillie I take it that the answer is that it is the wish of the President of the Board of Trade that British film production shall continue during times of war? Is he aware of the fact that, as a result of the prevailing and still persisting uncertainty in the industry as to future decisions of the Board of Trade, British film production to-day is at a standstill; and does he appreciate the fact that the finance for retaining technicians will not be available unless — Mr. Speaker rose — Shipbuilding 40. Mr. David Adams asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is in; ended to control the prices of materials used in the construction and equipment of vessels for the Mercantile Marine; and what steps will be taken whereby the high prices demanded for such tonnage during the late war may be avoided? Mr. Stanley The most important materials used in the building of merchant ships are iron and steel, and supplies and prices of these are already controlled by the Ministry of Supply. Some other materials which enter into the construction of ships, such as timber, are also already subject to control. The whole question of the cost of building new -ships will be kept constantly under" close observation with a view to deciding whether any other steps are necessary to prevent undue increases in cost. Mr. Adams Is the Minister aware that during the last war prices were four times the normal prices? Mr. Stanley Certainly, in the last war here were no such steps to control these prices such as have already been taken in the first three weeks. Herring Trade 41. Mr. Henderson Stewart asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the petition of the Herring Trade Association to have herring barrels and barrel-making materials exempted from compulsory insurance under the War Risks Insurance Act; and whether in view of the peculiar circumstances of the herring trade, he is prepared to make the desired concession? Mr. Stanley I have received the petition of the Herring Trade Association to which my hon. Friend refers and I am giving it urgent consideration. Economic Reconstruction 45. Mr. Craven-Ellis asked the Prime Minister whether he will give consideration to the appointment of a Minister of Industry and Economic Reconstruction at an early date with the responsibility of examining and working out plans with local authorities and industry which will give employment to His Majesty's forces when returning to civilian life as well as those now employed on the manufacture of arms and munitions? The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain) The subject is of great importance, but the conditions which will develop towards the close of hostilities are as yet so uncertain that the establishment of a separate Ministry now would be altogether premature. Mr. Craven-Ellis May I ask my right hon. Friend whether this proposal will have consideration again in the early future? The Prime Minister It will have consideration again. Allied War Aims 46. Mr. Vyvyan Adams asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are considering issuing a statement of war aims in somewhat greater detail than hitherto? 81. Mr. White asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to consult with the French Government and in due course issue a joint statement of war and peace aims? The Prime Minister His Majesty's Government are in constant contact with the French Government, but I am not at present prepared to add anything to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams) on 13th September, and to the statement which I made on 20th September. Mr. V. Adams While I fully appreciate what my right hon. Friend has said, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government will bear in mind the importance of this matter in its bearing upon neutral countries? The Prime Ministers Yes, Sir. Currency (Postal Orders) 47. Sir Herbert Williams asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to bring to an end the use of postal orders as legal tender? The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon) As quickly as possible. It is not yet possible to say how soon the use of postal orders as currency will be completely unnecessary. My hon. Friend will appreciate that this was a precaution taken against any temporary local shortage of notes or silver due to large movements of the population. Sir H. Williams With a view to safeguarding the revenue, will my right hon. Friend restore the poundage so that people who want this currency may contribute as much to the revenue as they have done in the past? Mr. Maxton What is the objection to the use of Postal orders, which is the only currency the State issues? Sir J. Simon The reason why this provision had to be made was to provide against any difficulties that there might be in some parts of the country and in regard to the distribution of the population. The local banks could not be expected to have ordinary currency in the necessary quantities to meet that risk. Therefore, we have at the moment to allow postal orders to be used as legal tender. Sir H. Williams Will my right hon. Friend make sure that the football pools do not get away with it? War-Time Economy 48. Mr. De la Bère asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make some statement to summarise the steps which have been taken to facilitate the establishment of war-time economy in the United Kingdom. Sir J. Simon As my hon. Friend will appreciate, most of the legislative activity of the last three or four weeks has been directed to adapting the economic organisation of this country to a war-time basis. I would particularly draw my hon. Friend's attention to the measures in the Emergency Statutory Rules and Orders dealing with finance and currency, the cultivation of land, the control of railways and of traffic at ports, the control of the prices of various commodities and the steps taken with a view to rationing motor fuel, household fuel and, in due course, certain articles of food. Mr. De la Bère Is my right hon. Friend aware that the worst offenders in this respect are the Government Departments which are unwieldy and are ever increasing and is it not really officialdom run mad? There is no economy there. United States Exchange Rate 49. Colonel Wedgwood asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the stop on the American exchange at $4.03 now amounts to a 7½per cent, tax on all exports to, and a bonus of the same on all imports from America; and whether, in view of the importance of developing our export trade he will now remove this stop on the exchange. Sir J. Simon The rate of exchange which governs commercial transactions and other authorised business between this country and the United States is the official rate published daily in the Press. The right hon. Gentleman's question presumably refers to the fact that a limited number of transactions have taken place in other countries at a different rate. I do not think that the difference between the two rates, which has varied considerably but is now a matter of 1 per cent., can properly be regarded as a tax on exports and a bonus on imports. The right hon. Gentleman has no doubt appreciated the fact that a further depreciation of the £ sterling would inevitably tend to involve an increase in the cost of imported materials from foreign countries and a consequent increase in the cost of living. Colonel Wedgwood May I ask the right hon. Gentleman two questions (1) whether he can give the House now the rate of exchange that obtains in the free market between the dollar and the pound; and (2) whether he appreciates that this fixing of the exchange involves a very high rate of export duty on all exports from this country just at a time when we want to encourage exports to the utmost of our ability? Sir J. Simon I think the right hon. Gentleman in his supplementary question is really putting the argument contained in his original question. Colonel Wedgwood Is it true? Sir J. Simon I have pointed out that the difference as far as I know at present is one per cent. Mr. Bellenger In connection with the fixing of the dollar sterling exchange can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the tripartite agreement is still operating? Sir J. Simon I think I am right in saying that no party to the agreement has suggested that it is not operating. Stock Exchange Regulations 51. Commander Locker-Lampson asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he will take to meet the position arising from the action of the Stock Exchange upon the outbreak of war, when it decreed that all balances carried over were to be liquidated forthwith, and fixed the prices of securities at a lower figure than the carry-over, thus forcing clients to realise securities at a loss? Sir J. Simon According to the information before me I think that my hon. and gallant Friend must have been misinformed on this matter. By agreement with the Government the Stock Exchange was closed from 1st September until 7th September. The Stock Exchange Committee, therefore, postponed the settlement due on 7th September until the next settlement fixed for 21st September. They also introduced temporary rules and regulations providing for the transaction of business on a cash basis and prohibiting continuations except in connection with existing continuations already arranged. The only securities for which minimum prices have been fixed by the committee are those in the gilt-edged market, dealings in which are always for cash settlement and are not the subject of continuation arrangements. Income Tax (Army Officers) 52. Mr. Loftus asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Army officers family allowances will be free of Income Tax? Sir J. Simon Income Tax is not charged on the family lodging allowances of Army officers except in a few special cases where the officers hold fixed appointments. Treasury Bills (Interest) 53. Mr. Thorne asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the rate of interest on Treasury Bills three weeks ago; what was the rate of interest on Friday, 15th September; and what was the cause of the difference? Sir J. Simon The average rate of interest on Treasury Bills tendered for on 1st September (approximately three weeks before the hon. Member tabled his question) was £3 14s. 3d., the corresponding rate on 15th September was £ 3 11s. 1d., and on 22nd September £3 6s. 1d. The fall in the rate was due to a greater demand for Bills, reflecting increased cash resources of the banks and a clearing of the financial position. Old Age Pensions 54. Mr. Glenvil Hall asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government investigation into old age pension allowances has been abandoned or only postponed? Sir J. Simon As was stated in reply to questions on 13th September, the question of any general increase in the rate of old age pensions must, I am afraid, in this great emergency remain in abeyance for the time being. There is nothing that I can usefully add to that answer at present. Mr. Hall Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that decision, remembering that the cost of living is rising rapidly and that this allowance is grossly inadequate? Can-he not add a few shillings? Sir J. Simon I cannot accept the statement that the cost of living is rising rapidly. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] In any case the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this matter has been very carefully considered. Mr. Hall I am sorry but I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on an appropriate opportunity on the adjournment. Non-Combatant Posts (Appointments) 56. Sir A. Knox asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what number of appointments to non-combatant posts with a salary of £500 a year and over have been created since the declaration of war; and what number of these are held by men between the ages of 18 and 41? The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank) The information is, I regret, not available. Sir A. Knox Can my right hon. Friend say whether such appointments are looked after by the Treasury or is each Minister allowed to make any appointment he likes, at any salary? Captain Crookshank The Treasury is much concerned in all these matters. Sir A. Knox If the Treasury is concerned, why cannot the Treasury give a list of the appointments? Captain Crookshank The answer is that there are a great many things to do that are urgent to-day, and this would require a certain amount of investigation. Mr. Stokes Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if an ordinary business were run in this way it would go absolutely bankrupt? Naval And Military Pensions And Grants 57. Mr. Lawson asked the Minister of Pensions the nature of the organisation for dealing with pension claims and the intended composition of any committees which may be set up for this purpose? The Ministry of Pensions (Sir Waiter Womersley) The organisation for dealing with pension claims consists of a central Department for the award and payment of pensions, with an office in each Region for the receipt of claims and for any necessary local investigation. The central Department is being, and will be, expanded as necessary, and local offices will be expanded or additional offices will be opened according to local requirements. It is hoped that the existing local War Pensions Committees will perform the same functions on behalf of disabled members of the Services and the dependants of those killed as they are at present performing in Great War cases. Mr. Lawson Is it a fact that many of these committees are many years old and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to review the personnel and make it thoroughly representative? Sir W. Womersley I have met a number of the chairmen of war pensions committees who have agreed to call their members together, and, if necessary, add other people to the committees. I shall certainly see to it that these committees do function. Ministry Of Information Cables (Censorship) 58. Captain Shaw asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will inquire into the inefficiency displayed by the censor's department in the cable and wireless offices in London, resulting in cables being held up for hours, to the detriment of British trade; why a reply can be got from New York in under three-quarters of an hour, while the censorship of cables from British Dominions entails a delay of hours; and whether he will see that in this matter justice is done to those trading with the British Dominions? The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Sir Edward Grigg) The only cables for the censorship of which the Ministry of Information has any responsibility are Press cables. I am aware that there have been instances of delay in the past but the cause has often lain elsewhere than with the censorship. Commercial cables are the responsibility of the Postal and Telegraph censorship, under the control of the War Office, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. Staff 59. Mr. J. Morgan asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information the total number of staff now employed at the Ministry; and how many are professional journalists? Sir E. Grigg The total staff employed at the headquarters of the Ministry number 872, and in the regional offices 127. The number of journalists actually engaged in that profession at the time of their appointment is 26 at headquarters and 17 in the regional offices. In addition, there are in the news division 48 officers who were appointed because of their familiarity with the Press relations work of Government Departments or the B.B.C., combined in many cases wtih previous journalistic or broadcasting experience. Mr. Morgan Will the Minister kindly take note of the concern of this House at the statement he has just made and offer us at an early date a more satisfactory explanation of this preponderance of officials as against professional people who understand newspaper work? Sir E. Grigg My Noble Friend recognises that the situation requires investigation — Mr. Davidson It requires evacuation. Sir E. Grigg — and we are taking steps to enable this investigation to be made. The Treasury will be involved in the necessary review. Sir Percy Harris Can the Minister say who made these appointments? Sir E. Grigg They were made in every case after full consultation with Treasury representatives. Mr. Stokes Is it not a fact that a great proportion of the officials of the Physical Fitness Department have been transferred to the Ministry? Sir E. Grigg I should not like to answer from memory, but I am answering further questions on this point to-morrow, and if they do not give the hon. Member the information I hope he will repeat his question. 60. Mr. Stokes asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information how many members of his staff have sufficient knowledge of the German language to qualify as interpreters? Sir E. Grigg A knowledge of German has not been laid down as a qualification for appointment to the staff of the Ministry. It would, therefore, not be possible to answer the hon. Member's question accurately without holding a special inquiry. If, however, the hon. Member desires to know whether the Ministry contains a sufficient number of German linguists to deal with all its requirements in that language, my Noble Friend can assure him that such is the case. Mr. Stokes The Minister says that he has sufficient members on the staff who understand the German language. I believe he has only one. Sir E. Grigg There are a number but I cannot answer without notice. Commander Locker-Lampson Will the Minister make use of any Members of Parliament who speak and understand German and French? News Bulletins 61. Mr. R. Gibson asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware that the shifting of the time of the morning news bulletin on the wireless from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. is a serious inconvenience to many workers in Greenock and elsewhere who must leave their homes before 8 a.m.; and whether he will take steps to have the earlier hour restored and to have the mid-day news bulletin at 12.30 p.m. instead of 1 p.m. so that workers may hear it during their mid-day meal hour? Sir E. Grigg The B.B.C. have under constant review the question of the timing of bulletins. The hon. Member will be glad to learn that arrangements have already been made to introduce an additional news bulletin at 7 a.m. as from 1st October next, and my Noble Friend is passing on to the Corporation the suggestion as regards the mid-day bulletin. Mr. Maclean Will the Minister kindly see to it that when these news bulletins are given out over the wireless they give us some news? Food Supplies Fish Distribution 69. Mr. Kennedy asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the urgent representations of the distributors in the Scottish fish trade regarding the proposed establishment of a distribution depot at Perth; whether he is aware that very serious financial loss and inconvenience to distributors and the public is involved in this proposal; and whether he will now consider the suggestion of the traders that the depot should be set up at a more convenient centre on the East Coast? The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison) As a result of the termination of the original scheme of control for fish the Perth depot is no longer in use. Milk 70. Mr. J. Morgan asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any substantial difficulties have arisen in regard to milk supply since the declaration of war? Mr. W. S. Morrison No difficulties in regard to milk supplies have been brought to my notice. Mr. Morgan Does the Minister regard that as a tribute to the work of the Milk Marketing Board, and does it not give a pointer to the value of having left existing organisations, that were functioning well before he took charge, to do their job? Mr. Morrison I am very glad indeed to be able to join in that tribute to the Milk Marketing Board, particularly in regard to their work in ensuring adequate supplies of milk in reception areas. Sir H. Williams Were they any difficulties in 1914, when there was not a Milk Marketing Board? Food Consumption 72. Commander Locker-Lampson asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will encourage the reduction of meals to two or three courses in public dining places? Mr. W. S. Morrison I trust that pending the introduction of the rationing scheme everyone will impose upon himself or herself fair and reasonable limits in the consumption of essential articles of food. I should not propose at present to introduce a definite restriction of the kind suggested in the question on meals served in catering establishments. Control Committees 73. Mr. Cocks asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the normal procedure that should be taken by a local authority in setting up a local food committee to ensure that the committee should be truly representative of consumers as well as of retailers? Mr. W. S. Morrison Food control committees are appointed by the local authority. The constitution of the committees in Great Britain is laid down in Article 2 of the Food Control Committees (Constitution) Order, 1939, Sub-section (3) of which provides that 10 of the 15 members shall be persons who in the opinion of the appointing authority are representative of all classes of persons within the area. Mr. Cocks In view of the necessity of preserving the spirit of national unity, does not the Minister feel that it is undesirable that members should be selected in an' case from only one political party? Mr. Morrison I think the best course is to leave the appointment of these committees in the hands of the local authorities who, under this proposal, in most cases would be the best judges of who are really representative of the people in their own area. Mr. Herbert Morrison Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, assuming that on the local authority there is more than one political party, it is wise in the interests of smooth working, that members of other parties should be appointed in proportion? Mr. W. S. Morrison I should imagine that a local authority would in fact wisely, in order to secure a minimum of friction on such an important committee, see that due representation is given to all relevant interests in the area, but I am sure the House will agree with me that this is a matter in which one must trust the local authorities to exercise discretion. Mr. Alexander Does that mean that the Minister intends to make no representations to local authorities? Mr. Morrison If a case is brought to my notice where there is any improper appointment of persons, I will gladly look into it and use what powers I have, which are limited, to see that the matter is put right. If the right hon. Gentleman cares to put down a question with regard to any particular local authority, I shall be glad to give him the answer which I have arrived at from my investigations. Rationing 74. Mr. Loftus asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the representations made that the present meat-rationing scheme will deprive the great majority of pork batchers of their means of livelihood; and whether he proposes to take action to amend the scheme? Mr. W. S. Morrison The matter is receiving consideration. Mr. Alexander (by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the serious inconvenience to the trade and shortage in certain districts of important food commodities, he will now immediately introduce the rationing system in the principal staple foodstuffs. Mr. Morrison It has been decided to use the national registration forms as the basis for the issue of rationing documents, but there will be no avoidable delay in introducing rationing. I appreciate that until the machinery of control is completed by the introduction of the rationing scheme, food traders may be placed in some difficulty in meeting the demands of customers, and I ask for the co-operation of all members of the community in voluntarily restricting their demands to reasonable quantities during this transitional period. Every effort is being made to readjust the systems of distribution of essential foodstuffs so as to minimise the dislocation due to war conditions and ensure fair allocation of supplies to traders. Mr. Alexander Is the Minister aware, first, that there is an immediate and serious shortage in the amount of butter available this week; secondly, that although there is no basic shortage in the main supply of sugar, there is a very serious shortage in many areas, as the result of hoarding in other districts, due to the fact that there is no rationing; and thirdly, that in the Department which he has taken over, for over two years we had made our preparations on the basis of immediate rationing in a few days after the outbreak of war; and when is this important step to be taken? Mr. Morrison In regard to butter, I am aware that there has been a dislocation in the supply owing to war conditions. As regards sugar, it is the fact that, although supplies on the whole are adequate, there has been in some districts greatly increased purchasing, in some cases up to 50 per cent, above the normal. This is a most deplorable practice, and I hope that all those who are indulging in it, will realise that they are causing difficulties and restriction of supplies in other districts and to other individuals. As regards the date of the rationing scheme, there are advantages in basing rationing upon the figures acquired from the operation of the enumerators under the registration scheme. These people by going from house to house can get a more accurate picture of the actual population for purposes of rationing than could be obtained through the post by the usual forms. It is a balance of advantage and disadvantage. The disadvantage of delaying rationing is fully appreciated, but I ask the House to agree that it is better to proceed as we are doing. Mr. Alexander I beg to give notice that in view of the nature of the reply, we shall raise this question in the course of the Debate to-day on the Motion for the Adjournment. Prices 75. Mr. Kirkwood asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, when fixing prices for food he will consider that any increase in the price of food bears most hardly on poor persons such as old age pensioners, and as these people will lose when their relatives are called up and get less pay as soldiers than in their civil occupation, and, in view of the necessity of maintaining the morale of the civil population, he will take immediate steps to fix prices at a level which will not diminish the purchasing value of the old age pension? Mr. W. S. Morrison The object of food control and rationing is to hold the retail price of essential foods at the lowest level consistent with the maintenance of supplies. This policy is expressly designed to protect the interest of consumers with limited incomes, such as those referred to by the hon. Member. Sir John Haslam Will my right hon. Friend see that when prices are issued to the public, they do not always give a maximum price, as, for instance, at the present time, when they say that butter is 1s. 7d. a pound, and it can be bought at is. 3d. in most shops in the Kingdom? Mr. Gallacher Is not the Minister aware that prices are already going up, and will he take steps either to bring down the level of prices to the 10s. a week, or bring the 10s. a week up to the level of prices? Mr. Morrison There must be inevitably some rise in prices owing to conditions outside the control of the Government, hut it is the duty of my Department to see that only such rises as are inevitable take place and that there is no profiteering of any kind. Mr. Kirkwood As the Minister said that it is inevitable that there should be a rise in the price of certain articles, do the Government intend to make any provision to enable old age pensioners to meet that inevitable rise, when they have no other income than 10s. a week? Mr. Morrison That is another matter altogether. Smithfield Market 76. Mr. Ammon asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the reopening of Smithfield meat market? Mr. W. S. Morrison I consider the public interest is best served by the present scheme of decentralisation. Mr. Ammon Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically the same conditions obtain in regard to meat as obtained with regard to fish, and that there is waste and inadequacy, and that good food is being wasted? Mr. Morrison My inquiries do not bear that out at all. At the start of the scheme there were, as was inevitable, some difficulties until those in charge of the .depots got to know the peculiar conditions under which they worked. I am satisfied that now the scheme is working satisfactorily. Where there has been a shortage of meat, it has arisen from causes quite different from this scheme to which reference has been made, such as the big demand for the Army, and so on. Mr. Ammon Where has the right hon. Gentleman made his inquiries in regard to the amount of meat that is being wasted as a result of its being taken out of cold storage and not distributed? Mr. Morrison I made inquiries through the channels open to me. If the hon. Gentleman has any case of that kind, I hope he will bring it to my notice so as to assist me in my duty of trying to avoid waste of any kind. Foreign Currency Holdings, United Kingdom Mr. Pethick-Lawrence (by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any, and if so what, time limit permitted for the surrendering of foreign currency to the Treasury under the Defence (Finance) Regulations? Sir J. Simon No, Sir, no delay is permitted. I must emphasise the importance of prompt compliance with the Regulations, under which every person resident in the United Kingdom is under immediate obligation to offer forthwith for sale to the Bank of England for the Treasury any of the following currencies which he may possess: American or Canadian dollars, French francs, Swiss francs, Belgium francs, Dutch guilders, Swedish or Norwegian crowns, Argentine pesos. Every person who has not already done so should immediately give his bankers the necessary instructions. If any person has no bank and is uncertain exactly what to do, any bank is in a position to advise him. The above applies both to amounts held on 2nd September, and to any amount since received, or which may be received in future, by way of payment for exports or otherwise. Cash payment will be made in sterling for all foreign currencies sold to the Bank of England on the basis of the official rates published daily in the Press. I must make clear that the obligation applies to private individuals as well as to firms and companies; they are not entitled to retain holdings in the currencies named, whether for the purpose of carrying on their business or otherwise, without special permission. Failure to comply with this obligation may entail heavy penalties. I need not add that it is most desirable in the national interest that the Treasury should receive the full amounts available. What I have said of the currencies in question applies equally to gold coin and bullion. Small amounts of token coin (that is, coin other than American or Canadian dollars) need not be offered for sale as above. Mr. Bellenger Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply also refer to bank deposits that may be held abroad by British citizens? Sir J. Simon Yes. Certainly it applies to any foreign currency which British residents here control. Mr. Bellenger Would that mean that bank deposits would come under this rule? Sir J. Simon If, for example, a British trading firm has an account in New York in which it is holding dollars, those dollars so held in New York are within these Regulations, and should all be reported. Colonel Nathan Will this apply to persons resident here irrespective of whether they are themselves British or not? Sir J. Simon I am greatly obliged to the hon. and gallant Gentleman. The expression in the answer was "Persons resident in the United Kingdom." There is no exemption in the Regulation for any person who is resident here but who is not British. If they reside here, I think everybody will agree that they ought to come within the scope of this Regulation. Mr. Thorne What are you going to do with the defaulters? How are you going to exercise authority? Sir J. Simon There are specific penalties provided. Mr. Thorne Put them into operation. Mine Accident, Airdrie Mr. Barr (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make as to the disaster at Mosside Mine, Airdrie, on Friday, 22nd instant. Mr. Lloyd Yes, Sir, I have received the inspector's preliminary report. This is a small mine working an area of coal between two waterlogged areas, plans of which were available. An inrush of water occurred about noon on 22nd September. Five of the men underground escaped to the surface but three others lost their lives. Some time will elapse before the mine can be unwatered and investigations made underground, and in the meantime I cannot make a fuller statement. The House will join with me in expressing the sympathy we all feel with the relatives of those who were lost.