asked the Minister of Labour the average cost-of-living index number for the year 1937 for rent, clothing, fuel and light, coal, gas, and miscellaneous items?

The averages of the percentage increases, over the level of July, 1914, recorded for the beginning of each of the 12 months of 1937 were as follow: rent (including rates) 59; clothing 102; fuel and light 78; coal 90; gas 48; miscellaneous items included in the index-number calculations 74.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how it comes about that the retail price of coal is 90 per cent, higher than it was in pre-war days?

I should be glad to debate that matter with the hon. Member, but I could not deal with it in reply to a supplementary question.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of men, women, and boys are thrown out of employment in the tin and steel industry in the Neath Borough, Neath Rural District Council, and the Pontardawe District Council area for each month from January and the latest date in May; and is there any prospect of new industries coming into the area to absorb the unemployed?

As the answer to the first part of the question involves a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the available information as to the number of persons registered as unemployed in January, February, March and April this year; figures for May are not yet available.

What steps are being taken to bring new industries into areas of this kind?

The answers are many and various, as the hon. Member knows. He also knows that I have recently seen a

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to give any information concerning the boy, Wilfred Weaver, of Stainforth, near Doncaster?

This youth was placed through the Juvenile Transference scheme in August, 1936, as a core maker with

In a case such as this, where the boy is only 16 years of age, is it not the duty of the officials of the Employment Exchange to ascertain where the boy has gone?

Certainly, and that happened. In the end the Employment Exchange got the information from the employer about nine days after, and it was at once transmitted to the boy's parents.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that neither the boy's parents nor the Secretary of State for War nor anyone connected with the boy knew where he was?

We did not know either. The boy enlisted. I am anxious to do all that I can to help, but the hon. Member may know that there are personal circumstances which I do not desire to discuss in public, and I shall be glad to discuss the whole case with him as the result of exhaustive inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. J. Gowley, of 29, Long Row, Shiney Row, County Durham, with a view to determining whether his dismissal from his work was due to his wounds or because the employer's insurance company will not accept him on account of his war disability; and whether he will take action to protect this man?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the case of Mr. John Gourlay. I am having inquiries made and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible. I ought to add, as regards the reference to the question of insurance, that in consequence of arrangements made at the inauguration of the King's Roll scheme, it is the general practice of insurance companies to include disabled ex-service men in employers' liability policies on the same terms as able-bodied persons.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see, in making inquiries, that this man and men in a similar position are not penalised because they are not 100 per cent, fit?

The hon. Member was good enough to send me a letter yesterday; I am having the whole facts sifted, and I will do my very best in this case.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made to ensure that labour required on Government works in connection with the rearmament programme at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, is recruited from the Employment Exchange in the area; and if such arrangements ensure preference being given to the unemployed in the area?

It is a condition of the contracts already let that the contractors shall notify to the Employment Exchange all vacancies for additional labour required on the works, with the object of affording an opportunity of employment to suitably qualified men available in the area. A similar condition will apply to future contracts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the employers interpret that as meaning that they can employ whoever they like, provided they merely inform the Employment Exchange? In view of the fact that this was announced by the right hon. Gentleman as one of the efforts made by the Government to enable a large number of local people to be employed, will he see to it that all employment is arranged through the local Employment Exchange?

The hon. Member knows that that is the purpose of this arrangement. I am not aware of the facts as stated. If I have evidence to that effect, I shall do my best to see that local labour gets preference.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept information from other areas as to a similar practice?

Will the right hon. Gentleman go into the matter very seriously, as contractors are bringing in labour from outside to the disadvantage of local people?

Certainly I will, but I must make inquiries at the other end through the Employment Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in Great Britain who have been receiving the winter allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board, and the number in the county of Durham?

On 17th January last the total number of current assessments, which included winter additions, was 263,388. Separate figures are not available for the County of Durham but in the Board's administrative district of Durham (which includes the administrative areas of Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Crook, Durham, Horden, Houghton-le-Spring, Pallion, Spenny Moor and Sunderland) the number was 11,926.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount paid to unemployed persons in Glasgow, denned as special winter allowance, for the year ended 31st March, 1938?

I regret that the total amount paid during the year ended 31st March, 1938, in respect of winter additions is not available, but in the Board's administrative district of Glasgow I, on 17th January last, 22,274 such additions were current, the average rate of increase being approximately 2S. 2½d. per week.

Have the Ministry already taken the full amount of reductions since stopping the winter allowance?

That depends on whether they are small or large. The sums range from is. to 4s., with an average of 2s. If they are over 2s. they are dealt with in two separate applications.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the approximate saving to the Exchequer by the administration of the means test since its operation?

No, Sir. I dealt fully with this question in a reply to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton) on 16th July, 1936, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman looked into this matter again, and is he able to give an answer to this very simple question?

I have not only looked into it but have seen it at work for two years, and the result is that everything I have said to the hon. Member has proved in practice to have been accurate.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has said he is pleased to give information, will he also consider a reply to this question?

If the hon. Member will read the answer he will find that it is very long, with a lot of information in it.

How is it that in the first year's working of the means test the right hon. Gentleman was able to give an answer, and is not able to do so now?

The hon. Member is wrong, I have given an answer and a very long one. What is wanted is a very precise answer to a question which it is not possible to answer in this form. I have given an answer which covered the whole considerations, which are many and weighty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman ashamed of the figures?

Not at all, proud of them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the results of the inquiry into the conditions of cinema employes and what action he proposes to take?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed his inquiries into the wages, hours of employment, and general conditions under which persons are employed in cinemas; and will he give particulars of what further action he now proposes to take?

I will, if I may, answer these questions together. The collection of information in connection with this inquiry has now been completed, and the whole position is being examined in the light of all the facts available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what action he is now going to take?

Not at the moment.

Is it not the fact that these facts and figures have been known to the Ministry for some years?

That is not the fact. These are entirely new figures. The hon. Member is talking about considerations of 1929; this is 1938.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to bear in mind that the employers in this industry promised faithfully, when we passed the Cinematograph Films Act, to give this information to their employés?

I must say that they kept their word, and did their very best to assist me in this matter. As the hon. Member knows very well, one of the effects of the action we have taken in the Ministry is the decision of the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association to enter into negotiations with the National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employés.

Is not this trouble due to the fact of one union trying to poach upon another?

I am not concerned with that at all. I am concerned only with getting the actual facts about the conditions of these people, so that we can do what we can to improve conditions where necessary.

Did the inquiry include Scotland as well as England?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give the House any information of the action he is likely to take?

I cannot say, but I will do it as early as possible.

Does the Minister say that working for 70 hours a week for a salary of £1 is a question of one union poaching on another?

I did not say that, but the House will not take it from the hon. Member that that is a fair statement of the whole case.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he has given consideration to the need to introduce a short Bill to amend existing legislation in order that the trade boards shall have power to grant an annual holiday with pay in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Holidays with Pay;

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have now come to a decision regarding the legislation recommended by the Holidays with Pay Committee?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to indicate when he proposes to introduce legislation to amend the. Trade Boards Acts, as recommended in the report on Holidays with Pay?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the need to set up a department of the Ministry for the purpose or organising the leisure of the people preparatory to putting into operation the recommendations of the Committee on Holidays with Pay?

I am not yet able to announce decisions on this subject, but a preliminary survey of the many and varied recommendations of the Holidays with Pay Committee has been made.

In view of the greater body of support for the proposals contained in the report will the Minister give consideration to them when he is introducing legislation based on the report?

The hon. Member will understand that the report contains a number of recommendations, some of them affecting my Department and some affecting other Departments. There are also legislative recommendations of a minor character, some of which are suggested to take place after a period of years.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making representations to major industries to see whether it is possible to settle this matter on a voluntary basis?

That is the general tenor of the report: it is one of the things I have to do.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the point raised in Question n, as it should not take a long time to deal with?

That is the kind of question I had in mind when I drew the distinction between the recommendations in the report.

During the time that it may be necessary to give to the consideration of this report, and having regard to the large number of workers who receive holidays with pay by agreement with the employers, will the right hon. Gentleman or his Department get into touch with other industries and see whether an extension can be made?

We are constantly in touch with industry, as the result of the last year shows.

Is there any likelihood of legislative or other action on the report in the near future?

I cannot answer that question now. As I have said, I have not been able to make a decision, but we have made a complete survey of the whole report.

Is there any hope of arranging on a voluntary basis for holidays with pay in the textile industry?

That is a detail question which really does not arise now.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has completed the inquiry into the question of catering workers conditions; and has he any statement to make?

No, Sir. We have, however, taken some preliminary steps in this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman quicken the preliminary steps? Is he aware that there are workers even in the City of London getting 12s. 6d. for a 70-hour week, men and women employed by companies and firms?

I hope to initiate discussion in the near future, but the Industrial Relations Department of the Ministry of Labour is limited in size and I have put upon them in the last three years a very heavy amount of administrative work.

Will he also include in his inquiry waitresses on Clyde steamers, and endeavour to see whether it is not possible to have them treated other than as seasonal workers?

I will note the suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept sample wage slips for his examination?

I am always glad to get information, and to give it.

May I ask whether his object in considering this matter of the catering trade is to improve the conditions?

My object is to do everything to initiate or extend collective agreements between both sides in industry with a view to improving the condition of the workers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is more blessed to give than to receive?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of dock labourers employed at the Glasgow and Leith docks, respectively, for the years ended March, 1937 and 1938, respectively?

I will make inquiries and write to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of police telephone boxes and posts which have been erected in the Metropolitan police district; what further number are to be erected to complete the scheme; what is the estimated total cost of the boxes and posts with the required electric equipment for working the system; what is the estimated annual cost of maintaining the system; and what is the number of occasions on which the system has been used by the public for genuine calls?

707 boxes and posts have been erected, and 9 are required to complete the scheme on its present basis. The estimated installation cost, including electrical equipment, is about £37,650, and the annual maintenance cost (including telephone and electricity charges, cleaning and repairs) is £34,150. During the four months January to April last 4,000 calls by the public were made through the system and there is a tendency for such calls to increase. Availability for such calls is, however, only one aspect of the usefulness of these boxes, which constitute a most important part of the police communication system.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much it works out per call? Is it not about £15?

That would not be the case. That would be the calls made by the general public. The police make a much more frequent use of them.

How many calls were made by the police?

I do not know whether I can give the figure.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the powers conferred on the Receiver of the Metropolitan Police under the Metropolitan Police Act, 1829, are of an absolute character; and will he consider amending the Act so as to set up a joint board of control with representatives of the Home Office, the Treasury, and City and County Councils in the area of the Metropolitan Police district to determine and administer the policy and finance of the Metropolitan Police?

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member's question of 31st March last, the Receiver is subject to the control of the Home Secretary, as police authority, in all matters of expenditure of money from the Metropolitan Police Fund. As regards the second part of the question, I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 7th April last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me under what Act of Parliament any authority can be exercised over the Receiver?

I think the Act is the Metropolitan Police Act, 1829.

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman understood my question. Will he tell me under what Act he himself, or anybody in his position, has power over the Receiver, who takes his powers under the Act mentioned?

I should imagine that it would be the responsibility of the Home Secretary for public order.

asked the Home Secretary who was responsible for choosing the route of the procession of the National Spinsters' Association from Kingsway Hall to Hyde Park on 14th May; whether he is aware that this route was nearly five miles as against the direct route of about two miles; and whether, in view of the fact that many middle-aged and elderly women were compelled on this account to fall out of the procession through exhaustion, he will inquire into the whole matter?

The most direct route from Kingsway Hall to Hyde Park would have been ¾ miles in length, but it would have entailed the march of some 2,500 people through the heart of the West End of London on a Saturday night at a time when theatre traffic is heavy. The Commissioner of Police accordingly felt obliged to give directions that the procession should take an alternative route through less crowded streets. This route was in fact only half a mile longer than the most direct route.

Would it not have been more considerate if the theatre traffic had been made to take another route?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the new Factory Act comes into operation on 1st July, he can now say when copies of the regulations which it is necessary for him to issue will be available?

A number of Orders and draft Regulations were gazetted last Friday and copies can be obtained by hon. Members in the usual way now, or in the case of one Order, to-morrow. Other documents are in an advanced state of preparation but I cannot give the precise dates of issue.

Is there any likelihood of their being ready soon?

Yes, Sir. I hope they will be ready soon.

Are these regulations applicable to the United Kingdom, or will it be necessary to provide revised Regulations applicable to Scotland?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the acquittal of Jesse Peel, of Fewston, on a serious charge; and whether he will recommend that compensation be granted to Mr. Peel in order to help him to pay the expenses he has incurred?

I know of no circumstances to differentiate this case from other cases where after the justices have decided that the defendant should be committed for trial, the trial results in an acquittal. While sympathy must be felt for any innocent person who may be placed on trial, the fact that a defendant is acquitted is not a ground on which payment can be made from public funds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man had to use the whole of his savings and was not able to take advantage of the Poor Persons Defence Act; and in view of these circumstances may I ask him to give sympathetic reconsideration to this case?

I am afraid that I cannot give an undertaking of that kind. This man was committed by the justices and was acquitted. In a case of this kind no question of an ex gratia payment can arise.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the suggestion of counsel at the Leeds Assizes that a shorthand clerk should be employed to take down statements both of the police and persons being examined prior to being formally charged with serious offences; and will he take steps to put this suggestion into operation?

I agree; that it is desirable that so tar as practicable any statement by an accused person which is tendered in evidence should be given in the accused's own words, and that is the practice generally followed by the police. But I do not think that it would be either desirable or practicable to lay down any general rule that all questions and statements in serious cases should be taken down in shorthand. The whole question of such statements was carefully considered by the Royal Commission on Police Powers and Procedure and they pointed out that while certain general principles should be kept in mind it was impracticable to lay down any precise instructions as to the methods of taking such statement.

asked the Home Secretary with which local authorities in Northumberland advance authorisation schemes in connection with air-raid precautions have been concluded?

In my reply to the hon. Lady on the 9th instant, I referred to advance authorisation in accordance with normal practice in connection with air-raid general precautions schemes in the county. The only authorities required to prepare general schemes are the county council and the county borough councils of Newcastle and Tynemouth. The preparation of schemes, in different degrees of advancement, is in progress in all three areas.

Have any advance authorisation schemes been concluded?

Yes, the training centres have been approved under the scheme in Newcastle, and the organisation of salaries in the county.

Is there any scheme yet about the burning pit-heaps in West Yorkshire?

When is further progress likely to be made, as there are many very important works, etc., on the Tyne?

I am awaiting further proposals from the councils themselves.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in respect of the salaries of those county or borough police officers whose whole time has been employed in air-raid precautions, the Exchequer contribution has been calculated on the 50 per cent, basis, appropriate to normal police services, or whether it has been calculated on the 60, 65, 70 or 75 per cent, basis provided in the Schedule to the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937?

It is intended that expenditure incurred by reason of the employment of a police officer whole time on airraid precautions work on behalf of a local authority's general air-raid precautions services will rank for air-raid precautions grant at the appropriate rate.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce legislation to guarantee employers against any liability for injuries received during an air-raid by their employés while they are in a shelter or refuge provided by a firm for their employés' benefit?

This important matter has not been overlooked and it will be for the Government of the day to decide what legislation is necessary in regard to compensation for injury sustained as the result of enemy air attack.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that it is desirable that employers should make these preparations, that unless they are assured beforehand that no liability is likely to be incurred, they will hesitate to do so, and that that will mean, in the event of air raids, that their employés will go on to the streets and add to the confusion and panic which may arise; and therefore, would it not be desirable to arrive at an arrangement in advance?

I will take note of my hon. Friend's point, but I am not in a position to add anything to my answer.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that air raids in future will be any worse than those we had 20 years ago to-night?

Before the hon. Gentleman makes any change or admits any principle of this kind which, in the circumstances, will completely abrogate the Workmen's Compensation Act, which gives compensation to a man who is injured in the course of or arising out of his employment, will he consult with the trade unions?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the shortage of air-raid precautions instructors, he will take steps to ensure that there is forthcoming an adequate supply of candidates who have previous experience as lecturers or instructors in similar kinds of work in order to reduce to a minimum the amount of time required for training?

All local authorities are being informed to-day of the new scheme for substantially increasing the number of persons qualified to undertake training in anti-gas measures to which I referred in the reply which I gave on 27th April to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). It is hoped that by this means any present shortage of instructors can rapidly be made good, so that training can be provided for volunteers as and when they require it.

Will my hon. Friend consider the necessity of getting instructors who have speaking ability and the ability to impart their knowledge?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a speech by the Mayor of Camberwell, Chairman of the Air-Raid Precautions Committee, on air-raid precautions, alleging obstruction by the Home Office, lack of co-ordination and co-operation with the local authorities, and undue delay in replying to correspondence; is he aware that the speech referred to represents the views of most of the local authorities; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy these grievances?

My right hon. Friend has seen extracts in the Press from this speech, which appear to refer mainly to matters affecting the Borough of Camberwell. He is aware that owing to the complexity and magnitude of this task delays have occurred in dealing with some of the questions raised by local authorities, and it was on this account that at the end of March he circulated the outlines of a model scheme which would help authorities to submit their proposals in a form that would permit prompter decision. He has also taken steps to strengthen the organisation of the section of the Department which deals with proposals of local authorities submitted under the Act, and these steps are already proving effective as arrears are being rapidly disposed of. He has also had discussions with the organisations representing local authorities which, within the limits permitted by the Act, will result in giving authorities greater freedom in regard to expenditure on administration and preliminary organisation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when schemes were submitted to him based on the model scheme, they were afterwards sent back, turned down, and it was said that it had been decided to make another scheme?

No, Sir. The scheme to which the hon. Member is referring deals with first-aid posts, and it was based on the memorandum which was issued before the issue of the model scheme. It is true that after further consultation with medical authorities and certain extra experiments, it was decided to simplify the first-aid posts, but that had nothing to do with the issue of the model scheme.

Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that when a scheme was submitted to him for the storing of gasmasks, it was turned down without any viewing of it by the Home Office authorities?

In the scheme circulated by my right hon. Friend, it was suggested, for purposes of securing the quick distribution of gas-masks, that the depots should not contain more than 30,000 gasmasks, but the proposals submitted by the Borough of Camberwell were for a depot of about 270,000 gas-masks. Therefore, it was obvious that it would not be right for the Home Office to depart so much from their scheme unless there were very special facilities for quick distribution in that particular case. That is under investigation.

Will the hon. Gentleman try to get his Department to make up its mind what it wants, because it is the experience of local authorities that when schemes have been put forward, they have been materially changed after the organisation had been set up to deal with them? Does not that discourage any effort by the local authorities?

I must make the position clear to the House. This is a very difficult, complicated and novel matter, with which the local authorities have to deal. In spite of copious memoranda issued by the Home Office to enable them to deal with it, they still do not always find it possible to deal with it on the right lines at the first attempt. I would not for a moment criticise that, but it was with a view to assisting them in their work that this model scheme was issued. In spite of that extra assistance, we must expect that there must be a certain interchange between the Home Office and the local authorities in getting these schemes going, but we ought to work together, and not indulge in mutually destructive criticism.

asked the Home Secretary what is the nature of the research experiments carried out at Chatham Royal Hospital in connection with testing the effects of high explosives, the number of animals used, the number killed, and the type or types of animals used?

I will send the hon. Member the particulars for which he asks.

On a point of Order. Is it a sufficient answer to a. question put down by an hon. Member of this House, to say that the Minister will send a reply to the Member personally? May I submit, Mr. Speaker, that that does not give other hon. Members an opportunity of seeing an answer which may be of equal interest to all, and, obviously, in those circumstances the only thing will be for Members of the House to put down the same question on successive days.

On that point of Order, may I say that I have had some consultation with the hon. Member who put down this question which raises considerations of a very confidential character in connection with these experiments. It was on that ground, and on that ground alone, that I gave the answer to which the hon. Member refers.

I should not like to give a general Ruling on the point of Order which has been raised. It is supposed to be the right of all Members of the House to hear the answers which are given, but I would not say that there may not be occasions when it would be necessary to take the course adopted by the Minister in this case. As I say, I would prefer not to give a general Ruling on the subject without any regard to the particular nature of the question.

Some hon. Members are very much interested in the answer which will be made to this question. Is it necessary that we should individually put questions on the Order Paper?

It is difficult for me to offer guidance to hon. Members on that point.

Can we get an answer if we apply privately?

No doubt the hon. Gentleman will get an answer if he applies to the Minister.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present position as to the delivery to local authorities of special fire-fighting apparatus for use in the event of air raids?

About 250 fire pumps, mainly of the heavier types, have been issued to local authorities in connection with their emergency schemes. Some 750 more of the medium and heavier types, and over 3,000 light trailer pumps, have been ordered, and, according to present expectations, the majority of these machines will be issued in the course of this year.

In making the distribution, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the most vulnerable part of England, especially in harvest time, is East Anglia?

Is it to be taken from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that it is anticipated that no necessity for the use of these plans will arise before the end of the current year?

asked the Home Secretary what is the present position as to the issue of a leaflet of instructions to individual householders in relation to air-raid precautions?

As hon. Members are aware, the householders' handbook has been distributed to local authorities for issue to personnel of air-raid precautions services and local authorities will now be invited to give their considered views as to the form in which printed advice can most effectively be given to householders. My right hon. Friend attaches more importance at this stage to personal visits by air-raid wardens, and these have begun in a large number of areas.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as long ago as 3rd February he informed me, in answer to a question, that preparations were being made to give information and instruction to householders? Is there any indication of that being done; and is the hon. Gentleman aware that individual householders are at present left without any instruction or information of any kind?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman is under a misapprehension. I was referring to the 600,000 copies of this document which have been issued.

Will the hon. Gentleman refer to the answer which he gave me on the previous occasion? If he does he will there find that it is with direct reference to the answer which he gave, that this question is framed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nearly two years ago he informed the House that these instructions were in an advanced state of preparation; and what is the cause of the delay?

After the passing of the Air-Raids Precautions Act, when Parliament placed a statutory duty in regard to the information and instruction of the public on the local authorities, it was felt desirable to obtain the views of the local authorities before definite action was taken in this matter, and for that reason 600,000 copies were issued to them.

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the earliest opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to state the division of functions between his Department and the Ministry of Health regarding air-raid precautions in relation to hospitals in London?

As regards the protection of persons in the hospitals, this is a matter for the Home Office, and my right hon. Friend will be issuing shortly to hospitals a handbook on the subject. As regards the organisation of the hospital system for dealing with casualties, this is being dealt with jointly by my Department and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

To which Department or to whom are hospital authorities to apply when seeking information as to what the functions of the hospital are to be in the event of an air raid, and how those functions are to be performed?

Will the hon. Gentleman do what he can to expedite some decision in this matter; and is he aware that those responsible for voluntary hospitals are unable to get any information and that the local authorities are unable to get any information?

This matter is being very actively pursued at the present time and I understand that there will be an opportunity for discussing it on another occasion.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Leamington Valuation Committee not to recommend any revision of assessments of rateable property in respect of new works exclusively for use as air-raid shelters; whether he is aware that there is serious doubt on the part of local authorities and of occupiers of property as to the duty of valuation committees in this connection; and whether he will make an early declaration of his intention to amend the law in order to remove doubt and encourage the construction of shelters?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I am not yet in a position to add to previous statements upon the matter, which is under consideration.

When does my right hon. Friend expect a definite answer with regard to this point in view of the fact that the construction of air-raid shelters is meanwhile being discouraged?

In consultation with my right hon. Friend I shall come to a decision at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state whether the expenditure incurred by an employer to secure the safety of his employés against air raids will be regarded as a legitimate charge against taxable profits in assessing Income Tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) on 18th March and to the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 7th April, of which I am sending him copies.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that those answers were not satisfactory, in that expenditure upon the provision of air-raid shelters would not apparently be regarded as a liability in connection with the calculation of profits subject to Income Tax, and does he not consider it desirable that employers should provide these shelters? Will he not reconsider his decision in the light of these facts and with a view to there being closer co-operation between the Treasury and the Home Office?

I am aware of the importance of the point, but I am sure that my hon. Friend will see that that is capital expenditure and that this is a question of annual revenue.

But does my right hon. Friend realise that this is a matter of urgency to which special consideration should be given?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain lorry drivers make a practice of picking girls up on the road and leaving them stranded, in London and elsewhere; whether he has recently had a conference on this problem; and what action he proposes to take?