asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed the inquiries he instituted into the working conditions of the employés engaged in the cinematograph industry; and what further action he now proposes to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, as I have stated previously, a number of agreements have been made for various districts, and discussions relating to other districts are still proceeding. The services of my Department are at all times available to render such assistance as may be possible and desired.

What arrangements, if any, are made for the small exhibitors who own only one small hall and are not members of any association?

That is a question which should like to see on the Paper. The hon. Member will appreciate that in all industrial matters we prefer to proceed by way of collective agreements between representative bodies of employers and employed.

Is the Minister not aware that some of the conditions are scandalous and that this matter is being neglected?

I am sure that we are proceeding in the most effective way to get a remedy for the defects that we want remedied. A number of agreements have already been made and others are now in process of negotiation. That, in my judgment, is the best way of proceeding.

Can the Minister give any estimate of the proportion of people in this industry who are now covered by agreements?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Is the Minister not going to take further action?

The hon. Member should see what I have said. We are always at the disposal of the industry. As the House knows, it is better for the men and the employers' organisations concerned to seek voluntary agreement than for the Ministry to intervene, and perhaps do more harm than good.

How can that apply to cases where the people concerned do not belong to any association?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the investigation carried out by the chief inspector of explosives in relation to the vessels which contain a gas known as butane supplied for domestic use is now completed; and what steps have been taken to see that the vessels comply with the necessary standards of safety?

The general question of the design and specification of cylinders for liquifiable and other gases has been referred to a committee appointed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Pending the report of this committee, no regulations have been made to cover the conveyance of cylinders containing butane, but His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Explosives has been in close touch with the firms who supply and distribute this gas, and the cylinders now being used appear to be satisfactory for the purpose.

Can the Minister say whether a report is expected on this very important matter?

No, Sir; I could not say without notice.

asked the Home Secretary how many complaints were received during 1938 regarding alleged cock-fighting; how many of these complaints were investigated; and in how many cases prosecutions took place?

I would refer to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and learned Member on 14th July last. No subsequent complaints have been received at the Home Office.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now completed his consideration regarding the causes of the increase in the number of convictions for drunkenness since 1932; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

No, Sir. The preliminary consideration which has been given to possible lines of inquiry indicates that account may have to be taken of many factors, and that I am not likely to be able to make any statement at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary how many refugees have been admitted to England since the 30th September last; and what proportion of this number are by race Aryan and what proportion Jewish?

Since 30th September, approximately 6,000 refugees from Germany have been admitted to the United Kingdom. In this country there is no official system of classifying people by race or religion.

Is it not the case that during the same period a considerable number of Nazi Germans have returned to Germany, and are daily returning?

asked the Home Secretary, concerning child refugees from Germany, why guarantee forms are no longer available at the Inter-Aid Department; whether the Home Office have changed the rules about such guarantees; and if so, is it to be made more difficult to save these children?

There has been no change in the Home Office rules, and the Home Office has done nothing to make it more difficult to bring child refugees to this country. 2,400 children have already been admitted under the special arrangements made with the Movement for the Care of Children from Germany, and other parties are expected. I understand, however, that the extent to which the Movement can undertake responsibility for further numbers of children and the rapidity with which arrangements can be made for their admission must depend on the number of offers they receive to provide homes and help for such children.

Does it not depend also upon money being available from the Baldwin Fund? Is not that fund available for these children? And why is one unable at the present moment to get these gurantee forms?

I will look into the last point raised by the right hon. Gentleman. As to the Baldwin Fund, I, of course, have no responsibility for it, and I do not know anything of the details regarding it.

Who is responsible? Is there anyone here to answer?

asked the Home Secretary why Lord Baldwin's Fund for refugees is not being used to provide guarantees for those persecuted people who have no friends here able to give guarantees, more particularly for men in concentration camps who might be let out if they could get a British visa?

Decisions as to how the fund shall be used are matters for the trustees, and I have no doubt that the arrangements they are making will secure that the best possible use shall be made of the money available for assisting refugees.

Seeing that very large funds have been raised for this purpose, is there any means of getting anyone on the Front Bench to answer for the trustees, as the matter is one of public importance?

No, Sir, I certainly do not think that any answer could be given from this Bench, as no Minister is responsible in any way, directly or indirectly.

Who is responsible?

The trustees.

Have the Charity Commissioners any control in this matter?

I have no more knowledge than my hon. Friend has.

asked the Home Secretary whether since the passing of the Fire Brigades Act, 1938, any approach has been made by his Department to the fire insurance companies with a view to ascertaining whether they would he willing to make a voluntary contribution to the cost of research into fire-fighting problems?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made in this House on behalf of the Government on 27th July last, during the final stages of the Fire Brigades Bill, to the effect that the insurance interests have already undertaken to make a payment of £600,000 to be allocated as the Government may decide. Of this contribution, approximately £317,000 has already been disbursed to eight local authorities in pursuance of arrangements made while the Fire Brigades Bill was before Parliament. The balance of the £600,000 will be received from the insurance interests in the course of the next 18 months, and will be available for purposes of general benefit to the Fire Service, including research into fire fighting problems. As stated in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) on 15th December last, preliminary discussions have taken place regarding the arrangements for the establishment of a fire research centre.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he is taking to stop Irish enemies of this country from blowing up or damaging British property; and, in particular, will he take steps to acquire powers to deport those Irish who do damage here or become a charge on public funds in this country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement upon the recent bomb outrages directed against important points on the public electricity supply systems; and whether adequate protective measures have been, and will continue to be, taken to frustrate any further similar outrages, in view of the special importance of maintaining power supply to factories at the present time?

As a result of inquiries undertaken by the police in connection with the explosions which occurred on 16th January, 33 persons have been arrested and have been charged with various offences relating to explosive substances and firearms. As the cases are sub judice, I am unable to make any further statement at the moment beyond saying that the police are continuing their inquiries and taking all steps possible to prevent further outrages. The suggestion that our laws should be altered so as to enable British subjects to be deported from the United Kingdom raises general issues of far-reaching importance which cannot properly be dealt with by means of question and answer.

With regard to the last part of Question No. 21, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is highly inconsistent to desire to deport Irishmen who become a charge on British funds while allowing large numbers of foreign refugees to come to this country?

Would it not be very desirable, in order to eliminate any further possibility of trouble, to abolish partition and allow Ireland to become, as it should be, a united country?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to two actions which recently came before the High Court brought by a common informer, Green, for penalties; that in each case when the proceedings came before the Court the common informer discontinued, allowing judgment to go against him with costs; that this same common informer has brought numerous other similar actions; that he is without the means to pay any costs that may be awarded against him and that these actions constitute a form of blackmail; and, in view of the undesirability of these practices being allowed to continue, what steps he proposes taking in the matter?

I have seen reports in the Press of the cases to which the hon. Member refers. The matter can only be dealt with by legislation, and, as I informed the hon. Member in reply to his question on 1st December last, it is already the practice, when Statutes which authorise the payment of penalties to the informer are brought under review by amending legislation, to substitute penalty provisions in modern form.

What is the procedure when a common informer is an undischarged bankrupt? Is he under an obligation to find security for costs?

I could not answer that question without notice, but I think it would be a question for the Attorney-General, and not for me.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with a lift accident in a house at Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, on 18th January; and what was the cause of the lift failing.

I understand that the incident referred to occurred in a private dwelling house, where the lift, which was electrically driven, stopped between two floors when a servant was travelling in it. She was alone in the house and was not released until the housekeeper returned home and obtained assistance from the police. The lift company's staff attributed the stopping of the lift to failure of the electricity supply.

Is there any possibility in the near future of giving local authorities the right to inspect lifts of this kind throughout the country?

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I will give him an answer.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the fact that particulars of experiments on living animals performed during the previous year are received at the Home Office within the first fortnight of January, he will give instructions that the annual return of such experiments is presented to the House before the end of March?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves).

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many gas-masks have been provided for the civilian population during the last 12 months; will he state the gross cost of same and give particulars of any arrangements that have been made during the last six months for the protection of infants from the risk of gas-poisoning?

40,000,000 respirators have been issued during the last 12 months for the civilian population, at a gross cost of approximately £4,000,000. Various types of apparatus for the protection of infants from the risk of gas poisoning have been evolved from time to time, but have been discarded after trials. During the last six months, however, a satisfactory device has been developed for infants up to the age of two years, and production of all parts has already commenced, with the exception of one, which is being pushed forward with all possible speed. This part will be produced by mass production methods, and once production has commenced will become available in such large quantities as to overtake the production of the other parts in a short time. Similarly a special type of respirator has been developed during the last six months for infants over two years of age, and purchase is being arranged.

Are the officers of the Minister's Department carrying on experiments for the purpose of protecting infants?

No. They are quite satisfied they have a device which is effective, and that is in production.

How long does the right hon. Gentleman expect it will be before these special respirators for young children are issued?

The total number to be ordered is 1,200,000. I would rather not give the definite date of the completion of delivery.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what places on the Tyneside are regarded as areas from which children will be evacuated in the event of war?

The plans now under preparation provide for the evacuation of children from Newcastle-on-Tyne and Gateshead.

What is the basis on which that decision was reached, in view of the very crowded parts nearer the mouth of the river which have been excluded?

These two county boroughs contain the largest crowded populations on Tyneside, and dispersion from them is therefore the most urgent need. We cannot put more people into the northern reception area than it will contain. When complete information is available and the survey of accommodation now being carried out is completed, the position will be reviewed in the light of that information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the places to which these children will be sent, particularly from Gateshead, are crowded colliery areas with very small houses, and that there is really very little accommodation there. Would it not be better to consider underground shelters on a very large scale in the Tyneside area?

We shall know the position better when the survey is completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the whole of the Durham coastal area is scheduled as a neutral area, but that it is very vulnerable and highly dangerous; and does he not intend to afford any more adequate protection?

That is another question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not got a scheme to cover the county boroughs of South Shields and Sunderland and places adjacent to those county areas?

I think I have already dealt with that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country north of Newcastle, with its burning pitheaps, is very vulnerable?

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the approximate cost of the gas masks issued to the public and of a suitable container; and what steps he proposes to take to assist persons who have been issued with gas masks to keep them in safe condition?

The cost of the civilian respirators distributed to the public, together with the cost of the 39,000,000 carton containers which have been issued to local authorities, is over £4,000,000. The supply of carton containers to those local authorities to whom respirators were issued is now almost complete, and local authorities have been asked to make arrangements, through the wardens' organisation, to advise and guide householders in the care of the respirators already issued.

Has any decision been reached as to who owns the gas masks?

That question was raised yesterday, and I think there is another question on the Paper to-day about it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in London there are still a great many places where there are no containers for the gas masks that have been issued; and will he see that containers are issued?

Yes, Sir.

Are containers available for the gas masks that have been already issued to Members of this House?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that, during the recent crisis a large number of persons who had volunteered for air-raid precautions duties, such as air-raid wardens and women casualty first-aid workers, wrote to local authorities to state that for family and other reasons they would not be able to serve in the particular borough or county; and whether, in the case of persons who are voluntarily recruited under the new national service scheme, any contractual obligation will be entered into before they are trained for their various duties at the expense of the local authorities?

All volunteers for the air-raid precautions services will in future be asked to sign a declaration undertaking to serve when called upon in an emergency either part-time or whole-time, according to the terms on which they have enrolled. If for any reason volunteers already trained move to another area they can offer their services to the authority of that area.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the position of Red Cross workers who have enrolled for air-raid precautions work in their various localities in the event of a crisis occuring; and whether they will be permitted to serve in such localities, or whether their services may be required elsewhere?

I am not sure what my hon. Friend has in mind, and if he will communicate with me I will arrange to give him a reply which will make the position of these volunteers quite clear.

Is it not evident from the question that the idea is that members of the Red Cross who enrol in a particular area might, owing to the exigencies of the crisis, be moved into some other area and have to serve there?

That is exactly one of the points on which I was not quite clear. It all depends on the conditions upon which the volunteer enrols.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements he proposes to make for newspaper production in an emergency; and what guidance he proposes to give to the journalistic and reporting staffs who are not mentioned in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, Cmd. 5926?

The importance of enabling an adequate news service to be maintained is fully recognised, and consultations have already taken place with representatives of newspapers and periodicals for the purpose of helping them to make plans for carrying on essential services in a time of emergency. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has also made arrangements to confer with representatives of newspaper proprietors and journalists on the question of the services of journalists in time of war.

Can we take it that the Minister is quite clear about not relying too much on wireless services; and is there not an omission in the list of scheduled occupations when the manipulative side of newspaper production is provided for but nothing is done for what one might describe as the brains of the newspapers?

A conference has already been arranged on the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why they were omitted from the list of reserved occupations? Are not journalists at least as important as jobbing gardeners?

asked the Lord Privy Seal to whom the steel shelters of which he has made substantial purchases will be issued for use?

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what steps he is taking in connection with the arrangements made by the Government with manufacturers to supply certain citizens living in vulnerable areas with steel air-raid shelters to ensure that those who will not receive these shelters free of charge will be able to obtain them at the same cost as that charged to the Government;

(2) whether he will inform the House who will receive the steel air-raid shelters free of charge; and who will be expected to buy or make their own shelters?

A circular on this matter will be issued to local authorities next week, and I will arrange to have copies of it placed in the Library of the House. My hon. Friends will find that it contains much detailed information which cannot conveniently be given within the limits of an answer to a question.

In view of the great importance of enabling those householders who have the financial ability to purchase the shelters to do so as quickly as possible, would my right hon. Friend not say that that particular point has been carefully borne in mind?

Yes, it has been borne in mind.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the use of alternative material other than steel for these shelters, which would enable us to meet more speedily what is an urgent need at the present time?

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to let those who can afford to pay for them have the shelters, and leave the others outside until afterwards?

The first supply will be made free, ex hypothesi to people who cannot afford to pay for them. As regards the first of the supplementary questions, the hon. Gentleman will see, from the report of the engineers, published yesterday, that the nature of the shelters recommended is not exclusively steel.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is giving any encouragement to local authorities to construct shelters which will withstand direct hits by medium-sized explosive bombs?

This very important question has been under continuous examination by my Department, but I am not yet in a position to make a fully considered and complete statement on the subject.

In view of the fact that local authorities are pressing to get on with this work, could my right hon. Friend give some idea when he will be able, at any rate, to release those who have definite plans, so that they can put them in hand?

I can assure my hon. Friend that nothing is standing in the way of consideration on its merits of any scheme submitted by a local authority.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether gas masks issued to the civil population in September last are regarded as Government property; and whether any check upon present holders is contemplated?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made yesterday in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor).

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) when fire appliances, such as hoses, which have been indented for, are to be supplied to local authorities;

(2) how many fire-trailers have been indented for and how many delivered to the local authorities?

The number of appliances to be issued to a particular local authority is assessed by the Home Office, or the Scottish Office as the case may be, after examination of the local fire scheme, and when the appropriate issue has been decided, and the local authority have intimated that they are prepared to receive the appliances, delivery instructions are given to manufacturers through His Majesty's Office of Works. These instructions provide also for the delivery of hose and other ancillary gear, as supplies become available from the manufacturers. Up to 27th January, 3,500 appliances, including both trailer pumps and self-propelled units, had been delivered and approximately 300 miles of hose, and since the crisis in September very large orders have been placed as part of the measures for accelerating the programme of production. Contracts on the scale now in hand necessarily take some time to mature, and, while every effort is being made to expedite issue of the appliances, it is impossible to ensure delivery of all items at the same rate, or to arrange immediate delivery of appliances and equipment in cases where a local authority's scheme has only recently been submitted.

Can my right hon. Friend give any date by which time he hopes that all local authorities throughout the country will be fully supplied?

I would rather confine myself to saying that we are pressing forward as rapidly as possible.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether local authorities are to be enabled to instal telephones, lockable doors, etc., and to carry out minor alterations in premises scheduled for housing fire-trailers?

The approved cost of any necessary alterations to premises to be used for the storage of emergency fire fighting appliances and equipment ranks for grant under the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, and local authorities have been informed that particulars of minor works not exceeding a cost of £50 need not be specially submitted to the Department for prior approval. Any proposals for the installation of telephones required for emergency fire brigade purposes will receive favourable consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps have been taken up to date to initiate schemes for constructing underground car parks which would be available also as deep air-raid shelters?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government are prepared to encourage local authorities in danger zones to provide underground bomb-proof air-raid shelters capable of being used as car parks; and what rate of grant will be made for approved schemes?

The possibilities of constructing underground car parks which will also give some shelter protection have received my careful consideration, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and I am now arranging for immediate expert examination of certain technical problems involved.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is in his mind in regard to grant for any approved schemes such as are put forward in my question?

It is contemplated that in so far as these things serve as shelters, they should be eligible for grant in accordance with the principles laid down by law.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in addition to examining the technical aspects, he will examine the legal aspects of the matter, with a view to introducing as soon as may be any necessary enabling legislation?

That is already under consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend make certain that if these car parks are constructed they are in fact deep, otherwise they may be veritable death traps?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state a date on which the handbook incorporating the recommendations of the Government's advisory committee of architects and engineers on structural precautions in buildings against air-raid attack will be made available to the public?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the revised version of Handbook No. 5. The revised text is virtually completed and there will be no delay in publication.

As the Committee commenced in 1935, will my right hon. Friend think me ungracious if I ask whether he can give a specific date when the report will appear?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is still the case that less than one-tenth of the fire stations and accommodation needed in London for the Auxiliary Fire Service have been secured, and that there is a great shortage of the necessary apparatus; and by what date it is anticipated that these deficiencies will be made good?

I do not know the basis of my hon. Friend's estimate. Over 250 self-propelled units and trailer pumps have already been delivered to the London Fire Brigade and arrangements have been made for accelerated deliveries during the next few months. Particulars of forthcoming deliveries are communicated to the Council beforehand so that steps may be taken to see that the provision of accommodation keeps pace with the delivery of appliances; and I am satisfied that the London County Council are doing everything that is reasonably possible to ensure that there shall be no avoidable delay in providing the accommodation required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is room for training the actual men?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will kindly put down another question on that point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the throw of these trailer pumps is adequate and sufficient to reach the highest buildings; and can he say what is the actual throw of which these pumps are capable?

I cannot answer a question of that kind without notice.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the general apprehension felt throughout the country as regards the proposals to billet adults and children evacuated from certain areas during a crisis, and the obvious difficulties in the way of finding suitable accommodation, he will consider the establishment of permanent camps to which the children could be sent in order that their health, education, and safety may be assured?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the possibility of making use of camps to supplement the other accommodation available is being examined.

Will the Minister undertake that before any definite plan is adopted, and certainly before a crisis arises, this House will have an opportunity of debating the whole question of billeting?

I think that is a question which should be addressed elsewhere.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that there is general apprehension felt on this matter throughout the country?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of his decision not to include Wallsend-on-Tyne in an evacuation scheme, he will arrange immediately for a responsible official to visit Tyneside to be shown the lay-out in order that all vulnerable areas may receive proper consideration?

The position in regard to evacuation will be reviewed in the light of information as to accommodation which becomes available as a result of the survey which is now being made in the areas marked for reception. Before a final decision is reached I shall certainly be ready to arrange for a discussion with representatives of the local authority.

Would it be possible for a responsible official now to come with me to Tyneside?

In the first place, it is necessary to find out what accommodation is available.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the desire of the Government that householders should store food and water for an emergency, in accordance with the statement made by his adviser, Sir Auckland Geddes?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether if he will consider the advisability of issuing an appeal to all manufacturers, merchants, retailers, and housewives gradually to increase the stocks of those raw materials and articles of food which they are in the habit of using and which can be stored for a considerable period without deterioration, in order that the reserve stocks of these commodities in the country may thereby be maintained at a higher level while the international situation remains of so threatening a character?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any objection to private householders accumulating reserves of suitable foodstuffs as a precautionary measure?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make clear to the country that all food in the possession of private persons over their normal requirements for one week, will be deemed as being available for national needs in the event of war?

I have been asked to reply. I see no objection to the accumulation by householders in peace time of small reserves of suitable foodstuffs, equivalent to about one week's normal requirements. Household reserves of this kind would constitute a useful addition to the total stocks in this country, and they would not be taken into account in carrying out the Government's policy of ensuring that adequate supplies of food will be available in time of war for all classes of the population. I must, however, make it clear that in an emergency, household reserves might be requisitioned if the Government of the day considered it necessary in the public interest. The House will recognise that there is a clear distinction between the accumulation of small household reserves in peace time and food-hoarding in time of war. There are, of course, grave objections to private purchases of food in excess of normal household requirements during a national emergency or in a critical period preceding an emergency.

I feel sure that all manufacturers and traders will bear in mind the desirability, so far as their individual circumstances permit, of maintaining, and if possible increasing, their stocks of those materials and foodstuffs which will be necessary for the country in time of emergency.

As regards water, I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, that special measures are being taken to secure the continuity of water supplies in an emergency which, if account is taken of the storage capacity of household tanks, should obviate any necessity for individual householders to store water.

In view of the diversity of views that we have heard from Government Departments on this subject, would it not be possible to arrange for a consistent, coherent and non-contradictory advice to be given?

There is no inconsistency whatsoever except in the mind of the hon. Gentleman and one newspaper. What I say now is a fuller elaboration of a very similar statement which was made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, who was then Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, in a Debate in this House during the summer.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman want to discourage private individuals from helping themselves and so helping the country by accumulating supplies now; and, in particular, why does he suggest that it is undesirable that private people now should acquire more than one week's supply of food?

Because it is quite obvious that if people in large numbers were to acquire very large supplies of food it might upset the food market entirely and cause a quite unnecessary rise in prices. I have made inquiries in the food market, and I am satisfied that reserves of a more modest kind can be acquired by the householder without any upset of the normal market, and without causing any increase of prices, which might bring hardship to many people.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of the Government to assist those people to buy and store food who can hardly afford to buy it in normal times?

It is an addition by private means to the normal policy of the Government. Where the Government spend money or make arrangements it is clearly better that reserves should be in bulk, and not distributed.

Is it not the position that only people who can afford to do so can make this provision?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of the Export Credits Act to British industry, he can state when the Government propose to take the remaining stages of the Bill?

The Committee stage of the Export Guarantees Bill is being taken to-day. So far as the remaining stages are concerned, perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to await the statement which I propose to make on Business.

asked the Prime Minister whether any special duties are to be allocated to Members of Parliament in the event of war; and whether they are free to volunteer for any of the positions for which volunteers are required, as outlined in the booklet on National Service recently issued to the public?

It would not, in my opinion, be right for His Majesty's Government to attempt to assign special duties to Members of Parliament as such. Each Member is, of course, free to decide for himself, in the light of his Parliamentary duties and other public obligations, what services he can undertake.

Is there any reason why Members of Parliament who are frequently demanding war should not join up with the armed Forces?

Would the Prime Minister be good enough to indicate who those Members are?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Advisory Panel on Rearmament will furnish a report to Parliament upon its activities or in what other manner it is intended that Parliament should be kept informed of the adequacy of this body in speeding up rearmament, improving efficiency, and spreading work fairly over the country?

It was not my intention that this panel should make reports: it was set up to give practical assistance in the furtherance of the Defence programmes. I have, however, received a letter from the panel, the text of which I propose to include in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I may, perhaps, inform the House that as a first step the panel have acquainted themselves with the actual state of progress of the rearmament programme, including Air-Raid Precautions, and they have for that purpose held 15 meetings.

The panel state that they are of the opinion that the Service Departments, supported by the Treasury, are rapidly accomplishing a most difficult task of great complexity, with efficiency and foresight even to the extent, in some cases, of establishing practically new industries in the country. They add that they feel that the magnitude of the effort which has been and is being made is altogether insufficiently realised by the country as a whole. It is pointed out that the results obtained up to the present time could not have been achieved without the wholehearted co-operation of industry operating, it must be remembered, on a peacetime basis. The panel are satisfied that this co-operation has been generally forthcoming and quote as an example the close collaboration between the Air Ministry and the aircraft industry as a result of which there has been so marked an increase in the rate of production of aircraft.

The letter further states that in view of the comparatively short period that elapsed between setting in motion the rearmament programme and the events of last September, it was inevitable that certain gaps in the Defence equipment of the nation should have been found to exist at that time, but the panel feel on the evidence submitted to them that most of these gaps either have been or are being filled as rapidly as possible.

I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the energetic way in which the panel are co-operating with the Defence Departments.

Will full information be tendered at regular periods to the small parties who continually support the Government although they are not members of the Government?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the statement that he has just read consists of the same large number of equivocal and meaningless reassurances that have caused such disquiet throughout the country?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the widespread anxiety over the position of the shipping and shipbuilding industries, he will grant Parliamentary time for discussion of the future of these industries?

The Government have the position of shipping and shipbuilding under consideration and will make a statement as soon as it is possible to do so. I do not, therefore, consider that a debate is necessary in present circumstances.

If I put down a question in a fortnight's time will my right hon. Friend be able to make a statement and reconsider the position. As we have now, apparently, got a square deal for agriculture, can we not have one for shipping and shipbuilding?

It is impossible to say now when a statement can be made.

Have the Government under consideration the idea of subsidising the shipping industry? If they do so, will they see to it that the Government take control of the shipping industry?

asked the Prime Minister when the Royal Commission appointed to deal with the question of the geographical distribution of the industrial population will issue its report?

I am informed that the Commission have almost finished taking evidence and are considering their report. It is not at present possible to say when the report will be completed.

Can the Prime Minister state the approximate date when he thinks the report may be expected?

I am afraid that I cannot.

asked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if the inquiry being made into questions that have arisen from silicosis, and being carried out by the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee, includes the pottery industry and any other industries?

Various investigations are being made under the direction of the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the Medical Research Council in addition to the special inquiry into chronic pulmonary disease among coal miners. These include laboratory researches into the problem of silicosis generally. Inquiries have also been made regarding silicosis in particular occupations, including pottery work, stone cutting, and lead mining, and reports have been published.

asked the Paymaster-General as representing the Lord President of the Council whether he can state the result of the inquiry on the problems of diagnosis and interpretation in reference to silicosis made by the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the committee of the Medical Research Council; and whether consideration has been given to the urgency of the report, in view of the decision of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines, pages 469 and 470 of the Commission's report?

This investigation is in active progress, and the results of it are not yet available. The urgency of the matter is fully realised, and the work is being pressed forward with all possible speed, but it is not yet possible to say when it will be completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the coalowners are very disturbed about the disease of silicosis and are making some very close behind-the-scenes inquiry about it?