asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the tonnage of iron-ore, pig-iron, scrap-iron, copper, tin, and nickel imported by Japan in each of the last five years and the source of supply?

The following statement, compiled from the Japanese trade returns, shows the quantities of the specified com-

Commodities and sources of supply. 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937, January-July. 1,000 Piculs. 1,000 Piculs. 1,000 Piculs. 1,000 Piculs. Iron Ore. Total … … 35,532 56,735 63,002 30,947 Of which from:— British Malaya … … 14,557 24,571 28,191 ( a ) China … … 13,758 21,030 20,865 Australia … … 1,360 5,937 3,577 Phillipine Islands … … 123 4,849 9,504 Pig Iron. Total … … 10,240 16,032 16,199 8,596 Of which from:— Manchukuo … … 6,816 6,739 4,520 2,010 British India … … 3,369 5,639 6,255 2,861 United States … … 13 14 10 2,479 Russia … … ( b ) 3,584 5,372 ( a ) Scrap Iron. Total … … 23,550 28,202 24,951 22,592 Of which from:— United States … … 16,001 22,103 17,128 ( a ) British India … … 1,673 1,613 2,325 United Kingdom … … 1,594 674 96 Netherlands East Indies … … 570 787 1,058 Copper. Total … … 856 1,137 899 1,096 Of which from:— United States … … 823 1,088 811 ( c )875 Manchukuo … … 24 21 17 ( a ) Tin. Total … … 68 71 77 70 Of which from:— British Malaya … … 46 44 46 35 China … … 13 15 18 10 Nickel. Total … … 44 57 43 60 Of which from:— United Kingdom … … 20 30 17 ( a ) Norway … … 12 13 7 Canada … … 5 7 16 ( a ) Not available. ( b ) Less than 500 piculs. ( c ) Ingots and slabs only. NOTE:—1,000 piculs equal 59.05 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the quantities of oil imported by Japan in each of the last five years and the source of supply?

The following statement, compiled from the Japanese trade re-

modities imported into Japan during each of the years 1934 to 1936 and the period January to July, 1937, distinguishing the principal sources of supply. Corresponding information for periods subsequent to July, 1937, is not available.

turns, shows the quantities of mineral oil imported into Japan during each of the years 1934 to 1936 and the period January to July, 1937, distinguishing the principal sources of supply. Corresponding information for periods subsequent to July, 1937, is not available.

— 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. (January—July). I. Imports recorded by volume . Thousand litres. Thousand litres. Thousand litres. Thousand litres. Total … 3,473,374 4,204,162 4,660,169 3,174,904 of which from:— United States … 2,093,370 2,748,829 3,055,243 ( a ) 1,979,350 Netherlands East Indies … 601,146 865,664 1;007,585 ( a ) 632,366 British Borneo … 152,459 191,417 306,084 ( a ) 140,460 II. Imports recorded by weight . Metric tons. Metric tons. Metric tons. Metric tons. Total … 13,243 13,499 13,293 2,914 of which from:— United States … 12,253 12,222 12,070 ( b ) ( a ) Excluding mineral oil of specific gravity above 0.8762, total imports of which amounted to 60,215 thousand litres. ( b ) Not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any arrangement has been come to with the Rumanian Government, in connection with the purchase of 200,000 tons of wheat this year, as to the exchange rate between sterling and the Rumanian lire, at which this transaction shall take place?

His Majesty's Government have agreed to purchase up to 200,000 tons of Rumanian wheat from the next harvest, if available at world prices. The details of the transaction have yet to be discussed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the tonnage and value of steel castings imported from Germany during the last 12 months?

During the 12 months ended April, 1939, imports into the United Kingdom of steel castings, in the rough or machined, consigned from Germany amounted to 580 tons, valued at £15,800.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the intention of the Government with regard to the question of causing imported articles now marked as foreign to be marked with the specific country of origin?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 16th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, West (Mr. Higgs).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of taking steps to prevent the milling combine from instructing overseas suppliers of wheat to this country not to supply wheat to concerns on the black list of the milling combine?

I have not heard of this practice. Perhaps my hon. Friend will furnish me with some particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated amount of British capital invested in South America; and of that sum how much has received no return whatever in interest?

According to estimates based on Sir Robert Kindersley's researches into British oversea investments, the nominal amount of British capital invested in South American countries in the form of securities quoted in London was approximately £660,000,000 at the end of 1938, of which about one-half received no return by way of dividend or interest during that year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the strength and volume of opinion among seagoing officers in favour of sail-training ships to train officers, boat-training schools to train all ratings of seamen in boatwork, and seamanship schools for instruction in practised seamanship; what are the existing arrangements for such training, particularly as regards lifeboat schools; and can he promise early and serious consideration of these matters in order to improve the efficiency of the mercantile marine and the safety of those serving in it?

I have no reason to think that the arrangements for training officers and men in training establishments, as well as in the merchant ships themselves, are not adequate to modern conditions. Consideration is, of course, constantly given by those concerned to improvements in these matters.

asked the Secretary for Mines what action he proposes to take with regard to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Safety in Mines?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade during the Debate on 21st March last.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the progress in the construction of the low temperature plant at Werntarw, near Bridgend; and the approximate date of completion?

By the courtesy of the company which is constructing the new plant at Werntarw, I am able to inform the hon. Member that good progress is being made. It is not possible at present to give the approximate date for completion, but it is anticipated that the plant will be in production by next winter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the output of the South Wales and Monmouthshire coalfield for the year 1938; and also the number of workmen and officials engaged, separately, with the wages and salaries for 1938?

In the year 1938, the output of saleable coal in South Wales and Monmouthshire was 35,292,748 tons, and the average number of wage-earners employed, 133,911. It is estimated that the average wages (including the value of allowances in kind) of all wage-earners were £147. Similar information in respect of officials is not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of pits engaged in coal production, together with the number of persons employed, above and below ground, within the area of the Rhondda urban district in the months of March, 1921, and March, 1939, respectively?

The nearest dates for which the information is available are the end of the year 1920 and the end of 1938. At the end of 1920, 61 mines, at which 42,295 persons were employed below ground and 7,693 persons above ground, were engaged in coal production in the Rhondda urban district. The figures at the end of 1938 were 32 mines, 13,148 persons below ground and 2,687 persons above ground.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of explosions in which life has been lost since 1919; and also the number of deaths caused thereby?

During the 20 years 1919–38, there were 246 explosions of firedamp or coal dust at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, resulting in the deaths of 1,254 persons.

asked the Home Secretary whether the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Dust in Cardrooms, dealing with the medical examination of cotton operatives, are being carried out?

No, Sir. The operatives objected to such examinations in the absence of some scheme for compensating men who would, as a result, be suspended as a precautionary measure from further employment in the cardrooms; and, in view of this, it was agreed that the committee's recommendations under this head should not be pursued.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the regulations at present in force for the elimination of dust in card-rooms are adequately complied with?

My right hon. Friend would be glad to see substantial improvements in the prevention of dust in cotton mills, but the question is to a large extent one of what is practicable. The matter has been extensively discussed with the industry from time to time and some progress has been made; but my right hon. Friend is not satisfied that more could not be done, and the Chief Inspector of Factories proposes to hold a conference on the subject at Manchester at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise the issue of visas to the Narewezewitz family, transmigrants, applied for and guaranteed by Miss Moon two months ago, of which application nothing since has been heard?

No application appears to have been made to the Home Office, but my right hon. Friend is having inquiries made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now place a copy of the evidence given before the Stewart Committee in the Library of the House of Commons in view of the direct bearing of this evidence upon matters now before the Royal Commission on Workmen's Compensation, and of the active interest therein of many Members of this House, and of the fact that much of it was not alluded to or summarised in the report of the committee?

The question of publishing the evidence was carefully considered, in consultation with the chairman, when their report was published at the beginning of last year, but was decided in the negative, and my right hon. Friend does not see his way to re-open the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give the expenditure upon Poor Law relief in Scotland for the years 1931 and 1938, respectively; and what was the estimated assessment per head of the population of, Scotland for poor relief in the years 1914 and 1938, respectively?

The total net expenditure on poor relief in Scotland for the year ended 15th May, 1931, was £5,011,365, and for the year ended 15th May, 1938, it is estimated to have been approximately £6,863,733. The net expenditure per head of population is estimated at 6s. 7d. for the year 1913–14 and at 27s. 7d. for 1937–38. I should add that the expenditure for 1914 was defrayed mainly out of parish council rates, while the expenditure for 1937–38 was defrayed mainly out of moneys derived from rates and the Block Grants under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many estates have been purchased for land settlement purposes with the assistance of State money; the number ready for occupation by settlers; the number actually occupied; and, of the latter, the number occupied by persons still dependent on the Unemployment Assistance Board?

The answer to the first part of the question is 172. Up to 31st December, 1938, 3,271 new holdings and 824 enlargements of holdings have been formed on these estates. All these holdings, except for a few current vacancies on Highland estates, are occupied by tenants. There are 22 trainees in occupation of holdings prior to their acceptance as tenants at the end of their training period, during which they receive Unemployment Assistance Board allowances. Apart from these, there are no statistics available to show the number of the Department's tenants who may be in receipt of such allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the amount of land purchased by the Glasgow Corporation in the Carntyne housing scheme area since 1918; the names of the various owners of land; the total amount bought from each person;

Particulars of land purchased by the Glasgow Corporation in the Carntyne housing scheme area since 1918. The total area is 335 acres: the following are the details required. From whom purchased. Extent in acres. Price paid. Price per acre. £ s. d. £ s. d. John Williamson … 228.700 23,829 3 3 104 3 11 5.380 1,748 10 0 325 0 0 William Beardmore and Company … 41.800 15,117 15 0 361 13 5 0.902 541 4 0 600 0 0 William Anstruther-Gray … 32.400 8,910 0 0 275 0 0 18.640 5,126 0 0 275 0 0 3.335 1,575 0 0 472 5 3 3.943 1,380 1 0 350 0 0 Alex. Haddow … 0.484 100 0 0 206 12 3

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the report of the Fishery Board for Scotland for 1938 that the high price of coal is a severe handicap to steam fishing vessels; and whether he can give any figures regarding the increase in the price of the coal used by these vessels since 1935?

I am aware of the statement in question. As the hon. Member will appreciate, the price of bunker coal at any one time varies according to a number of factors, including the location of the port, the quality, and the conditions of supply; but I am informed that for the port of Aberdeen, which is the chief trawling centre in Scotland, the price has increased from an average of about 24s. 3d. per ton in 1935 to about 28s. 6d. at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in assuring that the land of Scotland now used to support deer and other forms of game will be available for national food requirements in the event of an emergency; the amount of land still used for the former purposes; and of that amount, what is the estimated requirement for emergency circumstances?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the statement as to the Government's plans for bringing about an expansion of food production in time of war which was made

and the total amount paid in each case and price per acre?

Following is the answer:

by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on the 3rd May. In answer to the second part, the area of deer forests in Scotland, according to returns made as at 4th June, 1938, was 3,349,141 acres, on a considerable proportion of which stock is grazed. I have no information as to land wholly devoted to other game. As regards the last part, it is not possible to make any reliable estimate of the extent to which production from land of the type referred to could be increased under emergency conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations made to him by the Scottish Temperance Alliance regarding the trivial sentences passed upon motorists convicted for being in charge of cars while under the influence of liquor; and what steps he is taking to ensure that penalties shall be imposed, which may induce greater regard for public safety?

The representations are being considered in conjunction with the Report of the Select Committee on the Prevention of Road Accidents, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the sites for camps in the Forest of Dean, in connection with the creation of a national forest park, have been fixed; where they will be placed; and when they are likely to be completed?

I have been asked to reply. The site for the camp which it is proposed to open first has been fixed; this is at Christchurch where a caravan site complete with shelter hut, water and sanitary block will be provided. It is hoped to open the camp in question during August. The manner in which the further sites surveyed will be developed and the nature of the equipment to be provided will be governed by experience gained at the Christchurch camp this year but it may be mentioned that negotiations are at present proceeding with the Boy Scouts Association for the allocation of a site or sites, probably at Wigpool Common and Tintern.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he will ask for powers to conserve forest resources by compulsory regulation of fellings on private woodlands, and/or the raising of a forestry loan at a guaranteed rate of interest to take over, maintain, and exploit existing private woodlands which would otherwise suffer destruction?

I have been asked to reply. The Forestry Commissioners have no present intention of asking for powers of compulsory regulation of fellings on private woodlands, nor raising a forestry loan to take over existing private woodlands. They do, however, deplore the exploitation of immature private woodlands.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether any steps are being taken to resuscitate the production of charcoal from our woods and forests in this country; and whether any research experiments are being carried out with the new charcoal-burning apparatus?

I have been asked to reply. The Forestry Commission are undertaking experiments with modern apparatus in the production of charcoal and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research at its Forest Products Research Laboratory are carrying on experiments towards the improvement of the technique of burning to ensure charcoal of suitable quality.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the expenditure upon Poor Law relief in England and Wales for the years 1931 and 1938, respectively; and what was the estimated assessment per head of the population of England and Wales for poor relief in the years 1914 and 1938, respectively?

The total net expenditure on poor relief in England and Wales for the year ended 31st March, 1931, was £35,572,355. For the year ended 31st March, 1938, it is estimated to have been approximately £38,175,000. The net expenditure per head of the population is estimated as 6s. 4¾d. in 1913–14 and 18s. 7¼d. in 1937–38.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the widespread indignation which has been caused by the proposed building of a power station at Barlaston, Staffordshire, which, if proceeded with, will cause disastrous effect over a wide area of the Upper Trent Valley comprising valuable agricultural land and residential property, in proximity to a new model village and school now in course of erection, and to a tuberculosis sanatorium for which he has sanctioned large expenditure for extension; and whether he will see that immediate steps are taken to obtain another site not entailing such destruction of rural amenities and food production, and of residential and hospital property?

I am aware that objections have been raised to this proposal. The Electricity Commissioners who are the Department concerned in the first instance, are accordingly arranging to hold a local inquiry in the matter, and in these circumstances my hon. Friend will appreciate that my right hon. Friend is not in a position to express any opinion at the present stage.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the proposal in the Finance Bill to repeal the tax on proprietary medicines is in the interest of the health of the nation; and what steps he proposes to take in order to exercise control of the sale of secret remedies, as, if the repeal be effected, there will be no incentive or necessity for makers to disclose the formulae of such remedies, nor any restriction, other than that imposed by the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, upon their recommendation and sale by all and sundry?

As regards the first part of the question my right hon. Friend does not think that the repeal of the Medicine Stamp Duty should have any adverse effect on the health of the nation. As regards the second part, the question whether any further control should be imposed on the sale or advertisement of proprietary medicines is engaging my right hon. Friend's attention but he cannot undertake to introduce legislation in the matter at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the figures for the last five years for the Stalybridge and Hyde Parliamentary Division showing the number of persons who received free milk and free meals during that period?

I am obtaining such information as is available and will communicate it to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will arrange to increase salaries of women scientific officers employed in various Departments of the Government to the standard paid to men carrying out the same duties, keeping in mind the fact that both sexes have to have the same qualifications and that formerly these women officers were remunerated at the same rate as the males?

The salaries of women scientific officers are fixed in accordance with normal Civil Service practice. The policy of His Majesty's Government underlying this practice was announced in the House of Commons on 6th April, 1936, and no change in this policy is contemplated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the cost of the allowance of 8¾d. per absolute gallon paid on power and industrial alcohol, respectively, during the financial years ended 31st March, 1938 and 1939, respectively?

Following is the answer: Financial Year ended. Total amounts paid (at the rate of 5d. per proof gallon) in respect of. Spirits used in the manufacture of Power Methylated Spirits. Spirits used in the manufacture of Industrial Methylated Spirits or received for use in arts and manufactures (Finance Act 1902, Section 8). £ £ 31st March, 1938. 222 000 711,000 31st March, 1939. 241,000 664,000

Financial Year ended.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a dispute between the union and employers in the boilermaking industry on Merseyside which is slowing up work on important Government contracts; whether he can give the full facts thereof; and whether he proposes to intervene in this dispute?

An embargo on overtime and the working of night shifts by members of the Boilermakers' Society has been in operation for a considerable time on ship repairing work in the Mersey district. In December, 1937, a new agreement was made with the Confederation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trade Unions giving certain improvements in working conditions and this agreement has since been in general operation in this district. As, however, that part of the confederation's claim relating to a 40-hour week was rejected, the local branch of the Boilermakers' Society did not accept the agreement and since that time it has refused to allow its members to work on overtime or night shift. Repeated attempts have been made by discussions within the industry to secure the operation of the agreed working conditions by the members of the Boilermakers' Society, but so far without success. While of course I am always glad to give any assistance in my power to assist in reaching a settlement of differences, I regret that on the information before me there appears to be no useful purpose to be served by my intervention in the present case.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether, following the recommendations made to him by the Scottish Bankers Association, he has communicated with the North of Scotland Bank regarding the position of Mr. Philips; and whether a reply has been received?

I have had no communication with the North of Scotland Bank regarding the position of Mr. Philip. I understand, however, that since this question was put down a statement has been issued by the Directors of the bank that they have decided to withdraw the notice of the termination of Mr. Philip's service with the bank.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to issue any general instructions or guidance to the Hardship Committee to be set up under the Military Training Bill?

The Military Training Bill does not authorise me to issue any instructions for the guidance of the Hardship Committees. Matters of procedure may be dealt with by Regulations made under Clause 13.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement as to the position of the Liebeg meat industry in Kenya; whether it is now functioning or intends to function in future; and whether any charges are made against the local administration for failure to help the industry?

The factory, which started operation in February, 1938, has been closed temporarily owing to shortage of supplies of cattle. I understand that there has been local criticism of Government in connection with supplies to the factory, and am communicating with the Governor on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Simcha Tundovsky, against whom a charge of shooting was dropped by the Palestine police as there was no evidence against him, was, on 25th August, 1938, ordered to be detained for 12 months under the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance; and what reason was there for applying this Ordinance when there was opportunity for bringing him before a properly constituted court of law?

I have no information on this matter, but I am asking the High Commissioner for Palestine for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Abraham Katz, of Kibbutz Avraham, near Karkur in Palestine, had, at or about the beginning of 1938, been kept in prison for four months when the assistant district commissioner who ordered him to be detained stated that in his belief Katz was not guilty but that he would be detained so that he might not hamper police investigations; and whether he will take steps to ensure that a prisoner who denies that he committed or had any knowledge of a crime, and in whose innocence the assistant district commissioner believes, should not be imprisoned on mere suspicion?

Abraham Katz, together with five other Jews, was arrested in September, 1937, following the murder of two Arabs near Karkur. Although five of these men, including Katz himself, were working within 20 metres of the scene of the murder and the sixth was also in the vicinity, they refused when questioned to give any statement or to assist the police in any way. As regards the last part of the question, I am not prepared to agree to any modification in the present circumstances of the powers conferred by the Emergency Regulations in Palestine.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that leading sick-berth attendants have to wait until they have served three years as such before they can be advanced to sick-berth petty officer; and, as there are at present a number of sick-berth petty officers required but no leading sick-berth attendants available for promotion owing to the waiting period, whether the waiting period can be reduced to two years?

At present leading sick-berth attendants have to serve a minimum of three years in that rating before promotion to sick-berth petty officer. The question of reducing this period is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the money to be provided by Parliament for accumulating stocks of agricultural tractors for food production as part of the defence preparations, will also provide for the accumulation of producer-gas plants for the tractors as an alternative to oil propulsion?

Under the terms of the Supplementary Estimate agreed to in Committee of Supply on 17th May, it would be permissible to establish a reserve of producer-gas plants for agricultural tractors. The use of producer-gas for tractors in this country, however, is only in the experimental stage.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to call up Regular Army officers on the reserve for three months' training each year to train militia recruits; whether the establishment of ordinary officers is to be increased for this purpose; and what measures he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

No, Sir, but a number of these officers will be employed on such duties this year. For the future, it will probably be necessary to increase the establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what Territorial units will have their annual camps this year on the island of Bute?

No Territorial camps have been arranged this year on the island of Bute.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, providing they can have confidence in policy, there are thousands of people of many nationalities in all parts of the world, many in Central Europe in particular, who desire to be given an opportunity of enrolling in an anti-aggression British defence force as soon as possible and others who would desire to join such a force as soon as required; has he given consideration to this desire and is it intended to take any action?

I fully recognise the desire so widely felt to serve the causes with which we are identified. In present circumstances, however, the introduction of foreign elements into our military forces would involve too great a strain upon capacities which will be fully employed in coping with the training of Reservists, Territorials and militiamen. It has, therefore, been regretfully decided that the proposal to utilise the services of foreign nationals in the British Army must remain in abeyance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any difficulty in getting deliveries of woollen and other fabrics for Army purposes from textile manufacturers in the West Riding of Yorkshire?

In some cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether orders have been placed for the full number of heavy overcoats which will be needed by the military trainees in the coming winter; and whether delivery by the late autumn is guaranteed?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give approximate figures showing the number of men in Aberdeen of age eligible for the Territorial Army; the numbers recruited, and what percentage this is; and whether he can give similar percentage figures for Edinburgh, Glasgow, and all Scotland?

I regret that the information asked for as to age is not available, but the present strengths are: All Ranks. Aberdeen … … 3,387 Edinburgh … … 6,590 Glasgow … … 11,214 All Scotland … … 51,348

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that both the first and second lines of all Territorial units in the city and county of London are now up to full strength, he proposes to take any action to deal with volunteers in London who cannot be accepted; and, if so, will he state the nature of his proposals?

Although the majority of county and city of London units of the Territorial Army are now at full strength, there are some county units which still need recruits. Instructions have been issued generally that, unless there are vacancies in other units in the locality, those units which have recruited to the authorised establishments should record on a waiting list the names of any eligible men who present themselves for enlistment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers who are gazetted to the Royal Tank Regiment are prohibited by special regulations issued by that regiment from wearing either the tie or blazer of the regiment; and, as this regulation is not issued by other units of the Army, he will direct that such instructions are not given in the future?

The War Office has no direct jurisdiction in this matter. Public funds are not involved.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an officer, on being gazetted to the Royal Tank Regiment, is required on joining to deposit £10 with the messing officer; and if, in view of the fact that this causes great hardship to many officers and does not apply to other units of the Army, he is prepared to direct that such an order is not given in the future?

Such a practice may cause hardship and orders are being issued that it should cease.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers and men of the Supplementary Reserve and the Territorial forces are required to pay all postal charges when in correspondence with their depots or battalion headquarters, although using envelopes marked On His Majesty's Service, and that the depots and headquarters concerned must also use postage stamps for official communications to those under their respective commands; and whether he is prepared to waive such postal charges in each case?

Except in the case of official correspondence emanating from the War Office and some of the major outstations, postage must be prepaid. The cost of stamps on official communications from depots and headquarters is borne by the public. As regards individuals, there is no distinction between branches of the Service, and the cost of stamps on official letters is recoverable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that paragraph 318, amended, of the Supplementary Reserve Regulations, 1933, pro- hibits officers of the Supplementary Reserve who spread their preliminary training over two or more years applying for travelling expenses; and whether he is prepared to rescind this regulation in view of the hardship caused to officers who may live at considerable distances from their depots?

The provisions of the regulation are not as stated. An officer of the Supplementary Reserve who spreads his training over two or more years is allowed travelling expenses for two return journeys if the total period of training is not less than eight weeks, or if the training has to be performed partly at a depot and partly with a unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the terms of the circular sent to officers commanding Territorial units or to recruiting offices for the Territorial Army containing references to persons who had served in the International Brigade in Spain; and did this circular advise the acceptance or refusal of such persons and the reasons for such action?

It would not be customary to disclose the nature of internal security instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to use the services of ex-officers and ex-non-commissioned officers who are desirous of volunteering; and whether he is aware that Members are continually receiving requests for information on this point from men with good records of service?

Instructions regarding the selection and employment of ex-soldiers have been issued, and ex-officers are also being selected.

asked the Secretary of State for War in which English County Territorial Association areas are the Territorial Army units up to strength; and can he give this information in order of completion?

Lincolnshire units were complete on 12th May, City of London units on 17th May, and Northumberland units on 19th May. Other Territorial Army Associations which have completed their unit establishments are Flint on 2nd May, and Fife on 6th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been reached as to the recruiting areas for the 5th Gloucesters?

The following provisional distribution has been approved:

Original Unit .

th Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment . Battalion headquarters: Gloucester. Headquarter company: Gloucester. One company: Gloucester. One company: Cheltenham. One company: Cinderford. One company: Tewkesbury and Winchcombe.

Duplicate Unit .

th Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment (provisional title) . Battalion headquarters: Stroud and Dursley. Headquarter company: Stroud and Dursley. Two companies (less one platoon): Stroud and Dursley. One platoon: Wotton-under-Edge. One company (less one platoon): Cirencester. One platoon: Northleach. One company: Berkely and Thorn-bury.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne has had the distinction of being the first centre in the country to raise its full Territorial Army establishment; and whether he will take steps to sanction the raising of a third Territorial unit in that city?

Newcastle-on-Tyne reported on 16th May that all its Territorial units were up to their establishments. It was the first city to do so, and a telegram of congratulation was sent. In this and other similar cases, men offer- ing themselves for enlistment for whom no vacancies exist in any local unit are, if eligible, placed on a waiting list.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the House any information as to the total number of people likely to be employed during the year 1940 by his Department on the Royal Air Force dump at Quedgeley; and what proportion of these men will be brought in from other areas?

It is anticipated that the Maintenance Unit at Quedgeley will provide employment for about 1,000 civilian personnel including supervisory, clerical and industrial grades. It is probable that roughly one-third of these will not be available locally.