asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the fact that well over 50,000 applicants sought assistance during 1938 in the Swansea district of the Unemployment Assistance Board and that these figures reveal a serious unemployment position in West Wales, he will take steps to establish new industries in the area?

I am aware of the unemployment position in West Wales, but except in the case of factories required directly for Government purposes, for example, the manufacture of armaments, the Government itself has no power to establish industrial undertakings. Several factories for the manufacture of munitions are, in fact, being established in the area to which the hon. Member refers. We are regularly drawing the attention of those proposing to establish new industries to the possibilities of this area.

Can the right hon. Gentleman now state whether it is the intention this Session to deal with areas outside the Schedule of Special Areas as was promised at the beginning of the Session?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know whether that was stated at the beginning of this Session?

It has been stated more than once.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of factories on the Team Valley Trading Estate that are now in production; the number under construction; and the number of persons employed up to date?

On 31st May, 1939, 99 factories were occupied and in production on the Team Valley Estate. The number of persons employed in the factories was 2,525. Eight factories had been completed but had not then been occupied by the tenants; nine were under construction for tenants who had agreed to lease them and 14 further tenants had been secured making a total of 130.

Are any industries new to Durham being introduced on the estate, and is there still an inquiry from manufacturers and business men for these factories?

Certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in these factories trade unionists are being preferred and trade union rates of wages paid?

That is a separate question of which I should require notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these 2,500 are only a drop in the bucket in dealing with the unemployed in Durham, and has he any definite plans to deal with this problem?

They are growing, and, of course, the figures of unemployment in the county are dropping regularly month by month.

Will the Minister answer the first part of my supplementary question as to whether any industries new to Durham are being introduced?

I thought that that was quite clear. The bulk of them are new industries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the closing of the woollen mills in the Drefach and Velinore district of Carmarthenshire; how many weavers from this district are now unemployed; and whether he will consult with other Government Departments with a view to placing orders for these mills in view of the distress in this district?

Two mills at Drefach normally employing 14 workpeople are at present temporarily closed and 22 men and 12 women weavers are registered as unemployed at the Llandyssul Employment Office which includes, among others, the Drefach—Velindre area. One mill at Velindre and one at Llandyssul were temporarily closed towards the end of May, but these mills, employing together about 100 persons, resumed full-time working on 12th June. I understand that the improvement is due in part to the fact that Government flannel contracts have recently been placed with certain firms in the area. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the districts concerned are included in the list of areas to which a preference is given, other things being equal, in the allocation of Government contracts. As regards the last part of the question, following upon a deputation received on 12th May last in my Department from the county council of Carmarthenshire, the attention of the contracting Departments was drawn to the facilities afforded in the county for the production of flannel.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to send down an officer of his Department to report as to the conditions in this district, and to see if there are any possibilities at all for developing the leading industry there?

I do not think there is any need for special inquiry as far as I know. If the hon. Member desires to bring any facts to my notice of which we are not aware, I shall be very glad to have them.

asked the Minister of Labour why circulars Nos. 28 and 29, prohibiting the employment of men over 30 years of age in erecting air-raid shelters, have been issued; and, in view of the fact that able-bodied men over the prescribed age have been refused such work at the Hull Employment Exchange, with consequent distress to themselves and their families, whether he will consider the immediate withdrawal of the ban?

The instructions relating to the recruitment of men for certain constructional work in connection with the making of trenches and the erection of shelters are intended to secure that, in accordance with representations which have been made to me constantly in this House and elsewhere, preference should be given in the performance of this work, as between applicants who are equally suitable for the work, to those who have been longest unemployed and particularly to the long-term unemployed in the younger age groups for whom a spell of regular work would be especially valuable. Subject to this preference, there is nothing in the instructions to preclude the employment of suitable men over the age of 30 years on this work. As I mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins) on 18th May, it is my desire that the instructions, which are elastic in their nature, should be applied in each area with due regard to local circumstances, and in view of the hon. Member's question I am asking the Divisional Controller to review the position at Hull.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an unemployed man, aged 29, has been refused air-raid precautions work at the Hull Employment Exchange because he signs on daily and not twice a week; and will he give the reason for this ruling?

I have been unable to identify this case. A person signing the unemployed register daily would be a casual worker and would not normally fall within the category of long unemployed for whom a preference is given in filling these vacancies.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that instructions have been issued that no unemployed man over the age of 30 is to be engaged in the erection of air-raid shelters; and, as this age limit debars all air-raid wardens from being engaged in this work, their age limit being 30, will he have this age limit removed as it is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction amongst the unemployed generally?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier to the hon. Member for Central Hull (Mr. Windsor).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have made requests from this side time and again that in any work available a certain percentage of elderly unemployed men should be engaged; is not this a case in which work could be found for a percentage of them and yet we have a regulation forbidding men of over 30 years of age to be employed?

That is a misconstruction. I have already pointed out that there is no such inhibition. What is necessary here is to meet the continuous demand that the younger long-term unemployed should have a preference in this kind of work, for which they are particularly suited.

Has that instruction been issued in Durham County?

Is there not something wrong in connection with this circular when many areas, according to the right hon. Gentleman himself, have misinterpreted it?

If I thought that, I would give instructions to make it clear, but I do not think that is so.

May I point out that this question has been so changed from what I wrote as to give an entirely opposite meaning? What I asked was, whether the Minister of Labour is considering, and not whether he will consider.

The answer is the same: It is, "No, Sir."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a dinner recently given to the Social Settlement, Cardiff, the senior officer of the settlement asked him to take some steps in view of the approaching winding-up of the office of the Special Commissioner?

I have given my answer.

May I send the right hon. Gentleman this document?

Yes, if the hon. Member cares to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate cost of granting to unemployed persons an extra week's benefit or allowance; and if he will consider the desirability of granting such extra benefit and allowances to the unemployed in the first week in August, to enable them and their dependants to enjoy some of the advantages of the holiday season?

I regret that without more precise particulars of what the hon. Member has in mind, I cannot estimate the cost of his proposal. The present legislation does not give power to grant such extra benefit and allowances and I could not undertake to seek power to carry out such a proposal as a part of unemployment insurance or assistance provisions.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread feeling in the country that some extra benefit should be paid to those who have been unemployed for long periods, and will he consider the matter?

I have noted the fact more than once, but the hon. Member asks that a particular solution should be made.

Is it not possible for the Minister to make regulations in regard to this matter as he does on other matters?

No, Sir, I have not the power to do that.

Will the Minister consult the Unemployment Assistance Board?

I shall be very glad to consult the Unemployment Assistance Board.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the representations made by the Liverpool and London Distillers, Limited, in regard to the voluntary pensions granted by this firm to employés discharged owing to reorganisation, that part of their unemployment benefit is being deducted because of these pension grants; and will he take action to end this and also return to the men the deductions made?

I assume that the hon. Member's question relates to unemployment assistance. I am informed by the Board that they have not been able to trace any application from a person in receipt of a pension from the firm in question. If such an application is received some part of the pension—the precise amount must necessarily depend on the circumstances—would, in accordance with the Board's usual practice, normally be allowed for the recipient's personal requirements. Where however, the amount of the pension is clearly such as to provide entirely for the maintenance of the recipient and his dependants, it would not be possible for the Board to regard the applicant as being in need.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that his Department knows nothing about the Liverpool and London Distillers, Limited? Is he aware that I have been informed that communications have been sent to the Ministry of Labour in regard to these men who are having deductions made from their unemployment benefit on account of these pensions? If the right hon. Gentleman has no information on the subject, will he have inquiries made?

I do not think it is possible. There is no test in connection with payments of this kind.

May I ask whether the Minister is prepared, in the case of voluntary pensions, to see that those pensions are protected and that there are no deductions from the unemployment benefit?

The hon. Gentleman must be under a misapprehension I have pointed out to him that there is no possibility of a deduction in that case.

On a point of Order. If the Minister says he is not aware, surely if I know— [Interruption.]

rose —

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants for allowances under the Unemployment Assistance Board who have no resources; the number whose resources are small and are disregarded; and the number who themselves, or other members of the households, have resources sufficient to be taken into account for means test by the Board?

The most recent information regarding the resources of applicants for unemployment assistance and their households relates to the position in October, 1938, and is summarised on page 64 of the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board for 1938 (Cd. 6021). More detailed information is given in Appendices VI and VII (pages 195–197) of that report

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the resources of applicants and their households applying for assistance from the Unemployment Assistance Board, made up of earnings, unemployment benefit, old age pensions, widows' and orphans' pensions, disability pensions; poor relief, workmen's compensation, National Health Insurance, reserve pay, maintenance and affiliation orders given at the courts, giving the total and each item separately?

As the reply contains a number of figures I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this information was given in the Annual Report for 1937, and will he instruct the Board to give this information in annual reports in future?

The hon. Member will find that my reply is a complete one.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state now whether widows' and orphans' pensions, disability pensions, poor relief and workmen's compensation, are taken into consideration for the purpose of reducing the amount of allowances for applicants under the Unemployment Assistance Board?

The hon. Member will see the figures for each category in the tabulated statement I am circulating.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say now whether they are taken into consideration?

The Regulations provide for that in certain cases.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed workers in Scotland at 31st December last; the number unemployed at 31st May last; and the number of Irish workers who have settled in Scotland during the past five months?

The unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland at 12th December, 1938, and 15th May, 1939, numbered 262,896 and 221,645, respectively. These are the only dates in the months in question for which such figures are available. The total number of migrants from Eire who took out unemployment books in Scotland in the first five months of 19390020was 786, of whom 239 were temporary non-domiciled workers in agriculture.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the success of the experiment begun in 1929, whereby unemployed men from the distressed areas were housed in camps for work on the Middle Level in connection with Ouse drainage schemes; and whether he will set up encampments for young unemployed men from the distressed areas to do work of national importance?

The main part of the work to which my hon. Friend refers was assisted by a grant from the Unemployment Grants Committee which ceased to exist on the expiry in August, 1932, of the Development (Loan Guarantee and Grants) Act, 1929, and there are no funds at my disposal which can be applied for the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure me that he will not be deterred from introducing similar camps for the unemployed merely because these were introduced by the Labour Government in 1929?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any Irish labour is now employed in the construction of an Army camp at Kinmel, North Wales; and, if so, will he state the number so employed?

I am having inquiries made and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in Barnsley at the end of May, in the years 1937- 1938 and 1939?

The numbers of unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of the Barnsley Employment Exchange and Juvenile Employment Bureau at 24th May, 1937, 16th May, 1938, and 15th May, 1939, were 13,380, 8,348, and 6,821 respectively.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the number of unemployed in the same town in the years 1930, 1931 and 1932 respectively?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in agreeing to the erection of a new factory for the processing and manufacture of cloth at Moorside, Workington, he recognised that the manufactured products of this new mill would be in direct competition with mills already operating in the West Riding; that the financial assistance afforded to the new factory would operate harshly and unfairly against established mills; that this being a skilled industry the transference of skilled workers would become necessary; and whether he will, in consultation with the Commissioner for the Special Areas, review the proposal to establish this factory?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to a similar question on this subject.

In view of the fact that it is entirely different from the previous question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman for a reply to the question on the Paper?

The best answer I can give is to refer the hon Member again, to the previous reply.

:asked the Minister of Labour the total number of registered unemployed in Glasgow for the years ended March, 1938 and 1939, respectively?

The average numbers of unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Glasgow during the years ended March, 1938, and March, 1939; were 77,356 and 78,535, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of trainees now at Glenbranter camp, Argyllshire, and how many are employed on road work?

There are 146 men in training at Glenbranter Instructional Centre, 96 of whom are at present engaged on road and quarry work which forms part of the course of training.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into this question, because there is a feeling abroad that a very large percentage are employed on ordinary road work, to the detriment of those who desire greater technical training?

I hope the hon. Member will help to dispel that illusion, because it is an illusion.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons, including staff, at Glenbranter camp, Argyllshire; the number of dry and wet lavatories; and the number of qualified persons on the medical staff?

The total number of persons at Glenbranter Instructional Centre is 178. There are eight dry bucket latrines and five water closets. Four additional dry bucket latrines are at present in course of construction. A full-time qualified medical orderly is employed and in addition the services of a local doctor are available whenever required.

Does the Minister not think that one medical orderly for 176 men is insufficient, especially when they are 16 miles from the nearest town; and are any steps being taken to instal wet lavatories in view of the various complaints that have been made?

asked the Minister of Labour the total reduction in unemployment in the Special Areas since the com missioners were first appointed; and whether the latest figures show a down ward or upward trend?

The total reduction in the number of unemployed persons of 14 years and over on the registers in the Special Areas since November, 1934, when the commissioners were first appointed, is 186,430 or 42 per cent. The figures show a steady and continuous downward movement since January of this year.

How many are transferred men who have gone out of the areas altogether?

Not a large number.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the men employed at the military camp at Harrogate were drawn from the registered unemployed at Normanton and Castleford?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state what action he intends to take regarding the intimation by Scottish Oils and Shell-Mex, Limited, to youths of 19 years of age that their services may be terminated, which is quite contrary to the undertakings given that the rights of these youths would be protected?

I understand that in the case of lorry-boys, who are normally engaged by this company at the age of 16, warning is given at the time of engagement that owing to the limited number of vacancies their continued employment after the age of 19 cannot be guaranteed. This has been the practice of the company for a number of years. It is evident that the matter has no relation to the Military Training Act.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is anything about the matter which indicates blind-alley employment, and are there no means of protecting these youth?

We are constantly making inquiries. As the hon. Member knows, the production of some businesses is such that the number of jobs for men is limited in comparison with the total, and, as in the case, the hon. Member will remember, raised in Birmingham with regard to the co-operative society, the giving of notice to boys of 16 is of great advantage.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a general circular has been sent out to all youths of 19 years of age that they may not be employed any longer?

I understand that the practice is as stated in the answer.

Will the Minister take care that, in this general warning, they are not using their powers to dispense with the services of lads of 19 because of their being called up?

Certainly, Sir.

May I ask my right hon. Friend, arising out of —

The time that is being spent upon these questions is much too long.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. R. J. Hall, of Welwyn Garden City, recently informed his employers, namely, G. Street; Company, adertising agents, of Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, that he was liable to service under the Military Training Act, and that within one week of so informing his employers Mr. Hall was dismissed from their service; and will he cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances of this young man's dismissal?

I have no information about this particular case, but am making inquiry on the basis of a letter I have received from the hon. Member.

Is it not the duty of the Minister to make an inquiry about this case to see that young men are not victimised in this way?

I am making constant inquiries, and some of the inquiries show that the allegations which are made are not always substantiated.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why an inquiry was not made by his Department into this particular case having regard to the fact that I gave notice of this question earlier in the week?

I had no information about this case, and I am obliged to the hon. Member for sending me a letter which gave me information I did not possess.

What action is the Minister now taking in regard to this case? The letters I have received show quite clearly that this young man was dismissed because he was liable to be called up under the Military Training Act.

I shall do my best to find out whether the allegations in the letter which the hon. Member sent to me are substantiated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answers given in previous cases are interpreted as almost an encouragement to employers to do this kind of thing? Will he so conduct his inquiry as to make it plain to an employer that it is a grave social offence?

On the contrary, I do not think the hon. Member can have read the answers carefully. Perhaps he will remember the saying of Thomas Carlyle, that it takes two to tell the truth—one to speak and the other to use it.

When questions are put down which obviously involve inquiry, is it not the duty of the Minister to make his inquiries during the time which elapses between putting the question down and the date when the reply is to be given?

The inquiries sometimes take a long time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of his consultations with representatives of the universities and schools, he is now able to make a further statement with regard to the antedating of militia training in the case of boys who intend to proceed to the universities after October, 1939?

Yes, Sir. At a meeting held under the auspices of my Department on Monday last between representatives of the committee of vice-chancellors and headmasters, together with representatives of the Departments concerned, it was agreed to recommend that boys intending to proceed to the universities were given the double option of postponing or anticipating their liability to undergo military training. I intend to put this agreed conclusion into operation, subject to reviewing the position in 12 months time in the light of experience, when I propose again to seek the advice and assistance of the representatives of the universities and the schools. It was further agreed at the conference that anticipation of the liability to undergo training, in respect of such boys should not be granted to those under the age of;18 years on 1st January of the year in which they wish to take their training. With regard to this recommendation, I cannot do more at present than say that it will be borne, in mind when applications for anticipation are considered.

Was this agreement unanimous?

Yes, Sir.

What will happen to these university boys if, as is suggested, the system comes to an end in three year?

:asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Rallinson, of 17, Shadyside, Hex-thorpe, Doncaster, has been passed as fit for military service even though he wears a glass left eye; and will he state the regulations covering such a decision together with the number of other militiamen similarly affected who were either rejected or accepted by the various medical boards concerned?

The instructions to the medical boards provide that persons with one eye only may be placed in Grade II and marked "(a) vision," provided that that eye is free from disease and reaches a specified degree of visual acuity. Mr. Rallinson was examined and graded accordingly on 15th June. I regret that the figures asked for in the second part of the question are not available.

Will the fact that this man is suffering from this disability, coupled with the fact that he is the principal support of a widowed mother undergoing medical treatment, be taken into consideration if the case comes before the hardship tribunal?

Most certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how a glass eye can show a certain kind of disease?

No, it is the other eye.

Can the right hop. Gentlemen say what are the duties of a soldier who is put in Grade 11?

They are similar to Grade I.

:asked the Minister of Labour the latest figures with regard to the medical examination of militiamen?

The number of men medically examined up to 19th June was 49,586. Of these 41,297 or 83·3 per cent, of the total were placed in Grade I, and 4,553 or 9.2 per cent, in Grade II, but of this number more, than half were in that grade, only on account of defects of vision or feet The total number of men passed fit for the two grades now being called up for training is, therefore, 45,850 or 92.5 per cent. Of the remainder 2,443 men or 4.9 per cent, of the total were placed in Grade III which is the grade appropriate to men who would be fit for certain selected occupations in the Forces but are not at present to be called up for the Militia. The number unfit for any form of military service and placed in Grade IV was only 1,293 or 2.6 Per cent, of the total. I will circulate in the Official Report a table giving corresponding figures for each of the administrative divisions of the Ministry.

Is it a fact that the standard has been lowered for these militiamen as compared with the Regular soldier?

I would refer the hon. Member to an answer which was given to the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald). Perhaps I had better repeat it. The question was:

"Whether the same standard of physical fitness was applied in the medical tests of the militiamen as is done for recruits for the Regular Forces?"

"No, Sir; the medical examinations for the Regular Forces have in view the needs of particular units, whilst the examination of militiamen is of a more general character." — [OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th June, 1930; col. 1817, Vol. 348.]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Army Report on the conditions of health and examination shows no difference of that kind, and that we have always been led to believe; that there was a general standard? Is he aware that his statement has led people in all parts of the country to believe that the standard has been lowered for militia men and that his answer has. given co lour to that statement?

That is not so. I am informed that the standards have been -changed in some respects in regard to the Regular Army in recent years. So far from the report showing what the hon. Member suggests, if he will refer to the Annual Reports for 1936 and 1937, the detail of these change will be found.

Would a young man with one eye be accepted in the Regular Forces?

If the hon. Member will put that question down I will answer it.

May I ask whether any steps have been taken to improve the health of those men who are put in category 4?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a young man named Thomas Robinson was medically examined on 13th June, 1939, at Sunderland and passed fit for military service, and, as he has only the sight of one eye and the other eye is affected and he has been for some time under treatment by a specialist for his eyes, he will inquire into the circumstances under which this young man was passed fit for military service?

Mr. Thomas Robinson was examined by the medical board at Sunderland on 13th June and passed as Grade I. This is the correct grading in view of the board's report, which does not bear out the suggestion in the question as to the state of his eyesight. In view, however, of the hon. Member's statement I am arranging for the man to have a further opportunity of appearing before the board.

Is it not a fact that "the Ayes have it" up to now?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the medical examination of militiamen conformed to the same standard applied to recruits and conscripts during the Great War; if not, in what respect it differed; and whether fuller information could be made available respecting the nature and scope of the medical examination?

The medical examination of militiamen is conducted on a system differing from that applied during the last War and I am not, therefore, in a position to make a comparison between them. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Members for East Bradford (Mr. Hepworth) and North Islington (Dr. H. Guest) on 13th and 20th June, respectively.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether the present medical examination is more or less severe than the one carried out during the last War?

It is much more detailed. Hon. Members who served last time will know that during the War the examination was conducted by one medical man as a rule. In this case, there are four medical men working under a chairman.

Is it not true that the length of the examination is only four or five minutes, and in those circumstances, could there really have been a very thorough examination of the militiamen?

I suggest that I arrange for the hon. Member to attend at one of the medical boards and see for himself.

To allay very genuine anxiety, would it be possible for the Minister to publish the instructions which he gave to the doctors carrying out the examination?

I will look into that, but I cannot agree that there is any widespread anxiety. There is, on the other hand, a general feeling that the boards are conducted in a most admirable way.

How can the Minister say the boards are conducted in a most admirable way when a man with one eye has been passed in Grade II?

In pre-War days, I knew a Devonshire soldier with only one eye, who was an expert Bisley shot, and who came well within the first half-dozen. [Interruption.] Nelson had only one eye.

asked the Minister of Labour how many militiamen with only one eye have been accepted for training and how many rejected; whether all militiamen were tested for colour-blindness and in what grade those affected have been placed; how many were found to be deaf and the number accepted and rejected, respectively, for training; whether militiamen have been, or will be, examined for defective teeth; and whether militiamen will be fitted with artificial dentures where necessary and without charge?

I regret that it is not practicable at the present stage to analyse the results of the medical examinations so as to furnish statistics of particular physical defects but I will consider what can be done when the examinations are complete. Militiamen with only one eye may, in certain circumstances, be placed in Grade II if the other eye is sound. Men with defects of hearing may be placed in Grades I-IV according to their condition. The men examined are not tested for colour-blindness. The examination includes a scrutiny of the teeth, and militiamen reporting for training will be fitted with artificial dentures, where this is considered essential, and without charge.

May I take it that at a very early date after the examinations have been completed we shall have these detailed records in order that we may have a very good insight into the medical condition of an important section of the community and also in order that we may avoid the impression that prevails in some quarters that under any circumstances the men have got to be inside the Armed Forces.?

That impression is entirely false. I should have thought that every Member of the House and everybody outside would be proud of the fact that our social legislation within the last thirty years has given us these great results.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any figures available, or will secure them, respecting the health of militiamen drawn from the Special Areas and from districts of acute poverty; whether the medical officers examining militiamen sought for evidence of malnutrition; and, if so, the numbers and percentages so affected?

It will be possible to secure statistics showing the grading of men examined at any one of the 149 medical boards some of which will sit in the areas referred to. The boards are directed to seek for certain specified physical defects, and some of these may be due either to malnutrition or to other causes. The results of the examinations will not, therefore, yield direct evidence as to cases of malnutrition but the very low figures for Grade IV are evidence of the generally satisfactory condition of the age group concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these questions have not been put down with the idea of making party capital but simply in order to get information on a very important subject; and is he also aware that hon. Members on this side of the House are, at least, as much concerned about these men as hon. Members opposite?

I understand that, and it is for that reason that I have given these detailed answers which are so satisfactory.

Can the Minister explain how it is possible for a man who failed to pass the medical examination for the Territorial Army, to be successful within four weeks in passing the medical examination for the Militia?

I should like to have the particulars of that case.

The Minister already has them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the event of a holiday period to which a militiaman is entitled falling within his period of training, steps will be taken to ensure that such holiday is not lost to the man concerned?

I anticipate that any necessary adjustments in this respect will be made in holiday schemes and trade board determinations by the various industries and trade boards concerned.

Can the Minister say whether he possesses any power to compel employers to do as I have suggested?

I should like that question to be put on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the result of the call-up of men in city of Liverpool under the Military Training Act; what number failed to report; and what number registered as conscientious objectors?

Approximately 6,329 men had registered at Liverpool up to 13th June and of these 46 were provisionally registered as conscientious objectors; I am not in a position to state how many men failed to register.

:asked the Minister of Health whether, in assessing needs of applicants for public assistance, regard will be had by public assistance committees to allotments and payments coming into a household as a consequence of a man who has left such household for purposes of serving in the Militia?

There is no statutory authority which would entitle public assistance authorities in assessing relief to disregard allotments and dependants' allowances made by or in respect of persons serving in the Militia.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that this particularly vicious operation of a means test is not calculated to make those militiamen who are affected into good fighting units?

Does the Minister appreciate that if the allotments made by militiamen are taken into account it will be an inducement to militiamen not to make allotments?

I have to operate the law as it stands, just as hon. Members opposite had to do when they sat here.

Did not the Minister hear the reply of the Minister of War last week that the 3s. 6d. should not be taken into account and cannot he act in the same way?