asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount and value, respectively, of non-ferrous metals, rubber, oil, and raw cotton imported by Japan in each of the last 10 years, and the sources of supply?

I am having a statement prepared, which I will send to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now say what steps are being taken by which British purchases of tobacco, fruit, cereals, and other products from Bulgaria could be increased; and whether he has had in mind the fact that the whole export trade of Bulgaria amounts to less than £10,000,000, and that a comparatively little help from Great Britain would make a great difference to her economic independence?

As regards imports from Bulgaria in general, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on nth July to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West (Sir J. Leech). As I have informed the House, the question of increasing purchases of oriental tobacco is being examined, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Are the discussions which were proceeding with Bulgaria a fortnight ago proceeding satisfactorily?

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that there is political significance in this matter?

The discussions are proceeding satisfactorily, and I hope soon to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that finest Australian Japan-kind rice is being sold with the words "Foreign produce" erased, on labels displaying Japanese girls, and "Empire produce" substituted; and whether he will take action to prevent this?

I understand that Japan-kind rice is a recognised name for a type of rice produced in Australia, Spain, and other countries. Japan-kind rice grown in Australia is properly described as "Empire produce," but if my hon. Friend would send me particulars of any case where the labels to which he refers have been applied to Japan-kind rice grown in a foreign country, I should be pleased to consider what action could be taken.

Does my right hon. Friend know that I have here a label definitely altered, printed by the Co-operative Wholesale Society?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to prevent the importation of Japanese poplin shirtings into this country from Eire, at prices below the cost of production in this country?

I have no information about the imports to which the hon. Member refers. During the last three months, imports of cotton goods from Eire under what would appear to be the appropriate headings, amounted to £85. Foreign goods, when imported from Eire, are subject to the same rates of duty as those charged when they are imported direct from the country of origin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain restaurants wishing to exhibit extracts from the news-reel films of Their Majesties' visit to Canada, have been refused supplies by British news-reel producing companies because the latter are bound by their arrangements with exhibitors not to distribute their films for such purposes; and whether he will investigate this undesirable restaint on news-films distribution with a view to remedial action?

I understand that most of the news-reel companies confine the supply of their films to their regular cinema customers; but this is not a matter in which I have any power to intervene.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that he has now received the views from the various trade organisations he has consulted on the question of the advisability of amending the existing law relative to the clear marking of goods which are offered to the public for sale with a clear indication of their country of origin, he can state what action he now proposes to take?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 4th July to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood).

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it time that British subjects were made acquainted with the facts that merchandise and supplies sold in Great Britain came from aggressor countries?

It is as a result of that that I gave the answer to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs, to which I am now referring the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has observed the record fall in the United Kingdom trade with China during the first six months of this year, attributable to the Japanese capture and isolation of Canton and Kongmun and other Chinese ports; and whether any action is being taken to counteract the effect of the Japanese occupation?

I am aware that the imports from China in the first six months of this year were less by about £760,000 than in the corresponding period of last year. Our exports and re-exports were, however, both slightly greater. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government will continue to watch the situation closely with a view to taking any appropriate steps that may appear necessary and practicable in order to protect this country's trade with China.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will initiate conversations with the Canadian lumber trade to discuss the possibility of concluding an agreement for the increased utilisation of British shipping?

This matter appears to be one for consideration in the first instance by the shipping industry. Any help I could give would, of course, be available.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it would be much more likely to lead to a successful conclusion if these conversations were initiated with the full weight of His Majesty's Government, and will he consider that?

I doubt whether that is the case. I think that on the whole these matters are better initiated by the industries which are running his particular business, but, as I say, the Government will be only too pleased to assist in any possible way.

In view of that answer, will my right hon. Friend consider asking the shipping industry whether they would like to initiate conversations?

It seems eminently a matter that is more suitable for the Tramp Shipping Administrative Committee when it is set up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the number of lascars employed in British ships for each of the years 1930–38, inclusive; (2) the number of domiciled British seamen employed on British ships for each of the years 1930-38, inclusive?

Particulars as to the domicile of seamen are not available, but I will circulate in the Official Report such information as is compiled.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider initiating conversations with the Scandinavian countries and Russia to discuss the possibility of concluding an agreement which will ensure for British shipping a fair proportion of the carrying trade between Great Britain and these countries?

The question of increasing the employment of British ships in the trades of the Soviet Union will be one of the subjects for discussion in any trade negotiations with that country. The possibility of enlarging the scope of British shipping employment in trade with the Scandinavian countries will be borne in mind in any negotiations which may take place in the future for a revision of the trade agreements with those countries.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it might be useful to have a Ministry of Shipping in view of the number of problems that ought to be reviewed in connection with shipping?

On Tuesday afternoons, when I answer questions dealing with shipping, I am always rather favourably inclined to that suggestion.

Will not my right hon. Friend impress on the Shipping Federation the necessity of getting boats suitable for this trade, and can he find out how many are suitable for this timber trade?

:asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that married militiamen separated from their wives but making a regular allowance, will be entitled to receive appropriate allowances under the regulations?

Any claim of this kind will be referred to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee and will be dealt with as the committee recommend.

Am I to take it from that answer that there is nothing to prohibit a married militiaman separated from his wife drawing an allowance?

Yes, Sir, my hon. Friend may so assume.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it has been stated by certain commanding officers that an instruction was issued by the War Office that no such allowances were to be paid and that I am very glad to have my right hon. Friend's assurance?

I think that my statement is more authoritative.

Would a widowed mother who has had sons who were her chief support called up under the Military Training Act be entitled to make an application for assistance?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. MacManus, Gailes Street, Glasgow, whose son, Private William Lynch Lawson, was killed at Fort George while serving with the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, through the explosion of a steam cooker, and that his mother was refused a pension or compensation; and what steps does he propose to take to rectify this injustice?

I understand that the soldier was not, in fact, supporting Mrs. MacManus, or his stepfather, before his death, and, further, that the latter is not incapable of self-support.

Does the fact not remain that this woman's son lost his life while in the service of the War Office, and ought not the War Office to pay some compensation to a mother for a son whom she has lost in their service?

I have said that the lady in this case was not dependent on the soldier. It would be quite unreasonable to suggest that an allowance should be paid to someone who was not previously dependent. That would not be the case under the civil law.

But under the civil law the mother has not of necessity to be dependent on a son in order to get compensation if he is killed and if he is killed in the service of the War Office surely she is entitled to compensation?

I think the civil law is as I have stated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that military camps are being erected under contract terms on a cost plus percentage basis; that contractors are employing men at rates exceeding the standard trade union rates and which exceed the rates paid to permanent employés in the districts; and whether he can make a statement on this matter?

Most of the contracts for the larger Militia camps were placed on the basis of prime cost plus a fee for profit, overhead expenses and the use of certain tools. Most of the smaller camp contracts are on a fixed price basis, or on a cost basis with the contractor's remuneration calculated as a percentage of an estimate of the prime cost. The cost plus percentage of cost basis has been used in one exceptional case only. The cost plus fixed fee contracts contain a stipulation that rates in excess of those for the time being awarded by the wage fixing machinery of the building industry shall not be paid. I am aware that, in order to provide the necessary labour, "exceptional margin" rates, higher than those normally payable in the districts, concerned, have been fixed by the industry for some of these camps but I have learned of only one case in which the rates of wages, etc., paid were in excess of those required by the working rules of the industry, and immediate steps were taken to have the wages reduced in that case.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in certain areas where these camps are being erected the inflation of wages has caused much local difficulty in other employments?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is very unfortunate that he made use of the phrase that wages would be reduced? It is obvious that this is an inspired question, but will the right hon. Gentleman remember that it is the modern idea that where excess rates are paid they get the best results and the greatest amount of co-operation?

I was not aware that this was an inspired question, although inspiration may take strange forms, but the wages are fixed by the industry itself.

Is there any reason why the wages should not be in excess of those in a particular wages agreement and by what right does the right hon. Gentleman take steps to bring about a reduction?

To pay the higher wages would be a breach of an agreement with the industry, and of course we wish to observe it, so that the fair system may prevail both for those concerned and also for the taxpayers.

Will my right hon. Friend consider investigating the rumours going around in Manchester that at Kinmel Park, in North Wales, wages are being paid at the rate of £7 and £8 a week to unskilled workers?

:re How do these wages compare with the soldier's wages?

asked the Secretary of State for War by what method firms are asked to tender for Government work; whether all reputable firms in the area in which the buildings are to be erected are invited to tender; or whether the invitation is only sent to certain firms both inside and outside the area?

asked the Secretary of State for War what procedure is adopted in asking for tenders by contractors for the building of camps for militiamen, in order that competitive prices are submitted to his Department?

The normal method of placing contracts for War Department building services is by competitive tendering amongst firms selected from those noted on the Department's list of contractors. The selection of firms for any particular tendering depends upon the locality, nature and size of the work, and aims at including firms both inside and outside the area concerned which are considered from the Department's records most likely to quote economical prices and to carry out the work satisfactorily and punctually. In the case of Militia camps, it has been necessary to dispense with competition in a few cases owing to the extreme urgency of the work, but otherwise the usual procedure has been followed.

Is the Minister aware that there is much suspicion among many firms in various districts with regard to the method which is now adopted and will he take steps to include more firms on the selection list?

If the hon. Member will be kind enough to tell me where that suspicion prevails I will certainly look into any suggestions that are made.

One place is Wigan and district.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among local contractors, who consider that they ought to be allowed to tender, instead of its being confined to the very big contractors, who then subcontract to the local people?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware of the great urgency there is in this matter. I am sorry if that feeling should prevail, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me any particular instance I will with pleasure look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men employed on War Office work by Messrs. Chivers, on Salisbury Plain, are working overtime that, in some cases, brings their working week up to 70 hours; and whether he will take steps to see that all work done in connection with building hutments for militiamen, with ammunition dumps, etc., will be carried through without overtime so that the unemployed may receive additional chances of employment?

I am aware that men working for Messrs. Chivers on contracts for hutted camps for the Militia have been working a considerable amount of overtime owing to the speed with which this work must go forward. I cannot undertake that urgent building services shall be carried out without overtime, but it is the practice, except in contracts of great urgency, to impress on contractors the desirability of working ordinary time only, and of providing increasing labour by employing additional hands. Messrs. Chivers actually need 1,000 extra carpenters, and are advertising extensively for them.

Will the Minister not make inquiries to find out whether there is any opportunity of employing men as labourers from among the unemployed?

I have said that there is a shortage of labour there, and naturally we are glad to be able to employ anybody who is suitable.

Is the Minister not aware that there are many labourers among the unemployed there?

I do not know whether the trade unions would welcome unskilled men to do skilled work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will appoint a representative to meet the hon. Member for Durham at the contractor's works near Durham to inquire into the number of hours per day the men are compelled to work?

Yes, Sir, provided that the contractor raises no objection to the hon. Member's proposal.

Why leave it in the hands of the contractor? May I repeat the question I put before? This was a deputation of ex-service men who had been out of work for years. Why accept the word of the contractor, who is interested in the matter.

I think I have tried to help the hon. Gentleman. I have done a considerable amount of research to get him the figures, which did not tally with the information which he had. I have now told him that, with the contractor's consent, I have no objection to his visiting the works and examining the books. The contract provides for examination of the wages sheet by a military officer; that is the only right I have under the contract. I propose to ask the contractor that the hon. Gentleman may also examine them and I am not expecting any difficulty. I hope the hon. Gentleman will realise that I am trying to help him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been finally decided that the new Militia are to be supplied with berets to be worn when off duty; whether he will arrange for the supply of a headgear more suitable and more English in type, such as a soft-felt hat; and whether he has sought the advice and co-operation of the hat industry on this subject?

A beret was thought to be the most suitable and convenient form of headgear.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the Balmoral or Kilmarnock bonnets would be better?

I imagine that the beret is a degenerate form of that particular type of headgear.

Why encourage degeneracy?

Will not my right hon. Friend consider substituting for the beret an English tweed cloth cap?

Are these berets made wholly in this country?

Yes, and that is one reason why we have selected them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an unfair strain is being put upon the self-sacrifice and energy of the women who have joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, due to lack of helpful advice, administrative, and other facilities, reasonable travelling, and other expenses; and will he bring this important adjunct to the armed forces in every respect more nearly into line with the Territorial Army?

The self-sacrifice and energy of the Auxiliary Territorial Service is highly appreciated, but I am not aware of any lack of helpful advice and assistance. Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan has now been appointed Director of the Auxiliary Territorial Service with the rank of Chief Controller. The service is now administered largely by a staff of women, and, in certain respects, the conditions are under review.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the travelling and drill allowances are far below those of the Territorial Army, and that at the moment the scales of pay on mobilisation have not even been published?

I am aware that there are at present many shortcomings but that has been inevitable in a new service, and I hope that this service will justify itself and be recognised in all respects.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the scales of pay will be published very shortly?

Yes, if they have not been published; I thought they had been.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give facilities to local journalists to visit the military camp now being constructed at Kinmel, North Wales?

I am informed that every facility has been given.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a journalist was refused admission to this camp, and in view of the general interest taken in our new Army and the fact that weekly newspapers are giving the new Army every support will he give every encouragement to publicity?

Yes, Sir. I readily recognise that the newspapers, and particularly the local newspapers, have given every support, and I am advised that the Press were granted facilities for visiting this camp, but I am glad that my hon. Friend has called attention to this matter and I will see that any defect is remedied.

Will any Members of Parliament be at liberty to visit these camps at any time they think proper?

Yes, Sir.

:asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider setting up a committee, under the Director-General of Army Medical Ser vices, with the object of organising an efficient pharmaceutical service for the Army and the Royal Air Force?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air and I are both satisfied that the dispensing requirements of the Army and the Royal Air Force are adequately met by existing arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of uniforms have now been manufactured but that their distribution is being held up owing to the delay in getting them passed by Army officials; whether he is aware of the numbers of Territorial units without uniform; and whether, in view of the urgency of the whole matter, he will allow manufacturers to deliver direct to units as speedily as possible, cutting out the intermediate stage of uniforms being despatched to ordnance?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any case of delay due to inspection, I will have inquiries made.

Is it not a fact that there is great delay in the delivery of uniform and equipment of every form, including Been gun carriers and that this equipment is being manufactured and delivered to the War Office but is not being delivered by the War Office to the units; and can my right hon. Friend say what the delay is and whether the uniforms have been diverted elsewhere?

My hon. and gallant Friend referred in his question to uniforms, but if he has any other articles in mind I shall be glad to look into the matter. I have given my answer on the question of uniforms, and I have no information about delay owing to inspection.

Have not the Militiamen been given the Territorials uniforms?

Is it not a fact that my right hon. Friend assured me in a previous answer that all the Territorials would have their uniforms by July? Now it is 25th July, but they have not got their uniforms.

I am informed that one uniform for every Territorial will be completed by the end of the month.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is delay in delivery of canvas overalls which are specially useful for a number of purposes, and that the lack of them is a considerable handicap to a large number of men; and will he see that every effort is made to overtake this shortage?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the shortcomings in regard to overalls and to other very necessary requirements but the House will be aware that we have had to cope with very great increases, and I think some credit is due to those who have been endeavouring to meet the increased demands.

:Will my right hon. Friend consider the introduction of West of England cloth?

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made to deal with possible outbreaks of infectious disease at the antiaircraft camps at Weybourne and Stiffkey and other War Office establishments in Norfolk?

Arrangements have been made for cases of major infectious disease to be admitted to civil isolation hospitals, and for cases of minor infectious disease to be admitted to the Military Hospital, Colchester.

Are the regulations concerning cubic space and floor space being rigidly adhered to?

Yes, Sir. Up to the present there has been no complaint about that.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many substandard recruits to the Regular Army at the physical training depots have been, or are, receiving nourishment in addition to the ordinary Army food; the weekly cost of this food per man; of what the extra nourishment consists; the average weekly cost per recruit of the extra nourishment; the number of recruits posted as fit as a result of this extra food; and the average period required to bring these recruits up to standard.

Up to 16th July last, a total of 2,918 recruits had joined the depots. Of this number, 2,168 had been posted to units as fit, 380 were still undergoing training, while 204 had been discharged as having failed to attain the required standard and 166 for other causes. The average period spent at the depots is nine weeks. An extra amount of 2½d. a day is allowed for each recruit, and this is expended on milk and fruit; otherwise, the diet is the same as for the regular soldier.

Am I correct in saying that there are now only two depots?

Yes, Sir.

Are these men to be classed as A.1 on 2½d. a day? You are doing fine.

This is an extra allowance over and above the ration of food itself, which is very good.

:asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in view of the reduction of the age for marriage allowances on the lower deck, the Admiralty are considering the reduction of the age limit for officers' marriage allowances in the Navy; and whether he will therefore reconsider his own refusal to consider a similar reduction in the case of the Army?

There has been no refusal to consider this. Such a matter would naturally be for consultation between the Departments concerned and I can assure my hon. Friend that the position of the Army officer will in no respect be invidious.

Was not the argument which my right hon. Friend gave me a short time ago that the reconsideration did not apply to officers but applied to other ranks?

I do not know to what my hon. Friend is precisely referring, but I have given him my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many other ranks have bought themselves out of the Army since the regulation was introduced which prevents officers from resigning their commissions; and whether he will introduce a similar regulation to prevent other ranks from leaving the Army at a time of national emergency?

The answer to the first part of the question, according to the latest information I have, is 307. As regards the second part of the question, I will invite the Army Council to consider the matter.

Is it not rather inappropriate that at the present time of national emergency people in the Army should be able to buy themselves out by the simple expedient of putting down £35?

I have said that I will invite the Army Council to consider my hon. Friend's proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the reasons which have led to the exclusion of Engineer-Vice-Admiral Sir Harold Brown from the Army Council?

Sir Harold Brown and his Department are being transferred to the Ministry of Supply.

asked the Secretary of State for War the names of the Members of the Government who hold com missions in the Army?

Mr. Mander: Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with enlistments up to date, and is he thinking of having a special recruiting campaign among Members of the Government?

And the Opposition.

asked the Secretary of State for War particulars of the effective cost of maintaining the British troops in the China command for the 12 months ended the last convenient date; does an Indian battalion form part of this garrison; and whether the whole of the cost of same is borne by Army funds?

The effective expenditure on our military garrison in China for the year ended 31st March, 1938, was £1,817,082, excluding recruiting and training expenses at home. Towards this sum, the Hong Kong Government contributed £337,000. An infantry battalion of the Indian Army is permanently lent for Imperial service at Hong Kong and forms part of the military garrison; its whole cost, estimated at £90,000 a year, is borne by Army Funds. Since September, 1937, a second infantry battalion of the Indian Army has been on loan from India for service at Hong Kong, the whole cost of which is, similarly, borne by Army Funds.

Is any contribution made by the people of Shanghai to this expenditure?

No, Sir. I have given an answer explaining the allocation of the expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been definitely decided to close down the Equitation School at Weedon; and, if so, whether he will consider establishing a training and remounts depot there to supply the remaining horsed cavalry regiments, so that these regiments will not have to devote so much time to training recruits and schooling remounts and will be able to have a fully-trained establishment at all times?

The establishment at Weedon comprises an equitation school, where officers and other ranks are trained as instructors in equitation; and a remount wing. The transfer of the school and remount wing elsewhere has not yet been finally approved. A depot squadron for training cavalry recruits has been opened at Edinburgh.

May I take it that, if it is decided to transfer the establishment from Weedon, it is not proposed to abolish the Equitation School as such?

I hope that my hon. Friend will not read into the answer more than it contains.

:asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that two accidents, entailed by the collision of light tanks with motor cars, were reported in the Crookham-Crondall district last month; whether, when it is essential for tanks to use public roads the need is impressed upon drivers of ascertaining the width of such roads or the possibility of using alternative thoroughfares; whether drivers of tanks are familiar with the topography of the district in which they operate; and whether he will consider issuing general instructions on this matter?

The accidents in question have not been reported to the War Office, and I am having inquiries made.

:asked the Secretary of State for War how many new chaplains have been appointed for service in the Regular Army during the past two years, and how many for the Territorial Army; whether there is a shortage of chaplains; what will be the increased ex- penditure due to extra chaplains; how many are part-time, and how many represent the Free Churches; whether he has approached, or will approach, denominational organisations with a view to securing their co-operation, and the voluntary service of clergymen, priests, ministers of religion, and others to meet the religious needs of militiamen if, and when, voluntarily requested; and whether militiamen who state their conscientious objection to attending a particular form of religious worship, or who state they are agnostics, will be allowed the alternative of attending, or forming, gatherings of an ethical and educational character?

During the past two years, 14 extra Regular and 81 extra Territorial chaplains have been appointed, of whom one and five respectively represent the Free Churches. The extra cost involved in these appointments is some £8,000 a year. No difficulty is experienced in filling vacancies. In garrisons where there is an insufficient number of troops to justify the maintenance of regular chaplains, local clergy and ministers are employed as part-time officiating chaplains; in these, the Free Churches are included. Close co-operation is maintained with the authorities of the various churches, both depart mentally and through the Interdenominational Advisory Committee on Army Chaplaincy Services, and all nominations for chaplains of every kind are made by them. The spiritual care of militiamen will be maintained in the same manner as for Regular troops. Militiamen who have no religious belief will be permitted to make a declaration to that effect, and will not be compelled to attend the Divine Service of any church. There is: no objection to gatherings of an ethical and educational character, so long as the general regulations of the camp or station are observed.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask whether, in view of the new circumstances that prevail and the various innovations that he has introduced in the Army, he will consider the complete revision of the whole relationship between religious matters and the Army service?

The hon. Member put down a question asking for detailed information, which I have given him. If, on studying it, he has any further questions to ask, perhaps he will put them down.

Why should recruits be made to say that they have no religious beliefs? I can imagine that a number of them might say, "I have deep religious beliefs, but I do not want to attend these particular services."