asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the haphazard methods of providing air-raid shelters being adopted throughout London, he has had any further expert inquiry made into the problem of deep bomb-proof shelters; and, if so, could he publish their findings?

No, Sir. This problem was fully investigated by the Conference under the chairmanship of Lord Hailey, whose report was submitted in April last and was accepted by the Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether it has been brought to his notice that free garden air-raid shelters are being given away by residents who do not want them; and what action is being taken in such cases?

I understand that there have been a few cases where householders have appropriated a shelter which did not appear to be wanted where it was, no doubt in some cases with the consent of the other householder. A householder has, of course, no right to do this even with the consent of the other householder, since by Section 25 of the Civil Defence Act shelters may not be removed without the consent of the local authority; but I have suggested to local authorities who have consulted me that where, as a result of such action, an unwanted shelter has been put to its proper use by a person falling within the categories of persons to whom these shelters are being distributed, the right thing may be to give consent to the removal

asked the Home Secretary whether he will advise local authorities in the appointment of paid air-raid wardens to give preference to fully qualified trained men who have given willing service for a considerable period?

Subject to the principle that the employment of persons on a whole-time basis should not be allowed to displace volunteers who are able to undertake part-time duty without payment, and within the limits of the establishments laid down, the selection of individual volunteers to be paid for whole-time service is a matter for the local authorities. It is obviously wasteful to substitute untrained new entrants for fully trained volunteers.

asked the Home Secretary what progress has been made in the elimination of burning pit-heaps in the mining areas?

Burning pit-heaps are visited frequently by Inspectors of the Ministry of Health and of the Department of Health for Scotland, with a view to ensuring that the measures taken for quenching the fires are adequate. Substantial progress has been made in the mining areas as a whole, and the latest reports show that in England 55 heaps, which were emitting some considerable glare, have been treated and are no longer openly on fire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the suggestion made by the Chambers of Drapers that the Government should manufacture black-out cloth and make it available for householders at reasonable prices; and whether he will give consideration to this suggestion?

Yes, Sir. The suggestion is already receiving urgent consideration by my Department in conjunction with other Departments and interests concerned.

asked the Minister of Health, whether, in view of the absence of any clear and definite statement as to

The responsibility for providing evacuated children with clothes . and boots rests primarily with the parents or other persons liable to maintain the children. I understand that certain voluntary organisations also are prepared to assist in cases of need. Where parents are unable to make or otherwise obtain the necessary provision application may be made to the Unemployment Assistance Board in the case of those who arewithin the scope of unemployment assistance schemes as expanded by emergency legislation, and to the Public Assistance Authority in other cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that cinemas in Hull have, in many instances, increased the prices of seats by as much as 50 to 100 per cent.; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter or, if need be, take powers to stop this high rise in the price of seats that inflict hardship on the poorest section of the people?

I understand that before the outbreak of war it had been the practice of many of the cinemas in Hull as elsewhere to reduce the prices of the cheaper seats for the afternoon performances. Recently the exhibitors throughout the country decided that in view of the reduction in their receipts owing to war conditions they could not afford to continue this practice. I have no doubt that the lighting restrictions must have affected the attendances and receipts, and on the information before me I do not feel that there is any action I could properly take.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the pamphlet entitled Mosley's Message, which is being distributed by the British Union of Fascists, which states that the British Union of Fascists will do all in its power to awaken the people to demand peace; and whether he will consult the Director of Public Prosecutions as to the advisability of taking legal action against the authors and distributors?

I have been asked to reply. As my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate, it would be contrary to the public interest for me to state what action it is proposed to take with regard to any particular document. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all activities which might be prejudicial to the defence of the realm or the successful prosecution of the war are closely watched with a view to appropriate action where the facts warrant it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any statement as to the agreement which has been reached regarding the payment of increased wages and compensation for injury or loss of life in the case of foreign seamen employed on British ships?

I understand that the agreement recently reached by the National Maritime Board in respect of the payment of seafarers' war risk money applies to foreign seamen engaged in the United Kingdom on Board of Trade articles as well as to British seamen. The scheme of compensation to members of the Mercantile Marine in respect of death or disablement due to war injuries which will be published in a day or two by the Minister of Pensions applies to foreign seamen as well as to British seamen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether transference of British registered merchant vessels is subject to official approval duringthe war; and whether any arrangements exist whereby merchant ships which neutral interests are ready to sell can be acquired by this country?

Under the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act, 1939, the sanction of the Board of Trade is required to the transfer from one owner to another of any British ship, other than a Dominion ship. With regard to the second part of the question, the normal commercial channels are available for the purpose referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the tonnage of British shipping sunk by enemy submarines for each week since the commencement of the war, and the corresponding losses during the similar period in the War of 1914 to 1918?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the remarks which I made yesterday on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the numbers and categories of unskilled workers engaged on Government contracts who are receiving higher remuneration than trained men in His Majesty's forces?

No, Sir.

asked theMinister of Labour whether, in view of the increased cost of living, any revision of the unemployment assistance regulations is contemplated in the near future?

Any revision of the un-employment assistance regulations is a matter in the first place for the Unemployment Assistance Board who, I am assured, are carefully watching the position.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any arrangements have been made to assist those persons who may be financially distressed due to the war, and who are not covered by legislation relating to unemployment assistance?

I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of the Unemployment Assistance (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and to the Unemployment Assistance (Prevention and Relief of Distress) Regulations, 1939, which were made on 7th September, 1939.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether all persons desiring an application form for a supplementary petrol ration have now been able to obtain one?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now state which road schemes it has been possible to curtail in order to economise unnecessary expenditure at the present juncture?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge).

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will grant a car pass to Members of Parliament not on active service?

I do not think that there is any need for the issue of a special car pass as suggested.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he contemplates any drastic curtailment of the facilities offered to the public through the Post Office Savings Bank Department; and whether he contemplates any large reduction of staff at Blythe Road?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make any further statement in regard to the raising of His Majesty's Ship "Thetis"; what is the cost of these operations up to date; and what proportion of this cost is being borne by public funds?

Work on the salvage of His Majesty's Ship "Thetis" has been held up during the last fortnight by adverse weather conditions. These conditions have now improved and the task of removing from the submarine the bodies of the dead is being continued. The cost of the operations to date is not at present available, but discussions are taking place with the underwriters concerning the apportionment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why officers in the Royal Naval Voluntary Supplementary Reserve do not receive a marriage allowance until they attain the age of 30 years; and will he take steps to put this anomaly right?

The Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve is a list of those who undertake to accept temporary commissions as officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in time of emergency, if required. During the war they and all other married officers under 30 will be eligible for marriage allowance at rates varying from 3s. per day for a childless married officer to 5s. 6d. per day for a married officer with two or more children.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what penal sanctions attach to the existing contracts for labour in British Guiana; and whether, in acordance with the proposed abolition of penal sanctions under the Contract Labour Convention, he will invite the Government of British Guiana to provide for an early abolition of these penal sanctions?

The penal sanctions attaching to contracts for labour in British Guiana are prescribed in the Employers and Servants Ordinance, 1925, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I have recently received from the Acting Governor a draft Labour Ordinance which provides, inter alia, for the repeal of the 1925 Ordinance. The whole question of the abolition of these sanctions is now under my consideration in the light of the Acting Governor's despatch.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of paragraphs 39–49 of the report upon labour conditions in British Guiana, he will consult that administration as to the possibility of introducing legislation conforming to the conditions laid down and supported by His Majesty's Government in the Contract Labour Convention?

I have already communicated with the Government of British Guiana regarding the possibility of applying to the Colony the provisions of the recent International Labour Convention concerning the Regulation of Written Contracts of Employment of Indigenous Workers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement on the general position of mobilisation of men who are drawing disability pensions?

A man in receipt of a disability pension in respect of Army service, who has been permitted to rejoin the military forces, continues to receive his disability pension under the same conditions as before. This does not apply to soldiers of the Army Reserve or the Territorial Army who have received an award, payable only while they are not in receipt of full Army pay, in respect of a disability not necessitating their discharge from their current engagement.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the shortage of flax and the large quantity required by the Government for their supplies of linen dowlas, he will consider using a union cloth, composed of linen and cotton, which would allow of a larger quantity of flax to be released for civil requirements and enable export trade to be maintained and so prevent large numbers of skilled operatives becoming unemployed?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that every endeavour will be made to safeguard the interests of the export trade as regards flax supplies.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, when he introduced the Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1939, he took in to consultation all the interests concerned in the egg trade?

The Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1939, was made at short notice primarily in order to hold retail prices pending consideration of morecomprehensive arrangements. Certain trade interests were consulted before-hand but, owing to the necessity of rapid action, these did not include the trade organisations for all provincial areas. It is my intention, so far as it proves reasonably practicable, to ensure that full consultation is effected with representatives of all the interests concerned in a commodity prior to action being taken by the Ministry in regard to it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in Norfolk reception areas where risk of war damage is said by the Government to be slight, are being required to insure their farm produce at the rate of £23 12s. 6d. on a valuation of £1,575 for three months, which is equivalent to approximately 7 per cent. per annum premium on their produce; and as they cannot afford to meet this charge will he take steps to remedy the position?

Steps have already been taken by the War Risks Insurance(General Exceptions) Order, which was made on 22nd September, to exclude certain agricultural products from the scope of the War Risks Insurance Act. The products exempted are growing crops, plants and trees, livestock, and in relation to a person carrying on the business of producing agricultural products for sale, crops produced by such a person when on land occupied by him in the course of such business. None of these products will be insurable either compulsorily or voluntarily.For products not covered by this exemption insurance will only be com- pulsory if their total value on the farm at any one time exceeds £1,000. In the contrary case it will be optional. I think this will meet the case to which my hon. Friend calls attention.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the reports of the school medical officer for Kent of serious cases of under-nourishment and other signs of poverty among children of farm workers of that county; and what steps he proposes to secure promptly proper standards of income for farm workers of that county?

From the Annual Report for the year 1938 of the School Medical Officer for Kent, it appears that inquiries which were made into the question of the nourishment of children showed that the proportion of undernourished children among the agricultural population was smaller than the average for the five occupational groups for which figures are given.As regards the latter part of the question. Agricultural Wages Committees are established under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act for the purpose of fixing minimum rates of wages for workers employed in agriculture. The committees have sole discretion as to the rates they fix but Section 2 (4) of the Act directs that the committees shall, so far as practicable, secure, for able-bodied men such wages as in the opinion of the committee are adequate to promote efficiency and to enable a man in an ordinary case to maintain himself and his family in accordance with such standard of "comfort as may be reasonable in relation to the nature of his occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the chiefsanitary inspector for the county of Renfrewshire has issued notices to tenants of houses built under the Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1925 to 1935, and situated at Neilston, Renfrewshire, informing them that unless they remove evacuees whom they have accepted their occupancy of the houses will be terminated; that these notices have been sent to tenants whose houses are not over-crowded even with the evacuees whom they are sheltering; and whether such general notice will be cancelled in view of the action of the Government in relation to the evacuation of people from danger zones?

My right hon. Friend has seen reports in the Press and elsewhere about the operation of the over-crowding regulations in Renfrewshire in relation to the evacuation scheme. He is making urgent inquiries into the matter and will inform the hon. Member as soon as these are completed.