asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the premiums under the State insurance scheme are being used as a pretext for an additional increase in the price or" a commodity at each stage of its passage from the producer to the consumer; and whether steps will be taken to prevent the amount of any premium being added to the price?

I am aware that tradersare in many cases adding the cost of war risks insurance to the prices which they charge for their goods. I cannot agree that the addition to the prices of the amount of the premium actually incurred is unreasonable, though, as my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Trade explained in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Lowestoff (Mr. Loftus) on 21st September, the cost of insurance should, in the majority of cases, be a negligible percentage of the price of goods insured. Wherever excessive increases in price on the pretext of war risks insurance have been brought to my notice, they are being investigated. As I have stated, a Bill to deal with unjustifiable increases in price will be introduced at a very early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an indication as to what would be a reasonable and not an excessive increase?

As I have explained before, it depends upon the rate of turnover of the goods in question. Certainly, any increase over 6 per cent., if the goods are being turned over only once a year, would be excessive, and 6 per cent, would be excessive for goods turned over twice, three times, or even four times a year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to introduce anti-profiteering legislation, and whether, in particular, proceedings will be taken against those contractors who have made large profits by buying up all available supplies of sandbags and retailing them to the public at greatly enhanced prices?

I fear I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 28th September.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the many protests which are being received by commercial and industrial organisations with regard to delays in obtaining licences for the export of goods on the controlled list; what steps he is proposing to take to expedite the issue of such licences; and whether, as the difficulties are mainly due to the existence of separate controllers of the various raw materials with offices in different parts of the country, steps will be taken to centralise the information necessary to enable export licences to be granted without delay?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the concern felt by manufacturers of commodities required for war purposes by our Allies at their inability to obtain the necessary licences; whether, as export trade is so essential to this country to provide the means for carrying on the war and whether, as manufacturers are requested not to call on or telephone the Ministry and as their repeated applications for these licences by post are ignored, he will give immediate instructions to the Department concerned to deal with these applications for licences?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take prompt action to remedy the serious defects in the organisation of the Export Licensing Department, and is he aware that members of chambers of commerce have indicated clearly in writing to his Department methods whereby the accumulation of unanswered correspondence can be dealt with which is now seriously holding up permitted export trade?

I much regret that certain difficulties and delays have arisen with regard to the issue of export licences. These have been due to the immense volume of work which had to be handled by the Export Licensing Department immediately on its creation. It will be realised that the Department must act to a large extent on advice from other Departments, reference to whom is essential in many cases. Every effort is, however, being made to resolve these difficulties. Arrangements have been made which are expected to expedite the work and my Department is in constant consultation with the other Departments concerned with a view to further action to this end being taken. These arrangements have already reduced the delays. I may add that traders themselves would assist my Department considerably by studying the list of prohibited exports and by making preliminary inquiries of their own organisations to ascertain whether licences are required in the case of the goods in which they are interested. Considerable congestion and delay have been caused in the Export Licensing Department by inquiries and applications in respect of goods for which no licences were required.

Can my right hon. Friend give some assurance that licences can be granted immediately in respect of countries outside Europe and in respect of the various Dominions?

No, Sir; I cannot do that. It is not only a question of the country of destination, but whether the particular. goods are so urgently required in this country for essential war purposes that it is impossible to allow them to be exported.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that licences have been held up for over three weeks for goods which it is evident to anybody are of no use whatever with regard to the prosecution of the war, apart from their use for bringing currency into this country?

As I stated in my answer, I do regret the delay. I have explained the reason, and I have said that steps are being taken to expedite matters, and that the delay is now being materially reduced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the causes of the delay is the number of Departments to which people have to apply? Could he make it clear to exporters which is the right Department, and could he not arrange for there to be one Department responsible for giving licences, after consultation?

That is the situation. Application is made to my Department. One of the causes of the delay in granting licences is that my Department has to ascertain from various Service Departments and the Ministry of Supply what is the need for the type of material in question. All applications should be made to my Department, and the consultation with others should be done by me.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when applications are made to his Department, his Department sends out a printed letter stating that other Departments have to be consulted, and that this in fact holds up the application?

That is what I have said. The application should be made to me, but I have to ascertain from, say, the Air Ministry or the Ministry of Supply what is the need for that type of material. There is no need for the applicant to consult those Departments; that is done by me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from Latvian exporters to reorganise the export of agricultural products to this country at present interrupted in the Baltic?

His Majesty's Government are in touch with the Latvian Government on the subject of Anglo-Latvian trade. I regret that, in the meantime, I am unable to make any further statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the products and their quantities that have been agreed upon for this country to purchase from Rumania in the near future and for Rumania to purchase here; and whether any transactions of this nature have actually taken place to date?

Arrangements are proceeding for certain purchases by the Rumanian Government under the provisions of the Anglo-Rumanian Guarantee Agreement of 12th July, 1939, and for purchases of wheat in accordance with the Protocol of 11th May. His Majesty's Government are also considering the possibility of obtaining certain other requirements in Rumania. I am not, however, in a position to give any details.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the Government's intentions with- regard to the British Shipping (Assistance) Bill, and, particularly, the schemes of loans and grants for shipbuilding under that Bill?

Yes, Sir. The Government will be prepared to consider applications from shipowners for loans in accordance with the main provisions of the scheme described in Section 3 of Grid. 6060 in respect of vessels for which binding contracts had been entered into before to-day's date as a result of my statement in this House on 28th March last. The Board of Trade will have to be satisfied in each case that the construction of the vessel is in the national interest. A circular letter will shortly be issued to the shipowners concerned as to the procedure to be followed by those who wish to apply for loans in respect of such vessels. As regards shipbuilding grants, the Government are reviewing the position in the light of developments and their decision will be announced in due course. The other schemes covered by the British Shipping (Assistance) Bill are obviously unnecessary or inapplicable in war-time, and it is not intended to proceed with the Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in connection with the scheme, he proposes to expedite the production of vessels of standard type?

That is rather a different point. The answer I have given refers to orders which have already been placed by shipowners. The hon. Member's question refers to orders which are now being placed by the Government directly. It is not our intention at the moment to build ships of a standard type. Orders are being placed for ships of simple type of the nature which happen at the moment to be most urgently required.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see, in connection with this matter, that the activities of the shipbuilding firms are co-ordinated so as to expedite the building of these vessels?

Yes, Sir. I have a committee advising me on that very point.

Arising out of the reply, in which the right hon. Gentleman said that the Government are going to build ships, will those ships be built under the supervision of civil servants, or will the Government have somebody on the job who understands shipbuilding?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that neither 1 nor any of my officers consider ourselves capable of advising on such an extremely technical matter. Certainly, we shall make use of outside technical advice on it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that candles, which are an essential commodity of working miners, have been advanced in price in County Durham by 75 per cent, since the outbreak of war; and what steps are being taken to protect these consumers against this exploitation?

My attention has been drawn to several cases where the price of candles has been increased and one of these related to the Durham area. Inquiries are being made of the firm concerned. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 28th September.

Is the Minister aware that a deputation of working miners waited upon me on this subject and stated that unless they could get candles at a reasonableprice, they would have to give up their employment?

I was not aware of that, but when the matter was brought to my notice, I got into communication speedily with the firm, and I will let the hon. Member know the results of my inquiry.

Are we to understand that the miners have to purchase their own candles for working?

That is not a point for me. What I am looking into is the question of the price of the candles.

Is it not time you snuffed the profiteers out?

That is the object of a Bill which I hope soon to introduce and on which I hope I shall have the hon. Member's co-operation.

You will.

asked the Secretary of State for War what particular action he has taken during the past three months to ensure that no unduly high standard of expense is set for regimental officers?

War conditions are now prevailing and there is no reason to believe that any unduly high standard of living is being maintained.

Will the hon. Baronet make sure that throughout the Service reasonable standards are set and maintained?

We are doing that. We have had no complaints to the contrary.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no reply has been sent to the National Union of Agricultural Workers to letters dated 1st August and 16th August in connection with an accident which occurred on 13th May to one of their members; and when a reply is to be expected?

I have now been able to trace the case referred to, which was a claim made to the Command and not to the War Office. Legal advice is being obtained, and a settlement will be reached as soon as possible.

Am I to understand from the reply that a representative acting on behalf of the agricultural workers is in correspondence with the War Office?

I could not say that off-hand, but they are endeavouring to clear this matter up as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the delay in considering applications by commanding officers for the services of particular officers on the Officers Emergency Reserve; and what steps he is prepared to take to reduce such delay?

I am not aware of any delay except in a few cases where there has been failure on the part of applicants or unit commanders to observe the proper procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the growing indignation amongst men of military age whose offers of service in the Army are being rejected; and what steps he proposes to take to allay this indignation?

My right hon. Friend, on the first day of war, outlined with the general approval of the House an orderly system for the calling up and use of man-power; since when as my hon. Friend has probably seen classes between the ages of 20 and 22 have been proclaimed and will be summoned to the Colours in a regular manner. Subsequently, other classes will be summoned. I am sure the House will agree that by proceeding in this manner we are avoiding those errors in the use of man-power which had to be redeemed with so much difficulty during the last Great War. I would point out, further, that many opportunities were given for men of all ages to join the Territorial Army before the outbreak of war and this they did on a scale comparable with the recruitment after the outbreak of the last War. Further opportunities will arise, and there are vacancies already advertised for men with specialised knowledge.

Does that mean that the express policy of the Government is to use, throughout the war, conscripted service to the exclusion of voluntary service, even where voluntary service is available; and will the Government bear in mind the grave danger which may result, both from a military and a social point of view, from the calling-up en bloc of large numbers of very young men of the same age, to the exclusion of anybody else?

No, Sir, it does not mean that. It means that we want to relate offers of voluntary service to our regularised system. I can tell my hon. Friend that opportunities for taking on men who register themselves as volunteers will very soon occur.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it a great waste of man-power for men who are out of work and who wish to join the Army not to be able to give their services; and will the War Office consider opening the recruiting offices so that any men who wish to join the Army before their particular class is called up can register?

Men can register now.

In that connection, will my hon. Friend consider the possibility of issuing a badge to those who have volunteered but who cannot yet be taken?

Is it proposed in the near future to form "bantam battalions," to meet the great demand among men who do not come up to the present requisite standard of height for the Army?

That is another point. I would like notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared, in the light of the decision of the War Cabinet to prepare for a war of at least three years, to review his decision as to the maximum age at which commissions will be granted for the period of the emergency; whether he is aware of the wastage of man-power entailed by this decision; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent such wastage?

Although the normal upper age limit for appointment to an emergency commission is 31, applicants between the ages of 31 and 60 may be accepted provided that have previous commissioned service in the Army or are in possession of special technical, academic or other similar qualifications.

Since when has the upper age limit been fixed at 60, where previously it was 50?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War how it came about that battery orderly-runner W. Lucia, an ex-warrant officer attached to the Militia training depot, Devizes, was deposited by the military authorities at Devizes Station on 20th September with a broken ankle and no railway warrant and told to make his own way home to Doncaster, where he was detained at the local hospital; and why this soldier receives neither replies to his communications to his superior officer nor allowances?

I am informed that Mr. Lucia is a civilian employè, who accidentally injured his ankle by tripping over a small trench. He was seen by the medical officer who wished to detain him in the camp hospital. Mr. Lucia asked, however, for sick leave, and this was granted. It was explained to him that he had no entitlement to travel at public expense, and that any journey he wished to make must be undertaken on his own responsibility. He was advised that, if he was in need of help he should apply to the local Employment Exchange. A letter from him dated 24th September was answered on 26th September.

Was not Mr. Lucia recruited in Doncaster and transferred by the Army authorities to Salisbury; and why was he granted sick leave, and then told that he could apply to the Employment Exchange for relief? What kind of procedure is that?

Mr. Lucia was not in any sense employed in a military capacity. He was employed in a purely civilian capacity, and was not entitled to free railway transport.

Was he not recruited at Doncaster by the military authorities, for military work, at a military camp, and is he not an ex-warrant officer?

I have given the hon. Gentleman the facts of the case, and I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War what applications he has received from parents respecting soldiers who, by giving false dates of birth on enlistment, have been sent overseas below the minimum age he has fixed for that purpose; and what decision he takes on such applications where the parents allegation that the soldier is under the prescribed age proves to be correct?

Four cases have come to notice. When the application is confirmed by a birth certificate, the soldier is sent home.

Is it still the practice of the War Office to discharge boys who are under 17, if so requested by the parents of the boys?

If a boy has given a false age on attestation, and is proved to be under 17, I think that is the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that tradesmen who joined the Army in response to advertisements in the Press, and were told that they would be paid at special trade rates, are in fact at present only receiving 2s. a day; and whether he will take steps to relieve the existing discontent among at least 200 such men at present in camp in Yorkshire?

I am not aware of the facts in this case, but instructions have recently been issued that men enlisted as tradesmen during the war, who satisfy their commanding officers that they have attained the prescribed standard, will be paid as tradesmen from the date of enlistment, and while I cannot identify the case referred to, it should be covered by the instructions I have mentioned.

In regard to this case which has been brought to his notice and the facts of which have been submitted to the War Office by me, is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men not only have not received tradesmen's pay, but for 10 or 12 days had to wear their own clothes and their own boots or shoes?

I am unable to identify the case. If the hon. Member can assist me in doing so, I will gladly look into it.

The facts have already been sent to the War Office?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that while a poster invites draughtsmen, shipwrights and turners under 21 years of age to join the forces, applicants at recruiting offices are informed that it is impossible to join the Army under 21; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

The discrepancy has been remedied, and the tradesmen who are required can now be accepted if they have reached the age of 20.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any fixed maximum limit for the purchase of Army remounts; whether he can state the reason; and whether a similar limitation exists in respect of any other property or commodities which the War Office is commandeering at the present moment for various purposes?

The instructions to impressment officers prescribe a maximum price for horses, based on the prices at which the type required for Army service is normally obtainable. Owners who are not satisfied that the price tendered represents fair market value have the right to appeal to a county court judge. The instructions that have been issued regarding requisitioning generally are designed to secure that unduly expensive property shall, so far as possible, be avoided.

Have not some of these horses already been branded and taken away?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman can give me particulars of any case I will gladly have it looked into.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to secure that cigarettes and tobacco sent from this country to the British troops in France are admitted free of duty?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether this applies to small parcels or only to tobacco in bulk?

This applies to all tobacco which is issued free to troops and which is not subject to duty. As regards small packages of tobacco and cigarettes going to France being free of duty in France, that matter is being taken up at the present time.

Will the hon. Gentleman also see that the tobacco which is sent is worth smoking?

Will the hon. Gentleman see that packages can be sent to France, at British inland postal rates?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that application for dependants allowances in respect of serving soldiers are experiencing difficulty in getting their forms witnessed owing to the restricted number of persons qualified to do so; and whether he will consider the propriety of widening the area of choice by including members of local authorities, head teachers in schools, trade union officials and full-time political agents as qualified witnesses?

The applicant's signature may be witnessed by his or her doctor, a minister of religion, a civil servant, an officer of the Navy, Army or Air Force, a police officer not below the rank of Servant, or an official in charge of a post office. I have not heard of any case of difficulty in finding a person in one or other of these categories who is prepared to witness the signature, and I do not think it is necessary to extend the list.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in some parts of the country difficulty is experienced, and that if he could extend the list to include head teachers, it would be a great advantage?

I think there can be very few cases in which a person in the categories that I have named cannot be found.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the many complaints made by the dependants of men called up under the Military Service Acts at the long delay and, in many cases, the great difficulty in obtaining their allowances; and will he take immediate measures to deal with' these difficulties?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on Thursday last.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this week I brought to his attention instances of wives of men called up for service being threatened with eviction because they had not the rent, owing to non-receipt of allowances?

I have had several cases sent to me personally, and in nearly every case that I have investigated I have found it due either to some misunderstanding or to some mistake on the part of the man or his wife or the woman. I do not think any blame should be laid at the door of the Paymaster, who has been very punctilious in carrying out his work.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that for the dependants other than wives—I mean widowed mothers and others—the position is made quite clear to the serving soldiers as to how they can get allowances for these dependants?

Yes, and instructions have been sent to every commanding officer ordering them to report every case within their units where these allowances are not being paid.

But will it be made clear to the serving soldiers, to the men?

I think it will be the commanding officers duty to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent and hardship caused by the meagreness of the allowances to widows whose sons have been called up for military service, due to the very narrow interpretations of the provisions of the White Paper, Cmd. 6043; and whether he will state the basis on which the figures mentioned in the White Paper are computed, and, further, state the qualifications and experience of the persons fixing the amount of allowances and whether the amount fixed is subject to appeal?

I have no evidence that the scale of allowances is generally inadequate. The scheme outlined in the White Paper referred to, which related to dependants of militiamen called up for training under the Military Training Act, 1939, has been superseded by a new war scheme, particulars of which were recently announced, but the maximum fates admissible, including the soldier's contribution, which has been increased to correspond with his rate of pay, remain unchanged. The standard rates of allowance were fixed by the Government after the most careful consideration and examination of available data. The actual rates depend on the man's pre-enlistment contribution to the dependant's support and the household income.

The allowance for a widowed mother with no other income is 20s. 6d. a week, provided the soldier was contributing not less than that amount to her support before he was called up. The amount fixed is not subject to appeal, except on a question of fact, but in exceptional cases, where owing to the calling-up of a soldier serious financial hardship exists which cannot be met by the issue of the normal allowances or in other ways, application can be made to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, who are empowered to recommend a supplementary or special grant if after investigation they consider it warranted.

Do I understand from that reply that no complaints have been received by the hon. Gentleman's Department arising out of the meagreness of the allowances under the White Paper?

Yes, Sir, that is the answer.

Is it proposed to publish this new basis of allowances in the form of a White Paper, and would such publication make clear the address of this tribunal to which appeals are to be sent?

I do not think it will be necessary to do that. These allowances and the machinery under which they are paid have been published in full in the Press, and they have been referred to in the Press subsequently. I am quite prepared to consider it, but I do not really think it is necessary.

Would it not be for the convenience of all those like dependants if a White Paper on the lines indicated could be published, so that all sections of the community, North, South, East and West, would appreciate that they are being dealt with fairly and equitably?

I am prepared to consider the suggestion that further publicity should be given. Whether it should be by means of a White Paper or not, I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether recruiting for the National Defence companies remains open, and whether any special steps are now taken, since the recruiting was removed from Territorial Army associations, to ensure that no undesirable characters are enlisted?

My right hon. Friend stated in reply to a question on 26th September, that he had in contemplation a change in the present method of manning vulnerable points. Except for officers, recruiting for National Defence companies is not open at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men can only enlist for a fixed period and not for the duration of the war only; and whether he will consider relaxing this restriction at an early date so that use can be made of the services of men anxious to serve their country before they are conscripted?

The present situation is that tradesmen between the ages of 20 and 38 are allowed to enlist on a normal service engagement, or for the period of embodiment as they wish. Other classes are being called up, as the House is aware, by age-groups for the period of embodiment in accordance with our requirements. These opportunities may at a later stage be varied.

Does that mean that if a man wants to join the Army and his age-group has not been called up, he can only join for seven years? Cannot he join for the period of the war?

A man under the age group —

Over.

A man under the age-group cannot enlist even on the normal engagement. A man over the age-group who volunteers and is a tradesman can be enlisted for the period of embodiment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present position of the Army recruits physical development depots?

The depots were abolished on mobilisation, and the buildings have been allotted to other uses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is now the position with regard to the school at Ardrishaig; and whether, in view of the fact that Ardrishaig is a reception area, he will take steps to restore the status of that school, which has a record second to none in Argyll?

I understand that Ardrishaig School, since its re-opening after the summer vacation, has been conducted as a primary school only, and that Loch-gilphead School two miles away is now the centre for secondary education in the district. The county council approved this arrangement by a large majority, and I am satisfied that the scheme makes the most suitable provision for education in the area. Adequate arrangements have been made for the instruction in Loch-gilphead School of all secondary pupils transferred to the district under the Government evacuation scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is a very mountainous country and that two miles in the Highlands of Scotland is something to be considered when we are faced with the winter?

The hon. Member, who knows the district, knows that these two miles are on the level.

Is it not true that the road is level, but that it is surrounded by great, high mountains, where not only are there very severe climatic conditions, but several times there have been landslides? [Interruption] This is something that I am interested in, and I want to know what the Secretary of State is going to do in the matter.

A bus is being provided to take these children to school, and I am satisfied that there is now better opportunity for the education of these children than before.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will arrange to grant the approximate allowances in respect of evacuated children and expectant mothers who have gone from evacuation areas to reception areas by private arrangement, thus saving the billeting officers the task of finding suitable accommodation?

Billeting allowances are payable to householders only in respect of persons of the priority classes who have been transferred and billeted under the Government evacuation scheme. I regret that it would not be practicable to extend the payment of billeting allowances to cover persons who have removed from evacuating areas under private arrangement.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the advantage that it is for some of these people to be billeted where they are rather than where they might have been put under the official scheme, and in cases where hardship is involved will he not look at the matter again?

I am afraid that it is not really practicable to extend the Government's scheme. I have looked into it further.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Mr. Daniel Beattie, who was wounded in the last War, is living in Millbum Park, Alexandria, in an old omnibus measuring 14 by 7 by 6 feet together with his wife and 10 children under 15 years of age because he has been unable to get a house; that Mr. Beattie has now been called up; and whether he will take immediate steps to provide a house for his wife and children?

I am making inquiries from the local authority into the case referred to and will write to the hon. Member.

Will the Secretary of State go into this matter, because six months ago I raised it and drew attention to the hellish conditions in which these people were living and the right hon. Gentleman promised to look into it, but nothing was done?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that officials of churches in Scotland applied to the local air-raid precautions organisation and to the burgh engineer's office for advice as to where to buy sand bags to protect their church premises but could not get any advice; that they received from private firms on the 25th September an offer at 6d. each; and on 26th September an offer at 7d. each; that the wholesale price of such bags was recently 2d. to 2½d. each, but is now 5¾d.; and whether he will take steps to secure that adequate supplies of sandbags are available at fixed prices, and that local air-raid precautions organisations and burgh engineers be informed of the location of such supplies?

The question raised by the hon. and learned Member affects more than one Department not under my control. If he will be good enough to give me more specific information about the cases he has in mind I will see that it is referred to the proper quarter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these air-raid precautions organisations and burghengineers are aware of the places where sandbags can be got?

Perhaps the hon. and learned Member will have a word with me about it.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will review the sentences passed upon Messrs. Harry McShane, Colin Curry and John Dolan for their activities on behalf of tenants at Barrhead, with a view to their release, and also the remission of the fines imposed on 10 others sentenced with them?

I received yesterday a petition from the persons in question relating to the sentences imposed. I am examining the matter and will intimate my decision to the hon. Member in due course.

While the right hon. Gentleman is examining the question, will heexamine the remarks made by the Sheriff, which were obviously not of a judicial character, and will he take some action?

While looking into the question of these sentences, will the right hon. Gentleman look into all the circumstances—such as the increase of rents by 100 per cent, on slum clearance tenants —which led up to this objectionable state of affairs?

I will look into it, but I must bear in mind the riotous behaviour on this occasion, and I must take into account all the circumstances in arriving at my decision.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether steps are being taken to expedite and increase the production of motor benzol from gas industry sources; and whether it is intended that the maximum production from this source will be secured?

The Departments concerned, acting in close collaboration with the Institution of Gas Engineers, are impressing upon the industry the importance of securing the maximum possible production of benzol from gas works.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of wage earners on the colliery books in South and West Yorkshire, respectively, at the latest date available, and the comparative figures for March?

On 23rd September, 1939, the numbers of wage earners on colliery books in South Yorkshire were 95,200, and in West Yorkshire 42,400. On the corresponding date in March, 1939, the numbers were 98,900 and 44,100, respectively.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that all is being done that can be done to get the collieries fully staffed so that unemployed miners can get to work again?

Every effort is being made in that direction.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to ensure that the coal mines are being worked to their fullest capacity to produce the coal required for the home and export markets?

On 13th September I asked the Mining Association and the Mine-workers' Federation of Great Britain to consider jointly what measures were necessary to increase the output of coal to meet the anticipated increased demand, and I am giving continuous attention to the numerous factors which affect the output of coal.

Can my hon. Friend say that the measures which he has in contemplation will provide that all miners who have hitherto been unemployed will be employed full time?

This is a matter which the Mineworkers' Federation and the Mining Association desire to consider together in the first instance.

But is not the hon. Member aware that in many coalfields miners are at the present time working only three shifts a week, due to the dislocation of the transport system, and can he do nothing about that?

I am aware that in certain exporting districts, owing to the difficulties which naturally attend the export of coal at the beginning of war, there is a certain amount of short working, as the hon. Member has mentioned, but I am informed that conditions in that respect are improving. As I have said, I am in touch with the Mining Association and the Mineworkers Federation, who wish to consider this matter themselves in the first instance.

But does not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is a matter of urgent importance, particularly from the standpoint of continuing exports of coal?

Yes, Sir, I do appreciate that, and it was because I appreciated it that immediately after the outbreak of war I got into touch with the Mining Association and the Mineworkers' Federation.