asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that when Mr. H. Burnstone, of Otchard Place, Southampton, was recently sent to an Army rest camp from the Southampton Employment Exchange, he was offered employment at 52s. 6d. per week, whereas his possession of a Board of Trade ticket entitles him to the Maritime Board rate of £13 2s. 6d. per month; that, when he refused this offer, he was turned off benefit, although later this was reversed owing to the intervention of the man's trade union; and whether he will see that men are not penalised for refusing jobs in camps, and other military establishments, at rates less than their normal trade union rates?

If, as I presume, this worker's name is H. Bernstein, my information is that although he failed to start at this job after accepting it, his unemployment benefit was neither stopped nor suspended.

As complaint has been made by this man and similar complaints are being made by others, will the Minister take steps to ensure that this does not happen?

I do not accept that it has happened.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the hardships arising by the operation of the waiting days in the payment of unemployment benefit, having regard to the fact that many collieries are laid idle for one or two days due to shipping and transport difficulties?

The hon. Member will remember that I discussed this question recently with him and one of his colleagues, and that they promised to put the case to me in writing, with a full statement of the reasons for suggesting the change. I have not yet received this statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been discussions between the Durham coal owners and the Durham miners, and that they are themselves agreed that this is a very beneficial thing?

They know that as far as benefit is concerned the matter will have to be considered by the committee.

When men are forced out of employment by Government action is there not a case for full consideration?

The question is about delay due to shipping and transport.

Is it not a fact that upstairs not long ago the Minister bitterly opposed this reconsideration, and turned it down?

I am never bitter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make it clear to those who make such appointments that miners who have been out of work for many years and who are not likely to be employed in the mining industry again may be appointed to air-raid precautions and other Civil Defence paid posts, in spite of the fact that their occupation is scheduled in the list of Reserved Occupations?

As I indicated in a reply to a question by the hon. Member for Lancaster, Newton (Sir R. Young) on 5th October, instructions have been issued which will enable the restrictions imposed by the Schedule to be removed in cases of the kind to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain newspapers have published a statement to the effect that 500 miners were required in the Doncaster area where they could earn £6 per week, whereas 200 miners were given notice at Markham main colliery, near Doncaster, on Saturday, 7th October; and, in view of the hardship suffered by persons travelling long distances to take up jobs that do not exist, will he instruct Employment Exchange managers to warn unemployed persons against such unauthorised and inaccurate statements?

If any worker will take the trouble to inquire at his local Employment Exchange as to the likelihood of employment so advertised being available for him, the exchange will do its best to advise him. I do not think the Department can be expected to do more than this.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deprecate such publicity in view of the hardships that he knows are caused to men who travel from one place to another because they are anxious to obtain employment?

Certainly, and, as far as I can, I will see that such men inquire locally.

Will the right hon. Gentleman warn the Employment Exchange managers to make it known to men that they ought not to travel long distances because of newspaper advertisements for jobs that are not open to them?

It is impossible for any manager to know when a job mentioned in an advertisement is not in his area.

Will the Minister consult the Minister of Information over this?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an assurance that husbands of women who have been evacuated with young children will be allowed from the Unemployment Assistance Board a sufficient sum for purchasing food after other essential expenditure has been met?

The practice of the Unemployment Assistance Board where the wife and children of an applicant have been evacuated is to limit the adjustment in the allowance to such amount as is reasonabe in view of his changed circumstances. I am not aware that the amount of the adjustment has led to any complaint, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will let me have details I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the instructional camps and centres for the unemployed are being closed; what is the reason for this; and what use is to be made of the camps in future?

The Ministry of Labour instructional centres were closed on the outbreak of war, as it was not anticipated that the need for the kind of training which they provided would continue long under war-time conditions. Further, it was anticipated that in general the men under training at such centres, or suitable for such training, would not be willing to remain or to go there during war. The numbers attending had, in fact, dropped rapidly, even before the war. All except two, which are in remote districts, were taken over at the outbreak of war by other authorities. Some are being used by the Home Office for approved schools which have been evacuated from dangerous areas. I should, perhaps, make it clear that the Government training centres, for the training of semi-skilled men, are in full activity.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further statement to make on the Government's plans for providing full employment?

The Government's plans are directed to organising the national effort for the successful prosecution of the war. In the period of transition to the war-time organisation of industry there must inevitably be some dislocation of employment, but the full resources of our man and woman power will in due course be required and utilised.

The right hon. Gentleman has indulged in a number of generalities. Can he be more specific as to how the Government propose to mobilise the labour available?

Certainly not within the limits of any Parliamentary answer.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether the fair-wages clause is being observed at the Weston Biscuit Factory, Slough, seeing that they are Government contractors;

(2) Whether he is aware that persons wishing to leave their employment at the Weston Biscuit Factory, Slough, are refused their unemployment cards, and are obliged to complain to the Employment Exchange before they can get them; and what action does he intend to take to remedy this state of affairs;

(3) How many persons have left their employment at the Weston Biscuit Factory during the past four weeks; and how many others have been employed there?

Any question relating to the observance of the fair wages requirements by Government contractors is a matter for the contracting Department concerned. I am making inquiries into the other matters raised by the hon. Member, and will communicate with him in due course.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that there has been a certain amount of intelligent anticipation of the question, in view of the fact that this firm has raised wages by 1d. an hour this week?

I prefer to have all the facts before me before I answer that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to lessen the rigidity of the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, he will establish machinery to allow people unable to find employment in their registered category to be freed from the restriction placed on their employment in other directions?

The Schedule of Reserved Occupations does not restrict the employment of any person except as a whole-time member of one of the Defence services. I would point out also that, as I mentioned in reply to an earlier question, instructions have been issued which will enable the restriction imposed by the Schedule to be removed in cases of the kind which my hon. Friend doubtless has in mind.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of persons undergoing restraint in mental asylums who have been released under the Emergency Hospital Scheme to go to their homes; and what arrangements are made for their care and supervision?

I am advised that the number of persons who were so discharged to their homes from mental hospitals does not exceed 200. No patient was discharged unless selected after careful investigation of all relevant circumstances, including his home conditions, as suitable to be cared for and supervised by his relatives at home. The Board of Control are reviewing the arrangements for the care and supervision in war time of individuals living in the community who are suffering from mental disorder.

asked the Minister of Health the number of beds in the hospitals in the Metropolitan police area available for sick children at the present time; and what are the arrangements under the Emergency Hospital Scheme for the normal treatment of children undergoing specialist treatment of one kind and another who are unable to go far afield to receive it?

Many of the beds in the general hospitals are available for children, but the figures I have do not distinguish children's beds from adults' beds. There are, I understand, in general, beds available for all requiring hospital treatment. Although a number of beds have been reserved under the Emergency Hospital Scheme for the treatment of casualties, the ordinary hospital services remain available. There should, therefore, not be difficulty in obtaining specialist treatment required by children who remain in London, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I should be glad to look into it, if he would let me have particulars.

In view of the answer, how does it come about that the right hon. Gentleman's Department has informed me, as chairman of the Infants' Hospital, Vincent Square, that, notwithstanding the specialist nature of that hospital, as a hospital for children which, under the orders of his Department, was evacuated at the outbreak of the war, it is not desired that the hospital should be reopened?

There are a number of places where specialist treatment can be obtained, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman desires to open the hospital for specialist services I shall be very glad to go into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of hospital beds available for surgical and medical treatment of the civil population resident in the Metropolitan police area at the present time compared with October, 1938; how many beds are available for emergency casualties due to enemy action; and, in view of the return of many women and children from reception areas, will he reconsider the whole question by authorising an extension of the number of beds at the disposal of the civil population, and consequently release members of the medical profession from their war stations in order to enable them to carry on their normal duties, on the understanding that they return to their war stations should the military situation render that course necessary?

There are normally approximately 97,000 hospital beds in the Metropolitan police area, excluding beds for mental patients. Under the Emergency Hospital Scheme an additional 14,000 beds have been set up in hospitals in the outer parts of the area, while approximately 13,000 beds have, for the time being, been closed in certain of the inner hospitals. Accordingly, the total number of beds available in the Metropolitan police area is now about 98,000. Approximately 55,000 are immediately available in hospitals in the area of the London Sector Scheme (which is rather larger than that of the Metropolitan police area) and these can be used either for casualties or for ordinary sick in need of in-patient treatment. As I have previously stated both in this House and elsewhere, hospitals have been instructed to admit to their unoccupied beds all cases requiring inpatient treatment.

As regards the release of members of the medical profession to cam' on their normal duties, arrangements have been made under which doctors can either go on indefinite leave, subject to recall if required, or (with the exception of doctors filling posts as registrars, house physicians and house surgeons) go on part-time service under conditions recently drawn up in accordance with the advice of a committee which included several eminent physicians and surgeons. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the constitution of this committee and of the conditions referred to.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of hutment hospitals erected, or in course of erection, under the war-time emergency medical scheme; the number of beds in such hospitals, and the number of doctors, surgeons, nurses and other personnel attached to them; and whether experience shows that those hospitals already in operation are functioning satisfactorily?

In England and Wales 104 hutment hospital schemes, of 1,037 huts, comprising 38,120 beds, have been decided upon. In 71 of these schemes the estimate of cost submitted by a local architect has been approved and construction of the huts has begun. In the remainder, tenders are being awaited. Two of the schemes comprising 23 huts, have been completed and in several more the roofing and walling has been finished so that they could be used, in an emergency, if required. Medical, nursing and other personnel will be allotted to the hutment hospitals as they are completed, but I am not in a position to give the numbers. As the huts are not yet actually in use, I cannot express any opinion on their functioning, but I have every reason to trust that it will be satisfactory.

May we take it that the medical and nursing staffs will be fully and adequately remunerated for the services that they give?

They will be remunerated on the same terms as those of their comrades who are serving already in hospitals.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are very serious complaints from doctors in many of these institutions about the treatment they are receiving?

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether the sector officers in charge of the emergency medical service in various districts were consulted before the letter sent out on 6th October; and what steps he is taking to ensure that there are an adequate number of doctors available in the event of air raids;

(2) whether he is aware that house officers never have written contracts with hospitals; why such an assumption was made in the letter of dismissal from the emergency medical service sent out by his Department on the 6th October to a large number of doctors; and whether his Department propose to fulfil its obligations for the past five weeks work?

The letter to which the hon. Member refers was sent out in error. All group officers have now been advised as to the actual position of the doctors in question. The answer as regards obligations incurred during the past five weeks is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health the number of old age pensioners in York and Rotherham, respectively, who were also in receipt of public assistance relief on the last day of September, 1939; and the figures of same for the country as a whole?

I regret that figures are not available for the day mentioned. According to a special return made to my Department the number of old age pensioners in receipt of poor relief during the week ended nth March, 1939, in the city of York was 602 and in the county borough of Rotherham, 994. The corresponding figure for England and Wales was 265,493.

Will the Minister recommend to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that these old age pensioners be taken off relief by giving them an increased pension?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the percentage of the whole?

A round 10 per cent.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to get local authorities to do their utmost to reduce to the minimum the increased risks of pollution of rivers and water supplies due to wartime activities and the reduction of vigilance in consequence of smaller staffs?

I believe that local authorities will do their utmost in present circumstances to reduce these risks to the minimum. I am unwilling at the moment to add to their heavy burdens of correspondence by special instructions on the point.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that hundreds of thousands of citizens are dependent upon clean rivers for their peaceful piscatorial pursuits; and will he make a special and generous effort to prevent the sort of pollution which took place in the last war and during the 20 years of peace?

As I say, I think the local authorities are alive to these considerations, and I am afraid I cannot send further circulars to the local authorities just now when their correspondence is so heavy.

Why send a circular? Why not send an order and tell them to do it at once.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make a statement on the position of unofficial evacuees in the reception areas; and what arrangements are being made to deal with cases of hardship among them consequent on the refusal to pay billeting allowance in respect of them?

I am afraid that the Government's evacuation scheme cannot appropriately deal with persons even of the priority classes who may have moved on their own account from one part of the country to another. Where, therefore, children have been evacuated under private arrangements the responsibility for their maintenance must remain with the parents and other liable relatives. If the circumstances of the parents or relatives should unfortunately worsen and they should in consequence become unable to continue to maintain their children, it would, of course, be open to them to apply to the public assistance authority.

Is the Minister aware that there are thousands of such cases in South Wales and elsewhere, and that in the early stages the local authorities paid them billeting allowances, and that they have since withdrawn them; and, further, whether, since these people are left stranded, he will seriously consider some arrangement by which they either remain where they are or are transferred to their own districts?

As I say, I do not think it will be possible to make payments where people have evacuated by private arrangement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider cases where these people are not living with relatives, but with friends in many instances who cannot get payment from anyone?

I will consider any case that the hon. Member may bring before me. It is a primary matter for the billeting officer, but I shall be glad to consider any such cases the hon. Member may care to bring forward.

Does this also apply to those evacuees who remain in country areas in response to the appeal of the Government that they should do so?

No, Sir. In general the scheme would not apply to people living with their own relatives. I do not think it could generally be expected that the Government scheme of billeting and the Government's appeal were meant specifically to apply to billeting claims in such cases.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the difficulty in arranging for the transference and redistribution of evacuees from one reception area to another; and whether he will advise that county councils should exercise supervisory and co-ordinating powers in that respect?

The transference and redistribution of evacuees from one reception area to another is in the main due to the need for grouping the children as conveniently as possible in school units. The county councils are themselves, in the great majority of cases, the local education authority in the receiving areas and are thereby in a position to supervise, in consultation with the receiving districts, the transference of children from one district to another, where the Ministry's senior regional officer has agreed to this course. My information is that a number of county councils have been active in promoting transferences required in the interests of education.

Do the remarks of the right hon. Gentleman also apply to evacuated mothers? If not, what can be done about them?

I was referring more particularly to the evacuated children, where the need for a reshuffle is greater owing to the necessity of operating the school unit. The transference of mothers is a more local problem and does not involve such great difficulties. I think that in general a certain amount of rearrangement there has been carried out by the Department.

Where a local authority is not acting in co-operation with the county council, will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to see that co-operation is established?

Yes, Sir. If the hon. Member has any case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the in creasing proportion of evacuated mothers and young children in Essex and else where who have returned to their homes; if, in view of continued friction and discomfort among many of these mothers and their hosts, he will make inquiries with a view to ascertaining the degree of failure or success of the scheme affecting mothers and young children; and whether he proposes to recognise the partial failure of the scheme for evacuating mothers, and make other arrangements for their protection and assistance?

I am aware that although many mothers and young children have settled down happily with their hosts, a considerable number of them have returned home for one reason or another. The danger of returning to their homes has been repeatedly emphasised, and I have suggested to the local authorities that in order to meet the difficulty in cases where a continuance of billeting arrangements is unreasonable, they should endeavour to provide for the mothers and young children in empty houses. As regards the last part of the question, I should be glad to consider any suggestions the hon. Member may wish to make.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many villages in Essex 75 per cent. of the evacuees have returned and others are going back every week? In these circumstances should not the whole question of evacuated mothers and young children receive serious consideration?

Yes, Sir. It is receiving serious consideration. I was only saying to the hon. Member that I should be glad to consider any suggestion he may make to help us in dealing with this difficult problem.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of difficulties arising over the matters of fuel and warmth in houses accommodating evacuated mothers and young children; whether the Government grant to hosts is assumed to cover firing as well as lodging; and whether, in view of the basis of accommodation, he will consider making a special fuel allowance for or to evacuees during the coming months?

The Government allowances payable to the householder who provides lodging only do not include a payment for fuel. Evacuated mothers and other adults in respect of whom these lodging allowances are payable make their own arrangements for board, and any payment which they may arrange with the householder should include fuel and light.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the cold weather is coming on and that there is distress among the evacuees, and will he give consideration to this question with a view to increasing the allowance to the hostesses or making' some allowance to the evacuees?

Is it not true that some of the evacuated women are asking for things that they never could get at home and—[Interruption.] Cannot I finish my supplementary question? [[nterruption.] On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, can I not finish my supplementary question, because it will give a very bad impression if I do not. Many of these mothers—[Interruption.].

rose—

We have a large number of questions on the Order Paper, and cannot have so many supplementary questions.

There has been only one supplementary, except that of the Noble Lady.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that large numbers of parents of evacuee children are withdrawing them as a result of the announcement that they will have to pay for such children; and what steps he is taking to correct the impression responsible for this situation?

I should very much regret that any withdrawal of children should take place as a result of a mistaken impression among the parents of what will be expected of them. It was made clear in the public announcements that no parents will be asked to contribute more than they can afford, and full regard will be had to other calls on their income. I trust that the hon. Member's question and my answer will assist in correcting any wrong impression.

Will the right hon. Gentleman makes inquiries from officers in different parts of the country?

Yes, Sir. We shall continue to receive reports from our officers on this and other aspects of the evacuation question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us who is going to decide what they can afford?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in order to promote and develop communal feeling, especially among evacuated children, consideration will be given to the desirability of seeking the assistance of an expert on nutrition, such as Sir John Orr?

Both my Noble Friend the President of the Board of Education, who is also closely concerned with the provision of communal meals, and I myself have the benefit of the advice in our Departments of nutritional experts, though we shall, of course, seek from time to time to avail ourselves of information from other authoritative quarters.

asked the Minister of Health whether a local education authority which provides footwear and clothing for children under their care in an evacuation area is subject to surcharge by the Government auditor?

Local education authorities have no power to incur expenditure of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member. Any expenditure by local authorities subject to district audit for which there is no authority in law is subject to disallowance and surcharge by the auditor.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these powers are enjoyed in Scotland and that many local education authorities in this country are strongly of opinion that this is the only way in which the children can be properly clothed and shod during the coming winter months?

I am not unaware of the position in Scotland. The question whether further steps are necessary in England and Wales is under active consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what grounds he justifies this differentiation between Scotland and this country?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a sense of unfairness exists amongst schoolteachers, who have been evacuated with their schools, because no allowance is made to cover the extra cost of food and other expenses involved; and whether he will review the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 9th instant to a similar question by the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant).

Will the Minister expedite this inquiry having regard to the very severe hardships experienced by a considerable number of people?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in order to lessen the danger of loss or damage, he will rescind the order that gas masks must be carried until a deterioration in the war situation makes it more clearly advisable that they should be carried?

An official announcement on this matter was made towards the end of last week, but I am glad to have this opportunity of giving it further publicity. So far as concerns persons living or working in evacuation or neutral areas, nothing in the present situation warrants any relaxation of the precaution, to which people are now well accustomed, of carrying their gas masks with them always, except in circumstances which would admit of their getting back in a few minutes to the place where their gas masks are kept. Those who are living in reception areas, however, where the risk is substantially less and the conditions of life and work may easily render gas masks more liable to damage from exposure to the weather, need not, under present conditions, feel under the same necessity to keep their gas masks always with them.

Will the Minister bear in mind that in many reception areas or safe areas people are turned away from places of entertainment, and so on, unless they are carrying their gas masks, and does not this give additional inconvenience and worry to people who already have enough worries on their hands?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, but I will make an inquiry.

Is it necessary for school children in remote places like the West Coast of Scotland and in Cornwall to take gas masks with them everywhere they go?

I think my answer has made the matter perfectly clear.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is clear that there is no order at all that gas masks should be carried and that there is no legal obligation for doing so?

No order has been given, but it has been strongly advised.

Is the right hon Gentleman not aware that a remote part of Scotland is the only place where there has been an air attack?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there is a shortage of both service and civilian respirators for those who are engaged in Civil Defence; and what steps are being taken to remedy this shortage?

Authorities generally have already received a substantial proportion of their maximum requirements and further supplies are coming forward well.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 30 per cent. and 40 per cent. respectively of the two different gasmasks were deficient up to Monday last, and that the first-aid stations are without the necessary respirators?

The scale of distribution varies according to the vulnerability of the area, and the figures given are not valid generally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Millwall is considered one of the worst areas in London?

Millwall is not mentioned in the question, but I will make special inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of private firms in Glasgow who have provided adequate air-raid protection for their employés?

Reports under Section 14 of the Civil Defence Act have been received in respect of some 800 factory premises and commercial buildings in Glasgow. Pending applications for Government grant from the firms concerned, I am not in a position to say in how many cases the shelters have been completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shelters provided by employers in Glasgow are very inadequate indeed, and can he take steps to see that they understand their responsibilities to their employés?

I am doing everything that is possible in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether tenants of shop premises that have been designated for public air-raid shelters are compelled to provide the personnel to keep the premises so designated open all night and at week-ends, as well as in business hours, and to defray the wages of such personnel; and in what way can such extra expenses incurred by shopkeepers be recovered?

Where public shelters are situated in premises which continue to be occupied for their normal uses, it is frequently convenient that the arrangements necessary to secure the admission of the public should be made by the occupier rather than by the local authority; local authorities have been authorised to reimburse reasonable expenditure incurred in this way.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the Westminster Council have issued a circular to the effect that they have no authority whatever?

Authority has been given.

Is there any legislative authority for making it compulsory upon such persons to provide officers?

So far as I am aware, no.

asked the Home Secretary whether a complete scheme has now been submitted from Glasgow to provide adequate air-raid shelters for the population?

As a result of discussions between the District Commissioner for Civil Defence in the West of Scotland and the Emergency Committee of the Glasgow Corporation, the committee have agreed to take advantage of the advisory services of regional officers of my Department stationed in Glasgow, and during the past fortnight these officers have been working in close co-operation with the officers of the corporation. Schemes for the provision of air-raid shelter on a large scale have been adopted and I am informed that the local authority is now pressing on with their construction as a matter of the utmost urgency.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any explanation of the long delay on the part of the local authority or the officials in submitting complete plans for precautions?

It would be very difficult to give an explanation within the limits of an answer to a supplementary question.

asked the Home Secretary the number of both steel and concrete shelters required for South Poplar and the number erected; and will he give separate figures for the Isle of Dogs?

I have not thought it right to add to the burdens of the local authority by asking them to collect and furnish to me statistical information in respect of particular sections of their area. I have particulars of the general shelter position in the borough as a whole, and shall be glad to communicate those particulars to the hon. Member by letter, if he so desires.

asked the Home Secretary whether he intends to supply Anderson shelters to the county borough of Warrington; when deliveries may be expected; whether he is aware that the local authority have given out to contract the erection of a large number of surface shelters on the basis of 15 per cent. on wages and 20 per cent. profit on materials and that the erection of these shelters is causing dissatisfaction in the continued absence of Anderson shelters; and will he make inquiries?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether each Civil Defence commissioner has been fully established, and with what staff, and from what date, respectively; the dates from which salaries become payable, and at what present rate both for commissioners and deputies;

(2) whether all Civil Defence commissioners and deputies are now, and since when, employed whole-time in their appointments; and whether any other paid office or appointment has been or will be open to them while carrying out the salaried work of their offices?

Regional commissioners and deputy commissioners were instructed on 25th August to take up duty at their headquarters and they have since been employed whole-time on this duty. The salaries of commissioners are payable from the date of their appointment by Royal Warrant. All but four of the appointments were made on 31st August: and the other four, which were delayed pending the passing of the Regional Commissioners Act, were made on 2nd September. As regards the rates of salary payable, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Shettles-ton Division (Mr. McGovern) on 26th September. Regional commissioners are not legally debarred from holding any other appointment, but I am satisfied that no commissioner has been appointed who is not in a position to discharge his duties fully. The staffs at Regional Headquarters consist of the regional staffs of the Air-raid Precautions Department, a number of officers seconded from various Government Departments who took up duly as soon as practicable after 25th August, and a limited number of additional staff especially appointed for war duties.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish or circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of all the persons employed in regional offices everywhere in the country, showing the salaries they are getting; and, further, does he not think that officers of the nature such as a regional commissioner should cease to be concerned with any other matter of private or commercial employment whatever? Further, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is absolutely impossible—

The hon. Member seems to be debating the question.

May I ask this further question—

No.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take an early opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary under what authority the organisation known as the Women's Voluntary Services for Civil Defence is constituted, and what are its functions; how it is controlled, directed and financed; what is the number of its personnel; and what proportion of them are in receipt of emoluments or allowances for expenses?

As the answer is necessarily long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this organisation is duplicating the work of organisations which are already in existence and which are doing the work better than the new organisation?

This organisation has been in existence for more than a year, and from the beginning it has made a special point of co-ordinating the activities of existing organisations.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered representations from the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell regarding the council's liability to bear the cost of wages paid to employes seconded for Civil Defence duties unless temporary employes are engaged in substitution; whether he is aware that the present instructions, such as are contained in Region Circular No. 60, impose heavy liabilities on local authorities; and what does he propose to do to alleviate the heavy expenditure thrown upon the local rates?

I am giving careful considerat'on to the representations on this subject which I have received from the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell. The issue raised forms part of the general question of the financing of Civil Defence expenditure in war time, on which I am already in consultation with representatives of the local authorities.

asked the Home Secretary how many full-time workers have been appointed in the Auxiliary Fire Service in England and Wales?

The war establishments of the whole-time paid personnel are now under review; and, pending receipt of the returns which are being furnished by fire authorities, it is not possible to give the information for which my hon. Friend asks.

Does that mean that my right hon. Friend has not yet had any returns of the original appointments?

In many cases these appointments were made on the outbreak of war, and there has not been time, when circumstances have been changing, as my hon. Friend knows, to obtain full and precise information.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make representations to the proper authorities that, pending the issue of uniforms to those members of the Auxiliary Fire Service who are still without them, they should be provided with oilskins from a store when on duty at fires or in wet weather, since their overalls provided are neither waterproof nor warm?

Hitherto the purchase of mackintoshes for the use of members of the Auxiliary Fire Service has been restricted to a small number for use by recruits in training, but it has now been decided to authorise the provision of waterproof coats for all Auxiliary Fire Service personnel whose duties are such as to require the provision of such a garment. The cost will rank for grant under the Air-Raid Precautions Act.

asked the Home Secretary whether the further information he has received relative to municipal officers, councillors, and business men following their usual occupations and drawing additional moneys in respect of air-raid precautions and other posts is sufficient to warrant action being taken to put a stop to this practice?

I am obliged to the hon. Member for the particulars which he has been good enough to send me, and I have instituted inquiries in the localities concerned with a view to establishing the facts.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman really convinced now that in several parts of the country there are people occupying two, three and four posts at the same time in connection with air-raid precautions and other work, and drawing as many as three and four separate salaries?

I think it is desirable to make the fullest inquiry into such matters.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of paid air-raid precautions workers in Glasgow; and the total amount expended up to date on airraid precautions salaries and wages?

The returns which local authorities have been asked to furnish have not all been received, and I am not at present in a position to give in respect of Glasgow the detailed particulars for which the hon. Member asks.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give those very necessary details with regard to that organisation?

At quite an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to reimburse local authorities for public assistance expenditure incurred because of the inadequacy of the dependants' allowances applying to men now serving with His Majesty's Forces?

Where, owing to exceptional circumstances, the normal rate of allowance to the dependants of men serving with His Majesty's Forces is not sufficient to obviate serious hardship, the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee is empowered to recommend the grant of special financial assistance. Applications for this purpose should be made to the appropriate paying officer of the Service Department concerned. The question of outdoor relief arises only while the grant of such special assistance is under consideration. I have no power to reimburse public assistance authorities expenditure incurred for this purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some local authorities have spent considerable sums of money in order to ease destitution cases through the various Departments not meeting their obligations?

That question would be rather more appropriately addressed to the Departments concerned.

Would not the better way of tackling this question be to give these allowances; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every Member has had case after case brought to his attention where application has been made to the authority of whom he speaks, and no satisfaction has been given?

Is the Minister aware that when the application is made the type of letter received is, "I am advised by my commanding officer to approach you on this question," which is entirely contrary to the method suggested by the right hon. Gentleman?

I think the hon. Member is speaking of the Military Service Special Allowances Advisory Committee, and, of course, I am unable to answer questions on the subject of such a committee.

Will the Minister ask local authorities for opinions and statements of expenditure with regard to this question so that he can consider it?

I have not the power to reimburse authorities for the expenditure incurred.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of dependants of members of His Majesty's Forces who were in receipt of public assistance committee relief at the week ended 7th October, or the date nearest to that time, "and, in view of the inadequate allowances paid to such dependants, will the Government relieve the local governing bodies of this responsibility by increasing the allowances to dependants to such a scale as will prevent the need for such applications?

With regard to the first part of the question, I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given to-day to the hon. Member of Kingston-upon-Hull, Central (Mr. Windsor).

In view of the fact that it is well known that the allowances for soldiers' dependants are not at all adequate to meet the needs of the people, will the Minister give effect to the last part of the question?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the present war situation it is his intention to proceed, during the present Session of Parliament, with the Water Undertakings Bill, in view of the great additional burdens that would be placed on local authorities?

It has been decided not to proceed with this Bill this Session.

Would the right hon. Gentleman confer with his hon. Friend with regard to the Water Undertakings Bill which deals with the same question and get that Bill on to the Order Paper?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that members of the nursing profession employed in voluntary hospitals are alarmed at the steady rise in the cost of articles which they are compelled to purchase out of their small salaries; and whether he will consult with the managers of these institutions with a view to making the necessary adjustments in salaries?

I have no information as to the first part of the question. I have no power to make any adjustments in the salaries of nurses employed in voluntary hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health whether the blood transfusion organisation for the London and Home Counties district is still taking regular donations of blood from registered blood donors; and, since military requirements are provided for by a separate organisation which is a special branch of the Royal Army Medical Corps, what is done with this blood given by citizens?

The blood transfusion organisation for London and the Home Counties was set up to ensure a ready supply of blood. As blood can only be stored for a limited time, supplies are being continually taken from blood donors. Arrangements have been made with the Defence Services that the stores of blood will be used to supply Service requirements subject to civilian demands being satisfied, but blood which is taken and not used for its primaiy purpose is being utilised for the preparation of serum, a stock of which is invaluable under war conditions.

asked the Minister of Health whether the respective blood transfusion schemes throughout the country are in satisfactory working order and equipped for war emergencies; and whether he will give details as to the actual position?

The chief measure taken for the increase in the supply of blood for transfusion purposes is the setting up of depots on the outskirts of the London region where a store is now always maintained. These depots have been set up by the Medical Research Council and are now fully in operation. They will supply blood to the London region and to some districts outside. In the provinces the existing voluntary arrangements have been augmented.

If I supply the Minister with a contrary opinion will he undertake to apologise to the House?

I will undertake to investigate any facts supplied by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that during the last two months both milk supplied under the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1936, and undesignated milk has shown a serious deterioration when tested for tubercle bacilli by Newcastle Corporation; and whether he will take steps to remedy this deficiency?

No, Sir. Certain figures have been sent to me by the Corporation of Newcastle-upon-Tyne but were not understood to relate to the presence of tubercle in the milk. I will, however, make further inquiries of the corporation.

Is the Minister aware that this poisonous stuff has been supplied to the Newcastle Corporation for several months past? When will the matter be remedied?

I have undertaken to make further inquiries with regard to the bacilli, to which I did not understand the previous figures applied.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction aroused by the terms of the Royal Warrant, Cmd. 6105, for the retired pay and pensions of disabled members of the military forces and to the widows, children and dependants of such members deceased in consequence of the present war and of the Royal Air Force order for similar purposes; and whether he will arrange for this House to give consideration to this matter?

I am satisfied that the provision made in the new Royal Warrant for pensions in respect of disablement and death among soldiers and in the corresponding instruments for other classes which include the Mercantile Marine, Fishing Fleet and Civil Defence Volunteers and other civilians covered by the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme is fair, having regard to the present cost of living. The purchasing power of the rates provided will be rather higher in the great majority of cases than that provided by the Royal Warrant of 1919, at the time when it was introduced. Of course, if the cost of living should rise to a material extent during the war, the position could be reconsidered. At the same time the new code is not regarded as necessarily final in all its details, and if the Government find that certain provisions operate unreasonably in any minor respect, they will not hesitate to make any alterations which may prove to be justified. In particular, I have been impressed by the representations made with regard to the number of children for whom the disablement pensioner receives allowances, and the Minister of Pensions will give early consideration to this provision. With regard to the last part of the question, the question of war pensions will be debated next week.

In view of that statement by the Prime Minister, and in view of the fact that he has informed the House that there will be a Debate next Tuesday, I do not intend to pursue this matter at the moment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many of these grievances are directed not only to the scale, but to the machinery, that under the provisions of this Royal Warrant it will be exceedingly difficult where there is the slightest doubt for the claimant to establish his claim, and that there is no provision for appeal under this Royal Warrant? Has the Prime Minister considered those objections to the warrant as it now stands?

Those are matters which can be discussed during the Debate.

asked the Prime Minister who is now the acting head of the Treasury and the Civil Service, in view of the fact that Sir Horace Wilson has been seconded for services outside that Department?

Sir Horace Wilson was seconded to the Treasury in June, 1935, for service with the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. In April last, he was transferred to the Treasury establishment and, in addition to his service with the Prime Minister, he has recently (in the absence of Sir Warren Fisher, who is Regional Commissioner for the North-Western Region) been acting as Permanent Secretary to the Treasury and Head of His Majesty's Civil Service. His formal appointment as Secretary to the Treasury will take effect on 1st November.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether Sir Horace Wilson is undertaking any duties in connection with the Government's economic activities?

No, Sir, not now.

Is Sir Horace Wilson still acting as Chief Diplomatic Adviser, to the Prime Minister?

He has never acted as such.

asked the Prime Minister whether, since each Ministry will in future have its own Press Department, and since censorship and the centralised issue of Government news to the Press and the British Broadcasting Corporation have been transferred to Sir Walter Monckton's organisation, he will state what functions remain to be carried out by the Ministry of Information; and whether he will now abolish this Department with its expensive staff, in the interests of economy?

The functions of the Ministry of Information are, firstly, to give the greatest possible publicity, in all parts of the world, to the British point of view in all its aspects. Secondly, to ensure that German misstatements are immediately and convincingly denied and that such denial receives wide currency. To perform these tasks satisfactorily, as was shown by experience in the last war, centralisation and unification of control are essential. The answer to the second part of the question is, therefore, "No, Sir."

In view of the reduced scope of this Ministry's duties, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that those duties could be adequately performed by a staff less expensive and less highbrow in character?

asked the Pay master-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, the names of the urban district councils which have received, or will shortly receive, charters of incorporation during 1939; and the dates on which these towns have become, or will become, boroughs?

I have been asked to reply. Charters of municipal incorporation have been granted during the present year to Prestwich, Farnworth and Barry. Except so far as may be necessary for electing the councillors and summoning the first meeting of the councils, the charters come into effect on 9th November next. No petitions for such charters are outstanding.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether there will be any elections after these charters have been received?

I understand that special provision will be made for the boroughs in question, but there is no legislation contemplated for dealing with the question of local elections during the present emergency.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the charter in each case was well and truly earned?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the temporary suspension of the sittings of the Royal Commission on Workmen's Compensation, he is prepared to bring forward proposals to increase present compensation rates by 50 per cent., and thus give some relief to the large number of families living under great difficulties?

The course to be followed in this matter is under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although the Commission has suspended its operations for the moment, when that Commission was appointed the Prime Minister said that matters of this kind could easily be dealt with; and is he aware that the time has come for some legislation being brought forward at once in view of the difficulties of these people?