asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make a statement regarding the use of substitutes for petrol, particularly with regard to methane; and whether he has considered the possibility of utilising the immense cannel deposits for the production of oil?

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware of the urgent need for a statement to be made as to the Government's intentions with regard to alternative motive power for transport; what action he has taken, or intends to take, in order to bring about a wider utilisation of home-produced fuel, and towards the planning of fuel utilisation; has he yet received the report of the Glasgow transport engineers on the Highland Transport Company's gas-producer omnibus service; and, if so, what action is to be taken on the report;

(2) whether he will immediately call a conference of the Transport Producer-Gas Makers' Association, the Fuel Research Station, the Institute of Fuel, and specialised engineers in order that immediate action can be taken and consideration given to the best methods to manufacture gas-producers and equipment for the purpose of converting petrol-driven vehicles;

(3) what steps have been taken to develop low-temperature carbonisation in conjunction with producer-gas as the most economic method of producing from coal fuel for internal-combustion engines; and will he consider the organising of several State factories in co-operation with the Fuel Research Station, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Fuel for the purpose of securing as soon as possible the maximum requirements in order to convert transport to producer-gas or other alternative motive power?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

When does the hon. Gentleman expect to be able to make a statement?

Very shortly.

Owing to the unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall deal with this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity?

If a question is put down for to-morrow, will the hon. Gentleman be able to answer it?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that members and officials of rural district councils are experiencing difficulty in securing petrol supplies to carry out their duties; and whether he will arrange that they obtain supplies in the same way as those working on Civil Defence or other public work?

Members and officials of local authorities are required to obtain their supplementary allowances of petrol from the divisional petroleum officers, and I am not aware that difficulties are being experienced in obtaining what is necessary for essential needs. Special arrangements have been made for supplies of petrol for A.R.P. work but I do not consider it desirable that these supplies should be used for other purposes.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that motor vehicle owners who find themselves with a surplus of petrol coupons towards the end of their period of validity will be inclined to use their vehicles unnecessarily; and whether he will appeal to them to refrain from waste?

Yes, Sir, and I am obliged to my hon. Friend for giving me another opportunity of appealing to the motoring public to use cars only for really essential purposes.

Will the Minister consider the desirability of encouraging economy on the current coupons by allowing some form of carry over, or perhaps out of date coupons might have a lesser value than the original value, say, 50 per cent.?

I would be prepared to consider the point, but I would like to point out to the House that the reason why the coupons of one month are not carried over into the next month under the scheme is that it is desired under the rationing scheme to know what are the liabilities for public supply in regard to petrol, and if coupons were allowed to be carried over without a check it would be quite easy to acquire a large reserve of coupons floating about, and, therefore, it would not be possible to control that reserve.

If petrol were not used it would still be there, would it not?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now considered the question of gas masks issued to miners; and whether he has consulted with the coalowners with a view to the provision of suitable containers to protect the masks from damage by coal-dust, heat, and rust?

Yes, Sir. The matter has been considered in consultation with representatives of owners and workers and there is common agreement that such containers should be provided.

Is the Minister taking any steps to get the coalowners to provide these containers free?

That is a different question, and I should like notice of it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the fact that miners suffering from silicosis find the ordinary gas mask unsuitable; and whether he will consider the issue of service masks to these men?

The matter is under investigation and I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he proposes to take with regard to the joint representations made to his Department by the Coalowners' Association and the Mineworkers' Federation relating to the inspection of mines by workmen's inspectors arising out of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Safety in Mines?

These recommendations of the Royal Commission were dependent on legislation and, at my invitation, the bodies referred to made joint proposals as to the form that legislation should take. I deeply regret that the further consideration of a new Safety Bill is necessarily in abeyance because of the war.

Would it not be possible to proceed by way of regulation for the purpose of carrying out these agreed proposals?

I am in touch with the Mining Association and the Mineworkers Federation with regard to the question, and I am endeavouring to obtain agreement.

Can the Minister give an assurance that the recommendations of the Royal Commission that can be carried out by regulation will be so carried out?

I will certainly consider that suggestion very carefully in consultation with these bodies.

Will the Minister see that there is no relaxation whatever as far as safety measures are concerned in this need for increased output?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the reopening of the convalescent homes that have been provided and equipped by the Miners Welfare Committee for injured miners, which have been closed since the commencement of the war, having regard to the extra stress and strain miners are being called upon to put forward under war conditions, which necessitate all facilities for recuperation being placed at their disposal?

If the management committees desire the release of the miners' convalescent homes which have been requisitioned, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health will meet the request if it is possible to do so. Two such homes have been already released.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that all the collieries in the mining district of Brynman in the Pontarda we Rural Council area have been closed down, making the district derelict; and will he ascertain what area of coal is unworked, and take steps to re-open these collieries with a view to producing coal to meet the needs of the nation. and to finding employment for a large number of persons who are unable to get work in the area?

I am advised that the workable seams in the district have been worked from the outcrop and that they have gradually closed down as they became exhausted or unremunerative, it is not considered that there remain any appreciable areas of workable coal which would justify the re-opening of any of the old outcrop mines even at the present time, nor would any such re-opening result in the employment of a large number of persons.

Is the Minister correctly informed that there is no appreciable reserve in this area, and will he make further inquiry to find out whether there is any appreciable reserve there?

That is the reply I have been given, but I will make further inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons killed and seriously injured during the nine months ended 30th September, 1939, both underground and on the surface, and the various causes of the accidents?

In the first nine months ending 30th September of this year the number of persons killed by accidents at mines under the Coal Mines Act was 527, and the number seriously injured, 2,221. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is this an improvement on the figure of last year, and may we have an assurance that this emergency will not be used as an excuse for weakening any legislation on safety measures which is in operation?

I think that everybody wants to keep up safety measures as much as possble, and the hon. Gentleman is right—there is a substantial improvement in the figure, which is 129 less than the corresponding figure of last year.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of mines closed in the last two years; the number of men last employed at those mines; how many have been abandoned; and the number temporarily closed, with separate figures for South Wales?

In the two years ended 30th September, 1939, 133 pits in Great Britain, each employing 10 or more persons at the time of closing, and in the aggregate 14,245 persons, have been closed and not re-opened. Of these 77 pits employing 7,315 persons have been abandoned. In South Wales, in the same period, 31 pits employing in the aggregate 4,956 persons have been closed and not re-opened, of which 15 pits employing 1406 men have been abandoned.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are a large number of pits which have not been abandoned and that it is possible to re-open them?

Yes, Sir. Pits among this class are being considered at the present time for the purpose of being re-opened.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inquire what steps are being taken in the Dominions with reference to the postponement of elections, both national and local, cither by legislation or by agreement among the parties?

I will endeavour to obtain the information for which the hon. Member asks.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to think that any of the Dominions are limiting the democratic rights by legislation at the present time? Is there not a general election going on in Quebec?

I have no reason to think, but I am trying to find out.

Is it not extremely desirable to keep Quebec politics outside this House?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that large quantities of concentrated orange juice is being supplied to the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, and the Mercantile Marine, from California, he is aware of the development which has taken place in the orange-growing industry in South Africa, and the quality of citrous produce in that Dominion; and whether he will take steps to encourage the use of South African fruit and South African juice for His Majesty's Forces?

I understand that Government purchases of fruit and fruit juices for the use of His Majesty's Forces mainly consist of canned fruits and lime juice. Such purchases are made by open tender, and, when tendering, Empire producers have the advantage of a substantial preference. Inquiry has failed to confirm the statement in the question that large quantities of concentrated orange juice are being bought for issue to His Majesty's Forces. If my hon. Friend is able to supply me with further particulars, I shall be glad to make further inquiries.

On the general question, will my right hon. Friend assure the House that wherever possible supplies to troops available from overseas Dominions will be given preferential treatment?

Yes, Sir; that is the position, and certainly as far as lime juice is concerned, it will be the impeccable imperial policy.

Will that policy apply to Jaffa oranges from Palestine, which, of course, are the best oranges?

Lime juice is not made of oranges.

I agree, but the question refers to orange juice, and will any preference be given to Palestine from which these oranges come?

I understand—I do not know why—that His Majesty's Forces prefer lime juice to orange juice, and, therefore, oranges do not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to equalising the economic assistance proposed to be given by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to Germany, he will endeavour to alter the basis of trade between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics bringing it in line with that contemplated under the Russo-German trade agreement, and securing that purchases from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics should be paid for by Great Britain with goods to be delivered over an extended period of time; or alternatively, only on a carry and cash basis, whereby such purchases shall be shipped in Russian bottoms and paid for only upon delivery in Great Britain, and that British goods, for the period of this war, shall be sold to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics only upon a cash and carry basis?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposes to open negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the conclusion of a trade agreement wider in scope than the one just concluded and covering only timber, rubber and tin?

I would refer to the answer which I gave on 12th October to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price).

May we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that nothing will be done by the Government to restrict trade between this country and Russia, and that, on the contrary, everything will be done to expand it?

That was the tenor of previous answers, and I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the agreement which was concluded by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply with regard to the exchange of certain goods.

Will my right hon. Friend guarantee that these goods shall not be passed on to Germany?

That, naturally, is one of the things that the Government must have in mind in any consideration of this question.

Are the Government taking all precautions to prevent that?

Will the President of the Board of Trade consider sending a trade delegation to Moscow with power to negotiate an agreement?

I cannot go into any further details, except to say that the matter of the possibility of trade between us and the Soviet Republic is under consideration.

Now that the Soviet Union can lend money to Germany, would it not be time for His Majesty's Government to ask them to repay some of their loans to this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any changes are contemplated in the existing trade agreements with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; and if it is proposed, subject to war conditions, to maintain trading relations with these countries?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As I informed my hon. Friend on 26th September, His Majesty's Government are anxious that the trade of the United Kingdom with the countries referred to should continue so far as the circumstances of war permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the financial terms which are applied to vessels of the Mercantile Marine requisitioned by the Government?

I have been asked to reply. Rates of hire appropriate to the conditions of service will be paid in respect of mercantile vessels which have been requisitioned. It is hoped that these and all other financial matters connected with the requisitioning of ships will be settled by agreement with the owners, but if agreement is not reached, compensation will be payable under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.

Will the Minister say that the rates to be paid will be similar to those quoted for requisitioned tonnage on the open market at the Baltic Exchange?

As the Act lays down, compensation will be paid, and it is hoped that this will be done by agreement. If anything should arise where agreement is not found possible, there is a tribunal to which appeal can be made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any rates have already been fixed and, if so, when an agreement is reached will it be retrospective?

In the meantime I understand advances have been made to shipowners without prejudice to the rate ultimately to be settled.

Will the Minister see to it that no individuals make huge fortunes out of shipping as they did in the last war?

Did the Minister say "Yes." I did not hear what he said. On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, may we know what was the answer of the Minister for Shipping. He sat down, and I did not hear him?

The supplementary question had nothing to do with the question on the Order Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to secure that the private profits on the sale of ships contribute to the revenues of the Exchequer?

As explained by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary in his reply of 4th October to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne), any gain arising from a sale of a ship may be a revenue profit or a capital gain according to the circumstances of the particular case, and in the former case it would be taken into account in computing profits for the purposes of taxation. If the right hon. Member has in mind the case where the gain is a capital one, I can only say that as at present advised I am not prepared to propose the special taxation of capital gains arising from the sale of capital assets.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean by that statement that there is to be no attempt to get a contribution to the State from the very large increases arising from the sale of ships when they are not the subject of the Armament Profits Tax?

I do not say that. The question whether some means can be properly devised for getting a contribution from increases in capital wealth during war is quite a different question. This question has to do with profits on a particular sale.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the method by which shipowners make huge fortunes in the selling and transferring of ships, and will he see to it that in this case he steps in and does away with the excess profits?

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will see that this is a particular case on the general question. We have to consider sales of capital assets at a loss as well as sales of capital assets at a profit. What I have said has nothing to do with the general question of whether there is a means to be devised for getting a contribution from increases in capital assets during war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to avoid delay in the payment of separation allowances, he is considering an alteration of the present unsatisfactory machinery?

There were 289,381 claims for family allowance received as at 8th October last. Of these, 281,302 were paid as at the same date. The outstanding claims amounted to 2.7 per cent. Most of these have since been cleared, and, of the balance, a large number are likely to be inadmissible. I fully appreciate the desirability of there being no outstanding claims, but I am afraid that this is sometimes inevitable since the essential particulars are often not forthcoming. Every possible step is being taken to ensure that all outstanding cases are cleared up with the minimum of delay and that the machinery should work as rapidly as possible in the future. I naturally very much regret any case of delay which, in some cases, is quite inevitable owing to no fault in the machinery, but to the conditions in which large numbers of individual claims are being dealt with, some of them being incomplete and others wrongly directed. I am having the whole machinery examined so that on the War Office side there may be as few imperfections as possible.

Has my right hon. Friend made inquiries from the Families' Association, the Unemployment Assistance Board, and from the general officers commanding the various areas as to the value of the present machine as it operates now?

Yes, Sir. I welcome any suggestions and, as I have told my hon. Friend, I am having the whole machine looked at again. She will see how few proportionately are the number of cases which are not promptly dealt with.

Has my right hon. Friend asked for a report from these different sources?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases of regular soldiers whose wives were entitled to allowances from 1st September who have not yet received any allowance and to whom no allotments have been made?

Yes, Sir. That may be so. I candidly admit that there are cases of this kind. I have looked into cases as far as I can where my attention has been drawn to them, personally. It often transpires that it is not the fault of the machinery but of the imperfect particulars given and the difficulty of tracing them. I do not wish to excuse any delay, but I wish to assure the House that I am going through the machine in detail, because I do not want these cases to arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it simple and easy for a person to give particulars? Is he sure that the particulars for which he asks are asked for as simply as they might be?

That is exactly what I am trying to do. The man is now given his form to fill in on his medical examination instead of at a later stage, so that the allowance may be ready. I will do my best to expedite in every possible way the payment of these allowances. I am afraid there will always be in individual cases some disappointment, but it is not always the fault of the machinery.

Will the right hon. Gentleman invite the commanding officers and others to send in evidence or will he wait for it?

That has not only been done but a special tour is being made to investigate on the spot. I am fully aware of the desirability of dealing with these claims quickly, and I hope the delays will not be too numerous.

Is it not possible now to arrange so that each individual soldier in filling in his form shall have the assistance of someone connected with the right hon. Gentleman's Department to ensure that no delays shall ensue, and that these men shall receive the allowance due to them immediately?

Assistance is already available. If anything more can be done to avoid mistakes and delay I am only too anxious to do it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the regulations provide that an unmarried woman who has been living with a soldier for six months prior to his enlistment shall receive the same allowance as a wife?

Yes, Sir, provided that she was wholly or substantially maintained by him on a permanent domestic basis for a continuous period of not less than six months immediately before the date of his joining the colours.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this is conducive to decent married life?

I think it is conducive to decent treatment of the soldier in the circumstances.

May I ask whether this is not in accordance with common sense and the feeling of the country; and that the country thoroughly approves of it?

Does the right lion. Gentleman include widows as unmarried women?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is very difficult when some of these young men know that by living with a woman for six months they can get the same as a marriage allowance?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by the wives of Territorial and other soldiers living in districts where the cir-cumstances of the past few years have compelled working people either to buy their houses on an instalment plan or to pay rents of £ a week or over, to maintain themselves and the soldiers' children on their separation allowances; and what practical steps he is taking to remove these difficulties?

A certain measure of protection is given in these cases by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1939. In addition, where there is hardship due to the man's being called up for service, which cannot be met by the normal allowances or in other ways, application may be made for special assistance, which will be considered by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long he expects it will take to reach a decision in these cases, because a large number of them are applying to the public assistance authorities?

I do not think there is a large number, but I could not give a reply on particular cases without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up a Civil Liabilities Committee, such as was set up and worked well in the last war, instead of this committee, as nobody can get anything out of it?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the separated wife of a soldier called up for service is entitled to maintenance allowance for herself and her children?

A separated wife is eligible for an allowance as a dependant under certain conditions which are set out in Army Order 170 of 1939 of which I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

May I ask whether these cases will be dealt with expeditiously, and not held up, as in the case of the small number of people who have still not received allowances?

I do not know why the hon. Lady tries to make the most of the difficulties. I have told her I will do my best in all cases.

Suppose a man who is separated from his wife has been living with a woman for six months prior to being called up, does this woman get a maintenance allowance?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Manchester soldiers, called up on or about 15th July under the Military Training Act, have been drafted to France without being given any leave and after receiving eight weeks' training in England?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in many cases soldiers are given no leave or other opportunity to see their families before proceeding overseas, some reservists even proceeding overseas without having had any leave since they were recalled to the colours in July; that this is causing grave dissatisfaction; and whether he will arrange that men should not normally be sent abroad without such leave?

I regret that it was not possible to grant leave to troops of the first contingent before proceeding to France, but leave is being granted, so far as possible, to all other personnel before embarkation for service abroad. As regards the number affected by these arrangements in Manchester, I am unable to say.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that among my correspondence I have received letters from two widows who tell me that in each case their only son has been sent overseas without leave after eight weeks' training? In these cases will he consider the granting of early leave to these boys so that they can spend at least a few days with their mothers?

Yes, Sir. My announcement in the House recently was that that would be done. As regards the first contingent that was not possible, but in future it will be done, and is being done now to the limits of possibility.

Does my right hon. Friend understand that I am speaking of the first contingent now, and will he take steps to see that the leave which they ought to have had will be given to them as soon as possible?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this point has arisen in many parts of Manchester, and can he not accede to the request of the hon. and learned Member?

This question arose prior to the announcement I made, which was to the effect that embarkation leave would be given within the limits of possibility to every soldier, and, further, that a system of leave was being instituted in regard to France. I will make representations to the Commander-in-Chief that those who did not get their embarkation leave should get leave first. This applies to a very large number of men in the first contingent.

Is not eight weeks' training rather short?

asked the Secretary of State for War what restrictions are imposed on the number of letters that men, serving in His Majesty's Forces in France, are allowed to send home to their families; and whether such restrictions conform to the practice prevailing during the great war of 1914–18?

I am not aware of any restrictions, and orders are being issued that none are to be imposed.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the very serious delays in the receipt of letters by soldiers in France?

I called attention to it myself, but there is another question on the Order Paper and the hon. Member will hear the answer in a few moments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whose attention he directed to this matter?

I drew the attention of the House of Commons to it, and if the hon. Member will wait for the answer to the other question, I think he will find the position is satisfactory.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that no restriction will be imposed by regimental officers on the troops with regard to the amount of correspondence?

I have had a telegram from the commanding officer saying that no such restrictions have been imposed, nor is there any intention of imposing them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the grave concern among wives and families of members of the British Expeditionary Forces at the long delay in, and in many cases the non-arrival of, letters and parcels of comforts to the men from their families at home; and, in view of the anxiety of the men themselves at the non-arrival of same, will he investigate the matter with a view to expediting delivery?

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that letters despatched to serving soldiers in France from this county have taken as long as three weeks to be delivered; and will he take some action to expedite the delivery of letters to serving soldiers?

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for the: delay in delivering letters and parcels to the troops in France; and what steps are being taken to deal with any difficulties that may exist?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the grievance felt by soldiers abroad, and their friends at home, regarding the delays which have occurred in the transit of letters and parcels; whether steps have been taken to overcome the difficulties; and whether he can say the average time now taken for deliveries to the troops abroad?

I myself called attention to this matter in my statement to the House last Wednesday. Before that time, delay was of course inseparable from the movement in which the troops were continuously and over a long distance engaged. Since then at my request, my hon. Friend the Assistant Postmaster-General and the Director of Army Postal Services have been making a personal investigation, and I am glad to say that I have received a message from my hon. Friend to the effect that parcels and letters, with the exception of those insufficiently addressed, are proceeding from this country with regularity and despatch. When my hon. Friend returns from France he will report to me what period of time should properly be regarded as the due course of post, although this naturally cannot be constant if there is movement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman report to the House when his hon. Friend has reported to him?

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend the Assistant Postmaster-General is in France making a report on this matter, and I think the position will now be satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction prevailing in sections of His Majesty's Forces, at the length of time which elapses in proficiency pay being paid to men who have passed the trade test and proved themselves by demonstration of skill, eligible for such pay; and will he inquire into the matter with a view to expediting such payments?

The answer to the first part of the question is "No, Sir." The machinery for grading and upgrading tradesmen has been accelerated for war purposes. I will, of course, inquire into any case that is brought to notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether units going overseas have been vaccinated against smallpox, and inoculated against enteric fever; and whether units that may be sent overseas are being so vaccinated and inoculated in readiness for overseas service?

The answer to both parts of the question is, "Yes, Sir, subject to the consent of each individual."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at least one unit of which I know which was under orders to go overseas was not innoculated or vaccinated?

If my hon. Friend will draw my attention to the unit I will investigate the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept this as a precedent and stop this filthy business?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction of sanitary inspectors in being debarred from receiving commissioned rank in the hygiene companies of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and that in consequence they have been greatly discouraged in offering their services in response to the recent appeal for the enlistment of sanitary assistants into the above corps; and whether, in view of their qualifications and experience in sanitary administration, commissions in the above companies will in future be made available to sanitary inspectors of suitable merit?

As officers of field hygiene sections are called in to advise on all matters affecting the health of the troops, it is essential that these appointments should be held by specially qualified medical men, so long as these are available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these men have high special qualifications, and will he not reconsider the question in view of the fact that commissions in the past have been granted to other than medical men?

I desire to give the troops the most qualified services that are procurable, and for that reason commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps are reserved for doctors. Naturally one considers any proposals which may be made, but at the moment I cannot accede to it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to hold a full inquiry into the complaints of waste, irregularity, and extravagance made by Major Reid Kellett in connection with the construction of Militia camps in the Devizes area?

Every attempt has been made to give the hon. Member full opportunity of examining the situation for himself, and I am reluctant to take up further time on this matter. I will, however, if it will give satisfaction to the hon. Member, appoint an impartial person to make a report to me. Perhaps the hon. Member would consult me.

Is there not some other way of building camps instead of allowing the contractors to charge for time? It seems to me that is a real extravagance and waste, because they just crawl along?

That is not true.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a young conscript named Mr. Duncan, of 227, Ardgay Street, Shettleston, Glasgow, who was called for service to a South of England training depot for 15th July, 1939, received a postal order for 4s. for food on the journey of 18 hours; that 6d. per week was deducted from his pay to pay back the 4s.; that he was given a week-end pass during August bank holiday and had to pay his fare of £2 15s. return to Glasgow and back and was further granted leave before going on active service to France on 22nd September, and in again visiting his parents he had to pay the return fare of £2 15s. for a second time; and if he will inquire into these complaints with a view to providing free food during travel and free travel home before going on active service?

If the hon. Member will give me the Army number and the unit with which Mr. Duncan is serving, I will investigate the case. Any militiaman joining his unit was given a free railway warrant and an advance of pay and ration allowance. Ordinary week-end leave, if applied for, is given at a man's own expense, but he has the advantage of a double journey for a single fare. On the facts, as stated, the soldier is entitled to the free embarkation leave which I announced in the House on 26th September, and the money will be refunded to him.

I will send any details which the right hon. Gentleman requires to clear up this matter, but will he see that in future any recruits coming from Scotland are granted leave and a free railway warrant? A London boy can go home easily, but a boy coming from Scotland is surely entitled to a free railway warrant because many of the parents are not in a position to pay the railway fare.

On the facts stated the soldier is entitled to a free railway warrant, and that is why I have said that it should have been paid to him, and possibly has been paid to him by this time.

asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions are given to those engaged in purchasing remounts; whether they are prevented from purchasing horses four years of age?or under, and horses exceeding eight years; and what discretion they are allowed as to type or kind of horses to be purchased?

Purchasers are informed of the number of horses to be purchased and the arm of the Service for which they are required. They are given a general description of the classes of horses suitable for military purposes, and are instructed not to exceed a maximum price of £60. Horses are bought from five years old upwards. There is no ban on horses over eight years old, but the price is reduced for each year in excess of eight.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any figures as to the cases which have occurred down to 18th September, and is he satisfied that there are not suitable horses at £60 or less without having to resort to the progeny of Derby and St. Leger winners?

I cannot give the figures without notice, and I am distressed to hear that the progeny of Derby winners have been taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman address himself to the first part of the question and get the figures?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries also about some purchases made in Yorkshire, where £60 has been paid for horses which the owners would gladly have sold for half the price?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain the procedure to be followed by any person who is aggrieved at the prices offered for horses appropriated for war purposes and the constitution of the tribunal to deal with such cases?

If the owner does not accept the amount paid or tendered as fair value, he has the right to appeal to the county court (in Scotland, the sheriff's court) within three weeks of the payment or tender.

Will the county courts dealing with such cases be made aware of the Compensation Act, 1939, where, when the Government take over any commodity, any appreciation in value is ignored when the purchase takes place?

I have no doubt that the learned judge will take into account every legal aspect of the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. John Darby of Hillmorton, Rugby, has had 13 horses, which cost him £1,765, requisitioned by an impressment officer for £780; why, in view of the fact that these horses represent the capital of Mr. Darby's business and that requisitioning is. ruin to its prospects, pressure has been brought to bear upon him by the Department to induce him not to bring the matter before the county court; and whether he is prepared to take any remedial action?

I am not aware that any pressure has been brought to bear on Mr. Darby not to bring the matter before the county court. The case is, in fact, down for hearing at the County Court, Rugby, on 9th November.

I should like to ask whether my right hon. Friend considers that a capital levy on one section of the community is right, proper and justifiable?

It is not a capital levy on one section of the community. It is a question of dealing with a specific case, and in all cases there is an appeal to the county court.

I beg to give notice that I will raise the whole question of the impressment of horses at the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many schools have been commandeered by the War Department in Glamorganshire geographical county; is it intended to occupy these premises for the duration of the war; and will he endeavour to find alternative premises to the Park Boys' School, Pontypridd, now used as a recruiting centre?

Two schools have been taken over by the War Department, and they will be evacuated as soon as possible. The school mentioned in the last part of the question is occupied by the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will arrange for the widest possible publicity to be given to the Government's policy on the acceptance of volunteers for the Army; and will he issue clear comprehensive instructions to all Army recruiting centres as to age limits and qualifications of volunteers for all branches;

(2) whether some special publicity will be given of those special units now requiring recruits immediately for the information of men wishing to join up at once?

The answer to these questions is "Yes, Sir."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that owing to restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Information, there has been no publicity either of his speech or of the requirements for special units since the announcement was made last week?

I will see that all publicity possible is given to it.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that many parents of boys who enlisted in the Territorial Army before attaining the age of 19 years only gave their consent because they thought that their sons would not be sent abroad before they reached the age of 20 years; and if, in view of the harm done to voluntary recruitment by this differentiation between volunteers and conscripts, he will now reconsider the position and agree to withdraw all boys of under 20 from overseas and undertake not to send them abroad in future until they reach the age of 20;

(2) how it is that many boys who were under 19 years of age when the Government announced their policy of withdrawing all lads of this age from the forces preparing to go overseas have now, on attaining the age of 19, been incorporated and sent abroad; whether he will state the steps taken to withdraw them; and why they were not posted to reserve units to complete their training and only sent abroad as and when reinforcements were required?

This matter was fully debated, understood and accepted by the House. Despite the fact that Regular soldiers joined for oversea ser- vice and Territorials specifically volunteered for such service in the case of war, I informed the House that we would not send them to France under the age of 19. I also informed the House that, without a prior statement, if possible, we will not send to France under the age of 20 men called up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act. Far from harm being done to voluntary recruitment, it is probable that, if we would take men under the age of 20, we should have many volunteers.

Is the Minister aware that there is indignation from one end of the country to the other regarding this idea that the boys who were conscripted are here, while the boys who volunteered have been sent to France; and is he aware that these boys, many of them innocent lads, practically children, never dreamt when they enlisted in the Territorials, that they were enlisting for France but believed that they would be retained at home?

I would like to contradict the impression that there is indignation in the country as the hon. Member suggests. On the contrary, these Territorials individually signed forms volunteering for oversea service.

Is the Minister aware that I can show him almost 100 letters which I have received this week on this matter, most of them from people of the lower middle class and all protesting against this.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the pledge given as to the minimum age at which soldiers will be sent overseas also applies to commissioned ranks?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will have issued as a White Paper, for information of Members of the House, the rates and regulations governing allowances to dependants of men in the Army?

This has already been arranged.

When will it be issued?

In a day or two.

In view of the fact that this issue is being raised in Debate to-day, would it not have been advisable to have supplied Members earlier with this information?

I was asked the question whether I would have a White Paper issued. I have said that it is being printed. I am sorry that it cannot be issued to-day, but I will issue it at an early date.

Will the allowance date back?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the regulation in the Army and in the Auxiliary Territorial Service that no other rank may enter a public place in uniform in the company of an officer and to the regulation that other ranks must at all times wear uniform; whether he is aware of the difficulty which consequently arises when an officer wishes to appear in public with a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service not holding commissioned rank; and whether he will consider the advisability of modifying these regulations?

Instructions have been issued making it clear that there is no objection to officers and other ranks of the Army and of the Auxiliary Territorial Service appearing together in public on suitable occasions when not: on duty, reliance being placed on them to exercise a proper judgment in such matters.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is previously consulted before public comments are made by the Ministry of Information upon important speeches made by the heads of neutral or enemy States?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to ensure that no comment is published by the Ministry of Information upon matters of foreign policy without his previous concurrence or that of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the importance attached to these comments by foreign countries?

As I informed the House on 3rd October, the Ministry of Information no longer issues to the Press news or comments in the form of news. This function in matters of foreign affairs has reverted to the News Department of the Foreign Office for which my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is responsible.

Does this also apply to the British Broadcasting Corporation's comments and official reports?

I imagine the statements made by the British Broadcasting Corporation on foreign affairs are derived from the Foreign Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total monthly saving to public funds of the reorganisation of the Ministry of Information?

My Noble Friend is still engaged upon a review of the organisation of the Ministry, and until that review is complete, I cannot say what savings will be effected.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it clear that a condition precedent to the consideration of any peace proposals put forward by the German Government must be the evacuation by German troops of Poland, Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia?

I have nothing at present to add to the full and considered statement which I made on 12th October.

Would the Prime Minister be prepared to say whether this was the kind of act which he had in mind when he said last week that we must now have acts and not words?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since local authorities and various boards and committees have been empowered to make expenditures for war purposes that will draw Exchequer grants, a special committee has been created with exclusive function to recommend economies or savings before the actual expense is incurred?

These bodies can only incur expenditure which will ultimately fall on the Government with the consent and approval of the appropriate Government Department. The normal methods of peace-time control have been supplemented by arrangements to provide for more rapid and frequent consultation between local authorities and local representatives of the Government. Control is more likely to be kept effective by the development in this way to meet the conditions of war of the well-tried practices of peace than by the appointment of a special committee which, besides being less effective, could hardly fail to retard action in directions where prompt action is vital in present circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider inviting persons whose estates will be liable to Death Duties to pay such duties in advance under a form of taxation to be styled a Patriotism Life Tax; and whether he will make an appeal to people who can afford it to lend their money free of interest for the duration of the war?

The proposal regarding advance payment of Death Duties put forward by the hon. Member is one which has been considered on previous occasions; and I am afraid that I cannot see my way to adopt it. In reply to the second part of the question, a number of public-spirited people have already lent sums, large and small, to the State free of interest and I have gratefully acknowledged their generosity on behalf of the nation. Such generosity involves a personal sacrifice which is additional to the common burden of taxation imposed by Parliament and I think that it is therefore a matter for individual initiative rather than for a Government appeal.

Can the Chancellor give any idea of the total amount so lent to the State?

I cannot do so without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw this to the attention of those who apply for Treasury Bills?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what special steps he proposes to take to tax the war profits of those people who, between 18th August and 6th October, made an average extra profit of £370,000 per week on Treasury Bills?

The discount receivable on Treasury Bills is chargeable to Income Tax, and where it is received by a concern whose trade or business is of such a character that income from investments falls to be treated as a trading receipt, it forms part of the profit of the concern for the purposes of the National Defence Contribution and the Excess Profits Tax.

In view of the repeated statements made by the Prime Minister that there will be no profiteering in this war, does the Chancellor really think that it is fair to allow moneylenders to get away with three or four times the profit which they did immediately before the outbreak of war?