asked the Minister of Supply whether he can make any statement as to the fixing of prices for wool in Scotland?

It is proposed that the Ministry of Supply should acquire all stocks of British wools, and that various questions relating to the terms of acquisition should be considered, in the first instance, by an Advisory Committee representative of all the interests concerned. A meeting of this committee is being called at an early date.

asked the Minister of Supply what precautions are being taken to prevent shipment of tin and rubber from the United Kingdom to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from eventually reaching an enemy destination?

The quantities involved are not large in relation to the quantities required by the U.S.S.R. for its own use, and I do not think that there is any possibility of the rubber and tin reaching Germany.

asked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made between this country and the United States of America for the barter of rubber and cotton; what alterations have been made in view of the change in the exchange rate between this country and America; and how long is it proposed to continue such an arrangement?

The Agreement for the exchange of cotton and rubber between this country and the United States came into force on the 25th August. Some deliveries of cotton are expected shortly. As regards rubber, the Ministry of Supply have begun the purchase of the necessary quantities for delivery to the United States.The Agreement provided a means for relating the quantities of cotton and rubber to be exchanged on the basis of facts in a past period and these quantities are not affected by subsequent changes in the rate of exchange.In reply to the third part of the question, the Agreement continues in operation until the delivery of the quantities of cotton and rubber provided for respectively has been completed.

asked the Minister of Supply what are the average and maximum prices now being paid for 3.45-inch shell-cases both from bar and forging?

It is contrary to established practice to publish the prices paid under contracts and I see no reason to depart from that practice.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that women are working an average of 12 hours a day at Woolwich on munitions; and whether, having regard to the large number of unemployed and in the interest of the health of the women concerned, more workers will be employed and overtime reduced?

A certain amount of overtime is of necessity being worked by women in some sections of the Royal Ordnance Factories, Woolwich. In no case, however, are women working 12 hours a day, nor is there any proposal that they should work for so long.The necessary women's facilities, e.g., cloakrooms, lavatories, canteens, etc, are rapidly being increased, and everything possible is being done to increase I he numbers of women employed and to reduce overtime.

asked the Minister of Supply when he proposes to appoint a staff of inspectors sufficient to visit factories whose owners are prepared to produce war-time equipment but are not able to get contracts for needed supplies because they are not yet on the list of Government contractors?

Officers have been appointed in areas covering the whole country to whom application can be made either by firms or industrial organisations for work on war-time equipment. These applications, backed up by the necessary information as to capacity, are then forwarded to Headquarters and, if necessary, arrangements are made to inspect. The name of the officer to whom firms in the hon. Lady's constituency should apply is:Engr. Rear Admiral A. W. McKinlay,Royal London House,Queen Charlotte Street,Bristol.Inspection on a wide scale has already been carried out. It is not desirable, nor is it intended, that firms shall be visited unless there is in the first instance good ground for supposing they have capacity of the type required.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will give an assurance that before erecting joinery factories for war purposes he will fully investigate the capabilities of existing factories; and what percentage of present factories is engaged on Government contracts and able to furnish all joinery war requirements?

As the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green was informed on the 29th September, I do not contemplate the erection of joinery factories, since, so far as the Ministry of Supply is concerned, joinery is a class of work for which the capacity available in the country is far in excess of the Ministry's requirements.With regard to the second part of the question, I regret that the information requested could not be obtained without a disproportionate amount of labour in detailed inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for all increases in cost of war materials due to contingencies of war, such as increasing freights, insurance, etc., to be borne by the Exchequer, thereby stabilising prices, preventing all-round increases, and spreading the cost of war equitably throughout the community?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. In the view of the Government it would not be possible to add to the burdens on the Exchequer a large and incalculable liability of this kind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what is the number of secondary, elementary, junior and senior schools in Wales which have been taken over for military and other purposes during the present crisis; what steps is he taking, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for War, to release the schools for children to be evacuated; and will he give the particulars for Glamorgan separately?

The Board have no information available on the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, arrangements exist between the Board of Education and the War Office for consultation between the Departments concerning the use of schools for military purposes, with a view to securing that schools are retained or released, wherever possible, for their normal use.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in exercising his discretion in avour of the re-opening of Manchester Grammar School, financial considerations were of paramount importance; and whether he has considered the effect of his decision upon the city's evacuation scheme?

No, Sir. Though this was one consideration, the primary considerations were the proximity of the school to the evacuation boundary and the high age range of the pupils. It has been explained to the Manchester Corporation that the Board propose to exercise their discretion in regard to the opening of secondary schools in evacuation areas only in exceptional cases, and the decision in regard to the grammar school should not, therefore, have any adverse effect on the city's evacuation scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many London school teachers are on the pay-roll without occupation as a result of evacuation conditions?

I understand that there are no London teachers without occupation. Those teachers who are now in London are being employed in giving instruction or occupation to small groups of children on the lines suggested in the Board's Circular 1479, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether London school teachers who have accompanied their classes to reception areas are 10 be given occasional periods of leave from their duties to enable them to visit their homes?

I understand that this matter is under consideration by the London County Council in consultation with the authorities of the reception areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to meet the war emergency resulting in increased numbers of children of school age being congregated in certain areas and teachers being left without scholars in other areas; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

Provision has been made for the education of the additional children of school age by the Education Authorities in all reception areas in Scotland, and the children are now attending school. The necessary accommodation has been provided by extending the use of existing schools under the double shift system, by occupation of surplus school places, and in a few cases by the use of halls or other buildings. The additional teaching staff required has mainly been provided by the transfer of teachers from the sending areas. Arrangements are now being made for the reopening of schools for older scholars in the sending areas where approved shelter protection has been provided and there is no special degree of vulnerability. I am not yet in a position to make a statement regarding the opening of schools for the instruction of younger children in sending areas; meanwhile useful work is being done by teachers in giving instruction to small groups of children in their homes.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Anglo-Polish Treaty of Alliance was duly ratified by the Polish Diet as required by Polish law, C.F.O. Miscellaneous No. 19, 1924, Cmd. 2282; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to give it statutory confirmation on the lines of 15 and 16 Geo. 5, c. 9?

Under the Polish Constitutional Charter of 23rd April, 1935, the prerogatives of the President include the conclusion and ratification of international treaties. The approval of the Polish Diet is not required except in certain types of agreement, of which the Anglo-Polish agreement of mutual assistance is not one. The entry into force of this agreement on signature was, therefore, in accordance with Polish constitutional law.The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the names of the Advisory Committee on Military Service Special Allowances; how often the committee meets and the place of meeting; and the number of claims made and dealt with up to date?

I will reply to this question. The committee normally meets once a week at the offices of the Ministry of Pensions, 18, Great Smith Street, S.W.I. The number of cases referred to the committee up to 12th October inclusive was 2,692, of which 2,573 had been disposed of.The present members of the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee are:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some of his agents are purchasing horses from riding-schools in the North of England at prices which are in many cases twice the true value; and whether he will take immediate action to ensure that only competent judges are engaged for this work?

The complaints are usually in the opposite direction. The purchase of animals for the Army is undertaken only by those specially selected as qualified for the duty.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered a case of which particulars have been sent to him of young men who joined the Territorials in June, were called up at the end of August, and sent to France without previous leave on about 14th September; and will he give an assurance that these untrained men are sent to France for further training and not to go into the front line?

The hon. Member will appreciate the difficulty in answering his question in any detail, but I can tell him that the unit in question is employed in a rearward area on duties exactly similar to those which it would have carried out had it remained in England.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether volunteers now being enlisted in the Army are to carry out special work, or whether they are to serve in the ordinary line and similar regiments?

Volunteers are being accepted for both purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions that no occupied property, either business or residential, shall be occupied by anyone under his control wherever there is suitable unoccupied property available; and whether he will direct that local authorities should always be consulted, with a view to assisting in this regard?

Instructions were issued that premises requisitioned should, as far as possible, be unoccupied premises or those which could be taken over without undue inconvenience to the occupiers.Additional officers are now being appointed to deal with these questions locally, in close touch with local representatives of other Government Departments and local authorities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider some alleviation of the burden of Income Tax in respect of serving members of His Majesty's forces, in view of the fact that, apart from the extra expense involved, particularly in the case of officers who have to provide for families at home and meet mess bills overseas, they are taxed in France on almost everything they buy by the taxation of that country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Darwen (Mr. S. Russell) on 12th October.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that William Thomas Brown, formerly No. 4690543, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, enlisted in October, 1937, being medically examined on three occasions and found fit; that owing to service under bad conditions in July, 1938, he developed pneumonia and later pulmonary tuberculosis, stated by his medical man to be due to service; that he has now been discharged but has been refused any pension and that the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital decline to furnish any precis of evidence, or to indicate any means of appeal; what medical authority has reviewed this case; whether such authority was an independent one; and whether there is any right of appeal and a right to a precis of the evidence, and, if not, what steps are proposed to enable such rights to be exercised in future?

I have been asked to reply, as this is an ordinary peacetime case falling to be dealt with under the Army Pay Warrant.This soldier was admitted to hospital in January, 1939, and found to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. His case was considered in the normal way by the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital, who are an independent body charged with the administration of soldiers' pensions. The Commissioners took the view that the disability was not attributable to the soldier's service, and no pension was therefore admissible under the Pay Warrant. The man appealed to the Commissioners against this decision, and the Commissioners submitted the case for the opinion of the Director-General of Army Medical Services. The latter agreed that the disability, although manifesting itself during the man's service, was not due to service, and that any exposure to bad weather conditions, which occurred five months before, did not materially contribute to the onset of the disability.Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Chelsea Commissioners may appeal either to the Commissioners or to the Secretary of State for War. Every case and every appeal receive the most careful and sympathetic consideration, in the light of the advice of the Director-General of Army Medical Services, who is the only responsible adviser to the Secretary of State in all medical matters. This procedure is considered satisfactory and it is not proposed to alter it.As regards the request for a precis of evidence, Army medical records are a class of documents that are confidential and privileged, and consequently no disclosure may be made therefrom.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will lay before Parliament an explanatory memorandum showing in what respects, and why, the wording of the Royal Warrant of 15th September, 1939, and the Order by His Majesty of 22nd September, 1939. dealing, respectively, with disablement pay and pensions of the Army and the Royal Air Force, differ from their predecessors?

The alterations introduced both in the general arrangement of these instruments as compared with their predecessors and in the wording of various provisions have been made in the main with the object of using past experience to improve them throughout in form and clearness. The mass of detail contained in such documents makes it impossible to produce the comprehensive memorandum suggested by my hon. Friend without an expenditure of time and labour which I do not feel justified in devoting to it in present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the case of Arthur Knowles, 20, Russell Place, Malt by, Regimental No. 19170, Lancashire Fusiliers, Pensions Case No. 2 M.K. 1950, suffering from gunshot wounds of right leg, now in septic condition, arising out of service in the Great War; that this man was evacuated from the Leeds Military Hospital on the 1st September and has received no treatment allowances since that date, and that he has a wife and six children to maintain on 16s. per week; and what are the reasons why this and similar cases cannot be dealt with and are having to be maintained by the public assistance committee?

Mr. Knowles was discharged from hospital on the 1st September as further in-patient treatment was not required. He was again medically examined on the 12th instant, when it was found that the only action necessary was the provision of a slight protective dressing over the scar. This dressing can be obtained through his panel doctor and the wearing of it will not prevent Mr. Knowles from working.I have already informed the hon. Member that the pension payable to Mr. Knowles has been increased to the 70 per cent. rate.I may add that any case found to need institutional treatment for a pensioned disability will be admitted immediately.

asked the Minister of Pensons whether he will arrange that every soldier proceeding on active service should be furnished with a document setting out in simple language his rights to receive a disability pension in the event of his being wounded or injured, or falling sick, and in particular, making clear to him that by virtue of Clause 5 of the Royal Warrant, Cmd. 6105, he will have no right to any such pension if the contemporary official records which are available do not contain evidence of his disability; that where such records exist, however badly they may be kept, no other evidence, however convincing can be accepted, even of a disablity that only emerges after some time; that in no case can his own unsupported word be accepted; and that in any event he will have no right to any such pension unless there is no doubt left in the mind of the certifying medical authority that his disability was attributable to war service?

I understand that the Royal Warrant in its complete form is to be issued with Army Orders. I may say that I cannot accept the hon. and learned Member's interpretation of Article 5, which will be construed in a liberal spirit in the light of the expert guidance which will be given by medical officers of very great experience and will ensure that no material evidence in support of a claim is excluded from consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions what deductions from pay are made in respect of officers, warrant officers and men whilst in hospital under treatment for disease or injury arising out of war service?

I have been asked to reply. As far as the Army is concerned, officers on full pay, admitted to hospital at public expense on account of wounds received in action or illness contracted on service in the field, pay no hospital charge: in other cases, namely, injury or illness contracted elsewhere than in the field, they pay 2s. 6d. a day. Soldiers are not charged anything in respect of hospital treatment unless it is due to an offence under the Army Act or otherwise to their own fault.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will state the names of the staff of the censor's department; the salaries paid; and the extent to which they are engaged, whole or part time?

My Noble Friend is no longer responsible for the work of the censorship division; but he is advised that it is not considered desirable, on grounds of public interest, to publish the names of the staff engaged on this confidential work.The division, under Sir Walter Monckton, whose salary is not yet fixed, consists of a director and three deputy-directors. The director's salary and that of one deputy-director are not yet decided; the other two deputy-directors receive respectively £1,200 per annum and Civil Service pay on the scale of £800-£1,100, plus £100 allowance. There is one liaison officer, who receives Service pay; two principals who receive Civil Service pay on the scale of £625-£1, 100; an inspector and an assistant inspector who each receive Civil Service pay on the scale of £275-£525. There are 11 deputy chief censors who receive £740 per annum or Service pay; 26 censors who receive £635 per annum or Service pay; 37 assistant censors who receive £515 per annum or Service pay; 36 deputy assistant censors who receive £395 per annum; and 46 examiners who receive £3 15s. per week.The division includes in addition the necessary clerical, typing and messenger staff. All members of the staff of the division, which works in three shifts on a 24-hour basis, are in whole-time employment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information when it is intended to resume the use of the studios at Broadcasting House for the purpose of broadcast entertainment so that further use may be made of the artistes who live in or near London?

The decision which studios should be used for the maintenance of the broadcasting service rests with the B.B.C. Necessary precautions against war-time risks at present prevent the use of the studios indicated in the question for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend, and I am informed that it is not yet possible to say when they can again be made available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware of the intensive German propaganda which is being carried on in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries; and whether broadcasts from this country will be arranged in Swedish, Finnish and other Scandinavian languages?

My Noble Friend is aware of the fact to which the hon. Member refers, but regrets that it is not possible for the present to add to the number of broadcasts in foreign languages already given by the B.B.C. The desirability of adding when possible to the 15 languages already used in broadcasting is fully recognised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information in the case of the Secretary-General of the British Council who has been seconded to the Ministry of Information, what salary he was receiving from the British Council; and what salary he is receiving from the Ministry of Information?

This officer received a salary of £1,650 per annum from the British Council. While he has been seconded to the Ministry of Information he has continued to receive the same salary from British Council funds.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether, in view of the fact that in the totalitarian countries the strength and power of the dictators has been gained and is maintained almost wholly through the medium of broadcasting, he will take steps to develop a complete chain of wireless stations throughout the Empire to be used for educational purposes, and which would be available in times of crisis to counteract subversive influences?

At the start of war, immediate steps were taken by the B.B.C. and the Ministry of Information to ensure that, with the co-operation of the News Agencies concerned, news broadcast from this country would be available for re-broadcasting overseas. There is, therefore, regular use of such news by the large number of broadcasting stations operating in the Dominions, the Colonial Empire and India. Further overseas developments in the field of broadcasting are under immediate consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether, in view of the fact that there is no committee to advise the Ministry on communications, and that this is a technical problem of great importance, he will consider appointing a technical expert from the Cables and Wireless Company in an advisory capacity?

One of the executive divisions of the Ministry is specially concerned with all questions of communications and is in constant communication with Cable and Wireless, Limited, and other similar bodies. My Noble Friend does not therefore think it necessary to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion; but he has invited Sir Edward Wilshaw, the chairman of Cable and Wireless, Limited, to become a member of the Minister's Advisory Council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information how many different leaflets have been dropped from aeroplanes into German territory; and whether he will publish the English text of the different leaflets?

Translations of four leaflets have already been published. With regard to the future, it is not in the country's interest that the information for which the Noble Lady asks me should be given.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the case of a tenant with a covenant to deliver up at the end of a tenancy, rented premises in a good state of repair, whose premises are damaged by enemy action, he is making provision to relieve such tenant of the responsibility for the restoration of the premises; and upon whom will the liability then fall?

Provisions dealing with this class of case have been made in the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Act, 1939, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that sea-mail journeys take three times as long as formerly, he will consider either the restoration of the cheap air mail service, or at least a substantial reduction in the present charge so far as newspapers are concerned, in order that the British Press overseas, which cannot afford long cable communications, can be adequately kept in touch with home war news?

Owing to the restricted amount of aircraft accommodation at the disposal of the Post Office on the Empire air routes, I regret that I am not at present in a position to offer any general reduction in the existing air postage rates, or to concede preferential rates to newspapers conveyed by air.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will arrange for letters and packages to be sent to members of His Majesty's Forces at domestic rates of postage wherever they may be stationed for the time being?

asked the Postmaster-General what the parcel postal rates ind charges are to be for parcels up to three pounds, and to seven pounds, respectively, despatched to His Majesty's Forces serving in France; and will such rates be duty free?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the feeling which exists regarding the high rates of postage which have to be paid on parcels of foodstuffs and other commodities sent to men in the Fighting Forces; and whether he is able to announce the institution of free conveyance or greatly reduced postal rates for such parcels?

As I have stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, I have been reviewing the scale of postage rates charged on parcels for members of His Majesty's Armed Forces serving overseas, in consultation with the Service Departments, and I am glad to be able to announce that the following reduced rates will be brought into force tomorrow:

• For parcels up to 3 lb., 9d., a reduction from 1s. 3d.
• For parcels from 3 lb. to 7 lb., 1s. 6d., a reduction from 2s. 6d.
• For parcels from 7 lb. to 11 lb., 2s., a reduction from 3s. 3d.
• For parcels from 11 lb. to 22 lb., 3s. 6d., a reduction from 6s.

I hope that the low rate fixed for the smaller parcels which I regard as of particular importance will meet with general approval: for these the charge of 9d. up to 3 lb. compare with a charge of 1s. in the late war.In the late war the rates for parcels over 3 lb. for British troops in theatres of war other than France were appreciably higher than those for France but the rates I am now introducing will apply to parcels for members of all the Armed Forces overseas wherever they may be serving, including His Majesty's ships in foreign waters.Letters for Forces overseas are charged at the Imperial postage rate of 1½d. for the first ounce, and 1d. for each subsequent ounce.As regards the question of securing the removal of Customs duties on parcels sent to members of His Majesty's Forces in France, I would refer the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan) to the answer on the subject given on the 4th of October by the Financial Secretary to the War Office to the hon. Member for Dept-ford (Mr. W. H. Green).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will inquire into the conduct of Mr. William Lyle, 34, Tylney Road, Oldhall, near Paisley, who is an air-raid warden and has been demanding to enter private houses, threatening to arrest persons who he asserts are not properly carrying out black-out regulations; that he is very abusive to the residents and has frightened Mr. and Mrs. J. Ward of 2, Tylney Road, Oldhall, by his repeated abuse and threats, and by what authority this man enters houses and threatens arrest; and is he aware that a number of responsible persons can testify to such conduct?

I have had inquiries made. It would be taking up the time of the House unduly to give a detailed account of the circumstances as reported to me, but I may say that according to my information the facts of the case are not at all as represented and there is no justification for the allegations made against the warden referred to.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an estimate of the cost of the aliens tribunals appointed to decide whether German Jews are friendly aliens?

I presume that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the tribunals which are reviewing the cases of all Germans and Austrians in this country. It is not possible at this stage to estimate the expenditure involved, which must depend on the time required to complete their task.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Arthur Jamieson, Redcliffe, Burnside, Glasgow, who is 21 years of age, has been passed for military service as an A 1 Grade by a medical board; that the members of the board only looked at him in a casual manner and failed to subject him to a proper examination; that two specialists, a Royal Army Medical Corps captain, who is also a medical man with Boer War and Great War experience, and seven other doctors certify this man as completely unfit and suffering from fibrositis and arthritis of both shoulder joints and granular pharyngitis and recurrent sore throats of a serious kind; that this man's life would be endangered by training and service; and whether he will order an immediate investigation into this man's medical history and also the failure of the medical board to go into his medical history and give him a proper examination?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that unemployed men on the dole have been refused as volunteers; and will he, in consultation with the Minister for War, arrange that when an unemployed man, whose previous trade appears in the reserved schedule, tries to enlist he shall not be refused without some special inquiry as to the length of time he has been unemployed and the future possibility of employment in his trade?

Men who are reserved under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations cannot be accepted for whole-time National Service even though they may, at the time they volunteer, be unemployed. In cases in which, on grounds such as those mentioned by my hon. Friend, doubt arises as to a man's appropriate industrial classification, the matter will be reviewed with the assistance of numbers of the Local Employment Committee.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can now give an assurance that unestablished officers in the Civil Service who accept an invitation to re-enlist will be reinstated when their period of service in the armed forces expires?

Whilst I am not clear which members of the Civil Service the hon. Member has particularly in mind, I am happy to assure him that unestablished civil servants who, with the consent of their Department, voluntarily enlist in the Armed Forces, will on the termination of such service be treated in the matter of reinstatement in accordance with the spirit of Section 14 of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the committee of inquiry set up to investigate conditions of labour, wages, and training of dental mechanics is likely to issue a report at an early date?

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers was set up by the professional dental associations themselves after the Ministry of Labour and National Service had drawn their attention to the conditions of dental mechanics. I understand that the collection of evidence has been completed and that a report is now to be prepared.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the short time being worked in many mining areas, he will, during the present emergency, modify the law with respect to the three-days' waiting period and the provision as to what constitutes continuous employment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question on a similar subject by the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley) on 12th October.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether they have taken the initiative to increase the production on suitable land under their control, of such medicinal plants other than lavender and peppermint, as are of major importance and have usually been imported; and whether the Commission is not concerned with the scientific production of vegetable drugs as a war-time precaution?

The powers and duties conferred or imposed on, or transferred to the Forestry Commissioners by the Forestry Acts do not include the production of vegetable drugs. Consequently they have not taken the initiative to increase the production of medicinal plants on land under their control.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, in order to utilise suitable Forestry Commission ground in Lincolnshire and the home counties, he will confer with hospital authorities with a view to making it the permanent policy of the Commission to grow medicinal vegetables and plants now mainly obtained from overseas owing to the inadequacy of United Kingdom supplies?

The powers and duties conferred or imposed on, or transferred to the Forestry Commissioners by the Forestry Acts do not include the growing of medicinal vegetables or plants and consequently they are not in a position usefully to confer with hospital authorities on the matter.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he will invite and assist the Restoration Board, or local authorities, to convert back into use suitable parts of the iron deposit refuse ditches and dumps in Lincoln, Leicester and Northampton, by covering the surface with fertile soil and cultivating thereon medicinal herbs and plants?

The answer to the question is in the negative.

asked the right hon, and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that a farmer whose oats crop and kale were eaten by rabbits from woods cleared by the Forestry Commission was, on Monday, 9th October, 1939, awarded, in a sheriff court in Scotland, £75 damages; that the farmer had asked permission to destroy the rabbits on the cleared ground but such permission was not granted; and what steps the Forestry Commission propose to take to make the rabbits on lands belonging to the Commission available as food for the people?

I am not aware of the case referred to by the hon. Member, but have asked for a full report. It is the practice of the Forestry Commission to wage unceasing war on rabbits, and to place on the market all the rabbits obtained by trappers in their employ. The Department's tenants deal with rabbits obtained by them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the total annual values of agricultural products of the counties of Lincolnshire and Lancashire, respectively?

I regret that particulars of the annual value of the agricultural produce of individual counties are not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why, in regard to the sale of hay on the farm, it has been decided to depart from common practice and retain the cost of baling or trussing hay on the buyer by fixing the price per ton and leaving it to the buyer to defray expenses of the method of preparation for transport?

The Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order made by the Ministry of Food fixes maximum prices on the basis of trussed hay, but does not preclude a buyer from purchasing hay in stack at a price which makes allowance for the cost of trussing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural wages committees have increased workers wages since the present emergency arose; and how many applications for increases are under consideration?

Since the outbreak of war 12 of the 47 agricultural wages committees have decided to issue notices of proposals to increase the minimum rates of wages for male agricultural workers. A further 14 committees have received for consideration notices of a motion for increases in the minimum rates of wages.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the admitted shortage of light- and heavy-draught horses in the country and the fact that this shortage cannot be made up sufficiently quickly by stimulating horse-breeding, what alternative steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

In view of the alternative means of traction now available to farmers I have no reason to suppose that agricultural operations are being impaired by a shortage of draught horses. If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to transport facilities generally, the matter is one which falls within the province of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the view held by medical men that there is much unnecessary confusion in the relations of the emergency medical services and voluntary hospitals; and what steps he is taking to ensure smoother working and general satisfaction amongst those directly concerned?

Some initial difficulties are to be expected in putting any large-scale organisation on a war footing. My officers are in constant touch with representatives both of the medical profession and of the voluntary hospitals, and necessary adjustments are being made as rapidly as possible in the light of experience gained.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the approximate number of houses condemned but not demolished and the number of persons who could be re-housed therein during the duration of the war and prior to the resumption of building operations after the war; and whether, if legislation is needed, he will introduce it with the object of utilising such structures where inadequate accommodation actually exists?

The information in my possession is not sufficient to enable me to give the estimates asked for in the first part of the question. As regards the second part I cannot add at present to the: reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 5th October.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement in regard to the issue of free railway warrants for men of the Navy for journeys home when on leave?

I am pleased to announce that arrangements have been made whereby officers and men of the seagoing ships of the Fleet in home waters (including commissioned auxiliaries) will be given free return tickets to their homes, when leave is possible, on two occasions in each year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the delay on the part of the Government in declaring their policy as to suspension, or otherwise, of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, he will state the present position as regards those renters of foreign films who have trade-shown their imported films during the renters' quota period ended 30th September, 1939, but who, owing to the closing of theatres or other causes, have been unable to trade-show the requisite proportion of British quota films which were produced for trade-showing during the period in question?

The position in this matter is governed by Section 13 of the Act of 1938. A renter who finds himself in default at the end of a quota period may apply to the Board of Trade for a certificate that the default was due to circumstances beyond his control. Before deciding whether to issue such a certificate, the Board of Trade must consult the Cinematograph Films Council and consider its advice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to allay financial anxiety, he will arrange with owners of merchant ships torpedoed during the war, to notify the next-of-kin as to their legal claims, and the name and address of the union secretary?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that owners have been asked by the Shipowners' Associations to send to relatives of seamen who are killed information as to the compensation arrangements by forwarding the official leaflets describing the manner in which claims should be made. Information as to membership of unions is not necessarily in an owner's possession, but I am satisfied that shipowners will take any action in their power to assist the next-of-kin. The superintendents of Mercantile Marine Offices have already been instructed to give all possible assistance to those who inquire as to their position.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the question of the autumn herring fishing is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government; and when a decision in the matter can be expected?

An agreement has-been reached between the Ministry of Food and the herring industry regarding the terms under which fishing should be carried on and an Order fixing maximum wholesale and retail prices for herring, both fresh and cured, was made on the 14th October.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why British suppliers are only allowing one-third of the normal requirements of cod-iiver oil to their customers, and at a price which is double what it was a month ago, although there are adequate supplies in the country?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that deliveries of cod-liver oil through the trade have lately been reduced with the object of conserving stocks in the country, pending the completion of the plans for safeguarding future supplies to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend on the 28th September. Inquiries are proceeding regarding the recent increase in price and I will communicate further with my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in the interests of economy, he will modify the present ruling that livestock from the Bridgwater district must be transported 20 miles to Weston-super-Mare to be slaughtered; is he aware that this ruling has led to protests from both the Bridgwater Town Council and the District Butchers' Association; and will he make further inquiries as to whether the local slaughter-houses could not easily be adapted to save both the cost and inconvenience of transport?

There are no adequate slaughtering facilities at Bridgwater but arrangements are now being made for animals to be slaughtered at Taunton as well as at Weston-super-Mare. Livestock from the Bridgwater district will, therefore, be directed to Taunton for slaughter so far as facilities are available there.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how pork butchers are to receive their supplies in future; and whether customers will have to register separately with their pork butcher?

After rationing has been introduced, an allocation of fresh pork to pork butchers will be made. The details of the arrangements for the distribution of such supplies as are avail- able for this purpose are at present the subject of discussion with representatives of the trade. It will not be necessary for customers to register with a pork butcher.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the existing rates of pay of all skilled and unskilled labour, male and female, juvenile and adult, respectively, for civilian employes working in establishments controlled by the War Office and the Air Ministry in the United Kingdom. showing what allowances are paid, how far the workers are insured, and in which cases superannuation funds exist?

The number of different rates of pay being paid to civilian employes of all kinds in the War Office and Air Ministry respectively is so large as to preclude the information asked for being given within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, even if its compilation would not involve a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will approach the two Departments concerned, indicating the particular classes of employes in which he is interested, I feel sure they will do their best, so far as their war-time activities permit, to furnish him with the information he desires.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give his reasons for not taking over the Festiniog Railway. as was the case in the last war; and whether he is prepared to give the railway financial assistance should it be unable to carry on economically as a direct result of war conditions?

The controlled railways are those deemed to be necessary for essential transport in war and the Festiniog Railway, which is a narrow-gauge line and does not form an integral part of the main line system or provide an alternative to a route carrying heavy traffic, is not considered to come within that category. I have no funds from which financial assistance could be granted to this company.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now provide a list of the road schemes, contained in the appendix to the estimates for his Department for 1939–40, which have definitely been placed by him in the Class A category, that is to say, in the category of schemes which are of national importance, and which are to be continued despite the need for economy?

Civil Estimates, 1939 (Roads, etc.).
APPENDIX II.
Authority.	Scheme.	Estimated cost.
	Five-year Programmes (1935).	£
Argyll County Council	Arrocher—Lochgilphead—Campbeltown Road. Reconstruction from Ardrishaig to Lochgilphead.	118,000
Derby County Council and County Borough Council.	New Roads:	156,000
	(a) London Road, Alvaston to Nottingham Road, Spondon.
	(b) London Road to Dickinson Street to connect with (a).
Durham County Council	Newport Bridge Road. Construction	179,000
Durham County Council	New Road. By-pass of level-crossing at Billingham	151,000
Oxford County Council	Oxford—Bicester Road. Reconstruction	110,000
Lewisham and Woolwich Metropolitan Borough Councils.	New Road from Bromley Road to Eltham By-pass	150,000
	Long Term Schemes.
London County Council	Wandsworth Bridge. Reconstruction	400,000
London County Council	Waterloo Bridge. Reconstruction	902,000

APPENDIX III.
Trunk Road.		Scheme.	Estimated cost.
			£
London—Brighton	…	Widening between Beggars Bush and Handcross By-pass.	188,000
London—Brighton	…	Crawley By-pass	162,000
London—Portsmouth	…	Kingston By-pass. Provision of dual carriageways between Burlington Road and Ewell Road.	110,000
South-west of Basingstoke—Southampton Road.	…	Winchester By-pass	425,000
London—Penzance	…	Widening between Torpoint and Trerulefoot. (Section Trerulefoot to Polbathic only to be completed. Estimated cost £87,383.)	284,000
London—Bristol	…	Maidenhead By-pass. (Thames Bridge and approaches only to be completed. Estimated cost of Bridge £127,867.)	648,000
Swansea—Manchester	…	Northwich By-pass. (Middle section only to be completed. Estimated cost £280,000.)	617,000

It has been decided to complete the following schemes, contained in Appendices II and III of the Roads, etc., Vote, 1939–40, because completion is either in the national interest, essential for the public safety or the most economical procedure. My hon. Friend will observe that it has been found possible in some cases to reduce the extent of the schemes.