asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that local authorities would appreciate the reception of official information about civil defence, evacuation, and similar activities at the same time that it is given to the public through the Press and radio; and whether he will make arrangements in order to enable them to take appropriate action?

The Departments concerned are in constant communication with local authorities on questions of civil defence, evacuation and similar activities, but it is sometimes desired to give guidance to the public direct through the Press or wireless upon subjects on which it is not always possible or necessary to communicate with local authorities in advance.

asked the Home Secretary what progress has been made in the provision of air-raid shelters in the congested areas of Liverpool, particularly the densely populated district of Everton?

It is difficult to deal adequately with such a matter within the limits of a reply to a question but I am communicating with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take into consideration the youth of the girl, aged 19, who was sentenced at Wisbech on 12th October, to a fine of £1and to a month's imprisonment for using an electric-torch during black-out hours, with a view to recommending a reduction of the sentence?

I understand that this was a case of persistent and wilful defiance of the Lighting (Restrictions) Order. The girl had been warned by the police about her conduct in flashing a torch about the streets and in the faces of passers-by, six times on four successive nights before the offence in respect of which she was charged, and she repeated the offence on two subsequent occasions before the charge was heard. Her conduct was such that torches had to be taken from her by the police on four separate occasions. I have been unable to find any grounds on which I should feel justified in recommending any interference with the sentence imposed by the Court.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a woman on the Council of Industry to look after the welfare of women workers?

I have been asked to reply. I do not anticipate that the selection of the members of this body will rest with me, but I have no doubt that the industrial organisations concerned will have the interests of women workers fully in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any further statement to make regarding the activities of the British Union of Fascists, which are liable to lead to breaches of the peace?

I would refer to the reply which I gave on Thursday last to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for North Cornwall (Mr. Hor-abin) and Carlisle (Brigadier-General Spears).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement as to the position of Austrian refugees and other refugees who made application for naturalisation before the outbreak of war; and whether these application are still under consideration?

As the hon. Member knows, an applicant for naturalisation must have had at least five years residence. There are large numbers of applications at present before the Department, and in present circumstances it is very difficult to devote time to the necessary inquiries in respect of such applications. I am at present considering what is the best method of dealing with these applications, but the number of cases which can be taken up in the near future will be comparatively few.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the feeling against the excessive postage rates charged on parcels sent overseas to the troops; and will he examine this matter and see whether arrangements can be made to reduce the rates?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to questions by the hon. Members for Bilston (Mr. Hannah), Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan) and Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers), when I announced substantial reductions in the charges on parcels sent to members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas, which have come into force to-day.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to give facilities for private or business trunk calls to foreign countries; or whether the present prohibition of such calls is permanent?

On the introduction of censorship it was necessary to suspend all overseas telephone services except for Government use. The possibility of relaxing these restrictions, subject to suitable safeguards, is at present under consideration, but owing to the heavy demands on the overseas circuits for Service purposes, any facilities which it may be found possible to provide would necessarily be of a very restricted character.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Medway Chamber of Commerce urging that summer-time shall be continued all the year round for the duration of the war so that the public may have longer to shop in daylight; and whether he will reconsider his recent decision only to prolong the maintenance of summer-time for a few more weeks?

If my hon. Friend's suggestion were adopted, there would in the winter months be some additional period of daylight for those who are able to shop in the afternoon, but such advantages as this would bring would have to be weighed against the fact that a number of persons, probably much larger, would have to spend a corresponding period of darkness at the beginning of their working day.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give an undertaking to the workers who are now offering their lives for the defence of the country that none of their dependants will, in any circumstances, become a charge upon charity or public relief in the event of the soldier's death?

No such general undertaking could possibly be given since the circumstances, such as illness, in which a former dependant might find himself or herself in need of temporary assistance, such as is normally met by the social services of the country, cannot possibly be foreseen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the concern in the pottery industry at the action of the Imports Licensing Department, and of the urgency of meeting the needs of the trade in view of the substantial business prospects for the Christmas trade; and, in view of the large quantity of pottery made and decorated but waiting for musical works, a large percentage being orders for shipment to the Colonies, and in order to maintain the export trade, will he see that a licence is granted to import from Switzerland the musical works which are fitted in the pottery?

Licences are being issued for the import of musical mechanisms of the kind the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give some outline of the scheme which he has in mind to improve the condition of the cotton trade?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, my right hon. Friend appointed some time ago, in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, a Cotton Board, representative of all sections of the industry, to consider matters affecting the cotton trade arising out of the present war and to make from time to time recommendations on such matters as may require action by the Ministers concerned and to take such other action as may appear expedient and practicable.The question of the powers to be given to the board to enable it to carry out its various functions is now under consideration, and I hope to be able to make a statement on the matter very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain woollen merchants are adding 5 per cent. to all invoices to cover war risks insurance, and that some firms of tailors have unsuccessfully offered £2 a yard for khaki for officers' overcoats; and will he take some immediate action to obviate this?

My right hon. Friend has received a complaint of the action of certain woollen merchants in adding a percentage to their prices on account of war risks insurance, and this is being investigated. I was not aware of the complaint referred to in the second part of the question, but if my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I will look into the matter immediately.

asked the Attorney-General what are the present arrears of defended and undefended divorce actions, respectively; and whether any judges have been taken off this work recently?

The number of undefended cases awaiting trial on the 16th October is 1,465, and the number of defended cases 1,106. The earliest cases in the former list were set down in April and in the latter list in February of this year.In answer to the second part of the question, Mr. Justice Bucknill was engaged for 14 days last term on the Thetis Inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health when those persons who carried out their work as enumerators for the National Register are likely to receive payment for such work, which is now completed, as many of them are in need of it?

Instructions have been given for payment to be made to each enumerator of the fixed fee of £2 immediately upon the completion of his work to the prima facie satisfaction of the local national registration officer. These payments have already been made or are being made in a large number of areas. The balance of the remuneration, which is calculated upon a population scale, will be paid as soon as the total population enumerated in the district can be checked and verified.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the lighting of trains?

As a result of the experiments to which I referred last week in answer to questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Abingdon and Leicester, East, it has been agreed that in corridor stock on long distance trains white lighting of an intensity sufficient to afford a reasonably good reading light may be installed in the compartments. This will be conditional upon the blinds of all compartment windows being kept drawn throughout the "black-out" period and the lights being extinguished, on receipt of an air-raid warning, by means of a master switch.These arrangements will be brought into force as rapidly as the necessary equipment becomes available, but I must warn the public that their continuance will depend upon the co-operation of passengers in the strict observance of certain essential precautions, particulars of which will be displayed in the carriages.The provision of reading light in suburban trains presents very much greater difficulties owing to the frequency of stops and the use of non-corridor rolling stock, and is under further investigation. Meanwhile, the lighting in these trains is being improved where necessary to a standard adequate for safety on short journeys.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the reservation of beds in hospitals in the cities of Scotland for the reception of civilian war casualties, he can say what provision is being made for hospital treatment for patients urgently requiring it in country areas, from which in normal times it is customary to travel to the cities for treatment?

I have had this matter under consideration and I am glad to be able to say that arrangements are being made under which the additional hospital facilities which are being provided under the Emergency Casualty Hospitals Scheme in various parts of the country will be available up to the limit of their capacity not only for civilian war casualties but also for ordinary sick persons in those areas who are in urgent need of hospital treatment which cannot be obtained elsewhere. The additional hospital beds under the scheme will come into commission in increasing numbers in the near future.Local authorities and other hospital authorities will be informed as these additional beds become available in areas suitable for their purposes and full instructions will be given as to the procedure for the admission of patients and for the recovery of the cost of treatment in suitable cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations of the Wemyss and District Water Trust regarding the Fife County Council Provisional Order; and whether he adheres to the decision to proceed with the inquiry on the 24th October?

After considering representations made by the Promoters of the Fife County Council Provisional Order and also by a number of opponents including the Wemyss and District Water Trustees, I have decided that the Inquiry by Commissioners, which was provisionally arranged to open on 24th October, should be postponed to a date, probably some months hence, which will be announced later.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of relaxing the existing restrictions on the sale of prophylactics against venereal disease during the period' of the war?

I have considered this question and I am advised that the relaxation of the restrictions referred to would not conduce to the reduction of veneral disease amongst the population in general

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men are charged for regimental cap badges and when overcoats will be supplied to men of the Territorial Army?

Every man is entitled to the free issue of a cap badge.Arrangements have been made for all personnel to be in possession of a greatcoat either by purchase of a non-service pattern if a service pattern greatcoat is not available, or by letting the man bring his own civilian greatcoat for which he gets a money allowance until such time as he is provided with one.My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply hopes to be able to complete the equipment of personnel with service greatcoats during November.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the public assistance department of the county borough of Derby have received 20 applications for assistance from the wives of men serving in His Majesty's Forces; whether he will cause inquiry to be made into these cases; and whether, in the light of information obtained, he will reconsider the scale of separation allowances at present laid down?

If the hon. Member will arrange to let me have particulars of the cases, including the names, regimental particulars and Army numbers of the men concerned, so that they can be identified, I will have inquiries made, but I would repeat that the proper course, where, owing to special circumstances, the normal allowances are insufficient and hardship is caused, is to make an application, which will be considered by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, for special assistance. Forms for the purpose can be obtained from the regimental paymaster.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any arrangements have been made, or are under discussion, for the sending of parcels to British prisoners of war in Germany and vice versa?

I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General on this subject, and arrangements are under discussion.The necessary administrative machinery is being organised and instructions as to how to send parcels to British prisoners of war are being prepared. I hope that these will be ready by the time the channel for transmission has been settled with the Governments concerned. As the hon. Member understands, I think, arrangements of this kind are subject to reciprocity.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the curtailment of road work has caused considerable unemployment in granite and whinstone quarries, and the closing down of some of them, including one of the largest in North Wales; whether quarrying is to continue to be a reserved occupation; and whether, until such time as its products are used for road purposes, he will consult with the war, air, and home Defence Departments with a view to their use as far as possible for making concrete and for structural works of all kinds, as many hundreds of men are receiving out-of-work pay and cannot seek other employment?

My right hon. Friend is having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that at some docks labourers are being paid at the rate of £2 per day of 12 hours, and persons with no experience of the work, such as unemployed bookmakers' clerks, are earning 25s. a day as checkers besides overtime, which in some cases increases the sum earned in one week to an average of £11, and that soldiers employed on exactly the same work are only entitled to normal rates of pay, about 2s. to 3s.; and whether, in view of this discrepancy, he will consult with the trade union leaders concerned in order to revise this system which is the cause of much criticism in these seaport towns?

The rates of pay of dock workers are governed by industrial agreements and may, I understand, result in certain cases in payments of the order mentioned in the question for long spells of unbroken work, which would ordinarily be followed by corresponding periods of rest during which no wages would be earned. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate the importance of turning ships round quickly at the present time. I know of no ground for supposing that inexperienced men are employed. Direct comparison between the earnings referred to and the remuneration of Army personnel which include, in addition to the pay of the rank, various allowances and emoluments in kind, is not feasible.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that under his new regulations, pigs which formerly were delivered direct to the factory will now have to be sent to local markets for re-delivery to factories; and whether, in view of the loss of efficiency and weight which this will entail, he will reconsider the whole matter?

I am glad to have this opportunity of saying that arrangements will be made for pigs to be delivered direct to factories except in such cases as the farmers themselves prefer to send their pigs to the local markets for delivery thence to factories.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is now confident that poultry-keepers can look forward to about usual supplies of suitable feeding-stuffs for the next three or six months so that time can be taken to liquidate surplus stocks without undue haste and measures taken early next year to increase home-grown supplies of food?

So far as can be foreseen at present wheat and wheaten offals will be available in adequate quantities for feeding to poultry during the next few weeks. Supplies must depend, however, upon the quantity of wheat which arrives from overseas, and I am, therefore, unable to give any undertaking except that every effort is being made to maintain adequate supplies.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it has been represented to his Department that the schemes of control of supplies and distribution of bacon, butter, margarine, and cheese, which operated in 1918, worked reasonably smoothly and achieved their intended objective; and whether he can state the reason why the general principles of these previous schemes were abandoned in framing the schemes now in operation?

The schemes of control which were in operation in 1918 have been carefully studied in my Department and the general principles have been taken to serve as the basis of the schemes which will operate under full control, subject to such modifications as are necessary to meet the altered circumstances. The supply and distribution of cheese is not at present under control. The schemes now in operation for the other commodities referred to in my hon. Friend's question are designed for the transitional period, pending the introduction of rationing.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why a Ruling has been given by the Chief Food Controller, with his sanction, that employes in the retail food trades are eligible for local food control committees only as trade representatives and not as consumer representatives?

Article 2 of the Food Control Committees (Constitution) Order, 1939, provides that five of the 15 members of a Food Control Committee shall be Trade Members, and that no person who is carrying on or is actively engaged in the business of a food trader shall be a member of a committee otherwise than as one of the Trade Members. As these committees are chiefly concerned with safeguarding the interests of consumers, I consider that this provision, which is directed to ensuring that representatives of consumers shall be in a majority, is desirable.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the date on which the Food Defence (Plans) Department was set up; how many persons were employed therein on the 31st August, 1938, and 31st August, 1939, respectively; and in what branch of its work had the Department completed a definite scheme available for immediate operation on 1st September, 1939?

The Food (Defence Plans) Department was established in December, 1936. Its headquarters staff consisted on the 31st August, 1938, and the 31st August, 1939, of 92 and 375 persons in all, including messengers, typists and clerks. In addition to the Headquarters staff a nucleus Divisional Food Organisation existed before the outbreak of war.In reply to the last part of the question the framework for schemes of control in respect of all the main essential commodities had been settled after discussion with all sections of the trades concerned. In most cases detailed planning had been carried about as far as was practicable under peace-time conditions.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why margarine manufacturers' agents are precluded from registration as No. 1 suppliers; whether he is aware that firms of this kind who sell to other wholesalers will be put out of business as the scheme now stands; and will he amend the scheme accordingly?

It is not proposed, in the margarine control scheme, to introduce a special price to intermediary buyers, between the manufacturers and wholesalers. The question of utilising the services of manufacturers' agents is now being considered by the Margarine Manufacturers' Association and I shall give careful consideration to any representations which they make to me.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the communication from the Federation of British Port Wholesale Fish Merchants' Associations protesting against the delay in calling a meeting of the advisory committee promised for the fish trade; and whether he is aware that the establishment of local allocation committees, together with the fixing of a schedule of maximum prices, is being held up because the advisory committee is not operative?

Nominations from some of the associations concerned have still to be received before the advisory committee can be formed, but the matter is being pressed forward as rapidly as possible. As soon as the committee meets proposals for a scheme of allocation of fish at ports and proposed maximum price schedules will be submitted.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what new methods have been found at agricultural research stations whereby a portion of the present large apple crop can be preserved; and what assistance he is giving to such schemes?

Methods of preserving apples are known both to the public and to preserved food trades and I am not aware that any special assistance is needed. For information as to the work of agricultural research stations I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, when rationing is introduced, he will institute a free weekly distribution of food supplies to old age pensioners or take other steps to see that these people are enabled to purchase their rations?

The scheme for the rationing of essential foodstuffs is applicable to all members of the community alike. Provision for the contingency which the hon. Member has in mind must, I think, be found in other forms of assistance.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what price the farmer is paid for A potatoes and B potatoes, respectively, and what the wholesaler is allowed for their distribution; also what was the price of beef dripping before Government control, and since?

The prices prescribed for potatoes are maximum prices and not fixed prices. Maximum prices to the grower for Grade A potatoes vary between 115s. and 90s., and for Grade B potatoes between 95s. and 70s. per ton, according to the area of production. Prices charged by wholesalers for potatoes delivered to retailers may exceed these prices by a maximum of 25s. a ton, but it does not follow that this increase is realised by wholesalers in all cases.As regards the last part of the question, the price of beef dripping is governed by the Animal Oils and Fats (Provisional Control) Order of the 4th September, which provides that sales must not be made at prices exceeding the average price ruling during the seven days preceding the date of the Order. These prices were from 30s. to 34s. per cwt. delivered to users.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is contemplating stabilising the price of bread, either by subsidy or otherwise, for the period of the war?

The price of bread is at present below the level reached on several occasions in recent years and I see no reason for taking action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether in the case of dissatisfaction either with the goods supplied or with the service rendered, householders will be empowered to change the retailer with whom they have registered; and, if so, what will be the procedure to be followed?

In the first instance each consumer will register with a retailer of his own choice in respect of each rationed food, and the general intention is that consumers shall subsequently be able to transfer their registration on good cause being shown. The procedure will be by application to the local Food Control Committee, through whom the control of local distribution, including the administration of the rationing scheme, will be exercised.

asked the Minister of Supply what' effective precautions are contemplated to prevent tin and rubber supplied by this country to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics reaching Germany, either as raw materials or as components of supplies furnished by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to Germany?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams).

asked the Minister of Supply whether surveys of all factory accommodation in the country are in progress; when it is expected that this will be completed; and how new productive capacity is to be employed?

Detailed surveys of capacity have been in hand for some years. The results of these surveys are now being utilised and further surveys are being carried out. It cannot yet be stated in detail how the new capacity located is to be employed, but it will be in connection with the armament programme as need arises.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, since his Ministry made orders for the control of flax and hemp on 1st September, business in these commodities has been almost brought to a standstill; whether he is aware that not a single purchase of sisal by British spinners has been possible during the last five weeks though it is wanted to manufacture goods essential for war purposes; why, in spite of the control, the prices of fibres have gone up from 60 to as much as 200 per cent.; and whether he will consider modifying the system of control so that users can both buy the fibres they require for spinning and obtain them at reasonable prices?

I am aware that there is a discrepancy between the maximum prices at which flax and hemp may be sold in this country and the prices ruling abroad, which the hon. Baronet will appreciate are not under my control. Apart from one instance involving only a very small amount of fibre, I am not aware that there has been any interference with the production of goods into which these fibres enter, and the object of the control is to ensure that supplies shall be available to users at reasonable prices. To this end steps have been taken for purchases to be made abroad on the best possible terms.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that he is in a position to meet the clothing requirements, machine-tools, jigs, tools, etc., required to cope with the expansion in general; and are the various industries organised efficiently to meet the demands of the armed forces, Civil Defence, and to maintain that part of the export trade which will assist to maintain economic equilibrium?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the organisation of the Ministry of Supply is being largely expanded and carefully adapted to attain the wide objectives indicated in his question. I have every reason to think that the Ministry will be found equal to the task before it, with the full co-operation alike of employers and employed in the industries concerned, which is being most readily given. Discussions are also in progress with representatives of organised labour as to the best method of enlisting its help in the organisation and work of the Ministry. Close touch is being maintained with the Service Departments, the Departments responsible for Civil Defence and the Board of Trade and they are fully alive to the importance of the efficient organisation of the various industries concerned for the purposes mentioned.

asked the Minister of Supply whether area committees have now been set up in each of the respective areas into which the country is divided; and what is the constitution of the same?

While representatives of the Ministry have been appointed in areas throughout the country to deal with the various classes of stores and equipment, the detailed organisation of area committees has not been decided pending discussions now in progress with representatives of organised labour.

asked the Minister of Supply what considerations have led to the fixing of prices of home-grown pit-wood so far above those quoted for foreign supplies; and, in view of this inducement to raise prices unnecessarily to the detriment of the coalmining industry, he will cause the whole position to be reviewed?

The prices of imported pit-wood are, normally, considerably lower than the prices at which home-grown pit-wood could be sold economically and, in consequence, home-grown supplies were small in relation to requirements. It is now necessary to develop them. The scheduled prices of home-grown pit wood represent, in the view of my expert advisers, a fair return to producers under present conditions, while prices for imported pit-wood are those current at the outbreak of the present emergency and are thus based on pre-war costs. In due course additional costs, due to war conditions, will necessitate an increase in the prices of the imported wood, whereas it is hoped that prices of home-grown pit-wood will not require to be increased materially.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he contemplates the introduction of legislation to extend the payment of compensation to individuals who suffer loss in addition to the loss of property requisitioned by the State for which, under recent legislation, compensation is now payable?

The Government must have experience of the working of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, before it is possible to consider whether or not amendment is required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the effect upon agriculture of Section 2 of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, which allows the taking possession of any land at a rental accruing from day to day and provides no compensation for loss of profit caused to the occupier by such taking of possession, as is provided under Section 6 for the producer of goods requisitioned or acquired thereunder?

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. Payment of compensation in the form of recurring payments appears appropriate to the case of the temporary taking possession of land under Section 2 of the Act. The position as regards compensation under the Act appears to be similar in the case of the farmer to that of any other producer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that as a result of the cost of maintaining old age pensioners at the Cardiff City Lodge having recently risen to 38s. per week due to the higher administrative costs, pension officials have ruled that the pensioner inmates must lose their pensions, and, as a consequence, their weekly allowance of 2s. will cease; and whether he will make a statement on the position?

The matter is under consideration and will be brought up at the next meeting of the local pension committee. Meanwhile no decision has been taken.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state the grounds on which the Board has given its consent to the return to evacuated areas of certain secondary schools, in view of the fact that the conditions in those areas have not changed since their evacuation was planned and that the average age of the pupils is lower than that of senior schools?

In the few cases where the Board have given consent to reopening of secondary schools, the schools concerned have been situated on the fringes of or in a sparsely populated portion of the area. In all such cases it has been a condition that adequate airraid protection has been provided and it has been made clear to parents that attendance is entirely at their discretion. It is not the case that the average age of pupils in secondary schools is lower than that in senior schools. Secondary schools normally take pupils from 11 to 17 and over, and senior schools from 11 to 14. The whole problem is under day-to-day review.