asked the Secretary of State for War whether, to counteract the effect of the delay in paying allowances to the wives of serving soldiers, he will make arrangements to permit in all cases advances to be made by the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association on the understanding that they will be, in due course, refunded?

While I welcome any help which this or other similar associations can give to the families of soldiers, I do not think it is either necessary or desirable to make them part of the official machinery for providing soldiers' wives with financial assistance. Steps have been taken which I hope will eliminate delays in the issue of family allowances in future, but, if need does arise, the official channel for obtaining temporary assistance, pending the issue of an allowance, is through the local office of the Ministry of Labour, under the Government scheme for the prevention of distress.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers, noncommissioned officers and men are employed in and about internment camps in this country apart from those employed on guard and escort duties?

The number is 377. This figure covers a number of camps reserved for internees, which, if found to be surplus, will shortly be taken up for other purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to economy, he will consider concentrating all the 337 internees in a single camp instead of in six camps, as at present?

The number of internees is now 660, and is likely to increase still further. The number of camps now in use is three.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether many anti-aircraft units are still living in tents; and whether he can make any statement as to when huts are likely to be provided for such units?

Hutting for all antiaircraft units is proceeding as rapidly as possible, and, in the meantime every effort has been made to obtain sufficient accommodation near anti-aircraft sites in billets and requisitioned buildings. It is, however, still necessary to accommodate some 18 per cent. of the strength in tents.At all but one-half per cent. of gun and searchlight sites, it will be possible to dispense with tents by the middle of November, and at the outstanding one-half per cent. by the middle of December. Provision of special heating arrangements for personnel in tents is in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War what officers have been appointed to the staff of the War Office since the outbreak of war, giving their appointments and qualifications?

Three hundred and seventy-four officers have been added to the staff of the War Office since mobilisation. It would not be desirable to publish the other details asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to publish the Report of the Oliver Committee appointed to inquire into the law governing courts-martial; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation at an early date to give effect to the findings of that committee?

The answer to both parts of the question is "No, Sir." The main recommendations of the Committee related to the appointment, constitution and functions of the Judge Advocate General and his office. As it is not practicable to make the proposed alterations during the war, it would would not be possible, if the report were published now, to indicate the decisions of His Majesty's Government thereon, and its publication has therefore been deferred.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the usual length of time that is given to soldiers for sick leave after the anti-typhoid inoculation; in how many cases the time allowed has been exceeded; and what untoward effects from inoculation have been recorded?

Soldiers are required to rest for 48 hours after anti-typhoid inoculation, and it is only exceptionally that this period of rest has to be extended. Sick leave is not necessary. Untoward effects are unusual. If they occur, they are transient in nature.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that permission to take documents, papers, books, newspapers or visiting cards out of this country has to be obtained from an office in Liverpool; and whether he will arrange a more central and expeditious means of obtaining the necessary permission?

The issue of permits is dealt with at Liverpool by a branch of the Censorship Department, which is located there. There is, however, a small office in London which deals with urgent cases, and an expansion of this is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will publish a list of the staff of the Ministry at each headquarters, respectively, excluding clerical and messengers, showing the salary of each officer and their previous occupations?

I have had prepared a list giving the information asked for by my hon. and learned Friend in respect of the headquarters of the Ministry in London and local headquarters in the different areas. It is not yet possible to give full particulars of the various raw materials controls where the staffing arrangements still remain to be definitely settled.The present total strength of the offices covered by the question is approximately 2,600. Of these 2,100 are clerks, messengers and members of subordinate grades. This leaves a list of 531 names covering 30 pages of foolscap. In the interests of economy I hesitate to incur the cost of so much printing in the OFFICIAL REPORT and propose to place a copy of the list in the Library of the House.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is in a position to assure the House that every appropriate measure is being taken, consistent with the needs of armament production, to provide for supplies of materials essential for the maintenance of British export trade?

Yes, Sir. The hon. Member has no doubt seen in the Press a statement which was sent by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to a number of trade organisations regarding the steps which are being taken by my right hon. Friend and by me to ensure that supplies of materials are made available for the manufacture of goods for the export trade to the utmost practicable extent.

asked the Minister of Supply why the timber control is established at Bristol; whether he is aware that the controller is one of the principal directors of a timber firm in Bristol and that the assistant-controller and the controller are connected with timber concerns in London, Manchester and Southampton; and is he satisfied that such appointments are in the public interest?

It was considered desirable that the offices of the various raw materials controls should not be set up in London, and, as part of the general scheme, accommodation at Bristol was allocated to the timber control. The reply to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. It is essential that the staffs of the controls should be well acquainted with the trades they are to deal with. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Storey) on the 29th September, they have ceased for the time being from any active participation in business enterprises in any way connected with the industry, the raw materials of which they are controlling.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will publish the names of the staff, other than juniors, of the timber central department with their salaries and former occupations?

I am obtaining the information desired by my hon. Friend and will then circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the number of technical professional workers now unemployed; and, in view of the distress arising therefrom, and the waste of their experience, whether he is giving special consideration to this problem?

I am aware that as a result of the change-over from peace to war production there has been an increase in unemployment amongst some classes of technical professional workers. There is reason to anticipate that this is a passing phase, but I am considering as a matter of urgency what further steps can be taken to bring them into touch with suitable vacancies.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living, it is intended proportionately to increase the scales of unemployment benefit and unemployment allowance?

I cannot add anything at the moment to replies given recently on this subject in the House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange with the Unemployment Assistance Board to make an inquiry into the weekly budget of applicants in receipt of unemployment assistance allowances with a view to finding out the actual effect of the increased prices of household necessities since the outbreak of war?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on the 27th September, the Board are closely watching the position with regard to increases in the cost of living as far as they affect their applicants. In these circumstances I do not think that a formal inquiry into the matter, which would inevitably occupy a considerable time, would be justified.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the continued delays in the payment of allowances to the dependants of some militiamen, he will give further publicity to the fact that their dependants should make immediate application for an allowance to the Unemployment Assistance Board?

Steps have been taken through the medium of the Press and the B.B.C. to make the position generally known and perhaps the hon. Member's question will further the object he has in view.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the number of miners and tinplate workers, respectively, in the Brynaman and Pontardawe area unemployed in each month from October, 1938, to the latest available date, giving each week for the last month, and the cause of unemployment; and will he take steps to re-start the industries?

The latest available statistics relate to nth September, when the number on the registers of the Pontardawe Exchange was 84 as compared with 673 on 17th October, 1938.The table below shows the numbers of insured persons, aged 14–64, in the coalmining and tinplate industries recorded as unemployed at the Pontardawe Employ- ment Exchange at one date in each month from October, 1938, to September, 1939; corresponding figures are not available for any date later than 11th September. 1939. There is no separate exchange at Brynaman and figures for this area are therefore not available.

Date.	Coal Mining.	Tinplates.
1938:
17th October	30	643
14th November	54	615
12th December	38	613
1939:
16th January	54	611
13th February	46	506
13th March	54	425
17th April	21	79
15th May	19	73
12th June	13	38
10th July	10	34
14th August	17	25
11th September	7	77

It is not possible to state precisely in each case the cause of unemployment amongst the workers concerned, but the hon. Member will see from the figures given in the table that apart from a slight deterioration recently in the tinplate industry there has been a very marked improvement in the unemployment position in the area during the past year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the workers of Bishopton ordance factory are out on strike on the question of hours of labour and wages; and what steps has he taken to deal with this situation?

I have no definite information regarding the particular dispute to which the hon. Member refers but I assume that the workers in question are employed in the building and civil engineering industries. If so their wages and working conditions are determined by agreements reached through the joint machinery established in those two industries and any question with regard to hours of labour and wages should be raised in the constitutional manner through the appropriate machinery.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the increasing dissatisfaction among members of the medical profession with the personnel of the medical boards for the examination of recruits; and what representations he has received on this matter from any medical organisation?

I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction among members of the medical profession with the personnel of medical boards. I received representations last August from the Medical Practitioners' Union, but with regard to the method of selecting this personnel I am not satisfied that any change is necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour, why in Surrey two medical men are receiving £1,000 per year for examination of recruits for the forces, whereas in the same area other available doctors are denied the opportunity of acting for such boards; and whether he will inquire into this matter with a view to eliminating dissatisfaction with these boards?

There are five Medical Boards in Surrey, members of which are drawn from panels consisting, in all, of over 70 practitioners, and I do not think that any increase in this number is necessary. Payment is made not at a fixed annual rate but by fees according to the number of sessions attended. I will inquire into the distribution of the work among the members of the panels, but I may say that I am not aware of any dissatisfaction in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Mrs. Phipps, the wife of Aircraftman D. Phipps, of 35, Hunters Grove, Romford, has still not received an allowance on his behalf, although he has been called up for service over seven weeks now; that this is not due to any inaccurate particulars having been given by the applicant; and whether he will deal with this case at once?

I am aware of the delay referred to which appears to be due to the loss of the claim during postal transit. The validity of the claim was never in question and pending the preparation of a duplicate claim an advance of £3 was sent to this airman's wife immediately on receipt of her complaint. Steps have now been taken to ensure that she receives regularly through the usual channels the family allowance due to her.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will cause inuiry to be made to ascertain how enemy aircraft were able to reach the Forth Bridge without apparent challenge; and how those aircraft which escaped from the attack of the local anti-aircraft defences were able apparently to reach the open sea again, nearly 40 miles from the scene of the fighting, without interception?

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the air-raid warning was not given in Edinburgh on Monday, 16th October, and how it was that German airplanes reached the Forth before they were observed?

asked the Secretary of State for Air, whether, as the result of his inquiries, he is able to throw further light upon the absence of air-raid warnings during the raid on the Firth of Forth on 16th October; whether he is satisfied to leave the decision as to whether a warning shall be sounded before and during an actual air raid to the officer commanding fighter command; and what further instructions have been, or are being issued, to ensure that timely and adequate warning is given to threatened areas?

The problem of intercepting enemy aircraft which are moving at speeds of four miles a minute and upwards at any height up to 20,000 feet or more and taking every advantage of cloud and haze conditions, is obviously one of great difficulty. We regard our defence system as highly effective, as events have proved; but we have never claimed that enemy aircraft will not on occasion penetrate it. None the less, on Monday our patrols intercepted the enemy and attacked them with highly successful results. Some enemy aircraft were brought down while attacking their target, and others while trying to escape: others again were certainly damaged.My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained on Tuesday why the sirens were not sounded in Edinburgh last Monday, and I have nothing to add to that explanation. He also said that the circumstances in which air raid warnings should be issued will be carefully reviewed in the light of the experience gained.The responsible and very difficult task of deciding when, having regard to the movements of hostile aircraft, any aircraft warning shall be given, must be left to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Command, in whom His Majesty's Government have the fullest confidence.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in the light of further inquiry, he is satisfied with the strength of the anti-aircraft defences in the East of Scotland; whether, in particular, he can assure the House that a sufficient number of fighter machines and anti-aircraft batteries are available, and the sea observation air service, listening organisation, warning system and chaser-machine service are adequate to protect the vital naval and industrial areas in the central belt of Scotland?

The high proportion of losses inflicted on the enemy in the course of the attack on the Firth of Forth area on the 15th October indicates the effectiveness of the defences. All aspects of the air defence situation are, however, closely watched and adjustments made as necessary in the light of experience.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can make any statement as to the causes for the substantial rise in the retail price of tea?

There has been no substantial rise in the retail price of tea if allowance is made for quality. There is, however, at present some shortage in the cheaper varieties of tea and allocation to the trade of these varieties has had to be restricted.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that, in view of the prices ruling for feeding-stuffs and other costs, the more pigs a fanner produces the greater is his loss; and, in view of the necessity for increasing the country's supply, will he consider raising the fixed selling price as soon as possible?

As my right hon. Friend stated yesterday in his reply to questions by the hon. Members for Lowestoft (Mr. Loftus) and Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan), the standard selling price of pigs has been increased by 1s. per score lbs.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the standard margarine will be of the quality usually termed vitaminised, that is, with additions of vitamins A and D, estimated to bring it up to the vitamin value of butter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what authority the South Eastern Area Wholesale Meat Supply Association are refusing to grant licences to a trader who produced an average of 12 cwt. of manufactured meats each week during 1938 on the grounds that the premises were not registered under the Factories Act, 1937?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on nth October. As was stated on that occasion, we are anxious to give consideration to any case in which the restriction appears to involve genuine hardship. If my hon. Friend has any such case in mind, I shall be pleased to make inquiries into it.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the representations made by the trawler owners of Hull and Grimsby that they have not been paid for the fish commandeered since the introduction of the Fish Scheme ending 9th September; and when he proposes to settle these outstanding accounts?

Substantial payments on account have been made for the fish taken over under the Fish Scheme and the balance due will be paid as soon as all the information necessary has been received.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the necessity of supplying pure glucose for medicinal purposes and for its use in the composition of infant foods; and whether in the circumstances he will arrange for the further raw material to be liberated for the manufacture of this commodity?

I am aware of the demand for glucose for medicinal purposes and for the manufacture of infants foods. The question of the best allocation of the available supplies of raw materials used by this industry is under active consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can now announce the prices to be paid for herring landed during the East Anglian fishing?

A maximum price for herring at the port of 98s. per cran was fixed by Order as from Monday the 16th of October. Subject to this maximum price, herring are sold by auction.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in adopting any scheme of control and rationing of meat supplies, provision will be made for pork butchers; and whether meat will be supplied to small manufacturers for making up meat products on the same lines as small retailers?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will state the arrangements that are being made for the production of films for propaganda purposes by the Ministry; and how many are now being made?

Save in exceptional circumstances and for special reasons, it is not the policy of the Ministry to embark on the production of films for propaganda purposes at Government expense; but rather to encourage and assist the production and distribution of suitable films through ordinary commercial channels. In co-operation with the Air Ministry, the Ministry has arranged for the production without subsidy, by Alexander Korda Films Limited, of an important film dealing with the work of the Royal Air Force, for which it is hoped to secure world-wide distribution.In addition, wide distribution has already been secured in this country for an instructional film made on behalf of the Home Office by the G.P.O. Film Unit. This unit has now been transferred to the Ministry, and is at present engaged in the production of a film dealing with the transition of London from peace to war.Documentary and other film producers have been invited to submit scenarios for several films, which the Ministry hopes to produce for exhibition both at home and overseas; and several other subjects for films are under active consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will now make it clear that the information in his possession relating to the despatch of parcels of butter by Mr. Hentzen of Bradford, before the war, to friends of his in Germany, removes all reproach of unpatriotic conduct against that gentleman?

The information in the possession of my Noble Friend which was given to the Press in regard to the despatch of parcels of butter to addresses in Germany made no allegation of unpatriotic conduct against Mr. Hentzen nor is there any suggestion that his conduct in this regard has been unpatriotic.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware that copies of the Blue Book on the events leading up to the outbreak of war are practically unobtainable in the United States of America and in Switzerland; and whether he will arrange to have large supplies on sale to the general public in both countries?

Two thousand copies of the Blue Book were despatched immediately on publication to the British Library of Information in New York for sale to the American public. Moreover, the Stationery Office have granted permission to a prominent publishing firm in the United States of America to reprint the text of the Blue Book; and I am informed that this version, if not already on sale in the United States of America, will shortly be so.With regard to Switzerland, over 200 copies were despatched on publication to His Majesty's Legation and Consulates in that country for distribution; and the Stationery Office, which is always ready to meet any orders from booksellers for copies of official publications, have sent a number of copies to booksellers in that country. I may add that in the early days after the publication of the Blue Book, when the demand for it tended to outrun the supply, the Stationery Office agreed to give priority to all foreign orders for copies. In addition permission has been given by the Stationery Office for translations into German and French to be made, as well as into other languages.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is prepared to make arrangements whereby the Blue Book on the events preceding the outbreak of war, Miscellaneous, No. 9 of 1939, can be made available to the British public at the same rate as it is now about to be made available outside the United Kingdom, namely, at 6d. a copy?

I have been asked to reply. The official publication in this country at the price of 1s. remains in great demand. About 450,000 copies have already been sold and sales are continuing at the rate of nearly 10,000 copies a day. Arrangements have been made with the Stationery Office, in conjunction with the Ministry of Information, to issue an abridged version which will shortly be available at the price of 2d. In these circumstances I do not see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. I should add that an arrangement has been entered into by the Stationery Office with a well-known publishing firm under which the English text of the Blue Book will be reprinted for sale abroad on special terms.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information in what capacity Mr. C. L. Shard is employed at the Ministry; and what exactly are his duties?

Mr. C. L. Shard has been employed in the preparation and distribution of newspaper articles. His services have been much appreciated. In view, however, of the reduction of staff now in train he has offered his resignation and it has been accepted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information in how many cases newspapers have offended against the Defence of the Realm Regulations since the beginning of September; and what steps have been taken to deal with such infringements?

The prosecution of offenders against the relevant Defence Regulations is not a matter for the Minister of Information; but so far as my Noble Friend is aware, there have been no such prosecutions either before the transfer of responsibility for censorship from him or since that date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether, in view of the vital importance of expanding the output and the area of reception of the foreign language news services of the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the impossibility, in view of security, of increasing the number of British Broadcasting Corporation's transmitters operating in this country, arrangements can be made for the corporation to lease time on available Continental stations for this purpose?

The Ministry of Information and the B.B.C. are in regular consultation as to possibilities of increasing the output and the area of reception of the corporation's foreign language news services. Very recently steps have been taken to augment both the services in question, which are now provided in 15 foreign languages as against seven before the outbreak of war, and the areas in which they can be received. My hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind, but, as he is no doubt aware, the number of Continental stations in a position to lease time has been severely curtailed by war-time control.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a special type of fire extinguisher is manufactured and supplied for extinguishing incendiary bombs; and whether he will inform the local air-raid precautions authorities of this fact and also that the ordinary carbon tetrachloride type is not suitable for this work?

I am not sure what particular type of fire extinguisher my hon. Friend has in mind. In the view of my technical advisers the most efficient hand appliance for dealing with incendiary bombs and the resultant fires is the stirrup hand pump with dual purpose nozzle made to Home Office specification. The use of this appliance has been recommended to local authorities and others in A.R.P. Handbook No. 9 on Incendiary Bombs and Fire Precautions, and in Public Information Leaflet No. 5 on Fire Precautions in War Time. As regards the second part of the question, the handbook to which I have referred also contains a specific warning as to the risks of using certain types of chemical extinguishers, including those which employ carbon tetrachloride, for the purpose of incendiary bomb control.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is intended to issue greatcoats to the Auxiliary Fire Service; and, if so, when?

As I stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 12th October, it has been decided to authorise the provision of waterproof coats for all Auxiliary Fire Service personnel whose duties require the provision of such garments. It is not intended also to issue greatcoats.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that mothers and children who, prior to evacuation, were receiving public assistance, are refused the usual evacuation allowance by the Unemployment Assistance Board in the reception area and referred to the public assistance committee, which either refuses relief altogether or else grants a smaller amount than that granted under the evacuation scheme; and whether he will take steps to prevent this discrimination continuing?

The special scheme for the prevention and relief of distress operated by the Unemployment Assistance Board was set up to deal with distress arising as a result of the war. It does not, therefore, apply to persons who were in receipt of public assistance prior to evacuation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the percentage of evacuees who have returned to their homes, and consider re-opening the schools, with a view to educating those who have returned?

I have asked local authorities for a return including the information desired by my hon. Friend and will communicate the result to him as soon as complete returns are received. The question of re-opening schools is a matter for the decision of my Noble Friend the President of the Board of Education.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, as no rent allowance is made in connection with premises in London and elsewhere that have been evacuated, many widows are being threatened with eviction and are consequently being compelled to return to London; and will he take steps to provide for payment of rent by a grant to local authorities in areas from which such persons have been evacuated?

The Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, requires that the leave of the appropriate court must be obtained before a landlord can enforce any order for the recovery of possession in default of payment of rent, and the court can refuse such leave if satisfied that the default arises from circumstances attributable to the war.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that persons in reception areas who had the children of relatives staying with them at the outbreak of the war were asked to keep them; that these persons have now been refused maintenance payments; that the parents of the children are in some cases unemployed and unable to contribute; that consequently the whole of the cost falls on the persons in the reception area; and will he take steps to remedy this hardship?

A broadcast was given at the outbreak of war, on grounds of general safety, recommending that parents in evacuation areas whose children were in less vulnerable areas, should not bring the children back. Householders upon whom children are billeted by a billeting authority receive billeting payments. Relatives who have children staying with them are admittedly in a position quite different from that of householders with children billeted upon them, and therefore do not come under the arrangements of the evacuation scheme. Where the parent is unemployed and eligible for an Unemployment Assistance allowance the Unemployment Assistance Board are prepared to take the case into consideration with a view to making such adjustment as will enable the parent to make some contribution towards the support of his child.

asked the Home Secretary whether there has been any unusual increase in the number of clubs in Newport and Monmouthshire during the past month; whether his attention has been called to an aggravation during the present war emergency conditions of the anomaly of Sunday opening as between clubs and public houses in the district; and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider meeting the convenience of the public by some alteration in the existing law?

I am informed that no new clubs were registered in Monmouthshire between the 1st September and the 10th October; and from such information as is available to me I have been unable to discover that war conditions have provided any new grounds for a change in the existing law.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increas- ing hardships of the injured workmen in receipt of compensation and the fact that the war has interfered so drastically with the sittings of the Royal Commission, he will reconsider the position as regards asking the Commission to issue an interim Report on the one question of the rates of compensation?

I have been asked to reply. I cannot add anything at present to the answers given to recent questions on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health when the ante-natal and child welfare centres and the tuberculosis dispensaries of local authorities will resume their normal activities?

I understand that local authorities generally are using their best endeavours to remedy such disturbances as have been caused by war conditions in the services referred to, and my policy is to encourage this process to the utmost. The hon. Member no doubt appreciates that the actual extent of the service required in any particular area may have been increased or decreased as the result of changes in the distribution of the population, and it is scarcely possible to say when a condition which could be described as normal will be reached in all areas.

asked the Minister of Health what further measures have been taken to deal with the recommendations made in the report on Anti-Tuberculosis Services in Wales?

Action on the report has unfortunately been interrupted by the war, and I cannot say how soon it will be possible, in the new circumstances, for the authorities concerned to complete their consideration of the matters involved. The hutted hospitals in Denbigh and at Chepstow are being proceeded with and these will, I hope, be of assistance, subject to the requirements of the casualty service, in connection with tuberculosis patients.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to restore the scale of charges in respect of trunk telephone calls which existed prior to the outbeak of war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 12th of October to the hon. Member for Rothwell. The same considerations apply to the differential rates which were formerly in operation.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether, with a view to assisting the dependants of officers and other ranks, he will consider the possibility of making the concession that no letters addressed to an overseas theatre of war should require stamps?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to assist the dependants of officers and other ranks, he will consider the possibility of allowing letters to be posted to His Majesty's Forces serving abroad without stamps?

As hon. Members are no doubt aware, my right hon. Friend has already conceded the Imperial rate of postage (1½d. for the first ounce and 1d. for each additional ounce) on letters for His Majesty's Forces abroad, wherever stationed, and he has granted free postage for letters for the United Kingdom, not exceeding 2 ounces in weight, posted by members of His Majesty's Forces serving with the Expeditionary Force in France. My right hon. Friend has also made substantial reductions in the parcel rates to the troops overseas and much regrets that he does not see his way to make any further concession.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many engineer-fitter apprentices at Chatham and other dockyards find full employment in high positions outside the naval service; that many of these gained Whitworth scholarships, etc.; why they did not find employment in Government service; and whether such men, skilled in mechanical and marine engineering, will be retained in future to the advantage of the Admiralty by offering them cadetships in the engineering branch of the Navy?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 12th December, 1938, to a similar question by the hon. Member for Central Portsmouth (Mr. R. Beaumont). I would add that the common examination referred to therein is a competitive examination and successful candidates, provided they are medically fit, have then the opportunity of embarking on a naval career. The academic qualifications of candidates have already been tested and any change of the nature proposed would operate inequitably as regards those who initially selected the Navy as a career.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the present inadequate petrol ration has created hardship and unemployment to many commercial travellers; and whether he will consider increasing the ration in the interests of trade and the prevention of further unemployment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 17th instant to the hon. and learned Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Fourth Census of Production showed that 774,800 persons were employed in 1929–30 by small firms employing not more than 10 persons as compared with 680,600 in 1924, and that the total for the Census of 1935 is likely to be larger still; and whether, in view of the fact that it is such firms, and firms employing 100 persons or less, that have been principally affected adversely by existing conditions, he will consult with the Minister of Supply and with other contract placing Departments to devise some system whereby such businesses may, in the national interest, be saved from extinction by being given financial facilities to undertake and execute small contracts?

Apart from building and contracting, the numbers employed by the firms employing not more than 10 persons were smaller in 1935 than in 1929–30. A considerable number of small firms are already employed directly on work for the Ministry of Supply and other Government Departments and many more undertake sub-contracting. Every effort is being made to utilise, so far as possible, the resources of small firms in connection with war requirements, and it will be possible to extend the numbers so employed, but it will be realised that many, in fact a large proportion of, small firms are not suitable for production work. As regards financial assistance, help is given by progress payments when this is appropriate and in some cases by provision of balancing plant, but generally the Ministry of Supply has no powers which would permit special assistance being given to firms merely because they are small and adversely affected by existing conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department or the Ministry of Economic Warfare is responsible for taking steps during hostilities to stimulate the export trade of the country; and what steps have been taken up to date to assist the cotton export trade?

My Department is primarily concerned in this matter. As indicated in a memorandum which I have sent to trade organisations and which has been published in the Press, the Board of Trade are opening discussions with representatives of major exporting industries with a view to facilitating their operations. These discussions will include the cotton industry.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of the increases on freight carried in coastal ships to the Western Isles; that the freight charge on coal is now 13s. per ton as compared with 7s. per ton two months ago, and the freight charge on the East Coast route is now 22s. 6d. as against 8s. 6d.; and what steps he is taking to prevent such profiteering?

In view of the extra expenses to which shipping is subject in present conditions, an increase in freights is to be expected. I would ask the hon. Member to give me full particulars of the cases which he quotes and I will have them investigated at once.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will consider, in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour, the exemption until at least Christmas. of four-term students, training for technicians and teachers who, apart from any examination at that date, will have no record of efficiency and progress for use after the war; and whether, to avoid the repetition of studies after the war and the expenditure by the State on heavy allowances, he will consult with the principals of these colleges with a view to carrying out an examination programme of this nature?

I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the fact that under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, students, like persons in other occupations, may apply on the ground of exceptional hardship for the postponement of their liability to be called up for military service. In reply to the second part of the question, students in Training Colleges will not be required, after the war, to repeat a period of study which they had completed before they were called up. The question of holding special examinations in Training Colleges for students who are called up before completing their approved courses of study is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the only facilities provided for elementary education in Stoke Newington by the London County Council elementary schools consists of one class to which one teacher is allotted; that the class is limited to 10 children at any given time; that each batch of 10 children receive instruction for half-an-hour only; that the pupils are restricted to children living near the school; and whether he will take immediate steps to provide adequate elementary educational facilities for the many children in the district who need it?

I understand that the facts are substantially as stated. The limitation of the number of children taught at one time, the period of their instruction and their proximity to the place at which the instruction is given are in accordance with the Board's directions against the opening of schools in evacuation areas for ordinary instruction. I regret that, owing to the comparatively small number of teachers now in London, only one teacher can at present be allocated to Stoke Newington, but I understand that the London County Council have arranged for the return to London of a certain number of teachers who are surplus to local requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education when he proposes to assent to the request of the Governors of the Whitgift Trust for the re-opening of the Middle Whitgift School, having regard to the desire of the majority of the parents and pupils that the school should be re-opened?

It is not proposed to assent to the re-opening of the Whitgift Middle School. The school is not on the fringes of or in a sparsely populated part of Croydon, and therefore does not satisfy the conditions on which assent may be given to the re-opening of secondary schools in evacuation areas.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present composition of the Horticultural Advisory Committee; and what are the qualifications of each of its members for service thereon?

The Horticultural Advisory Council is at present constituted as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present staff of the National Milk Publicity Council; what is its annual cost; what are the individual salaries received by the director, assistant director, the chief industrial organiser, and the area organisers, respectively; and whether, in view of the present conditions, arrangements will be made to close down the work of this council in view of its superfluity?

The National Milk Publicity Council is a voluntary body for which my Department has no responsibility and which receives no financial assistance from Government funds. In these circumstances, perhaps my hon. Friend could apply direct to the Council for the detailed information he requires. I may add that I understand that the Council has already taken steps to curtail appreciably its activities during the war.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will grant facilities to small householders with gardens attached to obtain agricultural lime at a reduced figure in the same way as allotment holders are able to do, and thus encourage a greater production of food?

My hon. Friend's proposal would involve an amendment of the Agriculture Act, 1937. I cannot undertake to introduce the necessary legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what the attitude of the Government is towards the maintenance of pedigree pig herds under war-time circumstances?

The Government hopes that owners of pedigree pigs will maintain their herds during the war, so that adequate breeding stock may be available when peace-time production is resumed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many farmers are still under the impression that individual farmers are only expected to plough up 10 per cent. of their present grassland, even in cases where very substantial areas of suitable grassland are available; and will he make a further precise statement on this point?

In the broadcast appeal which I made at the outbreak of war, farmers were urged to plough up at least 10 per cent. of their grassland for the production of arable crops next year. This was the immediate task until the County War Agricultural Executive Committees, to whom the necessary powers had been delegated, were in a position to decide precisely how much grassland each farmer could reasonably be expected to break up, but it was, and is, not intended that the maximum area to be ploughed up on each individual farm should be fixed at 10 per cent.Tillage is, in general, more productive than grassland, and the objective is to secure as large an arable area as possible for the harvest of 1940.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of inspectors of agriculture in Wales called up to the colours; and what steps are being taken to maintain adequate staff in agriculture?

Four members of the outdoor staff of the Department in Wales have been called up to the colours, all of whom either have been, or will shortly be replaced. The hon. Member may rest assured that all necessary steps will be taken to maintain an adequate staff to deal with agricultural matters in Wales.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Government is unwilling to insist upon the withdrawal of its trust account deposit, amounting to over £10,000,000, held by the Bank for International Settlements in Germany?

My right hon. Friend has already stated the position fully on a number of occasions, including the replies given to the hon. Member on the 1st August last and on the 3rd October. The figure of over £10,000,000 must refer to the total of the deposits of all the 10 creditor Governments in the Annuity Trust Account, and not to the British share, which is little more than a fifth of it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can say what approximately would be the yield of a turnover tax of 1d. in the 1s. and 1s. in the £on all retail sales: and whether he has any statistics as to the experience of similar taxation in France and some of the States of the United States of America?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to furnish an estimate of the yield of a retail turnover tax such as my hon. Friend suggests.As regards the second part of the question, there is not a separate retail sales tax in France. Turnover taxes are, however, in operation in that country, and I will send my hon. Friend an extract from the French Government publication, the Bulletin de Statistique, containing particulars of the receipts from those taxes. In the case of the United States, my right hon. Friend is not in a position to say what is the yield of the State retail taxes, but I will send my hon. Friend a reference to a recent publication on Retail Sales Taxation which contains estimates of the yield in certain States.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the insufficiency of a pension of 10s. per week for adult persons, on account of the substantial increase in the cost of living during last month, the Government proposes to introduce legislation for the purpose of increasing pensions to a standard adequate for maintenance?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the steep rise in the cost of living recently, he will favourably consider the demand of old age pensioners for an increase of their pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the increasing number of old age pensioners making a call upon the public assistance authorities owing to the rise in the cost of living is causing a serious increase of rates in industrial centres, he will consider taking over this responsibility by increasing the payments to old ape pensioners, so that they may live without recourse to the public assistance committee?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the rise in the cost of living last month, he is now in a position to make a further statement in regard to the Government's intentions concerning the amount of old age pensions?

No Government has ever claimed that the rate of old age pension is sufficient to enable a pensioner to maintain himself without any other resources. The cost of living has not risen by more than was to be anticipated on the outbreak of war, and the cost of living index is still substantially lower than it was either in December, 1919, when the rate of pension was raised to 10s., or in August, 1925, when the contributory pension scheme was passed. In view of the very large expenditure involved in even a small general rise in the rate of old age pension, the Government regret that they cannot see their way at the present time to introduce legislation with a view to increasing the rate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to check the waste of public money upon Government contracts, he will appoint local representatives of the Treasury with power to inspect and report upon causes of complaint?

The responsibility for securing the economical execution of Government contracts rests primarily with the contracting Department who, acting on general principles approved by the Treasury, discharge the responsibility partly by securing safeguards against waste in the terms of the contract and partly by supervision and inspection during the progress of the work. The appointment of local representatives of the Treasury would involve duplication and would impair the responsibility of the contracting Department without, in my judgment, securing adequate compensating advantages.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether persons who, because of income are disqualified for free air-raid shelter, and who provide shelters for their own household use, can charge the cost of such shelters as an item to rank for a rebate on Income Tax?

No, Sir. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to the provisions contained in Section 17 of the Finance Act, 1938, for relief from Income Tax, Schedule A, in respect of additions or alterations to buildings which are made solely for the purpose of affording protection in the event of air raids.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that while control of certain commodities, and to some extent of business activities by Government Departments is recognised as inevitable in time of war, there is resentment and anxiety at the increasing tendency towards bureaucratic control of trade and industry with results which are detrimental to the successful carrying on of ordinary business operations, tend to create unemployment, will seriously affect the yield of revenue, and may permanently cripple the spirit of enterprise and initiative upon which the British Empire has been largely built up; and will he take action to reverse this procedure?

The Government's aim is to secure that their intervention in trade and industry should be kept within the narrowest possible bounds consistent with the essential requirements of the national situation. For this purpose the extent of the measures of control they find it necessary to impose is constantly under review with the object of introducing such modifications as may be practicable to ensure that business enterprise is not restricted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the methods adopted in connection with the requisitioning of hotels and the absence of any proper arrangements to compensate those concerned for the grave losses which they have suffered in consequence is causing widespread discontent throughout the country; and whether, in these circumstances, he will set up without delay a Select Committee to investigate the position and make recommendations for its alleviation?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether, in view of the feeling that the Compensation (Defence) Act in no way provides adequately for compensation in respect of losses of business revenue and goodwill following requisitioning of hotels by the Government, he will arrange in due course for the introduction of alternative legislation to deal with this matter?

My right hon. Friend is not prepared to admit that before experience has been gained of the working of the Compensation (Defence) Act and before any claims have been submitted and dealt with, and, if necessary, the decision of the Tribunal taken thereon, there are adequate grounds for complaint, or that the need has arisen for further legislation. In any case, however, he does not consider that the matter in question could be appropriately dealt with by Select Committee procedure.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will reconsider the regulation under which married women are refused temporary employment in the Civil Service in war time, in view of the many cases of difficulty where husbands have been called up from well-paid positions to the Territorial Army, leaving their wives with commitments exceeding the separation allowance?

Married women as such are not automatically excluded from consideration for employment in a temporary capacity in the Civil Service in war time. On the other hand the Ministry of Labour, in submitting to Government Departments candidates for such employment, would not normally put forward the names of married women where there is an adequate field of selection amongst men and unmarried women.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the resentment felt by certain people in country towns who have had civil servants compulsorily billeted upon them; what arrangements are being made to prevent hardship and unreasonable demands; and what right of appeal exists?

I have no reason to believe that there is any general unwillingness on the part of the inhabitants of the towns in question to play their part in the national effort, and I am satisfied that billetors are not being subjected to hardship or are having unreasonable demands made upon them.As regards the last part of the question, any person who feels aggrieved by the serving of a billeting notice upon him has the right to appeal to local tribunals which have been set up for this purpose.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, with a view to avoiding unnecessary waste of petrol, he will recommend to all Government Departments that their principal officials should set an example to the public by using, wherever possible, small motor-cars of low petrol consumption rather than large saloons which are often employed by them at the present time?

I have no reason to think that Government Departments and their staffs are not fully alive to the desirability of avoiding the use of unnecessarily high-powered motor-cars, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that building societies have stopped making advances, save in exceptional cases, with the result that those who have purchased houses relying on building society advances arc suffering serious loss and inconvenience, and builders and associated trades and their employés are losing work and employment; and whether he will consult with the societies to see how business can be carried on as usual?

I cannot add anything to the reply on this subject which I gave to the hon. Member on 4th October.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed to give financial assistance to-local authorities controlling docks, markets, and other enterprises, which have been adversely affected by the war?

Losses arising from the war constitute a risk to which all classes of the community are liable, and the enterprises of local authorities cannot be singled out for special treatment by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make in regard to the Egyptian cotton crops?

His Majesty's Government recognise the vital importance to Egypt of the cotton crop now available for export and are considering what action they can take to assist in its orderly disposal.

asked the Prime Minister whether the references to aggression by a European Power in the agreement of mutual assistance, signed between the United Kingdom and Poland on 25th August last, were intended to cover the case of aggression by other Powers than Germany, including Russia?

No, Sir. During the negotiations which led up to the signature of the agreement, it was understood between the Polish Government and His Majesty's Government that the agreement should only cover the case of aggression by Germany; and the Polish Government confirm that this is so.

asked the Prime Minister how much territory was added to Poland by action of Polish arms, over and above the area agreed on by the Treaty of Versailles; what were the dates of these acquisitions of territory; from what countries were they taken; and what area does he intend to recognise as the boundary of the Poland whose provisional Government is now being established in France and recognised as the Government of Poland?

The Treaty of Versailles did not lay down the area of the Polish State, but dealt only with the frontier between Poland and Germany. Such parts of this frontier as the Treaty did not exactly define were left for determination, after the holding of plebiscites, by the Conference of Ambassadors. The frontier so determined has not been altered by the action of Poland. The other frontiers of Poland were subsequently settled by other international arrangements.As regards the last part of the question, the present Polish Government is not a provisional Government, but the legal successor of the Government which it replaced. As Polish territory is in foreign occupation, no question of recognising boundaries arises.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the position as regards the eligibility of Colonial subjects in this country to volunteer for service in the armed forces?

As was announced in the Press to-day, His Majesty's Government have decided that, during the present emergency, British subjects from the Colonies and British protected persons who are in this country, including those who are not of pure European descent, are to be on the same footing as British subjects from the United Kingdom as regards eligibility for voluntary enlistment in the armed Forces and for consideration for the grant of emergency commissions in those Forces. This will apply in the case of all three Services, the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what opportunities are being given to citizens of Colonies and Protectorates, whether African or other, to enlist in His Majesty's Forces and to obtain commissions?

As regards men who are in this country, I would refer to the answer which is being given to-day to the question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones). As regards men in the Colonies, opportunities have been made available in a number of Dependencies for enlistment in the local forces, which have been expanded since the outbreak of war. The possible further expansion of such forces is at present receiving consideration.