asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions that new vehicles being commandeered by his Department will be taken over at the works and not after they have reached the customer, and thus save nearly 35 per cent. of the cost to the nation?

It is already the policy to take over new vehicles at the works, whenever practicable.

Is the Minister aware that recently there was a case of a vehicle being sent from London to Edinburgh, delivered to a customer, taken over by the military at full price, and sent back to London? Is that in accordance with the right hon. Gentleman's policy?

I cannot possibly know about that particular vehicle, but I have answered the question, and the reply, I think, covers the point satisfactorily.

Will the Minister inquire into it, because this extravagance seems to be in shocking contrast to the allowances for soldiers' pensions?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me the opportunity of looking into it I shall be glad to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all officers have received up to date payments and allowances due to them?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Reserve and Territorial officers called to the colours on the outbreak of war are still without any pay?

October pay is due to-day. Command Paymasters and the Army Agents, who are charged with the issue of officers' pay, report that pay is being issued to all officers for whom they have received joining reports, with the exception of a small residue of officers from whom the agents are still awaiting instructions as to the account to which they wish their pay credited. In the meantime, the agents are holding the pay at the officers' disposal. In order to elicit the requisite instructions in these cases without further delay, orders have been sent by telegraph to the officers commanding all the units concerned to obtain the information from the officers and telegraph it to the agents, reporting to the War Office that they have done so. As a further measure, a complete census was set on foot a fortnight ago with a view to identifying every officer whose joining had not previously been reported or who for any other reason had not received his pay. This has resulted in a considerable number of cases being picked up, but reports are still coming in, no doubt due to scattered units and frequent moves. If the officer and the unit have done their part, these measures should clear up every outstanding case. I much regret that delays have occurred, but the remedy rests largely in the officers' own hands. If any officer who did not receive his pay would, after verifying that it is not lying at his bank, as it is in a large proportion of cases of complaint, himself communicate with his Army Agents or Command Paymaster or to the Chief Paymaster, the War Office (not the Paymaster-General), stating when and where he joined and how he wishes his pay dealt with, the matter could be quickly settled. As regards allowances, which are all paid by paymasters, the position is similar. Provided the officer's joining has been reported and a claim made, where one is necessary, allowances due for October are being issued to-day.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his energetic action, may I ask him, in view of the fact that to my knowledge certain units have had no pay since embodiment, whether from now onwards payment will be regular?

I have personally looked into every case that has been submitted to me, and in nearly every case either the officer or the unit has omitted to give the necessary instructions. It may interest the hon. Lady to know that the total number of officers in the whole British Army from whom no instructions have yet been received is 371. If they comply with the instructions I hope that they will not be kept in suspense for a moment longer than necessary.

What is the date of that figure?

To-day.

If there are still cases outstanding after this pay day, and if I give my right hon. Friend cases, will he look into them?

I hope that no hon. Member will hesitate a moment to bring such cases to my notice. Obviously the money is available for them, but owing to some omission or oversight some officers have not been paid. I very much regret it, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will bring any case to my attention I will look into it at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost of the various works, including water supply, sanitation and lighting, which were carried out in order to equip the buildings at Ludlow racecourse for occupation by troops; and whether he is aware that, after being occupied by troops for about six weeks, the buildings are now empty and the equipment is being dismantled?

Ludlow racecourse was occupied on mobilisation by an infantry battalion. The cost of the various works, including water supply, sanitation and lighting, which were carried out in order to equip the buildings at the racecourse, was approximately £2,000. The formation to which the unit belonged was ordered to move, and the buildings were consequently evacuated. It was proposed to use the buildings for the accommodation of further troops, but the local authority represented that the presence of troops in such numbers might endanger the town water supply. The materials used to equip the buildings were, therefore, withdrawn and are being utilised elsewhere in Ludlow for a similar purpose.

Would it not have been possible to find out about the water supply before building was commenced and money spent?

It would have been possible certainly and will always be possible in future. This action was taken immediately on mobilisation, and as soon as the local authority pointed out the danger, other steps were taken. I much regret that it was necessary to revise the course of action originally taken.

I suppose that it was the amenities of the water supply that were in danger and not the amenities of the golf course?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrange- ments can be made to obviate the enlistment of youths under 18 years of age by requiring that all those stating their age to be 18 should produce a birth certificate or baptismal document and thus prevent worry and expense to relatives who only learn of the enlistment after it has taken place?

The minimum age for enlistment as a man is now 20.

If a boy is wanted at 17 would it not be possible to prove his age and put him in a special training company?

That might be the case but the hon. Gentleman will realise that the minimum age is now 20, and, therefore, that question does not arise.

What happens when they become 20?

They are not accepted for enlistment in the British Army to-day as men unless they are 20.

How is that fact proved to the satisfaction of the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

They are called up under a regular procedure. Everybody between 20 and 22 is now called up, and, therefore, there is adequate proof of age. Volunteers have to be above that age.

Is it not possible to have some method by which medical officers will not accept boys of 15, although they say they are 20; and is my right hon. Friend aware that this month I brought to his notice the case of a boy of 15 who, within a week of enlistment, was sent overseas?

I do not understand how such a case could possibly have happened. If it did it is a very regrettable occurrence, but under our system we have called up compulsorily the classes between 20 and 22, and there is ample verification of age in those classes. A man who wants to volunteer must be above that age unless, of course, he volunteers for boys' service in a training class, which is a different thing.

The right hon. Gentleman has referred to compulsion. We have no compulsion in Ulster, and these boys can enlist.

We have a large number of questions on the Paper. I ask hon. Members to assist me in limiting the number of supplementary questions, and I hope they will do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Fusilier Robert Chadwick, 3449377, gave his age as 18 when he enlisted 12 months ago, whereas his correct age was 18 on 2nd September, 1939; that he is now serving in France; and whether, in these circumstances, his enlistment age will be corrected and steps taken to return him to England in conformity with the decision that lads of his age would not be sent abroad?

In view of the hon. Member's statement as to the soldier's correct age, orders have been given that he should be withdrawn to a rearward area, pending verification. His parents should at once send a birth certificate to the War Office, together with a letter quoting their son's Army number, rank and unit, and, if the facts are as stated, he will be brought home.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Robert James, of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, stationed at Hawick camp, was sentenced to seven days confinement to barracks for picking up an extra bun that was lying on the table at tea-time; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to discouraging the imposition of punishments in similar cases?

This case has been investigated by the brigadier commanding the 45th Infantry Brigade. The punishment referred to was imposed not only because the man in question carried off food belonging to a comrade but because he told a falsehood to a non-commissioned officer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I can bring unimpeachable evidence that the statement he has made is not in accordance with the facts, and that the lad "pinched" no comrade's bun?

asked the Secretary of State for War what winter under wear is being issued to forces serving in France, as complaints are reaching relatives of a lack of such clothing now that the weather is deteriorating?

An adequate supply of woollen vests and drawers is available.

Are they being actually served out to each unit, because complaint has been seen in the Press that men are not getting a change of clothing?

I read this particular article and I was naturally interested in it, but the fact is that these woollen garments are available. I cannot say whether every man has received his adequate quota, but they are available.

But can steps be taken to see that every man does have a change?

asked the Secretary of State for War how much has been paid to date to the Hampshire Cleansing Company, Botley, Hampshire, for emptying cesspit tanks at Crookham Camp, Alder-shot; and whether he can say why adequate arrangements were not made for the disposal of the sewage when the tanks and pump were erected?

The arrangement referred to was an interim measure, pending the installation of pumps and piping, which enabled the camp to be occupied before completion of the permanent sewage disposal system. The amount paid to date is £621.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the intentions of his Department in respect to the village club at Woodcote; whether he is aware that this is the only useful meeting place for residents and evacuees in the winter evenings; and whether he will discountenance any attempt to requisition it, or at least leave the villagers some part of the club premises;

(2) the policy of his Department in requisitioning village halls for military purposes; how many such halls have already been taken over or are about to be taken over; whether he is aware that the problem in all villages where there are evacuees is to secure some place of meeting during the long winter nights; and whether, considering the sacrifices made by country residents, he will show them special consideration in respect of the use of their halls?

It has been necessary to take a large number of village halls for military purposes, but instructions have been issued that, in cases where suitable alternative accommodation can be made available, village halls which are required for social entertainment or other similar purposes should be vacated. As regards Woodcote, I have not previously received any representations, but alternative accommodation has now been found.

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue an instruction to his officers that before they commandeer property which belongs to local authorities it might be to the interest of the Army and save much unnecessary bad feeling if they were first to consult with the local authorities?

Yes, Sir, I quite agree, and in the press immediately following the outbreak of war some injustices may have been done. I do not know the circumstances of this particular case, but instructions have now been issued that where possible this principle should be borne in mind, and only in cases of urgent necessity should local needs be overridden.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the disastrous consequences which resulted in the last war from sending insufficiently-trained men to the front, he proposes to take immediate steps for the purpose of ensuring that at the earliest possible date men called up under the Military Service Act shall receive at least six months' training before being sent to the front, instead of the reduced period of four months which has recently been introduced?

There is no intention of sending any man to the front until he has been sufficiently trained for the duties he is required to perform. This period varies according to the arm of the service.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether militiamen are being sent out after only four months' training?

I cannot affirm or deny that, but it is very probable that is so. It depends upon the duty for which they are sent out.

Is it not a fact that some men have been sent out with only eight weeks' training?

I should think that is distinctly probable in the case of motor drivers, for instance.

Men who have never been motor drivers before?

I do not think that would be true.

I will find you a man who was sent out.

It is quite possible. These men desire, in most cases, to go to the front as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the regulation that no soldier will be eligible for a commission until he attains the age of 20 years, he will permit university candidates already recommended for commission now serving in the ranks to complete their studies before reaching the age of 20, provided that their military training is continued in the Officers Training Corps of their university?

There is not, at present, any regulation in force prescribing a minimum age for appointment to a commission, though it is not proposed, in practice, to appoint a candidate while below the age of 18¾. Subject to this, and to requirements from time to time, soldiers who are recommended will be given commissions as soon as they are considered to be fully qualified. Part-time service in the Officers Training Corps would not be a satisfactory equivalent for training in an Army unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the generally admitted inadequacy of the allowances for soldiers' dependants, he is prepared to introduce to this House a better scale, and so relieve the hardships now prevailing?

As was stated by my hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions on 24th October last, the question of children's allowances is at present under review. As regards other dependants where there are special circumstances, there is access to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

When are the Departmental Committee likely to report upon children's allowances?

I do not know that that question should properly be addressed to me, because the work of the committee covers other Departments, but I hope it will be very shortly, perhaps this or next week.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that some of these children have now been suffering hardship for fully two months, and in view of the fact that it is his duty to look after the welfare not only of the soldiers but also of their families and dependants will he see that prompt action is taken?

We are seeing that prompt action is taken. There was a time when the highest compliments were paid to the War Office for having raised the scale.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a soldier's wife is refused by the military authorities allowances in respect of the soldier's step-children, whom he has continuously maintained as members of his family since his marriage, unless the soldier goes through the expensive formality of obtaining an adoption order in respect of these step-children, and as allowance is paid in respect of an unmarried woman with whom the soldier has been co-habitating for a period of six months or more, will he issue instructions that allowances will be paid in respect of such step-children?

The statement in the first part of the question is not correct. The allowances are payable if the step-children are the legitimate children of the wife. If they are her illegitimate children, children's allowance is not issuable under the regulations, unless the soldier makes them his own by statutory adoption. It would, however, be open to the soldier to make an application for special assistance, which would be dealt with on the recommendation of the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, if the children were genuinely dependent on him before his calling up for service in the present war, and he is unable to maintain them without such assistance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland applications of this sort to the Scottish courts must be in the names of both the husband and the wife, and that it is a matter of very great surprise in Scotland that a mother should have to make an application in court in order to be recognised by the War Office as the mother of her own children; and will the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter and put his Department on to it?

I thought that it was generally recognised that my Department was behaving most generously in these matters, because we make an allowance to the reputed wife of a soldier if he has been living with her before he was called up. This is a case of children who are not the soldier's children at all. There may be no obligation upon the soldier to maintain those children. If they are not his children and are the legitimate children of the wife, the allowance is payable.

If I provide the right hon. Gentleman with—

rose—

asked the Secretary of State for War what changes he has in view in the constitution and training of Officers Training Corps at public schools?

Officers Training Corps are still in existence, but the part which they can in future play in relation to national service as a whole is being examined.

Before any decisions are reached will there be full consultation with the schools, in view of the value of this Corps to the schools in matters of discipline and sense of responsibility?

I will try to bear in mind the valuable suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Will he also bear in mind that the Officers Train- ing Corps have produced several excellent officers for the Army in the past and will do so in the future if not tampered with?

Yes, I am sure that is true, but now that system has to fit in with our general scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men serving with the Army who have been selected for training as officers and the number actually promoted since the passing of the Military Training Act?

From returns received to date, the number of men serving in the ranks who have, since the outbreak of war, been recommended for training as officers is about 7,000. Further returns are due, and it is expected that the total will be very considerably increased. The answer to the second part of the question is approximately 2,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will be prepared to receive representations from Members with a view to removing conditions of service which differentiate between conscripts and volunteers?

Certainly, Sir. If the hon. Member will communicate his representations to me, I will willingly consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the medical certificates of men for entry into the Army will be accepted subsequently as showing their fitness and freedom from disability in all cases where such men are afterwards discharged from the Army on account of disability contracted during service and are making claims for pensions?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply. The report of a medical examination showing that no disability was found at the time of enlistment will naturally carry great weight in the event of a subsequent claim to disability pension, but I could not give an assurance in the wide terms desired by the hon. Member, which would involve the exclusion of all other evidence, however well founded.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men are being passed into the Army as fit and afterwards are refused pensions when they break down?

If my hon. Friend is referring to the last war, I am well aware of it and when I am taking a special case into review I can assure my hon. Friend that I do take into account the fact that a man was passed fit when he enlisted.

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the present war a good many men have been passed by silly medical officers and that the Army is caused much inconvenience, and the men are suffering, because of these imperfect examinations?

I am aware that some men have been passed by a medical officer in their own area and then have been refused when they have gone before the board, but I am not aware of the sweeping statement made by my hon. Friend.

Is this matter entirely within the hon. Gentleman's personal judgment? Is he not guided by some rules or regulations of his Department?

I am guided entirely by the Royal Warrant of 1919, and I am advised by my expert medical advisers. If there is difference of opinion on a medical matter I can call in an independent medical specialist nominated by the Royal College of Physicians or the Royal College of Surgeons.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the 340th Battery, Field Artillery Territorials are going to receive a complete issue of personal equipment including greatcoats?

As has been previously stated, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply hopes to be able to make good existing deficiencies in greatcoats during next month. In the meantime, each man has either a service greatcoat or a civilian overcoat. Authority has recently been given for the issue of a second pair of boots, and a second suit of uniform will, it is hoped, be available for all men now serving, in the course of the next three months.

Are there any men who have not yet received greatcoats?

No, Sir. I think that the supply of everything in the nature of personal equipment, including greatcoats, is adequate.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers in uniform will be allowed to obtain alcoholic refreshment in other premises than hotels, in view of the fact that they are frequently quartered in districts where there are no hotels?

Yes, Sir, provided they observe the standard of conduct required by their profession.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that recruits are being taken into the London Scottish who have no connection with Scotland, 58 such recruits being received into one battalion and 100 into another; and whether it is his intention that the distinctive tradition of the London Scottish should be preserved?

A number of men recently called up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act have been posted to Territorial Army battalions. Every effort was made to post Scottish recruits to Scottish units, but the number of Scottish recruits in this particular quota was not sufficient, and it was necessary to supplement them from other sources.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has created very great alarm among Scotsmen both inside and outside London, and will he take steps to ensure a preservation of the regimental tradition with regard to the London Scottish and other Scottish regiments?

I am most anxious to do that. I was not aware of the indignation—[HON. MEMBERS: "Alarm"]—but, as the London Scottish seems to contain an undue number of Englishmen, steps will be taken to withdraw the Englishmen—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—and to replace them by Scotsmen in future; but this cannot be guaranteed for the full duration of the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a publishing house, having been granted a postal censor permit, B^* 357, for despatch by post of newspapers, books and periodicals to censorable countries, now find themselves unable to despatch their periodicals and books to Empire countries, including Eire, by their usual forwarding agents, shippers, because they are unable to obtain the necessary S or shipping permit, although repeated applications have been made to the censor at Liverpool and the export licensing authority, Inveresk House, London; and will he state to whom must application be made, in view of the urgency of the. need to prevent legitimate business suffering?

Under a new Order which came into force on 22nd October last, printed matter can be shipped to any part of His Majesty's Dominions, France or America without a permit, and the firm have been informed that they do not require a permit for the purposes staled in their applications. They are, however, being sent a permit to cover other places abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that passengers travelling to Eire, on 6th October, before boarding the boat at Fishguard, were called upon to surrender their copies of English newspapers and other weekly periodicals, and found on arriving at Eire that the same papers were there on sale; whether this action was taken with authority; and whether it will be continued?

From 22nd October, a revised order has been effective, enabling travellers to take newspapers and books and other similar articles to Eire without impediment.

asked the Secretary of State for War the progress made in relaxation of the censorship on the despatch of trade catalogues and circulars to neutral countries?

Full particulars have been published. With the exception of countries to which the postal censorship applies, trade catalogues and circulars may be sent abroad by post without impediment. To countries to which censorship does apply, a permit is required for their despatch by parcel post, but not by other post.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider making a grant for the purpose of investigating the possibility of using dried and pulped bracken for paper-making material, in view of the fact that such material requires supplementing, and of the benefit that would accrue to he Western Highlands if an economic use for bracken could be found?

I understand that proposals for utilising bracken in the manufacture of various industrial products, including pulp for paper-making, are at present being investigated from the technical point of view.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children who have returned to Glasgow from evacuation centres?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of mothers and children, respectively, who were evacuated and have since returned to their homes; and the total number of elementary school children in Glasgow now for whom no educational facilities are being provided?

Returns showing the number of persons evacuated who remain in receiving areas have not yet been furnished by all the local authorities concerned. I am therefore yet unable to form a reliable estimate of the number who have returned. I am informed that the number of primary school children in the Glasgow education authority area not yet attending school is in the neighbour- hood of 85,000. I intend to make an announcement on this subject to-morrow.

While the right hon. Gentleman cannot give the exact figure, is he aware that the return of these children has been very considerable, and in view of the fact that the Glasgow emergency committee has not provided adequate shelters for them or for the people in Glasgow, would the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking to re-evacuate those children or to do something in the matter?

I cannot go at present in detail into this matter. I am obtaining returns in order to give me reliable estimates. It is, however, right to say that a considerable number of the evacuated children have returned.

Are any steps being taken to deal with these children?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will make his statement to-morrow in reply to a question?

Yes, Sir; the question is on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with regard to safety measures at the Forth and Clyde canal basin, Glasgow?

As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member on 20th June last, a six-strand barbed wire fence has been erected at both ends of the timber basin at Firhill and on the towing-path side of the basin. I am informed that since then there have been no cases of drowning at the basin.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of old age pensioners in Glasgow receiving relief in money or kind, for the years ended 1st October, 1938, and 1939, respectively?

The nearest dates for which figures are available are 15th November, 1938, and 15th May, 1939. At those dates, the numbers of old age pensioners in Glasgow receiving relief in money or kind, including those in receipt of institutional relief, were 15,919 and 16,747 respectively.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, in regard to that increased figure, that since that last date the position of the old age pensioners has become very acute because of the increase in the cost of living and the taking away of their dependants to fight for their King and country; and, in view of those facts, will he draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the burdens that are placed upon Scottish local authorities?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of persons in receipt of old age or widows' pensions in Glasgow and Scotland, respectively, and the number who are having their pensions supplemented by the public assistance committee of the local authority?

As the reply contains a number of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the special agricultural needs of the country owing to war-time conditions, he will consider making agricultural holdings available for veterans of the war of 1914–18, who are anxious to get holdings but have been unable to do so?

The formation of new smallholdings entails considerable expenditure in the acquisition of land and its sub-division, adaptation and equipment. It also involves the disturbance of existing tenancies. In present conditions it would, I am advised, tend to handicap rather than assist the speedy production of more food. When new tenants are being selected, however, for vacant holdings under my control, preference will be given as hitherto, other things being equal, to ex-service men. I may add that smallholdings have been let to 2,940 ex-service applicants under the existing Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman keeping in mind that during the last war these veterans were promised smallholdings?

Yes, Sir, and I will take into account their applications when opportunity offers.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many different methods of extracting oil from coal have been investigated by his Department in each of the last 10 years; and whether any new methods have been brought to his notice during the last 12 months?

During the last 10 years a very large number of processes for the extraction of oil from coal have been brought to the notice of my Department, most of them in such an early stage of development that investigation was impracticable. Those which reached the necessary stage have been investigated if the promoters wished. Information about one process in a very early stage of development has been supplied to my Department in the last year.

Is the hon. Gentleman's Department considering the advisability of developing the oil-from-coal process during war time?

That is a very much larger question.

Is the hon. Gentleman unable to give the precise number that have been investigated?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to overcome the difficulties of transport causing short-time working at collieries, he will arrange for a pooling of colliery wagons?

I have been asked to reply. On 3rd September all privately-owned railway wagons, with certain specified exceptions, were requisitioned so that they could be used interchangeably with railway-owned wagons. The hon. Member will, therefore, see that the step suggested by him has already been taken. The provision of an adequate supply of wagons to the collieries is being rendered difficult by the extent to which wagons are being detained by traders at terminal points. The President of the Board of Trade and my right hon. Friend are urging upon traders and industrialists the vital importance of ensuring that wagons are loaded and unloaded with the utmost despatch so as to secure a speedier turn round.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that all over the country they are working short time and will he see that this scheme is brought into operation soon?

My right hon. and gallant Friend is most anxious about this situation and will keep a careful watch upon it.

May I ask how it is possible to accelerate the unloading of these wagons if petrol is not available for the road transport in which industrialists have to convey the coal?

asked the Secretary for Mines the amounts of coal and coke, respectively, consumed for domestic purposes in the last recorded year; and what percentage of each he hopes to save by the rationing scheme?

The annual consumption of coal for domestic purposes, including coal for domestic industries and miners' coal, is estimated at 36,000,000 tons. After allowing for freedom from rationing of small consumers it is estimated that a saving of 7,000,000 tons of coal a year will be effected by the rationing scheme. I have no figures of the domestic consumption of coke.

In view of the fact that the prospective savings on fuel is so small, would my hon. Friend consider whether it is really advisable to continue this scheme?

I could not agree that saving 7,000,000 tons is small when it is considered in relation to the export of coal from this country.

In view of the fact that so many miners are on public assistance because they cannot produce the 7,000,000 tons of coal, what is the use of saving it?

I have pointed out before that it is a question of transport.

Would it not be better to utilise the hauliers and put other workers on road transport?

I cannot discuss the transport question. The importance of saving coal for domestic consumption is to enable it to go into the export markets which are vital to this country.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will now discontinue the rationing of coal?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there are over 80,000 miners out of work and many pits working three days or less a week; and whether, in view of this fact, he will reconsider his rationing plans with a view to the complete withdrawal of the rationing scheme as long as there are any miners unemployed, so as to produce more coal for export and find more work for miners?

The question of coal rationing is kept under constant review by the Government, and I am at present engaged in examining the state of stocks and consumption after two months of war and one month of rationing, especially in the -areas of large consumption, where transportation might be affected by enemy action. I am, therefore, not at present in a position to add anything to my pre- vious statements on this subject, in particular to the reply which I gave on 24th October to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson).

Is my hon. Friend aware that available supplies of industrial coal are now being withheld from public utility and other undertakings, with the result that railway sidings are congested with wagons which ought to be used for other purposes. In considering this whole question, will he bear in mind that the coal industry of this country can produce all the coal we require?

I would point out that rationing has been relaxed in regard to public utility undertakings producing gas and electricity; and that brings out the fact that the real difficulty is not rationing, but transport.

Will the Minister bear in mind that miners working only 2½ days a week are very bitter about this rationing?

asked the Secretary for Mines what instructions have been given to local fuel overseers to enable them to increase the rations to householders who, on account of having refugees in their houses, will require more coal and gas, especially for cooking purposes, than last year?

Local fuel overseers have power to grant increased allowances where they are satisfied, in view of the reasonable requirements for coal, gas or electricity, that such increases should be given. They have been instructed to give sympathetic consideration to the needs of householders where there are evacuees.

Is my hon. Friend aware that some local fuel overseers are telling householders whose households have been augmented by evacuees that they do not know what their powers are and what coal these people may expect to get? Could he give more specific instructions to overseers?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will let me have the details. I will certainly consider them.

asked the Secretary for Mines the estimated cost of the administration of the coal and coke rationing scheme?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10th October to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

asked the Secretary for Mines how many local fuel controllers will be required under the coal rationing scheme; how many have been already appointed; and whether a list of them can be made available?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10th October to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths). With regard to the third part of the question, a list of local fuel overseers, with their addresses, is being compiled in my Department and will be made available as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will allow firms, which have petrol tanks for storage, to draw in bulk from the suppliers, against basic and supplementary ration vouchers for motor cars, in the same way as they are at present permitted to do for commercial lorries?

I am informed by the Petroleum Board that arrangements already exist under which a commercial user may have delivered to his own storage tank petrol for use in private cars, provided that the delivery is made on account of a local dealer, to be selected by the commercial user. It is conditional also upon sufficient private car coupons being presented through the dealer to qualify for the minimum bulk delivery of 200 gallons, and on the dealer invoicing the commercial user at the current retail price.

asked the Prime Minister the names of the members of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Rate of Children's Allowances, the Department each represents, and their terms of reference?

I understand that this inquiry is being made by an informal committee of officials representing the Departments concerned. No formal appointments were made to it or specific terms of reference laid down.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say which Departments are represented, and whether there are any women serving on the committee?

The Departments are the Service Departments, the Ministry of Pensions, the Ministry of Labour, the Unemployment Assistance Board and the Treasury. So far as I know, there are no women on the committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the criticisms which were made in this House as to the way in which these allowances pressed upon women dependants, and will he consider the appointment of someone to deal with this question?

As it was the officials who made the muddle would it not be better to have some outside person?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the growing adverse feeling in the country due to the methods of bureaucracy, paying special attention to the excessive standardisation of food in relation to export trade and home consumption; whether he will call for and consider a report from the War Department as to its preference for timber for camp buildings to the detriment of all other building and the increase of shipping; if he will investigate the methods of State commandeering and requisitioning, and the interference with the daily life of the trading community such as the suggested earlier closing of shops; and whether, to avoid developments harmful to national finance, he will consider the remodelling of much of the home front policy as a whole?

My hon. and gallant Friend has included within the limits of his question a large variety of criticisms which I could hardly deal with in a single answer. I can, however, assure him that the matters he refers to are all being carefully considered with the object of removing grievances and hardships where this can be done consistently with the paramount objective of winning the war. In regard to the last part of the question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on 9th October to my hon. Friend the Member for the Central Division of Leeds (Mr. Denman), and to the speech of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the course of the Debate on economic co-ordination on 18th October.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the difficulties, so far as they have arisen, are not attributable so much to bureaucracy as to lack of co-ordination?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the widespread and increasing complaints in connection with the control of certain commodities, he will consider appointing a co-ordinating authority to secure cooperation in the work of these Departments and prevent the delays in coming to decisions which are now taking place?

I am not sure what commodities my hon. Friend has in mind, but co-ordinating machinery already exists for dealing with matters in the economic sphere, including the control of commodities. If my hon. Friend wishes to bring to my notice any particular complaints I will see that they are investigated.

I shall be glad to bring complaints to the notice of my right hon. Friend. May I ask him whether he is aware that there is widespread complaint about the want of coordination, and does he not consider that the time has come when he should get one of his colleagues in the Cabinet who has no other duties to become the controller of the controllers?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will let me know what other kind of commodities he has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state. in view of the fact that in addition to being president of the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company Lord Stamp is also president of the Abbey Road Building Society, chairman of Pickfords, Limited, and Hay's Wharf Cartage Company, Limited, vice-chairman David MacBrayne, Limited, and director of the Bank of England, Carter Paterson and Company, Limited, and Railway Finance Corporation, Limited, whether he is satisfied that Lord Stamp will be able to devote enough time to acting as chief Government adviser in connection with economic blockade?

Lord Stamp informs me that, with the exception of his directorship of the Bank of England, he holds no directorship which is not an integral part of his railway functions as a whole; directorships of this kind are subject to the arrangements made by the L.M.S. to enable Lord Stamp to accept appointment as Adviser on Economic Co-ordination. I described those arrangements to the House on 18th October. I am satisfied that Lord Stamp is devoting such a large share of his time to the study of Government problems as to make his advice of the greatest value to the Government.

In view of the great importance of the economic weapon in the prosecution of the war, does the Chancellor of the Exchequer not think that we should have someone who can give his full time to that office? The present arrangement is neither fair to Lord Stamp nor to the country?

As Lord Stamp is not in receipt of a salary, is he free from all responsibility for any advice he may give?

I think everyone realises that Lord Stamp has very great powers, and that the service he is rendering to the country is of great value.

But is not the whole matter very strange?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider changing the name of the Ministry of Information to that of the Ministry of Public Relations as being more comprehensive and a fuller description of the functions involved?

I do not think there would be any advantage in changing the name of the Ministry in question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that outside London this has been the main function of the Ministry so far, and that much confusion is caused by the wrong title having been given to the Ministry?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what concessions, in regard to Income Tax payments, were made during the Great War to persons serving in His Majesty's Forces?

Under the Finance Acts of the years 1915 to 1919 Income Tax in

aked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the hardship imposed by the increased taxation on those who have borrowed money for house-purchase and such purposes, and have signed agreements by which the loan is free of tax to the lender; and whether, as many cannot meet these burdens, he will con- respect of the service pay of members of the armed Forces of the Crown was charged at special rates graduated according to total income. I will have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the ordinary rates of Income Tax on earned income and the special rates applicable to service pay for the years in question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to follow the same procedure during this war?

That question has already been answered.

I am aware of the existence of a certain number of agreements of the type to which the hon. Member refers, but I should not feel justified in asking Parliament to grant relief from the additional interest that may be due from the borrower under such agreements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider, in the public interest, immediately appointing an economy committee to examine the expenditure of all Government Departments instead of following his present policy of appointing an individual to each Department, or on some specific investigations?

I doubt whether the means suggested could be substituted for the methods now being employed, but the whole matter is constantly under review.

Can this House understand that there is at present some specific person appointed to the Department, as suggested in the question?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what Government Departments are planning or executing anti-waste measures; and what steps are contemplated or being taken to coordinate their efforts?

All Departments have been requested to undertake a careful examination of every item of their expenditure with a view to eliminating all services not essential to meet war requirements or other pressing public needs and to securing that such services as must be carried on are administered in the most economical manner. They have been asked to report to the Treasury on the steps which they take or propose to take to give effect to this request.

When will they report to the Treasury?